Travel Insurance for Spain
Not many travellers can resist visiting sunny Spain. To ensure that you have a wonderful time in Spain and a safe journey, make sure you purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
Emergency Contact Information
Before you leave for Spain, do some research on where the closest hospitals and police stations are. It’s always useful to have this information if there is an emergency.
The number for the fire brigade is 080 and the number to call if there is a medical emergency is 061. You can call 091 to reach the national police, 092 to reach the local police, and 062 to reach the civil guard. If you’re not sure which number you need, call the general European emergency number at 112 to be put in touch with all emergency services.
For more information on entry requirements, safety and security, and health, consult the FCDO travel advice for Spain. If you have been the victim of a crime, have a medical emergency, or need to make a claim for some other reason, visit our claims information page.
Travel Safety Tips
Be aware of thieves pretending to be plainclothes police officers. These people may even have a fake IDs. They generally stop people in places like airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions. They will insist on seeing the money in your wallet or searching your bag. A real police officer is unlikely to ask you to show them your wallet for no reason. If you are stopped by someone claiming to be the police, ask to see their name and badge number and call emergency services for conformation. Do not go anywhere with them or open your bag, and insist that you are searched at the nearest police station.
Pickpockets also rely on distractions, so be aware of your surroundings if someone stops you and asks you to take their photo or to sign a petition. If someone asks you to join in on a seemingly-innocent game of football, don’t leave your bag lying around.
If your passport is stolen, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Madrid or nearest consulate to get an emergency travel document.
Places to Visit in Spain
Most people go to Spain for the warm climate, to see the see the coast, and for the chance to go to a fiesta. Even if you have been to Spain many times, it’s worth going back to see each unique region. To help you decide on which part of Spain you want to go to, here are our top 6 places to visit and the most popular attractions:
Barcelona
In Barcelona, you can see Gaudí’s architecture all around the city, so bring your camera with you. La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Park Güell are not to be missed. Those who love art should visit the Picasso Museum, the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, and the nearby Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Visitors can do some shopping at La Boqueria market on La Rambla, Barcelona’s most popular street, then wander over to the Gothic Quarter.
If you’re looking for some fun, you can get lost in the maze of Parc del Laberint d'Horta. After a day of sunbathing at Barceloneta Beach, you can stop by a chiringuito (a small beachside bar) for a drink and some tapas.
Madrid
There are plenty of things to do in Spain’s capital city. The most popular places to visit are the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. El Rastro, a Sunday flea market, is full of treasures. You can also stop by Real Madrid FC’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to watch a match or take a tour.
The Parque del Buen Retiro is perfect for families. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a playground, a rose garden, and the Crystal Palace. It plays host to many events throughout the year, such as musical performances at the bandstand and puppet shows. There are bicycles to rent and visitors can go rowing on the lake. The Prado Museum is a short walk from there.
Menorca
This Balearic Island is much quieter than Majorca and Ibiza. You can still find nightlife in Mahón and Ciutadella, but there are other fascinating things to do during the day. You can go birdwatching, hiking, and biking at Albufera des Grau Nature Park or go kayaking and canoeing at Cala Galdana and Cala Cavalleria. If you want to look closer into Menorca’s history, you can visit the prehistoric village of Torralba d'en Salort.
Seville
In this lively city in Andalusia, you can stop by a tablao in the Triana District to watch traditional flamenco and sevillana dancing. Popular attractions are the Metropol Parasol, Plaza de España, Archaeological Museum, and the Royal Alcázar. If you visit in April, you’ll be able to go to the Seville Fair. It lasts for 7 days and includes parades, dancing, bullfights, an amusement park, and casetas (marquees) that serve food and drink.
Tenerife
People come to this Canary Island to spend more time in nature. You can get a cable car to the top of Mount Teide or go hiking in Anaga Rural Park. There are 16 beaches to visit and it’s one of the best places to experience snorkelling and scuba diving. Before taking part in any excursions or activities, make sure they’re covered by your travel insurance policy.
Tenerife is also popular among golfers, and has 9 golf resorts. If you’re thinking of heading here for a golfing vacation, golf cover travel insurance will cover your equipment and green fees.
Valencia
In Valencia Cathedral, you'll find the Holy Grail and the beautiful architecture of the Holy Chalice chapel. If you visit in March, you'll get to experience the pyrotechnics at the 5-day celebration of the Fallas festival. You can take a boat ride along the Cuevas de San José or spend the afternoon at Bioparc Valencia. Don’t forget to stop at the oldest tavern, Casa Montaña to try the classic Valencian dish, paella.