Holidays in Madrid are a year-round destination with mild springs and warm autumns, when hotel prices stay at an average level. In summer, the temperature reaches 35 °C, in winter — 5–12 °C. There are no direct flights from Almaty; the flight with one transfer takes 10–14 hours. The optimal trip duration is 5–7 days.
How to prepare for a trip to Spain from Almaty?
There are no direct flights between Almaty and Madrid, so the route is built with one transfer. It is better to start preparing for such a holiday in advance. It is more convenient to book tours to Spain from Almaty 2–3 months before departure.
Transfer flight routes and choosing an airline
It is most convenient to fly to Madrid via Istanbul, Dubai or Frankfurt, and the journey with one transfer takes from 10 to 14 hours. Turkish Airlines offer a short connecting flight and convenient departure times from Almaty. Emirates via Dubai are good for their service, but the total travel time is longer. Lufthansa via Frankfurt will suit those flying to Europe for the first time. Tickets to Spain should be purchased 2–3 months before the trip. Early booking noticeably reduces tour prices.
Visa, insurance and documents for citizens of Kazakhstan
Applying for a Schengen category C visa takes time, and the papers must be submitted in advance. Medical insurance with coverage from 30 thousand euros is a mandatory condition for the trip. The policy is issued for the entire period of stay in Spain. It is better to check the consular fee and processing times at an accredited visa center. For tours to Madrid, the package of documents is usually prepared by the tour operator. Without a policy, the trip will not be approved.
Money and communication on site
Cards from Kazakhstani banks do not work in Spain now, so euros need to be brought with you. Communication and the time difference should also be thought through in advance.
Cash euros and payment with cards from Kazakhstani banks
Take cash euros in Almaty, because Visa and Mastercard cards from Kazakhstani banks are not accepted in Spain. For everyday expenses in Madrid, 50–100 euros per day per person is enough. It is better not to carry large sums with you, but to leave them in the hotel safe. Small banknotes will come in handy for cafes, taxis and markets. Exchange offices in the center offer different rates, so part of the money is exchanged in advance. Prices for tours to Madrid usually already include the flight and accommodation, while pocket expenses are calculated separately.
Mobile communication, internet and the time difference
The time difference with Almaty is 4 hours in winter and 3 hours in summer: Spain changes its clocks (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. The body adjusts during the first day, so do not plan long walks on the day of arrival. A local SIM card is bought at the airport or in mobile phone shops in the center. Roaming with Kazakhstani operators is expensive, so it is activated only as a last resort. Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes and at train stations. Spanish communication works reliably.
How to get around the city and surroundings
Madrid is convenient to explore by metro and buses, and the surroundings — by trains. Transport here is cheap and punctual.
Metro, buses and the Multi Card
It is more profitable to pay for travel in the capital with a Multi Card rather than single tickets. The card costs about 2.5 euros, and it is topped up for the required number of trips. The metro runs until half past one at night, so after a late dinner you will calmly return to your hotels. Buses duplicate metro lines and run through the center around the clock. There are many pedestrian zones in the center, and comfortable shoes are more important than it seems. It is easy to walk 10–15 kilometers in a day.
Day trips to Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial
Toledo, Segovia and El Escorial are convenient destinations for day trips from Madrid. The train to Toledo takes about 30 minutes, to Segovia — about 30 minutes on a high-speed train. El Escorial is reached by bus or commuter train in an hour. Renfe tickets are better bought in advance, because early booking reduces the cost. It is worth leaving in the morning to return by dinner. Such trips diversify holidays in Madrid.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in the Republic of Kazakhstan, https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/astana/es/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/index.aspx. The information on this page was verified on 10.09.2026.
What to consider in everyday life
The local rhythm differs from the usual one, and it is worth getting used to. Siesta, holidays and tips are part of Spanish culture.
Store hours, siesta and public holidays
Siesta in Madrid is no longer as strict as people think, and large stores work all day. Small shops in the center still close for a break from 14:00 to 17:00. Public holidays in Spain often fall in the middle of the week, and then many museums and shops are closed. August is the month of mass vacations for the Spaniards themselves, so some family restaurants are closed. Dinner here starts late, after 21:00. Nightlife in the Huertas, Malasaña and La Latina districts starts after midnight.
Tips, safety and walking routes
Tips in Spain are not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is considered good form. In tourist places, keep an eye on bags and do not leave your phone on a cafe table. The center of Madrid is safe, but it is better to avoid late alleys alone. Walking routes are convenient to build through Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía. Hotels in Madrid in the center are more expensive, but everything is nearby. Comfortable sneakers solve more than a map on your phone.
How much does the trip cost and what is included in the tour?
The budget depends on the season, hotel class and number of excursions. The cheapest time to go is outside the peak months.
Prices for tours, hotels and seasonal fluctuations
Prices for tours to Madrid change noticeably by season, and the cheapest time to go is spring and autumn. In summer and during the New Year holidays, the cost of accommodation in hotels increases by one and a half to two times. A hotel in the center will cost more than in areas near the metro outside the tourist ring. Meals, excursions and transport are calculated separately from the base cost. Early booking gives the best conditions. When is the best time to go to Madrid depends on what is more important — weather or budget. Holidays in Madrid with children are planned for May or September, when there is no exhausting heat.
Booking conditions, deposit and on-site surcharges
Clarify these points before signing the contract. This way you will know the final amount in advance.
In brief
- There are no direct flights from Almaty to Madrid; fly with one transfer via Istanbul, Dubai or Frankfurt.
- A Schengen visa and insurance from 30 thousand euros are arranged in advance.
- Cards from Kazakhstani banks do not work in Spain; euros are brought in cash.
- The time difference with Almaty is 4 hours in winter and 3 hours in summer: Spain changes its clocks (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round.
- Metro fares are paid with a Multi Card, not single tickets.