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Best Sellers in Spain Travel Guides

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Top 10 Travel Guide Books On Spain

Travel guidebooks are valuable resources for anyone planning a trip to Spain.

These books offer comprehensive information about destinations, food, beaches, history, and culture, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the places they are visiting.

Among the top publishing houses known for their travel guides to Spain are DK Witness, Lonely Planet, Rick Steeves, and Rough Guides.

DK Witness travel guides are renowned for their visually appealing layout, combining stunning photography and detailed illustrations with informative content. These guides provide in-depth coverage of Spain's attractions , from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. With their emphasis on visual storytelling, DK Witness guides offer a vibrant and engaging way to explore Spain's diverse regions.

Lonely Planet is a household name in the travel industry, known for its extensive range of destination guides. Their Spain travel guides offer practical information, insider tips, and honest reviews. With recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, Lonely Planet guides cater to a wide range of travellers, from backpackers to luxury seekers. Their guides also delve into the local culture, providing insights into Spain's history, art, and traditions.

Rough Guides, another respected publishing house, produces comprehensive travel guides that are cherished by adventurous travellers. Their Spain guides go beyond the typical tourist spots, uncovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and offering a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions. With detailed maps, suggested itineraries, and practical advice, Rough Guides empower travellers to create their own unique experiences in Spain.

Each travel guidebook provides accurate and up-to-date information, allowing travellers to make informed decisions about where to go, what to see, and where to eat.

Whether you're interested in exploring the architectural wonders of Barcelona , indulging in the culinary delights of San Sebastian, or uncovering the history of Andalusia, these guidebooks offer a wealth of knowledge to enhance your travel experience.

However, it's important to note that while travel guidebooks provide a solid foundation of information, they should not be the sole resource for planning a trip.

Combining them with online research, local recommendations, and personal exploration will ensure a well-rounded and memorable journey through Spain.

And if you haven't already done so, remember, by subscribing to our monthly newsletter you get to receive exclusive FREE eGuides and travel tips only available to our community members. Our Free eGuides are not openly available for download on our site so join us today and download your first free eGuide .

1)  Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Barcelona

If you are looking for a concise and practical guide to Barcelona, you might want to consider Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Barcelona. Making the most of your time and money in this exciting and cultural city is what this book is all about. It includes the must-see attractions like the Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, the cathedral, and the Ramblas in addition to some local secrets and insider knowledge. Additionally, it offers helpful details on transportation, dining, and entertainment options.

The book is organized into four main sections: Overview, Suggested Itineraries, Neighbourhood Walks, and Practicalities. The overview gives you a brief introduction to Barcelona's history, culture, and personality. The suggested itineraries help you plan your time according to your interests and preferences, whether you have one day, two days, or more. The neighbourhood walks provide detailed maps and directions for exploring different areas of the city on foot, with highlights and recommendations along the way. The practicalities cover everything from transportation and money to safety and etiquette.

One of the best features of this book is its compact size and format.  It is simple to carry around and can easily fit in your pocket or shoulder bag. There are plenty of eye-catching full-colour pictures and illustrations. The book is presented in an approachable and entertaining style that captures Rick Steves' personality and background as one of the top travel writers.

Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Barcelona is not a comprehensive guide to everything there is to see and do in Barcelona. It does not cover some of the less central or more specialized attractions, such as Montjuïc or Park Güell. It also does not provide in-depth information on the history of the art of Barcelona or on the Catalan language or culture. However, it does offer a great overview of the city's highlights such as the Sagrada Familia and is a handy reference for travellers who want to enjoy a hassle-free trip to Barcelona.

Rick Steves Pocket Guide to Barcelona will help you have a memorable and enjoyable trip to one of Europe's most cosmopolitan and exciting cities.

2)  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Spain

Check out DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Spain if you're searching for a thorough and visual guide to the country. This handy travel guide will assist you in discovering all aspects of this intriguing country, from its thriving cities and ancient landmarks to its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. The guide covers all the most popular destinations in Spain including Catalonia , Andalucia, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands .

The book is organized into four main sections: Introducing Spain, Region by Region, Travellers' Needs, and Survival Guide.

You will find plenty of information on Spain's history, culture, art, architecture, and gastronomy with detailed information about each region. The guide includes lots of maps, images, and illustrations

One of the best features of this book is its high-quality visuals that bring Spain to life.  Beautiful photos and artwork showcase Spain's diversity and beauty perfectly. The book also includes clear, simple-to-read maps that will give you confidence as you travel around the country.

The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Spain is not a compact or lightweight travel guide. It is a sizable, thorough reference that covers a lot of material and offers in-depth details about Spain's history and culture.

For visitors who wish to experience everything Spain has to offer, it is a terrific resource.

A visual feast, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Spain will entice you to travel to this remarkable nation.

3) Lonely Planet Spain

Lonely Planet Spain is an indispensable guidebook for anyone planning a trip to Spain. The guide provides an in-depth look at the country's history, culture, and top destinations, making it an ideal companion for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.

The book offers a wealth of information on Spain's cities, including Madrid, Castilla y Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Barcelona, Catalonia, Aragon, Basque Country, Navarra, Seville, Granada, Cantabria, Asturias, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Valencia, Mallorca, Ibiza, Andalucia, Extremadura and more.

The guide also includes practical advice and honest reviews on everything from transportation and accommodations to food and nightlife, ensuring that travellers can make the most of their time in Spain.

One of the strengths of Lonely Planet Spain is its comprehensive coverage of Spain's unique and diverse culture. The guide explores Spain's rich history and art, its regional cuisines, and its vibrant festivals and traditions, providing readers with an immersive and unforgettable travel experience.

The guidebook also features detailed maps, suggested itineraries, and insider tips from locals, ensuring that travellers can explore Spain with confidence and ease.

Overall, Lonely Planet Spain is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to explore this beautiful country. With its insightful travel tips, comprehensive coverage, and engaging writing style, it is a must-have for any traveller’s bookshelf.

4) Rough Guide to Spain

The Rough Guide to Spain by Rough Guides is a comprehensive guidebook that offers invaluable insights and practical information for travellers exploring Spain.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including history, culture, cuisine, accommodations, and transportation.

One of the things we liked about this guidebook was its attention to detail. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, with detailed maps and helpful tips for each region of Spain.

This guide will ensure that you experience the best of Spain, whether it be by checking off Gaud's magnificent architectural masterpieces in Barcelona , hiking in the magnificent Picos de Europa, admiring Granada's magnificent Alhambra , or participating in one of the nation's fabulously vibrant fiestas.

If you want to stay in a grand parador, sip sherry in Jerez , bar-hop in Madrid, or snag a seat at one of San Sebastian's finest restaurants, insider reviews reveal the best places to eat, sleep, and party with options for every budget.

Overall, The Rough Guide to Spain is great for anyone planning a trip to Spain. Its detailed information and insider tips will help you make the most of your time in Spain and create unforgettable travel experiences.

5)  DK Eyewitness Seville & Andalusia

The DK Eyewitness Seville & Andalusia Travel Guide will lead you straight to the best attractions  Seville & Andalucia  has to offer. The guide includes unique cutaways, floor plans and reconstructions of the city’s stunning architecture, plus 3D aerial views of the key districts to explore on foot. You’ll find detailed listings of the best hotels, restaurants, bars and shops for all budgets in this fully updated and expanded guide, plus insider tips on everything from where to find the best markets and nightspots to great attractions for children.

This uniquely visual DK Eyewitness Travel Guide also includes in-depth coverage of all the unforgettable sights and comes complete with a free pull-out city map, clearly marked with sights from the guidebook and an easy-to-use street index. The map has detailed street views of all the key areas, plus there are transport maps and information on how to get around the city, and there’s even a chart showing the distances between major sights for walkers.

6) DK Eyewitness Northern Spain Travel Guide

The DK Eyewitness Northern Spain Travel Guide is your indispensable guide to this beautiful part of the world. The fully updated guide includes unique cutaways, floor plans and reconstructions of the must-see sites, plus street-by-street maps of all the fascinating cities and towns. The new-look guide is also packed with photographs and illustrations leading you straight to the best attractions on offer.

The uniquely visual DK Eyewitness Northern Spain Travel Guide  will help you to discover everything region by region; from local festivals and markets to day trips around the countryside. Detailed listings will guide you to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and shops for all budgets, whilst detailed practical information will help you to get around, whether by train, bus or car. Plus, DK’s excellent insider tips and essential local information will help you explore every corner of Northern Spain effortlessly.

7) DK Eyewitness Barcelona & Catalonia Travel Guide

The DK Eyewitness Barcelona & Catalonia Travel Guide will lead you straight to the best attractions Barcelona & Catalonia has to offer. The guide includes unique cutaways, floor plans and reconstructions of the city’s stunning architecture, plus 3D aerial views of the key districts to explore on foot.

You’ll find detailed listings of the  best hotels , restaurants, bars and shops for all budgets in this fully updated and expanded guide, plus insider tips on everything from where to find the best markets and nightspots to great attractions for children.

This uniquely visual DK Eyewitness Travel book on Spain also includes in-depth coverage of all the unforgettable sights and comes complete with a free pull-out city map, clearly marked with sights from the guidebook and an easy-to-use street index.

The map has detailed street views of all the key areas, plus there are transport maps and information on how to get around the city , and there’s even a chart showing the distances between major sights for walkers.

8)  DK Eyewitness Back Roads Spain driving

DK Eyewitness Back Roads Spain driving holiday guide will take you via scenic routes to discover charming villages, local restaurants and intimate places to stay. Unearth the real soul of this magical region with all the practical information you could need, from road conditions and length of drive to parking information and opening hours.

And if you like driving in Spain , this book has Twenty-five themed drives, each lasting one to seven days, revealing breathtaking views, hidden gems and authentic local experiences that can only be discovered by road.

Each tour is bursting with insider knowledge and loaded with ideas for varied activities from walks to days on the beach and children’s attractions, to wine and cycling trips.

Meanwhile, the most friendly, best-value hotels and guesthouses and charming restaurants specializing in regional produce have been selected by expert authors. One of the top travel books in Spain this guide is full-colour throughout, with a pull-out map for easy navigation between tours and even postcode information for use with ‘Sat Nav’.

9)  Lonely Planet - Discover Spain

Lonely Planet's Discover Spain is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you.

Marvel at the stunning architecture, enjoy tapas and pintxos, and hike through the Pyrenees; all with your trusted travel companion. Discover the best of Spain and begin your journey now!

Their easy-to-use guide, filled with inspiring and colourful photos, focuses on Spain's most popular destinations and attractions for those looking for the best of the best.

10)  Spain Travel Guide: an Unusual and Evocative Journey Across Spain

If you are devoted, sophisticated, and passionate about living the good life, then Spain is the best place to be.

This travel guidebook on Spain is both a stereotype that has come of age and a place that is more diverse than you can ever imagine. As contained in this book, the diverse landscapes of this place will stir the mind and soul.

The Sierra Nevada and its snowcapped top rise up so high from the Andalucía’s sunbaked plains. But this is not the only hiking destination in Spain; there is also the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa. These are listed as the best destination of hiking in the whole continent. Do not forget about the wildly spectacular Atlantic northwest cliffs. They have also been amazingly offset by the great coves of the Mediterranean.

Bonus Book: Lonely Planet Mallorca 4

Lonely Planet's Mallorca 4 travel guide is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to this beautiful Balearic Island. The guidebook is filled with insider tips, recommendations, and over 30 detailed maps.

This quality guide from Lonely Planet covers all the most popular towns such as Valldemossa, Deia, Soller, Fornalutx, Biniaraix, Pollenca, Alcudia, Inca, Arta, Cala Ratjada, Platja des Coll Baix, Cap de Formentor, Illa de Cabrera and not forgetting the vibrant capital, Palma de Mallorca .

There are also lots of details about everything from the best places to eat and drink, to the top activities and best beaches, where to sleep, sightseeing, going out, and shopping.

Plus lots of practical information, such as transportation options, and language tips.

The guide features lots about sustainable and responsible travel so there are some great tips on how to reduce your environmental impact while travelling whilst helping to support local businesses and communities.

• About Author
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Hey there! I'm Matt, your friendly neighbourhood explorer extraordinaire! For the past 15 years, I've been gallivanting around Spain, soaking up all its wonders and uncovering hidden gems like a modern-day Indiana Jones (minus the hat and whip, unfortunately). So, buckle up, amigos! It's time to dive straight into the heart and soul of Spain. Welcome to my world of Spanish wonders!

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Books to Read Before Visiting Spain

Last updated on June 24, 2023 by Shannon

If you’re heading to Spain, then you should use the incredible trove of fascinating books about this beautiful country to get you up to speed on the history, culture, and people. Spain is not only big, but it has a complicated past and a similarly complicated current era.

With people alive today still remembering Franco (which is rarely, if ever, discussed), and several regions with active tensions (Basque country and Catalunya), reading well-chosen books about Spain before you visit provide context that you will need if you talk to locals.

The books below will also allow you to better understand the varied local customs, architecture, and cuisine. Depending on the books you pick, you can journey through the art, architecture, and music that have shaped Spanish culture, as well as typical customs and behaviors.

Each book promises to impart tidbits you’ll enjoy learning about the varied landscapes and regions of Spain, from the beaches of the Mediterranean coast to the mountains of the Pyrenees.

Plus, some of the unique memoirs below may even give you ideas for things to see and do while you’re traveling around Spain—and they certainly all provide necessary cultural context about Spains different autonomous regions. Plus, a few of these may even teach you basic Spanish phrases.

Ultimately, you’ll get more out of your trip—and have a more meaningful, immersive travel experience—if you dive into the many incredible authors who have written both fiction and non-fiction books about Spain.

Best Non-Fiction Books About Spain

Why read non-fiction? Well, many Spaniards alive today lived under Franco and remember life in a very different Spain. By beading recent and older historical accounts, you’ll have more intelligent conversations with locals. In Spain, not only is the Franco history important to understand, but below are several accounts that delve deeper into Catalonia and Basque country—both areas that have tricky and interesting political situations you should at least having a passing understanding of before you visit that region of Spain.

You certainly don’t need to read every book on this list, but pick two or three that tickle your fancy and choose books that represent a mix of modern and historical fiction and non-fiction stories about Spain.

1. “ Driving Over Lemons ” by Chris Stewart

Driving Over Lemons is a funny, heartwarming, and inspiring tale of one man’s journey to find a new home and a new way of life. It tells the story of his adventures and experiences living in rural Spain. After leaving his job as the drummer for the rock band Genesis, Stewart decided to move to the remote Andalusian village of Las Alpujarras, where he purchased a small farm called El Valero.

The book follows Stewart as he struggles to adapt to life in a foreign country, learn the ways of the local people, and overcome various challenges, including unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and the various animals that he encounters on his farm. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters and learns about the rich history and culture of the region. Read the reviews on Amazon .

2. “ Homage to Catalonia ” by George Orwell

This memoir chronicles Orwell’s experiences as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, and provides a firsthand account of the political and military events of the time. Orwell writes about his experiences on the front lines, as well as his observations of the political and social climate in Spain during the war.

I have called Barcelona home for more than five years now, so it’s interesting to read about this region’s past. Read the Amazon reviews here .

3. “ Imperial Spain: 1469–1716 ” by John Elliott

This book is a comprehensive history of Spain during the period of the Habsburg dynasty, which stretched from the late 15th to the early 18th century. It covers a wide range of topics, including the country’s political, economic, and cultural developments, as well as its relationships with other European powers and its overseas empire. Read the reviews on Amazon .

4. “ Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past ” by Giles Tremlett

There are many great history books on this list, but history books can be heavy reading. Instead, this book is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the hidden corners of Spanish history and culture—it gives a phenomenal overview of the most pressing modern and historical issues in Spain.

The book is structured as a series of travel narratives, in which Tremlett visits various parts of Spain and delves into the country’s complex and often tumultuous past. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including historians, artists, and ordinary people, and learns about the many different ways that the past continues to shape the present in Spain. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the country’s transition to democracy, as well as more esoteric subjects like the myths and legends of the region. Read the Amazon reviews here .

5. “ The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain ” by Maria Rosa Menocal

As far as way-back history books go, this one makes for a fun ride through the details. The book explores the cultural and intellectual achievements of medieval Spain, which was home to a diverse and vibrant community of Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Menocal argues that this period, which is often referred to as the “convivencia,” was marked by a high degree of tolerance and cooperation among the three groups, and that this period of peaceful coexistence had a lasting impact on the region’s history. Read the Amazon reviews here .

6. “ The Spanish Holocaust: Inquisition and Extermination in Twentieth-Century Spain ” by Paul Preston

The Spanish Inquisition forms the fabric of history for far more than Spain, given its impact across Europe. Read this book a detailed and unflinching look at the dark period of Spanish history known as the “Spanish Holocaust.”

It covers the repression and violence that took place during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship, including the mass killings, torture, and forced disappearances that occurred. The book also explores the ongoing efforts to come to terms with this dark chapter in the country’s history. Read the Amazon reviews here .

7. “ A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveller ” by Frances Mayes

Sometimes you need a bit more of a lighthearted look at Spain. This book offers a collection of travel essays that chronicle the author’s adventures as she traveled through Spain and a number of other countries around the world.

Mayes writes about her experiences in a lively and engaging style, and her love of travel and discovery is evident on every page. The book includes chapters on her travels through the Spanish regions of Andalusia, Galicia, and Catalonia, as well as her visits to a number of other destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

If you’re looking for a fun and inspiring travel narrative, “A Year in the World” is a great choice. Read the Amazon reviews here .

8. “ Discovering Spain: An Uncommon Guide ” by Penelope Casas

This book provides a unique and off-the-beaten-path guide to exploring Spain. The book is organized by region and features a wide range of suggestions for things to see and do in each area, including local festivals, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and more. The book also includes information on local history, customs, and culture.

In addition to traditional tourist destinations like Barcelona and Madrid, the book also covers lesser-known areas of Spain, such as the Basque Country and Andalusia, offering a more authentic and immersive experience for the reader.

Overall, Discovering Spain is a comprehensive and informative guide that will appeal to travelers looking to discover the real Spain beyond the usual tourist hot spots. Note the date of publish though—it’s nearly 30 years old, so you’re really looking for the flavor offered by her book, rather than any practical trip planning details. Read the Amazon reviews here .

Best Fiction About Spain

While I love non-fiction for the cold hard facts about a country and the influences that shaped it in the place I want to visit today, novels and short fiction stories are sometimes just a lot easier to digest. The fiction books in this collection range from the classics to the contemporary, and a lot in between.

10. “ The Shadow of the Wind ” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Set in Barcelona, this mystery novel follows the story of a young boy named Daniel Sempere who becomes obsessed with a mysterious book called “The Shadow of the Wind” after discovering it in a secret library.

As he delves deeper into the book’s history, he becomes drawn into a web of secrets and intrigue that stretches back to the dark days of the Spanish Civil War. It’s a classic fiction read on every list of books about Spain for a reason—it’s both fun and informative. Read the Amazon reviews here .

11. “ The Last Jew ” by Noah Gordon

If you prefer to get your history lesson through a novel, then start here. This historical novel is set in medieval Spain and follows the story of a young Jewish doctor named Yankiel who converts to Christianity in order to save his life.

Despite his conversion, Yankiel finds himself caught up in the intense religious and political conflicts of the time, and must use all of his wit and cunning to survive. Read the Amazon reviews here .

12. “ Stories from Spain ” by Genevieve Barlow and William Stivers

This book features a collection of traditional tales and legends from Spain. The book includes a variety of stories, ranging from myths and fables to folktales and historical accounts, all of which are presented in an engaging and easy-to-read style. The stories in the book are drawn from a wide range of sources and cover a wide range of themes and topics, including love, adventure, magic, and more.

In addition to the stories themselves, the book also includes notes and commentary from the authors, providing background information and cultural context for the reader. Stories are presented in both English and Spanish, which is why this book about Spain is higher than other more notable fiction books—it’s the perfect book for anyone with intermediate- or higher-level Spanish who wants to brush up on it before visiting Spain. Read the Amazon reviews here .

13. “ The Sun Also Rises ” by Ernest Hemingway

Set in the 1920s, this novel follows a group of expats living in Paris who travel to the Pamplona region of Spain to participate in the annual Running of the Bulls festival. The main character, Jake Barnes, is a World War I veteran who is struggling to find his place in the world and trying to come to terms with the emotional and physical scars he has suffered. Read the Amazon reviews here .

14. “ Don Quixote ” by Miguel de Cervantes

Buckle up with this read for a book straight out of high school reading lists. It’s not the easiest book, but it’s a classic novel for a reason. It tells the story of a Spanish nobleman named Alonso Quixano who becomes so enamored with the tales of chivalry he has read that he decides to become a knight-errant himself.

Accompanied by his squire, Sancho Panza, he sets out on a series of adventures, which often turn out to be comical and absurd. Along the way, the two characters encounter a host of colorful characters and have a number of mishaps and adventures. Read the Amazon reviews here .

15. “ The Back Room ” by Carmen Martin Gaite

This novel tells the story of a group of young people in Franco’s Spain who are struggling to find their place in the world. The main character, a young woman named Beatriz, becomes involved in a secret society called “the back room,” which serves as a kind of underground resistance to the oppressive regime. Read the Amazon reviews here .

16. “ Iberia ” by James A. Michener

Celebrate some of the most fascinating aspects of Spanish culture with a master storyteller. This book is a sweeping epic that covers the history of Spain from prehistoric times to the present day. It tells the story of the country through the lives of a number of fictional characters, and provides a rich and detailed portrayal of Spain’s culture, history, and landscape. Read the Amazon reviews here .

17. “ Spain: A Traveler’s Literary Companion ” by Peter Bush and Lisa Dillman

With stories arranged by region, you can’t do much better than this book as a collection of stories written by Spaniards (rather than the couple of memoirs written here) and translated into English. The book includes stories, poems, and essays by a variety of authors, all of which explore the rich history, landscape, and people of Spain. The writers included in the collection come from a range of backgrounds and time periods, and offer a diverse range of perspectives on the country. The book is intended to provide readers with an immersive and enlightening literary experience as they learn about Spain through the eyes of its writers. Read the Amazon reviews here .

18. “ The Alchemist ” by Paulo Coelho

For a breezy read, choose Coelho. This inspiring novel tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of finding treasure at the pyramids in Egypt. Along the way, he meets a series of wise and magical characters who help him on his journey and teach him about the true nature of his “personal legend.” The novel takes place in a variety of locations, including Andalusia in southern Spain. Read the Amazon reviews here .

19. “ The Time in Between ” by Maria Dueñas

This historical novel is a beautiful read. Set in Madrid and Morocco, it follows the story of a seamstress named Sira Quiroga, who becomes embroiled in espionage during World War II.

After her lover betrays her and leaves her pregnant and alone, Sira travels to Morocco, where she becomes involved in a plot to aid the Allies in their fight against the Axis powers. Read the Amazon reviews here .

20. “ The Art of Racing in the Rain ” by Garth Stein

Maybe the most unique novel on this list, which includes some fun bits about Spain and is just a great read. It’s narrated by a dog named Enzo, who reflects on his life and the experiences he has had with his human family, including a trip to Spain.

Throughout the book, Enzo offers his unique perspective on life, love, and the human condition, and provides insight into the bond between humans and animals. Read the Amazon reviews here .

21. “ The Adventures of Don Juan ” by Lord Byron

This epic poem follows the fictional character Don Juan as he travels throughout Spain and has a series of romantic adventures. The poem is structured as a series of cantos, or sections, and covers a wide range of topics, including love, politics, and religion. Read the Amazon reviews here .

22 Engrossing Books About Spain For Travelers

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Travel around the world with the best books about Spain. These Spanish books are sure to transport you to a new destination.

Are you ready to dive into our Spain books reading list with some of the best novels about Spain to take you there?

We would love to explore more of Spain.  On a trip to Portugal — think wine — we headed into Seville and Jerez de la Frontera to eat all of the Spanish tapas and spy those gorgeous horses. Blooming jacaranda trees, dancing, and sherry are life.

Since we didn’t have time to visit Spain’s other major cities, why not pick up a few nonfiction and fiction books set in Spain to travel via a comfy armchair? 

Below, find the best Spanish novels including Spanish translated literature, horror stories, historical fiction, classics, and books set in Barcelona.  Discover must-read Spanish authors, both classic and contemporary.

Of course, ‘best’ is subjective. We’d love to know what novels set in Spain you enjoy in the comments. 

As our contributing writer, Dagney, also notes, Spanish books are traditionally longer – 500+ pages. Think Don Quixote . 

Even newer novels about Spain, including Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s The Shadow of the Wind and Ruta Sepetys’ The Fountains of Silence , pass the 500-page mark. Get ready to snuggle into that chair.  

So, with so many fabulous Spanish books to read, how do you pick?  Let us help! Travel across the world with these riveting books about Spain.  Let’s get started!

Continue your travels around the world with these Books Set Across Europe .

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Table of Contents

22 Books About Spain To Read Before You Go

By Dagney McKinney

Best Spanish Books About Basque Country

All That Followed by Gabriel Urza

On March 11, 2004, 191 people were murdered and over 2000 injured when ten bombs placed across four commuter trains exploded at or near to Atocha station in Madrid. This act of terrorism devastated Spain.

Given the timing of the bombings, everyone was sure they knew who the perpetrators were: the ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna), a Basque separatist militant group. But were they really guilty?

All That Followed is set in the small fictional Basque town of Muriga, Spain in the aftermath of the horrific bombings. Shaken by the tragedy, the townspeople begin to unravel as everyone’s own guilt and secrets begin to surface.

This is one of the best novels about Spain for anyone interested in the Basque region’s tumultuous past. Grab a copy of All That Followed by Gabriel Urza .

Obabakoak by Bernardo Atxaga | Translated by Margaret Jull Costa

These are the stories of the Obabakoak, the people of Obaba, a small, secluded village deep in the heart of Basque country.

One of the most famous Spain books about Basque culture, Obabakoak is an interconnected collection of short stories about the everyday lives of Obaba residents.

Meet Ismael, a young boy who rescues lizards and has become something of a cautionary tale. Then there’s Klaus Hanhn, a man haunted by the ghost of his dead brother, Alexander. Or, travel to Albania, a remote quarter of Obaba where a young girl waits for an inspector.

Bernardo Atxaga is one of Spain’s most internationally acclaimed writers, and one of only a handful of people writing in Euskara, the local Basque language, today. Buy a copy of Obabakoak by Bernardo Atxaga .

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Homeland by Fernando Aramburu | Translated by Alfred MacAdam

Lauded as one of the best Spanish books in recent years, this is a heartbreaking tale of two families caught up in a decades-long feud after a senseless act of violence.

Homeland is told from the POVs of nine different characters and jumps back and forth in time. However, driving the narratives are the two family’s matriarchs: Bittori and Miren.

One morning in the coastal Basque town of Donostia (San Sebastian in Spanish) Bittori’s husband, Txato, is gunned down for refusing to pay a commission to the ETA.

Miren’s son, Joxe Mari, is arrested for the murder. But Miren, a proud Basque nationalist, is equally proud of her son for his role in the killing.

This is easily one of the best Basque books about Spain. Homeland examines the intricacies of the Basque conflict from all sides, never painting anyone fully as the villain. Buy a copy of Homeland by Fernando Aramburu .

Best Crime Novels Set in Spain

The Whispering City by Sara Moliner | Translated by Mara Faye Lethem

Barcelona’s Tibidabo district is home to the city’s wealthy elite, one of the safest places you can be under Franco’s fascist regime. So when Mariona Sobrerroca is murdered in a burglary gone wrong, everyone is desperate to solve the murder as quickly as possible.

With her senior colleague away, beginner journalist Ana Martí Noguer is thrilled to be assigned the case. She eagerly shadows the seasoned Inspector Isidro Castro, trying her best to help solve the murder.

But when Ana Martí discovers a clue everyone else overlooks, she enlists the help of her linguist cousin, Beatriz. The two soon find themselves wrapped up in an increasingly dangerous investigation.

The Whispering City is one of the best murder mystery novels set in Spain. The book deftly navigates police and government corruption, fascism, and freedom of the press (or lack thereof). Grab a copy of The Whispering City by Sara Moliner .

The Invisible Guardian by Dolores Redondo | Translated by Isabelle Kaufeler

The Invisible Guardian is one of the most popular crime novels about Spain, and it’s easy to see why.

Inspector Amaia Salazar grew up in a small town in Basque Country. As soon as she could escape, she left for the big city and never looked back.

Now she’s a cop. Amaia is great at what she does but has to put up with a lot of sexism from her predominantly male coworkers.

When a series of ritualistic murders rock her hometown, she is given the lead on the investigation. This is a great opportunity for her career, but secrets from Amaia’s past haunt her; she is apprehensive about returning home.

If this sounds like a familiar trope, don’t worry, this isn’t a story you’ve already read. The Invisible Guardian is overflowing with Basque history, culture, and mythology. Buy a copy of The Invisible Guardian by Dolores Redondo .

Village of the Lost Girls by Agustín Martínez | Translated by Frank Wynne

Five years ago two young girls, best friends Ana and Lucia, were kidnapped while walking home from school. Their disappearance shook the Pyrenees village of Monteperdido.

But just as the village is beginning to heal, Ana’s very much alive body is recovered from the scene of a car accident.

Ana’s bittersweet return dredges up more questions than answers, though. Why was Simón Herrera, a friendly local man, with her? Where is Lucia? And why was the case never solved?

Village of the Lost Girls is one of the most atmospheric books about Spain, expertly building up to a shocking reveal with enough twists and turns to keep your head spinning.

If you love the setting of this one, you’ll get similar vibes in some of these books about Switzerland . Buy a copy of Village of the Lost Girls by Agustín Martínez .

Historical Fiction Books Set in Spain

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is most famous for her YA books about the Baltics , and The Fountains of Silence is another excellent read. This is one of the best historical novels about Spain, providing a glimpse into one of the country’s darkest chapters.

It’s 1957 and aspiring Texan photographer Daniel Matheson is visiting Madrid with his oil tycoon father and Spanish mother. Their status affords them access to a Spain most Spaniards never see under Franco’s tyrannical leadership.

It also means they can stay at one of the city’s top hotels, which happens to be staffed by a cute girl.

But Daniel wants to see the real Madrid, so he takes his camera out to try and capture that side of the city. While exploring the city he gets just the photo he is looking for, only to have his camera confiscated…

The Fountains of Silence is a beautiful book infused with fascinating history and a good dose of romance. Buy a copy of The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys .

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Translated by Lucia Graves

The Shadow of the Wind is one of the most popular novels about Spain in recent history, and for good reason.

A young boy named Daniel is taken to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his father and instructed to pick a book that calls out to him. This book will become his responsibility.

Daniel chooses a book called The Shadow of the Wind written by the obscure Catalan author Julián Carax. His father advises him to keep extra care of this book as someone has been hunting down and destroying all of Julian’s work.

After reading the book, Daniel becomes obsessed with Julian Carax. With the aid of a friend, he begins trying to hunt down as much of it as he can. But there are forces that want the works to remain hidden from history and don’t appreciate Daniel dredging up the past – and they will stop at nothing to keep it that way.

This magical book about books is a literary feast and a beautiful insight into Spanish history and culture. Although it is the first in a series, it can also be read as a standalone. Buy a copy of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón .

The Island Villa by Lily Graham

Before Charlotte’s husband James died of cancer, he was able to track down and purchase her grandmother’s childhood home on the Spanish island of Formentera as a gift.

She wants nothing more than to grieve in peace under her duvet, but Charlotte feels drawn to this incredible gift. So she decides to grieve in Spain and try to learn more about her family history.

But what she discovers is that there are dark secrets in her family’s past, including a love affair that nearly tore apart the family.

As Charlotte learns more about her family, The Island Villa follows different family members through different time periods – even jumping as far back as the 1700s.

Although it deals with some heavier topics, The Island Villa is one of the best beach read books set in Spain. It is also perfect for anyone who loves books set on islands . Buy a copy of The Island Villa by Lily Graham .

Berta Isla by Javier Marías | Translated by Margaret Jull Costa

Berta Isla has known her entire life that she would marry Tomás Nevinson. Even after he decides to attend university in England, she waits for him in Madrid.

But Tomás returns to Madrid a changed man.

Tomás has always existed between two worlds: his mother is Spanish, his father is English; he grew up in Spain, but attended university in Oxford. Tomás’ father worked in intelligence and wants nothing more than for his son to follow in his footsteps.

So when a member of British intelligence offers him a job, Tomás accepts. But now he’s going on secret missions, lying to his wife and setting them both on a path they might not be able to come back from.

If you’re looking for exciting thriller books about Spain, Berta Isla is a refreshing take on the espionage novel. Set between the 1970s and 1990s, this is the perfect book to curl up with and get lost in the past. Buy a copy of Berta Isla by Javier Marías .

A Million Drops by Victor del Árbol | Translated by Lisa Dillman

After the tragic and suspicious suicide of his estranged sister, Barcelona lawyer Gonzalo Gil is determined to understand why. But in the process, he unearths family secrets he wasn’t prepared to find out.

Spanning over 100 years of Spanish history, A Million Drops is one of the best historical novels about Spain. Part thriller mystery, part historical political fiction, the book takes on heavy themes such as fascism, anti-semitism, and torture.

But if you’re just looking for books about Barcelona – or Spain in general – this one won’t be for you. Part of the historical sections take place in the USSR and in the Soviet gulags. Buy a copy of A Million Drops by Victor del Árbol .

The Last Jew by Noah Gordon

In 1478 Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon established the Spanish Inquisition to root out and murder, convert or expel heretics against the Catholic Church.

By 1492, Yonah Toledano, a 15-year-old Jewish boy living in Spain, has lost all of his family. They have either fled the country or been murdered.

To survive, Yonah must keep his Jewish identity a secret and goes by a Christian name. However, he refuses to convert as his Jewishness is an important part of him.

Unable to leave Spain himself, Yonah’s only real friend is his donkey Moise on whom he travels across the country.

The Last Jew is one of the only books about Spain to explore the country’s history through the Jewish lens. It is also an important reminder of how destructive the Catholic Church was for Spain at the time. Buy a copy of The Last Jew by Noah Gordon .

The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson

The Bird King is another unique book set during the Spanish Inquisition. However, this fantastical historical novel is steeped with Islamic folklore and magical realism.

Set in 1491 (896 Hijri year), the book follows Fatima, the last Circassian concubine to the sultan and her best friend, Hassan, a gay Muslim cartographer. But Hassan has a special power: he can draw maps of anywhere, and this enables him to shift reality and enter into the world of the Djinn.

When the Inquisition learns of this power, Hassan is deemed a sorcerer by the Inquisition; he and Fatima must go on the run across Spain to save his life.

Along the way, they are aided by a monk named Gwennec and a Jinn who goes by the name Vikram the Vampire (Vikram also features in Wilson’s debut novel, Alif the Unseen ).

The Bird King is one of the best historical books set in Spain, especially for those looking for a bit of escapism while still learning about one of Spain’s darkest chapters.

He might not be a real vampire, but you can find plenty more magical and immortal creatures like him in these amazing vampire books . Buy a copy of The Bird King by G. Willow Wilson .

Classic Novels About Spain

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes | Translated by Edith Grossman*

*Please note there are different editions translated by different people

This doorstop of a novel is one of the most famous Spanish books ever written, and one of the most translated books of all time.

The book follows Alonso Quixano, a nobleman from La Mancha who fancies himself a knight errant. He is fascinated by the knights of his favorite books, so he changes his name to Don Quixote, and leaves La Mancha to go on an adventure.

In addition to being one of the best Spanish novels, Don Quixote is notable for its portrayal of madness and mental health.

Don Quixote always tries to see the magic in life, but many of his friends and family worry that he is descending into madness and try to intervene. There are some, though, who are charmed by Don Quixote and help fuel his dreams. Buy a copy of Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes .

Solitude by Victor Català | Translated by David H. Rosenthal

Written at the turn of the 20th century by Caterina Albert i Paradís and forced to use a pseudonym, it’s no surprise this is a feminist classic of Spanish literature.

When Mila marries Matias, she is taken away from everything she’s ever known to live in a hermitage high up in the Catalan mountains. This might not be so bad if Matias was a good husband, but instead, he is lazy and abusive.

Mila must find her inner strength to carry on and not succumb to loneliness. Fortunately, she is able to find some solace in the magical stories told by the nearby shepherd.

Solitude is not only one of the only feminist classic books about Spain, it is also a quiet meditation on what it means to grow up and fight for ourselves. Content warning for sexual assault. Buy a copy of Solitude by Victor Català .

The City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza | Translated by Bernard Molloy

Catalonian Onofre Bouvila does not come from money, but as a young boy, his father heads to Cuba to make it. Although it initially seems upon his return like he has succeeded, the family soon learns it’s all a lie and he is indebted to the Spanish mafia.

So as soon as he’s old enough, Onofre heads to Barcelona to make the fortunes his father failed to achieve. And, he’s willing to make it through any means necessary.

Set between Barcelona’s two World’s Fairs in 1888 and 1929, T he City of Marvels is one of the best Spanish books set in Barcelona.

The setting is magical and will make many wish they could travel back in time to visit. Onofre might be the protagonist, but the whole book is really a love letter to Barcelona. Buy a copy of The City of Marvels by Eduardo Mendoza .

Non-Fiction Books Set in Spain

Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell

In 1936 George Orwell traveled to Catalonia to report on the Spanish Civil War. Instead, he wound up joining the POUM militia as part of the Republican Army fighting against the fascist Nationalist party.

Homage to Catalonia is the memoir of his time with POUM, with whom he fought from December 1936 to June 1937.

At the time, he and his wife Eileen O’Shaughnessy barely escaped back to England from the communist purges of Barcelona (where she was living).

The book details his time traveling all across Spain with the militia. Orwell spent time on the front line, and the book never shies away from the realities of war.

It can be a difficult read, but it’s one of the best non-fiction books about Spain during this time. Buy a copy of Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell .

Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and its Silent Past by Giles Tremlett

Ghosts of Spain is one of the best books about Spain’s recent history and will give an invaluable insight into the country.

Part travel memoir, part history book, Ghosts of Spain tackles various difficult topics in Spain’s history through the lens of different regions and cities in each chapter.

In addition to more obvious events like the civil war and Basque separatism, Tremlett also examines topics as diverse as gender relations, tourism, corruption, and flamenco dancing.

Although the author makes some weird generalizations about Spaniards, the history is still fascinating and essential for anyone planning a visit. Buy a copy of Ghosts of Spain .

Walking to the End of the World: A Thousand Miles on the Camino de Santiago by Beth Jusino

As a general rule, you can’t really have a list of books about Spain without mentioning the Camino de Santiago. But most people have already read – or at least heard of – Paolo Coehlo’s The Pilgrimage .

Try out this humorous memoir and one of the best books for hikers .

Hoping for an adventure, Beth and her husband, Eric, decide to hike a thousand miles along the Camino from the village of Le Puy, France to the Atlantic Ocean. To say they are ill-prepared is an understatement.

And it doesn’t take long for the two to realize just how in over their heads they are. Buy a copy of Walking to the End of the World .

Horror Novels Set in Spain

Death in Spring by Mercè Rodoreda | Translated by Martha Tennent

Death in Spring is a dystopian horror novel set in a world that resembles Franco’s Spain, but is uniquely terrifying on its own.

The book is narrated by a nameless 14-year-old boy who lives in a nameless village surrounded by nameless people.

Told as a surreal stream of a conscious fever dream, the narrator is trying to understand and reconcile the violence and depravity of his fellow villagers. But, he knows nothing else of the world outside the village.

He wonders why he finds the unsavory characters and unsettling rituals that have become a part of everyday life so distasteful.

Death in Spring is one of the best horror novels about Spain, and a must for anyone who loves political allegory. Grab a copy of Death in Spring by Mercè Rodoreda .

Such Small Hands by Andrés Barba | Translated by Lisa Dillman

When Mariana’s parents both die tragically in a car accident, she is left scarred – both physically and mentally – and alone.

After several months of recovery in the hospital, she is brought to a girl’s orphanage.

Here she does not fit in. None of the other girls have ever had parents or can remember living outside the orphanage walls.

They torment Mariana, but they are also obsessed with her. And for her part, Mariana is desperate to do whatever it takes to be accepted.

Such Small Hands is a hypnotic horror novella of acceptance, grief, and peer pressure.

Part narrative, part Greek chorus, this is one of the most haunting Spanish novels available in English. Grab a copy of Such Small Hands by Andrés Barba .

Nona’s Room by Cristina Fernández Cubas | Translated by Simon Deefholts & Kathryn Phillips-Miles

Nona’s Room brings together six creepy and unsettling short stories all narrated by women.

Each woman is about to go through a transformative moment in their lives. One woman experiences a drug-induced spiritual journey with her aunt and uncle, while another must learn to accept the attention her disabled sister receives from their parents before it’s too late.

There is even a story of a woman trapped in a time warp – perfect for lovers of time travel books .

Nona’s Room is one of the best Spanish novels for horror lovers. Suffused with a weird and gothic atmosphere, these stories will stay with you long after you’re done reading. Buy a copy of Nona’s Room by Cristina Fernández Cubas.

Save Our Spain Books Reading List For Later

Thank you to TUL contributor, Dagney McKinney

Dagney (pronouns: any) is a neurodivergent writer who loves all things macabre and weird. She likes outrageously spicy food, long walks through graveyards, and historical tangents. You’ll most likely find her wandering around somewhere quiet or underground, buying salt, or whispering to camels.

What are your favorite Spanish books? What novels about Spain do you recommend?

We’d love to know which Spain-based books you love. Who are your favorite Spanish authors? Let us know in the comments!

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Dagney McKinney

Arturo Barea’s ‘Forging of a Rebel’ – a hugely influential & engrossing autobiography encompassing key cultural and political features of early 20th century Spain

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Find the Best Spain Travel Books: Plan Your Perfect Trip

There’s so much to see in Spain. Even if you get your travel inspiration from magazines and blogs, it’s also helpful to reference travel books for Spain. This curated list includes the best general Spain guide books as well as additional volumes for specific cities and regions, pretty neighborhood guides, fun books for kids, travel memoirs and travel books on Spanish food and culture.

I’m a recovering bookseller and an unrepentant book nerd, so you can trust me to give you solid recommendations for the best Spain guidebooks. Even though I write guides and itineraries for Wayfaring Views, I still sometimes use physical guide books myself for helping me figure out logistics and find cool things to do. You are obviously interested in the same or you wouldn’t be on this page, so carry on for a thorough list of suggestions.

(This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase, I’ll make a small commission.)

The Best Spain Guide Books for Travel Planning

All of the major guidebook publishers, such as Fodors , DK Eyewitness , Rough Guides , Frommers , have guide books for Spain. But my favorite guide books are always either Lonely Planet or Rick Steves.

Spain 2020 , Rick Steves

The Rick Steves travel guides are thorough, practical and budget-friendly. He covers all of the basics and has good advice for how to avoid tourist trap restaurants, where to find practical services such as laundry and a prioritized (if somewhat predictable) list of top sights.

In fact, I have an article on how you can disobey Rick Steves in Madrid and live to tell about it.

Rick’s Spain guide book has a useful section with advice on how to budget for your trip and a three week whirlwind tour itinerary, which, frankly is a bit too whirlwindy for me but it will give you a good feel for the highlights. Reference it and then pare it down to accommodate the time that you have available.

Spain Travel Guide , Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet guides began by targeting the budget traveler and they have remained pretty true to their original mission. I appreciate their tips for saving money, suggestions for varied itineraries and their willingness to recommend offbeat attractions.

Lonely Planet’s top pics are notable because they not only recommend places to go, but also specific experiences. For instance, the current guide specifically recommends eating pinxtos (tapas) in San Sebastián as a top experience. Another top experience that they recommend is the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which I’ve done twice . I like this advice because it gets you out of museums closets full of musty armor and into modern Spain.

Learn more about the Camino de Santiago : The Camino is a whole sub-category of Spain travel books. If you are looking for inspiration, check out these Camino de Santiago books and memoirs. If you are planning a pilgrimage, check out this article on Camino guidebooks and apps .

Spain & Portugal’s Best Trips , Lonely Planet

This book is not an all-around guide, but rather a set of 32 curated itineraries from seven writers who have extensive experience in Spain and Portugal. This would make a great gift for someone who is thinking of traveling to Spain, or as a tool for helping you narrow down your itinerary choices.

The Train in Spain: Ten Great Journeys Through the Interior , Christopher Howse

Howse has been traveling in Spain for 25 years. Follow along with him on ten specific train journeys where he meets troglodytes, visits a city ruined by an earthquake, runs into a dancing lion, stumbles across a body-snatching plot and tries out a recipe for acorn pie.

Spain Travel Guide , Todd Wright

This is a good basic overview guide for Spain. It’s not as thorough as the Lonely Planet or Rick Steves guides, however the author suggests a few experiences and festivals that the main guides overlook.

Getting this book is a low-risk proposition, because it’s free on Kindle Unlimited.

FREE books with Kindle Unlimited! In addition to Wright’s book, you can also get the Lonely Planet Spain guide and other books for free with a Kindle Unlimited account. Try it with a  30-day free trial HERE .

Travel Books on Spain’s Specific Regions

If you are covering the whole country, then I’d suggest getting one of the general guides above and supplementing with travel blog info for specific cities.

However, regional guides are great if you are just visiting one area or city. Most of the regional specific guides are 150-350 pages and all of them offer more than what you’ll find in the general country guide.

Madrid Travel Guide Books

• Rick Steves Snapshot: Madrid and Toledo
• Lonely Planet Madrid or the smaller Pocket Madrid guide
• Moon Guide Barcelona and Madrid

Northern Spain and Basque Country Guide Books

• Rick Steves: Basque Country: Spain and France
• Insight Guides: Northern Spain
• Basque Diary , Alex Hallat

Southern Spain Guide Books

• Rick Steves: Snapshot: Granada, Sevilla and Andalusia
• Lonely Planet: Andalucia (including Granada, Sevilla, Gibraltar, Córdoba and Malaga
• DK Eyewitness Guide: Top 10 Andalucia
• Insight Guides: Southern Spain
• Rough Guides to Andalucia (also on Kindle Unlimited)

Barcelona Guide Books

• Rick Steves Barcelona or the smaller Pocket Barcelona guide
• Lonely Planet Pocket Barcelona
• Fodors Barcolona 25 Best and also Barcelona with highlights of Catalonia
• Moon Guide Barcelona and Beyond (including Catalonia)

Artsy Design Guides for Spain

CitiX60 Barcelona Guide , Viction

Sixty designers, architects, chefs artists and other creatives show you their side of Barcelona. The guide includes a well-curated selection museums, notable architecture and sculpture, cultural icons and shops with beautiful photography.

Wallpaper City Guide : Madrid

These insider guides also heavily feature beautiful design and pretty places. It includes the “hippest nightlife, the buzziest hotels, the coolest retail, the most influential art galleries and cultural spaces, the best in local design and the contemporary architecture that defines a city.”

You can also get a Wallpaper Guide for Barcelona .

Spanish Travel Books for Kids

Theodore’s Spanish Adventure , Trent Harding, Ashlee Harding

Keep the kids busy on the plane with this cute, well-designed Spanish culture book. Theodore the Bear will help your kids learn some Spanish and get a feel for life in Spain.

Mission Barcelona , Catherine Aragon

Let your kids take you around Barcelona using this treasure hunt as their guide. Your kids will be given a spy mission and they’ll sleuth out clues at popular sites like the Sagrada Familia and along La Rambla.

BONUS: This book is also available through Kindle Unlimited. These kids books also come available as Paris travel guides in case your itinerary includes that region as well.

City Trails, Barcelona , Lonely Planet Kids

Let Marco and Amelia take your kids along a series of themed trails through Barcelona. The trails spotlight cultural and historic places of interest with 16 topics like: Animal Land, Gaudi Town, Musical Marvels, City of Art and Delicioso!

Kid’s Travel Guide – Spain , Wendy Crawford and Shiela H Leon

This is not only a Spanish guidebook for kids, but it also doubles as an activity book and diary which can be taken home as a souvenir. The book includes fun facts, juicy information, quizzes, special tasks and coloring pages.

Travel Memoirs from Spain

Castanets, Coffee & Don Quixote , Robert Noble Graham

Follow Graham as he rambles (and sometimes stumbles) around Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo and Sevilla. He shares anecdotes about his experiences and…”you will learn a lot about Spanish history and the significance of these cities. But my favorite part of the book is the author’s delightful sense of humor and amusing anecdotes.”

Driving Over Lemons : An Optimist in Spain, Chris Stewart

Because of course you buy a remote sheep farm in Soutern Spain which is lacking water, electricity or even a road. Like Mayle from A Year in Provence , Stewart and his wife dig in to create a pastoral expat live for themselves. “… He is funny, clever and talented and who knew he could shear sheep.”

My Reign in Spain , Rich Bradwell

When Bradwell was asked to give a wedding toast in Spanish, he did the only sensible thing–he went off to Spain to learn the language. His German roomate Nils was little help, but it becomes a “changing trip through this fascinating and cultured country, as he travels through the vineyards of La Rioja, surfs in the Basque Country and frantically tries to speak Spanish at anyone he can find.”

All About Spanish Food & Culture

Spain – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture , Belén Aguado Viguer

It’s not always about where you go, but rather understating the context for what you see and experience. This guide will give you insight into Spain’s proud and passionate culture that goes way beyond Flamenco and Don Quixote.

Grape Olive Pig , Matt Gouling

On all of my many trips to Spain, I’ve consumed plenty of grapes, olives and pig (and also some delicious goat and sheep milk cheeses.) Goulding will help you fall in love with Spain, not with your heart, but with your gut. The book is presented as a series of stories about the culinary and geographical landscape of Spain through the eyes of a hungry traveler.

Cute Spain-Themed Travel Journals

My Travel to Madrid Journal

110 page travel diary with lined pages.

Sevilla Notebook

100 pages unlined. Also available for Barcelona, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga and Granada.

Spain Travel Journal with Pockets and Envelopes

This beautiful hand-stitched journal features a vintage map on the cover, 48 pages of journal and envelopes and pockets for treasures.

Supplemental Info from Travel Bloggers

Supplement these Spain travel guides with some itinerary advice on specific regions and cities in Spain .

• Learn more about theculture and history by reading some non-fiction, historical fiction, mysteries and novels set in Spain .
• Madrid: My own three day itinerary for Madrid .
• Andalucia: Southern Spain ten day itinerary for Andalucia .
• Valencia: Top things to do in Valencia .
• Sevilla: How to spend three days in Sevilla .
• The Canaries: Road trip itinerary for Tenerife .
• General: Here are 37 offbeat things to do in Spain .
• Here’s a 10 day itinerary for Spain focused on Madrid, Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada

READ MORE BOOKS!

Start with this list of the very  best travel books . It includes great reads about how travel is transformative, offering wacky tales of derring do, epic quests and stories of authentic travel.

You should also check out the following series of book lists for specific destinations:

Paris  |  Ireland  |  Iceland  |  Cuba  |  Scotland  |  Camino de Santiago  |  Sri Lanka | Australia | Jordan | Colombia | Spain | San Francisco

Buen Viaje and enjoy your trip to Spain.

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Sunday 8th of March 2020

Thanks for sharing this awesome piece of information. I'm on a trip to Spain in a couple of weeks . This will help me to spend the days I'm gonna spend there wisely.

35 Best Ever Books about Spain

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2024

Categories Europe

Looking for the all time best travel books on Spain? If so then you’re in luck because this post contains an expertly curated selection of the 35 best books on Spain. 

Trust me on this. I love reading and I love Spain. Therefore, I know all about some of the best novels about Spain and have added them to this absurdly comprehensive list. 

This way, if you want to get a taste for what this beyond magical country has to offer – but don’t have enough Benjamins for a plane ticket – then you can always just use this epic list to pick out some of your fave fave books on Spain. 

Added bonus? It’s super easy to find what you’re looking for since I’ve created different categories that allow you to quickly and easily locate the perfect books about Spain for you!

So, grab that vintage Snuggie of yours and settle into the most comfy chair you can find because we’re about to deep dive into the best novels about Spain, the best books about living in Spain, the best Spain travel guides, and so much more!

Dear wonderful, beautiful, and oh-so-amazing reader (Yup, I lay it on thick for my dozens of fans). Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high probability (like 99.999%) that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Best Spanish Novels and Best Novels about Spain

1. don quixote by miguel de cervantes.

Chances are even if you’re not much of a reader, you’ve at least heard of one of the best novels on Spain of all time – Don Quixote by Cervantes . 

Yeah, it’s so iconic that it’s sold more than 500 million copies world wide. Plus, in a survey – done by the Nobel Prize Committee – of the world’s one hundred greatest writers, they actually referred to this as, “the greatest book of all time.”.

Therefore, it was kind of a no brainer that I needed to add this to my list of the best books about Spain. However, just in case you’ve never read one of the best Spanish novels of all time for yourself, its about a middle-aged noble (like knight noble) from La Mancha. 

See, he reads about the heroic exploits of knights while in La Mancha and becomes inspired to set out on a similar adventure of his own, with his faithful squire Sancho. 

Because yes, every hero in history really does need his very own sidekick. Anyway, the dynamic duo set out on a great adventure and encounter a ton of comedic mishaps along the way as they use their imaginations to get involved in situations that they really shouldn’t. 

In the end though, much of the plot actually centers around Sancho, who is trying to both metaphorically and physically steer his leader in the right direction. 

Yup, just a wonderfully beautiful book on Spain that is well worth a read, so be sure to get your copy now !

Price:  $2.99 on Kindle.

2. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Obviously I couldn’t in good conscious create this list of the best books on Spain without referring to the man, the myth, the legend, Ernest Hemingway and his awesome novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls . 

See, one of the best novels about Spain was actually inspired by a 1937 trip to Spain when Ernest Hemingway traveled there to report on the Spanish Civil War for a North American newspaper. 

Fast forward three years and the immortal novel For Whom the Ball Tolls was born. It tells the riveting story of Robert Jordan, a young American who is part of the International Brigades from an antifascist guerilla unit that fights in the mountains of Spain.

As the novel progresses, you’ll become enthralled with a tale of loyalty, love, courage, loss, and the eventual death of idealism. Highlights include Jordan’s relationship with Maria, El Sordo’s last stand, and the bloodshed of La Pasionaria (there’s an intense rejection of blind faith here), and more. 

So, one of the best Spanish novels on this list that represents a powerful, provocative, emotional, and thought-provoking look at the horrors of war and how they can irreversibly change the course of our lives. 

Price: $3.99 on Kindle.

3. Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving

This is one of those best books on Spain that was instrumental in reintroducing citizens of the West to the stunning beauty of Spain’s Alhambra. 

Because in this vast collection of essays and short stories, Washington Irving discusses the time he spent living in the Alhambra Palace during a trip to Granada from Madrid in 1828. 

See, almost as soon as the famed author set eyes upon this gorgeous structure, he reached out to local officials to see if he could stay inside the palace itself. 

Eventually, he was given complete access to the complex (due to his celebrity status) and was later assisted by a local, 35-year old guide named Mateo Ximenes,

So, go on a voyage of almost other worldly beauty in the Tales of the Alhambra  as Irving attempts to use words to capture the jaw-dropping beauty of this now immortal Spanish landmark.

Price: $0.99 on Kindle.

4. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Oh, hey look! Another Ernest Hemingway novel makes it on to this list of the best books on Spain – a fact that is shocking to exactly no one since this famed author has penned some of the best novels about Spain of all time. 

Anyway, back to the 10,00 different reasons why you should read The Sun Also Rises . Because, believe it or not, this is one of the best books on Spain that was initially published in 1926 and that is actually Hemingway’s very first novel. 

Yup, insert gasps of total shock and aww here. Anyway, this Spanish novel uses the story of Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley to critically examine the angst and tremendous sense of loss faced by a generation coming to age after World War I. 

So, read all about ostentatious Brett and clueless Jake as these expats experience the incredible party scene of 1920s Paris and encounter the gruesome realities of bullfighting in Spain. 

Because it is through their unconventional lives that you’ll fully understand the total lack of morality and disillusionment that plagued a generation of people throughout the 1920s. 

Price:  Starting at $7.99 on Kindle. 

5. All This I Will Give to You by Dolores Redondo

So, what do you actually need to know about one of the best novels about Spain on this list? Well, not surprisingly it’s an award-winning, international best seller that tells the gripping story of novelist Manuel Ortigosa. 

See, his husband Alvaro was killed in a car crash in Galicia. And while the case is immediately dismissed as an accident, Manuel goes there to investigate the incident and learn all about some of Alvaro’s most shocking secrets. 

As one of the best books about Spain unfolds, lies and secrets come pouring out and Manuel eventually makes his way to the estate of one of the most well-known families in Spain. 

Although unwelcome in the home, our protaognist eventually finds unlikely allies in a police lieutenant and an an old friend from seminary school. Together. the unlikely companions work together to unravel the mystery of Alvaro’s death and the incredible double life that he was leading. 

Therefore, if you’re looking for one of the best books on Spain that is a fun, who-done-it, page-turner – a book that you physically won’t be able to put down -then All This I Will Give to You is 110% the book for you!

Price: $4.99 with Kindle. 

6. Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

Probably one of the less well-known novels on this list of the best books about Spain, Leaving the Atocha Station tells the intriguing story of Adam Gordon, a totally unreliable, young, American poet.

See, he is in Spain as part of a very reputable fellowship program and is having difficulty figuring out his identity as an artist.

That’s why, instead of following the program’s curriculum, Adam ends up contemplating the inherent honesty of his art and the relationships he has with people in Spain. 

Eventually, he witnesses the Madrid train bombings of 2004 and starts to wonder if he should participate in history or just marvel at it while it passes him by. 

Yup, just a great, introspective novel that makes you stop for a moment and really think about the life you’re living. 

Price: $8.95 on Kindle. 

7. The Shadow in the Wind by Carlos Ruiz

Set in Barcelona in 1945, this New York Times bestselling novel looks at the life of Daniel, a book seller’s son who is coming to terms with the loss of his mother in a city that is slowly rebuilding after that tragedies of the Spanish Civil War. 

Eventually, he finds comfort in an intriguing work entitled,  The Shadow of the Wind , by Julián Carax. However, when he begins to search for other books written by this author, he is shocked to find that someone is destroying all the books that this author has ever written.

In fact, Daniel may now own the only remaining copy of Carax’s works in existence.

So, if you love tragic, scary, and sometimes touching thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat then you’ll adore The Shadow in the Wind and this pick for one of the best books about Spain.

After all, you’ll get to follow Daniel as he embarks on a whirlwind journey into a world filled with some of Barcelona’s darkest secrets. A place where murder, insanity, and ill-fated love all come together to create an all too tragic reality. 

Pro Tip: This is the first book in a series of four books that are all a part of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books series. So, if you like this pick for the best books on Spain then be sure to pick up the other three novels in the series too!

Price: Starting at $9.68.

8. Cathedral by the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones

Set in fourteenth-century Barcelona (aka the golden age), this is an exciting piece of historical fiction that tells the story of Arnau Estanyol, a man who arrives in the city to find everyone excited about the construction of the city’s pride and joy, the cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar – a structure that was created to cover up the travesties associated with the Inquisition. 

Once in the city, Arnau becomes a stone worker and helps create the iconic church as his best friend Joanet goes to school to become a priest.

As the plot behind one of the best books about Spain unfolds, our main character enjoys great financial successful, eventually falling in love with a woman that is off-limits to him.

But once his treachery is revealed and he is taken in front of the Inquisitor,  his friend Joanet must decide if he will die just as the Cathedral of the Sea is finally completed or if he will be saved by his adopted brother.

Honestly, it’s definitely one of the more fun and exciting reads on this of the best novels on Spain – a book that was eventually transformed into a television show of the same name in 2018. 

So, if you want a great book that introduces you to the fascinating history behind one of my all time favorite cities ever (Barcelona), then give Cathedral by the Sea a try!

9. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I’m not gonna lie to you, The Alchemist is one of the best books on Spain that is kind of hard to explain. 

That being said though, it’s a short, inspiring, International best seller then will leave you with plenty of things to ponder as you reexamine the inner workings of the life you currently lead. 

However, just in case that description was a little too ambiguous for you, it’s a tale of self-discovery that expertly intertwines the concepts of wisdom, mysticism, and magic as you read about Santiago, a young shepherd in Andalusia. 

He longs to travel the world in search of wealth and money. Ultimately though, he finds something infinitely more precious and rewarding than he ever thought possible. 

So, as you read this classic book on Spain, you’ll uncover themes related to uncovering opportunity, listening to your heart, following your dreams, and watching out for ill-fated omens. 

Yeah, it’s one of those rare, modern books about Spain that can easily transform your life if you let it. 

10. Winter in Madrid by C.J. Sansom

Set amidst the gut-wrenching aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, this amazing piece of historical fiction tells the story of Harry Brett, a veteran of Dunkirk who was traumatized by the experience and who has recently been recruited a spy for the British Secret Service. 

As part of a new mission, Harry is sent to earn the trust of an old school friend named Sandy Forsyth who now lives in Madrid as a less than honest business man.

As the plot unfolds in Madrid in 1940 -a city that lies in ruins with people starving in the streets as German aggressors continue their incessant march across Europe – Harry becomes trapped in a vicious gate of cat and mouse. 

At the same time, the protagonist’s girlfriend Barbara Clare – a former Red Cross nurse – takes on a secret mission to find her old lover Bernie Piper, a Communist in the International Brigades who seemed to disappear during the conflict of the Jarama.  

Yes, Winter in Madrid is a vibrant and altogether compelling story that transports the reader back in time as modern history unfolds in one of the best books on Spain on this list. 

Price: Starting at $1.99 on Kindle. 

11. The Last Jew by Noah Gordon

Looking for one of the best novels about Spain? If so then check out The Last Jew ! It takes place in 1492 when the Inquisition has taken over the country. As a result, prominent Jewish citizens are now forced to leave the country. 

And anyone of Jewish decent who remains in the country is bullied into becoming Catholic by both the church and royal officials.So, this is where we meet the novel’s main character, Yonah Toledano. 

He is the son of a prominent silversmith who is trapped in Spain after watching both his father and brother die during the insanity of the Inquisition. 

Now, rather than renounce his faith, he is determined to stay a Jew as a memoriam to his murdered family. In so doing, he becomes an out law and must journey across Spain on a donkey named Moise as he tries to evade capture. 

Along the way, he takes work as a shepherd and becomes an armor apprentice (learning how to fight like a knight) while struggling to hold onto the last little bits of his Jewish culture. 

Eventually, he is forced to confront his past, finds love, and maintains a double life as a seemingly resected Christian who still has the heart of a Jew. 

So, step back into the past with this wickedly wonderful adventure and poignant love story about a gruesome chapter in Spain’s history. Yup, just a total must-red as you uncover all of the best books about Spain on the market today. 

Price: $12.99 on Kindle. 

12. The Times in Between by Maria Duenas

In this gripping novel about World War II we follow the adventures of Sira Quiroga, a poor girl who sweeps floors while her single mother works tirelessly as a seamstress. 

Eventually at fourteen, Sira becomes an apprentice and later obtains a small role as a government clerk in her twenties. 

However, her whole world changes when a handsome salesman and the father she has never met come crashing into her life.

She goes on to leave the comforts of Spain as the Spanish Civil War takes over the country, abandoning her mother and fiancee to follow a lover to Morocco.  

Once abroad, she is abandoned and left all alone, completely heartbroken in a foreign country. Sira eventually becomes part of the growing expat community and uses her skill for making stunning clothes to create a new life for herself. 

As time passes and World War II begins, she is persuaded by Allied officials to return to Madrid to begin work as a spy. She is quickly given a new identity and becomes s a couturier to the wives of prominent Nazi leaders.  

So, enjoy one of the best novels about Spain as you swan dive into a world rife with espionage, love, and intrigue. Find out how an incredibly ordinary person can reinvent herself to become an important spy during World War II in The Times in Between . 

Trust me, this is one of the best books on Spain that is not to be missed since it was New York Times bestseller that eventually become a hit television series that is often referred to as the “Spanish Downton Abbey”. 

Price: $13.99 on Kindle.

13. The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

In The Prisoner of Heaven , Carlos Ruiz Zafon creates an incredible, rich thriller that is part of the The Shadow of the Wind and the Angel’s Game series. 

It takes places in Barcelona in 1957 where Daniel Sempere and his wife Bea enjoy the festive Christmas season. After all, the couple has a lot to celebrate with a brand new son named Julian and a friend, Fermin Romero de Torres, who is about to get married. 

However, all that joy is shattered when someone comes to the Sempere bookstore and threatens to reveal a secret that could destroy everything. 

As a result, Daniel and Fermin are forced to confront the past of the 1940s Franco dictatorship on a dangerous adventure that will uncover the truth and put their lives into jeopardy. 

A great page-turner of a mystery that is a fun read for anyone who loves thrillers and is looking for one of the best novels about Spain. 

Price: $6.99 on Kindle

14. The Queen’s Vow by C.W. Gortner

In this gripping novel about the life of Isabella of Castile, C.W, Gortner explores the early life of this iconic Spanish monarch in The Queen’s Vow .  

Known for an unwavering faith that gave rise to the Inquisition, for sending Columbus to the New World, and for being a warrior who helped unify a divided country, Isabelle starts off in this novel as a teenager who is ripped away – along with her brother – from the safety of her mother’s home.

She is then brought to live with her half-brother, King Enrique, who keeps a close eye on her as she accidentally becomes part of a plot to remove the king. 

Eventually imprisoned on suspicion of treason, Isabelle is thrust into power at seventeen when she becomes the heir to the largest kingdom in Spain, Castile. 

Determined to hold onto her power, she goes on to marry Fernando, prince of Aragon, and the couple begin to try and unite an impoverished country that is brimming over with enemies. 

Along the way, Isabella resists the zealous demands of inquisitor Torquemada, meets an enigmatic explorer named Columbus, and goes to war with Moors of Granada. 

So, use one of the best books about Spain to unravel the mysteries of the distant past as you become acquainted with the tumultuous life of Isabella of Castile, a ruler who defied the odds to become one of Spain’s most iconic monarchs.

Price: From $13.99 with Kindle. 

15. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Another one of the many great novels about Spain, The Fountains of Silence is set in Madrid in 1957 and is brought to you by best-selling author, Ruta Sepetys.

Because of dictator General Francisco Franco, Spain holds many dark secrets that are kept quiet as unknowing tourists flood back into the country to enjoy a little fun in the sun. 

Hidden away among these innocents is Daniel Matheson, the 18-year-old son of a wealthy oil tycoon. He hopes to photograph the beauty of Madrid as a way to get reacquainted with his mother’s family of origin. 

Eventually, fate brings Ana into his life and he starts to understand the full repercussions of the Spanish Civil War. He questions everything and is surrounded by a vail of danger that will not dissipate. 

As the novel unfolds, Daniel sees the dark side of this intriguing city and must make increasingly difficult decisions to protect the people he loves  

So, purchase the Fountains of Silence now to read an extraordinary novel about love, the violence of secrets, the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, and identity. 

Price: $10.99 on Kindle.

16. A Heart So White by Javier Marias

Originally written in Spanish and then translated into English, A Heart So White is one of the best books about Spain that tells the story of Juan. 

See, he doesn’t know much about his father, Ranz, and begins to reexamine the man’s life after his own marriage. As he explores the past, he uncovers the true meaning of secrecy and the high price that it demands. 

Yeah, think of this as one of the best novels about Spain that is basically the opposite of a detective story since it’s all about human nature and how the sins of the father can lead to chronic patterns of ever-repeating violence. 

Full of intrigue, this award-winning novel is regarded by many to be a masterpiece of literature that exquisitely demonstrates the power that the past and family secrets have over the life you lead today. 

.Definitely a more cerebral novel so if you’re looking for a light read, you may want to try another one of the best books on Spain on this list. 

Price: From $2.51 in hardcover. 

17. The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Another amazing Carlos Ruiz Zafon novel, The Angel’s Game is the second book in the four book, The Cemetery of the Forgotten series.

It’s one of the best books about Spain where you’ll find David Martin in a long-forgotten, abandoned mansion in Barcelona. The survivor of a turbulent childhood, he quietly writes sensationalist novels under an assumed pseudonym. 

It is within these stories that he hides from the pain of his past and, in so doing, uncovers a dark world behind Barcelona that many people don’t know exists. 

However, perhaps his macabre prose aren’t quite as outlandish as they seem since he later finds a slew of ominous letters and photographs that hint at the mysterious death of the home’s former owner. 

Eventually, the darkness of the past takes him over and he is only brought out of his misery once he receives a letter from a French editor named Andreas Corelli.

It is within this correspondence that David gets a once in a lifetime offer to write a truly unique book that will alter pieces minds and capture their hearts.

In return, he’ll receive wealth beyond his wildest dreams – an agreement that seems perfect until he understands the true connection between his haunting tale and the darkness that surrounds the mansion he lives in.  

Yeah, if you like any of the author’s previous works then you love another one of the best novels about Spain on this list. 

Price: $10.99 in paperback. 

Books about Living in Spain: Non-Fiction Books about Spain

18. homage to catalonia by george orwell.

Initially intending to report on the Spanish Civil War as a war correspondent, George Orwell was compelled to act and eventually fought as a member of the POUM militia in the Republic army. 

And Homage to Catalonia is one of the best books on Spain the details all of his personal experiences about life in the trenches and how this experience ultimately changed him and his political opinions, eventually leading him to write this book in 1946. 

Gripping and heart-breaking, this is one of the best books about Spain that lashes out against totalitarianism and comes out in support of Democratic Socialism. 

And that makes sense since the author fought against the Fascists of Spain and recounts his painful, but powerful, personal experiences throughout this sometimes funny literary gem. 

So, find out what a truly democratic army with no hierarchy is really like, learn the truth behind Orwell’s almost fatal injury, and uncover the all too challenging conflict between one’s personal beliefs and the realities of political power. 

Price : Just $0.45 on Kindle!

19. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee

The second of a three book memoir about life in Spain, As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning follows author Laurie Lee as he leaves his village home in June of 1934 and walks over one-hundred miles from Slad to London. 

At nineteen, he sets out on an incredible journey, bringing only what he can carry with him as he makes a long detour to stop and marvel at the ocean for the very first time. 

Additionally, this is one of the best books about Spain that is often heralded as the greatest travel narratives of the past century since it is filled with poignant commentary about the realities of life on the road – first in England and then in Spain, where the unfamiliarity of it all eventually gave the author great comfort. 

So, read about an all too fleeting era of peace in Europe, during which travelers could go wherever they wanted.

Find out what it’s like to tramp from the Galician port city of Vigo, over the Sierra de Guadarrama, through Madrid, and into the Costa del Sol as optimistic young men rediscover joy in a county that will soon need them in the political battles they lie ahead. 

Price: From $11.99 on Kindle. 

20. Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain by Chris Stewart

The first in a trilogy of books, Driving Over Lemons tells the story of the author and his wife Ana, who decide to purchase El Valero, a remote sheep farm in the Alpujarra Mountains in Southern Spain.

Brimming over with olive trees, lemon groves, and almonds aplenty, the farm is rustic and provides the authors with an all too real look at what life is really like without electricity, running water, road access, etc. 

Additionally, the new owners have to contend with Pedro Romero, a former who who just refuses to leave.

However, in spite of all the overwhelming difficulties that the couple faces, they maintain their optimism and use their sheep shearing prowess to help them gain entry and acceptance into the local community. 

So, take a chance one of the best books about Spain that is easy to read and that will inspire you. Because this couple never gives up and remains enchanted by the people they meet and the rugged landscape that they now call home. 

Plus, in spite of the tremendous odds, they are able to create a new home for themselves and a life that they truly want to live.

Price: Starts at $12.99 on Kindle. 

21. Iberia by James A Michener

Brought to you by Pulitzer Prize winning author James A Michener, Iberia is a book all about how James came to love and think of Iberia as his second home. 

Think of this as one of the best books about Spain that is a stunning love letter to the awe-inspiring beauty of Iberia. So, pick up a copy today and learn all about the:

• History of Bullfighters
• Legacy of Warrior Kings
• Famous Painters
• Historic Processions
• Stunning Cathedrals
• Quaint Olive Orchards

Because this book allows you to become intimately acquainted with the hidden world of Iberia through passionate, vivid prose that capture the true beauty of this sometimes contradictory, wild place. 

Price: $14.99 on Kindle.

22. Roads to Santiago by Cees Nooteboom

Throughout this amazing travelogue, Cees Nooteboom shares his personal experiences with the sights, sounds, and smells of some of Spain’s most hidden places. 

So, pick up a copy of Roads to Santiago today to become better acquainted with the architecture, history, art, natural landscape, people, and charming villages of lesser known Spain. 

Because although this book is a masterful retelling of the author’s thirty-five-year long travels through his second home, it’s also a unique window into a part of Spain that many tourists don’t even know exist. 

Therefore, use this beautiful memoir to uncover long forgotten Spanish history (El Cid, Cervantes, Alfonso the Chaste, Alfonso the Wise, the Hapsburgs, and Velázquez) and to truly understand the soul of this magnificent country. 

Price: $19.99 in paperback. 

23. The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

Another one of the best books about Spain from Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. Only instead of fiction, this time Paulo discusses his personal pilgrimage along the road to Santiago. 

In many ways, The Pilgrimage is the perfect companion to The Alchemist since it is an incredibly introspective piece of literature that examines the need of people to uncover their own path.

It demonstrates how the most extraordinary of things are hidden away in the ordinary, mundane takes that everyday people do.  

So, equal parts adventure story and a journey of self-discovery, this riveting book will provide great insight into the life you lead and help you reexamine how you live it. 

Price: $10.99 on Kindle. 

24. South from Grenada by Gerald Brenan

In this incredible true story, learn about the time that author, Gerald Brenan, spent in the remote Spanish village of Yegen and the south of Granada between 1920 and 1934. 

Part travelogue and part memoir, South From Grenada is one the best books about Spain that pays homage to the stunning, wild beauty of southern Spain.

So, take a close at local festivals, folk-lore of the Sierra Nevadas, long standing rivalries, courting rituals, superstitions, and regional customs to better understand what life was really like in rural Spain prior to the start of the Civil War. 

It’s a story of a Spain that no longer exists – a fascinating tale that is punctuated by visits to cheap brothels, the exploration of archaeological remains, and trips to the Bloomsbury group to see people like Lytton Strachey and Virginia Woolf.

Price: $14.25 in paperback. 

Best Books about Spain and Its History

25. ghosts of spain: travels through spain and its silent past by giles tremlett.

Written by acclaimed British journalist Giles Tremlett, this fascinating story unveils some of the well-kept, secret truths surroundings the gruesome atrocities of the Spanish Civil War.

See, as someone who had lived in Madrid for decades, Tremlett was in Spain when mass graves from the Spanish Civil War were getting uncovered all throughout the country.   

As a result, he was spurred into action and started going around the county to try and uncover the truth about Spain’s “silent past” – a collective pact that the country made to avoid the pain of the Civil War by forgetting it altogether. 

And so, Tremlett embarked on a journey to try and understand exactly why some of Europe’s most immortal figures remained silent for so long. 

In so doing, he takes readers on a trip through time and to areas in modern Spain like Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, and Galicia. Therefore, Ghosts of Spain is one of the best books on Spain if you want to learn all about the different regions of Spain and their unique histories. 

After all, Tremlett is quite skilled at explaining Spanish culture to outsiders and offers a distinct point of view that reflects his background as a journalist. 

Price: $13.99 in hardcover. 

26. The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky

In this well-written book from bestselling author Mark Kurlansky, readers will uncover the fascinating history behind the Basque region – a small portion of the country that sits on the border between France and Spain. 

It’s a remarkable area that is full of contradictions, including the fact that although it’s the oldest nation in Europe, it’s also a place that has technically never been a country.  

And Kurlansky attempts to unravel some of the mysteries enshrouding this amazing place as he tries to help readers understand the region’s origins and the indigenous language, Euskera, which is unlike any other on the planet. 

Honestly, The Basque History of the World is truly eye-opening and unlike anything I’ve ever read. I mean, there is a great attention to detail here and an enthusiastic love of the Basque people that is pretty damn infectious. 

So, channel your inner culture vulture and enjoy various human stories that are expertly interwoven with info on economic, political, literary, and culinary history.

After reading this iconic book, you’ll also understand the Basques’ epic contributions to navigation, gastronomy, agriculture, business, political, and recreation. 

Price: $18.00 on paperback. 

27. The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain by Maria Rosa Menocal

When many people think of Spain and its religious history, they immediately conquer up images of the atrocities associated with the intolerance of the Inquisition. 

However, in this fascinating book entitled The Ornament of the World , author Maria Rosa Menocal dispels those misconceptions and shows how the Golden Age of Spanish culture (aka medieval Spain) resulted in more than seven-hundred years of peace and tolerance between the Muslims, Jews, and Christians of Spain, 

Through vivid and tasteful storytelling – that even spawned a PBS series – understand exactly how an atmosphere of religious tolerance fostered artistic, scientific, and literary development throughout all of Spain, 

FYI, there’s a special focus here, with a wistful portrayal of Al-Andalus (i.e. Muslim Spain). So, this is one of the best books on Spain for you if you plan to visit Andalusia while you solo travel Spain. 

Price: $9.99 on Kindle.

28. Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway

Another Ernest Hemingway classic, this often overlooked book from this literary giant was first published in 1932 and unravels the sometimes baffling history of bullfighting in Spain. 

Through personal stories about the sounds, sights, and atmosphere of a traditional bullfight, Hemingway attempts to share his passion for the often misunderstood sport.

So, purchase Death in the Afternoon (aka one of the best books on Spain) if you want to learn more about the ceremony and traditions associated with Spanish bullfighting,

And, per usual with Hemingway, the writing is exceptional and contains thoughts about the evolution of fear and courage in humans – creating an informative but reflective piece of literature that fans of his will love. 

Price: $14.87 in paperback. 

29. Barcelona by Robert Hughes

Without a doubt, Barcelona is easily one of my all time favorite cities in Spain.

So, if you want to better understand this unique city and it’s amazing Catalan culture, then Barcelona by Robert Hughes is easily one of the best books on Spain for you!

After all, Barcelona is probably the most non-Spanish city in the country and this guide does a great job of explaining why with detailed info on the entire history of the city from pre-historic times.  

Additionally, Hughes sheds light on the often violent history of the city and reveals the incredible true stories behind some of the kings, queens, poets, and revolutionaries that called this place home. 

Readers will also be introduced to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, making this an ideal guide for anyone visiting Barcelona for the first time and looking for one of the best books about Spain. 

Price: $6.99 on Kindle. 

30. The Battle for Spain: The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 by Antony Beevor

In honor of the 70th anniversary of the start of the Spanish Civil War, best-selling author Antony Beevor brings you a riveting story all about the Spanish Civil War. 

Beginning in 1936 and ending in 1939, this was one of the most brutal and hotly debated military conflicts of the 20th century.

In fact, many people still view it as a prelude to the start of World War II – with some believing that if the extreme left had lost then the entire Second World War would have been avoided.

In contrast, Nationalists believe that this was was actually the beginning of the Cold War between the West and the USSR.

Regardless of what you believe though, this book does an excellent job of mapping out the progression of the war and shedding some light on the nasty infighting that took place on both sides.  

The Battle for Spain also shows readers how the hopes and anguish of an entire, jaded generation were amplified by the collapse of the Spanish Republic and the emergence of General Franco’s Nazi endorsed dictatorship. 

31. The Spanish Holocaust by Paul Preston

In this heartbreaking book, all of the gruesome atrocities associated with the Franco dictatorship are finally brought to light in this informative piece of work from Paul Preston. 

It’s an often overlooked period in European history and The Spanish Holocaust helps shed light on what Franco’s Spain was really like.

And although gruesome, it’s important to recognize the torture, abuse, and murder of women and children that was carried out as part of a campaign of systematic terror – a pattern of behavior that was endorsed by this Fascist regime as enemies of the government would often turn up missing because they were disposed of in unmarked graves. 

So while The Spanish Holocaus t is one of the best books about Spain that is more difficult to read, it’s an important period in history that we should try not to forget as you read some of the best books on Spain. 

Price: $9.99 with Kindle.

Best Spain Travel Books and Travel Books on Spain

And last, but certainly not least are a selection of the absolute best travel books on Spain. After all, if you’re planning a trip to Spain then you’ll probably want to have at least one guidebook handy. 

This way, you’ll know exactly what to do, where to eat. and where to stay while experiencing all of the very best holiday destinations in Spain.  

Just be sure to purchase the most recent edition possible since information changes pretty rapidly when it comes to local businesses and travel. 

And while all of these guidebooks are awesome, I’m a big fan of Lonely Planet since their books are written by people who live in Spain and contain a ton of hidden gems that you probably won’t find in any other guidebook. 

However, the choice is yours and you can easily purchase any of these best books on Spain from Amazon right now!

32. Lonely Planet Spain

Get this book now!

33. Rick Steves Spain

 34. Frommer’s Spain (Complete Guide)

 35. Fodor’s Essential Spain

There you have it, that just about concludes this guide to the best books about Spain. 

Tell me, did your picks for the best novels about spain make the list if not then let me know in the comments below so that i can give your picks for the best books on spain a read. , and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later.

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The 30 Best Travel Books About Spain

Below you will find a running list of travel books about Spain. This list does not include travel guides. Instead, the books you will find in this list are literary, first-person accounts of travelers through Spain.

The article has two sections. The first is “Our Picks,” which lists our top five favorite travel books about Spain. After that, you’ll find an alphabetized list of all travel books about Spain we’ve come across.

While we are primarily interested in first-person, non-fiction travel narratives, the list has a few works of fiction and romans-à-clef that have a strong autobiographical bent (noted below). It also lists older travel books.

It is difficult to keep lists like these updated, so please email us or let us know if we’re missing something in the comments section. Before reaching out to us, please note that we do not include guidebooks or self-published memoirs/travelogues here, especially ones written about walking the Camino de Santiago, unless they are notable or of a high literary merit.

Don’t forget to see our other lists of travel books .

As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning – Laurie Lee

In the early 1930s, Laurie Lee leaves his Cotswolds home and heads for Spain, where he drifts around the country playing his violin in squares and in front of cafes. He makes his way with the small change he earns and the hospitality of Spaniards on the eve of the Spanish Civil War.

Death’s Other Kingdom – Gamel Woolsey

A heart-rending account of a Spanish village torn apart by the coming of the Civil War by a rare female voice on a war that has otherwise been dominated by male voices. Woolsey, a poet, was married to Gerald Brenan whose book “South from Granada” is listed below.

Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past – Giles Tremlett

The appearance, more than sixty years after the Spanish Civil War ended, of mass graves containing victims of Francisco Franco’s death squads finally broke what Spaniards call “the pact of forgetting”—the unwritten understanding that their recent, painful past was best left unexplored. At this charged moment, Giles Tremlett embarked on a journey around the country and through its history to discover why some of Europe’s most voluble people have kept silent so long. 

Homage to Catalonia – George Orwell

In 1936 George Orwell travelled to Spain to report on the Civil War and instead joined the fight against the Fascists. This famous account describes the war and Orwell’s own experiences. 

Leaving the Atocha Station – Ben Lerner (fiction)

Adam Gordon is a smart and unreliable young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid who struggles to establish his sense of self and his relationship to art. Instead of following the dictates of his fellowship, Adam’s “research” becomes a meditation on the possibility of the genuine in the arts and beyond: are his relationships with the people he meets in Spain as fraudulent as he fears his poems are? A witness to the 2004 Madrid train bombings and their aftermath, does he participate in historic events or merely watch them pass him by?

Other Travel Books About Spain

• A Romantic in Spain – Theophile Gautier
• Barcelona: The Great Enchantress – Robert Hughes
• Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucía – Chris Stewart
• Everything but the Squeal: A Year Pigging Out in Northern Spain – John Barlow
• Grape, Olive, Pig: Deep Travels Through Spain’s Culture – Matt Goulding
• Iberia – James A. Michener
• It’s Not About the Tapas – Polly Evans
• Madrid Tales – Helen Constantine (editor)
• My Midsummer Morning – Alastair Humphreys
• Snowball Oranges – Peter Kerr
• South from Granada – Gerald Brenan
• Spain in Mind: Three Centuries of Great Writers Entranced by Spain – Alice Leccese Powers (editor)
• Spanish Recognitions: The Roads to the Present – Mary Lee Settle
• Sunrises to Santiago – Gabriel Schirm
• Tales of the Alhambra – Washington Irving
• The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho
• The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway (fiction)
• The Tomb in Seville – Norman Lewis
• The Train in Spain – Christopher Howse
• Travels with My Donkey: One Man and His Ass on a Pilgrimage to Santiago – Tim Moore
• Two Middle-Aged Ladies in Andalusia – Penelope Chetwode
• Voices of the Old Sea – Norman Lewis

Please email us or let us know in the comments section below if we’re missing any travel books about Spain.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the books listed here, please consider supporting your local independent bookstore or using our affiliate links below. At no extra cost to you, Travel Writing World will receive a small commission if you purchase an item using our affiliate links.

Buy on Amazon or Buy Used: Abebooks.co.uk or Better World Books USA

Last Updated on 13 September 2020 by Travel Writing World

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Books Set in Spain: Spanish Novels

• Ash at Tale Away

I’ve just returned from my first trip to the southern part of Spain, where I explored the gorgeous cities of Granada, Cordoba, Seville and Tarifa. I was absorbed in the blend of architectural styles, the colors of the cities and the soft light that filtered through it all. As always, I also started reading some books set in Spain to accompany me on my travels (and tour of tapas!)

Of all the books set in Spain, I found it hard to choose what to read as the sheer breadth of literature is rather overwhelming. This list aims to capture a wide selection from classics to contemporary fiction, so there’s something for every taste! 🍷

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here .

Books Set In Spain: The Shortlist

If you want to skip the longer list below, these are my personal picks for books set in Spain:

• Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain  by Chris Stewart
• The Shadow of the Wind  by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
• Granada: The Light of Andalucia  by  Steven Nightingale

Want two of these Books Set in Spain for free?

• Try Amazon Audible free  for 30 days and get 2 free audiobooks which you can play on loads of devices. Ideal for listening while gazing out the window. Best of all, you can cancel at any time and you can keep your books forever!

Books Set In Spain

1. don quixote by miguel de cervantes saavedra, 1615.

Don Quixote has become so entranced by reading chivalric romances, that he determines to become a knight-errant himself. In the company of his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, his exploits blossom in all sorts of wonderful ways.

While Quixote’s fancy often leads him astray – he tilts at windmills, imagining them to be giants – Sancho acquires cunning and a certain sagacity. Sane madman and wise fool, they roam the world together, and together they have haunted readers’ imaginations for nearly four hundred years.

See reviews

2. Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving, 1832

Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving. Shortly after completing a biography of Christopher Columbus in 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain.

At first sight, he described it as “a most picturesque and beautiful city, situated in one of the loveliest landscapes that I have ever seen.” He immediately asked the then-governor of the historic Alhambra Palace as well as the archbishop of Granada for access to the palace, which was granted because of Irving’s celebrity status.

3. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway, 1926

The quintessential novel of the Lost Generation,  The Sun Also Rises  is one of Ernest Hemingway’s masterpieces and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style. A poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation, the novel introduces two of Hemingway’s most unforgettable characters: Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley.

The story follows the flamboyant Brett and the hapless Jake as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates.

4. Death in the Afternoon by Ernest Hemingway, 1932

Still considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon  is an impassioned look at the sport by one of its true aficionados. It reflects Hemingway’s conviction that bullfighting was more than mere sport and reveals a rich source of inspiration for his art.

The unrivaled drama of bullfighting, with its rigorous combination of athleticism and artistry, and its requisite display of grace under pressure, ignited Hemingway’s imagination.

5. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell, 1938

In 1936, originally intending merely to report on the Spanish Civil War as a journalist, George Orwell found himself embroiled as a participant—as a member of the Workers’ Party of Marxist Unity. Fighting against the Fascists, he described in painfully vivid and occasionally comic detail life in the trenches—with a “democratic army” composed of men with no ranks, no titles, and often no weapons—and his near fatal wounding. As the politics became tangled, Orwell was pulled into a heartbreaking conflict between his own personal ideals and the complicated realities of political power struggles.

6. For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, 1940

The story of Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain, it tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal.

In his portrayal of Jordan’s love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of El Sordo’s last stand, in his brilliant travesty of La Pasionaria and his unwillingness to believe in blind faith, Hemingway creates a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving and wise.

7. The Hive by Camilo José Cela, 1951

The Hive presents a panoramic view of the degradation and sufferings of the lower-middle class in post-civil war Spain. Readers are introduced to over a hundred characters through a series of starkly rendered interlocking vignettes.

Filled with violence, hunger, and compassion, The Hive captures the buzzing ambitions and set-backs of Spanish society under the rule of Franco.

8. Castile for Isabella by Jean Plaidy, 1960

Castile for Isabella covers the early life of the most significant of all Spanish monarchs: Isabella of Castile.

Isabella is seen as a young girl, within a few steps of the throne; first in the care of an ambitious but unbalanced mother; later in the licentious court of her half-brother Henry IV; and at length ascending the throne, Ferdinand beside her.

9. Shadow of a Bull by Maia Wojciechowska, 1964

Manolo Olivar was the son of his father. Which may not seem like a necessary thing to say. But in Manolo’s case it is.

For his father had been Juan Olivar, the greatest bullfighter in all Spain. And Manolo was his son in two special ways: one, he looked just like his father; and two, everyone expected that he, Manolo Olivar, would repeat the success of his father, would be just what his father had been – a fighter of bulls and a killer of death.

10. Iberia by James A. Michener, 1968

Here, in the fresh, vivid prose that is James Michener’s trademark, is the real Spain as he experiences it.

He not only reveals the celebrated Spain of bullfights and warror kings, painters and processions, cathedrals and olive orchards; he also shares the intimate, often hidden Spain he has come to know, where toiling peasants and their honest food, the salt of the shores and the oranges of the inland fields, the congeniality of living souls and the dark weight of history conspire to create a wild, contradictory, passionately beautiful land, the mystery called Iberia .

11. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee, 1969

It was 1934 and a young man walked to London from the security of the Cotswolds to make his fortune. He was to live by playing the violin and by labouring on a London building site. Then, knowing one Spanish phrase, he decided to see Spain.

For a year he tramped through a country in which the signs of impending civil war were clearly visible. Thirty years later Laurie Lee captured the atmosphere of the Spain he saw with all the freshness and beauty of a young man’s vision, creating a lyrical and lucid picture of the beautiful and violent country.

12. South from Granada: A Sojourn in Southern Spain by Gerald Brenan, 1974

Between 1920 and 1934, Gerald Brenan lived in the remote Spanish village of Yegen and  South of Granada  depicts his time there, vividly evoking the essence of his rural surroundings and the Spanish way of life before the Civil War.

Here he portrays the landscapes, festivals and folk-lore of the Sierra Nevada, the rivalries, romances and courtship rituals, village customs, superstitions and characters.

13. Voices of the Old Sea by Norman Lewis, 1984

After World War II, Norman Lewis returned to Spain and settled in the remote fishing village of Farol, on what is now Costa Brava. Voices of the Old Sea describes his three successive summers in that almost medieval community where life revolved around the seasonal sardine catches, Alcade’s bar, and satisfying feuds with neighboring villages.

It’s lucky Lewis was there when he was. Soon after, Spain was discovered by its neighbors in a more prosperous northern Europe, and the tourist tide that ensued flowed inexorably over the old ways of the town and its inhabitants.

14. The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho, 1987

The Pilgrimage  recounts the spectacular trials of Paulo Coelho and his mysterious mentor, Petrus, as they journey across Spain in search of a miraculous sword. Step inside this captivating account of Paulo Coelho’s pilgrimage along the road to Santiago.

This fascinating parable explores the need to find one’s own path. In the end, we discover that the extraordinary is always found in the ordinary and simple ways of everyday people. Part adventure story, part guide to self-discovery, this compelling tale delivers the perfect combination of enchantment and insight.

15. The Yellow Rain by Julio Llamazares, 1988

Ainielle is a village high in the Spanish Pyrenees. Its houses are mostly deserted ruins and have been for years. Ainielle’s last surviving inhabitant, an old man at death’s door, lingers on, and as the “yellow rain” of leaves flutters around him and the first snows of the year fall, he recalls the life he lived and the ghosts-once his friends and neighbors-who have taken possession of his solitude.

16. A Heart So White by Javier Marías, 1992

Javier Marías’s  A Heart So White  chronicles with unnerving insistence the relentless power of the past.

Juan knows little of the interior life of his father Ranz; but when Juan marries, he begins to consider the past anew, and begins to ponder what he doesn’t really want to know. Secrecy—its possible convenience, its price, and even its civility—hovers throughout the novel.

17. Roads to Santiago by Cees Nooteboom, 1992

Roads to Santiago is an evocative travelogue through the sights, sounds, and smells of a little known Spain-its architecture, art, history, landscapes, villages, and people.

And as much as it is the story of his travels, it is an elegant and detailed chronicle of Cees Nooteboom’s thirty-five-year love affair with his adopted second country.

18. Mazurka for Two Dead Men by Camilo José Cela, 1994

In 1936, at the beginning of the war, ‘Lionheart’ Gamuzo is a abducted and killed. In 1939, when the war ends, his brother, Tanis Gamuzo avenges his death. For both these events, the blind accordion player Gaudencio plays the same mazurka.

Set in a backward rural community in Galicia, Cela’s creation is in many ways like a contrapuntal musical composition built with varying themes and moods. In alternately melancholy, humorous, lyrical or coarse tones, he portrays a reign of fools.

19. By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho, 1994

Rarely does adolescent love reach its full potential, but what happens when two young lovers reunite after eleven years? Time has transformed Pilar into a strong and independent woman, while her devoted childhood friend has grown into a handsome and charismatic spiritual leader. She has learned well how to bury her feelings… and he has turned to religion as a refuge from his raging inner conflicts.

Now they are together once again, embarking on a journey fraught with difficulties, as long-buried demons of blame and resentment resurface after more than a decade. But in a small village in the French Pyrenees, by the waters of the River Piedra, a most special relationship will be reexamined in the dazzling light of some of life’s biggest questions.

20. Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain by Chris Stewart, 1999

No sooner had Chris Stewart set eyes on El Valero than he handed over a check. Now all he had to do was explain to Ana, his wife, that they were the proud owners of an isolated sheep farm in the Alpujarra Mountains in Southern Spain. That was the easy part.

Lush with olive, lemon, and almond groves, the farm lacks a few essentials—running water, electricity, an access road. And then there’s the problem of rapacious Pedro Romero, the previous owner who refuses to leave.

21. The Last Jew by Noah Gordon, 1999

In the year 1492, the Inquisition has all of Spain in its grip. After centuries of pogrom-like riots encouraged by the Church, the Jews – who have been an important part of Spanish life since the days of the Romans – are expelled from the country by royal edict.

Many who wish to remain are intimidated by Church and Crown and become Catholics, but several hundred thousand choose to retain their religion and depart; given little time to flee, some perish even before they can escape from Spain.

22. Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham, 2001

Chloe needs a holiday. She’s sick of making wedding dresses, her partner Philip has troubles at work, the whole family wants a break. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered the loan of his luxury villa in Spain – perfect.

23. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2001

Barcelona, 1945 – just after the war, a great world city lies in shadow, nursing its wounds, and a boy named Daniel awakes on his eleventh birthday to find that he can no longer remember his mother’s face.

To console his only child, Daniel’s widowed father, an antiquarian book dealer, initiates him into the secret of the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a library tended by Barcelona’s guild of rare-book dealers as a repository for books forgotten by the world, waiting for someone who will care about them again.

24. The Wind from the East by Almudena Grandes, 2002

Internationally celebrated author Almudena Grandes has produced her finest work yet with The Wind from the East , a blend of two narratives set alternately in Madrid and an Andalusian town by the sea.

Sara Gómes Morales, given up at birth to be raised by her wealthy godmother, is betrayed on her sixteenth birthday when she is forced to leave her godmother’s home and return to live in poverty with her estranged parents. Tortured by resentment and the loneliness of belonging to neither place, she finds solace as an adult only when she moves to the coastal town.

25. Bread and Oil by Tomas Graves, 2002

Coarse bread bathed in olive oil, then rubbed with tomato or garlic and salt, is common to all the Mediterranean cultures from France to Algeria, from Morocco to Greece. On the island of Majorca, it is known as pa amb oli, bread and oil.

Tomás Graves takes this healthy peasant staple as a starting point to explore not only Mediterranean cooking, agriculture, and traditions but also the historical crosscurrents that have rescued this simple dish from disappearing along with a way of life that had remained essentially unchanged since Roman times.

26. The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain by María Rosa Menocal, 2002

Undoing the familiar notion of the Middle Ages as a period of religious persecution and intellectual stagnation, María Menocal now brings us a portrait of a medieval culture where literature, science, and tolerance flourished for 500 years.

The story begins as a young prince in exile —the last heir to an Islamic dynasty —founds a new kingdom on the Iberian peninsula: al-Andalus. Combining the best of what Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures had to offer, al-Andalus and its successors influenced the rest of Europe in dramatic ways.

27. It’s Not About The Tapas by Polly Evans, 2003

Single, stressed, and living amid the hustle and hurry of modern Hong Kong, Polly Evans had a vision: of mountains and orange groves, matadors and promenades–and of a glorious, hassle-free journey across Spain by bicycle.

But like any decent dream, Polly’s came with its own reality: of thighs screaming with pain and goats trying to derail her, of strange local delicacies and overzealous suitors. In fact, like any great traveler, Polly had bitten off more than she could chew–and would delight in every last taste of it.

28. Factory of Light: Life In An Andalucian Village by Michael Jacobs, 2003

Searching for a house to rent in 1999, Michael Jacobs was offered one in the Andalucian olive-growing community of Frailes. This was a place where the modern world enjoyed a strange co-existence with a virgin Andalucia ruled by a dynasty of saintly healers.

It was not long before he decided to take up more permanent residence above the Discoteca Oh! As he shared in each season’s special events, Michael’s life became increasingly tied up with this village threatened by drought, unemployment, and decreasing population.

29. Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, 2006

Cathedral of the Sea follows the fortunes of the Estanyol family, from their peasant roots to a son, Arnau, who flees the land only to realize spectacular wealth and devastating problems.

During Arnau’s lifetime Barcelona becomes a city of light and darkness, dominated by the construction of the city’s great pride – the cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar – and by its shame, the deadly Inquisition.

30. Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past by Giles Tremlett, 2006

The appearance, more than sixty years after the Spanish Civil War ended, of mass graves containing victims of Francisco Franco’s death squads finally broke what Spaniards call “the pact of forgetting”—the unwritten understanding that their recent, painful past was best left unexplored.

At this charged moment, Giles Tremlett embarked on a journey around the country and through its history to discover why some of Europe’s most voluble people have kept silent so long.

31. Winter In Madrid by C. J. Sansom, 2006

In September 1940, the Spanish Civil War is over and Madrid lies in ruins while the Germans continue their march through Europe. Britain stands alone as General Franco considers whether to abandon neutrality and enter the war.

Into this uncertain world comes Harry Brett, a privileged young man who was recently traumatized by his experience in Dunkirk and is now a reluctant spy for the British Secret Service.

32. The Frozen Heart by Almudena Grandes, 2007

In a small town on the outskirts of Madrid, a funeral is taking place. Julio Carrion Gonzalez, a man of tremendous wealth and influence in Madrid, has come home to be buried.

But as the family stand by the graveside, his son Alvaro notices the arrival of an attractive stranger – no one appears to know who she is, or why she is there.

33. A Late Dinner: Discovering the Food of Spain by Paul Richardson, 2007

Vivid and richly textured, A Late Dinner  is a delightful journey through Spain and Spanish cuisine. Paul Richardson is the perfect guide.

In lush prose he brings to life the fascinating people who grow and cook and eat the hugely varied and still little-known food of Spain. Richardson’s vibrant writing takes readers beyond gazpacho and paella and immerses them in the flavorful world of Spanish food.

34. The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2008

In an abandoned mansion at the heart of Barcelona, a young man, David Martín, makes his living by writing sensationalist novels under a pseudonym. The survivor of a troubled childhood, he has taken refuge in the world of books and spends his nights spinning baroque tales about the city’s underworld.

But perhaps his dark imaginings are not as strange as they seem, for in a locked room deep within the house lie photographs and letters hinting at the mysterious death of the previous owner.

35. Confessions by Jaume Cabré, 2011

At 60, Adrià Ardèvol re-examines his life before his memory is systematically deleted.

He recalls a loveless childhood where the family antique business and his father’s study become the centre of his world; where a treasured Storioni violin retains the shadows of a crime committed many years earlier. His mother, a cold, distant and pragmatic woman leaves him to his solitary games, full of unwanted questions.

36. Leaving The Atocha Station by Ben Lerner, 2011

Adam Gordon is a brilliant, if highly unreliable, young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid, struggling to establish his sense of self and his relationship to art.

What is actual when our experiences are mediated by language, technology, medication, and the arts? Is poetry an essential art form, or merely a screen for the reader’s projections?

37. The Prisoner of Heaven by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2011

Barcelona, 1957. It is Christmas, and Daniel Sempere and his wife Bea have much to celebrate. They have a beautiful new baby son named Julian, and their close friend Fermín Romero de Torres is about to be wed.

But their joy is eclipsed when a mysterious stranger visits the Sempere bookshop and threatens to divulge a terrible secret that has been buried for two decades in the city’s dark past.

38. Out In The Open: A Novel by Jesús Carrasco, 2013

After suffering violence and betrayal at home, a young boy flees into an uncompromising landscape ravaged by drought.

Without food or water, exposed to the heat of the sun and the violence of his pursuers, the boy sets out across the Spanish plains.

39. The Vacationers: A Novel by Emma Straub, 2014

For the Posts, a two-week trip to the Balearic island of Mallorca with their extended family and friends is a celebration: Franny and Jim are observing their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, and their daughter, Sylvia, has graduated from high school.

The sunlit island, its mountains and beaches, its tapas and tennis courts, also promise an escape from the tensions simmering at home in Manhattan.

40. Granada: The Light of Andalucia by  Steven Nightingale, 2015

Yearning for a change, Steven Nightingale took his family to live in the ancient Andalucian city of Granada.

But as he journeyed through its hidden courtyards, scented gardens and sun-warmed plazas, Steven discovered that Granada’s present cannot be separated from its past, and began an eight-year quest to discover more.

41. Alberto’s Lost Birthday by Diana Rosie, 2015

Alberto is an old man. But he doesn’t know how old – he remembers nothing before his arrival at an orphanage during the Spanish civil war. He rarely thinks about his missing childhood, but when seven-year-old Tino discovers his grandfather has never had a birthday party, never blown out candles on a birthday cake, never received a single birthday present, he’s determined things should change.

And so the two set out to find Alberto’s birthday. Their search for the old man’s memories takes them deep into the heart of Spain – a country that has pledged to forget its painful past.

42. Hot Milk by  Deborah Levy, 2016

Sofia, a young anthropologist, has spent much of her life trying to solve the mystery of her mother’s unexplainable illness. She’s frustrated with Rose and her constant complaints but utterly relieved to be called to abandon her own disappointing fledgling adult life.

She and Rose travel to the searing, arid coast of southern Spain to see a famous consultant, Dr. Gomez – their very last chance – in the hope that he might cure Rose’s unpredictable limb paralysis, but Dr. Gomez has strange methods that seem to have little to do with physical medicine, and as the treatment progresses, Rose’s illness becomes increasingly baffling.

43. Under The Sun by Lottie Moggach, 2017

Anna’s friends and family think she is living the dream in her beautiful finca under the Spanish sun. But the reality is far from perfect.

The handsome, complicated man she was building a life with has left with little more than a note to say goodbye and the future she imagined has crashed around her ears. Anna has secretly embarked on an ill-advised affair and lives above the dingy bar she runs in the sleepy beach town of Marea, surrounded by British expats as homesick and stuck as she is.

44. The Madwoman of the House by  Rosa Montero, Translated 2018

An engaging literary essay on the power of imagination and creative writing comprised of nineteen chapters in which the author discusses many topics in relation to the essential quality a good writer should have: the ability to imagine and create.

A mixture of personal reflections, anecdotes, and literary references by one of Spain’s top women writers.

What do you think of these books set in Spain?

Have some great books set in Spain that I’ve missed? Are you planning a trip to Spain soon? Are you interested in other books set in  Europe ? I’d love to hear about more about your travels and tips for books set in Spain in the comments below!

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Post written by: Ash at Tale Away

What a great list of books set in Spain. I’ve lived in Seville for 13 years and have read quite a few, but a long way to go.

I love reading, and I’m also a writer. I’ve published a novel set in Seville, it’s called Falling for Flamenco . Would you be interested in adding it to your list?

Barry O’Leary

Hi Barry, thanks for commenting! I must admit, I’m rather jealous that you get to call the beautiful city of Seville home! I’ll have to check out your novel, I’m happy to include it here in the comments – I’ve added a link so it’s easy to find 🙂

Hi Ash, Do you have any more suggestions for books by Spanish authors? Thanks, Carolyn

Hi Carolyn, just the recommendations from above for now! Perhaps one day we’ll starting publishing lists focused on native authors too. Thanks for asking though, do let us know if you have any suggestions for it! 🙂

Hi Ash, Can I recommend some fantastic books set in Spain? Guernica by Dave Boling, The Sentinel – part of a trilogy by Mark Oldfield, The Return by Victoria Hislop, Nada by Carmen Laforet, The Carpenter’s Pencil by Manuel Rivas, In Diamond Square by Merce Rodoreda and The House of Bernarda Alba and Other Plays by Frederico Garcia Lorca. 🙂

Hi Carolyn, seems I was much too quick with my previous comment! You’ve already shared this incredible list! Thank you so much for putting together all these amazing recommendations and for sharing them with us. I’m most intrigued by the title from Victoria Hislop and am adding it to my (very long!) to-read list. I’m really curious about your interest in Spanish literature now, how did it come about? I often find myself reading books set in particular places more than others, but often with no rhyme or reason! 🙂

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19 Best Books about Spain and the Spanish Culture

Instead of breaking the bank trying to plan a dream trip to Spain this year, why not get engulfed in one of the books about Spain?

There are so many books set in Spain, so no matter what kind of books you like reading, you’ll easily be able to have your escape on a more affordable budget so you can still chase your wanderlust.

You’ll find everything from classic novels from Spain to novels about medieval Spain and everything in between on this list.

See; literally, almost every type of book will be covered on this list!

Below, read about all the best books on Spain in no particular order.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

🔎 Table of Contents

1. The Dinner Guest by Gabriela Ybarra

First up is The Dinner Guest by Gabriela Ybarra , which was released in 2015.

It’s a shorter cultural fiction novel about Spain covering politics, history, and more throughout its 150 pages. 

The story follows one that Ybarra herself knows about that took place in 1977 when her grandfather was held at gunpoint in the shower and was soon after kidnapped and later murdered.

It has sort of a documentary feel to it and connects two difficult moments in Ybarra’s life. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

2. The Little Matador by Julian Hector

If you’re looking for children’s books about Spain, then be sure to check out The Little Matador by Julian Hector.

This book is only about 40 pages and was published in 2008 as a children’s picture book. 

Throughout the book, the reader follows the Little Matador, who is from a family where everyone becomes a bullfighter, but he doesn’t want to.

He ends up falling in love with art and drawing instead and tries to use his talents in other ways. 

3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is arguably one of the best historical fiction about Spain that you won’t want to miss.

Ruiz Zafon has published many historical fiction novels about the country, so if you enjoy this one, be sure to check out his other works.

This novel about Barcelona takes place in 1945, right after the war. It follows Daniel, who is grieving his mother’s death when he finds The Shadow of the Wind , a book by Julian Carax.

However, he soon finds out that someone is destroying all of Carax’s books for some reason, and he soon gets entwined in an exciting mystery. 

4. Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving

One of the great books about Spain travel is Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving .

It takes place mainly in Granada. This book is a classic and was published in 1832 and has just around 350 pages.

Irving has compiled a whole bunch of his discoveries, stories, and essays throughout the book, all about the Alhambra.

He first visited Granada in 1828 and made lots of discoveries during his time there, and filled many notebooks with his findings. 

5. Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain by Chris Stewart

Next is Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain by Chris Stewart , one of the best novels about Spain. It’s one of the novels set in Andalucia, and it’s part of the Driving Over Lemons Trilogy.

The book follows Chris Stewart, who shears sheep for a living.

He bought a farmhouse, and the book follows him figuring out what it’s like to live there because it wasn’t near any roads, didn’t have electricity, and didn’t even have running water!

This book is said to be one of the funnier memoirs about Spain, so if you want something a bit lighter, then definitely give this one a read. 

6. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys has quickly taken the world by storm since publishing her first novel a Between Shades of Gray , a few years ago.

This book takes place in Madrid, Spain and Dallas, Texas, in 1957, 1975, and 1975.

In 1957 Madrid, the city is under dictator General Francisco Franco.

The story follows Daniel Matheson, who comes to the city from another country as a photographer.

He ends up meeting Ana, and they find that there are still some pieces of the Spanish Civil War still shocking the country.

This is also one of the best novels about the Spanish Civil War. 

7. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

One of the most famous books from Spain is For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.

It takes place in Spain and is considered one of the best classical literary fiction books that take place in the country. 

Ernest Hemingway went to Spain to learn more about the Spanish Civil War for a newspaper back in America and ended up writing this book.

It follows Robert Jordan, who is an American in Spain who falls in love with Maria as they go through many troubles in the country. 

8. Only in Spain: A Foot-Stomping, Firecracker of a Memoir about Food, Flamenco, and Falling in Love by Nellie Bennett 

Another one of the great travel books about Spain is Only in Spain : A Foot-Stomping, Firecracker of a Memoir about Food, Flamenco, and Falling in Love by Nellie Bennett.

With a title like that, you know that it’s going to be an interesting read that you won’t be able to put down!

This book was published in 2012 and is just under 300 pages.

It follows Nellie Bennett, who discovers her love for Flamenco in Sydney and then decides to travel to Seville.

While three, she learns all about flamenco and that it’s more than just a dance. 

9. Hot Milk by Deborah Levy

Next is Hot Milk by Deborah Levy , which was published in 2015.

This contemporary fiction novel quickly became pretty well known and popular, and it has over 20,000 reviews already on Goodreads.

Hot Milk follows a girl named Sofia, who is an anthropologist.

She ends up travelling to southern Spain to discuss with a consultant to see if they can help find out what’s wrong with her mother.

But, the consultant has very interesting ways of curing ailments, which is what makes the book so interesting. 

If you’re looking for a shorter exciting read, then Hot Milk is for you. 

10. The Struggle for Catalonia: Rebel Politics in Spain by Raphael Minder

The Struggle for Catalonia : Rebel Politics is one of the more recent books about Spain history.

It was published in 2017 and covers the Diada of 2012, which is the day that Catalonia celebrates its National Day on September 11. 

In 2012, everyone on Diada crowded around with new demands.

Throughout the book, you’ll learn more about the politics of Spain, what Diada truly means, and more through interviews of those in Catalonia.

This is a truly one of a kind read about something that happened recently in Spain, which is what makes it so gripping. 

11. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Don Quixote is most likely one of the books that you’ve already heard of on this list. Published in 1605, this Spanish literature classic has been very well read since it was first published.

In fact, it’s found on most classic shelves throughout the world.

It takes place in La Mancha and Barcelona in Spain.

The book follows none other than Don Quixote, who loves reading about romances and soon becomes somewhat of a knight.

He travels around with Sancho Panza, his squire, and the story follows the two of them and what they come across. 

12. Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones

Cathedral of the Sea is one of the great fiction books about Spain.

It was published in 200 and is part of a series.

The book mainly takes place right in Barcelona. 

The story follows a guy named Arnau, who is a peasant. He ends up finding a safe haven in Barcelona after leaving his home, and he ends up becoming a stonemason of sorts while his close friend turned brother ends up becoming a priest.

Then, things start to take a turn. All of this is happening while the Cathedral of the Sea is being built.

13. Until the Curtain Falls by David Ebsworth

Until the Curtain Falls by David Ebsworth is one of the novels set in Spain that was published recently in 2017.

This historical fiction novel follows a guy named Jack Telford, who is running for his life in the late 1930s.

The main character is someone who is being hunted, which the reader learns more about as they read.

This all takes place during the end days of the Spanish Civil War, which only makes it more intriguing as everything starts to come to a head. 

14. The Vacationers by Emma Straub

If you’re looking for travel books about Spain that are a bit of an easier and lighter read than some of the heavier books on this list, then you’ll want to check out The Vacationers by Emma Straub .

This book was published in 2014 and takes place in Mallorca.

Throughout the book, you’ll follow the Post family, who is all having different celebrations.

One of them is having their wedding anniversary, and their daughter recently had her high school graduation.

They deal with family matters and new secrets throughout the book, making this an easy poolside read. 

15. As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee

As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee is technically the second book in a series, but it’s okay to start with this one because it takes place in Spain.

It was published in 1969 and is a shorter read at just under 200 pages.

The book follows a man in the 1930s who walked all the way from his home in the Cotswolds to London to make money and then later decided to take a trip to Spain.

He visited right around the time of the Spanish Civil War.

Lee talks all about what he uncovered during his trip and paints a picture of the country on the brink of war in the book. 

16. The Drago Tree by Isobel Blackthorn

Next is The Drago Tree by Isobel Blackthorn, a book that takes place in the Canary Islands on Lanzarote.

This cultural and contemporary fiction novel was published in 2015 and follows a geologist named Ann Salter.

Throughout the book, she meets someone named Richard Parry and they take the time to learn more about the island in the presence of each other.

They begin to learn more about the island and themselves the more that they uncover and discover. 

17. Secrets of the Pomegranate by Barbara Lamplugh

Secrets of the Pomegranate by Barbara Lamplugh is a lesser-known but interesting book that takes place after the train bombings in Madrid in 2004. It was published in 2015.

The book follows Deborah who was in one of the trains during the bombings and was unfortunately injured.

At the same time, her sister, Alice, is wondering if she is okay.

The book covers their love for each other as sisters while also teaching the reader more about the culture of the country. 

18. Orange Blossom Days by Patricia Scanlan

Orange Blossom Days is another easier chick lit type book to read on this list of best books about Spain! Plus, it’s written by Patricia Scanlan who is a rather popular author for this genre of books.

It takes place in Southern Spain and follows a few different tenants who all live in the same apartment building by the sea.

Throughout the book, as you learn more about the tenants and their lives, you realize that there’s a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to them and the lives they live. 

19. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

If you are looking for a spicy rom com book set in Spain, this one is for you!

It was published in 2021 by the Spanish author Elena Armas and quickly became a Booktok sensation!

While it is not entirely set in Spain, it’s still a cool book to read since the main female character, Catalina, is Spanish and so is her family. There are a lot of cultural references in the book as well as a bit of Spanish as well.

Now, let’s talk about the story since that’s the interesting part.

Catalina Martin is a Spanish girl in her late 20s who live in New York City . She has to go to her sister’s wedding in a few weeks and doesn’t want to show up single since she knows her ex (who has recently gotten engaged) will be there.

Her coworker (who she dislikes), Aaron, offers to be her date. She says no at the beginning but eventually accept the offer and they go to Spain together.

As I already mentioned, this is a romance book so as you can expect, there will be a love story here but there are also some very steamy and spicy bits so if that’s your kind of book, you will be in for a treat!

If you are interested in learning more about this book, check out this ultimate review of the Spanish Love Deception .

There are so many amazing books about Spain so you could really chase your love and eagerness for travel through the pages of these books.

Each one has pretty great reviews online so you know that they’re going to be great.

Have you read any of these books? If not, what one would you most want to read?

You may also be interested in:

• 15 Best Books about Italy
• 15 Best Books about Australia To Add to your Reading List
• 17 Best books about France and the French

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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23 Best Camino de Santiago Books to Read in 2024

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Looking for Camino de Santiago books to inspire your walk on the Camino de Santiago in Spain? You’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’ve undertaken your own Camino, are planning your journey, or are simply curious, there are a number of books on the Camino de Santiago that are sure to inspire your Camino journey—whatever your personal reasons for going are.

In fact, we’ve compiled a list of 23 heartfelt memoirs (and a few novels) that have delighted pilgrims just like you! Not only are these books filled with encouraging stories , but they also offer practical tips, descriptions of the different Camino routes, and historical information for the unrivaled pilgrimage.

As someone who has walked the Camino Francés , the most popular route, and longs to put my experience into words—which I do through this blog—I totally understand the desire to write and read Camino books.

After reading this list of memorable Camino de Santiago books, you will certainly find yourself either reminiscing upon or planning your next Camino adventure!

Short on time? Start with these highly-rated Camino de Santiago books:

✔ Best Camino de Santiago Book for Women: Steps Out of Time, One Woman’s Journey on the Camino

✔ Best Religious Camino de Santiago Book: Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles With Jesus

✔ Best Fiction Book on the Camino de Santiago: The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Top 23 Camino de Santiago Books

You’re sure to find at least one book you love on this Camino de Santiago books list—whatever your reason for walking the Way of St. James! So, without further ado, here is a list of the top 23 books on the Camino de Santiago.

1. Steps Out of Time, One Woman’s Journey on the Camino

by Katharine B. Soper, 2013

Descriptive and narrative, you’ll feel like you are on the Camino path when reading to this award-winning memoir .

As it rightfully says on Amazon, this book “will resonate with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the pace and demands of life and who remembers – but cannot seem to recreate – a life that was calmer, richer and more fulfilling.”

If you’ve heard the call of the Camino, Soper (who has walked the Camino Francés and Camino Portugués) will draw you in as she shares the uncertainties that come with natural life changes.

Afterward, you’ll be ready to travel solo along the Way!

2. A Million Steps

by Kurt Koonz, 2013

This diary-travelogue is a wonderful reminder that although you can pack all the right gear, you can never predict the internal and physical transformation that you will experience on the Camino.

Wonderfully detailed and separated into useful topics, it’s astounding how Kurt Koonz was able to recall his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with such precision.

Surely, you’ll enjoy the author’s personal history of addiction, recovery, and love together with joyful friendships and realistic details of the pilgrim experience.

3. Walking to the End of the World: A Thousand Miles on the Camino de Santiago

by Beth Jusino, 2018

Beth and Eric Jusino began the 1000-mile long-distance hiking trail in the cathedral of the historic village of Le Puy, France.

Beth narrates how an average couple manages to face the challenging, physical trek. Her entertaining description reminds us that we can all complete the journey if we put our hearts, minds, and souls into it.

Witty and filled with story-telling and insights, this award-winning writer, editor, and publishing consultant will take you along with her on the inspiring journey of a lifetime.

4. Hiking the Camino

by Dave Pivonka, 2009

Father Dave invites you to walk with him on the ancient spiritual pilgrimage.

When exhausted, sore, and perhaps a little lost, Father Dave reminds us that God is ever-present and eager to care for us, whether we acknowledge Him or not.

What’s more, the author offers practical life lessons mixed with humorous insights with which any pilgrim can identify.

But above all, he inspires pilgrims to walk the 500 miles with Jesus prayerfully. 

5. Ordinary Magic: Promises I Kept to My Mother Through Life, Illness, and a Very Long Walk on the Camino de Santiago

by Cameron Powell, 2018

In this loving memoir , fierce and funny Powell describes life’s most difficult voyage: his mother’s cancer diagnosis.

With news that her cancer has returned for good this time, Powell vows to accompany his German-born mother on the 500-mile trek across the Iberian peninsula.

Joined by his cousin, they pick up their own band of misfits. Blog/journal entries by each family member augment an amusing travelogue.

In the latter half, this son-to-mother Camino love story turns somber as the author painfully shares his deep sadness as his mother loses her battle with cancer several years later.

6. Camino Sunrise-Walking With My Shadows

by Reginald Spittle, 2018

Anyone who has struggled with both debilitating anxiety and life-long self-doubt can empathize with Spittle’s Camino story.

Indeed, this memoir’s author is undermined by low self-confidence and scarred by childhood foibles. Spittle tackles the trek and gives an honest portrayal of the joys and trials of pilgrim life.

Walking with his wife Sue, he consequently reminds us of the simple human kindness that exists in the world.

In short, this great read might just inspire you to experience sunrise on the Camino, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

7. The Way of Love: On the Camino de Santiago

by Angela Leslee, 2019

A memoir inspired by the author’s blog posts, this Camino book fills the niche for a growing population of women pilgrims over 60 traveling solo.

Setting off with an idealistic picture of the Camino experience, the author honestly describes the hard time she had as she confronted her fears.

Moreover, she reveals the life-changing lessons she learns along the way while sharing details of the Camino path itself.

8. Boots to Bliss

by Claude Tranchant, 2012

Tranchant is no stranger to the Camino, hiking alone as a 64-year-old woman for 100 days through France and Spain.

Filled with detailed information, you will not only learn of Tranchant’s personal growth, determination, and self-empowerment, but also of the lovely towns and villages along the Way.

Most importantly, Tranchant’s book reminds the reader to take life at one’s own pace and to cherish personal inner strength.

9. Blanket of Stars: Thru-Hiking the Camino de Santiago

by C.W. Lockhart, 2018

Looking to face a mid-life crisis, an unlikely pilgrim sets off on the adventure of a lifetime.

Carrying far too much emotional baggage, Lockhart manages to shed emotional weight, share laughter and kindness, and honestly examine her past traumas.

In brief, she bravely takes you on an open and raw journey relatable to pilgrims who are looking to fully empty their backpacks of fear while finding peace along the Way.

“We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body.” -Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

10. Travels With a Stick: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela

by Richard Frazer, 2019

Frazer, a minister influential in the revival of pilgrimage in Scotland, seeks to get at the heart of pilgrimage through his thoughtful descriptions, compassion, and humor.

Unquestionably, he reminds the modern day pilgrims that completing the ancient pilgrimage route can be a nourishing spiritual journey if you are honest and open to transformation.

11. The Camino: A Journey of the Spirit

by Shirley MacLaine, 2001

Arguably one of the most well-known novels about the Camino de Santiago, actor and writer Shirley MacLaine set out decades ago on a personal quest for understanding on the Way of St. James.

There is some disagreement as to whether this book is a little too over-the-top or has just the right touch of spirituality, but there is no doubt MacLaine inspired many women seeking to better themselves to commence the journey solo, and thus, the book is worth including on this list.

12. The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago

by Russ Eanes, 2019

Realizing his decades-old dream to walk the Camino, Eanes set off during a sabbatical to re-orient his hurried life at 61 years old. Part personal and part travel memoir, Eanes combines practical, almost guidebook-like advice with spirituality.

He lets his story slowly and mindfully unfold on each page, bringing the reader along with him on a life-changing journey that begins on the Camino and continues within each pilgrims’ soul.

To sum up, this book is a treat for anyone who wants to walk the Camino vicariously through Eanes. It is especially appealing to those struggling to put their Camino into words or those who cannot walk it themselves.

13. Savoring the Camino de Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike

by Julie Gianelloni Connor, 2019

This quick-read incorporates a memoir, travel journal, and practical guide for would-be pilgrims. The author details the many pleasures of the Camino, vulnerably mixing her personal history with culture and fascinating historical details.

Gianelloni Connor does solely not focus on the physical and spiritual walk, but offers the best ways for planning the journey.

Emphatically, she reminds pilgrims that there is no one way to experience to Camino, and that it is accessible to all who wish to partake.

14. I’m Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on the Camino de Santiago

by Hape Kerkeling, 2009

This international bestseller and travelogue from German celebrity Hape Kerkeling has been translated into eleven languages.

Struggling with his physical limitations, Kekerling honestly and humorously recounts his physical and spiritual journey towards forgiveness along the Camino Frances.

Although perhaps not as approachable for those on a strict budget, the author offers a unique perspective and daily lessons that leave the reader pondering their own self-limiting beliefs.

15. Two Million Steps: Band-aids, Cocktails, and Finding Peace along Spain’s Camino de Santiago

by Patrick Devaney, 2017

Plagued with a propensity for negativity and a sense of dissatisfaction, Devaney heads out on the Camino in this part memoir, part guide to find purpose and peace along the path. Experiencing physical pain and working through memories and emotions, he recounts the moments that led to healing.

Those wishing to re-live the hike as well as those planning will enjoy the details of the incredible expedition through France and Spain that includes wonderful people, places, and events.

📚 Don’t have an Amazon Prime or Kindle Unlimited account? Start your free 30-day trial now!

16. It’s About Time

by Johnnie Walker, 2019

If you’ve heard the call of the Camino, you know that you just can’t get enough nuggets of pilgrim wisdom. Having completed the pilgrimage multiple times, the author highlights the spirit of the Camino by allowing multiple pilgrims to share the different reasons they walked.

This book is a great place to start. It’s a resource full of practical advice for those who have heard the call and who are joyously open to the change pilgrimage can bring. Also, 100% proceeds from this book are donated to support pilgrim associations.

17. Adventures on ‘The Way’: 1100 miles on the Camino de Santiago

by Graeme Harvey, 2018

Beginning in Le Puy, France, Harvey runs the Camino while his recently-injured wife cycles.

This adventurous and detailed book reads a bit like a manual to the Camino, describing the rolling landscapes and stops along the 54 day, 1100-mile journey.

18. A Furnace Full of God: A Holy Year on the Camino de Santiago

by Rebekah Scott, 2019

Captured by the spirit of the pilgrimage trail, Rebekah and Patrick left their stressful jobs as journalists and moved to Spain in 2006. In this book, Rebekah recounts the 2010 Holy Year as a hospitalera (accommodation host) along the Camino Frances’ magical Meseta.

To their farmhouse, Peaceable Kingdom, they welcomed nuns, hippies, and farm animals alike in a donativo , or pay-as-you-are-able, fashion. This ex-pat hilariously tells their story is this unusual tale that will especially appeal to those wishing to return to a simpler life through pilgrimage.

Not only do Rebekah and Paddy welcome pilgrims along the Way, but they also serve pilgrims through their US-based non-profit, Peaceable Projects .

“Maybe my quest for meaning is like my search for the summit in the fog – I may not be able to see anything, but it’s there!” -Hape Kerkeling, I’m Off Then

19. The Pilgrimage

by Paulo Coelho, 1987

Undoubtedly the most famous work about the road to Santiago, this enchanting parable highlights the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Companion to The Alch e mist , some say you must read one to comprehend the other. Albeit it’s not a style of writing that everyone will enjoy, it’s worth checking out for yourself.

20. To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela

by Kevin A. Codd, 2008

To the Field of Stars tells the fascinating story of a Catholic priest’s personal journey on foot to Santiago.

One day after the next, Codd examines the physical, emotional, and spiritual ups and downs of pilgrimage in a candid chronicle.

Accordingly, he invites the reader to walk and share the pilgrimage experience with him.

21. The Way, My Way

by Bill Bennet, 2014

In this humorous take on a journey perhaps he wasn’t quite ready for, Bill Bennet, an Australian-based film director, shares honest moments of joy and discomfort on the 500-mile walk on the French Way.

Although he injures himself early on, he trudges forward physically and spiritually from the starting point towards Santiago de Compostela.

22. Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son

by Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez w/Hope Edelman, 2016

Actor Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez (actor, director) narrate life stories and the journey of their ancestors in Spain in this dual memoir.

While not a Camino de Santiago book per say, I decided to include this as fans of the popular movie The Way are sure to enjoy this poignant story of this famous family’s spiritual awakening at the end of their journey.

23. Love on the Camino de Santiago

by Deborah Wilson, 2022

This poignant and inspiring memoir marries the physical journey along the Camino del Norte with a deeply personal emotional quest.

After a heartbreaking separation after 19 years of marriage, Wilson finds solace and strength in the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, turning a walk of despair into one of self-discovery and empowerment.

Her compelling narrative reminds us that sometimes, it’s through walking and the unexpected generosity of strangers that we find our way back to ourselves.

Top 23 Camino de Santiago Books by Category

Here’s a quick list of books we reviewed in this post.

Links to the Most Inspiring Camino Books

• Best Camino de Santiago Book for Women: Steps Out of Time, One Woman’s Journey on The Camino
• Best Book for Long-Distance Walking Insights: A Million Steps
• Best Travel Narrative on the Camino de Santiago: Walking to The End of The World: A Thousand Miles on The Camino De Santiago
• Favorite Religious Camino de Santiago Book: Hiking the Camino: 500 Miles with Jesus
• Best Family Camino de Santiago Book: Ordinary Magic: Promises I Kept to My Mother Through Life, Illness, and A Very Long Walk on The Camino de Santiago
• Best Personal Growth Journey on the Camino: Camino Sunrise-Walking with My Shadows
• Best Camino Book for Women 60’s+: The Way of Love: On the Camino de Santiago
• Best Adventure Travel Book for Women on the Camino: Boots to Bliss
• Most Inspirational Camino de Santiago Book: Blanket of Stars
• Travels with a Stick: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela
• For Spiritual Journey on the Camino: The Camino: A Journey of The Spirit
• Best Book on Life-Changing Experiences on the Camino: The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on The Camino De Santiago
• Best Culinary Camino Experience: Savoring the Camino De Santiago: It’s the Pilgrimage, Not the Hike
• Funniest Book on the Camino Experience: I’m Off Then: Losing and Finding Myself on The Camino De Santiago
• Two Million Steps: Band-Aids, Cocktails, and Finding Peace Along Spain’s Camino de Santiago
• Best Reflective Journey on the Camino: It’s About Time
• Adventures On ‘The Way’: 1100 Miles on The Camino de Santiago
• A Furnace Full of God: A Holy Year on The Camino de Santiago
• Best Fiction Book on the Camino de Santiago: The Pilgrimage
• To the Field of Stars: A Pilgrim’s Journey to Santiago de Compostela
• Best Book on Camino for Personal Transformation: The Way, My Way
• Best Family Journey on the Camino: Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son
• Best Book on Finding Strength and Love on the Camino: Finding Love on the Camino

Conclusion: Books About the Camino de Santiago

Whew! As you can see, there are a lot of talented authors from all walks of life ready and willing to share their Camino journeys.

Whether it’s a classic, an international bestseller, or a beautiful chronicle, I hope you’ve found a noteworthy Camino de Santiago book (or two).

Surely, they will energize you whether you are re-living your Camino, actively planning your first Camino de Santiago adventure, or simply curious.

Buen camino!

More Inspiring Camino de Santiago Blogs

Going on the Camino de Santiago? Take the first step by checking out these articles:

• The Best Camino de Santiago Movies
• Our Favorite Camino de Santiago Motivational Quotes
• Top Camino de Sanitago Guidebooks
• Lessons Learned on the Camino de Santiago
• Camino de Santiago Phone Apps

[Originally published April 2, 2020. Updated on November 26, 2023]

Blogger & Ex-Spanish Teacher

Tristina Oppliger has traveled to 35+ countries on five continents. Having previously lived in Spain, she loves studying foreign languages and cultures. In fact, she has a Master's in Foreign Language Education and is a former Spanish Teacher! Tristina is passionate about living free—remote work, exploring the world, and finding adventure wherever she goes.

Dear Love at First Adventure,

You’ve chosen some wonderful Camino books here. However, if you don’t mind I would like to lobby for my own award-winning Camino book, “It’s Your Camino: One Couple’s 500-Mile Pilgrimage Across Spain” published in 2019.

The book received a 2021 IPPY and 2022 Catholic Media Association (CMA) award. The actor, Martin Sheen, provided a cover quote for my book. He called it a “must read.”

If you would like me to send you a copy of the book for your review, I would be happy to do so.

Thanks for permitting me to share.

Ken Strange

My book about walking the Camino de Santiago, “Another Camino Story: Learning to walk my own Camino through life on 500 miles to Santiago de Compostela, Spain,” was published in October 2021. Like many Camino books, it is a personal account of my walk and includes Camino history and myths. It would be my pleasure to send you a copy to read.

Buen Camino

Comments are closed.

35 Spanish Books You Have to Read!

Over 35 of the best Spanish books for all ages- perfect for improving your Spanish or for Spanish language learning!

I’m biased, but reading is absolutely the best! It’s relaxing, informative, and just plain enjoyable. It’s my favorite pastime.

Recently, I wanted to challenge myself to read more Spanish books, and I’m so glad I did! Reading in a foreign language can be a little daunting, but it’s also a fantastic way to improve your fluency while still having fun. 

From timeless classics to contemporary favorites, the canon of Spanish literature has so much to offer readers! I’ve had a great time rounding up titles to share with you all, and I wanted to make sure that I included books that all ages could appreciate.

This post is divided up into sections dedicated to classic, adult, YA, and children’s Spanish books, so hopefully, there’s something for everyone!

Also, if you are looking for a great Spanish curriculum for young children, definitely check out Llamitas Spanish.

Without further ado, here are 35 of the best Spanish books I have encountered. (So far!)

Classic Spanish Novels

Pepita jiménez by juan valera.

Pepita Jimenez is a sweet and simple love story, this 1884 novel by writer and diplomat Juan Valera is easy to read and an excellent pick for intermediate Spanish language learners. 

Don Quixote por Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote is an absolute classic! This iconic Spanish novel follows the (mis)adventures of an idealistic noble and his “squire” as they seek to bring chivalric justice back to a world that sorely needs it. 

La casa en mango street por Sandra Cisneros

Another beloved novel of the Spanish language canon, Sandra Cisneros’ La Casa en M ango Street tells the coming-of-age story of a young Chicana girl in an impoverished Chicago neighborhood.

This beautiful exploration of identity, economic disparity, and womanhood is regarded as a modern classic in the Chicano literature genre.

Relato de un Náufrago por Gabriel García Márquez

Written by Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez, Relato de un Náufrago is based on the true story of a shipwrecked sailor.

Straightforward language and engaging action sequences make this an ideal read for those looking to learn Spanish.

Cien Años de Soledad (100 Years of Solitude) por Gabriel García Márquez

A masterwork in magical realism, this book follows the exploits of the Buendía family in a sweeping intergenerational saga.

Cien Años de Soledad  has been celebrated as one of the best works of the Latin American literary genre. 

El Amor en los Tiempos del Cólera by Gabriel García Marquez

Another García Márquez novel, El Amor en los tiempos de cólera takes a look at love in all its beauty and complexity. Great for Spanish speakers!

Rayuela por Julio Cortázar

Rayuela is a classic Spanish language novel that follows the fragmented life of Horacio Oliveira, an Argentinian intellectual who divides his existence between Buenos Aires and Paris. 

RELATED POST: Spanish Picture Books For Preschoolers

Spanish Books For Adults

Waslala by gioconda bello.

Waslala is a post-apocalyptic imagining of Guatemala in which one woman sets out on a quest to rediscover the legendary city of Waslala. A beautiful meditation on human rights, ecological justice, and economic inequalities.

La casa de los espíritus by Isabel Allende

In her debut novel La Casa de los espíritus , Chilean writer Isabel Allende traces the life of the Trueba family across four generations and the political unrest to which they bear witness. 

This is the very first novel I read in Spanish and it continues to be one of my all-time favorite books in any language.

La sombra del viento by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

La sombra del viento is an internationally bestselling Spanish novel that is at once a journey through time and a love letter to reading itself. Super compelling plot format and engaging characters!

El día que se perdió la cordura by Javier Castillo

El día que se perdió la cordura is a fast-paced Spanish packed with action, intrigue, and suspense. Perfect for fans of the romantic thriller genre!

La breve y maravillosa vida de Oscar Wao by Junto Díaz

La breve y maravillosa vida de Oscar Wao follows the short yet remarkable life of Oscar de Leon, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey.  Originally written in English, this book is a translation- but a good one.

** Note: If you happen to have an English copy of any of these titles, it can be really helpful to compare it with the Spanish language versions! 

El general y su laberinto by Gabriel García Márquez

In El general y su laberinto , Garcia Marquez delivers an unflinching depiction of Colombian leader Simon Bolivar in his final months. This narrative departs from the traditionally laudatory accounts of the Colombian figure’s life, and instead investigates the inner demons and defeats that lead to his early passing.

Como Agua para Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

From Mexican novelist and screenwriter Laura Esquivel, Como agua para chocolate is an iconic Spanish language novel that tells the story of Tita, a young woman whose emotions and desires are revealed through her cooking.

El Entenado by Juan José Saer

El entendado depicts the violent fallout between Spanish colonizers and indigenous people through the eyes of a young cabin boy. Highly thought-provoking, this book forces the reader to interrogate their own perceptions of cultural identity.

Señales que Precederán al Fin del Mundo by Yuri Herrera

Señales que precederán is a powerful story that is at once an examination of illegal immigration and a journey through the underworld. 

Young Adult Spanish Books 

Érase una vez y otras mentiras by andy weir, illustrated by sarah andersen.

In Érase una vez y otras mentiras , Alice, Dorothy, and Wendy of fairy tale fame are reimagined as teenagers at an exclusive magical boarding school. This wonderfully illustrated book makes for a fantastic dimension-hopping adventure! 

La Educación de Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera

In La educación de Margot Sánchez , the theme of teenage angst is the star. After “borrowing” her dad’s credit card, teenage Margot Sanchez is forced to work at her family’s struggling grocery store as punishment. Full of heart, wit, and humor, this is an empowering and engaging read! Great for Spanish speakers and readers alike. 

El laberinto del fauno by Guillermo del Toro and Cornelia Fünke

Inspired by the movie of the same name, El laberinto del fauno is an engrossing dark fairytale come to life! 

Cajas de Cartón by Francisco Jiménez

Cajas de cartón is a memoir of Fransisco Jiménez´s childhood memories as a migrant worker in California. A wonderful read for intermediate-level Spanish learners! 

I taught this book for years to Spanish for Spanish speakers and it was the perfect novel for native speakers in grades 6-9.

Related post: 8 Great Middle-Grade Spanish Books

Malamor #1: Hacia el fin del mundo by Jose Ignacio Valenzuela

The first book in the Malamor trilogy , protagonist Angela embarks on a quest to a mythic city to rescue her estranged best friend. Mystery, action, and romance ensue!

La Ciudad de las Bestias by Isabel Allende

Another fantastic work by Isabel Allende, La ciudad de las bestias takes the reader on a heart-pounding journey through the Amazon rainforest. 

Esperanza Renace by Pam Muñoz Ryan

A favorite among young readers everywhere, Esperanza Renace (Esperanza Rising in English) tells the story of one girl’s resilience and determination after she relocates to the Californian farm camps during the Great Depression. 

Yo no soy tu hija mexicana perfecta by Erika L. Sánchez

Told with sensitivity and wit, Yo no soy tu hija mexicana perfecta follows Julia as she pieces together her perfect older sister Olga’s life after Olga dies in an accident.

A heartfelt tribute to the Mexican American experience and the bonds shared between family members. This novel is a translation from the original English.

El Alquimista by Pablo Coelho

Long regarded as the masterwork of Brazillian novelist Pablo Coelho, El Alquimista details the adventures of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd in search of Egyptian treasure.

Paolo Coelho is a Brazilian author who writes in Portuguese but is renowned across Latin America for his books translated into Spanish.

Spanish Children’s Book Picks

Cuentos para niñas sin miedo by myriam sayalero and illustrated by ricardicus, richard lopez.

Cuentos para niñas sin miedo is a collection of short stories centered around clever and capable heroines. Perfect for younger readers looking for a modern fairytale and intermediate Spanish language learners!

La madre Goose by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

La madre Goose is an adorably illustrated compilation of traditional children’s nursery rhymes with a Latino twist. This dual-language book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to Spanish words and pronunciation!

Cantando de colores: A Bilingual Book of Harmony by Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein; Illustrated by Citlali Reye

Cantando de colores is a n adorably illustrated children’s book that teaches the reader De Colores, one of the most recognizable folk songs in the Spanish language canon. Both Spanish and English texts are included.

Los tamales de Ana by Gwendolyn Zepeda; Illustrated by April Ward

Los tamales de Ana is a sweet and heartfelt tribute to one of the Hispanic world’s holiday traditions! Especially good for young siblings.

Malala Yousafzai: Guerrera Con Palabras by Karen Leggett Abouraya; Illustrated by Susan L. Roth

The inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai is adapted for children. Translated from the original English for a Spanish-speaking audience, this book offers a richly illustrated look at the power of education. 

Mi papi tiene un moto by Isabel Quintero; Illustrated by Zeke Peña

Heartwarming and beautifully illustrated, Mi papi tiene un moto celebrates the bond between a father and daughter as they ride through the neighborhood together. 

¡Solo pregunta! by Sonia Sotomayor; Illustrated by Rafael López

¡Solo pregunta! is a gentle and compassionate examination of differences for a young audience. Created by the impressive author and illustrator duo of Sonia Sotomayor and Rafael López, this book uses the metaphor of a community garden to celebrate the diversity of experience and encourage understanding.

El Principito by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Beloved for its poignancy and insight, El Principito (The Little Prince) has been translated from the original French for the Spanish-speaking audience. This is a sweet and touching story with appeal for both kids and adults and is also a great introduction to simple Spanish sentences for beginners.

¡Qué Cosas Dice mi Abuela! by Ana Galán; Illustrated by Pablo Pino

In ¡Qué cosas dice mi abuela! a young boy describes to readers the various Spanish language sayings of his Grandmother. 

The Life of/ La Vida de Selena by Patty Rodriguez, Ariana Stein; Illustrated by Citlali Reye

The Life of/ La Vida de Selena is a bilingual board book that tells the story of the beloved Tejana music icon, Selena. Get ready to dance!

Related post: Huge List Of Spanish Shows For Kids

The post 35 Spanish Books You Have to Read! appeared first on Pura Vida Moms .

Free Spanish Travel Phrasebook

Table of contents

Get your free spanish phrasebook sent right to your inbox, what’s inside your free spanish travel guide, 🙋‍♀️  the basics, 🏠  accommodation, 🚃  transportation, 🛍  shopping, 🏀  hobbies/fun, 🥂  socializing, 🗣  conversation aids, 🌤  time and weather, 💻  telecommunications, 🚨  emergencies, download our free english-to-spanish phrasebook, take your spanish a step further.

To get your free Spanish phrasebook PDF and start learning essential Spanish vocabulary for travel and other common scenarios, please enter your info below and be sure to click “Get my kit.” (Why a kit? Our Spanish conversation guide is just one of the resources in the free MosaLingua Language Learning Kit, a complete set of goodies for independent learners. You’ll love the rest of the resources in the kit, too, and it’s all free of charge! 😉):

This eBook contains 45 pages and 10 00+ words and phrases in Spanish, with English translations of course. It is organized by travel – related themes and ordered according to frequency of use (from the most commonly used vocabulary to more specialized terms).

If you’re planning a trip to Spain or Latin America, or if you simply want to improve your conversational Spanish, you’ll want to have this Spanish phrasebook by your side!

Topics in Your Spanish Travel Guide

To give you an idea of the themes covered in our phrasebook, here are some of the topics you’ll be able to talk about with the help of this Spanish travel guide :

• Polite phrases
• The essentials
• Starting a conversation
• Eating out, going to restaurants
• Meat and fish
• At a hostel
• Household chores
• Daily life at home
• Asking for things
• Going camping
• Public transportation
• Asking for directions
• The cardinal points
• Traveling by car
• At the airport
• Buying and negotiating
• Buying food
• Going shopping
• Arts and crafts
• Banking and dealing with money
• Outdoor activities
• Cultural and religious differences
• At the beach
• Meeting new people
• Going out, nightlife
• Feelings and opinions
• Common mistakes and difficulties
• Expressing agreement and disagreement
• Ending a conversation
• Talking about your love life
• Personality traits
• The human body
• Physical appearance
• At the barbershop or hair salon
• Occupations
• Talking about the future
• Temporal phrases
• Making phone calls
• Electronic devices
• Road accidents
• Important signs

All of the Spanish content above and more is available to you for free! To download your phrasebook, just click the “Get my kit” button below. Then, keep an eye on your inbox for your free Spanish Travel Phrasebook PDF  (we promise not to send you any spam, you have our word!):

If you want to learn more about the Spanish language, its vocabulary, grammar, culture, and more, have a look around our blog . If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few popular articles and guides our readers love:

• Learn proper Spanish pronunciation : get our free guide
• Dive into Spanish grammar : use the mini-lessons in our free grammar guide
• Tips and tools to learn Spanish, fast
• To find tools to help you with other important skills, check out the best online Spanish resources
• And for much, much more vocabulary, and a scientifically proven method for learning it, download the MosaLingua Learn Spanish app .

Happy learning and hope to see you again soon!