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| ⇒ Country Profile: Spain |
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 Introduction
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.
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Contact Information
Keys Facts
Location
Western Europe.
Time
Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Area
505,988 sq km (195,363 sq miles); includes Spanish North Africa.
Population
44.7 million (official figure 2006).
Population Density
88.4 per sq km.
Capital
Madrid. Population: 6 million (2006).
Geography
Spain shares the Iberian Peninsula with its smaller neighbour, Portugal, and is bordered to the northeast by the Pyrenees Mountains, which separate Spain from France. The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera), 193km (120 miles) southeast of Barcelona, and the Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa are part of Spain, as are the tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla on the North African mainland.
Mainland Spain is the second highest and most mountainous country in Europe, with an average height of 610m (2,000ft). The Pyrenees stretch roughly 400km (249 miles) from the Basque Country's Atlantic coast, eastwards to the Mediterranean Sea. In places the peaks rise to over 1,524m (5,000ft), the highest point being 3,404m (11,169ft). The main physical feature of Spain is the vast central plateau, or Meseta, divided by several chains of sierras. The higher northern area includes Castile and Leon, the southern section comprises Castile/La Mancha and Extremadura. In the south, the high plains rise further at the Sierra Morena before falling abruptly at the great valley of The Guadalquivir.
Southeast of Granada is the Sierra Nevada, part of the Betic Cordillera, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean, rising to 3,478m (11,411ft) at the summit of Mulhacen, the highest point on the Spanish peninsula (the Pico del Teide on Tenerife in the Canaries is the highest peak in Spain at 3,718m (12,198ft). The Mediterranean coast extends 1,660km (1,030 miles) from the French frontier to the Straits of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa.
EU
Member since 1986.
Government
Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.
Head of State
King Juan Carlos I since 1975.
Head of Government
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero since 2004.
History
In March 2008, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's ruling Socialist Party was re-elected, winning 169 seats, short of the 176 needed for an absolute parliamentary majority.
Spain's right-of-centre Popular Party (PP) were poised to win the 2004 general elections until terrorist attacks by Islamic extremists killed 191 people in Madrid, throwing the political situation into turmoil. Unexpectedly, the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) achieved sufficient votes to form a minority government under new Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. Spanish troops were immediately withdrawn from Iraq and calm was restored at home. Since then, the Zapatero government has attempted, with mixed fortunes, the strategic reforms needed to help Spain sustain the economic growth that began in the late 1980s. One of Spain's most serious domestic issues continues to be tension in the northern Basque region. In March 2006, the Basque separatist organization ETA announced a permanent ceasefire but despite a pledge to seek a political solution, relations with the government remain brittle. Spain's claim to Gibraltar continues, while Morocco claims the Spanish North African enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.
Language
The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano). Catalan (in the northeast, with variations spoken in Valencia and The Balearics), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque (in the north, bordering France) are also spoken.
Religion
There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Electricity
220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.
Social Conventions
Spanish life has undergone rapid change in recent decades and many of the stricter religious customs are giving way to more modern ways, particularly in the cities and among women. In spite of this, traditions remain strong; hospitality, chivalry and courtesy thrive. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting between men, while women to whom one has already been introduced may be greeted with a fleeting kiss to either cheek. Normal social courtesies should be observed when visiting someone's home and a small gift is always appreciated. Conservative casual wear is widely acceptable. Some hotels and restaurants encourage men to wear jackets. A black tie is only necessary for very formal occasions and is usually specified if required. Outside resorts, scanty beachwear should be confined to beach or poolside. The evening meal is taken late, generally 2100-2200. The Spanish have two family names; the maternal surname follows the paternal, but is rarely used outside a formal context. A law banning smoking in offices, shops, schools, hospitals, cultural centres and on public transport was introduced on 1 January 2006. Bars and restaurants must declare whether they permit or prohibit smoking. The vast majority have opted for the former.
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Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2010-December 2011 period.
Holidays
2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan * Epiphany.
19 Mar * San Jose.
1 Apr * Maundy Thursday.
2 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.
2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan * Epiphany.
19 Mar * San Jose.
21 Apr * Maundy Thursday.
22 Apr Good Friday.
1 May - 2 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.
Note
(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.
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Accommodation
Paradores
National Tourist Inns, paradores, are hotels usually in restored castles, convents or palaces in a scenic setting although some are purpose-built modern hotels. Advance booking is advised.
Hotels
A variety of hotel-type accommodation is available including apartment-hotels, hotel-residencias and motels. The term residencia denotes an establishment where dining-room facilities are not provided, although there must be provisions for the serving of breakfast and a cafe. Further information on accommodation in Barcelona and Madrid can be obtained online (website: www.barcelona-on-line.com or www.madrid-on-line.com).
Grading: Most accommodation in Spain is provided in hotels, classified from 1 to 5 stars (the few exceptions have a Gran Lujo, Grande De Luxe category); or hostels and pensiones, classified from 1 to 3 stars. It is always advisable to book accommodation well in advance, particularly during festivals or at popular resorts on the coast from late spring to October.
Pensions
Pensiones are common throughout Spain and vary in quality from austere to relatively luxurious. They are usually run by the family on the premises and provide bed and board only.
Camping/Caravanning
There are over 1,000 campsites throughout the country, covering a wide quality and price range. Permission from the local police and landowner is essential for off-site camping and there may be no more than three tents/caravans or 10 campers in any one place. Regulations demand that off-site camping is in isolated areas only.
Youth Hostels
The Spanish Youth Hostel Network (REAJ) is the representative in Spain for the International Youth Hostel Federation and there are currently over 200 registered youth hostels throughout the whole of Spain.
Accommodation Information
Confederacion Espanola de Hoteles y Alojamientos (CEHAT)
Calle Orense 32, 28020 Madrid, Spain
Tel: 9155 67112 or 9020 12141.
Website: www.cehat.com
Paradores de Turismo
Calle Requena 3, Madrid 28013, Spain
Tel: 9025 22244.
Website: www.parador.es
Federacion Espanola de Empresarios de Campings y Ciudades de Vacaciones (ANCE)
Calle Valderribas 48, Escalera 3, 1C, 28007, Madrid, Spain
Tel: 9144 81234.
Website: www.fedcamping.com
Spanish Youth Hostel Network (REAJ)
Website: www.reaj.com
Turisme Juvenil de Catalunya in Barcelona
Calle Rocafort 116-122, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: 9348 38341.
Website: www.tujuca.com
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Communication
Telephone
Country code: 34.
Emergency calls: 112. Area codes are incorporated within a nine digit number.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good throughout most of the country.
Internet
There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas.
Post
There are efficient internal and international postal services (correos) to all countries. Airmail within Europe usually takes around five days.
Media
Broadcasting in Spain has witnessed a spectacular expansion in recent years with the emergence of new commercial operators and the launch of digital services.
Press
- El Pais, a liberal Spanish-language daily.
- El Mundo, another Spanish-language daily with a wide readership.
- ABC, a more right wing Spanish-language daily.
- Costa Blanca News, an English-language daily.
- Majorca Daily Bulletin, an English-language daily.
- Sur, an English-language weekly.
TV
- State-owned TVE operates TV-1 (La Primera) and TV-2 (La Dos).
- Antena 3, La Cuatro, Telecinco and La Sexta are privately run channels.
Radio
- RNE is state-run. It operates Radio 1, Radio Clasica, Radio 3 and Radio 5.
- Cadena SER and Onda Cero are popular commercial stations.
- Cadena COPE is controlled by the church.
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Entertainment
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 a la Gallega (Galicia); lobster Catalan (Catalonia); fresh anchovies (Andalucia).
- 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 (Andalucia).
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 Valdepenas. 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 Lanjaron 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 Andalucia, 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 Caceres, 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.
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Getting There
Getting There by Air
The national airline is IBERIA (IB) (website: www.iberia.com).
Approximate Flight Times
From London to Barcelona is 2 hours; to Madrid is 2 hours 20 minutes and to Malaga is 2 hours 45 minutes. From New York to Madrid is 8 hours 35 minutes.
Main Airports
Madrid (MAD) (Barajas) is 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city. To/from the airport: Bus and underground services depart to the city regularly. Taxi service is available. Facilities: Restaurants and bars, bank, several car hire offices, hotel reservation and tourist information desks, and outgoing duty-free shop.
Barcelona (BCN) (el Prat) is 3km (2 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Bus and rail services to the city depart regularly. Taxi service to the city is available (journey time - 30 minutes). Facilities: A bank, restaurant, bar, several car hire companies, hotel reservation and tourist information desks and duty-free shops.
Alicante (ALC) (Altet) is 12km (7 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Bus service runs to the city regularly. A taxi service is available to the city. There is a taxi connection between Alicante and Valencia Airport. Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank, bureau de change, car hire, tourist information and restaurant.
Malaga (AGP) is 10km (6 miles) southwest of the city. To/from the airport: Buses run regularly throughout the day. A train service runs regularly also. A taxi service to the city is available. Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and car hire.
Valencia (VLC) (Manises) is 8km (5 miles) west of the city. To/from the airport: An aero bus takes passengers into the city. Other buses travel to the city frequently throughout the day. Taxis also run. Facilities: Several car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, restaurant, bar and duty-free shop.
Spain boasts over 30 international airports, run by AENA (Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navegacion Aerea) (website: www.aena.es).
Departure Tax
None.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Barcelona (website: www.apb.es), Cadiz (website: www.puertocadiz.com), Santander (website: www.puertosantander.es), Valencia (website: www.valenciaport.com) and Vigo (website: www.apvigo.com).
Brittany Ferries (tel: 0870 366 5333, in the UK; website: www.brittany-ferries.com) operates a service to Santander (on the north coast) from Plymouth (journey time - 18 hours). P&O European Ferries (tel: 0870 520 2020, in the UK; website: www.poportsmouth.com) operates a service from Portsmouth to Bilbao (journey time - 35 hours).
Getting There by Rail
The quickest route by train from the UK is through the Channel Tunnel with connections from Paris to Spain. Eurostar operates direct high-speed trains from London (St Pancras International) to Paris (Gare du Nord) and to Brussels (Midi/Zuid). It takes 2 hours 15 minutes from London to Paris (via Lille) and 1 hour 51 minutes to Brussels. For further information and reservations, contact Eurostar (tel: 0870 518 6186, in the UK or +44 1233 617 575, outside the UK; website: www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: 0844 848 4064, in the UK; website: www.raileurope.co.uk).
There are direct trains between Madrid-Paris and Madrid-Lisbon, as well as Barcelona-Paris, Barcelona- Zurich or Milan, Barcelona-Montpelier and Barcelona-Geneva. These services are called Estrella, Talgo or Train-Hotel. On other international services to and from Spain, a change of train is necessary. However, work on the AVE (high-velocity train) route between Madrid and Barcelona is expected to be completed in December 2007, after which the French border connection is expected to be fully operational in 2010 and it will be possible to connect with the French TGV (high-velocity route) and the rest of the high-velocity routes in Europe. Motorail services run between Paris and Madrid. For more information, contact the Spanish Rail service (tel: (020) 7725 7063; website: www.spanish-rail.co.uk).
Rail Passes
InterRail: offers unlimited first- or second-class travel in up to 30 European countries for European residents of over six months with two pass options. The Global Pass allows travel for 22 days, one month, five days in 10 days or 10 days in 22 days across all countries. The One-Country Pass offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month in any of the countries except Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (tel: 0844 848 4064, in the UK; website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).
Eurailpass: Options include a comprehensive Global Pass with practically unlimited travel in 18 European countries, the more limited Select Pass and Regional pass, or the single-country National Pass. For more details, contact The Eurail Group (website: www.eurail.com).
Getting There by Road
The main route from the UK is via France. The main motorways to Spain from France are via Bordeaux or Toulouse to Bilbao (northern Spain) and via Marseille or Toulouse to Barcelona (eastern Spain).
Eurolines (tel: 08705 143 219, in the UK; website: www.eurolines.com) runs regular coach services to Spain. Passes: Travellers can book a 15- or 30-day pass.
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Sightseeing
- 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 Gotic (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 Alcazar is a superb example of Mudejar (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 Tome 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.
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Things To Do
- Run with the bulls or join with the crowds at the Festival of San Fermin 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'.
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Transport
Getting Around by Air
Domestic flights are run by Iberia (IB) (website: www.iberia.com), Air Europa (website: www.air-europa.com), Binter (website: www.binternet.com) and Spanair (website: www.spanair.com). Scheduled flights connect all main towns as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands and enclaves in North Africa. Air taxis are available at most airports. Reservations should be made well in advance.
Getting Around by Water
There are regular hydrofoil and car and passenger ferry sailings from Algeciras to Tangier and Ceuta (North African enclave); Malaga and Almeria to Melilla (North African enclave); Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante to the Balearic Islands; and Cadiz to the Canary Islands. There are also inter-island services, including a catamaran service linking Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca. For further information, contact Acciona Trasmediterranea (tel: 9024 54645; website: www.trasmediterranea.es).
Getting Around by Rail
The state-owned company RENFE (tel: 9022 43402; website: www.renfe.es) operates a railway network connecting all the regions on the Iberian Peninsula. It is mainly a radial network, with connections between Madrid and all the major cities. There are also some transversal services connecting the northwest coast with the Mediterranean coast, as well as services from France to the Mediterranean coast. Reservations for passenger services in Spain may be made in the UK through the Spanish Rail service (see above), European Rail Travel (tel: (020) 7619 1083, in the UK; website: www.europeanrail.com), or The Association of European Rail Agents (AERA) (tel: (020) 7398 5137; website: www.aera.co.uk).
High-speed trains: The AVE service connects Madrid and Seville in 2 hours 15 minutes, with several services each way via Cordoba. Some services also stop at Ciudad Real and Puerto Llano (La Mancha). A new Madrid to Barcelona leg is now open, and the high-speed border connection with France is due in 2010. A new line from Cordoba to Malaga is also now open. Madrid to Valencia and Madrid to Valladolid should follow by 2010. The Talgo 200 connects Madrid and Malaga in 4 hours 35 minutes.
Tourist trains: The Andalus Express and Transcantabrico offer a pleasant way of discovering their respective regions. There are also a number of privately run narrow-gauge railways in Spain, mainly in the north, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, which run at a leisurely pace through picturesque scenery. For more information, contact the Spanish National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Rail Passes
InterRail's One-Country Pass: offers travel for three, four, six or eight days in one month within Spain. Travel is not allowed in the passenger's country of residence. Travellers under 26 years receive a reduction. Children's tickets are reduced by about 50%. Supplements are required for some high-speed services, seat reservations and couchettes. Discounts are offered on Eurostar and some ferry routes. Available from Rail Europe (tel: 0844 848 4064, in the UK; website: www.raileurope.co.uk/inter-rail).
Note: Seat reservations are required on all intercity trains. This ruling applies to the passes and cards mentioned above.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north-south. Tolls are in operation on some sections and have to be paid in Euros. Trunk roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained. Rural roads are of differing quality.
Bus: There are bus lines which are efficient and cheap, operating between cities and towns. Departures are generally from a central terminal at which the operators will have individual booths selling tickets. Most places have a bus link of some kind, even the more remote villages.
Car hire: All major car hire companies are represented in major cities, resorts and airports. Drivers must be over 21 to hire a car.
Motorcycles: No person under 18 may hire or ride a vehicle over 75cc. Crash helmets must be worn.
Regulations: Side lights must be used at night in built-up areas. Spare bulbs, red hazard triangles and a reflective vest or jacket must be kept in all vehicles. Traffic lights: two red lights mean 'No Entry'. Parking laws are rigorously enforced. The speed limit for motorways is 120kph (80mph) in general, but for buses and lorries the limit is 100kph (60mph); in built-up areas the limit is 50kph (30mph); for other roads it is 90kph (56mph).
Emergency breakdown service: Real Automovil Club de Espana (RACE) (tel: 9023 00505; website: www.race.es).
Documentation: Most foreign licences including Canadian, EU and US are accepted. Minimum third Party insurance is compulsory; carry a copy of your policy and registration document if bringing your own car.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Traffic in Spanish cities is normally heavy, and urban driving takes some time to adjust to. City public transport facilities are generally good. Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia have metros as well as buses; the Seville metro and tram system is scheduled for completion in late 2008; work on the first two lines of the Malaga metro is well underway. Other towns and resorts are well served by local buses. Metered taxis are available in most major cities and a 2 to 3% tip is customary.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Madrid to other major cities and towns in Spain.
| Air | Road | Rail |
| Barcelona | 1.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Canary Island | 2.30 | - | - |
| Mallorca | 1.00 | - | - |
| Palma | 1.10 | 6.00* | 5.00* |
* Plus nine hours by boat (three hours by catamaran).
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Weather
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.
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