From the warm Mediterranean climate to the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone in Spain.
There are the rugged mountains of the Pyrenees for nature ethusiasts, the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast for thalassophiles, and, shaped by a variety of influences over the centuries, from the ancient Romans and Moors to the Catholic monarchs and modern-day immigrants, there’s a vibrant mix of architecture, culture, music, art, and food.
Spain is an incredible country, but as the fourth largest in Europe (and the second largest country in the European Union), there’s a lot to pack into one trip.
There are plenty of reasons to consider a private tour in Spain, beyond the obvious benefit of a local expert to cover your planning. If you’re considering the best way to travel the country, read through these reasons a private tour could be it!
Reasons to Book a Private Tour in Spain
Value for Money
Although a private tour to Spain may be expensive than a group tour, and you can obviously design your own trip, private tours can actually offer better value in the long run.
Private tours are customized to your needs and interests, unlike group tours which have a set schedule and itinerary. This means you can choose to spend more time at certain attractions, skip others altogether, or even add in additional stops along the way.
You’re really maximizing your time when you take a private tour, and, because time is money, this means you’re maximizing your value. You’ll likely get more out of a private tour without the need to spend extra time at the end of the trip, or plan a return visit just to see one historic site that you missed.
You also have the undivided attention of your guide, which means that you can ask questions, receive personalized recommendations, and learn more about the local culture and history.
If you’re traveling as a larger group or a family though, private tours can be more cost effective than even a group tour, or planning it out on your own. Check this selection of Spain private tours.
The Wine
Spain is a country with a long and proud tradition of winemaking, and with over 2.9 million acres of vineyards, it’s the largest wine-producing country in the world, home to a wide range of unique and delicious wines.
The country’s vineyards are spread across a range of regions, from the lush hills of Rioja to the arid plains of La Mancha. This diversity of terrain allows for a wide range of grape varietals to thrive, resulting in a rich and varied wine scene.
But it also means that if you want to experience the vineyards and wine scene, you need to drive.
Drinking and driving don’t mix, so a private tour with a designated driver can be exactly what the wine lover to Spain needs!
Some of the most popular Spanish wines include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño, and Verdejo, all of which offer a distinct taste of Spain.
Local Expertise & Planning
Preparing the perfect trip to Spain can be time-consuming, and private tours are the perfect option for those who don’t have the time to read, plan, and book everything personally.
Private tours are planned by native, long-term residents of the country, and they’ll be able to provide you with insider knowledge about the local culture, history, and traditions.
They’ll be able to recommend hidden gems that are off the beaten track, and they’ll have a deep understanding of the local customs and etiquette.
Your guide will also be fluent in Spanish, which can be a significant advantage when traveling in Spain. Although many Spaniards speak English, being able to communicate in their native language can help you to connect with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the culture.
Comfort and Convenience
Traveling in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local transport systems, and it’s not always stress free to rent a car and start driving on the opposite side of the road! (All traffic in Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road, not on the left like the UK).
When you opt for a private tour, you’ll have the convenience of a private vehicle and driver, which can make your trip much more enjoyable (especially if you’re visiting wine regions!).
You won’t have to worry about navigating public transportation, dealing with traffic, or finding parking, which can be a significant advantage in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
You’ll be able to sit back and relax in a comfortable vehicle, enjoying the scenery as you travel from one destination to the next. And the scenery in Spain as you make your way from the cities to the country is worth being able to take in!
Access to Exclusive Sites
Another advantage of a private tour to Spain is the access you’ll have to exclusive sites and attractions that you may not have been able to plan alone.
Your guide will be able to take you to places that are off-limits to the general public, such as private estates, historic buildings, or restricted areas of national parks.
In some cases, your guide may be able to arrange private tours or experiences that aren’t available to the general public, such as a visit to a local vineyard or a private flamenco performance, because they’re part of the local community and know people.
But you don’t have to exclusively run with a private tour for this reason; even if you’ve planned and designed much of your trip yourself, you can add a special day with a private driver to get the benefit of both worlds!
Head off the Beaten Path
Some of the white villages or “pueblos blancos” in Andalucia have very poor connections to the rest of the country, and some incredible places like Extremadura are tucked away in small corners of Spain, which are difficult to reach.
Most group tours only include the most famous destinations and neglect some of the most specials areas of Spain, and being able to access off the beaten path / exclusive parts of the country is a big reason to opt for a private tour.
Travel is supposed to be about experiencing something new, and immersing yourself in history and culture. But this is hard to do when you’re trying to appreciate Gaudí with selfie sticks blocking your view.
If you’re hoping to experience a more authentic side of Spain, consider a private tour to places like Extremadura, an autonomous community that has stayed under the radar but boasts half a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a fantastic wine region.
Mérida is the capital, and dating back to 25 BC, it holds the title of an Archaeological-Historical Complex. The sheer amount of ancient Roman architecture in Mérida is staggering, and today it offers more important Roman monuments than any other Spanish city.
The city boasts Roman amphitheatres, stadiums, and aqueducts. You won’t want to miss sites like the Milagros Aqueduct or the Roman Temple to Diana. The grand amphitheatre (pictured above) once used by gladiators would have seen roughly 15,000 cheering spectators in the stands.
Enhanced Safety
Traveling in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local language and customs. When you opt for a private tour, you’ll have the added safety and security of a local guide who can help you navigate any potential challenges or issues that may arise.
Your guide will be able to provide you with safety tips, such as how to avoid pickpockets or how to stay safe in crowded areas. They’ll also be able to help you in the event of an emergency, such as a medical issue or lost passport.
Spain is an incredible country with much to explore. If you’re overwhelmed with the planning, want to take advantage of local planning, or head off the beaten path and experience exclusive sites, consider booking a private tour.
Also, if you plan on drinking LOTS of wine!