Spain is a diverse place to visit. It lies on the Iberian Peninsula (alongside Portugal) and enjoys coastal scenery, high mountain peaks, and plenty of ocean breezes. But you'll also find big cities with bustling urban centers (like Madrid) plus party spots like Ibiza (which is on the Balearic Islands).

But if you're going to travel to Spain, you need to make the most of your visit. Plan your trip around these 10 things, and you should be golden.

See Roman Ruins In Cordoba Or Immerse Yourself In Culture In Barcelona

Spain has just about everything a traveler could want in a country. First, there are plenty of beaches to explore all along the southern coastline, on the nearby Balearic Islands, and in Basque Country. But there are also mountains to explore (the Pyrenees), flamenco dancing to try, and tons of culture to absorb.

You can visit the Roman ruins in Cordoba, WorldAtlas notes, or head over to Seville to see the experts show off their flamenco flair. There's a long list of museums you can visit, too, and shopping and dining opportunities.

Aim To Catch Ideal Weather In Spring & Summer

Though Spain has a diverse geography, you can visit nearly any time of year and enjoy the temperate climate. Spring and summer are the most perfect for warmer weather, but if you want to cool off, you only need to head up the mountains.

And, the farther south you go, the warmer you'll be no matter the time of year.

Explore Art & Culture In Madrid

Madrid is the biggest city in Spain and is a hub for everything art- and culture-related. You'll find tons of artwork from throughout Europe, historical plazas and architecture, and plenty of shopping experiences. Madrid, in short, has a lot of things to do.

In contrast, Barcelona is another hub full of architectural elements to gaze upon, but it offers less in the way of entertainment and food options.

Live The High Life At Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila

While Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila is technically TripAdvisor's #2 hotel in Madrid, it has more positive reviews than the #1 hotel. Which makes the ornate property an excellent home base from which to explore everything Madrid has to offer. The hotel has a restaurant on-site, but probably the biggest draw is that it has a classic, elegant feel, which will enhance your trip to Madrid and beyond.

Don't Leave Spain Without Having Tortilla Espanola For Breakfast (& Gazpacho For Lunch)

Spain has three dishes that are must-try for travelers: paella, gazpacho, and Tortilla Espanola. Paella is a rice dish that's the "national dish" of the country. Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup, and a Spanish tortilla is actually an omelet. Expatica also highlights croquettes as a top Spanish dish.

Stay In Madrid & Travel Via Train To Seville & Barcelona

In Spain, a high-speed train can get travelers where they need to go, and fast. According to The Culture Trip, the high-speed train (AKA AVE, Alta Velocidad in Spanish) can get you from Madrid to Barcelona or Madrid to Seville in under three hours. At the same time, tickets can be pricey; a convenient train trip that lasts three hours is around $165.

Visit World Heritage Sites Like The Historic Center Of Cordoba

Spain has tons of UNESCO listings, such as the Historic Center of Cordoba, which features hundreds of mosques and palaces. If you're into history, architecture, and culture, this is the place to be.

There are also museums in and around Madrid, such as the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Sorolla Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Naval Museum of Madrid, and Museo del Romanticismo.

Spain is also home to four National Parks that adventurers can enjoy, and you can take advantage of outdoor opportunities near Madrid, too. Consider hiking at Cercedilla, Cotos Forest, or La Pedriza for an excellent view (and that last one for a bit of a challenge).

Spend Your Euros On The Flight (Plus Dining & Museums)

Spain uses the Euro, which makes it easy to get cash for your trip. And while Spain can be a bit tough on the budget, staying in Madrid should shave a few Euro off your expenses. Save your cash for the flight there, but set a bit aside for fine dining and museum admission where applicable.

Schedule Your Flight In Winter For Big Savings

The Culture Trip notes that summer is the high season in Spain. To get the best prices on flights, aim to travel in January or February. If those months don't line up with your itinerary, early spring and late fall are still preferable to the peak summer season. And, Spain has Starbucks, so you can warm up anytime.

Meet Friendly Spaniards By Learning The Culture

Spanish people have a reputation for being somewhat standoffish. But the truth is that people in Spain are just as friendly as folks anywhere else. The key is knowing how to be a courteous tourist rather than one who makes big social blunders everywhere you go.

Learning some Spanish helps, of course, but you'll need to make sure you're learning the right dialect for Spain versus Latin America. Also, Spaniards call Spanish Castellano (Castilian). But another tip is knowing what societal expectations are.

For example, as Fodors explains, entering a restaurant in your bathing suit probably won't earn you any local fans. Dress casually but not too casually, and expect mealtimes to be different, such as having dinner after 9 pm.

Go To The Balearic Islands For A Tropical Vibe

Southern Spain has plenty of beaches, like Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa Blanca, plus Brava and Verde (both rockier stretches of coast). But you can also take a trip over to the Balearic Islands to relax on the beaches there, or party it up in places like Ibiza.