Explore Spain Your Way – With Full Flexibility or Total Convenience
Once you’ve decided when to travel to Spain, the next big question is how to travel.
There are two main options for exploring Spain: joining a group tour or planning your own independent trip. Each style has its own strengths and challenges, depending on your personality, budget, and travel goals.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each travel style so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Group Tours in Spain
Best for: Convenience and Cost Savings
Challenging for: Flexibility and Personalization
Why choose a group tour?
Group tours are great for travelers who prefer to avoid the hassle of planning. When you book a tour with a travel agency, everything is arranged for you—flights, hotels, transportation, meals, activities, and even guides. All you have to do is show up and follow the itinerary.
These tours are also typically more affordable. Because you’re traveling as part of a group, prices are bundled and significantly reduced. Flights, accommodation, transportation, and even meals are included in one price, often costing no more than airfare alone if booked individually.
What are the downsides?
The biggest trade-off is freedom. Group tours follow a fixed schedule, leaving little room for spontaneous detours or personal interests. You may want to spend more time at a site or explore a hidden café, but the group has to move on.
Additionally, some tours include mandatory shopping stops, which can feel forced—and prices at these stops are often higher than average. Tour schedules can also be exhausting, covering large areas of Spain (a country five times the size of Korea) in just 7 to 10 days, often leaving travelers feeling rushed and tired.
Group dynamics can also affect your experience. Traveling with 20–30 strangers means a wide range of ages, preferences, and energy levels. Conflicts may arise, and it’s not always possible to cater to everyone’s taste. Meals and accommodations are preselected, limiting your ability to explore local dining options or stay in unique places.
If you’re looking for comfort and efficiency over exploration and spontaneity, group tours may be right for you.
Independent Travel in Spain
Best for: Freedom and Customization
Challenging for: Planning and Budget
Why go independent?
Independent travel gives you complete control. You decide where to go, when to go, and how long to stay. Want to spend an afternoon on a sunny terrace with coffee and churros? Done. Want to skip the museum and head to a local market? You’re free to do so.
Unexpected discoveries are often the highlight of independent travel. Whether it’s a quiet beach, a street performance in Seville, or a restaurant recommended by locals, you have the flexibility to change plans on the fly.
Thanks to modern platforms, organizing your trip is easier than ever. You can:
Book hotels or apartments to match your budget and style
Reserve local tours, cooking classes, or day trips with ease
Find tickets for events or attractions at the best rates
But there are challenges.
Planning an entire trip by yourself takes time and effort. From transportation and accommodation to food and sightseeing, every detail is your responsibility. It’s rewarding, but also demanding—especially if you’re unfamiliar with Spain’s geography, transit systems, or cultural norms.
Independent travel also tends to be more expensive. Unlike group tours, there are no bulk discounts, and you’ll likely pay full price for flights, hotels, and entrance fees. Unless you’re booking far in advance or traveling off-season, the cost can add up quickly.
Still, for those who enjoy the planning process and want a more personal, unfiltered experience of Spain, independent travel is incredibly rewarding.
How to Decide?
Ask yourself:
Do I prefer a relaxed, spontaneous trip or a structured, worry-free itinerary?
Am I comfortable handling bookings and navigating unfamiliar places?
Do I want to stick to a budget or am I willing to spend more for independence?
Choose a group tour if:
You’re short on time
You prefer convenience
You want a cost-effective option
Choose independent travel if:
You value freedom and flexibility
You enjoy discovering hidden gems
You’re willing to plan ahead and spend a bit more
Whatever you choose, Spain has something for everyone. From medieval towns and modern cities to tapas bars and flamenco shows, your journey will be unforgettable. All you need is the right mindset—and the right travel style.
Ready to plan your trip?