Spain travel guide

 

Spain - Andalucia

 

Meet SpainSpain weather reportGetting into SpainFrom the Spanish kitchenFrom the Spanish bar Currency in SpainMajor airports in SpainExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in SpainDid you know?

 

Meet Spain

Bull fighting toreadors, flamenco dancing bailaors, and boundless servings of paella, churros and chorizo represent the imagery commonly associated with Spain.  But away from the cliché lies a country of vast cultural offerings set against a backdrop of captivating historical tales, charming traditions, diverse landscapes (and even weather), and endless shorelines of lustrous waters washing up to sun drenched golden sands.

 

Its own countrymen lovingly refer to Spain as Las Espanas or ‘The Spains’ due its cultural diversity.  In the north lay the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Rioja, and Navarra.  Asturias in particular, was recently immortalised in film through the release of Woody Allen’s latest flick, Vicky Christina Barcelona, starring Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson.  It was also the region that stood up to the Moors in their attempt to conquer, serving as a refuge for Christian nobles and the seat of the eventual Reconquest.  The official title of Spain’s Prince Felipe is actually, Prince of Asturias.

 

Southern Spain is home to the infamous Andalusia; most noted for its history and spectacular Moorish architecture, this region is also renowned for that most famed of dances, flamenco.

 

To the east sit the Mediterranean regions of Murcia and Valencia, some of which welcome sun-seeking tourists all year round due to unchanging temperatures. Meanwhile, central and western Spain play house to the buzzing capital city of Madrid, along with the regions of Castile-La Mancha comprising the stunning Moorish city of Toledo, and Extremadura which is known for its wildlife and Roman ruins.

 

Travellers searching for cheap flights to Spain can find them year round with most of the country enjoying its shoulder season (off peak) from November through March and its peak season from June through August.

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Spain weather report

 

For beach lovers, Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers the option of a year round tan.  The Canary Islands rarely change in temperature, experiencing only a slight fluctuation of between 18 and 24 degrees centigrade.

 

Over on the Atlantic side comprising the North and Basque regions, the climate is normally quite damp, with a high likelihood of rain on most days.  Want our advice?  If you’re visiting either one, take a jacket whatever the time of year – it generally doesn’t stay warm for very long, even during the summer months.

 

And more central regions tend to experience the usual variations in temperature with hot summers and cold winters.  As such, the best time to visit cities like Madrid and Barcelona or the region of Andalusia, would be towards the end of the summer season in early to mid September.  

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

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Getting into Spain

 

Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein do not require a visa to enter Spain so long as they carry a valid passport or photo Identity Card.

 

For travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and Ireland, there is no visa requirement, but a valid passport from one of those countries is necessary.  Identity Cards will not be accepted for entry into the country.

 

All other nationalities should check with the Spanish consulate or embassy within their country of residence to obtain information on visa and passport requirements to Spain.

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From the Spanish kitchen

 

Spain is a country where food and family go hand in hand.  Thus the concept of sharing platters is employed across the entire country.  Whatever the region, whatever its specialty, be it seafood or cured meats – sharing in the form of ‘tapas’ is always on the menu.

 

Here are but a few of the more renowned dishes on the typical Spanish menu:

  • Jamon Serrano: This world famous Spanish ham is cured to perfection and eaten at any time of day – even breakfast!

  • Churros: Spain’s version of a doughnut shaped like a stick often accompanied by melted chocolate for dipping!  Try them as an indulgent afternoon snack while strolling around town

  • Paella: A trip to Spain is not complete without a sampling of this delicious rice dish, but beware, you may need a nap after this meal

  • Tortilla: Otherwise known as Spanish Omelette, this dish is typically comprises layers of potato and egg

  • Sausages: Chorizo and Morcilla are the more famous of sausage meats – cured, spiced and bursting with flavour

  • Cheeses: Cabrales, Manchego and Zamorano can be eaten as a great accompaniment to anything, particularly sausages and ham

  • Fish: Pulpo (octopus), zarzuelas (fish stew), and Anguilla (baby eels) are the usual culprits to appear within the typical tapas spread

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From the Spanish bar

  • Sangria: Spain’s version of fruit punch with a twist of alchohol and pieces of actual fruit – mouth wateringly delicious!

  • Cerveza: The Spanish word for beer

  • Horcheta: Almond milk drink – great as an afternoon refreshment

  • Granizatos: Cold or slushy coffee

  • Cafe con leche: Coffee with milk

  • Tinto de verano: Red wine mixed with lemonade – good alternative to spritzer

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Currency in Spain

 

As a member of the European Union, Portugal’s currency is the Euro, which is represented by the € symbol.

 

Within the currency, there are eight different coins including €1 and €2 as well as one, two, five, ten, 20, and 50 cent classifications.  One euro coin is made up of 100 cents.

 

Notes within the currency include €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 classifications. Use the Pampo exchange rates calculator to get the latest info on your rates.

 

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Major airports in Spain

 

Passengers boarding cheap flights to Spain can look forward to an arrival at any of its main international airports, including:

  • Alicante Airport (ALC)

  • Barcelona International Airport (BCN)

  • Bilbao Airport (BIO)

  • Cordoba Airport (ODB)

  • Ibiza Airport (IBZ)

  • Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

  • Madrid Cuatro Ventos Airport (MCV)

  • Malaga Airport (AGP)

  • Seville Airport (SVQ)

  • Valencia Airport (VLC)

  • Tenerife Airport (TFS)

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Examples of food and drink spend

  • Average restaurant bills fall around €12 per person

  • A pint of beer is priced at about €1-2 per person

  • A glass of wine is priced at about €1-2 per person

  • A coffee is priced at about €1 or less depending on the coffee shop

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Things to have at hand in Spain

  • Sunglasses

  • Valid photo ID

  • A phrase book

  • International or European driver’s license

  • Citizens of the EU will need their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

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Did you know?

  • Accepting a second serving is one of the best ways to show appreciation to the cook

  • More women than men are currently enrolled in Spain's universities

  • Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in order to find the New World

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