Overview

'Fiesta in the sun'


Mediterranean beaches, sangria in the sun and paella by the plateful. Southern Spain has long been a popular place, but tourists are increasingly turning to the fascinations of another Spain, far removed from the high-rise developments lining the Costa del Sol.

Spain is a treasure chest of unforgettable scenery. Separating Spain from France, the snow-capped Pyrenees, as well as breathtaking views, offer resorts like La Molina and Panticosa with plenty of opportunities for skiing. In the north, the winding rivers and lush, green forests of Galicia present a picture not usually associated with Spain, and in complete contrast to the Moorish influenced south, Galician culture traces its routes to a Celtic origin. Everywhere are reminders of Spain’s rich and varied past, from the Alhambra in Granada to Don Quixote’s windmills in La Mancha.

Old mixes with new in cities such as Toledo, Barcelona, Salamanca, and the capital Madrid, as celebrated museums, galleries and Baroque churches rub shoulders with blaring bars and thumping discos.

What will never change is the Spaniards’ passion for partying. Snack on tapas as you skip from bar to bar, before heading off to enjoy Spain’s infamous nightlife. Then revitalise the senses – Spain’s cultural heritage brims with flamenco, painting, opera, literature, sport, bullfighting and flamboyant, colourful fiestas.

Bargains abound amid intense airline competition, so there has never been a better time to visit Spain. Just soak up the atmosphere – you won’t be disappointed.
Leon Gray


General Info Andalusia, Catalonia,  Castile-Leon, Extremadura (Gredos)

General

Area: 504,782 sq km (194,897 sq miles).
Population: 39,371,147 (1998).
Population Density: 78.0 per sq km.
Capital: Madrid. Population: 5,091,336 (1998).

Geography: Spain shares the Iberian peninsula with Portugal and is bounded to the north by the Pyrenees, 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. With the exception of Switzerland, mainland Spain is the highest and most mountainous country in Europe, with an average height of 610m (2000ft). The Pyrenees stretch roughly 400km (249 miles) from the Basque Country in the west to the Mediterranean Sea; at times the peaks rise to over 1524m (5000ft), the highest point being 3404m (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 Castille and León, the southern section comprises Castile/La Mancha and Extremadura. In the south the plateau drops abruptly at the Sierra Morena, beyond which lies the valley of Guadalquivir. Southeast of Granada is the Sierra Nevada, part of the Betic Cordillera, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean, rising to 3481m (11,420ft) and the highest point on the Spanish peninsula (the Pico del Teide on Tenerife in the Canaries is the highest peak in Spain). The Mediterranean coastal area reaches from the French frontier in the northeast down to the Straits of Gibraltar, the narrow strip of water linking the Mediterranean with the Atlantic and separating Spain from North Africa.

Government: Constitutional monarchy since 1978. Head of State: King Juan Carlos I since 1975. Head of Government: José María Aznar López since 1996.

Language: Spanish (Castillian), Catalan, Galician and Basque.

Religion: Roman Catholic majority.

Time: Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round 2-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.

Communications:  

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 34. Outgoing international code: 00. Area codes are incorporated within a nine digit number. The following are a selection of codes for major centres: Madrid 91, Alicante 96, Balearic Islands 971, Barcelona 93, Benidorm 96, Bilbao 94, Granada 958, Las Palmas 928, Málaga and Torremolinos 95, Santander 942, Seville 95, Tenerife 922 and Valencia 96.

Mobile telephone: GSM 1800/900 networks available. Roaming agreements exist with all major networks. Coverage is good throughout the country. Main network providers include Airtel (web site: http://www.airtel.es/principalhtm), Telefonica (web site: http://www.movistar.tsm.es/home.htm) and Retevision.

Fax: Most post offices have services. Facilities are also generally available at 4- and 5-star hotels, especially those catering for the business and conference traveller.

Internet/E-mail: There are a variety of internet cafés in most urban areas. Main ISPs include World Online Empresa (web site: http://www.readysoft.es/rs).

Telegram: Facilities are available at main post offices. A 24-hour service is available in Madrid at Plaza de Cibeles; in Barcelona at Plaza Antonio Lopez; in Bilbao at 15 Calle Alameda Urquijo.

Post: There are efficient internal and international postal services to all countries. Airmail within Europe usually takes around five days. Poste Restante facilities are available at main post offices.

Press: The English-language daily is The Iberian Daily Sun. Local newspapers published in English include the Majorca Daily Bulletin and the English-language edition of Sur (weekly). Spanish dailies with large circulations include ABC, Diario 16, El País and El Mundo.

 

Passport/Visa

Note: Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport/visa regulations within the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use this Guide.

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months including 90 days beyond the planned stay required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of EU countries with valid national ID cards;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco and Switzerland holding valid national ID cards.
Note: 2. It is advisable to have a return ticket, but not obligatory. If a visitor is not in possession of a return ticket, proof of sufficient means of support may be required.

VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) nationals referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (except nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka who always require a transit visa). As the preceding list is liable to change at short notice, visitors are advised to check transit regulations with the relevant Embassy or Consulate before travelling.

Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay: £15.50 for 1-30 days and £18.60 for 31-90 days (single-entry); £21.70 (double- or multiple- entry). Transit: £6.90. Note: Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced), and nationals of some other countries, receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details).

Validity: Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry): valid for 6 months from date of issue for a stay of maximum 90 days per entry. Transit (single- and multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended and a new application must be made each time.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements: (a) 1 application form. (b) 4 passport-size photos. (c) Valid passport with 1 full blank page. (d) Return travel tickets or itinerary and proof of payment for tickets. (e) Proof of purpose of visit. (f) Confirmed accommodation. (g) A stamped, self-addressed, registered envelope if applying by post. (h) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay. (i) Letter from employer; or accountant, solicitor, bank manager or Chamber of Commerce if self-employed. Students should submit proof of attendance. (j) Fee.
Business: (a)-(j) and, (h) Written invitation from company or organisation in Spain.

Note: Requirements for visas vary according to nationality, passport, travel document used and the purpose and duration of the trip. For more information, contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section.

Working days required: Between 2 days and 6 weeks, depending on nationality. Applications from nationals of the following countries must apply in person, and these applications will take 3 weeks or longer: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Burundi, China (PR), CIS, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (DPR), Lebanon, Libya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen.

Temporary residence: Refer enquiries to Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).


Money

Currency: EURO

Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Spain), although it is currently only used as ‘written money’ (cheques, bank transactions, credit cards, etc). The first Euro coins and notes will be introduced in January 2002; the Spanish Peseta will still be in circulation until February 28 2002, when it will be completely replaced by the Euro. 1 Euro = Pta166.386.

Currency exchange: Money can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports. National Girobank Postcheques may be used to withdraw cash from UK accounts at main Spanish post offices. If buying pesetas in advance, note that rates of exchange at many UK banks depend on the denominations of Spanish currency being bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.

Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.

Travellers cheques: International travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.


Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is subject to declaration if the amount exceeds Pta1,000,000 and the amount exported must not exceed the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, but should be declared if the quantity exceeds Pta1,000,000 per person per journey, to avoid difficulties on leaving Spain.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1400, Sat 0900-1300 (except during the summer).
 

Duty Free

The following items may be imported into Spain without incurring customs duty by passengers aged 17 years or older arriving from countries outside the EU:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits if exceeding 22% volume or 2 litres of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22% volume; 2 litres of wine; 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract; gifts up to the value of approximately Pta6200 (approximately Pta5000 for children under 15 years of age).

Abolition of duty-free goods within the EU: On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed), travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.
 

Health

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Medical treatment provided by state scheme doctors at state scheme hospitals and health centres (ambulatorios) is free to UK citizens if in possession of form E111. Health insurance is required for private medical care. Prescribed medicines and dental treatment must be paid for by all visitors.

 

Travel - International

Note: For information on travel to and within the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands see the respective sections

AIR: Spain’s national airline is IBERIA (IB).

Approximate flight times: From London to Barcelona is 2 hours; to Ibiza is 2 hours 20 minutes; to Madrid is 2 hours 15 minutes and to Málaga is 2 hours 40 minutes. From Los Angeles to Madrid is 13 hours. From New York to Madrid is 7 hours 25 minutes. From Sydney to Madrid is 29 hours 5 minutes.

International airports: Madrid (MAD) (Barajas) is 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city. Coach service departs to the city every 20 minutes (0455-0130) and underground services run every five minutes (0630-0130). Taxi service is available. Airport facilities include restaurants and bars (0700-2400), bank, several car hire offices, hotel reservation and tourist information desks, and outgoing duty-free shop.
Barcelona (BCN) (del Prat) is 13km (8 miles) southwest of the city. Bus service to the city departs every 15 minutes (0700-2300). Rail service is every 30 minutes (0645-1015). Taxi service to the city is available. Airport facilities include 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. Coach service runs to the city (0700-2335). A taxi service is available to the city. There is a taxi connection between Alicante and Valencia Airport. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, bank, bureau de change, car hire and restaurant.
Bilbao (BIO) is 9km (6 miles) north of the city. A new airport terminal, control tower and other improvements were completed late November 2000. Bus and taxi services to the city are available. Airport facilities include a restaurant, duty-free shop, tourist information desk and car hire.
Málaga (AGP) is 11km (7 miles) southwest of the city. Buses run every 30 minutes (0700-1030). Train service runs every 30 minutes (0700-1040). Taxi service to the city is available. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, bank, restaurant and car hire.
Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) is 10km (6 miles) northeast of the city. Buses and taxis are available to the city centre.
Seville (SVQ) is 12km (7 miles) from the city. Taxis are available to the city centre.
Valencia (VLC) (Manises) is 10km (6 miles) from the city. Taxis are available to the city centre. Airport facilities include several car hire firms, bank, restaurant, bar and duty-free shop.

SEA: Brittany Ferries (tel: 0990 360 360; web site: http://www.brittany-ferries.com) operates a service to Santander (on the north coast) from Plymouth (journey time – 24 hours). P&O European Ferries (tel: 0870 242 4999; web site: http://www.poef.com) operates a twice-weekly service from Portsmouth to Bilbao.

RAIL: There are direct trains between Madrid–Paris and Madrid–Lisbon, as well as Barcelona–Paris, Barcelona–Zürich–Milan and Barcelona–Geneva. These services are called Talgo, Estrella or Train-Hotel. On other international services to and from Spain, a change of train is necessary. Motorail services run between Paris and Madrid. Travelling from the UK, the quickest way is to travel by Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Paris (travel time – 3 hours) and, from there, to Spain. For further information and reservations contact Eurostar (tel: (01233) 617 599 (travel agents) or (08705 186 186 (public; within the UK) or (01233) 617 575 (public; outside the UK only); website: www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848). Travel agents can obtain refunds for unused tickets from Eurostar Trade Refunds, 2nd Floor, Kent House, 81 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD. Complaints and comments may be sent to Eurostar Customer Relations, Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London SE1 8SE (tel: (020) 7928 5163). General enquiries and information requests must be made by telephone.

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). A number of coach operators offer services to Spain. In the UK, Eurolines, departing from Victoria Coach Station in London, serves more than 20 destinations in Spain. For further information, contact Eurolines, 4 Cardiff Road, Luton LU1 1PP (tel: (01582) 404 511; fax: (01582) 400 694; e-mail: welcome@eurolinesuk.com; web site: http://www.eurolines.com).
See below for information on documentation and traffic regulations.


Travel - Internal

AIR: Domestic flights are run by IBERIA (IB), Spanair and Air Europa.
Scheduled flights connect all main towns as well as to the Balearic and Canary Islands and enclaves in North Africa. Air taxis are available at most airports. Reservations should be made well in advance.

SEA: There are regular hydrofoil and car and passenger ferry sailings from Algeciras to Ceuta (North African enclave); Málaga and Almeria to Melilla (North African enclave); Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante to the Balearic Islands; and Cádiz to the Canary Islands. There are also inter-island services, including a catamaran service linking Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, which takes 3 hours and runs twice a day. For further information, contact Trasmediterránea (tel: (91) 423 8500; fax: (91) 423 8555; web site: http://www.trasmediterranea.es) or their representative in the UK: Southern Ferries (tel: 020 7491 4968; fax: 020 7491 3502).

RAIL: The state-owned company RENFE (web site: http://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 the French border down the Mediterranean coast. Principal trains are air-conditioned, and many have restaurant or buffet service. Reservations for passenger services in Spain may be made in the UK through Ultima Travel (tel: (0151) 339 6171; fax: (0151) 339 9199); European Rail Travel (tel: (020) 7387 0444; fax: (020 7387 0888) and Freedom Rail (tel: (01252) 728506; fax: (01252) 728504).

Discount Rail Travel: The Spanish rail system is one of the cheapest in Europe and various discounts are available. Travellers can purchase a Spanish Railways Tourist Card which allows unlimited travel from three to ten days within two months and is valid for on all RENFE long-distance trains, with the exception of high-speed ones (the Ave and Talgo 200). No supplements are payable other than for sleeping facilities on overnight services. There are no selling points in Europe but travellers may obtain the card at major railways stations in Spain, on presentation of their passport. Travellers can also enjoy savings by using any one of the European passes available, such as the Euro Domino Freedom Pass, which enables holders to make flexible travel arrangements. The pass is available in 19 European countries, but must be bought in the country of residence for which a valid passport or other form of ID has to be shown. In the UK, this pass is available from Rail Europe 179 Picadilly, London, W1 (tel: (0990) 848 848). The tickets are valid for 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 days within one month. Also available from Rail Europe, the Inter-Rail Pass allows up to 50% reductions for 2nd class rail travel in 29 countries; the pass is now also available for those aged over 26 (though they pay approximately 40% more than those aged under 26). The Rail Senior Plus card entitles senior citizens to 25% discount on rail travel into and out of Spain even during peak hours. This discount does not apply when only travelling internally. The card is available from most British Rail stations.

Note: Seat reservations are required on all intercity trains. This ruling applies to the passes and cards mentioned above.

High-Speed Trains: The Ave service connects Madrid and Seville in under three hours, with 12 services each way via Córdoba. Some services also stop at Ciudad Real and Puerto Llano (La Mancha). The Talgo 200 connects Madrid and Malaga thrice-daily in less than five hours. Holders of most of the cards and passes mentioned above qualify for discounts, albeit less substantial than the rates quoted above.

Tourist Trains: The Transcantábrico and Andalus Express offer a pleasant way of discovering their respective regions. There are also a number of privately-run narrow-gauge railways in Spain, located mainly in the north of Spain as well as the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, which run at a leisurely pace through picturesque scenery. For more information on tourist trains, contact the Spanish National Tourist Office (see address section).

ROAD: There are more than 150,000km (95,000 miles) of roads. Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north–south. Tolls are in operation on some sections and have to be paid in Pesetas. 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. Motorcycles: No person under 18 may hire or ride a vehicle over 75cc. Crash helmets must be worn. Regulations: Traffic drives on the right. Side lights must be used at night in built-up areas. Spare bulbs and red hazard triangles must be kept in all vehicles. Traffic lights: two red lights mean ‘No Entry’. The speed limit for motorways is 130kph (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). Documentation: EU pink format licences are accepted. Third Party insurance is also required and a Green Card is strongly recommended.

URBAN: Traffic in Spanish cities is normally heavy, and urban driving takes some time to adjust to. City public transport facilities are generally good. Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Madrid have metros as well as buses. Pre-purchase multi-journey tickets are sold. Other towns and resorts are well served by local buses. Metered taxis are available in most major cities and a 2-3% tip is customary.

Climate

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 mid-summer (July to 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.


Country dialling code: 34.