(As of April 2022)

Since the global pandemic reached our countries in early 2020 there has been restrictions in one way or another on the way we live our lives. With the sheer amount of press on Covid-19 it’s difficult to see the wood from the trees. So we wanted to reach out to our guests and give you a clear idea of what it’s really like to be in southern Spain in 2021 and 2022.

As we become used to Covid-19 those who are at high risk may adopt a more stringent approach to their activities but for the rest of us we’re getting out and about responsibly. While we at The Luxury Villa Collection welcomed guests during 2020 and 2021 we realise that clarity on what it’s like in southern Spain is needed. So where are was now in Spring 2022…

What restrictions are there in southern Spain?

Couple wearing face mask

There are no restrictions in Spain currently.

Do I have to wear a face covering?

Face coverings are no longer worn in most places. The only restrictions are in pharmacies, hospitals, doctors surgeries and on public transport.

Are restaurants open?

Waiter with face mask

Yes, restaurants and cafes are open without limitations.

Are Beaches open in Andalucia?

Yes. No face coverings need to be worn or distancing on the beach.

The norms that local governments put in place over summer 2020 worked to great effect and people could enjoy safely the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical.

Are tourist sights open?

Alhambra Palace

There are no restrictions on tourist attractions and sights.

Do face coveringS need to be worn while driving?

No face covering need to be worn while driving but in a taxis or transfer transportation face coverings are required.

What’s the general mood in southern Spain?

Now in 2022 it’s really business as usual with very few sensible parameters in place. There’s a feel of excitment and relief – everyone is looking forward to a fun 2022.

A bit of history: Summer 2020 saw fewer parties for sure: the dancing all night in a club and watching the sunrise from a buzzing rooftop bar was not on the cards. But from May 2021 saw the majority of restrictions being lifted: – nightclubs were allowed open until 2am, dancing is allowed externally and events are being held with social distancing being put in place. Long lunches beside the sea, visiting theme parks, historic sights, galleries and museums, beach days and outdoor activities are all there being enjoyed. Some of our guests used our villas with entertainment rooms, cinemas, spas and abundance of space to organise private experiences from chefs to talks to spa treatments and live music. Bringing the wonderful Spanish culture into the safety of their private villa.

Air travel – Is it safe?

Airport seats with distancing

So far there has been little evidence of in-flight transmission of coronavirus, but there have been a couple of examples of transmission early on in the pandemic before more stringent controls were in place.

Shaun Fitzgerald, Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professor at the University of Cambridge said, aircraft ventilation systems are unique, the “replacement rate” – the number of times a volume of air equivalent to the volume of the cabin is removed each hour – can be four minutes in a aircraft. Compare this to 20 or 30 minutes in an indoor environment on the ground and it’s very brisk. The air filters themselves on aeroplanes are sophisticated and much more effective than filters found in indoor venues on the ground.

Most airlines say face coverings are mandatory, limit food and drink services and don’t allow queuing for the toilet. See British Airways safety measure here. The airports themselves are being diligent ensuring social distancing is in place as well as temperature controls in some.

In order to enter Spain, all passengers, regardless of the country of origin (except children under the age of 12 and passengers in international transit), must show one of these documents:

  • An EU Digital COVID certificate or EU equivalent of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative certificate of an active infection diagnostic test or a recovery certificate after having this disease.
  • SpTH QR. If you do not have the EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent, you must complete the SpTH Health Control Form, manually entering the details of your vaccination, recovery or diagnostic test certificate.
  • For more information about travelling to Spain: https://www.spth.gob.es/

In Summary

  • There are no restrictions on traveling between autonomous regions within Spain
  • Shops and businesses are open their usual hours
  • Bars and restaurants are open
  • Tourist sights and attractions are open
  • Nightclubs are open
  • Events are allowed
  • Cinemas, theatres, and cultural events may be held without restrictions
  • No restrictions on beaches or swimming pools

As of February 2022, in Spain 39,100,000 people have been fully vaccinated, that’s 82.6% of the population.

Adapting to the new normal, being responsible while still carrying on with life has become something we’ve all had to do during 2020 and 2021 but 2022 is about getting back to life pre COVID. If you have any questions at all about traveling to Spain, our Covid19 policies or what it’s like in Spain at the moment then don’t hesitate to contact us.


Ben Cooper

A head-over-heels hispanophile, Ben is a one-time travel editor at Rough Guides, DK Travel, ELLEuk and Red Online.

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