Spain is one of the most welcoming, vibrant, and rewarding countries to explore — especially for travelers over 50. With walkable cities, relaxed dining, efficient trains, and a culture that embraces the joy of everyday life, it’s easy to fall in love with Spain, if you avoid these common Spanish travel mistakes!
But like any destination, Spain has its quirks, and there are a few common pitfalls that can turn an otherwise lovely trip into a frustrating one — particularly if you’re used to a different pace or travel style. After living in Girona and exploring nearly every corner of Spain, we’ve learned what to do and what to avoid.
Here are 10 mistakes we often see travelers over 50 make — and how you can sidestep them for a more relaxed, meaningful trip.
Smart Tips for a Smooth, Comfortable, and Enjoyable Trip at Any Age
❌ Mistake 1: Traveling in Peak Summer
Why it’s a problem: July and August bring scorching Spanish heat, high prices, and crowded attractions — especially in southern Spain and popular coastal cities.
What to do instead:
Travel in April–June or September–October, when the weather is more pleasant and the crowds are thinner. These shoulder seasons are perfect for sightseeing, al fresco dining, and taking day trips. There are also a lot of great Spanish festivals to experience in the off season!
☀️ We loved September in Girona — sunny but breezy, with far fewer tourists than summer.
❌ Mistake 2: Trying to See Too Much in One Trip
Why it’s a problem: Spain is big — and diverse. Cramming in Madrid, Seville, Granada, Barcelona, and Valencia in two weeks will leave you exhausted, not enlightened. Your goal should be to travel Spain comfortably – not in a rush!
What to do instead:
Focus on 2–3 regions or cities and spend at least 4 nights in each. This slower pace allows time to settle in, explore deeply, and avoid travel burnout.
🧳 Our most meaningful trips were the ones where we stayed longer, got to know the neighborhood, and fell into a rhythm.
❌ Mistake 3: Eating at the Wrong Time (and in the Wrong Places)
Why it’s a problem: Many travelers get frustrated when restaurants are closed mid-day or don’t open until 8:30 p.m. for dinner — or worse, they end up in overpriced tourist traps.
What to do instead:
- Embrace the menú del día for lunch between 1:30–3:30 p.m.
- Opt for tapas or light bites in the evening
- Research restaurants ahead of time and use TheFork or Google Maps for local reviews
- Avoid restaurants with photo menus and aggressive hosts out front
🍷 We often made lunch our main meal, followed by a siesta or slow walk — then tapas and wine in the evening.
❌ Mistake 4: Skipping Regional Variety
Why it’s a problem: Spain isn’t one homogenous country — it’s a collection of vibrant regions, each with its own language, cuisine, and culture. Many travelers overlook this richness.
What to do instead:
Explore the regional differences — from the seafood stews of Galicia to the Moorish architecture of Andalusia or the Catalan identity of Girona. Be open to trying new things — even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. Spanish cuisine is regional in nature – make the most of it!
🌍 Living in Catalonia gave us a deep appreciation for regional pride — and a much better understanding of the country as a whole.
❌ Mistake 5: Not Taking Advantage of the Train System
Why it’s a problem: Driving in Spain can be stressful (especially in cities), and flying domestically adds unnecessary hassle.
What to do instead:
Use Spain’s excellent rail network, especially the high-speed AVE trains. If you’re over 60, get a Tarjeta Dorada (senior discount card) for 25–40% off tickets.
🚆 From Girona, we could reach Madrid in under 4 hours — relaxed, scenic, and hassle-free.
When traveling by train in Spain – watch your bags. Put them above you, not in the luggage racks near the door!
❌ Mistake 6: Booking Accommodations in Noisy Areas
Why it’s a problem: Spanish cities come alive at night — and if your hotel is near a nightlife zone, sleep may be hard to come by.
What to do instead:
Look for accommodations just outside the old town or main plazas, within walking distance but away from the noise. Check reviews for noise complaints and amenities like blackout curtains and AC.
😴 In Seville, we stayed a few blocks from the center — peaceful at night, but everything was just a 10-minute walk away.
❌ Mistake 7: Underestimating Walking and Terrain
Why it’s a problem: Many Spanish towns are built on hills or filled with cobblestone streets, which can be tough on knees, ankles, and stamina.
What to do instead:
- Wear supportive, cushioned shoes (not flimsy sandals)
- Use walking sticks or foldable canes if needed — many locals do
- Take breaks often and don’t be afraid to taxis or public transport for short hops
👟 In Ronda and Granada, we relied on local taxis for uphill routes — money well spent to save our energy.
❌ Mistake 8: Assuming English Is Spoken Everywhere
Why it’s a problem: Outside major tourist zones, English may not be widely spoken — especially in smaller towns or local markets.
What to do instead:
- Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or the regional language (like Catalan)
- Use Google Translate or a phrasebook app
- Speak slowly and smile — most people are patient and appreciative of the effort
🗣️ In Girona, our Spanish improved thanks to kind locals — and a few translation mishaps that turned into great stories.
❌ Mistake 9: Not Building in Downtime
Why it’s a problem: When every day is go-go-go, it’s easy to wear yourself out — especially in your 50s and beyond.
What to do instead:
Plan for lazy mornings, quiet afternoons, and early nights here and there. Add buffer days with no tours or museum visits — just time to sit in a plaza with coffee or read by the beach.
☕ Our favorite travel days often involved no schedule at all — just wandering, eating, and soaking in the moment.
❌ Mistake 10: Overplanning and Under-Experiencing
Why it’s a problem: Overpacking your itinerary can leave you too exhausted to enjoy the moment — or miss out on spontaneous experiences.
What to do instead:
Pick a few key experiences each day, and leave room for the unexpected — a market you didn’t know existed, a side street that looks too charming not to explore, or a long lunch with a view.
📸 We found some of our favorite bakeries and boutiques in Spain simply by getting “lost” and letting curiosity lead us.
Final Thoughts: Travel Spain Your Way — But Travel Smart
Spain rewards travelers who move at a slower pace. If you’re over 50, you don’t need to compete with the backpacking crowd. You can travel more comfortably, connect more deeply, and discover more joy by avoiding the common missteps and embracing a style of travel that’s right for you.
From our time living in Girona to our many train rides, tapas lunches, and quiet village walks, we’ve learned that smart planning = relaxed traveling. And that’s exactly the kind of travel we’re here to help you enjoy.