Spain is one of the most beautiful and vibrant countries in Europe, but let’s be honest — it can also be one of the hottest and most crowded, especially in summer. But there are ways to avoid the heat in Spain, and the crowds that come with the busiest travel seasons!
As travelers in our 50s, we know that the combination of sweltering temperatures and packed tourist sites doesn’t exactly make for a relaxing getaway.
During our time living in Girona, Catalonia, we discovered firsthand how to experience Spain’s magic without battling crowds or overheating. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips, region-specific suggestions, and the seasonal strategies we use to make sure our travels through Spain are cool, calm, and comfortable.
Smart Strategies for Comfortable Travel in Spain — Inspired by Our Time Living Spain
☀️ Travel in the Shoulder Seasons
This is our #1 tip — and it’s a game-changer.
Spring (April–early June) and fall (mid-September–early November) are the sweet spots for travel in Spain. You’ll enjoy:
- Milder weather (especially important in southern Spain)
- Fewer tourists in major cities and historic sites
- Lower prices on accommodations and airfare
- Better local experiences, as crowds haven’t overwhelmed daily life
💡 In Girona, we loved late September and early October — sunny days, crisp evenings, and plenty of outdoor dining without the summer frenzy. Avoid traveling in Andalusia in the summer – it’s brutally hot in Southern Spain!
🕗 Embrace the Spanish Daily Rhythm
Spain’s schedule is built around the heat — and once you adapt, it makes perfect sense. Here’s how:
- Start early. Hit the streets by 8:30–9 a.m. to enjoy cooler temperatures and emptier streets.
- Midday break. Between 2–5 p.m., when the sun is at its peak, follow the local habit: eat a long lunch, rest, or relax indoors.
- Go out again around 6 p.m., when temperatures drop and cities come alive with evening energy.
🕶️ We often explored towns early in the morning, then took a siesta or read during the heat of the day — and felt refreshed for an evening tapas crawl.
🏖️ Pick Coastal or Mountain Destinations in Summer
If you must travel in June or July, choose destinations with natural cooling elements, like coastal breezes or mountain air. I would not recommend anywhere along the coast in August, though. It’s when all of Spain shuts down, and heads to the beach!
Top summer picks:
- Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country) – lush, green, and much cooler
- Costa Brava (Catalonia) – seaside towns like Cadaqués or Begur are stunning and less crowded than Barcelona
- Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada Mountains – great for hiking and cooler nights
- Smaller beach towns near Valencia or Cádiz — skip the big resorts
🌊 From Girona, we often escaped the heat by hopping on the train to coastal towns like Calella or Sant Pol de Mar for a breezy lunch and a swim.
🏰 Visit Popular Sites at Off-Peak Hours (or Off-Peak Days)
Tourist magnets like the Alhambra, Sagrada Família, and the Prado Museum will always draw crowds — but with a little planning, you can enjoy them in peace.
Tips:
- Book early morning or late afternoon entry for major attractions
- Avoid weekends at top sites — go midweek for fewer crowds
- Buy tickets online to skip the long lines
- Use apps or websites like Tiqets or GetYourGuide for skip-the-line passes
🎟️ When we visited the Alhambra, we chose a 9 a.m. slot — we had the Generalife gardens nearly to ourselves for the first hour. And, we visited in November – it was cold and rainy, but still lovely!
🧭 Explore Lesser-Known Towns and Regions
Spain is filled with hidden gems that offer just as much charm and culture — without the crowds. You don’t have to stick to Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville.
Some of our favorite low-key spots:
- Besalú – A stunning medieval village near Girona
- Logroño – Wine, tapas, and few tourists in La Rioja
- Ávila – Beautiful walled city near Madrid, calm and authentic
- Cáceres – A UNESCO-listed town in Extremadura with Moorish and Roman history
- Baeza and Úbeda – Renaissance towns in Jaén province with minimal tourism
🏞️ While Barcelona teemed with visitors, we found total tranquility just 90 minutes away in the medieval streets of Besalú.
🏨 Stay in the Right Location
Where you stay can make all the difference in avoiding crowds and chaos.
Tips for smarter stays:
- Choose accommodations just outside the main tourist zone — walkable, but quiet
- Avoid hotels in party-heavy neighborhoods, especially in Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona
- Book a place with good air conditioning and blackout curtains — key for summer comfort
- Consider paradores (historic state-run hotels), often located in peaceful, scenic areas
🛏️ In Seville, we stayed in a boutique hotel a 10-minute walk from the cathedral — quiet nights, but close enough to the action.
🚆 Use Trains Instead of Flying or Driving
Spain’s rail system is fast, efficient, and comfortable — ideal for travelers over 50. It also helps you avoid:
- Airport chaos during peak summer months
- The stress of driving unfamiliar roads in the heat
- Traffic jams near tourist hotspots
Use AVE high-speed trains for longer routes (like Madrid to Córdoba or Seville to Valencia), and regional trains for local escapes.
🚄 From Girona, we used the AVE to get to Madrid in under four hours — far easier than flying, and we stayed cool the whole way.
🧴 Pack for the Climate
Smart packing = cooler, happier Spanish travel. Bring:
- Breathable, lightweight clothing (linen, cotton, moisture-wicking fabrics)
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- A foldable fan or handheld misting spray
- A refillable water bottle — hydration is key!
- Comfortable sandals or walking shoes with good support
💡 Local tip: In many Spanish cities, you can refill water bottles at public fountains — look for “agua potable” signs.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Suffer to Enjoy Spain
Spain is a country built for enjoying life — and that includes enjoying it comfortably. You don’t have to bake under the midday sun or squeeze through selfie-stick mobs to experience its magic. With a little planning and intention, you can avoid the heat and the crowds — and travel Spain at your own pace.
As travelers in our 50s, we’ve come to appreciate the quiet alleys, the early morning café con leche, and the way a shaded plaza feels at golden hour. Spain offers these gifts in abundance — you just have to know when and where to look.