All about Spain from Cheap flights to spain

Spain Travel

Over forty-five million tourists visit Spain each year, making it one of the three most visited countries in the world. To travel to spain is to experience sun, superb food, hospitality and joie de vivre, and yet it is also to discover the country's rich heritage of monuments and sights, the imprint of the different civilisations that once made it their home, or to journey through its singular and breathtaking countryside and delight in the stunning, starkly contrasting scenery, study the customs of its peoples and towns, and share in their local fiestas and traditions. To travel to Spain is to opt for diversity, to be the central character in what is sure to be a truly unforgettable trip. this is what makes Spain such a prized destination worldwide, and why the vast majority of those who visit it once, return... in order to share in the enjoyment of a climate, countryside and culture which embody a rather special way of life.

Spain - Geography

Situation

Spain straddles the greater part of the Iberian Peninsula that juts out at the south-western tip of Europe. With a surface area of 505,955 square kilometres, it ranks as the third largest country in continental Europe, after Russia and France. Most of this surface area (493,484 sq. km.) consists of mainland Spain, to which must be added the island groups of the Balearics to the east (4,992 sq. km.) and the Canaries (7,447 sq. km.), lying over one thousand kilometres to the south, just off North Africa's Atlantic coast. Lastly, there are the two city enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, perched on the shores of North Africa itself.Seen within a European context, the position of the Iberian Peninsula gives it a certain closeness to Africa, from which it is separated by a mere 14 kilometres, and -on the Atlantic side- to America, thus lending it a special strategic value. This explains why it has been such a crucial crossroads in the history of cultures and civilisations. Spain is therefore an integral part both of the southern European mainland and, in a somewhat special way, of the Mediterranean world.

The Spanish regions

Every region has its share of Spain's richly diverse array of geography, climate and scenery, and, to boost their individual tourist industries, they at times join forces to highlight their common features and attractions. Thus it was that Green Spain came into being, born out of the combined efforts of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country to enhance the shared traits of their countryside, climate, cuisine and tourist attractions, namely, sea and mountains, sports and rural tourism.The best developed sea-and-sun tourist areas are Andalusia, Murcia, the Valencian Region and Catalonia, which are endowed with a wide range of top-quality facilities, while other regions of Inland Spain, such as Aragon, Castile & León, Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, hold out the promise of historic cities -many of which are officially designated World Heritage sites- artistic and monumental treasures, delicious food and settings of great natural beauty. Other autonomous regions, such as La Rioja, Madrid and Navarre, possess the appeal and charm of towns and villages positively alive with tradition and character, offering the visitor a wealth of cultural and scenic attractions and including well known routes such as the Camino de Santiago in Navarra and La Rioja and the trademark "Pyrenees" in Navarra. Island Spain is, without doubt, one of the top tourist destinations: the Balearic Isles, in the heart of the Mediterranean, offer visitors a splendid coastline for beach-going and water sports, whilst the Canary Islands, lying out in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa, are a genuine paradise, with their beaches, volcanic National Parks and exceptional year-round climate.The city-enclaves of Ceuta, on the North African coast astride the Strait of Gibraltar, and Melilla, on the African shore of the Mediterranean, are equally attractive propositions, thanks to good connections from the mainland which put their beaches and bargain-priced goods within easy reach.

Spain - Population

With forty million inhabitants, Spain has an average population density of around 80 inhabitants per square kilometre, a figure under the EU mean. The uneven distribution of the population has created an imbalance between regions, which register different and widely contrasting density levels.Major cities excepted, there is a growing trend towards concentration along the coastal strip and depopulation of inland areas, as a consequence of the twin processes of industrialisation and urbanisation.

Spain - Political Structure

Under the terms of the 1978 Constitution, Spain is a democratic State subject to the Rule of Law, politically structured in the form of a parliamentary Monarchy.The country's capital is Madrid, which is the seat of both the Royal Family and the Government. Also centred here are the legislative (Senate and Lower House) and judicial branches.At present, Spain is made up of seventeen Autonomous Regions (Comunidades Autónomas) and two cities -Ceuta and Melilla- each governed by a Statute of Autonomy.The range and scope of the respective Autonomous Regional Authorities is determined by the Constitution, with the Constitutional Court designated as the competent body for settling any conflicts which may arise between the Central Administration and the Regions.

Spain - Time Zones

On the Spanish mainland and Balearic Isles, local time is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in winter and two hours ahead in summer. The Canary Islands are on GMT, except during the changeover to summer time when the clocks are put forward one hour, with the result that island time is always one hour behind mainland and Balearic time.

Spain - Opening Times

Usual shop opening times are 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Major shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets stay open without a break from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. or in some cases until 10 p.m. On a fixed number of Sundays in the year (approximately 12 in all), the large department stores and supermarkets also open to the public.Along the coast, during the high season, shops generally keep open until well after 10 at night.Breakfast time is usually from 8-10 a.m. and lunchtime in restaurants normally from 1-3:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 8:30-11 p.m. Many catering establishments operate a continuous service throughout the day, a common practice in cafeterias and bars, in many of which it is possible to order snack-like servings (tapas), a limited variety of set dishes, rolls and small portions of selected foods (raciones).Pharmacies usually open from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 5.00 - 8.00 p.m., though in the bigger cities a certain number remain open round the clock. There is a rota, displayed outside pharmacies and published in the daily press, indicating which pharmacies are on night-service and/or open at the weekend.Cinemas also usually operate a flexible timetable, with the matinées beginning at 4:30-5 p.m. and films being shown continuously until the last screening at around 10:15 p.m. Midnight shows are also a feature at some of the cinemas in the bigger cities. Theatres tend to have a single function, with performances beginning at 8/8:30 p.m.Nightlife in Spain is in a class of its own, particularly from Thursday to Sunday. Pubs, late night haunts (bares de copas) and discotheques normally keep open until 3 or 4 in the morning, and in the major cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, there are innumerable night-spots that stay open till dawn.

Spanish Currency

The Spanish currency is the Euro (€). Banknote fractions are: € 5, € 10, € 20, € 50, € 100, € 200 and € 500.

Coins' fractions are: € 0.01, € 0.02, € 0.05, € 0.10, € 0.20, € 0.50, € 1 and € 2.

All bank branch offices offer foreign currency exchange services, as do a considerable number of hotels and many travel agencies. Most hotels and restaurants and many commercial establishments also accept the most popular international credit cards and travellers cheques. Paying with a major credit card is possible at most Spanish shops and businesses which usually signified at the door of the establishment.
Traveller's cheques are acceptable at most hotels, restaurants and shops when presented with a valid passport.

Spain visa/passport requirements

Embassies and ConsulatesOn entering Spanish territory, travellers are required to present a passport or, in its absence, an identity or travel document recognised by international conventions, in accordance with standard reciprocity criteria. Presentation of a National I. D. Card will suffice in the case of citizens of EU Member States, Switzerland and the Principalities of Andorra, Monaco and Liechtenstein.In compliance with the regulations of the European Union, of which Spain is a member, visitors proceeding from a certain number of countries are required to hold a special visa, application for which must be made at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant's country of residence.Drivers from all non-EU countries except Switzerland, must hold a Green Card, the insurance policy covering the cost of assistance in case of accident.Access to Spain across the land border with France is available at seventeen crossing points, with the busiest being Irún on the west, Puigcerdà in the Eastern Pyrenees, and La Jonquera and Portbou on the east. The Seu d'Urgell border-crossing is the most popular with visitors proceeding from Andorra from north to south, whilst the Tuy, Verín, Fuentes de Oñoro, Valencia de Alcántara, Badajoz and Ayamonte frontier points are the most popular for travellers passing between Spain and Portugal. Apart from a few specific dates, formalities are handled swiftly and smoothly, enabling travellers to cross from one country to the other effortlessly and without any unnecessary waste of time.

Communication in Spain

A sophisticated telephone system provides coverage nation-wide. Apart from booths (locutorios), there are the standard street-corner public telephones, from which calls can be made to any part of the world, coins or phone credit cards, which can be bought at all branch post-offices (estafeta de correos) and tobacconists (estancos). To phone abroad from Spain, first dial 00 (International) and then dial the country and city codes, and lastly, the subscriber number. Should you wish to place a call to Spain, kindly dial the country code, 34, followed by the subscriber number. It is important to note that the number to dial for directory information is 1003, a service which will furnish callers with information on all national and international codes.

Transport in Spain

Transport by Land

Spain has an extensive road grid covering close on 340,000 kilometres, and of this total 7,000 kilometres represent highways (toll motorways, freeways and dual-carriageways). This highway network, a great part of which is toll-free, makes it possible for the visitor to drive in comfort from the Pyrenees all the way down to Andalusia, either along the Mediterranean coast or, alternatively, inland via Madrid, the nation's communications node by virtue of its central position. A comprehensive network of petrol stations and roadside rest areas offer the widest possible range of en-route services.The public coach service is comfortable and efficient, with different lines covering long-distance routes on a regular timetable. There is also a good network of bus and coach companies catering for short-distance travel and sightseeing trips.Taxis are subject to the fare shown on the meter. In some cities there is a luxury-style service, known as grandes turismos, charging higher rates. For this type of hire, it is advisable to settle the fare in advance.

Transport by Air

Almost 30% of all international travellers to Spain arrive by air. Over fifty million passengers land or take off from Spanish airports, with nearly 70% travelling on non-scheduled charter flights.Spain's strategic geographical situation, taken together with its tourist industry, explains the importance of international passenger travel, especially vis-à-vis Europe (which accounts for roughly 75% of the total). The number to call for complete information and bookings on domestic and international flights is Serviberia, Tel: 902 400 500.Domestic air traffic tends to concentrate on Madrid-Barajas Airport which, linked via a shuttle service to Barcelona, handles some 2,500,000 passengers per year. The busiest routes, apart from the shuttle, are the Madrid-Balearic and Madrid-Canary Island runs

Transport by Sea

Seaborne passenger transport is of relevance in ports, such as Algeciras (3.8 million), Ceuta (2.2 million) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (2.6 million). The Trasmediterránea company runs a regular ferry service between the mainland and: North Africa, (from Almería and Malaga to Melilla; and from Algeciras to Ceuta and Tangiers, with daily sailings); the Balearic Isles (from Barcelona and Valencia, with daily sailings); and the Canary Islands (from Cadiz, with weekly sailings). Bookings to all these destinations can be made by calling the following number: 91 322 91 00.

Transport by Rail

The Spanish rail network has some 15,000 kilometres of track, with 471 kilometres corresponding to the high-speed Madrid-Seville (AVE) link, a distance covered in 21/4 hours. Another high-speed train is the Talgo 200, which covers the Madrid-Malaga, and Madrid-Cadiz and Huelva routes. As in the case of the road grid, the rail network run by Spanish Rail (RENFE), Spain's state-owned rail operator, takes the shape of a spider web centred on Madrid, with the main lines radiating out to cover the country and a series of interconnecting transversal lines (the most important being the Mediterranean and River Ebro corridors). Depending on the season, RENFE sets a series of special fares, thanks to which rail travel becomes a far more attractive proposition. A tourist card exists, exclusively available to non-residents, giving unlimited travel on all routes, with the possibility of reserving a seat, at a price set on a sliding scale according to the length of the period of validity. The Euro rail system is similar, giving the tourist the right to travel from the country of origin, with no limit as to mileage.Among the special rail itineraries for tourists, mention must be made of the Al-Andalus Express, which operates from April to October (excludingJuly and August) and, over a five-day period, takes passengers on an attractive tour of Andalusia, complete with classic, luxuriously appointed carriages and the full complement of services, side-trips and meals; the Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa), from April to October, linking Madrid with Aranjuez; and, lastly, the narrow-gauge Transcantábrico (FEVE), from May to September, with its scenic run along the North of Spain from Donostia-San Sebastián across to Santiago de Compostela. For ticket bookings and information, kindly call RENFE at 91 328 90 20.

Spanish Mail

The Spanish Post Office possesses a network of over 6,000 branch offices located around the country (in cities, railway stations, airports and harbours). At any branch post-office, the visitor can send mail, receive correspondence by simply hiring a P.O. Box (Apartado Postal), and send or receive money orders, parcels and any other kind of mail item. Similarly, most branch offices also provide telegram, telex and fax services. In all towns and cities there are corner pillar boxes (yellow or red) where letters can be posted for collection. In Spain, the sale of postage stamps and bills of exchange, along with cigarettes, cigars and the like, is channelled through shops known as estancos which are found throughout the country.

Spanish customs

You can take into Spain most personal effects and the following items duty free: a portable typewriter, one video camera or two still cameras with 10 rolls of film each. A portable radio, a tape recorder, and a laptop PC per person are admitted free of duty provided they show signs of use; 400 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; and 2 litres of wine or 1 litre of liquor per person over 17 years of age. Sports equipment: fishing gear, one bicycle, skis, tennis or squash racquets, and golf clubs.

Entertainment in Spain

Spain enjoys well-deserved fame as a fun-loving country. Cinemas, theatres, auditoriums, conference centres, exhibition and concert halls provide the visitor with a complete range of cultural activities. Night clubs too offer a varied bill, featuring entertainers and floor shows.Games of chance are extremely popular in Spain. Lotteries and sweepstakes, such as the loto (numbers), football and horse-racing pools, as well as other variations involving periodic drawings and coupons, attract the daily attention of the mass media and the man in the street.Bingo parlours are commonplace in towns and cities, and, in addition to their wide choice of gaming tables (poker, black-jack, dice) the nation's casinos offer music, entertainment and fine food.

Where to stay in Spain

Spain Hotels

Modern and comfortable, equipped with every type of facility and service, Spanish hotels are excellent value for money. Hotels catering to every taste and pocket are to be found from one end of the country to the other. From the most modest (one-star) up to the most sophisticated (five-star de luxe), the traveller will encounter helpful, attentive service and facilities of a standard appropriate to the establishment's category.Most hotels have a restaurant service on the premises, with the exception of the so-called hoteles-residencias (Residential Hotels) which tend to have a cafeteria where breakfast is served.

Special Spain hotels

Spain's rich heritage of historic and monumental buildings has led to the emergence, along certain routes and in certain cities, of a number of quite singular hotels, housed in castles, palaces and stately homes or set amidst stunning natural surroundings. The traveller will experience no difficulty in locating these in specialised guidebooks.

Spanish Tourist Paradors

Of special interest in this context are the Tourist Paradors (Paradores de Turismo), most of which are located in tastefully restored historic-artistic buildings, rich in architecture and art, or in settings of great natural beauty. Scattered across Spain, there are over eighty such inns, where the visitor will have the chance of sampling the regional cuisine and marvelling at just how well these buildings fit in with their surroundings.

Spain family guest houses

The hostal (basic hotel or hostelry) and the pension (guest house) together represent another type of accommodation of a more modest nature, but one that nonetheless can lay claim to a long and honourable tradition in Spain. Here, the guest will find a more family-like atmosphere, since it is usually the owners themselves who see to the cooking and the cleaning of the rooms. Rates tend to include bed and board. This type of lodging is more frequent in small towns and villages, and in country districts.

Spain holiday apartments

In the large cities and in the coastal areas in particular the visitor has the possibility of renting a flat. This kind of holiday accommodation is a very attractive proposition for families or groups. Depending on the number of rooms, apartments sleep from two (studio) to ten persons. Rates are set according to season, location, in-house services, etc. Rentals are usually weekly or fortnightly. Full information on the range of possibilities available can be obtained from all travel agencies and tour operators.

Camping in Spain

With close on 1,200 official camping grounds and 650,000 individual spaces, Spain is literally dotted with camp sites which afford the traveller the opportunity of camping at reasonable rates, which vary according to the site's situation and, depending on the category, the services and facilities provided. Uncontrolled camping is forbidden in and around many towns and in many parts of the country. Before pitching camp it is therefore advisable to make enquiries at the local tourist office.

YSpain youth hostels

Generally coming within the competence of the respective Regional Authority Youth & Sports Departments (Direcciones Generales de la Juventud y el Deporte), a comprehensive network of Youth Hostels in cities and the main tourist areas makes it possible for the younger tourist to find decent lodging at very reasonable rates.

Spain country cottages

Rural tourism, which has witnessed a spectacular boom in recent years, has led to the emergence of a series of lodgings in small villages and hamlets, allowing the traveller to come into direct contact with Nature and the traditional customs and way of life of small rural communities. Several regions have introduced a rating system to ensure that such establishments are scored with reference to their environment. For more detailed information, and to be sure of finding exactly what one is looking for, the best thing is to pay a visit to the Country Cottage Accommodation Office (Centrales de Reservas de Alojamientos Rurales) in the Autonomous Region concerned, or to consult specialised guidebooks.

Spain health spas

A hundred or so spas and hot water springs distributed around Spain receive visitors from all over the world, whether for reasons of health or merely for rest and relaxation. Since the time of Roman rule, these spa resorts have provided treatment for aches and ails of all kinds, as well as excellent rest cures to combat stress. The existence of hotel and sports facilities in the environs of these spas has led to a whole new tourist boom in this sector.

Safety in Spain

Recent studies rank Spain among the safest of countries. And this is something that provides us with quality of life. To ensure this, we Spaniards take a few precautions. Follow our advice and you will have a thoroughly enjoyable trouble-free holiday.

Safety in hotels/holiday apartments

Be sure not to leave money behind when you go out.Never leave objects of value lying around.Make use of the safe.Always lock the door after you.

Safety on the street

Keep an eye on your belongings.Take special care of your handbag or wallet in crowded places (street markets, buses, etc.).When going to the beach or swimming-pool, take along only what is strictly necessary.Protect your video or camera at places of entertainment.Avoid street gambling stalls. They are a fraud.Steer clear of easy business propositions. They could well be a swindle.Should you be using a vehicle of any kind, never leave any objects of value inside.Should you be the victim of any crime, report it immediately.

Call 091The police are at your service 24 hour a day(lodging a false report is a criminal offence under Spanish Law).

Spanish Language

Spanish is spoken throughout the country and is the language used by the Central Administration. Catalan in Catalonia, Gallego in Galicia, Euskera in the Basque Country, Valencian in the Valencian Region and Mallorquin in the Balearic Isles are the languages usually spoken in these regions.

Religion in Spain

Freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Spanish Constitution, though the great majority of the population are nominally Catholic.

Pets in Spain

Spain enforces no quarantine period. Nevertheless an international certificate, issued by a vet, is required, stating that the animal in question is in good health and, in the case of cats and dogs, that it has been vaccinated against rabies.In Spain, there are scores of clinics and professional establishments specialising in pet care. Cats and dogs, while usually allowed onto the premises by certain hotels under special conditions, tend to be accepted by very few restaurants and shops.

Dress in Spain

There is no rigid dress code. Dress changes with season, venue and circumstances. On the coast, owing to the mildness of a climate, it is not usually necessary to wear warm clothing, whereas inland, one should definitely dress according to the weather, since temperature conditions vary from one extreme to the other, being icy in winter and fairly torrid in summer. Spaniards are not hidebound as regards the way they dress when they go out, preferring to leave it to the place, atmosphere and occasion to set the tone.

Measurement in Spain

In Spain, the units of weight, measure and distance are governed by the decimal metric system

Electricity in Spain

Electric appliances run on 220 volts AC. 50 HZ. Standard European-pattern round-pinned plugs are used.

Tipping in Spain

All catering establishments in Spain include service in their prices. Nevertheless, the custom of leaving a tip, while not obligatory, is the norm in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis, with the actual amount in each case depending on the generosity of the customer, though usually varying between 5% and 10% of the total bill.

Map of Spain

For more information about Spain, you can check out the following official Spanish websites.

www.spain.info
www.okspain.org
europa.eu.int/abc/governments/spain/index_en.htm