Hola! Spain: The Ultimate 2018 Travel Diary for First-Time Visitors – Barcelona & Andalusia Guide

Meta Description: Dreaming of Spain? Discover how to plan a 9-day Barcelona & Andalusia trip with practical tips on flights, visas, Gaudí tickets, and Alhambra bookings. A complete travel diary with insider advice.

There's something magnetic about Spain. It's not just the architecture or the food—it's the way the light hits the terracotta rooftops, the way every corner seems to explode in a palette of cobalt blue, sunflower yellow, and burnt orange. For years, I had been collecting reasons to go: Gaudí's whimsical masterpieces, Almodóvar's cinematic worlds drenched in high-saturation color, the layered history of Andalusia, and, yes, Messi's magic on the pitch. Each reason was a seed, patiently waiting for the right season. When a perfect flight deal appeared, my unused annual leave aligned, and a friend said "Let's go," the seeds finally sprouted.

So in early November 2018, we packed our bags and flew across the Atlantic. What followed was nine days of pure visual and emotional indulgence—a journey through Catalonia's avant-garde creativity and Andalusia's soulful traditions. Here's everything you need to know, from planning to packing, and the memories that still make me smile.

Before You Go: Essential Spain Travel Planning

✈️ Flights: Maximizing Time on the Ground

As a typical office worker with only five days of annual leave, every hour counted. I needed a flight schedule that allowed me to leave work on Friday evening and start exploring immediately upon arrival. No wasting precious vacation days on travel alone.

I stumbled upon a China Southern itinerary from Wuhan to Barcelona via Beijing that was practically tailor-made:

• Outbound: Wuhan → Beijing (21:01–22:38), then Beijing → Barcelona (02:46–07:21 local time)
• Return: Barcelona → Beijing (12:16–05:34), then Beijing → Wuhan (12:57–14:25)

The total round-trip cost? 4,061 RMB per person (about $570 USD at the time). Not the cheapest ever, but for the convenience of the timing, it was a steal. We landed in Barcelona at dawn, dropped our bags, and hit the ground running.

Pro Tip: For budget-conscious travelers, consider booking round-trip flights to Barcelona and using domestic budget airlines for inter-city travel. [Link: Best budget airlines in Spain]

🛂 Spain Visa from China: The Paperwork Puzzle

Applying for a Spanish visa from China requires some organization. Here's what we gathered:

• Printed appointment confirmation from the official visa portal
• Completed application form with one photo attached (bring a spare)
• Employment verification – both Chinese original and English translation (templates are easy to find online)
• Organization code certificate or a formal letter explaining its unavailability (stamped by your employer)
• Bank statements – at least three months, but six is safer if your balance is modest
• Travel itinerary – I used Qiongyou's trip planner to generate a clean, visa-friendly document
• Flight and hotel booking confirmations
• Travel insurance – bought on Taobao's Feizhu platform
• Passport – original plus two copies of the photo page, plus copies of any visa/stamp pages
• Friend's passport copy (if traveling together)
• ID card copy
• Household registration booklet – full copy plus original

Bonus materials that strengthen your application: social security card copy, property deed copy, driver's license copy, marriage certificate copy.

For Wuhan residents, the Spanish Visa Application Center is located at Room 2502, Wuguang Office Building. You'll submit documents and give biometrics there.

Important Note: Visa processing typically takes 15 working days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before departure. [Link: Spain visa requirements for Chinese nationals]

🗺️ Spain Itinerary Planning: Barcelona + Andalusia's Gems

The itinerary was built around two pillars: Gaudí's Barcelona and the historic cities of Andalusia. Inspired by Lin Da's Spanish Travel Notes, I fell in love with the region's Moorish heritage and vibrant culture. We settled on three Andalusian cities:

• Granada – home to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Córdoba – a treasure chest of ancient monuments
• Seville – the orange-scented capital of Andalusia

This Barcelona + three-city combo proved balanced and rewarding—similar to how I once paired Tokyo with three Kansai cities on a Japan trip.

Day-by-Day Spain Travel Itinerary

Pro Tip: This itinerary works best for travelers who enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and spontaneous wandering. Adjust based on your interests. [Link: How to plan a 10-day Spain itinerary]

🚆 Domestic Transport in Spain: Speed Matters

Barcelona → Granada: Flying was the clear winner. The high-speed train and bus both take too long for this distance. We booked Vueling (a budget airline) on Feizhu. The base fare was cheap, but luggage isn't included—add that online beforehand. Total: about 600 RMB per person.

Granada → Córdoba: The high-speed rail was under construction, so we took a direct bus. It took roughly the same time as a train would have. Booked on Mafengwo for 120 RMB per person. The bus station is easily reachable by city bus.

Córdoba → Seville: Trains run every 20 minutes. I used GoEuro (now Omio) since Renfe's website was blocked in China. The markup is about 10 RMB per ticket. You'll receive a PDF with a QR code—no need to print. Fast trains take 45 minutes; slower ones take 1.5 hours.

Seville → Barcelona: This was the riskiest leg. We flew Ryanair from Seville to Barcelona, arriving at 08:40, then had to catch our 11:10 flight back to Wuhan from Barcelona's other terminal. That left only 2.5 hours for baggage claim, terminal transfer, check-in, security, and customs. We made it—barely. No time for VAT refunds or duty-free shopping. Unless you're a seasoned traveler with a generous layover, I'd advise against this shortcut.

Ryanair also charges for online check-in (free if you do it yourself; expensive at the airport). Total cost with luggage: under 600 RMB.

Pro Tip: Always allow at least 3-4 hours for connecting flights at Barcelona El Prat Airport, especially when switching terminals. [Link: Barcelona airport terminal transfer guide]

🏨 Spain Accommodation: All Hits, No Misses

I usually book on Booking.com, but this time Mafengwo offered significantly lower prices for the same hotels—sometimes by nearly 100 RMB per night. So I went with Mafengwo for everything. Every single hotel exceeded expectations. Here's the lineup:

• Barcelona – Acta Antibes: A metro station is 200 meters away. Walk to Sagrada Família, or ride two stops to Casa Milà and Casa Batlló. We booked a double but got upgraded to a triple—free of charge.

• Granada – Hotel Inglaterra: The airport bus stops right outside. It's a 15-minute walk to the Alhambra. Breakfast was the best of the trip. And the front desk guy? Charming, warm, and patient even when we arrived at 11 PM after a flight delay.

• Seville – Hotel Alcazar: Steps from the train station bus stop and a 5-minute walk to the airport bus stop. Almost all major attractions are within a 1-kilometer radius. The front desk will print your budget airline boarding passes for free.

Pro Tip: Book accommodation with free cancellation when possible. Prices often drop closer to the date. [Link: Best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona]

🎟️ Must-Book Tickets: Book Early or Regret Later

Even in November (shoulder season), many attractions require advance reservations. Here's what you absolutely cannot leave until the last minute:

• Gaudí's Big Four (Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Sagrada Família, Park Güell): I booked a combo package on Mafengwo, but I waited until two days before departure. Big mistake. Every agent replied, "Sorry, that time slot is sold out." I eventually scrambled to find slots—Sagrada Família at 5:30 PM, just as the sun was setting. Learn from my pain: book at least two weeks ahead.

• Alhambra: The Nasrid Palaces are strictly timed and sell out fast. I reserved a month in advance and still had limited options. In peak season, book 2–3 months early. Don't be late—they won't let you in. I bought the Nasrid-inclusive ticket on Taobao for 135 RMB.

Other attractions like the Palau de la Música, Seville's Alcázar, and Seville Cathedral can be booked 1–2 days ahead. Some places (Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral, Hospital de Sant Pau) don't require timed entry. Bonus: Hospital de Sant Pau is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Pro Tip: For Sagrada Família, book the earliest possible time slot to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light. [Link: How to skip the line at Sagrada Família]

📱 Other Essentials for Spain Travel

• SIM Card: Buy a local SIM at Barcelona Airport or use an eSIM from providers like Airalo. Data is cheap and reliable.
• Currency: Spain uses the Euro. Notify your bank before traveling. ATMs are widely available.
• Language: Basic Spanish phrases go a long way. "Hola," "Gracias," and "Por favor" are essential.
• Packing: Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Spain involves a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.
• Weather in November: Expect 15–20°C (59–68°F) in Barcelona and warmer in Andalusia. Pack layers and a light jacket.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Travel

1. Is November a good time to visit Spain?

Yes! November is shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather is mild (15–20°C), especially in Andalusia. However, expect shorter daylight hours and occasional rain. It's perfect for cultural sightseeing without the summer heat.

2. How many days do I need for Barcelona and Andalusia?

A minimum of 9 days is ideal: 3–4 days in Barcelona, 2 days in Granada, 1 day in Córdoba, and 2 days in Seville. This allows for a relaxed pace and time for travel between cities.

3. Can I visit the Alhambra without a pre-booked ticket?

No. The Alhambra, especially the Nasrid Palaces, requires advance booking. Tickets often sell out weeks or months ahead. Book at least 2–3 months in advance for peak season (April–October).

4. What's the best way to travel between Spanish cities?

For long distances (Barcelona to Granada/Seville), flying is fastest. For shorter routes (Córdoba to Seville), high-speed trains (AVE) are efficient. Buses are budget-friendly for medium distances (Granada to Córdoba).

5. Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Spain?

Not necessarily. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, learning a few basic phrases (hello, please, thank you) will enhance your experience and be appreciated by locals.

Final Thoughts: Why Spain Will Steal Your Heart

Spain is more than a destination—it's a feeling. The warmth of the sun, the vibrancy of the colors, the passion of the people, and the depth of the history all combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're marveling at Gaudí's surreal architecture, wandering through the Alhambra's intricate palaces, or savoring tapas in a Seville square, every moment feels like a scene from a movie.

My 2018 trip taught me that the best travel experiences come from a balance of careful planning and spontaneous adventure. Book your flights, secure your tickets, and pack your bags—but leave room for the unexpected. Because in Spain, the most magical moments often happen when you least expect them.

Ready to Plan Your Own Spanish Adventure?

Start with these actionable steps: 1. Search for flight deals to Barcelona or Madrid 2. Book your Gaudí and Alhambra tickets at least 2 weeks in advance 3. Create a flexible itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation 4. Pack comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure

¡Hasta luego, España! Your heart is waiting.

Note: This article is based on a 2018 travel experience. Prices and availability may have changed. Always check current travel advisories, visa requirements, and booking policies before your trip.