Cheap vacations in Spain: the smart guide to traveling without breaking the bank

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published today

Sunshine, culture, nature… Spain has everything going for it - and here’s the good news: you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. With affordable train fares, budget-friendly accommodation, and tons of free things to do, it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable trip that won’t break the bank.

Here are our 7 best tips for a low-cost Spanish getaway, without giving up on pleasure or discovery.

1. Plan your journeys early

Book train tickets in advance

Just like in France, Spanish train prices vary based on demand.
By booking a few weeks early on enfe, you can cut your transport budget in half. High-speed trains (AVE, Alvia) connect the whole country — Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza…

For even cheaper options, try Avlo (Renfe’s low-cost arm) or Iryo, a private competitor with sharp prices.

Pro tip: for maximum convenience, use a fare comparison tool like Trainline - it will show you the cheapest option instantly.

Travel off-peak

Mid-day and weekday departures are often cheaper - and you’ll avoid crowds on popular routes like Madrid–Barcelona or Seville–Málaga.

Take advantage of passes

For longer trips, check out:

• Renfe Spain Pass (for international visitors)
• Abono Avant ou Abono Media Distancia (for frequent regional travel)

2. Choose trains and regional buses

Mix and match public transport

Spain is incredibly easy to explore without a car:
regional trains take you to towns and villages, and local buses continue to remote gems.

Need ideas? Try our nature micro-adventures in Spain - like hiking in the Picos de Europa from Pola de Lena, or the thrilling Caminito del Rey from Málaga.

Compare companies

ALSA, Avanza, and Flixbus offer very competitive fares — and buses often drop you right in the city center.

3. Sleep smart

Hostels and family-run pensions

Spanish hostels are clean, modern, central, and perfect for solo travelers.
In small towns, look for pensiones - charming family-run rooms at great prices.

Alternative stays

Want to spend even less? Try Couchsurfing, home swaps, or volunteering (Workaway, HelpX). Great experiences, and great local encounters.

And for a unique night, sleep in a Camino de Santiago albergue — many welcome walkers for just a few euros.

4. Eat well, without emptying your wallet

The secret weapon: Menu del día

Across Spain, restaurants offer set menus including starter, main, dessert, and drink for €10–12. A real feast, at local prices.

Free tapas & picnic spots

In cities like Granada, León, and Salamanca, many bars offer free tapas with your drink.
And for the ultimate budget meal: hit the market, fruit, cheese, empanadas… delicious food to go.

Traveling through Zaragoza? Don’t miss our tips in 10 free things to do in Zaragoza, the Plaza del Pilar and Riberas del Ebro are perfect picnic spots.

5. Make the most of free activities

Free museum days

The Prado and Reina Sofía in Madrid, and the IAACC Pablo Serrano in Zaragoza, have free entry on certain evenings.
A great deal for culture lovers.

Nature & heritage with free access

Looking for fresh air? Many natural parks are free:

• Calblanque (Murcia) — a Mediterranean paradise still unspoiled
• Somiedo Natural Park — land of wild brown bears
• Torcal de Antequera — surreal rock formations in Andalusia

Find them in our guides:

• Spain in nature: 4 micro-adventures without a car
• Unusual Spain: 4 amazing places to visit without a car

Local festivals & traditions

Every Spanish city has its feria, Semana Santa, or local fiestas — most of them free, festive, and unforgettable. Check the calendar before your trip!

6. Travel light and stay flexible

Less luggage = more freedom

Light travel means no baggage fees, less stress, and the freedom to hop on trains or buses easily.
Many hostels lend beach or hiking gear - no need to pack everything.

Slow travel = smart travel

Stay longer in each place:
weekly rentals cost less, you can cook, and you’ll explore on foot or by public transport.
It’s budget-friendly and sustainable.

7. Explore a different Spain

Look beyond the main cities

Big cities are stunning — but they’re also pricier. For an authentic (and wallet-friendly) trip, try these lesser-known destinations:

• Zamora — Romanesque charm in the northwest
• Cuenca — perched dramatically between canyons
• Cádiz — the Atlantic jewel of Andalusia
• Oviedo — elegant and green capital of Asturias
• Bardenas Reales desert — a real-life western backdrop

Find them in our guide Secret Spain: 6 hidden gems you can reach by train.

Slow travel = richer travel

By choosing trains and public transport, you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
And honestly - sunrise from a train window beats a low-cost flight any day.

In short, traveling cheaply in Spain is all about planning and mindset:
book early, stay flexible, and enjoy everything the country offers for free.

From low-cost trains to lively local festivals, Spain is made for affordable, authentic, responsible travel.

This article was written in partnership with the Spanish Tourism Office.
To learn more, visit www.spain.info — a goldmine of practical tips for planning your trip!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.