SPAIN

The Muslims Guide to Visiting Spain

Spain is an absolute must-visit country for every Muslim traveler. Spain has a lot to offer for solo and family travelers alike. With its beautiful landscape, warm weather and rich Islamic history, Spain must be on every Muslims bucket list. Spain was formerly known as Al-Andalus when it was ruled by Muslims for 700 years!

Quick Links

Madrid

Things to see

Madrid is the capital of Spain and likely where you will enter the country. Madrid is like any other large city with lots of history, places to shop and museums to explore. My advice is to spend no more than a day in Madrid and begin your journey down south. However, while you are in Madrid, there are a few places worth visiting.

  • Plaza Mayor
  • Reina Sofia Museum
  • San Isidro Museum.

Where to pray

Where to eat

Seville

Things to see

  • Plaza de España
  • La Giralda
  • Santa Cruz Neighbourhood

Where to pray

Where to eat

  • Alcázar
  • Al Wadi
  • Milk Away

Granada

Granada was hands down our favorite city to visit. From the narrow hilly streets to the food to the rich Islamic history of this beautiful city. You feel a certain type of calm here. No doubt, visiting the Al Hambra Palace and gazing upon the Quranic scriptures all around the palace walls brings out mixed emotions as you look into the glorious past and admire what was once a thriving Muslim community. However, it also humbles you to understand that Allah gives and takes away at His will and it is our job to handle success and adversity with patience and humility. The highlight though has to be visiting the Mezquita Mayor De Granada, a beautiful Masjid located walking distance from the Al Hambra Palace.

Things to see

  • Al-Hambra
  • Nasrid Palaces
  • Generalife
  • Alcazba

Where to pray

Mezquita Mayor de Granada

We were pleasantly surprised to hear the Adhan (call to prayer) was done on loud on speakers for all to hear. The Masjid or Mezquita is located very close to the Al Hambra Palace but is still away from the busy streets. The view is absolutely spectacular from the Masjid courtyard and is well worth the visit. There is also a shop on-site at the Masjid and is very welcoming of the tourists in the area.

Where to eat

Puerta de Syria

Córdoba

Things to see

Where to pray

Mosque of Al-Andalus is a beautiful tiny little Masjid located in the heart of Córdoba. It’s a cozy little place with beautiful architecture, similar to that you will see at Mezquita de Córdoba.

Where to eat

Restaurante Damaquino | Directions

Muslim Friendliness

Due to Spain’s rich Muslim history and the fact it borders with Morocco, Spain is a very Muslim friendly country. Although the Muslim population is small, the Spanish people are accommodating and very friendly. Southern Spain has become a popular destination among young Muslim couples as a honeymoon spot. Seeing women with hijab is quite common.

How to get around

  • The best way to travel between major cities is by the high-speed train network aka AVE.
  • The AVE train travels to all major cities like Madrid, Cordoba, Malaga, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia.
  • Traveling by bus is cheaper but will take longer and will not be as comfortable
  • Flying is also another great option. Budget airlines operate daily and offer cheap fares.

Tips

  • The best way to get around Spain is via their robust high-speed train network
  • Book your train tickets well in advance as tickets will be cheaper
  • Most people do understand and can communicate well in English
  • The summer months can be very hot and humid. Avoid June, July, and August.

Airport Accommodations

Spain has 4 major airports. All 4 have prayer spaces available. Click the links below for more detail on where you can prayer space.

Fun Facts

  • Muslims ruled Spain for almost 700 years
  • Many of the mosques have been converted to Churches and Cathedrals
  • The period in which Muslims ruled Spain was during the Islamic Golden Age
  • The “stapler” was invented in Spain
  • Over 75 million tourists visit Spain every year
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