More Than Just Cheap Flights.

Spain Information

Overview

The straw donkey and sombrero image of Spain is now largely consigned to the bin - along with the paella and chips. In its place comes a sheaf of sparkling and evocative new images, as the visitor trend turns from sun-and-fun package holidays to individually tailored, more sophisticated themes.

Spain is a country on the move, a place of rapid change. High-speed railways have conquered the country’s mountainous terrain and many cities now have modern metro and tram networks, testifying to a vibrant and growing economy. But here, too, you will find a country where time stands still, where Roman columns rise into a clear blue sky, where crumbling Arab watchtowers maintain a lonely vigil over vast and magnificent landscapes, and city plazas where the baroque jostles with the modern to strike a uniquely Spanish harmony.

The historic cities of Spain are drenched in the atmosphere of the past, but well equipped to meet modern needs as well. The countryside is infinitely varied, from the ‘Green Spain’ of the rugged Atlantic coast to the parched plains of Castile and La Mancha. The open roads across endless open spaces produce a steady stream of surprises, with hidden villages and unexpected castles, shepherds roaming with their flocks and hilltop windmills appearing unexpectedly. It is a great country for touring.      

Rich in history and natural beauty and with more than a fair share of sunshine Spain is a year-round, natural choice for many different kinds of holiday, from outdoor adventures to world-class museums and art galleries to an infinite variety of popular beaches and secluded coves. Not least the people are warm and welcoming - and they know how to party. The Spanish experience would be incomplete without joining in at least one of its famous fiestas.

Top Things To See

Explore Madrid (website: www.esmadrid.com). The Prado is a paradise for art lovers. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia focuses on modern art and houses Picasso’s famous Guernica. Also don’t miss the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid’s Royal Palace, the atmosphere around Puerta del Sol and Madrid’s historic square, the Plaza Mayor.

Immerse yourself in Barcelona (website: www.bcn.cat), from cramped alleyways of the Barri Gótic (Gothic quarter) to 19th-century Eixample quarter where many Gaudi buildings lie. Stroll along the Rambla and on to old Barceloneta and the seafront. Sights include the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family), the Seu (old cathedral), the Episcopal Palace and the Palau de la Generalitat. Take the funicular to Tibidabo or a cable car to Montjuic.

Visit Frank Gehry’s marvellous Guggenheim Museum, which has turned Bilbao (website: www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo), the main city of the Basque region, into a top tourist destination. The museum has been hailed as a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. Bilbao’s Old Town is extensive with a gothic cathedral and an attractive Town Hall.

Check out Santiago Calatrava’s City of Arts and Science Park in Valencia (website: www.comunitatvalenciana.com). The Hemispheric, an amazing glass structure, houses a planetarium, IMAX dome and laserium. While in Valencia, visit the cathedral. It claims possession of the Holy Grail.

Try Pamplona (website: www.pamplona.net) outside the fiesta season. The main attractions are its old walled quarter, Renaissance cathedral and imposing citadel.

Capture a whiff of ancient Rome among the stunning ruins of Merida. Other important Roman remains are to be found in Tarragona and in Italica, near Seville.

Live and breathe the essence of Moorish Spain in the winding streets of Cordoba (website: www.turismodecordoba.org), the former seat of the 10th-century Caliphate. The Mezquita (Great Mosque) is a mystic wonder. Just outside the city the ruins of Medina Azahara are similarly atmospheric.

Visit Seville (website: www.turismo.sevilla.org), the romantic heart of Spain, city of Carmen and Don Juan. See the cathedral, the world’s largest gothic building and bell tower the Giralda. The Alcázar is a superb example of Mudéjar (Moorish) architecture. Wander narrow ways in the old Jewish Quarter, and drop in on a tapas bar or three.

Discover the magic of the Alhambra (website: www.turgranada.es), the palace-fortress in Granada, built by the Nasrid rulers in the 13th and 14th centuries. Rising majestically above the cathedral city of the conquering Christians, the Alhambra is Spain’s popular tourist attraction.

Head south of Madrid to the ancient Spanish capital of Toledo (website: www.toledoweb.org), which is dominated by the magnificent cathedral and Alcazar. Home to El Greco, many of his most famous paintings can be seen here, including The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, in the Santo Tomé Church.

Take the high road to Spain’s loftiest provincial capital. Avila (website: www.avilaturismo.com) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its perfectly preserved 11th-century walls and for being the birthplace of the 16th-century mystic, St Teresa.

See Salamanca, an ancient university town with many superb buildings in the Renaissance style known as Churrigueresque. Visit the unusual and absorbing Museo Art Nouveau y Art Deco, with its fascinating collections of objets d’art from the first half of the 20th century.

Bask on the beaches of The Balearics (website: www.illesbalears.es). Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera offer unrivalled combinations of relaxation, sun, fun, sea and sand.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

Run with the bulls or join with the crowds at the Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona (website: www.sanfermin.com). The famous ’running of the bulls’ through the streets of the centre takes place in July and attracts huge numbers of tourists.

Feel the passion of flamenco (website: www.andalucia.org/flamenco/index), in music, dance and song, throughout Andalucia and particularly the city of Seville. 

Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims, along the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela (website: www.santiago-compostela.net) a centre of pilgrimage since the early middle ages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The focal point for all visits is Santiago’s gothic Cathedral completed in 1188. 

Explore Spain’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife by visiting one of the national or regional parks (website: http://parquesnaturales.consumer.es). Walks, hiking trails and jeep excursions take visitors to marshes and wetlands, coastal dunes, isolated mountain peaks or Atlantic beaches. 

Conquer a summit - there are great opportunities for rock climbing in Spain’s mountains. Well-known, challenging climbs include the Naranjo de Bulnes in the Picos de Europa and Monte Perdido in Ordesa National Park.

Pedal along one of the many Vias Verdes (website: www.viasverdes-ffe.com): scenic railway tracks converted to cycleways. Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and paths and tracks are plentiful.

Soak in a real Arab bath or hammam, reconstructed to luxury standards to suit modern tastes. New commercial baths have opened in Madrid, Cordoba, Granada and Seville.

Take to the water - swimming, waterskiing and windsurfing facilities can be found at nearly all seaside resorts. Spain’s premier windsurfing resort is Tarifa, where the world championships are held. Spain is also great for sailing, with plenty of harbours and sailing clubs.

Cast a line and hook a fish. Excellent opportunities exist for all types of fishing - the rivers and streams of the Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa offer good freshwater game fishing, while trout is abundant throughout the country. Permits must be requested from the regional authorities.

Swing that club! Golf is immensely popular, with Costa del Sol and La Manga emerging as two of Spain’s premier golfing destinations. The Valderrama (near Madrid) is particularly well known and in all, Spain has over 200 golf courses.

Take to the slopes - in Spain there are many natural ski runs and winter resorts, all blessed with the promise of warm sun and blue skies. There are five main skiing regions including the Pyrenean and Cantabrian ranges. Check out the upland area of the Sierra Nevada, south of Granada.

 Hear the roar of the crowd. If you fancy seeing a bull fight from the safety of your seat, go to Madrid, which is home to the imposing bullring of Las Ventas, also known as the ’Cathedral of Bullfighting’.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

Eating out in Spain is often cheap and meals are substantial rather than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas (snacks), which are served at any time of day in local bars. These range from cheese and olives to squid or meat delicacies and are priced accordingly, often complimentary in Andalucia. In the Basque Country they are known as pinxos.

Things to know: Restaurants and cafes have table service. Cocktail lounges have table and/or counter service. There are no licensing hours.

National specialities:
• Seafood: cod vizcaina or cod pil-pil (Basque provinces); angulas, tasty baby eels (Aguinaga); shellfish and hake à la Gallega (Galicia); lobster Catalan (Catalonia); fresh anchovies (Andalucía).
• Paella based on meat or seafood (Eastern and southern provinces).
• Butifarra sausage stewed with beans (Catalonia).
• Roast meats: lamb, beef, veal and suckling pig (Castile).
• Gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup (Andalucía).

National drinks:
• Sherry: there are four main types: fino (very pale and very dry), amontillado (dry, richer in body and darker in colour), oloroso (medium, full-bodied, fragrant and golden) and dulce (sweet).
• Wine: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Navarra are among the choice producers of red wine, while the biggest denomination is that of Valdepeñas. Galicia is tops for white wine, while Catalonia produces Perelada and Cava (sparkling wine).
• Spanish brandy: Carlos I, Osborne and Fundador.
• Bottled water: many brands including Lanjarón and Font Vella.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Some restaurants include service in the bill. Tipping is discretionary - up to 10% in city and resort restaurants; none, or small change in bars, smaller restaurants and family-run establishments.

Nightlife

Spaniards often start the evening with el paseo, a leisurely stroll through the main streets. A cafe terrace is an excellent vantage point to observe this tradition, or enjoy street theatre in the larger cities. The atmosphere is especially vibrant at fiesta time, or when the local football team has won, when celebrations are marked by a cacophony of car horns, firecrackers and a sea of flags and team regalia. Tapas bars offer delicious snacks in a relaxed, enjoyable setting and it is fun to try out several bars in one night. The nightclubs of Ibiza, Barcelona and Madrid have attracted the attention of the international media, but the variety on offer caters for most tastes. Things work up to la marcha (good fun) relatively late and it is possible to literally dance until dawn. Flamenco (Andalucia, especially Seville) or other regional dancing displays provide an alternative for those who prefer to watch dancing.

Shopping

Serious shoppers will be able to indulge their weaknesses in Madrid, Barcelona and some major cities and resorts, though elsewhere retailing lags behind northern European countries. In general, shoppers can find items of high quality, not only in the cities, but in the small towns as well, at prices much lower than in the UK. In Madrid, the Rastro Market is recommended, particularly on Sundays. Half of the market takes place in the open air and half in more permanent galleries, and it has a character all of its own.

Catalonian textiles are internationally famous and there are mills throughout the region. Spanish leather goods are prized throughout the world, offering high-fashion originals at reasonable prices. Of note are the suede coats and jackets. In general, all leather goods, particularly those from Andalucía, combine excellent craftsmanship with high-quality design. Fine, handcrafted wooden furniture is one of the outstanding products; Valencia is especially important in this field, and has an annual international furniture fair. Alicante is an important centre for toy manufacturing. Shoe manufacturing is also of an especially high quality; the production centres are in Alicante and the Balearics.

Fine rugs and carpets are made in Cáceres, Granada and Murcia. The numerous excellent sherries, wines and spirits produced in Spain make good souvenirs to take home, as do bottles of Spain’s excellent olive oil.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1330 and 1630-2000. However, most commercial stores and malls stay open from 1000-2100/2200.

Climate

Spain’s climate varies from temperate in the north to dry and hot in the south. The best months are from April to October, although July and August can be excessively hot throughout the country except the coastal regions. Madrid is best in late spring or autumn. The central plateau can be bitterly cold in winter.

Required Clothing

Light- to mediumweights and rainwear, according to the season.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan* Epiphany.
19 Mar* San Jose.
20 Mar* Maundy Thursday. 
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
15 Aug Assumption.
12 Oct National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
6 Dec Constitution Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan* Epiphany.
19 Mar* San Jose.
9 Apr* Maundy Thursday. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May Labour Day.
15 Aug Assumption.
12 Oct National Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
6 Dec Constitution Day.
8 Dec Immaculate Conception.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

(a) *These holidays may be replaced by the autonomous communities with another date. (b) Additional dates are celebrated as regional public holidays. These vary from region to region.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: No

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: No

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: No

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Spain, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travellers - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in their country of origin. Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available.

Traveller's Cheques

International traveller’s cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling. Traveller’s cheques should be changed at banks or exchange bureaux.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri, generally 0830-1330.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/2
Return Ticket Required: No

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Contact Addresses

Spanish Embassy in the UK

39 Chesham Place, London SW1X 8SB, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 5555.
Website: www.mae.es

Spanish Consulate in the UK

20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 8989 or 0906 550 8970 (recorded visa information; calls cost £1 per minute) or 0906 554 0714 (to make an appointment; calls cost £1 per minute).
Website: www.conspalon.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0915-1400 (closed Spanish national holidays; visa information by appointment only).

Spanish National Tourist Office in the UK

22-23 Manchester Square, PO Box 4009, London W1A 6NB, UK
Tel: (020) 7486 8077 or 0891 669 920 (24-hour brochure request line; calls cost 60p per minute).
Website: www.tourspain.co.uk

Embassy and Consulate of the Kingdom of Spain in the USA

2375 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA
Tel: (202) 452 0100 or 728 2340 or 30 (consulate).
Website: www.spainemb.org

Spanish Tourist Office in the USA

666 Fifth Avenue, 35th Floor, New York, NY 10103, USA
Tel: (212) 265 8822.
Website: www.okspain.org

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Spain are trouble-free.

The region of Valencia and the Balearic Islands are prone to severe storms and torrential rainfall at this time of the year. Visitors should monitor national and regional weather updates and check with airlines or tour operators before travelling to these areas.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Spain. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On 19 January 2008, 14 individuals were arrested in Barcelona on suspicion of terrorism. In June 2007 the Basque terrorist organisation ETA declared an end to their 14 month ceasefire.

In March 2004, 192 people died and over 1,400 were injured following bomb attacks on three trains in Madrid. A group purporting to represent Al Qa’ida claimed responsibility.

Visitors should be alert to street crime.

From 19 June 2007, UK passengers flying to Spain will need to supply to their airline details of their date of birth, nationality, and passport number before flying. This is part of EU-wide measures to improve security. Further information can be found online (website: www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/international/advancepassinfo).

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Spain Overview
• Spain Things to See
• Spain Things to Do
• Spain Events
• Spain Climate
• Spain Public Holidays
• Spain Health
• Spain Currency
• Spain Passport & Visas
• Spain Contact Addresses
• Spain Travel Advice