Hostels

Generally catering to budget travelers and backpackers, hostels represent a good idea if you want to save some money when planning your vacation in Spain. Hostels might not be for everyone, but with careful planning you can find something to suit your taste and budget.

Things to consider

Before you start looking for a hostel to book, you should take into account the following:

• In Spain, hostels are also known under the name of “hostal”.
• Not all hostels are created equal. Some might have only the basic facilities, while some might resemble a good budget hotel. And based on that, prices can get rather high.
• You might need to share your room with someone you have never met. Hostels offer both private rooms –perfect for couples or small groups of friends – but also dorms. And obviously the cheapest rooms are in the dorms but that means you will have to withstand everyone else’s nocturnal habits.
• Location determines the prices. Just like in the case of hotels, the closer the hostel is to the major tourist locations, the higher the prices will be.
• Read the reviews before you decide where you stay. You sure don’t want to end up in a party hostel if you are looking to actually sleep during the night.
• Book the bed in advance. The better rated the hostel, the less chances to find available room as the summer season draws near.

Madrid

There are many hostels in Madrid, located in excellent places. Actually it doesn’t quite matter if you stay in the heart of the city or further away as long as you are near a metro or bus station.

International Hostel Posada de Huerta is located in the heart of the old city. The rooms are equipped with AC and you can use the kitchen to cook. The hostel is considered good by travelers. A bed in a 4 beds dorm costs about €20/night during the high season (July/August).

Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city but as long as you stay near a metro or bus station you shouldn’t be worried. Also you can rent a bike and plan to cycle through the city.

Barcelona Dream – Be Hostels is one of the best rated hotels in the city. Expect to pay about €35 per person per night for a bed in double private room during the high season. A bed in a 4 beds dorm costs about €25 per person per night.

Balearic Islands

If you are heading to the Balearic Islands, you will find some cheap accommodation on the islands.

In Ibiza, the term “cheap” is …relative because prices are about €50 per night per person for a bed in a double room in a “budget” hotel as there are no hostels on the island.

In Mallorca, however, you can find hostels even in Palma de Mallorca. At Hostal La Mimosa, a bed in a double room costs about €30 per person per night during the high season, while a bed in a 6 beds mixed dorm costs about €20 per person per night.

Canary Islands

You wouldn’t think it’s possible to find cheap accommodation in the Canaries, right? Well, there are five hostels on the Canary Islands.

Probably the most interesting place, if you want to practice water sports, is Centro Internacional de Windsurfing located on Gran Canaria. Accommodation is cheap. A bed in a 8 beds dorm costs about €17 per person per night during the high season.

If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Tenerife, head to Pension Cassandra. A bed in a double room costs about €20 per person per night during the high season.