Spain welcomed a record 96.8 million international tourists in 2025, according to official data from Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), with the UK, France and Germany leading the rankings. Most visitors come for the beach, food and sunshine, but there is a less-explored and absolutely irreplaceable heritage: the Roman aqueducts still standing after two thousand years, which turn any trip to Spain into an open-air history lesson.
This guide is written for travellers arriving in Spain from the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy or further afield. We cover the four must-see aqueducts, how to get there from Spain's main airports, how much each visit costs, what to eat in each city and — crucially for international visitors — what kind of travel insurance you actually need to avoid a medical or financial surprise during your trip.
Why visit Spain for its Roman aqueducts
Definition. Spain holds one of Europe's largest concentrations of standing Roman aqueducts. Hispania was one of the Roman Empire's most strategic provinces, and several of its cities (Segovia, Tarraco, Emerita Augusta) required large-scale hydraulic infrastructure that still stands architecturally twenty centuries later.
Context. Unlike Italy, where most preserved aqueducts are concentrated around Rome, Spain's great aqueducts are spread across different regions: Segovia in Castile and León, Tarragona in Catalonia, Mérida in Extremadura and Peña Cortada in Valencia. This geographic spread lets you combine each visit with different landscapes, food cultures and cities in a single trip. Three of these sites are UNESCO World Heritage listed.
Takeaway. If you're travelling from the UK, Ireland, Germany, France or Italy and want a cultural trip that goes beyond the standard tourist circuit, Spain's Roman aqueducts are a perfect excuse to explore the interior: pleasant temperatures, reasonable prices and far fewer crowds than the coastline.
- 96.8 million international tourists in 2025 (all-time record).
- Top source countries: United Kingdom (19M), France (12.7M), Germany (12M).
- Average spend per visitor: €1,382 per trip.
- Most common length of stay: 4 to 7 nights.
Source: FRONTUR (Border Tourism Movements Survey) and EGATUR (Tourist Spending Survey), Instituto Nacional de Estadística and Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism, 2025.
The best time of year to visit
Definition. Spain's tourist season splits into high (July–August), shoulder (April–June, September–October) and low (November–March). For cultural visits in the Spanish interior, shoulder season beats high season by a wide margin.
Context. In July and August the inland Spanish peninsula frequently reaches 38–42 °C (100–108 °F), which makes extended outdoor visits difficult. September, October, April, May and June offer temperatures of 18–28 °C (64–82 °F), far fewer crowds and hotel rates roughly 20–40% lower than in summer. November and March are ideal for travellers who want to avoid crowds entirely and don't mind the occasional shower.
Takeaway. If you have flexibility, September and May are the two best months for a Roman aqueduct route in Spain: perfect weather, heritage sites without queues, seasonal food (grape harvest in September, asparagus and artichokes in May) and cheaper flights from most European capitals.
The 4 must-see Roman aqueducts in Spain
1. Aqueduct of Segovia · The world-famous icon
What you'll see. The best-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world. Its 167 granite arches stand without a single drop of mortar — held together only by the pressure of each stone working in balance since the late 1st century AD. At its tallest point, on Azoguejo Square, it reaches almost 28 metres (92 feet). A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
What else to see nearby. The Alcázar of Segovia (the fortress that inspired Disney's castle), the Gothic cathedral and the old Jewish quarter. Don't leave without trying the famous roast suckling pig (cochinillo) at one of the traditional restaurants.
2. Pont del Diable · Tarragona's aqueduct
What you'll see. The Aqueduct of Les Ferreres, popularly known as Pont del Diable (Devil's Bridge), was part of the water system supplying Tarraco, capital of Hispania Citerior. It measures 217 metres long and 27 metres high, with two tiers of arches. It's part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
What else to see nearby. The Roman amphitheatre facing the sea, the Roman circus, the Roman walls and the wider Tarraco archaeological complex. Miracle Beach is a great spot to end the day with a swim.
3. Los Milagros Aqueduct · Mérida
What you'll see. Mérida was Emerita Augusta, capital of Roman Lusitania, and it holds the largest Roman archaeological complex in Spain. The Los Milagros Aqueduct preserves about 830 metres (2,725 feet) of length and 38 standing pillars, with a distinctive alternation of granite and red brick that gives it a unique visual character. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
What else to see nearby. The Roman theatre (still used in summer for the Classical Theatre Festival), the amphitheatre, the Temple of Diana, the National Museum of Roman Art and the Roman circus. Mérida pairs perfectly with Cáceres (1 hour away) and is a gateway to Portugal.
4. Peña Cortada Aqueduct · Valencia
What you'll see. The least-known of the four Roman aqueducts and arguably the most spectacular in terms of landscape. It's located in the Serranía del Turia, between the villages of Calles, Chelva and Tuéjar, and was part of a hydraulic system stretching about 28 km. Its sections include an elevated aqueduct, a channel cut directly into the rock, and several tunnels.
What else to see nearby. This is the active choice for hikers: the trail is circular, passes through natural landscapes and can be combined with a swim in the River Turia's pools. Proper hiking boots essential.
A 7-day route covering all four aqueducts
Definition. A full Roman route through Spain can comfortably fit into one week by combining the AVE (high-speed train) and a rental car. The proposed itinerary minimises travel time and maximises time at each site.
| Day | Route | Transport | Where to stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Madrid | International flight | Madrid city centre |
| 2 | Madrid → Segovia (day trip) | AVE Madrid-Segovia | Madrid city centre |
| 3 | Madrid → Mérida | Train or car (4 h) | Mérida historic centre |
| 4 | Mérida: aqueduct + Roman theatre + museum | On foot | Mérida historic centre |
| 5 | Mérida → Valencia | Train / domestic flight | Valencia city centre |
| 6 | Valencia → Peña Cortada (day trip) | Rental car | Valencia city centre |
| 7 | Valencia → Tarragona → Barcelona | AVE (depart from BCN) | Barcelona |
Budget estimate for your trip
Definition. The cost of a week-long trip to Spain for two people will vary depending on country of origin, month and accommodation. These are average market prices in Spain for 2026.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return flight (from Europe) | €80–180 | €180–350 | €400–700 |
| Hotel per night (2 people) | €60–80 | €90–140 | €160–300 |
| Daily food per person | €20–30 | €35–55 | €70–120 |
| Internal transport (7 days) | €180–250 | €280–400 | €500–800 |
| Tickets and visits | €40–70 | €80–130 | €150–250 |
| Total per person (7 days) | ~€650 | ~€1,100 | ~€2,200 |
| Travel insurance (per person) | €18–30 | €30–55 | €55–90 |
🛫 Before you book your flight to Spain
A week-long cultural trip is worth protecting. Iris Global's travel insurance covers medical assistance, repatriation, luggage and cancellation, with 24/7 multilingual support from our headquarters in Madrid. Over 30 years of experience assisting travellers in Spain.
Get your Spain travel insuranceEHIC/GHIC vs private travel insurance
Definition. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, or GHIC for UK residents post-Brexit) gives you access to Spanish public healthcare under the same conditions as a Spanish resident: free in emergencies, but with the same waiting times and no cover in private hospitals.
Context. There are three significant gaps that EHIC/GHIC does not cover, but private travel insurance does:
- Private healthcare. If you want to skip public waiting times or prefer private hospitals with English-speaking staff (common in coastal areas with large British and German populations), the EHIC/GHIC won't help.
- Medical repatriation. If you need a medical flight home, the cost (€15,000–€80,000) is not covered by EHIC/GHIC under any circumstances.
- Trip-related costs. Cancellation, lost luggage, stolen documents, forced extension of your stay: none of this is covered by the EHIC/GHIC.
Takeaway. For short, low-risk trips, the EHIC/GHIC is enough as a basic safety net. For a week-long cultural route with inter-city travel, hiking (as at Peña Cortada) and luggage containing cameras or electronics, private travel insurance is the sensible choice. It costs between €18 and €90 per person and can save you thousands of euros.
What to do in a medical emergency in Spain
Definition. Spain has one of the best-rated public healthcare systems in Europe and regularly treats international tourists. Knowing exactly what to do in the first 30 minutes can save you time, money and stress.
Useful emergency numbers
- 112 — Single EU-wide emergency number. Available in Spanish, English, French, German and Italian. Free from any mobile phone.
- 061 — Medical emergencies (in some autonomous communities).
- 091 — National Police (theft, documentation, reports).
- 092 — Local police.
What to do in an emergency
- If you have travel insurance, call your insurer's 24/7 line first: they will direct you to the right hospital and arrange direct payment, so you don't have to pay upfront.
- In serious emergencies, call 112 without hesitation. Public services will attend to you regardless of nationality.
- Keep all medical receipts, pharmacy invoices and police reports: they're essential for your insurance claim.
- If you lose your passport or documents, contact your country's embassy/consulate in Spain and file a report at a National Police station (available in every city).
Iris Global assists thousands of international tourists in Spain each year through our network of partner hospitals and our 24/7 multilingual assistance centre in Madrid. The most frequent incidents among European travellers visiting Spain are:
- Minor medical emergencies (food poisoning, heatstroke, falls): 38% of cases.
- Theft and loss of documentation (mostly in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville): 22%.
- Luggage incidents at arrival airports: 18%.
- Outdoor activity accidents (hiking, beach, cycling): 14%.
- Cancellations and stay extensions: 8%.
Methodology: anonymised data from cases handled by Iris Global during the past year. Indicative, not predictive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Spain from the UK or another European country?
EU and Schengen citizens only need a valid ID card or passport. UK citizens can enter visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period (post-Brexit) and will need an ETIAS travel authorisation once the system goes live. Citizens from outside the EU should check with the Spanish consulate.
Can I use euros everywhere in Spain?
Yes. Spain has been part of the eurozone since 2002. Debit and credit cards are accepted in practically every establishment, even in small villages. Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used.
Is English spoken in Spain?
In tourist areas (Barcelona, Madrid, Costa del Sol, the Balearic and Canary Islands) English is widely spoken at hotels, restaurants and taxis. In interior cities like Segovia or Mérida the level is more variable: tourist-facing staff usually manage, but outside the main circuit you may need gestures or a translation app.
Does the EHIC/GHIC cover all my medical expenses?
No. It covers treatment in Spain's public healthcare system under the same terms as a resident, but does not cover private hospitals, repatriation, private ambulances or any non-medical incidents (luggage, cancellation, theft). For that you need private travel insurance.
What's the difference between EHIC and UK's GHIC?
After Brexit, UK citizens received the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) instead of the EHIC. The GHIC provides similar coverage in Spain, but it is not accepted in every European country the way the old EHIC was, and it has some limitations compared with the original card.
Is travel by AVE and public transport safe in Spain?
Yes. Spain's AVE high-speed network is one of the most developed in Europe, with on-time performance above 96%. Urban transport (metro, buses) is safe, affordable and efficient. The main thing to watch out for is pickpockets in very touristy areas, particularly in Barcelona and on the Madrid metro.
Do I need to book tickets for the aqueducts in advance?
No. All four aqueducts are free to visit and viewable from the outside. Only some visitor centres or adjoining archaeological sites (Mérida's Roman theatre, Tarraco) require tickets, which you can buy at the box office or online a couple of days ahead in high season.
Is travel insurance for Spain expensive?
No. Travel insurance for a one-week stay in Spain costs between €18 and €90 per person depending on the coverage. It's a small fraction of your total trip budget and can save you thousands of euros in case of a medical or repatriation incident.
Can I buy Iris Global insurance from outside Spain?
Yes. Iris Global offers 100% online purchase from any European country. Your policy is issued by email immediately and takes effect on the start date you choose. Travel assistance is available 24/7 in several languages.
How far in advance should I buy my travel insurance?
Ideally when you book your flights and hotel, so that trip cancellation is also covered. You can buy it up to the day before departure, but some covers (such as cancellation) may have a waiting period.
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