What to Pack for Spain

Clothing

• Lightweight T-shirts and tops (breathable for warm days)
• Short-sleeve shirts/blouses (good for city exploring)
• Long pants/jeans (for cooler evenings and nicer dinners)
• Shorts or skirts (especially useful in summer)
• Light sweater or cardigan (air-conditioned spaces and evenings)
• Packable rain jacket (for spring and fall showers)
• Comfortable sleepwear
• Underwear and socks for the full trip
• Dressier outfit (for tapas bars, shows, or nicer restaurants)
• Scarf or shawl (handy for sun, wind, or modesty in religious sites)

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes (for cobblestones and long sightseeing days)
• Sandals or lightweight shoes (summer and beach towns)
• Dressier shoes (for evenings out)
• Waterproof shoes or quick-dry sneakers (if traveling in wetter months)
• Flip-flops (for hostel showers or beach use)
• Insoles or blister pads (helps with lots of walking)

Toiletries & Health

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ (Spain can be very sunny)
• Sunglasses (strong UV, especially in summer)
• Hat or cap (shade for midday heat)
• Personal prescription medications (bring enough for the whole trip)
• Basic pain relievers and allergy medicine
• Motion sickness pills (useful for trains, buses, or coastal ferries)
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues or pocket wipes
• Lip balm with SPF
• Small first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, blister care)

Electronics & Gear

• Smartphone (for maps, translation, and tickets)
• Phone charger and cable
• Power bank (long sightseeing days)
• European plug adapter, Type C/F (Spain uses 230V)
• Camera or action cam (optional, for travel photos)
• Earbuds or headphones
• E-reader or tablet (train and beach downtime)
• Daypack or crossbody bag (for daily essentials)
• Reusable water bottle (hot summers make hydration important)
• Travel lock (useful for hostels or lockers)

Documents & Money

• Passport (valid for your stay)
• Copies of passport and travel insurance (digital and printed)
• Schengen visa if required (check based on nationality)
• Travel insurance details
• Flight/train reservations
• Hotel confirmations
• Debit card and credit card (notify your bank before travel)
• Some euros in cash (smaller shops and cafes may prefer cash)
• Emergency contact list
• Driving license and International Driving Permit (if renting a car)

Spain-Specific Essentials

• Lightweight layers for hot, dry summers and cooler evenings (especially inland cities)
• Compact umbrella or rain shell (more useful in spring and northern Spain)
• Modest clothing for churches/cathedrals (shoulders covered when needed)
• European plug adapter, Type C/F (Spain uses Type C and F sockets)
• eSIM or local SIM card option (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone, or Digi)
• Metro/transport card or app setup (useful in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia)
• Small cash for tapas bars and local markets (card not always accepted)
• Beach towel or pareo (for Mediterranean and Canary Island beaches)
• Reusable tote bag (handy for markets and shopping)
• Phrase app or offline Spanish translation (helpful outside major tourist areas)