Study Abroad Destination
Spain
This favorite European destination is bursting with culture and history.
A Land of Many Cultures
Spain’s diverse landscape, architecture, art, and cuisine make the country rich in charisma and charm. Semester at Sea voyagers experience a wide spectrum of wonders in this popular destination, spanning thousands of years of history and dozens of cultural identities.
Spain Overview
Capital
Madrid
SAS Port of Call
Barcelona, A Coruña, Málaga
Language
Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, Aranese
Religions
Catholicism
Government
Monarchy, unitary state, parliamentary system, constitutional monarchy
Currency
Euro
Population
47.89 million (2025)
Why Spain?
While the thought of Spain might conjure up visions of tapas plates and afternoon siestas, Europe’s fourth-largest country contains multitudes. Semester at Sea voyagers get to experience Spain’s diversity first-hand, through its:
- Iconic Architecture
- World-renowned cuisine
- Multicultural heritage and history
- Vibrant art scene, both past and present
The in-country excursions provided by SAS staff and local guides are a chance to take in a wide range of attractions without needing to personally handle logistics.
Semester at Sea
Spain Experience
Upon arrival in one of our Spanish ports of call, voyagers gain access to a smorgasbord of opportunities. From kayak tours to snorkeling, cooking classes to craft workshops, there is no shortage of ways to experience the warmth and vibrancy of this eclectic country.
Highlights include:
- Overnight trips to Sevilla, Granada, and Madrid
- Explorations of Moorish and Islamic cultural heritage sites
- Opportunities to interact with and learn from local artisans and craftspeople
- Outdoor adventures along Spain’s dynamic coastline
Each Semester at Sea stop in Spain lasts about five or six days, but the sights, sounds, textures, and flavors tend to stay fresh in voyagers’ minds long after departure.
Spain
Voyager Travel Tips
Travel Tips for Spanish Port(s) of Call
Every destination and port of call is unique, and each carries its own set of circumstances and expectations for travelers. Our top priority is the health and safety of our voyagers — we want all program participants to be as informed as possible so they can enjoy each port experience to the fullest.
Please be advised that the following tips provide a general overview of travel considerations, and are not intended to dissuade voyagers from experiencing this unforgettable destination.
Local Transportation
In-port transportation is coordinated by SAS; avoid walking inside the port, where commercial activity may pose safety risks. Public transportation is very reliable and well-connected, especially in major cities, and includes the metro, buses, taxis, and regional trains.
Required Documents
Ship ID and passport (only if staying in a hotel or exchanging money in a bank).
Climate and Weather
Spain’s Mediterranean coast experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters, which can include periods of rain. Temperatures can reach over 100° F (40° C) in summer and fall to 46° F (8° C) in winter. On the Atlantic coast, the climate is generally mild, with warm, humid summers and moderately rainy winters.
Currency and Tipping
The local currency is the euro. In most cases, bills for services (such as dining out or taxis) will include a service charge that represents the tip. The most common tip percentage is 10%.
Safety and Security
Spain is generally safe for travelers; however, petty crime does occur. Thieves have been known to steal baggage while visitors check in/out of hotels and during airport check-in. Bags hung on the back of chairs or placed on benches next to you are common targets for thieves. Be cautious of skimming devices placed on ATMs — if any part of the card reader looks suspicious, do not use it. Penalties for possessing or using illegal drugs in Spain include long jail sentences and heavy fines. All travelers should know that Spain has strong anti discrimination laws: no one may be discriminated against on the grounds of racial or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation or identity, gender expression, or socio-economic status.
Health and Medical
Water in Spain is generally safe to drink. As a general rule, always watch your drinks in bars and clubs. Those with seafood allergies should take caution, as Spanish cuisine relies heavily on seafood and shellfish.
Communication
SAS staff can be reached via phone or WhatsApp. To place phone calls within Spain, dial your country’s exit code (U.S. is 011), then the country code for Spain (+34), then the area code and phone number.
Emergency Services
All voyagers receive contact information for local police, fire, ambulance, medical emergency services, and the U.S. embassy and consulate.