Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia and the Canaries — Europe's south for cities, beaches and winter sun.
Spain takes a flight and some planning, but offers what the Balkans cannot: great cities with world-class architecture and museums, a coast that works from April to November, and islands with sunshine even in January.
For a first visit the choice is usually Barcelona (Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter and a beach in the city itself) or Madrid (the Prado, the Royal Palace, Retiro and the best tapas scene). Andalusia makes the finest ten-day loop: Seville, Córdoba with the Mezquita and Granada with the Alhambra.
Coasts differ in character: the Costa Brava is rocky and scenic, the Costa del Sol warm and developed, the Costa Blanca with Alicante and Benidorm the best value. The Canary Islands hold 20–25 °C in midwinter.
Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló, the Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria market and Barceloneta beach. Buy Gaudí tickets online weeks ahead — they often sell out on site.
The Prado, Reina Sofía with Guernica, the Royal Palace and Retiro park, plus day trips to Toledo and Segovia — both an hour away by fast train. Madrid is best in autumn and spring.
The Alhambra in Granada is Spain's most visited monument and needs booking months ahead. Seville brings the Alcázar, the cathedral and flamenco, while Córdoba has the Mezquita — a mosque-cathedral without parallel in Europe.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are winter destinations with 20–25 °C in January and volcanic landscapes. Mallorca and Ibiza are summer: Mallorca for families and coves, Ibiza for nightlife.
Cities are most pleasant in April, May, September and October — in summer Seville and Córdoba easily pass 40 °C. The Mediterranean swimming season runs June to October, while the Canaries work year-round.
There are direct flights from Belgrade to Barcelona and Madrid, plus seasonal island routes; the flight takes about three hours. Within Spain, the AVE high-speed train (Madrid–Seville in 2.5 hours) or low-cost flights work best.
Spain is in Schengen — a biometric passport is required, with visa-free stays of up to 90 days within 180. Airlines require a passport valid at least three months beyond return; travel insurance is recommended.
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