7 Essential Ways to Travel Mindfully in Spain

Originally published July 15, 2022.

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

Alhambra gardens, Granada.

Spain is a country with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. And why wouldn't it, with its stunning architecture, delicious food, and friendly people?

But oftentimes, when we travel, we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of seeing as many sights as possible and checking things off our list. This can lead to us missing out on the valuable things that make each destination unique.

If you're planning on visiting Spain, it's important to do so mindfully in order to get the most out of your experience.

In this blog post, we will share seven tips on how to travel mindfully in Spain and explore its amazing culture and history.

1. Do your research beforehand

If you want to travel mindfully, it's important that you understand the context in which you'll be visiting a place.

Before you travel to Spain, do your research and learn about the country's culture and history. This will help you better understand your experiences while you're there.

One way to do this is to read books or articles about Spain, or even watch films set in the country. You can also visit the website of the Spanish Tourist Board, which has a lot of information about different regions of the country.

Or even better, work with a Spain destination specialist such as Spain Less Traveled who can help you decide which regions to visit, how to do it logistically, and work with you to personalize your trip to Spain.

(Be sure to read up on more reasons why you should use a travel advisor to plan your trip to Spain!)

Spain has a rich culture and so much history. Taking time to understand it will enhance your trip to Spain!

2. Learn some basic phrases in Spanish

If you're going to be spending time in Spain, it's a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Spanish. This will help you communicate with locals and make your experience more authentic. There are many resources available online to help you learn Spanish, including language-learning apps like Duolingo.

Not only will learning Spanish help you communicate with locals, but it will also show them that you're interested in their culture.

Learning a little Spanish will help you get a much more authentic, off the beaten path experience in Spain.

3. Slow down and take your time while you're there

Savor the food, sights, and sounds of Spain by taking your time while you're there. One way to do this is to wander off the beaten path and explore different parts of the country that are less touristy.

Another way to savor your experience is to take part in activities that are typically done more slowly, such as sitting down for a leisurely lunch or taking a leisurely stroll through a park or city.

You might also want to consider staying in one place for a longer period of time, rather than trying to pack too much into your trip. This will allow you to truly experience the rhythm of life in Spain and get a better sense of the culture.

Take it slow and leave room in your Spain Travel Itinerary to visit local villages and smaller cities.

4. Keep an open mind

One of the most important things to do when you're traveling is to keep an open mind. Be open to new experiences and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

You never know what you might find yourself enjoying. And Spain is known to be full of surprises, so you're sure to have a wonderful time no matter what you end up doing.

It doesn’t get more Spanish than this!

5. Connect with locals

One of the best ways to learn about a culture is to connect with locals. Talk to people you meet while you're in Spain and ask them about their lives, their culture, and their country.

You can also try attending local events or joining a tour led by a local guide. This is a great way to get an insider's perspective on Spain.

And, of course, don't forget to try the local food! Connecting with locals is a great way to get recommendations for the best places to eat. In fact, that is a surefire way to make sure that you only eat the best food in Spain!

Locals enjoying drinks and dinner in Plaza Mayor, Trujillo Spain.

6. Be respectful of the culture

When you're traveling, it's important to be respectful of the cultures you encounter. This means being aware of your own cultural biases and assumptions, and not making judgments about others.

It also means being mindful of your actions and how they might impact others.

Spain Less Traveled founder Karen Roseblum enjoying La Fiesta de los Patios in Córdoba, Spain

7. Embrace the chaos!

Spain is a busy, vibrant country, and it's part of what makes it so special. Embrace the chaos and allow yourself to be swept up in the energy of the place.

Don't worry if things don't go according to plan, as this is all part of the adventure.

Go with the flow and see where the day takes you. You might just find yourself having the time of your life. 

Sometimes things won’t go as planned. But Spain is full of surprises!

Final Thoughts

Spain is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. By following these tips, you can ensure that your experience is both authentic and respectful. That is what mindful travel is all about.

Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)

If you liked this… Check out our other resources!

Ready to start your journey?

Book a FREE 15 minute discovery call

to help you decide which of our professional Spain travel planning services suits you best.

About the author

Rebecca is an SEO Consultant and the Co-Creator of Be Blissful Travel, a travel site dedicated to wellness and sustainable travel.