Traveling to Spain

Traveling to Mexico - Another great reason to learn Spanish

Spain is a popular destination among travelers, with its sunny beaches, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Here's what you need to know before you go:

Entry Requirements:

1. Before traveling to Spain, make sure you have a valid passport. Citizens of the European Union and many other countries don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, it's always best to check with the embassy or consulate of Spain in your country to confirm entry requirements.

Best time to Visit:

2. Spain is a country with diverse regions and climates, so the best time to visit depends on where you're planning to go. Generally, the best time to visit Spain is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. If you're planning to visit the beach, then the summer months (June to August) are the most popular, but can also be very hot.

Transportation:

3. Spain has an excellent transportation system, including trains, buses, and planes. The high-speed train system is efficient and covers most major cities, and buses are often the cheapest way to get around. Taxis are also widely available, but they can be expensive.

Language:

4. The official language of Spain is Spanish, and while many people in major tourist areas speak English, it's always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish phrases.

Currency:

5. The official currency of Spain is the euro. Most places accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.

Accommodation:

6. Spain has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. It's always best to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Food and Drink:

7. Spain is known for its delicious cuisine, including paella, tapas, and sangria. Be sure to try the local specialties and sample the different regional cuisines. Spain also has a thriving wine industry, so be sure to try some of the local wines.

Safety:

8. Spain is a relatively safe country, but it's always best to take precautions. Keep your valuables close to you, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid leaving your belongings unattended.

Cultural Tips:

9. Spain has a rich cultural heritage, and it's always a good idea to be respectful of local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or other religious sites, dress modestly and remove your hat. It's also important to be mindful of the siesta, which is a daily break in the afternoon when many shops and businesses close.

Must-See Attractions:

10. Spain has a wealth of must-see attractions, including the beaches of the Costa del Sol, the Alhambra in Granada, the Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, the Prado Museum in Madrid, and the running of the bulls in Pamplona.

Health and Safety:

11. Spain has a high standard of healthcare, but it's always a good idea to have travel insurance in case of unexpected medical expenses. The emergency number in Spain is 112. As for safety, Spain is generally a safe country, but it's always best to be vigilant in crowded tourist areas and keep your belongings close to you.

Festivals and Events:

12. Spain is known for its lively festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the running of the bulls in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol, the Seville Fair, and the Carnival of Cadiz.

Outdoor Activities:

13. Spain has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, including hiking in the Pyrenees, skiing in the Sierra Nevada, and surfing on the Atlantic coast. Spain also has many beautiful national parks, such as the Picos de Europa and the Doñana National Park.

Nightlife:

14. Spain is known for its vibrant nightlife, especially in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Ibiza. Be sure to check out the local bars and clubs for a fun night out.

Tipping:

15. Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it's common to leave a small tip (around 10%) at restaurants, especially for good service. It's also customary to round up the bill at cafes and bars.

Getting Around:

16. Spain is a large country, and getting around can take some time. The high-speed train system is a great option for longer distances, but buses are often cheaper. Spain also has many low-cost airlines that fly between major cities.

Cultural Heritage:

17. Spain has a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites and monuments dating back thousands of years. Be sure to visit the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the Mezquita in Cordoba, to name a few.

Beaches:

18. Spain has some of the best beaches in Europe, with long stretches of sandy coastline and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular beach destinations include the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands.

Shopping:

19. Spain is known for its fashion and design, with many local brands and designers. Shopping in Spain is best in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona, where there are many boutiques and department stores. Be sure to check out the local markets for unique souvenirs and gifts.

Etiquette:

20. Spanish etiquette is generally quite relaxed, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of local customs and traditions. When meeting someone, shake hands and use formal titles like "Señor" or "Señora." It's also polite to say "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) when making requests.

Here is an extensive list of must-see tourist attractions in Spain:

1. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

2. Park Guell, Barcelona

3. La Rambla, Barcelona

4. Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

5. Park de la Ciutadella, Barcelona

6. Casa Batlló, Barcelona

7. Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Barcelona

8. Montserrat Monastery, Barcelona

9. Alhambra, Granada

10. Generalife, Granada

11. Cathedral of Granada, Granada

12. Alcazar of Seville, Seville

13. Seville Cathedral, Seville

14. Plaza de España, Seville

15. La Giralda, Seville

16. Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid

17. Prado Museum, Madrid

18. Retiro Park, Madrid

19. Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid

20. Plaza Mayor, Madrid

21. Puerta del Sol, Madrid

22. Toledo Cathedral, Toledo

23. Alcazar of Toledo, Toledo

24. Roman Aqueduct, Segovia

25. Alcazar of Segovia, Segovia

26. Plaza de la Villa, Madrid

27. Park of Maria Luisa, Seville

28. Montjuic Castle, Barcelona

29. Beaches of Costa del Sol, Andalusia

30. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela

31. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

32. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Madrid

33. Cuenca Hanging Houses, Cuenca

34. Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid

35. Dali Theatre and Museum, Figueres

36. Caminito del Rey, Malaga

37. Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

38. Palace of Catalan Music, Barcelona

39. Park of the Nations, Barcelona

40. Sitges Beach, Sitges

41. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

42. Casa de Pilatos, Seville

43. Tabernas Desert, Almeria

44. Sierra Nevada, Granada

45. Royal Palace of Aranjuez, Madrid

46. Picos de Europa National Park, Asturias

47. Aqueduct of Segovia, Segovia

48. Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Zaragoza

49. Mirador del Rio, Lanzarote

50. Las Ramblas, Las Palmas

There are several cellular telephone operators in Spain, including:

1. Movistar: The largest mobile network operator in Spain, owned by Telefónica.

2. Vodafone: A British multinational telecommunications company with operations in Spain.

3. Orange: A French multinational telecommunications company that operates in Spain.

4. Yoigo: A Spanish mobile network operator owned by Masmovil.

5. Jazztel: A Spanish telecommunications company, which was acquired by Orange in 2015.

6. Pepephone: A Spanish virtual mobile network operator that uses the network of Yoigo.

7. MásMóvil: A Spanish telecommunications company that offers fixed-line and mobile services.

8. Lycamobile: An international mobile virtual network operator that operates in Spain.