Need to know what to pack for Spain? I got you! As both an American and Spanish resident for over 15 years, I’m giving you a no-fluff list of things to bring. Make it make sense for your travel style! This minimalist, ultimate Spain packing list is for you – whether you’re going to the scorching city of Seville in the summer or the rainiest region of Galicia in the winter. I cover the extreme weather and everything in between. Say goodbye to overpacking and say hello to the essential items you need to keep your luggage light.

Ultimate Spain Packing List

This is a straightforward list of essentials to bring to Spain. Click here –> if you want to know what to wear in Spain according to region and season.

Your packing list for Spain will depend on 1) the region and season you’re visiting, 2) the activities you’ll be doing, and 3) how much luggage you want to bring.

Also, find out what NOT to wear in Spain so you’re not targeted as a tourist!

Here’s my list of essentials:

Clothing to Bring to Spain

It’s important to remember that the northern Spain is colder and the southern Spain is warmer. This goes for any time of the year. Be sure to check the local weather! Here’s a general Spain travel checklist:

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Spain in Winter

• Medium to heavy jacket or coat
• Thermal base layers (for all regions)
• Long-sleeved tops
• Sweaters or hoodie
• Long-sleeved tops
• Winter leggings or thermal tights as pants or under dresses
• Warm scarf: A wool or cashmere scarf will keep you warm
• Cardigan sweater or hoodie: layering and adjusting your warmth level
• Gloves and mittens: (not necessary in south or Barcelona)
• Warm hat: (not necessary in south or Barcelona)
• Medium-weight pants
• Comfortable sneakers or shoes

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Spain in Spring

March is the coldest month, June is the warmest.

• Lightweight jackets
• Long-sleeved tops
• Short-sleeved tops
• Light base layer (if going in March or a cold region)
• Tank top if going to a sunny region
• Comfortable pants or jeans
• Casual dresses or skirts
• Lightweight scarves
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap
• Undergarments (underwear and bra)
• Pajamas

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Spain in Summer

• Lightweight and breathable tops (linen, light cotton, modal, etc.)
• Sleeveless tops
• Shorts and skirts
• Comfortable, stylish sandals
• Swimsuits and cover-ups
• Light cardigan or shawl for cooler evenings (Northern Spain or a freak night)
• Dresses for both casual and dressy occasions
• Underwear
• Comfortable walking shoes

Essential Clothing Items to Bring to Spain in Fall

• Light sweaters
• Long-sleeved tops
• Jeans or pants
• Dresses or skirts
• Cardigans or jackets
• Scarves for layering
• Closed-toe shoes or boots
• Casual skirts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Undergarments
• Cozy pajamas
• Sunglasses
• Hat to shield the sun

Footwear to Bring to Spain

Depending on the season and region, you might want to bring this:

• Comfortable walking shoes: Comfortable shoes like a leather shoe or sneakers
• Flip flops or beach sandals: If you’re hitting the beach or hotel pool
• Stylish sandals: For the summer
• Dressy shoes: If you plan on dining at upscale restaurants or attending events
• Hiking or sport shoes: If you’re planning on hiking or outdoor activities
• Flip flops or “house slippers”: For the hotel or home

Toiletries and Personal Care for Spain

Electronics and Gadgets to Bring to Spain

• Smartphone and charger
• Earphones or headphones
• Power bank
• Universal adapter
• Travel adapter: Make it compatible with Spanish power outlets. Use this round two-pin adapter
• Laptop and charger (optional)
• Camera (optional)
• Lightweight e-reader like a Kindle (optional)
• SIM card if you plan on changing cards
• VPN

Travel Documents and Essentials to Bring to Spain

• Passport
• Visas (if necessary)
• International driver’s license (If you want to rent a car)
• Travel insurance documents
• Flight tickets
• Physical and digital copies of important documents
• Crossbody purse for ladies (avoid pickpockets!) – I use mine every day
• Money belt or secure pouch
• Physical map or offline digital maps

Other Essentials for Spain

• Water bottle: I like a double-wall steel bottle for the summer to keep water cold
• Small tissue packs
• Neck wallet or other anti-theft products where you can hide your valuables!
• A fan if going in summer, very handy in hot, crowded situations (We use electric hand fans!)
• Medication if applicable
• Reusable shopping bag: These are handy because you can fold them easily and take them out when you don’t have a bottle
• Travel-sized sewing kit
• Travel-sized laundry detergent packets
• Insect repellent
• Travel pillow and eye mask (for flights or long journeys)
• Travel umbrella: For unexpected rain showers
• Wipes: Not just for babies’ butts, but for washing your hands in a pinch
• Travel towel: Bamboo or microfiber towel are lightweight
• Ziplock bags: For organizing snacks and keeping small items like chargers together
• Mini first aid kit: Tylenol, aspirin, band-aids, and antiseptic wipes
• Portable phone charger: A battery / backup power source for your devices
• Travel journal, agenda, pen: For people who like planning and/or reflecting
• Local SIM Card: If you have an unlocked phone, a local SIM card can be handy for data and communication
• Snacks: For example, granola bars, nuts, gummy bears, etc. to keep in your handbag in case you get stuck with the munchies
• Toys if you have young kids
• Baby gear if you got a tiny tot (here’s a babies’ or toddlers’ packing list for Barcelona)

That’s it! What do think of my complete packing list for Spain? Am I missing something? Let me know in the comments, I read them all!