11 Must-Have Apps for Visiting Spain

The best way of exploring Spain’s beautiful old cities, towns and villages is to get lost, but sometimes you’ll just want to get somewhere as quickly as possible, and for that Google Maps is your best bet. It offers real-time directions which are easy to follow, even when you’re navigating the narrowest and oldest of Spanish streets.

Remember the parody of a weather forecast on The Fast Show, when Caroline Aherne’s character just repeats “scorchio” over and over again? If you’re visiting Spain during spring or summer, then it really is likely to be sunny all day every day; but just to be sure, check El Tiempo’s reliable 14-day forecast.

When travelling around Spain, you’re bound to come across Spanish words and phrases that you don’t understand, so have the Google Translate App to hand. It’s great for short phrases and single words, although it can get a little confused when dealing with longer passages of text.

Another handy translation app to install before flying off to Spain is Word Reference. It’s superb for single words, especially modern slang and regional variations, both of which you’ll hear a lot of when travelling around Spain. Example sentences also make the meanings of words crystal-clear.

For sightseeing suggestions and general information on over 100 Spanish cities, Triposo is hard to beat. It offers tips on which monuments to go and see, where to eat out and where to party, as well as maps that can be accessed without WiFi. All major Spanish cities are covered, including Madrid, Barcelona and Seville.

The ubiquitous messaging app is particularly useful to have when travelling in Spain, as many businesses – especially tourist attractions and restaurants – use it as a means of communicating with clients. It’s also a great way of avoiding overseas SMS charges if messaging people back home, or sending them envy-inducing photos.

One of the best ways to travel throughout Spain is by using the country’s excellent and relatively inexpensive train network. Eurail Planner is the app you need if you’re getting about in this way: it offers a wealth of information about train times and fares and, even better, can be used without an internet connection.

Beautiful beaches are so abundant in Spain, particularly along the south coast, that it can be difficult to choose amongst them. If you’re seeking a day of sun and sand, then, the Best Beach app is indispensable: with information about more than 3,400 of the country’s world-class playas, it’ll help you find just the one for you.

There is no shortage of currency apps out there, but XE is easy to use and available offline. It’s perfect for when you’re comparing prices in Spain with those back home (a comparison in which Spain is likely to come off better), and for making sure you’re getting a good rate when exchaning currencies from or to the euro.

If you want to travel around Spain with an itinerary and intend to pack as much into your days as possible, check out TripIt. By simply entering all your practical details – flight times, attractions, restaurants booked, and car-hire pick ups – you receive a helpful timeline of your daily plans, ensuring that you don’t forget anything.

We couldn’t not mention TripAdvisor‘s app in this article. Whether you’re looking to book a restaurant for dinner, deciding which historical attractions to visit, or choosing a hotel, this super-helpful app provides you with customer reviews and the site’s own recommendations. It will make your trip to Spain go that bit more smoothly.