Pack breathable layers and good walking shoes year-round; add sun protection for summer, and a light rain layer plus warmer evenings gear for spring, fall, and northern 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)
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