Spain covers a total of 504,782 square kilometers (including 5240 sq km. of water) and has 4964 kilometers of coastline. Its highest point is the Pico de Teide in Tenerife on the Canary Islands at 3718m, and on the mainland is the Mulhacén (3478m) in the Sierra Nevada in Andalucia. Spain is the highest European country after Switzerland. It is extremely diverse, ranging from the near-deserts of Almeria to the green countryside of the north and the white sandy beaches of the Mediterranean.
Spain is divided into 19 autonomous communities (see map), 15 on the mainland, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and two little-known ones bordering Morocco (Ceuta and Melilla).
In addition to the national capital of Madrid, each autonomous community has a capital (e.g. Barcelona for Catalunya), and within each autonomous community there may be more than one province (e.g. Comunidad Valenciana consists of 3 provinces - Valencia, Alicante and Castellón) that also has a capital and which may be different to the community capital.
Weather
The meseta (high tableland of central Spain) and Ebro basin have a continental climate: scorching in summer, cold in winter, and dry. Madrid regularly freezes in December, January and February, and temperatures climb above 30°C in July and August. Valladolid on the northern meseta and Zaragoza in the Ebro basin are even drier, with only around 300mm of rain a year (little more than Alice Springs in Australia). The Guadalquivir basin in Andalucía is only a little wetter and positively broils in high summer, with temperatures of 35°C-plus in Seville that kill people every year.
The Pyrenees and the Cordillera Cantábrica, backing the Bay of Biscay, bear the brunt of cold northern and northwestern airstreams, which bring moderate temperatures and heavy rainfall (three or four times as much as Madrid’s) to the north coast. Even in high summer you never know when you might get a shower.
The Mediterranean coast and Balearic Islands get a little more rain than Madrid, and the south can be even hotter in summer. The Mediterranean, particularly around Alicante, also provides Spain’s warmest waters (reaching 27°C or so in August). Barcelona’s weather is typical of the coast – milder than in inland cities but more humid.
In general you can usually rely on pleasant or hot temperatures just about everywhere from April to early November. In Andalucía there are plenty of warm, sunny days right through winter. In July and August, temperatures can get unpleasantly hot inland.
Snowfalls in the mountains can start as early as October and some snow cover lasts all year on the highest peaks.
When to go
Depending on what you’re after, Spain is a year-round destination. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September (plus April and October in the south). At these times you can rely on good to excellent weather, yet avoid the sometimes extreme heat – and the main crush of Spanish and foreign tourists – of July and August, when temperatures can climb to 45°C in inland Andalucía; at this time, Madrid is unbearable and almost deserted.
There’s decent weather in some parts of Spain virtually year-round. Winter (December to February) along the south and southeast Mediterranean coasts is mild, while in the height of summer (June to August) you can retreat to the northwest, to beaches or high mountains anywhere to escape excessive heat. You can be sitting outside enjoying a beer in a T-shirt in Granada in February, or rugged up against the cold while trekking the Picos de Europa mountains in July.
Money
As in 12 other EU nations, the euro is Spain’s currency. The euro is divided into 100 cents. Coin denominations are one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents, €1 and €2. The notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
Spain’s international airports have bank branches, ATMs and exchange offices. They’re less frequent at road crossings now as Spain’s neighbours – Andorra, Portugal and France – all use the euro. If you’re coming from Morocco, get rid of any dirham before you leave.
Banks and building societies tend to offer the best exchange rates, and are plentiful: even small villages often have at least one. They mostly open from about 8.30am to 2pm Monday to Friday. Some also open Thursday evening (about 4pm to 7pm) or Saturday morning (9am to 1pm). Ask about commissions before changing (especially in exchange bureaux).
Costs
Spain is, as locals will quickly tell you, not as cheap as it once was. What you spend on accommodation (probably your single greatest expense) will depend on various factors, such as location (Madrid is pricier than Murcia), season (August along the coast is packed and expensive), the degree of comfort you require and a little dumb luck. At the budget end you’ll pay €12 to €23 for a bed in a youth hostel (depending on the hostel, season and your age).
The cheapest bearable pensión (small private hotel) /hostal (budget hotel) is unlikely to cost less than €18/30, but reckon on more in the cities and resorts. Depending on where you are, you can stumble across good rooms with attached bathroom from as little as €30/45 (up to €60/80 in the more popular locations).
Eating out is still more variable. A menú del día (daily set menu) can cost as little as €7 to €12. Bank on spending a minimum of €20 on a full dinner (including house wine).
Most sights are fairly cheap. Keep an eye out for free days (especially on Sunday and set days for EU citizens).
Public transport is reasonably priced, although high-speed trains are pricey.
A backpacker sticking to youth hostels, lunchtime snacks and travelling slowly could scrape by on €40 to €50 a day. A more comfortable midrange budget, including a sandwich for lunch, a modest evening meal, a couple of sights and travel will be anything from €100 to €150 a day. From there, the sky’s the limit. It is possible to spend hundreds on five-star lodgings and even in the occasional gourmet paradise.
Health & safety
Before you go
Prevention is the key to staying healthy while abroad. Some predeparture planning will save trouble later. See your dentist before a long trip, carry a spare pair of contact lenses and glasses, and take your optical prescription with you. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled, containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.
Insurance
If you’re an EU citizen, a European Health Insurance Card, available from health centresor, in the UK, post offices, covers you for most medical care in public hospitals. It will not cover you for non-emergencies or emergency repatriation home. So even with the card, you will still have to pay for medicine bought from pharmacies, even if prescribed, and perhaps for a few tests and procedures. The card is no good for private medical consultations and treatment in Spain; this includes virtually all dentists, and some of the better clinics and surgeries. Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their country and Spain. If you do need health insurance, strongly consider a policy that covers you for ambulances and the worst possible scenario, such as an accident requiring an emergency flight home.
Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures; if you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. The former option is generally preferable, as it doesn’t require you to pay out of your own pocket in a foreign country.
Recommended vaccinations
No jabs are necessary for Spain. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all travellers should be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, regardless of their destination. Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician at least six weeks before departure.
THE PEOPLE
The population of Spain is 42 million. Its growth rate is one of the lowest in the world. Life expectancy in Spain is 74.3 years for men and 81.6 years for women. Seventy-seven percent of the population is urban. Density of population is 79 inhabitants per square kilometer (205 per square mile).
Most of the population is nominally Roman Catholic. Religious freedom is guaranteed by the 1978 Constitution.
Spanish (Espaсol or Castellano) is the official language in Spain. Some regions have a second language. Like Spanish, Catalan (spoken in Catalonia, with dialects used in Valencia and the Balearic islands) and Gallego (spoken in Galicia) are Romance languages, derived from Latin. The origins of the Basque language (Euskera) continue to be a mystery for linguists.
Hotels, villas, apartments and camping
Spain has a well developed tourist industry and offers all forms of accommodation for its visitors. Whether your preference is a 5star hotel or to be under canvas in a campsite. Below are some links to some online accommodation booking services available.
Hotels
- Hotels Abroad For hotels and en route stopovers.
- Hotels in Benidorm A selection of hotels in Benidorm.
- Hotels in Barcelona: Online Reservations for Barcelona hotels. Barcelona is one of Spains most popular city break destinations.
Apartments
- Apartments in Benidorm A group of holiday apartments and vacation rentals in the popular holiday resort of Benidorm.
- Hotels Abroad A fine selection of appartments in Spain.
- Hotels and Apartments We find holiday accommodation such as hotels and apartments in Salou. If you want to make a hotel reservation or book an apartment in Salou contact us.
- INNside Barcelona Accommodation A group of holiday apartments and bed and breakfast vacation rentals in the historic Gothic Quarter and Old Port of Barcelona.
- La Manga Club Luxury Holiday Villa and Apartment Rentals in Spain. Five star holiday resort with golf, tennis, Spa, horse riding, watersports and a wide range of sports and leisure activities for an excellent holiday for all the familiy.
Villas
Inter-home A large range of villas and apartments.
Spain in brief
Capital Madrid
Population 40 Million
Banking Banks are open 9.00am - 2.00pm Monday to Friday. Money can be changed at all banks and many travel agencies.
Climate & Clothing
The temperature in Spain varies from rainy and wet in the north to dry and hot in the south. There are four distinct seasons. The best time to visit Madrid is from April to October although mid-summer can be quite hot. Light - medium weight clothing is advisable.
Currency
1 Euro (€) = 100 Cents
Notes: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 & 5
Coins: Euros 2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 & 1 Cents
Most major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.
Electricity
220 volts
Embassies & Consulates
- AUS: Plaza del Descubridor Diego de Ordas, 3 Madrid Tel: 91353 6600
- UK: Calle de Fernando el Santo 16, Madrid 28010 Tel: 91700 82 00
- CAN: C. Nunez de Balboa, 35, Madrid, 28001 Tel: 91423 3250
- NZ: Calle Pinar 7 28006 Madrid Tel: 91523 0226
- RSA: G. Claudio Coello, 91, Madrid 6 Tel: 91436 3780
- USA: Calle Serrano, 75 Madrid 28006 Tel: 91587 2200
Food & Drink
One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served all day in most bars. These range from olives and cheese, to squid or meat delicacies. Each region of Spain has its own specialties. Restaurants are government classified and many offer tourist menus. Spain is a big wine drinking nation, with sherry being its biggest export. There are many different excellent local wines which are reasonably priced.
Geography
Except for Switzerland, Spain is the highest and most mountainous country in Europe. The main geographical feature of Spain is the central plateau, or Meseta, which is divided by sierras. The Mediterranean coastal area reaches from the French border in the north west of the country, down to the Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa.
Internet
Found in major cities, available 24 hours in cyber cafes, € 0.50 to € 4 per hour.
Language
The official language is Castillian Spanish, although there are three other official languages: Galician, Basque, Catalan (spoken in Barcelona).
Local Transport
Traffic in Spain is heavy and takes some getting used to. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao have good transport systems for which tickets must be pre-purchased. Taxis are available in most major cities and drivers will expect a 2-3% tip.
Manners & Customs
Old fashioned chivalry and courtesy are important factors in day to day life in Spain. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or pool areas. Handshaking is the common form of greeting.
Postal Services
The main post offices in major cities are open 8.30am - 8.00pm. Stamps may be purchased from post offices, and tobacconists.
Religion
The majority of Spanish people are Roman Catholic.
Shopping
Most shops in Spain are open 9.00am -1.30pm and 4.30pm - 8:00pm Monday to Saturday, although downtowns will be open 10 am to 10pm. Sundays shops close. Spanish leather goods can offer excellent value. Damascene ware from Toledo is inlaid with gold and used to make distinctive scissors, knives or thimbles. Look for Lladro figurines, fans, embroidery and wickerwork. Brandy, sherry and Rioja wines all make good buys and don’t forget Spanish sparkling wine “Cava” - it’s surprisingly good.
Telephone
The outgoing international code is 00 and IDD is available. For international calls it is best to consult your hotel operator. You can buy local telephone cards for international calls. The eKit access numbers are: Spain 800-099-665 * Madrid economy 91-414-61-98
Time Difference at noon in Madrid
- Auckland - 9.00pm
- Jo’Burg - Noon
- London - 11.00am
- New York - 6.00am
- Sydney - 7.00pm
Water
Bottled water is recommended and is widely available.
Health
It is strongly recommended that visitors to Spain take out a comprehensive travel insurance that covers any overseas medical expenses before they leave their home country. The insurance should cover the entire period of stay in Spain. It is advisable to be aware of the specific circumstances and activities that the insurance policy does not cover. No matter how healthy or fit you may be, it is imperative that travel insurance be taken before you travel to Spain.
Most travel agencies or a doctor should be able to tell you about any immunizations you require or any preventive measure you may need to take. You can personally check on disease outbreaks that may have occurred overseas. A good source of information is the World Health Organization's (WHO) ‘Travelling Well' brochure that gives a number of tips to travellers on staying healthy while travelling abroad and the medicines you may need to carry on you.
Spain as a country has a high standard of medical facilities.
There have been reports of outbreaks of avian influenza (bird flu) in many countries of the world. To know which countries that have been affected, you can check the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)'s website, which has a detailed list of the countries.
People/Culture
The Spanish are very forthcoming and large-hearted people. You will have absolutely no problem in getting to know someone even in big cities like Barcelona and Madrid. It is said in jest that the bar is the Spanish living room as this is where the Spanish like to spend a lot of time.
Spain has a culturally diverse tradition as it has been influenced by many nations and people all though its history. The Spanish culture is a conglomeration of Latin, Roman Catholic, Iberian, Visigothic, and Islamic cultures. Spain has one of the highest numbers of World Heritage Sites (a total of 40), second only to Italy. Spain provides free and compulsory education to all from the ages of 6 to 16. This was established by the education law of 1990.
Spanish art holds pride of place in Europe. It showcases all types of art down the ages and also includes literature by Spanish writers. Spanish cinema has also won accolades and major international appreciation including Oscars for recent films such as Volver and Pan's Labyrinth.
Spanish architecture includes styles from all eras to the current styles adopted by modern-day Spain. Spanish music is identified mainly by flamenco, which is a musical genre originating from the Andalusian region. However, contrary to popular belief, this style is restricted only to this area. There are a number of styles of folk music that originate from the many regions of Spain - the Basque country, Aragon Valencia, Castile, Valencia, Asturias, and Galicia. Contemporary music such as heavy metal, hip-hop and pop are also popular.
Spanish cuisine is very varied because of the diversity in Spain's geography, climate and culture. Seafood is predominant in its cuisine because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Who requires a visa?
Spain is one of the countries belonging to the Schengen area. Transiting from one country to another within the Schengen area is done without border controls. For the purposes of the Schengen (tourist) visa and Schengen border controls, the current Schengen area is composed of the following countries – Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The Azores and Madeira, as part of Portugal, and the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands, as part of Spain, are included in the Schengen area. Ceuta and Melilla – Spain’s autonomous cities in northern Africa – are a special case: they are part of the Schengen area, but border control is still in force there. France’s overseas possessions, on the other hand, are considered to be outside of the area.
All countries and territories that are members of the Schengen acquis, of the EU or of EFTA. Positive visa list of countries (also known as White Schengen List) from whose citizens no visa is required to enter the territory of the EU member states for a period of maximum 90 days.
- Holders of Travel Documents issued under the Geneva Convention of July 1951, by the following countries:
Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Crew members of airlines and merchant navy.
- If you hold a valid residence permit in any of the Schengen member states, you are entitled to re-enter the Schengen area without a visa on production of your proof of residence and your passport.
This information applies only to ordinary passports.
All other nationalities, not listed above need a visa and the requirements for these vary according to nationality, passport or Travel Document used, purpose and duration of the trip.
What documents will be required?
– fully completed visa application form
– two passport photographs
– valid national passport & one copy
– original of valid resident visa
– confirmation letter from your health insurance stating coverage & one copy
– proof of group travel/ hotel booking in Spain/ airline reservation for Spain & one copy
– Closed round-trip or tour ticket
– current bank statement & one copy
– reference letter from your employer/ education institution
– Document certifying the existence of commercial, industrial, or other
– visa fees for Spanish Visa.
Time required to issue a visa:
The maximum period for processing short stay (Schengen) visa applications is fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the application is submitted. This period can be extended to a maximum of 30 calendar days in specific cases, especially if a more detailed examination of the application is required. By way of exception, in specific cases in which additional documentation is required, this period can be extended to a maximum of 60 calendar days.
Visas are not granted on the spot and should be applied for well in advance in order to allow enough time to process them. The foreign national must collect his or her visa within two months of being notified that it has been granted. In the case of a resident’s, work, or student’s visa, the holder must obtain a foreign national’s identity card within one month of his or her entry into Spain.
What is the cost of a visa?
A visa fee of €60 is payable to the Consulate of Spain.
How long is the visa valid for?
Short Stay or Schengen Visas are valid for short stays (up to 90 days).