When planning a trip to Spain, it’s always helpful to learn about the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes through the pages of a well-written travel book.
No matter if you’re a seasoned traveler or on your first Spanish adventure, these carefully selected best Spain travel books will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration to make the most of your journey.
From popular guidebooks to lesser-known gems, here are some must-reads before you set foot in this captivating country.
Table of Contents
10 Spain travel books to read before visiting
1. Rick Steves Spain
Discover the magic of Spain with Rick Steves as your virtual guide. Travel with him around Spain’s diverse regions, from bustling cities to charming countryside.
Engage yourself in the local culture and gain valuable tips on navigating Spain’s vibrant cities, navigating public transportation, and finding hidden gems off the beaten path by reading one of the best Spain travel books.
Rick Steves’ engaging writing style and knack for storytelling will make you feel like you’re exploring Spain alongside a knowledgeable friend. Easy to read and understand, with all the important information about the place listed, this book is all you need if you want to explore the country in the best way possible. But it’s not the only book.
2. Fodor’s Essential Spain
Uncover the essence of Spain with one of the most detailed and well-put Spain travel books.
Fodor’s Essential Spain covers all the must-see sights, from historical landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada to the vibrant streets of Barcelona. It also helps you discover lesser-known destinations and hidden treasures that will surprise and enchant you.
Some of the best things about this book are Fodor’s insider recommendations on the best restaurants, hotels, and local experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.
3. DK Eyewitness Spain
If you want to immerse yourself in Spain’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, then the DK Eyewitness Spain guidebook will certainly impress you.
Explore Spain’s vibrant cities, centuries-old architecture, and world-renowned museums through vivid photographs and detailed illustrations.
Get insider tips on the best local markets, tapas bars, and flamenco shows. The DK Eyewitness Spain is one of the best travel books for Spain offering a comprehensive overview of Spain’s top attractions, making it an essential companion for any traveler.
4. Rick Steves Best of Spain
Get the most out of your trip to Spain with one of the ultimate Spain travel books from Rick Steves. Rick Steves’ Best of Spain showcases the country’s highlights, including the historic cities of Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla.
What’s so great about this book is that it lets you delve into Spain’s rich history, art, and cuisine. You also get a lot from the Rick Steves’ practical advice on how to avoid tourist crowds and experience authentic Spain. There are so many great things to do in the country, like the 18 places you must visit in Spain!
5. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madrid
If you want to explore the vibrant capital of Spain, then the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madrid guidebook is the one for you. The book is written in a way that let’s you discover the top attractions in Madrid, from the majestic Royal Palace to the world-renowned Prado Museum in the fastest and cheapest way possible.
Find useful maps and itineraries to help you navigate the city efficiently. With one of the best Spain travel books. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Madrid offers insider recommendations on the best places to eat, shop, and explore in this bustling metropolis.
6. Rick Steves Barcelona
Exploring large cities, especially one as culturally rich as Barcelona, is a difficult task. You need the right guide to explore the city right. Find so much more about the city of Barcelona with Rick Steves as your expert companion. Rick Steves Barcelona captures the unique spirit of the Catalan capital, from the whimsical architecture of Antoni Gaudí to the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas.
Discover Barcelona’s best tapas bars, and explore the best Spanish beaches, while wandering through its charming neighborhood. Rick Steves’ insider tips from one of the best Spain travel books ensure you make the most out of your Barcelona adventure.
7. Lonely Planet Best Road Trips Spain & Portugal 2
Hit the road and explore the stunning landscapes of Spain and Portugal with Lonely Planet’s Best Road Trips guidebook.
Discover the most scenic routes, from the dramatic coastline of the Costa Brava to the rugged mountains of Sierra Nevada. Find detailed maps, driving itineraries, and recommendations for noteworthy stops along the way.
Lonely Planet’s Best Road Trips Spain & Portugal 2 is the perfect companion for avid explorers seeking adventure on wheels.
8. Fodor’s Madrid: with Seville and Granada
While people think just about Barcelona and Madrid when visiting Spain, there are so many other wonderful places that are so worth exploring. Fodor’s Madrid: Seville and Granada will help you find the best about these cities. Experience the cultural riches of Madrid, the sultry flamenco of Seville, and the stunning Alhambra in Granada.
Discover local haunts, from tapas bars to traditional markets, and immerse yourself in the authentic Spanish way of life with the help of one of the best Spain travel books.
Fodor’s Madrid provides up-to-date information and insider insights to help you create unforgettable memories.
9. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona
You have been seeing the name of DK quite a lot in this article, and that’s for a reason. The DK Eyewitness Top 10 Barcelona guidebook is such a helpful and great guidebook that we can’t recommend it. Explore Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Navigate the city like a local with DK Eyewitness’ suggestions on the best places to eat, shop, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Benefit from practical advice and recommendations for day trips to nearby attractions such as Montserrat and Sitges using one of the best Spain travel books.
10. Eyewitness Northern Spain
The best thing about going to any place is not doing all the things every tourist does, but going to place and doing things that the locals do. Explore the unexplored places with the Eyewitness Northern Spain. From the rolling green landscapes of Asturias to the majestic Pyrenees, this guidebook showcases the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Unearth hidden gems, picturesque villages, and off-the-beaten-path destinations that will captivate your senses. Eyewitness Northern Spain offers valuable insights into this lesser-explored region, providing inspiration for an unforgettable Spanish adventure.
Our Final words
So those were all the great Spain books that would help you explore the country in the best way possible. But why explore just one country when another one awaits you? If you wish to extend your European trip to visit a bit of Portugal, here’s a list of the most comprehensive Portugal travel books.
Each guide offers a unique perspective and invaluable advice to help you navigate Spain’s diverse regions, uncover hidden attractions, and connect with the country’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Some prefer the conversational style of Rick Steves while others like the comprehensive insights of Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness. These Spain travel books will serve as the blueprint for your next European excursion!