Incredible countries to visit during an exchange in Spain
Studying in Spain is a transformative experience that goes far beyond exploring beautiful Spanish cities. Thanks to the privileged location and excellent connectivity in Europe, who does exchange in Spain you have the opportunity to visit several neighboring countries, further enriching the trip. In this guide, we are going to list some must-see destinations for you to include in your itinerary during your exchange in Spain.
Countries that border with Spain
Spain occupies a large part of the Iberian Peninsula and is bordered by:
1. Portugal
2. France
3. Andorra
4. Gibraltar (British territory)
5. Morocco (via Ceuta and Melilla)
This means that, when study and work in Spain, you can easily explore these neighboring nations, whether on weekend trips or extended holidays.
Discover Every Destination
Portugal: tradition and modernity by the sea
Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, is a vibrant city that mixes history and modernity. Located just 6 hours from Madrid, it offers iconic attractions such as the Bairro Alto, the Belém Tower and the famous yellow trams. In addition, Portugal is known for its unique cuisine, with delicious custard, cod and port wines.
Distance from Madrid: 625 km
Travel time by train: 6h
Be Easy tip: visit the Pena Palace in Sintra, a colorful castle that looks like something out of a fairytale.
France: culture and sophistication in the north
France is easily accessible from Barcelona. Paris, the City of Lights, offers world-famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Versailles Gardens. The south of France, with cities like Nice and Marseille, is also worth a special visit.
Distance from Barcelona: 830 km (to Paris)
Travel time by train: 6:30
Be Easy tip: explore the Provence region during the lavender bloom season, between June and August.
Andorra: winter sports paradise
Nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra is a small country famous for its ski resorts and tax-free shopping. In winter, it's the perfect destination for snow sports, while in summer it offers spectacular trails.
Distance from Barcelona: 200 km
Bus travel time: 3h
Be Easy tip: take advantage of tax-free electronic and cosmetic product offers.
Morocco: exoticism at your fingertips
Through the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla, Spain borders Morocco, offering a unique opportunity to explore North African culture. Cities like Tangier, Fez, and Marrakech provide a completely different experience.
Distance from Málaga: 150 km (to Tangier via ferry)
Ferry travel time: 1h30
Be Easy tip: take a tour of Marrakech's famous souk (traditional market).
Gibraltar: a piece of the United Kingdom in the Mediterranean
This British territory in southern Spain offers a curious mix of cultures. Famous for its monkey-inhabited rock, Gibraltar is also renowned for its duty-free shopping and interesting mix of British and Mediterranean influences.
Distance from Seville: 200 km
Travel time by train: 2:30
Be Easy tip: climb to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar to see Africa from across the strait.
Italy: art, history and gastronomy
Rome, Venice, Florence - cities that need no introduction. Italy is easily accessible by low-cost flights from several Spanish cities, making it a perfect destination for long weekend trips.
Distance from Barcelona: 850 km (to Rome)
Flight time: 2h
Be Easy tip: book in advance to get cheap flights.
Transportation System
Spain offers one of the most efficient transport networks in Europe, making trips an extraordinary part of your exchange experience. With its strategic location, you can easily explore not only Spanish beauty, but also several neighboring countries.
Railway System: AVE - Spanish High Speed
The pride of the Spanish transportation system is undoubtedly the AVE, its high-speed trains that connect the country's main cities with impressive comfort and efficiency. You can go from Madrid to Barcelona in just 2h30, or arrive in Seville in 2h20.
Average AVE prices:
• Short trips: €30-50
• Average trips: €50-80
• Long trips: €80-120
Be Easy tip: Get the Renfe Joven card to guarantee discounts of up to 30% on your train trips.
Bus: The Economy Option
Intercity buses in Spain are an excellent alternative for budget-conscious travelers. ALSA offers an extensive route network with modern and comfortable buses.
Essential Apps
For Planning:
• Renfe: Purchase of train tickets
• Google Maps: General navigation
• Moovit: Local public transport
For Reservations:
• Omion: Price comparison
• Skyscanner: Search for cheap flights
• BlaBlaCar: Ride-sharing
Do Your Exchange in Spain with Be Easy
Transform your exchange in Spain into a unique experience with the specialized support of Be Easy. Our team offers not only assistance with your course, but all the necessary planning to explore Europe and North Africa, with personalized itineraries, accommodation tips, and full documentation and travel insurance support.
Get in touch right now and discover how we can make your dream of studying abroad a reality. With Be Easy, you have a partner committed to making your international experience memorable from start to finish.
