Why choose Spain? | About Spain | Where in Spain | Madrid | Barcelona |
Valencia | Seville | Bilbao | Costa del Sol | La Rioja | La Mancha |
Canary Islands | Balearic Islands
Why choose Spain?
Spain is a European country of great geographic and cultural diversity. It offers magnificent landscapes, beaches, cities and excellent weather conditions. Spain is also characterized by the legacy that the inhabitants and conquerors have left throughout the centuries. The famous Roman temples and aquaducts; the Moorish baths, mosques and fortresses; medieval castles and cathedrals; baroque palaces; the modernist architecture of Gaudí and the works of modern art are just some of the marks that time has left in Spain. The Spaniards love to live. They are a very friendly and warm-hearted people who will welcome you with open arms and invite you to join their Mediterranean life style.
Getting to Spain
Spain is only a couple of hour’s flight from most European cities. The airports in Spain are of a high standard with a wide range of facilities. All major cities in Spain host an international airport so passengers are rarely more than 50 kilometers away from their meeting or holiday destination. The centre is served by the Madrid Airport. The Costa del Sol is serviced by Malaga Airport, which is within one hour’s drive to all parts of the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar Airport also services the eastern part of the Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz in the far south is serviced mainly by Jerez Airport and by Seville Airport. The modern Barcelona Airport is the north east of Spain's main airport for the Costa Dorada and the Costa Brava, along with Reus Airport. Each of the islands is serviced by its own airport: Gran Canaria Airport, La Palma Airport, Tenerife South and North Aiports, Fuertaventura Airport and Lanzarote Airport. The Balearic Islands also have their own airports: Palma de Mallorca Airport, Menorca Airport and Ibiza Airport.
Ease of arrival
Travelling to Spain is very easy. If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein you only need your Identification Card, or a valid passport. If you are from any of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela you would need a valid passport to enter Spain, where you can stay for a maximum of 90 days. If you are from any other country, according to the criteria of the EU, you must request a visa at the Spanish Consulate of your country of residence. You will also need a valid passport.
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About Spain
Facts
Official Name: Kingdom of Spain
Capital: Madrid
System of Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Area: 504,782 Sq Km (194,897 Sq Mi)
Estimated Population: 41.200.000
The People
Spain has four major ethnic groups that are divided by language: Castilian, Basque, Catalan and Galician, which combined account for almost the entire population.The official language is Castilian Spanish. 17% of the population speaks Catalan while 7% speak Galician, 2% speak Basque and the remainder speak Castilian.
Landscapes
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in South West Europe and includes the Balearic and Canary Islands as well as the Moroccan enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. It is bound by France and Andorra to the northeast, Spain and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the southeast and east, the Strait of Gibraltar and Morocco to the south and the Bay of Biscay to the northwest. Continental Spain consists of the Meseta or Central Plateau which is surrounded by the Baetic, Andalusian and Iberian Mountains to the south and southeast, the Pyrenees to the north, and the Cordillera Cantabrica to the northwest.
The Climate
Spain is one of the warmest countries in Europe. Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate, with dry summers, and constant temperatures during the winter. In Spain, you will enjoy more than three thousand hours of sunlight per annum. Because of their particular location, in front of the African coastline, the Canary islands enjoy a very mild climate, with a pleasant average annual temperature of 22ºC. The Balearic Islands are also blessed with a Mediterranean climate: summers are generally warm and the winters are mild.
The Food
Eating is in Spain one of the most pleasant rituals of daily life. Thanks to the quality, variety and richness of its gastronomy, it is one of the world’s best. The Mediterranean, multicultural, and avant-garde atmosphere of Spain is reflected in its dishes. The dishes are gastronomic creations born out of the fusion of different cultures, made of local ingredients, and with centuries of tradition behind them. When enjoying the Spanish custom known as tapeo – going from bar to bar eating tapas, you will discover that the locals have a weakness for seafood. Prawns, mussels, fresh anchovies in vinegar, croquettes, and mini rolls are some of the most popular tapas dishes.
The Wine and Fino Sherry
The wine is a very important element in all the regional cuisines of Spain. The Romans bequeathed the art of grape growing that has turned Spain into one of the greatest old world wine producers, famed for its quality. The Rioja wines, for example, have obtained an international reputation for their outstanding aroma, flavor and body. Other famous denominations are those of the Ribera del Duero, Penedés and La Mancha. The Spanish cava, or sparkling wine, has its main centre of production in the Penedés Catalan region. The bars and taverns of Andalusia, with their special charm and convivial atmosphere, are the perfect place to enjoy the famous fino sherry – good cheer and friendly chatter abound between glasses of sherry and tapas of the region's best dishes.
Currency
The currency in Spain is the euro (€).
VAT and Tax Refunds
If you country of residence is outside of the European Union, you may request a sales-tax refund for your purchases. There are several companies in Spain that are authorized to process sales-tax (IVA) refunds. You need to request a form for your sales-tax refund at the shop. Spanish law sets €90.15 as the minimum purchase needed for you to be able to get a sales-tax refund. This amount needs to be spent at the same shop, and on the same day, for it to be eligible for a tax free cheque. The paperwork is simple: to obtain the refund, you must ask for a tax-free receipt of purchase, for which you need to show a valid proof of foreign residency (passport). Show your purchases, and seal the tax-free goods in customs (you have three months from the time of purchase to seal your goods). Ask for the refund at the authorized refund-processing company. These companies have IVA refund offices at all major airports in Spain. You can get your refund in cash, or credit it back to your credit card.
Opening Hours
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 9.00pm, with late-night shopping until 10.00pm at many of the larger shopping malls. Many of the smaller stores will have a siesta (break) from 2.00pm to 4.00 or 5.00 pm. Many smaller supermarkets in towns and villages also open on Sundays.
Electrical Current
The electrical current in Spain is 200 volts, 50 cycles AC. Plugs are of the continental type, with two round prongs. American appliances require a transformer and a plug adapter for use in Spain.
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Where in Spain
Cities/destinations offered
We can organize a venue for you in every part of Spain. Here are some of the destinations we would warmly recommend:
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