Packing list for Spain, travel insurance for Spain, and taking your belongings

What to take with you to Spain: spotlighted

• Documents: an ID card or passport when you are from the EU, a passport with at least 6 months validity if you are from outside the EU. And copies of course.
• Money: Debit card with Maestro/Visa/Mastercard works fine. Cash (euros) is handy in villages.
• Care: sunscreen with factor 30+, because the Spanish sun is no joke. Lip balm with SPF is also nice, especially in the mountains.
• Outdoor and handy items: cap or hat and sunglasses. You will definitely need them.
• Clothing: breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton, and quick-drying hiking clothes if you are going for mountain hikes. Long trousers/skirt and scarf for church visits. Casual chic for dining out and something warm for the evenings, because it can get quite cold.
• Shoes: good hiking boots and (chic) ​​sandals/slippers depending on what you are going to do. Reusable water bottle, because you will need to drink a lot of water!
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, blister plasters (for hikers), and painkillers.
• Safety: a safe bag (one on your belly is the best) for Barcelona.
• Technology and equipment: European plug (type C/F).

What are some other options for packing as well?

• Reusable water bottle.
• Fan – cultural and life-saving in the heat.

What should you know when you bring your stuff with you to Spain?

• The siesta is sacred, many shops are closed, so make sure you have what you need before closing times.

Are there mosquitoes in Spain?

• Only annoying mosquitoes in the hotter seasons/areas, but they are not dangerous.

Are there sandflies in Spain?

• Sandflies are endemic to Spain and are mainly found in the Mediterranean areas, where it is hot. In the north of Spain, the risk is much lower.
• Protect your ankles and legs well with clothing or insect repellent.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Spain?

• Most pharmacies and supermarkets sell mosquito repellent.
• The repellents come in all sorts of forms - DEET and picaridin are available.
• Specialised travel shops often have repellents with higher concentrations of DEET.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Spain, or take it with you to Spain?

• Officially, cannabis use is not legal in Spain, although private use for personal consumption is tolerated under certain conditions.
• Tourists are usually exempt from the rules of weed clubs, and smoking in public is risky and punishable.
• As a tourist, you are not allowed to buy, possess or use weed unless you are somewhere where you can't see anyone, smell anyone and film anyone (and even then you run a risk).
• Best advice: enjoy the sangria and paella, and put the joints aside for a while – especially if you don't want to risk going to prison or get a fine of half a month's salary.