Spain is one of the most rewarding countries in Europe to explore, especially if you’re over 50 and looking for a blend of history, culture, food, and a relaxed pace of life. We know this firsthand — we spent over three years living in the heart of Catalonia, in the medieval city of Girona. From sipping vermouth in sunlit plazas to traveling by high-speed train, we learned how to travel Spain comfortably, without the hustle and overwhelm that often comes with fast-paced itineraries.
In this post, we’ll share our top travel tips for seeing Spain comfortably after 50 — drawn from our personal experience and tailored to travelers who value culture, cuisine, and connection over chaos.
Your Guide to Enjoying Spain with Ease, Inspired by Our Time Living in Girona
1. Choose the Right Time to Visit
Spain can be hot and crowded during summer, especially in major cities and beach destinations. For a more enjoyable and comfortable experience, travel in the shoulder seasons — spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November). The weather is milder, prices are more reasonable, and the crowds thin out.
💡 We loved autumn in Girona — cool mornings, golden light, and plenty of open café tables.
2. Stick to a Slower Travel Pace
One of the best decisions we made while living in Spain was adopting a slow travel mindset. Rather than cramming multiple cities into a week, we’d spend several days (or even weeks) in one location, really soaking it in.
Especially after 50, this approach makes travel more enjoyable and less physically demanding. Consider spending 5–7 days in each destination. That gives you time to relax, explore at your own pace, and discover those unexpected gems — like a local market or hidden tapas bar — that don’t make the guidebooks.
3. Travel by Train – It’s Comfortable and Scenic
Spain has one of the most efficient and enjoyable train systems in Europe, and we used it frequently from our home base in Girona. The AVE high-speed trains connect major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville — often faster than flying and far more comfortable.
There are also regional trains (like Rodalies in Catalonia) that connect smaller towns and are great for day trips. Most trains are modern, quiet, and offer senior discounts.
🚄 From Girona, we could be in Barcelona in under 40 minutes — without the stress of traffic or parking.
4. Don’t Skip Smaller Cities and Towns
While Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are incredible, some of our favorite experiences came from exploring smaller cities that offer rich culture without the crowds. Girona itself is a perfect example — a medieval walled city with incredible cuisine, walkable streets, and world-class museums.
Other great options for mature travelers:
- Cádiz – beautiful coastline, fewer tourists
- Logroño – wine lovers’ paradise in La Rioja
- Cuenca – famous for its hanging houses and peaceful vibe
- Sitges – a laid-back beach town near Barcelona
These towns are often easier to navigate, quieter at night, and still bursting with Spanish charm.
5. Prioritize Comfort When Choosing Accommodations
In our 50s, we’re no longer interested in hostels or overly minimalist apartments. We’ve found that choosing accommodations with comfortable beds, quiet neighborhoods, and elevator access makes a big difference — especially after a day of walking cobblestone streets.
Look for:
- Paradores (historic hotels in castles, monasteries, etc.)
- Mid-range boutique hotels with good reviews for comfort
- Apartments with kitchens, so you can cook local produce from the market
Pro Tip: In cities like Girona, look just outside the Old Town for better prices and quieter nights.
6. Eat Like a Local (But at Your Own Pace)
Spanish dining habits may be a shift — late lunches, even later dinners — but you can still enjoy the incredible cuisine on your own terms. Many restaurants now open earlier or cater to international diners, especially in tourist areas.
Our favorite approach:
- Light breakfast with coffee and a pastry
- Lunch between 1–2 PM, ideally the menú del día for great value
- Evening vermouth and tapas around 6–8 PM
🍷 In Girona, we often strolled to the Plaça de la Independència for a glass of wine and a few shared plates before heading home.
7. Use Apps and Tech for Simplicity
Traveling Spain over 50 is easier than ever with the help of a few simple apps:
- Google Translate – Great for menus and quick conversations
- Renfe or Omio – For booking train travel
- Google Maps – Use the offline feature for navigating cities
- TheFork (ElTenedor) – To reserve tables and find deals at local restaurants
Being a bit tech-savvy helped us feel more confident navigating unfamiliar towns — especially when traveling independently.
8. Understand Cultural Nuances (and Embrace the Siesta)
Cultural rhythms in Spain are different — and that’s part of the charm. Shops may close mid-day, life moves slower, and people take time to enjoy meals. Lean into it.
🇪🇸 Living in Catalonia, we quickly learned to run errands in the morning and relax in the afternoon — often with a book and a café solo.
Also, be aware that Spain has strong regional identities. Catalonia, the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia each have distinct languages, foods, and traditions. Locals appreciate when you show respect for their culture.
9. Get to Know the Local Markets
One of our favorite things to do while living in Girona was to explore the weekly markets. They’re not just for groceries — they’re hubs of community life and a great place to practice your Spanish.
Look for:
- Local cheeses and cured meats
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Artisan goods and souvenirs
🧺 The Mercat del Lleó in Girona became part of our weekly routine — and inspired many of our home-cooked meals.
10. Be Open to Slowing Down and Savoring the Moment
Spain teaches you to slow down. The coffee is sipped, not gulped. Meals are long, conversations longer. For travelers over 50, this mindset can be a gift — a reminder that travel doesn’t need to be about checking boxes.
Living in Girona reminded us that the joy of travel often comes in the quiet moments — an early morning walk through empty alleyways, a spontaneous conversation with a vendor, or the simple pleasure of lingering over a good glass of Rioja.
Final Thoughts
Spain is an incredible destination for travelers over 50 — not just because of its beauty and culture, but because it rewards those who travel with intention. Whether you’re planning a week-long getaway or a longer stay like we did, approaching Spain with a comfortable, curious mindset will make every experience more rewarding.
If you’re ready to start planning your trip, check out our upcoming posts on the best cities for slow travel, scenic train journeys, and how to enjoy Spanish food culture over 50.
🧳 Travel smart. Travel slow. Travel Spain — over 50.