Stomach Bug in Spain: Gastroenteritis Treatment for Tourists
Got a stomach bug in Spain? A doctor explains causes, home treatment, when to see a doctor, and what to buy at the pharmacy. Practical guide for holiday stomach problems.
Stomach bugs are the most common medical problem tourists face in Spain. Heat, unfamiliar food, disrupted routines, and buffet dining all increase the risk.
The good news: most cases resolve on their own within 1-3 days. Here's how to manage it and when to get help.
Causes
Most tourist stomach problems in Spain are viral gastroenteritis (norovirus, rotavirus) — spread by contact, not by local food being unsafe. Spanish food hygiene standards are high.
Other causes: mild food poisoning from buffets where food sits in heat, excessive alcohol (irritates the stomach lining), sudden dietary changes (more olive oil, different dairy, unfamiliar spices), or stress and travel fatigue lowering immune defences.
Tap water in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands is safe to drink, though it tastes different from home and some people prefer bottled water. In the Canary Islands, stick to bottled water.
Home Treatment
Hydration is everything. Small, frequent sips of water, oral rehydration salts (suero oral — available at any Spanish pharmacy), or flat cola. Avoid gulping large amounts — this triggers more vomiting.
What to eat: Once you can keep liquids down, start with plain rice, toast, bananas, or chicken broth. The classic Spanish recovery diet is "dieta blanda" — soft, bland foods. Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
Pharmacy medications (no prescription needed): Loperamide (Fortasec) for diarrhoea — use sparingly, 1 tablet after each loose stool, max 4/day. Domperidone (Motilium) for nausea and vomiting — available over the counter in Spain (unlike the UK). Paracetamol for fever and body aches. Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces) to help restore gut flora.
Rest. Stay in your accommodation, near a bathroom. Don't try to power through sightseeing — you'll prolong recovery and risk dehydration in the heat.
When to See a Doctor
Most stomach bugs don't need a doctor. See one if: you can't keep any fluids down for more than 12 hours, symptoms last more than 5 days, you have fever above 39°C, there's blood in your stool or vomit, you have severe abdominal pain (not just cramps), or you're showing signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, no urine for 8+ hours, rapid heartbeat).
Children and elderly: Lower threshold for medical attention. A child under 5 who has been vomiting or having diarrhoea for more than 6 hours should be seen by a doctor. Same for adults over 65 or anyone with chronic health conditions.
ER vs Home Doctor
For a standard stomach bug that needs medical attention (IV fluids, prescription anti-emetics, assessment), a home doctor visit is more comfortable than an ER trip — especially when you're actively vomiting.
Going to the ER makes sense if you have severe symptoms (bloody vomit/stool, extreme pain, signs of surgical abdomen) or if multiple people in your group are severely ill (possible outbreak that needs reporting).
OnCall Clinic doctors carry IV fluids, anti-emetic injections, and can prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial cause is suspected. They come to your accommodation so you don't have to travel while sick.