Overview:
Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into a
beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape their
own damp climates. With sun-bleached beaches and a favourable rate
of exchange for most travellers, it's easy to see why. Some may
feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun by
tourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote and
Majorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays and warm
beer, and Ibiza's reputation has, for some, been tarnished by the
revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties;
however even here you will find many magical, unspoilt corners
awaiting discovery.
Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such
variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of
Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the
beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourful
festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller.
There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and
Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.
Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets that
vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running of
the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each February
with the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona
is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's
bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial
experience, the Valencian town of Buņol goes wild every year with
the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplus tomatoes
- following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and
pelted about in a friendly riot. Spain is also a country rich in
heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and
Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings
and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval
sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared Unesco World
Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.
Climate:Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and
August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in
the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during
spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy
rains in October and November. August is the busiest month, while
May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer
crowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold during
winter.
Money:Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is
divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change
and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit
cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels,
restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the
cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.
Passport and visa:The borderless region known as the Schengen area
includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these
countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in
principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU
nationals must hold a return or onward ticket. All visitors may be
asked for proof of financial means for their stay in Spain. Since
19 June 2007, passengers flying to Spain have needed 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.
Tipping:Hotel and restaurant bills usually include service
charges, but additional tips are welcomed for services rendered. In
established restaurants tips of about 10% are expected. In Mallorca
value-added-tax is usually included in restaurant bills, designated
'I.V.A', and may be mistaken for a service charge. Drivers of
metered taxis expect small tips and it is customary to tip usually
5-10% for most services, including guides.
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