One of the best parts of traveling, for me, is the pre-trip deep dive. But I’m not talking about compiling list of all the “must see” sights- I mean fully immersing myself in the heart and soul of the place I’ll be going.
I want to know all about it: the people, the food (one of the best parts of travel for me), the landscapes, and the history that shaped it all. I want to absorb as much as possible before I even set foot there.
For me, books and movies are the ultimate way to forge a deeper connection with a country. They don’t just highlight the sights- they let you linger in the stories of the people who live there- their lives, loves, and history.
And nothing gets me more excited for a trip than watching stunning scenery on screen and picturing myself right there in that place. Whether it’s a lighthearted romcom or an epic historical drama, I’m all in on a travel movie.
So before your next trip, do what I do- curl up with a stack of books or dive into a few travel films. It’s the perfect way to kick off your adventure- a chance to travel before your actual trip.
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Books about Spain
The first thing I do after I buy a plane ticket for my trip is start looking at books to read. Proud nerd here 🤓
I just love the chance to live in someone else’s life in a place different from my own. And the easiest way to do that is through stories. Whether they’re novels or memoirs, historical or present day, the best way to get a feel for a place is through books.
>> And don’t forget to check out Audible! 🎧 📚 It’s great for those long flights and cross-country road trips!
Now, you can do what I did when I backpacked through Europe way back when and bring mounds and mounds of books. I still do- and as I unload them along the way I buy souvenirs to take up that extra space in my luggage.
Or you can do what makes more sense and use a Kindle 📚 like most sane people I know. But me? Old habits die hard.
Memoirs about Spain
Tales of the Alhambra- Washington Irvington
Americans might know him from Rip Van Winkle and the Headless Horseman but at one time, he actually lived in the Alhambra in Granada (which I highly urge you to visit- it’s incredible). His tales of living there when it was just a Moorish ruin are what helped inspire the renovation to its former glory.
I enjoyed reading this book about a woman who left her boring life in Australia behind to move to Seville and learn the art of Flamenco. Her excitement and love for Spanish dance, food, and people (especially the boys) is obvious and lots of fun to read.
Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Spain- Chris Stewart
Hoo boy, this guy. I would never, ever, EVER do what he did when he bought a farm in southern Spain with no electricity, no running water, and no one around. But I did really enjoy reading about it. And I learned a little bit about sheep shearing which was interesting. If you have dreams of living off the grid this is the one to check out.
Tranquila: A Doctor-Mom Attempts the Slow Life in Spain Paperback- Amy Breen
The story of a woman in charge to a woman completely out of her element when she moves her family to Barcelona for the easy life and it turns out to be anything but. You should put this one on your list- as long as you don’t mind a little cursing 🤣
Historical Fiction Books about Spain
The Queen’s Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile- C. W. Gortner
This is the story of Isabella of Spain in the 1400s as she goes from being used as a pawn, to the Heiress of Castile, to the wife of Fernando of Aragón, to a supporting Columbus’ trip to America. It’s a story of love, of danger, and of courage.
You can check out one of the queen’s favorite castles in Segovia (which is a lovely town that I adore).
The Fountains of Silence- Ruta Sepetys
A photographer goes in search of his roots in Madrid in the 1950s (still under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco) and is faced with the reality of life there. Rather than the beautiful carefree place he imagined his mother’s home to be, it’s instead shrouded by danger as he gets to know the city through the eyes of a woman he meets.
The Girl from Guernica- Karen Robards
I love a story about a woman who fights back so this one’s high on my list. A local girl from Guernica (yes, of Picasso fame- the painting is in the Reina Sofia in Madrid) tries to maintain the appearance of Nazi sympathizer while spying for the other side. It’s a story of courage and family ties.
The Hand of Fatima- Ildefonso Falcones de Sierra
Taking place during the clash between the Christians and Moors in Granada, this story is about a man with a Muslim mother and Christian father who is caught in the middle. When his love is murdered, he develops a plan to unite the two sides and create peace between them. This author also has written a historical fiction book Cathedral of the Sea about the Basilica de Santa Maria Del Mar in Barcelona being built that’s worth checking out.
Paula McLain’s books are fantastic and this one’s no different. When Martha Gellhorn travels to Madrid to report on the atrocities in Spain during WWII, she meets and starts a relationship with Ernest Hemingway that lasts almost a decade. It takes place partly in Cuba as well (which I’m dying to visit). It’s a great read as are all her books.
Fiction Books about Spain
For Whom the Bell Tolls- Ernest Hemingway
You can’t mention Spanish novels without talking about one of the greatest war novels ever written. And this is it. He also wrote Death in the Afternoon about bullfighting in Spain. And The Sun Also Rises about a group of expats traveling around Europe (including Spain).
If something lighthearted is more your style (you are on vacation after all), this book about a man and his son who go in search of family might be for you. If you’re a fan of Nicholas Sparks this might be up your alley.
The sunny island of Mallorca is where everything should be perfect. But throw in family secrets and rivalries, and it makes for an anything-but-relaxing vacation.
If you’re a fan of the Da Vinci Code, you’ll love this story (the 5th in the series) that begins at the Guggenheim in Bilbao and moves on to Barcelona as he attempts to uncover clues.
The Spanish House- Cherry Radford
When a woman is offered the summer use of her uncle’s house on the coast of Andalucía, she finds out the house might be hers forever if she just completes a few tasks. This escapist love story, set in the sunny south of Spain, is a heartwarming and fun read.
TV Shows and Movies about Spain
The visual medium of film is a great way to get a feel for a country. Whether it’s a narrative feature or a documentary, a romcom or a historical drama, a movie or TV show can transport you there for a short time.
Before I travel, I always find a few things to watch that give me a sense of the language, the customs, and of course the sights of the place I’m going.
Movies are the best kind of research- and you have to do something while you’re marking the days until your trip! ✈️
Travel Shows and Movies about Spain
Two English comedians go on a hilarious road trip along the coast of Spain- chaos ensues. If you like this one, they have a whole series to other places in Europe you can check out.
Anthony Bourdain- TV
He is always my first stop when I want to get a sense of the food I might eat wherever I’m going. His no-holds-barred opinions on a place are what I love almost as much as I love his desire to connect with the people. He has several episodes about Spain on his various shows:
- A Cook’s tour- Season 1- San Sebastián
- Parts Unknown- Season 2- Andalucia
- No Reservations- Season 4- Barcelona and the North/ Season 6- Madrid/ Season 7- El Bulli Restaurant
Drama Shows and Movies about Spain
A man goes to claim the body of his son who died while hiking the Camino de Santiago and decides to walk the 500-mile trail himself. As he does, he learns about himself- and his estranged son- as he meets other hikers along the way. 🥾
One of the Camino routes goes through both Cáceres and Salamanca. They are very different places and both amazing in their own ways. Check out my city guides or the itinerary that goes through both!
Tensions for the family of a fashion house in the 1950s rise when the heir falls for a seamstress. This show is in Spanish with subtitles and is worth a watch just for the clothes alone.
Two teens travel to Spain in search of one’s birth mother. As they explore Andalucía, they fall in love and realize what’s really important might not be blood after all.
The Mallorca Files- TV 2019-2024
A couple of detectives (she’s German, he’s British) solve crimes on the gorgeous, sunny island of Mallorca.
Comedy Shows and Movies about Spain
This movie, starring Penélope Cruz, is about a Hollywood star who comes to Spain in the 1950s to film the story of Queen Isabella of Castile.
The Alcázar in Segovia was one of the queen’s favorite castles and I can attest it is definitely worth a visit!
Watching just for the gorgeous backdrop of the coastal town of Cadaqués and food porn, this is the story of a chef who aims to start a culinary revolution. This one is in Spanish with subtitles. 🎨
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote- Movie 2018
Adam Driver plays a film director who is the object of a delusional Spaniard who thinks he’s Don Quixote. It was filmed partly in the La Mancha area of Spain (I loved Cuenca) which is gorgeous.
Vicky Christina Barcelona- Movie 2008
This Woody Allen film has two friends spending the summer in Barcelona who become interested with the same painter and womanizer.
Artist Shows and Movies about Spain
The Spanish love their artists and there are lots of shows and movies about the famous people who created art in Spain.
Painter Francisco Goya’s muse is arrested for heresy and her family looks to him for help in securing her release.
This movie actually takes place in NYC but follows an older Salvador Dalí as he prepares (and avoids) his next big show.
Season 2 of this show follows the life of Pablo Picasso- both his tumultuous personal relationships and his shifting political ones. You can find his masterpiece, Guernica, at the Reina Sofia in Madrid.
My Favorite Travel Websites
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Ready to plan your trip?
Here are my favorite travel websites to get you started.
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Questions about Books and Movies on Spain
Where can I find more books about Spain?
Amazon has literally everything as I’m sure you know. It will also suggest some great books that I haven’t included here so check them out and let me know if you read any good ones!
How can I watch these shows and movies about Spain?
I included links to Amazon so you can watch them through Prime, rent them, or purchase them and they’re yours forever. You can also stream them on various platforms if you’re a subscriber- it just depends on your country and budget. 🎥
I hope you enjoyed your armchair travel to Spain with me! Leave a comment if you have any other books, shows, or movies to suggest and I’ll try to add them. 🍿 📚
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