Flights from Banjul to Spain from 120USD*

Flights to Spain from Banjul

Vueling connects Banjul with Barcelona on a direct flight of a little over 5 hours, with no stops along the way. From Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport you can travel on to the rest of the country: the high-speed train gets to Madrid in around 2 and a half hours, and there are domestic flights to Seville, Valencia, Bilbao and the islands.

It is the fastest way between Gambia and mainland Spain. Whether you are travelling to see family, to study or for work, here is what to sort out before you book.

What documents you need to travel to Spain

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so entry requirements are stricter than for a regional trip. What you need depends on your nationality, and this is what usually applies to Gambian citizens:

• A valid passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from the Schengen Area.
• A Schengen visa, applied for before the trip at the relevant embassy or consulate. Processing times vary, so it is worth starting early.
• Proof of accommodation: a hotel booking, a letter of invitation or a tenancy agreement, depending on the purpose of the trip.
• Sufficient funds, which the authorities may ask you to evidence.
• Travel insurance with medical cover, required in order to apply for the visa.

Requirements change and depend on individual circumstances. Before confirming your booking, check the current information on Vueling’s travel documents page and with the relevant consulate.

What to know when you land in Spain

From the airport into Barcelona. El Prat is about 15 km from the city. Metro line 9 Sud and the Aerobús to Plaça Catalunya are the two most popular options, and both run at almost any time you are likely to land. If you are travelling on to another city, Sants station is where long-distance services leave from.

Currency. The euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, although in markets and smaller shops it still helps to carry some cash.

Climate. Nothing like Banjul’s, particularly between November and March. The north is damp and cool, the south and the Mediterranean arc are dry and mild, and the interior has cold winters. Check the forecast for your specific city before deciding what to pack.

Plug sockets. Spain uses round two-pin plugs, types C and F, at 230V.

Language: Spanish is the official language, and Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia also have their own co-official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, less so outside them.

What to do in Spain

You arrive through Barcelona, and that is the first decision: stay in the city or use it as your way into the rest of the country.

Barcelona, right where you land

The option with no extra travel. Modernista architecture, a beach inside the city and markets with real produce, all well connected to the airport. It works well for short stays, as you do not lose a day travelling.

Madrid, 2 and a half hours away by train

Three of Europe’s great museums, the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen, sit less than 1 km apart. Around them, Malasaña, Lavapiés and La Latina are neighbourhoods for wandering without a plan. If you are travelling for work or to study, Madrid is where much of the country’s activity is concentrated.

Andalusia

Seville, Granada and Córdoba still bear the stamp of centuries of al-Andalus history: the Alhambra, the Mezquita, the Giralda. It is the warmest part of the mainland, worth bearing in mind if you travel in high summer. A good choice for family trips, with short distances between the three cities.

The Atlantic north

San Sebastián and Bilbao, with the Guggenheim, the pintxos and a food culture that more than lives up to its reputation. Green landscapes, mild temperatures and a different side of the country. Here you will want a domestic flight or several hours by train from Barcelona.

Luggage for your flight to Spain

What you can take depends on the fare you choose when booking. The simplest fare includes a personal item that fits under the seat in front, and from there you can add cabin or checked luggage as needed.

For a long trip, or one lasting several weeks, sorting out your luggage when you book avoids surprises at the check-in desk. Check the current conditions in Vueling’s luggage policy before completing your purchase.