Spain - Travel Guide
Description
Spain consists of nineteen autonomous communities and has a land area of over 500,000 km² with an extremely varied landscape. The costas (coastline) spans an incredible 5,000km² and provides the visitor with an interesting and beautiful mixture of stunning sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and dramatic views (except where they are somewhat obscured by some of the larger tourist resorts).
The topography of the country, a large, dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills, ensures that, climatically and visually, Spain has many facets. The interior and the far south are usually very hot and often dry in the summer, with the climate cooler on the coast. There are five large mountain ranges spanning the country and these help to provide an amazing backdrop for a whole range of activities. The 45 million visitors a year can hike, bike, bird watch, fish, swim, horse ride, play golf or simply relax and unwind. The choice is endless.
This fascinating country, whose history can be traced back to prehistoric times, displays its fabulously impressive architecture and culture with individual pride. Remnants of the past include well-preserved Roman, Moorish, Gothic and Baroque buildings, as well as the more recent culture of flamenco and bullfighting. Fascinating fiestas are a good excuse to incorporate music, dancing, tapas and sangria!
No matter how many times you revisit this amazing country, there will always be something new to wonder at.
Driving Guide
On Spanish roads you drive on the right, so be careful when leaving premises such as petrol stations on the left side of the road. The minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full licence, is 18. Make sure you carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document and certificate of insurance. Third-party insurance is compulsory, as are front and rear seat-belts, replacement bulb sets and visibility vests, which must be worn when you leave the vehicle at a breakdown or similar problem. Headlamp converters are required, and dipped headlights should be used in poor daylight visibility. It is recommended that you carry a first-aid kit. Many of the major roads operate a toll system, some of which are automatic. Always make sure you have cash available, although credit cards may sometimes be accepted. Speed limits are: 120km/h on motorways; up to 100km/h on other roads; and 50km/h in built-up areas. Beware, these limits are vigorously adhered to - if you are only 5km/h over, you may be pulled up, where you will receive an on-the-spot fine (ensure you obtain a receipt). With the heightened security position these days, you may come across a road-side check; it will be conducted swiftly and politely, and you will soon be able to go on your way. Do NOT drink and drive - in Spain, new drivers have a legal limit which is considerably lower than the normal figure, and the authorities are strict on this.
Spain - Key Facts
Timezone: Mainland & Balearics: UK+1.Canary Islands: Same as UK.
Languages spoken: Spanish (Castilian), Catalan, Galician, Basque.
Capital City: Madrid.
Major Cities: Barcelona, Seville.
Mojor Airports: Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gerona, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Madrid, Majorca, Malaga, Minorca, Murcia, Seville, Tenerife, Valencia.
Population: 40 million
Area: 505,955 sq km - 195,349 sq miles.
Climate Guide: Most of Spain is hot and sunny in summer but there are differences in temperature during winter depending on the climatic region. There are three regions: the N and NW; the central region; and the Mediterranean coast including the Balearic Islands. The N and NW is the wettest region with cooler and wetter summers although there is still an ample amount of warm weather. The central region has low rainfall although during winter there may sometimes be quite heavy snow in the mountains. Summers are hot with spring and early summer being the wettest seasons. The Mediterranean coast has milder winters with hot and sometimes humid summers. The Canary Islands have a temperate climate with temperatures usually no lower than 60°F in winter and up to 77°F in summer.
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 cents).
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.
Telephone Code: 34
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz.
UK Tourist Information: Spanish Tourist Office
22/23 Manchester Square, London W1U 3PX
Tel: 020 7486 8077; 020 7467 5506 (trade);
09063 640630 (brochures, 60p/min)
Fax: 020 7486 8034
E-mail: londres@tourspain.es
Website: www.tourspain.co.uk
Hotel Class: Normal hotels and "Hotel Residencias" (residential hotels with no restaurant) are officially graded by stars from 1 up to 5. An extra-luxurious "5-star GL" category tops the range. Lower-quality accommodation called "Pension", "Hostal" and "Hostal Residencia" (a hostal with no restaurant) is graded less rigorously from 1 star up to 3 star. Holiday Villages (low-rise accommodation usually in spacious gardens) are also officially classified as "Ciudad de Vacaciones" and graded from 1 star to 3 star. Aparthotels and "Residencia Apartamentos" (aparthotels without a restaurant) are graded on the same basis as hotels from 1 star to 5 star. Apartments are classified by "Keys" from 1 key up to 4 key and are shown as K to KKKK.