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About Spain

Are you planning to travel to Spain? Here are some facts that will help you learn about the country before your trip to Spain.

• Population: 47 million inhabitants
• Languages: Castilian (known internationally as Spanish) is the official language of the country. Other local, co-official languages are Catalan, Gallego, Euskera (Basque), and Valencian.
• Currency: as a member of the European Union, Spain's currency is the euro EUR (€).
• Geographical location: Located in Southwest Europe, Spain is the second-largest country in the European Union. It occupies approximately 85% of the Iberic Peninsula.

History and Culture of Spain

Spain has a vast and interesting history. Before the 8th century, Visigoths, Phoenicians, Roman, and Greeks established their power and colonies in the peninsula.

Moors dominated the area from the 8th to 15th century, after which it was taken over by Christians. The empire of Spain got stronger after the union of Castile and Aragon kingdoms in 1479, enlarging their territory and discovering the Americas. The strength of the empire continued until the arrival of Napoleon. As per modern history, Spain suffered from the dictatorship of Franco.

Weather and Geography

The country has varied weather due to its extended area and mountainous surroundings. In the Pyrenees and Cantabrian zones, Spain has warm and dry subtropical weather. In the northern part, the weather is humid, with a lot of rainfall.

The rest of the country has Mediterranean weather, which is hotter in the coastal lines. In the Andalusian plane, wind results in desertic, hot weather during spring and summer. Humidity is normal in the mountains, leaving the remaining areas with a general dryness. Additionally, the Canary islands have subtropical weather.

Popular Cities to Visit in Spain

Some of the best places to visit in Spain are -

• Madrid: Cosmopolitan and diverse, the capital of Spain has its own historical and cultural charm to enchant you 24 hours a day.
• Barcelona: Innovative and artistic, this Mediterranean city will surprise you with the latest trends in fashion, cuisine, and culture.
• Seville: Capital of the flamenco, it holds a unique set of monuments. Seville is the musical city that you must visit during your Spain trip.
• Valencia: The city of Paella has a lot to offer. Beaches and architectural diversity in a mild climate make it a must-visit place in your Spain travel itinerary.
• Zaragoza: Capital of the Aragon region, this village is home to several monuments and palaces. Here, you can see the art from Francisco Goya.
• Málaga: This Andalusian city was the birth-town of Pablo Picasso, and it is sprawling with art in every corner.
• Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: Closer to Africa, the city holds an immeasurable cultural richness, all packed in mild, Atlantic weather.

Transportation in Spain

The different modes of travel in Spain are -

• Buses: Traveling by bus in Spain is not only easy but affordable and safe. Buses are available everywhere allowing you to go to any corner of the country. In a country such as this, travelling by bus will allow you to get immersed in the landscapes and rural areas. Take advantage of the stops to try some of the local delicacies and buy some souvenirs. Thanks to the ferry, you can travel to Spain from Ireland by bus, enjoying some of the beautiful European landscapes.
• Trains: The country is equipped with a different set of national and international trains. In the national category, Spain has high-speed trains connecting different cities. There are also trains connecting mid-range distance or others that connect main cities with suburbs. Finally, you can also find trains to/from France and Portugal.
• Flights: Spain is connected to the most important cities in the world via this mode. It is the fastest and comparatively the most expensive.

Accommodation in Spain

Spain offers diverse types of accommodations, made for every budget and comfort level. You can stay in hotels, ranging from 1 to 5 stars.

In another category, you can also find paraderos, which are old traditional buildings, such as abandoned castles that have been remade to become a unique accommodation. If you wish for high-quality and private comfort, you can rent a furnished apartment.

People on budget trips can opt for hostels, albergues or camping. Hostels are suitable for young people or long-distance walkers. The other two offer clean water supply and surveillance in natural landscapes.

Spanish Cuisine

Spain has a varied cuisine, pretty much every region can offer you a new dish. If you are a fan of charcuterie, you are in the land of Iberic ham.

Tapas are a good option and go well with a glass of Spanish wine and Manchego cheese.

Do not forget to also try the different dishes with seafood. From the traditional rice paella to octopus a la gallega, the country offers fresh and tasty ingredients.

To taste the traditional soup, try a fresh gazpacho stew made of fresh tomato to refresh you during a hot summer. The Spanish Mediterranean diet is healthy and delicious.

Shopping in Spain

The country has plenty to offer in terms of shopping. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, clothes, luxury items or food, you will find it all.

Visit the municipal markets to buy fresh local ingredients. You can also experience outdoor markets, where you get different products, at bargained prices.

Do not forget to pass by El Corte Inglés, a place in which you can get pretty much different kinds of goods all year long. Finally, for luxury shopping, Marbella city is a good spot for purchasing from top-quality brands.

Spain Entry Requirements

Spain's entry requirements vary from country to country. Remember that some of the restrictions depend on the Spanish region you are visiting, do not hesitate to check further information on the official government web pages.

Some other travel requirements in Spain are related to visas and passports. If you are coming from the EU or any associated EU country, you only need a valid ID document to enter Spain.

However, if you are not an EU/EEA traveller you will need a valid passport, a document to prove the accommodation, a return round-trip ticket, documents to prove the purpose of your travel, and in some cases, a visa.

In case you need a visa, you will need some valid documents for its issuance at a local Spanish authority (embassies or consulates) such as the application form, passport photos, a valid passport not older than 10 years, copies of expired passports or visas and a Spain travel insurance.