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Work and travel in Spain
A work and travel adventure is the perfect way to explore different countries, learn new skills and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Spain is a fantastic choice for your working holiday, combining a vibrant culture, rich history and incredible people too.
A gap year in Spain will bring you all kinds of incredible experiences, changing your life in many ways. Discover what it’s like to work and travel in Spain to help you plan your Spanish adventure.
Work and travel as a bartender in Spain
Food and drink are a major part of life in Spain, making bartending an in-demand job in the country. Bar jobs in Spain will give you the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish culture, while earning the money to support yourself through your travels. People from all over the world visit Spain, with many bars catering to an international crowd. With the right bartending skills, you could soon find yourself pouring drinks in the Mediterranean sunshine and making memories for life.
Bar work in Spain pays well and is flexible, allowing you to enjoy a variety of shifts so that you can spend your downtime soaking up the atmosphere and discovering new places. Bartenders are in-demand, especially during the summer months, and towns and cities all over the country will be looking for skilled bar staff.
Cities to work and travel in Spain
One of the toughest things about a gap year in Spain is choosing somewhere to live. There are so many incredible destinations in Spain that you may find it difficult to narrow it down to just one. With a mix of city life, coast and mountains, Spain has a little something to appeal to everyone. Some of the best cities to enjoy work and travel in Spain include:
1. Madrid
As the capital city of Spain, there’s a lot going on in Madrid. It’s a bustling, energetic city with a rich cultural heritage, holding a lot of appeal for travellers. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels in Madrid, so expect to find many bartending opportunities here. Working in Madrid will mean getting to enjoy everything from museums to relaxed evenings eating tapas and really soak up the Spanish lifestyle.
2. Valencia
Valencia is another incredible city, this time located on the south-eastern coast of Spain. It’s a place to enjoy Spanish heritage, as well as modern facilities and of course, beautiful beaches. Hospitality is at the heart of Valencia’s industry, so there should be ample opportunities for bar work here.
3. Seville
The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a truly stunning city that’s famous for flamenco, vibrant festivals, and some incredible architecture too. Seville has won the hearts of people from all over the world, and working as a bartender in the city will allow you to explore some of the best parts of Spain.
4. Ibiza
Away from the mainland, Spain is also home to a number of islands, with one of the most famous being Ibiza (also known as the White Isle). Ibiza is known for being one of the party capitals of the world, and is home to some of the most famous nightclubs and bars on the planet. Every summer people from across the globe flock to Ibiza, making it a great place to find work. Beyond the nightlife, Ibiza is a truly beautiful island, with a lot to discover during your downtime.
5. Malaga
The Costa Del Sol is another popular tourist destination, attracting people from all over Europe and beyond to its beachside resorts and marinas. Malaga is a busy coastal city that has plenty of beaches and attractions, as well as a thriving nightlife. With a huge selection of bars, restaurants, hotels, and resorts, there are a lot of opportunities for bar work in the area.
Working in Barcelona: beach, fun and culture!
Barcelona is one of the most fascinating cities on earth. The capital of Catalonia, it attracts millions of visitors each year thanks to its intriguing mix of beach and city, as well as having a fascinating history.
Working in Barcelona will open you up to all kinds of incredible experiences. Bar work will help you connect with people from all over the world, improve your Spanish and help support you while you live life to the fullest in the city. What better way to enjoy days strolling the streets admiring the works of Gaudí and nights sampling the best of Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife?
Gap year in Spain
Your gap year in Spain will bring you some of the most amazing experiences and opportunities to explore this beautiful country. Spain offers a warm welcome to visitors and it’s safe to say that the locals know how to have a good time. With endless sunny days and food that is out of this world, your Spanish gap year will help you make so many wonderful memories and friends from all walks of life.
Why work and travel in Spain?
The weather
Spain is known for its sunny climate, with hot summers and mild winters making it appealing year-round. It’s a very popular destination for people from the UK and other countries looking to enjoy the good weather. You can spend your downtime relaxing on one of Spain’s many beaches or take the opportunity to get out into the countryside and discover Spain’s natural, awe-inspiring landscapes.
The culture
The culture in Spain is passionate, vibrant and full of zest, but there is also a lot of tradition and heritage to be found. It’s a very sociable country and people love nothing more than to get together in the evenings for leisurely dinners, dancing and conversation. Working in Spain will give you the chance to immerse yourself in all of this and really expand your horizons.
The people
Spain brings together people from all over the world, so working in Spain will give you some amazing opportunities to make new friends. Connect with the locals and meet fellow travellers to develop some lasting connections.
The travel opportunities
Working in Spain doesn’t just give you the opportunity to explore Spanish cities and islands, you’ve got the keys to the rest of Europe too. From Spain, it’s easy to travel to countries across Europe, including neighbouring France and Portugal, while a strong flight network will get you to other European cities in a matter of hours. North Africa is also a short flight away, so you can really make the most of the opportunity to travel during your time in Spain.
The chance for personal growth
Spending time working and travelling is a chance to step out of your comfort zone and do something amazing for yourself. Working overseas will help you boost your confidence, enhance your world view and could lead to some great opportunities for your future career.
Why is a bartender a good choice for jobs in Spain for English speakers?
English is widely spoken throughout Spain, especially in top tourist destinations and the Canary and Balearic Islands. Working as a bartender, you’ll serve customers from all over the world, with English being the preferred way to communicate for many visitors.
Working in bar jobs in Spain will also help you develop your Spanish, and it’s beneficial to know some words and phrases before you begin working there. You should be able to pick up drinks orders quickly, working on the rest of your language skills during your time in Spain
Finding a job in Spain with accommodation
Some jobs in Spain for foreigners will come with accommodation, especially when working seasons in popular summer destinations like the Costa del Sol. A gap year or work abroad program could help you find a suitable job with accommodation, giving you one less thing to worry about when you arrive in Spain.
What to do during your gap year in Barcelona?
With so much to see and do in Barcelona and beyond, a year may not be enough to take everything in. But with your year in Barcelona, you can spend time walking the streets and getting to know everywhere from the famous Gothic Quarter to Las Ramblas and making yourself right at home in the city. Barcelona is home to some of the world’s most famous architecture, including the Sagrada Familia, which has been in construction for 140 years! It’s a beautiful city to admire and you won’t be short of things to see during your stay.
You’ll want to make plenty of time to enjoy everything that’s great about Spanish culture. From dancing to sampling authentic Spanish cuisine, Barcelona can help you try it all, providing the perfect location to enjoy your gap year. With the rest of Europe within easy reach, you can extend your travels further and see as much of Europe as possible during your year abroad.
Bartending in Spain is the perfect way to fund your travels and enjoy a gap year to remember. Take a look at our Barcelona Bartending School and learn the skills you need to find a bar job in Barcelona, Madrid or Spain’s many other wonderful locations.
