Cheap flights to Spain

More people book flights to Spain than almost anywhere else in the world. Only France gets more visitors. It’s such a fantastic destination, the biggest problem for travellers is how to cut it down to fit one’s time and interests. Whether to fly to the Green North or the sunny South? Museum-laden Madrid or buzzy Barcelona? Stunning Seville or gorgeous Granada?

The Spanish way of life might just surpass the architectural gems and natural wonders and be the top reason for booking a trip to Spain. Spaniards have a spirited approach to life, nobody else parties like them. A siesta in the middle of the day sets Spaniards up for a late dinner (about 10pm) and then dancing and bar hopping until dawn. Tapas, the little dishes served in bars, washed down by robust wines provide staying power for all-night revels.

There are plenty of opportunities to party – religious events such as Christmas, the Ephiphany (January 6), Semana Santa (Holy Week), and numerous saints festivals fill up the calendar along with the likes of San Fermin, the running of the bulls, and La Tomatina, the world’s biggest tomato fight.

How long is the flight to Spain?

The airline you choose, and your city of origin, play a role in the length of flights from Canada to Spain. If you are travelling from Vancouver to Madrid, you will find that the shortest flight will take about 13h and 20m. The shortest flights from Vancouver are 13h. If you will be travelling from Montreal to Barcelona, the times are somewhat lower. The shortest of the flights is 9h 30m. Those travelling from Montreal to Madrid will find similar flight times with the shortest flights being around 9h 40m. Remember that the number of stopovers and the length of stopovers can cause some flights to be longer.

Which cities offer direct flights to Spain?

When looking for direct flight deals to Spain from Canada, you will find that there are a few options when you are flying out of Toronto. Options from Air Canada, Lufthansa, and Brussels Airlines offer nonstop direct flights right into Madrid, as well as Barcelona. However, you will also be able to find many flights that have just a single stopover in Toronto and out of other major Canadian cities. Air Canada flies out of Montreal with a single stopover in Toronto before arriving at Adolfo Suarez Barajas Airport in Madrid. Many other airlines will have one-stop options, from Montreal, as well.

What is the best way to travel around Spain?

Domestic flights within Spain can be a good way to quickly reach cities you want to visit that are across the country from where you are currently. Some of the options include Ryanair, Iberia Express, and Vueling. You will also find that there are trains that go around the country that can make for easy transportation, as well. The AVE trains will cover a large part of Spain. Other train options include RENFE, ALTRIA, AVANT, and ALVIA. You will also find that travel by car can make reaching many destinations easy. Within the cities, you will also find buses and taxis.

What are some things to do in Spain?

Spain is a large country that is a popular tourist destination thanks to the historical sites, galleries, architecture, and more. You may want to visit Granada and The Alhambra, a large castle. Valencia features the City of Arts and Sciences, which is an interesting futuristic construction with a planetarium, cinema, museum, and more. You can explore Madrid and visit art museums like Reina Sofia, Museo del Prado, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. You can find many beaches located in Spain, as well, for those who want a beach holiday. You could visit La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, the Beaches of Sitges, and Playa del Silencio in Asturias.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly to Spain?

Canadians will need to have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the length of their stay. It also needs to have been issued in the last 10 years. You will not need to have a visa.

Spain climate

For most of the year, Spain is warm in the south and temperate in the north, but it is very hot in July in August. Spring and fall are the nicest times to visit, although the Atlantic coast gets heavy rains in October and November. Winters can get very cold in Madrid and the country’s central highlands. 

When is the best time to fly to Spain?

There really is no bad time to visit Spain. It’s a four-season destination.

Peak Season:
Unsurprisingly, summer is peak season when most people take vacations to Spain. The weather is best, heat wise, and many cultural events take place then.

Shoulder Season:
Spring and fall are great times to visit. The crowds in the standout cities of Barcelona, Seville and Granada have thinned out and the heat of summer has dissipated but temperatures are comfortable.

Getting around Spain

Spain has several international airports. Most travellers to Spain will land at Madrid Airport, but from there it is easy to get around. Iberia Airlines, Air Europa, Spanair and Air Nostrum all offer domestic flights.

Car rental is the best option for independent travel.

In the cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia there are metros, bus and tram services. For travelling around Spain by train, RENFE runs most of the railroads. There are good bus services around the country too. Most of the major routes are point to point and operate very frequently.

What is good to know if travelling to Spain?

• Most travellers taking cheap flights to Spain will arrive in Madrid. The capital city is packed with world-class museums. The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia galleries are minutes from each other. Visit for the sumptuous royal portraits and religious paintings. Sorolla Museum is worth a visit too, it’s the the gallery/home of Joaquin Sorolla, the impressionist painter. Side trips from Madrid can take in the ancient cities of Segovia, Toledo and the walled city of Avila.
• In Andalusia, the province in the south, there are three cities that should not be missed – Seville, Cordoba and Granada. If there is time for just one, pick Granada. There is the Alhambra and Generalife, the Moorish citadel and palace, that stands against the Sierra Nevada mountains, but the city has even more to offer. It’s a lively student town, there are beautiful old neighbourhoods to explore and dine in. Bib-Rambla has several good restaurants and the Arab bazaar is worth a look and Sacromonte neighbourhood, a Roma district, is noted for its cave houses, dug into the hillside, and its flamenco.
• Visitors to Spain should try to stay in a parador. The state-run paradors (luxury hotels) are in restored palaces and monasteries and there are modern hotels too, built in traditional Spanish style. The Parador of Granada, which is part of the Alhambra Palace, is one of the most popular.
• In the Basque Country, that region in the Pyrenees that spans the border between France and Spain, tapas are not called tapas. Basques call them pintxos. The txikiteo is the Basque word for bar hopping, soaking up the alcohol with small plates of delicious food. The alcohol of choice in this region is txakoli, akin to cava or cider. Pintxos served in this region include txangurro (cooked spider-crab flesh tart) and anchovies and papaya strips on toast.
• In Zaragoza in the North East, the faithful flock to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar to kiss the back of a column topped with a statue dressed in a woman’s robe. According to the story, the Virgin Mary appeared here to encourage St. James (or Santiago in Spanish) in his missionary endeavours. The week-long Festival of the Pillar takes place in October each year.
• Barcelona is a top tourist draw. To slip away from the crowds head to Gracia, where there are a number of quiet squares. Pick up a snack at the Boqueria Market first. This market off La Rambla has 200 or so food stands that sell cheese and bread, fruits and vegetables, olives, wine, fresh seafood, and, naturally, charcuterie.
• Looking for nudist getaways? Check out our listing of popular destinations and book today!

How popular are flights to Spain this year?

There has been a 117% increase in demand for Spain flights over the last year.