The Ultimate Spain Packing List of 2024

From beaches and vineyards to bustling cities, celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-class museums, Spain offers a multi-faceted vacation that appeals to travelers of all types. And as such, packing for a trip to a destination where your activities can vary so widely from day to day and region to region can be tricky. 

According to Borja Martín Guridi, chief concierge at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, “there is a noticeable appreciation for both classic and contemporary fashion,” he says, adding that locals often embrace “a mix of timeless elegance and cutting-edge trends.” So if you want to blend in, don’t be afraid to mix-and-match your vacation wardrobe between high-quality basics and of-the-moment pieces that feature more eye-catching elements.

This approach can also help you pack lighter, knowing that you can combine items to create a multitude of different outfits. But for any trip, the most important thing to keep in mind is how to prepare a versatile capsule wardrobe that will suit all sorts of adventures while remaining comfortable and stylish. Here are our recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Spain.

Best Clothing

Nadia Pape, owner of the Barcelona vintage shop Los Feliz, says that style in Spain is mostly casual. “We dress for the sun, prioritizing comfort and body freedom,” she adds. To that end, for ladies, she recommends clothes that have a breezy silhouette that can make long days of sightseeing more pleasant, like silk dresses or pleated pants. And for guys, Pape suggests channeling your inner “Mister Ripley and dress in linen,” she says, adding that guys should dress with the heat in mind. “You want to stay stylish and light.”

But of course, Mother Nature is a fickle master. So it’s important to bring layering items, like a solid jacket or a warm cardigan, to ward off an unexpected cold front.

Best Daywear for Women

Best Top

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

$128 at Nordstrom View on Lyst.com

The breathability of a basic linen T-shirt is a peerless summer travel workhorse. It’s great for hot days, but opting for a T-shirt with full sleeves means you’re equally prepared for cool evenings and chilly airplanes.

Best Skirt

Madewell Layton Midi Slip Skirt

$74 at madewell.com

What we love about this skirt is the combination of its flattering mid-calf silhouette with the easy-to-pair playful polka dots. You can wear it with a tank top for a fuss-free day of shopping, then top the outfit off with a cardigan or blazer for a smart dinner look in one of San Sebastian’s famous Michelin-starred restaurants.

Best Dress

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress

$298 at Reformation $93 at Saks Fifth Avenue $298 at Anthropologie

Following Pape’s advice, we think this full-length slip dress from Reformation ticks all the right boxes. The psychedelic pattern makes it look more casual (you could even pair it with flip-flops), but you can easily style this to be more formal for, say, a destination wedding in Mallorca.

Best Jeans

Everlane The Way-High® Jean

$118 at everlane.com

A comfy pair of jeans is an everyday hero item in a modern-day wardrobe. This high-rise pair from Everlane is great for travel thanks to the generous (but not too wide) cut and the added bit of stretch. The goes-with-everything color makes it even more of a must-have for your next trip to Spain.

Best Sweater

Faherty Organic Cotton Fisherman Cardigan

$188 at Nordstrom

The chunky weight of this cardigan makes it the perfect warming layer for plane rides or any other situation where it might be cooler than expected. But the casual cropped shape means you can wear it anywhere, including as a swimwear cover-up or on its own as a top with a cute pair of jeans.

Best Jacket

Onedreamer Cropped Safari Jacket

$47 at Amazon

Nothing says “I’m ready for adventure” quite like a safari jacket. For trips to the vineyards of Priorat just outside Barcelona or for a morning hike in the Basque country, you’ll find yourself reaching for this multi-pocketed jacket. It also comes in two dozen colors.

Best Daywear for Men

Best Shirt

Alex Crane Playa Shirt

View on Alexcrane.co

Yes, you can find a linen shirt pretty much anywhere these days, but Alex Crane’s eco-friendly bonafides make the Playa Shirt our favorite. The easy-breezy French linen and the durable corozo buttons are classic details that give these shirts a wear-forever quality. There are tons of colors and patterns, but we love the eye-catching versatility of this cream-and-blue stripe.

Best Pants

Scotch and Soda Cotton-Linen Pleated Chinos

View on Scotchandsoda.com

Lightweight chinos in blue are a failsafe wardrobe staple. This vacation-ready pair from Scotch and Soda will look just as good with a white T-shirt for day of sightseeing as it would with the linen button-down above for a multi-course fine-dining reservation.

Best Sweater

Banana Republic Point Sur V-Neck Sweater

View on Gap.com

For days when temperatures drop, you need a solid sweater that can go with everything else in your suitcase. Enter this sexy V-neck sweater from Banana Republic. The relaxed silhouette is super modern as is the thick ribbed neckline, but the soft organic cotton makes it as cushy as a sweater you’ve had for years.

Best Shorts

Vuori Pebble Shorts

View on Vuoriclothing.com

This pair of mid-length shorts wins for versatility. At first glance, they’re your typical chino shorts that will go with any top you’ve packed. But they also have four-way stretch and are made of a quick drying textile, which means they’re ready for an impromptu hike or a dip in the sea.

Best Jacket

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket

View on Huckberry

A chore-style cotton jacket in dark color is the lightweight outerwear of our dreams. First, we love that it has the heavy stone wash that gives it that broken-in look and feel. Second, there are also so many convenient pockets for snacks, sunglasses, passports, tickets, etc. But as casual as this all sounds, the Ojai jacket’s sleek silhouette can still live up to a dressier moment. Pair it with a white button-down shirt and trousers for a classic-yet-modern menswear look. You can also upgrade to a wool chore jacket if you’d prefer something heavier and warmer.

Best Evening Wear for Women

Best Evening Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Dorothea Wrap Dress

$398 at Nordstrom View on Lyst.com

Is there something more timelessly chic than a DvF wrap dress? We don’t think so, and we especially love the modern details on the Dorothea dress. The split flutter sleeves, the sexy surplice neckline, and the bold-but-subtle black-and-white pattern throughout make this such an easy dress to put on.

Best Top

Free People Gold Rush Top

View on Freepeople.com

A simple sequin long-sleeve T-shirt will easily dress up everything in your suitcase. Wear this with jeans and sandals for a fun night out or with a dressier silk skirt if you’re doing something more formal (like a nice dinner). Given that this is still just a sparkly T-shirt, though, you can also wear it with shorts for a cool daytime look to maximize its versatility.

Best Shorts

Staud Luisa Long Pleated Shorts

View on Staud.clothing

We love the idea of formal shorts when on vacation. And this pleated pair with a moderately wider leg from Staud is perfect for when you want to look put together but with a slight edge, especially if you add a statement belt to the mix. Pair this with the sequined top above plus a pair of strappy stilettos, and you’re ready for whatever Spanish nightlife throws at you.

Best Blazer

Veronica Beard Hosana Linen Jacket

View on Veronicabeard.com View on Lyst.com

When it comes to modern suiting, Veronica Beard is a classic go-to. The sharp tailoring on this linen blazer is world-class, but the additional details throughout — from the silver-tone hardware to the peak lapels and the cropped length — make it all the more special. This will look great over a flirty summer dress or to create a stylish summer suit with the pleated shorts above.

Best Sleepwear

Cozy Earth Short Sleeve Bamboo Pajama Set

$175 at Nordstrom View on Cozy Earth View on Lyst.com

These stretchy, breathable pajamas have a cult following thanks to their fabulous bamboo construction. The fabric can help regulate your body temperature overnight, which makes for a much more comfortable sleep.

Best Evening Wear for Men

Best Sweater

Coofandy Knit Zip-up Polo Sweater

$34 at Amazon

A polo sweater is a great way to dress up an outfit in an unexpected way. This zip-up knit polo with the contrasting trim on the collar will modernize a linen suit for a summer wedding. But it’ll still look cool paired with chinos, shorts, or straight-leg jeans. Plus, the fabric is wrinkle-resistant so it’s ready to go as soon as you pull it out of your carry-on.

Best Trousers

Todd Snyder Lightweight Ghurka Trousers

$268 at toddsnyder.com

Ghurka trousers were actually military wear during the 1800s. A lot of modern menswear brands make them now because of their flattering shape thanks to the waist-fasteners and the front pleats; all of which makes them a bit more formal, too. This lightweight pair from Todd Snyder has long been a brand staple and comes in various textiles and patterns. A solid navy will go a long way in your travel wardrobe.

Best Blazer

Alex Mill Mercer Blazer in Cotton Linen

View on Alexmill.com

The light cotton-linen blend of Alex Mill’s best-selling Mercer blazer is the ideal warm-weather jacket, but the classic construction makes it an all-season workhorse. It’s a part of a suit, but the relaxed silhouette and casual patch pockets make it easier to wear on its own over a classic white button-down and jeans.

Best Sleepwear

Charles Tyrwhitt Pajama Set

View on Charlestyrwhitt.com

If you want sleepwear that is as sharp as your daywear, Charles Tyrwhitt gives its pajama set a smart twist with the lapel collar. But the soft cotton and drawstring waistband are incredibly cozy as well.

Best Shoes

A trip to Spain will require a lot of walking. Take it from Raul Bermejo, chief concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. “Make sure to bring a pair of comfortable sneakers, as Spaniards love to walk,” he advises. “Casual sneakers or running sneakers are both fine, but casual sneakers always have a classier and more elevated look.”

We agree: a great pair of classic sneakers is a standard travel must-have. They’re easy to pack and a breeze to pair with a variety of outfits. But for a Spain vacation, you should also think of packing a versatile dress shoe plus something summery for beachside adventures. For the latter, Pape suggests investing in a pair of espadrilles — a signature Spanish creation. “Espadrilles are a must — flat or with a wedge,” she says, adding that “the best ones are made in Spain with a long tradition linked to the country, so you can always buy them here!”

Best Sneakers for Women

Isabel Marant Beth Sneakers

$495 at Net-a-Porter

Inspired by old-school tennis shoes, these Isabel Marant velcro-strap sneakers give off a strong vintage vibe. The perforated trims on both the leather and suede uppers are a fun twist on an otherwise straightforward shoe that you can wear with shorts, jeans, and dresses.

Best Sneakers for Men

Clae Bradley in White Leather

View on Clae.com

All-white low-top sneakers should already be in your wardrobe, but if not, LA-based footwear brand Clae makes a clean pair. Triple milled Nappa leather over a molded footbed delivers a super dependable shoe that you’ll reach for time and again. The minimalist look makes for a discreet day-in, day-out workhorse.

Best Sandals for Women

Sarto by Franco Sarto Emily Sandals

$99 at Nordstrom

Looking for a comfortable flat sandal that can go with nearly everything in your suitcase? These leather sandals are it. The cushioned footbed and the sliver of a heel will make these super easy to wear. The unusual strap design adds some visual interest, but the sleek style will complement every outfit, day or night.

Best Sandals for Men

The Resort Co Slip-on Suede Espadrilles

View on Theresortco.com

If you don’t want to get to Spain without a pair of espadrilles already in hand, go for these suede mules from The Resort Co. They scream “summer vacation,” but in an elegant way. Slip them on for the pool, beach, breakfast at the hotel, or while exploring Madrid’s exciting vintage-shopping scene.

Best Dress Shoes for Women

J.Crew Layne Cap-Toe Heels

View on Jcrew.com

When selecting heels for a trip, we suggest going for a sturdy pair that you can comfortably don for multiple occasions. These J.Crew slingbacks come with block heels that aren’t too high, which is great. But you know what we love even more? The combination of leather and canvas that creates a slightly more casual vibe, meaning you can rock these during a daytime stroll through a museum or for drinks in a dressy cocktail bar.

Best Versatile Dress Shoes for Men

Vinny’s Penny Loafers

View on Huckberry

Copenhagen-based Vinny’s is making some of the best-looking loafers out there right now. This colorblock pair marries summer-ready white with a gorgeous shade of burgundy — it’s an unexpected choice that really works. It’ll complement many of your outfits and can easily be dressed down. (Try it with chino shorts and a linen shirt for a chill, preppy vibe). The sole looks super sleek, but it’s actually a mix of leather and rubber which offers more support.

Best Gear and Accessories

When it comes to sprucing up your vacation looks with accessories, all the experts agree: don’t forget a fantastic pair of sunglasses. Guridi suggests choosing “a pair that complements your face shape and adds a chic finishing touch to your outfit.” 

And for Pape, a roomy basket-style bag in wicker isn’t just a fun way to add a beachy twist to your outfit, but these bags are actually a big part of Spanish culture. “Depending on the region you are traveling to, the style and design of the wicker baskets or cestos de mimbre will vary; almost every region has its own style,” she says. 

We also suggest bringing sun protection with you on a trip to Spain. Many people travel to the country to enjoy its sunny weather, but according to Guridi, “one item that visitors to Spain should remember to bring, which they may often overlook, is sunscreen. Even during the cooler seasons or cloudy days, UV rays can still be strong, so it's important to apply sunscreen regularly, especially if spending time outdoors.” Another way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays is by wearing a hat. So consider adding a baseball cap or and/or a bucket hat to your packing list, too.

Finally, don’t forget your power adapter on any trip to Spain (or anywhere in Europe, for that matter). Most hotels will have power adapters that you can borrow during your stay. But why take the risk? Universal power adapters, which feature various settings to accommodate different countries, are relatively inexpensive. Here are our favorites.

Best Sunglasses for Women

Gentle Monsters Molta Sunglasses

View on Gentlemonster.com

Translucent acetate sunglasses are super trendy right now, but this slightly oversized egg-shaped pair from Korea’s Gentle Monsters feels a bit more timeless. Maybe it’s the brown shade contrasting against the dark-black hue of the lenses that has us thinking you could wear these forever.

Best Sunglasses for Men

Le Specs Dang It Sunglasses

View on Lespecs.com

Slightly angular tortoise-shell frames complement almost every face shape, and we love this pair from Le Specs, because it gives off a solid you-can-wear-this-with-everything versatility. Plus, it costs under $100. Seems like a win-win to us.

Best Convertible Clutch for Women

Mansur Gavriel Cloud Clutch

$545 at Nordstrom

When you’re traveling (and in daily life), you want accessories that can pull double duty. This Mansur Gavriel clutch is super roomy and comes with a removable crossbody strap. You can wear it multiple ways and for nearly every activity of your trip: during the flight, a day of shopping, for fancy meals, and whatever else you’ve got on the itinerary. Plus, the leather is so supple so you know the wear-forever quality is there.

Best Gender-neutral Tote

A.P.C. Brown Ninon Tote

View on Ssense.com

If you prefer a bigger, more spacious carry-all, this faux-leather tote from A.P.C. is the perfect travel bag. Visible branding aside, this handsome bag is a minimalist’s dream. There’s a small pocket in the interior for your phone, some cash, and a small tube of sunscreen; otherwise, throw everything else in the main compartment, and you’re good to go.

Best Straw Bag

YYW Straw Bag

$27 at Amazon

If you want to add a colorful jolt of whimsy to your travel wardrobe, go for this budget-friendly straw bag from YYW. Its crescent shape is spacious enough to fit sightseeing and beach essentials, but you’re really getting it for the fun medley of colors that will brighten up every outfit. Think about it: this bag is great for a day on a yacht in Ibiza or with a fun summer dress for a beachside dinner in Barcelona.

Best Belt for Women

Banana Republic Montage Leather Belt

View on Gap.com

Statement-making belts are so trendy right now, but we love this more restrained style from Banana Republic. The gold-tone buckles and accents are great for adding a bit more oomph to your look, but they’re discreet enough to not overwhelm the rest of the outfit. And when traveling, you want accessories that will play well with the rest of what’s in your suitcase. You can even try using it to cinch a simple dress.

Best Belt for Men

Bleu de Chauffe Manchette Belt

View on Bleu-de-chauffe.com

Handmade in France, Bleu de Chauffe pieces are a bit more interesting than your standard belts. We love the Manchette style and the deep chocolate brown leather that will go with everything, but the sculptural gold-tone buckle? That’s a conversation-starter that will make a T-shirt and jeans moment all the more captivating.

Best Luggage

If you plan to visit multiple regions during your trip to Spain, Bermejo recommends going for a smaller suitcase. “A weekend trolley should be enough, as most looks should be able to be transformed and styled from day to evening, making it easier to travel around,” he says. But regardless of what size suitcase you go for, you want to find a piece of luggage that is durable and functional — those cobblestoned streets can be a pain to deal with if your suitcase doesn’t have sturdy wheels. We also recommend packing an Apple AirTag in your checked bag so that you can easily track your belongings while in transit.

Best Checked Suitcase

Monos Hybrid Check-in Large

View on Monos.com

A combination of aluminum and polycarbonate, this checked suitcase is nearly indestructible. Interestingly, it doesn’t have a zipper: you close it using the TSA-approved locks. (If you struggle with zipping up your suitcases, this might be the one for you). The bag is super sleek, too, featuring tonal details. Everything — from the body to the locks to the handles — is the same color. The only things that stand out are the wheels.

Best Carry-on Luggage

July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve

View on July.com

We named July’s Carry-On Pro as one of our favorite carry-on luggage pieces of 2024 largely because it looks good (it’s super sleek) and it comes with useful features (the ejectable power bank, for one). The Carry-On Pro SnapSleeve takes all those perks to the next level thanks to a laptop sleeve that you can snap off the body of the suitcase, meaning you can leave your trunk in the overhead bin and hold onto your tech in a protective pouch. Genius.

Best Backpack

Cotopaxi Tasra 16L Backpack - Del Dia

$90 at REI View on Cotopaxi.com

For us, the best backpacks are large enough to carry a good amount of stuff but are still small enough to not become a piece of luggage themselves. We want a backpack that can act as a day bag if we’re taking an eight-hour excursion. The super colorful Tasra backpack from outdoorsy outfitter Cotopaxi meets those qualifications perfectly. There are lots of compartments for organized packing (including a padded laptop slot), but it’s still compact and lightweight enough to work as a personal item on a plane.

Best Duffel Bag

Rains Hilo Weekend Bag Small

$75 at Amazon View on Rains.com

For any soft-shell bag we take on a trip, we prefer ones that are as close to waterproof as possible. Rains is known for their protective gear, and this small weekender comes with a coating that can withstand light rain. The zippers are coated, too, so that moisture can’t sneak in. Stuff the main compartment with clothes, then use the exterior compression straps to seal it all in. There’s a longer removable strap, too, if you’d prefer to carry it on your shoulders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Spain?

Weather in Spain varies not only from season to season but also from region to region. So you’ll want to consider the destinations your trip will include as you prepare your Spain packing list. And, of course, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for the places you’re traveling to a few days before your date of departure. As a general rule, though, Spain can be extremely hot in the summer and cooler the rest of the year. The south (Andalusia) can be scorching from June to September – to the point that locals often avoid leaving the house during the day. And the north typically experiences cooler, more moderate temperatures. Spring and autumn often bring milder weather throughout the country.

What should I wear to avoid looking like a tourist in Spain?

“Typically, you can say that the overall Spanish style is colorful and smart,” says Bermejo. So if you want to blend in through fashion, choose seasonally-appropriate attire but brighten it up with interesting accessories and eye-catching patterns. You never want to look like you’re trying too hard, but do make an effort to look put-together. Remember, Pape said that there’s still usually a level of casualness to the way people dress in Spain.

Should I bring a water bottle to Spain?

Tap water is perfectly good to drink in Spain so bringing a refillable water bottle for your personal consumption will be helpful. A new tax on non-reusable plastic packaging went into effect throughout the country on January 1, 2023. This is unlikely to impact visitors (unless companies pass the extra taxes onto consumers), but it doesn’t ever hurt to pursue greener personal practices.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L contributor Chadner Navarro used his expertise as a full-time travel writer and frequent Spain visitor to research and write this packing guide. He first visited Spain in 2007 and has, over the years, traveled to various parts of the country during different seasons. He used his travel experience to determine the best types of products to include in this story. He also spoke to Nadia Pape, owner of Los Feliz, a vintage store in Barcelona, for additional style insight. For more packing advice, he also interviewed two of Madrid’s top hotel concierges: Borja Martín Guridi, chief concierge at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, and Raul Bermejo, chief concierge at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid.

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