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Need help forming a packing list for Spain? This is probably the best packing list you’ll find for the country. I’ve given suggestions below for a weekend, 1 week and 2 week trip in the country.
Spain is one of the shining gems of Europe – its popular, but not as popular and overcrowded as other famous places in the continent. It has historic architecture and amazing tapas. Great music, the Spanish language and a lively nightlife also make a feature. And the beaches… let’s just say you have a lot to choose from here.
The packing list I’ve drawn up for Spain below is comprehensive, covering more than just clothes, but also the items that are must haves for your trip. I write these packing lists with encouragement to keep your own personal style in mind. You can also check out the seasonal ‘What to wear’ guides for more information on outfits to pack for your trip no matter the season you’re visiting.
I also share a few tips for accommodation, travel, sights and safety in Spain at the bottom of this post. I hope you find them helpful.
In a hurry? Here are my 3 must haves for what to pack:
Why?: (#1) A light rain jacket doesn’t take up too much room, but helps you from getting caught out when it rains.
Why?: (#2) There are many different brands available but a set of wireless headphones are amazing for long bus or train journeys.
Why?: (#3) Having a lens cloth is so important yet its often left off packing lists. They’re cheap to buy and can save your photos from random smudges.
What to Wear in Spain
Below you’ll find the recommended amount of clothing to bring for your trip. You’ll find variations in this Spain packing list for weekend, 1 week and 2 week + trips. Anything beyond 2 weeks and you wont want to increase what you bring as your luggage will get too heavy. Make use of your hotels laundry facilities.
Shoes: For a weekend trip, pack 1 pair of sandals for most seasons to keep things light. For a 1-2 week trip, pack 2-3 sandals or flats. In winter you’ll want to swap the sandals for 1-2 pairs of boots, no matter the length of your trip. Remember, boots take up a lot more space in your luggage. If you plan on doing a bit of hiking make one pair a sneaker.
Dresses:
- Weekend trip: dresses are perfect for nights out, pack 1-2 if you plan on going somewhere at night. In winter match these with warm stockings and a cute jacket.
- 1-4 week trip: 2-4, depending on how many tops you choose to take.
Tops:
- Weekend Trip: 1 for each day
- 1-4 week trip: It depends if you prefer dresses or tops, aim for between 3-7.
Bottoms:
- Weekend trip: 1-2 pairs of bottoms will serve you well for the trip.
- 1-4 week trip: 3-5 pairs of bottoms. If visiting in winter 3-4 pairs are better as pants / jeans take up more space in your luggage. In summer you could go up to 6 items as skirts and shorts take up little space. Bottoms are easy to mix and match.
Outerwear: If on a winter trip, pack 1 coat for a weekend trip, or 1-2 coats for a 1+ week trip. If you need to save on weight at the airport, you can wear this at check in time. It doesn’t get too cold in Spain so unless you’re going into the mountains, a decently warm coat will do.
Swimwear: Pack 1 for a weekend trip, or 2-3 for 1-2 weeks. All styles are welcome in Spain.
Accessories: if you’re trip is happening during winter, pack a scarf, gloves and a beanie. If traveling for a week or longer, pack 2 lots.
Underwear: 2 pairs for a weekend trip, 7 pairs max for anything longer.
Pajamas: Take 1-2 pairs
For more ideas on what to wear, pick your season: Winter, Summer, Spring & Fall / Autumn.
Toiletries & Cosmetics to Pack for Spain
With colder temperatures, pack a travel sized moisturizer, alongside the make up you choose. In summer you’ll want a good primer to make sure your makeup stays on all day. You will want to stick to the basics if you’re trying to keep weight down.
Apart from that, make sure you pack your toothbrush, and travel sized bottles of toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner.
Check in advance to see if your hotel has a hairdryer, otherwise you can look into packing a travel sized one. If you don’t have room for that you can always tie your hair up after washing to keep it from frizzing as much.
Just make sure you properly towel dry in winter so you don’t catch a cold. In summer your hair will dry pretty quickly naturally.
A lightweight towel will serve you well if visiting beachy destinations, otherwise check if your hostel or hotel already provides one.
Oh, and don’t forget your deodorant! Especially in summer.
Technology to Pack for Spain
The most important things to pack are your international adapter and your camera gear. As part of your camera gear remember to bring your camera and any lenses you’ll need, 1-3 batteries, charger and 2-3 memory cards at 8-16gb.
I personally use Sony mirrorless and a Nikon DLSR as my cameras, but you can also just take their phone.
I also like to bring a portable battery charger wherever I go in case my phone dies on route. Because let’s face it, this is probably going to happen exactly when you need it.
Lastly I love a good luggage scale to make sure I’m under the baggage weight limits for a flight. These are invaluable if you’re traveling with carry on only, and also super handy when trying to stay under 15-20 kilos for your checked bag.
If you aren’t familiar with luggage scales, they’re tiny scales that you hook onto your luggage and lift to see how much your bag weighs. Check out my picks here.
Other Things to Pack for Spain
First aid kit: While I’m not one to recommend bringing a complete first aid kit, a few supplies wont hurt. If you’re prone to headaches or tummy aches, bring a small medicine packet with you and anything else can be bought in Spain when needed.
Bank cards: Plural. I can’t overstate how important it is to have more than one bankcard with you in case your first choice isn’t accepted by the ATM / bank. I like to bring one MasterCard and one Visa, and of course remember to notify your bank that you’ll be overseas.
A copy of your passport: I’d also recommend making photocopies of your passport and leaving one with a family member, and one somewhere safe in your luggage in case your passport gets stolen.
Although you could just take a photo, ensure its clear and printable if needed. Send it in an email to yourself incase your phone or cameras are stolen, so you’ll still have access to it. While you can’t use it for transit, it will help when you lodge a police report or have to visit the embassy.
Packing Tips for Spain
- Weather protection: Either pick a hard cover suitcase or bring a backpack rain cover if wet weather is predicted for your time in Spain.
- Packing cubes: I love how organized these make me feel. Gone are the days where I frantically search for the top I want.
- Pack light by mix and matching your items. Trust me, no one is going to care if you wear those blue jeans three days in a row with different tops.
Choosing Your Luggage or Backpack
You’ll be fine in Spain with either a suitcase or a backpack.
If rain is projected for the time you’re visiting, you may be more comfortable taking a backpack. Side note: if rain is predicted, consider investing in a rain cover for your backpack to keep your valuables safe.
A backpack is the better choice in colder months when you wont sweat as much. Additionally, its a better choice if your hotel has stairs, or if you are packing light.
On the other hand its easier to access and fit winter clothes into a suitcase. If you’re visiting a colder region I would suggest bringing a suitcase. Keep in mind you may have a few cobbled streets to drag it over so make sure you get one with sturdy wheels.
The bonus of a suitcase is as long as its got a hard cover, water isn’t too likely to get inside if it rains. Another pro for the suitcase is that if its hot you wont have the hot luggage stuck to your back.
Seasonal What to Wear Guides for Spain
Packing list for Spain in Spring (March, April, May): Like pretty much any country, Spring is undoubtedly one of the prettier times to visit Spain. Depending if you’re visiting closer to winter or summer, expect temperatures of 5-22C / 41-72F. Seasonal what to wear guide coming soon.
Packing list for Spain in Summer (June, July, August): Summer in Spain reaches high temperatures so much so that some businesses shut down for some of the period. Temperatures will easily sit around 35C/ 95F for much of the summer.
Packing list for Spain in Fall (September, October, November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Spain, with the leaves on the trees changing colors and more comfortable temperatures embracing the country after a warm summer.
Temperatures vary wildly depending if you’re on the month and location you’re visiting and can be between 5-26C / 41-79F.
What to wear in Spain in Winter: December, January & February: You’ll find cold, but manageable temperatures in Spain during winter, especially down South. In the north and centre of Spain it can be a bit chillier, but no where near as cold as northern Europe.
Expect temperatures around 3-12 c / 37-54F, with January being the coldest. To see the winter what to wear guide for Spain, click here.
Travel Tips for Spain
Currency for Spain – Spain uses the Euro
Daily Budget for Spain – It really depends on your budget. A base daily budget on average is around 50 euros for a budget traveler staying in hostels, or 100-130 for a traveler using private rooms and spending a bit more on food.
If staying in more luxurious hotels and nicer restaurants, your budget will double, being more around 230 euros a day. Those costs will cover you for transportation, 3 meals, entrance fees and your accommodation. Day tour and activity costs will be in addition to this.
Electronics – In Spain they use socket type F with a voltage of 230v. Frequency is 50hz. This is the circle plug with the two circular prongs.
Best tours and activities in Spain
Barcelona – I don’t know about you but exploring Barcelona by bike sounds pretty awesome. Beyond that, there’s quite a few things to do in Barcelona. If you prefer to sightsee on your own, but don’t want the hassle of public transport, take a look at this hop on, hop off bus pass.
For more ideas in Barcelona see here.
Madrid – For a hop on / off bus pass for Madrid have a look here, or if you’d prefer your own private tour, check out this private tuktuk tour of Madrid. You can find other day tours, skip the line passes and sightseeing ideas in Madrid here.
Everywhere else – Get Your Guide has some great day tour and sight seeing options in Spain here.
Where to stay in Spain
Barcelona – Even hostels can get a bit pricy in Barcelona, but the ones you pay more for are really nice. My picks are Room018BCN for a dorm, Hostal Oliveta for a budget private room, and Hotel Balmes for a splurge.
Madrid – For my picks in Madrid I’ve chosen places close to the main square, Plaza Mayor, for easy access to the city. For a decent private room check out Hostal Graciela which offers affordable rooms with a 24 hours front desk.
For a dorm option in a female only room, take a look at Gran Via Open Hostel. And for those who have a bit more of a budget, Hotel Orfila is set in a 19th century palace, so, wow right?
The rest of Spain – have a look around Booking.com for other cities in Spain.