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1. Alhambra
The Alhambra palace complex in Granada is close to architectural perfection. It is possibly the most exquisite piece of Islamic art in the world. In addition, it is the most enduring monument of the 800-year-old rule of the Moors in the Spanish region, which they called Al-Andalus. The red fortress towers of the Alhambra dominate the panorama of Granada, standing out against the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Close to the Alhambra, we see how the perfect proportions of the gardens of the Generalife complement the exquisite details of the Nasrid palace. In general, this is the most beautiful monument in Spain.
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2. Sagrada Familia
One of Spain's greatest landmarks, Antoni Gaudí's creation, built in the style of Spanish modernism, will continue to be completed for more than 80 years after the death of its creator. Bizarre and intricate, inspired by nature itself and only slightly limited by the gothic style, the amazing temple of Barcelona rises into the sky with majesty. Incredible curves and deviations from the architectural canons will leave you bewildered, and the small details of the decorative curls on the facade of the Passion of Christ and the Nativity facade are worth many hours of study.
The Mezquita, the striking temple complex of Córdoba, was founded in 785 and is the most beautiful mosque in Europe, and rivals in splendor any other architectural masterpiece of the Muslim world. This mosque meant so much to the main city of Muslim Andalusia that each new caliph tried to leave a trace of his rule in it. The most impressive additions to the mosque are the arches and vaults of the chapel august persons, erected in the X century. Apart from the Christian temple, which became part of the Mezquita in the 16th century, this is purely Muslim architecture in all its splendor.
Get back to ancient Spanish medieval Christianity and experience Seville masses at the amazing Easter celebrations that take place throughout Holy Week. During the processions of representatives of religious brotherhoods, believers carry the most beautiful paso(figures) of Christ and the Virgin Mary to the noisy greetings of the laity. The most glorious procession takes place in madru-gada(first hours) Good Friday. Having seen these celebrations, it is already impossible to forget them, as they are an exotic and infinitely delightful combination of theatricality, seriousness and deep faith. Religious processions happen in other cities of Spain, but nowhere do they reach such proportions as in Seville.
Madrid is not the only European city with an active nightlife, but it surpasses the rest in its rhythm and the strength of the street noise. As Ernest Hemingway noted, “in Madrid, no one goes to bed until they have enjoyed the night to the end.” Here you will find an endless variety of adjoining bars, small clubs, lively discos, cocktail bars, as well as chic clubs where celebrities flock. To truly feel this atmosphere, head to neighborhoods such as Huertas, Malasana, Chueca and La Latina.
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6. Pinchos in San Sebastian
The chefs can even turn snacks at the bar into works of art. Pintxos(pintxos - Basque tapas), sometimes referred to as "miniature haute cuisine", are small appetizers often served on a piece of French bread. It is worth going to any bar in the center of San Sebastian, and at the counter you will be offered a rich selection of snacks. All in all, this is the most unforgettable culinary experience in Spain. Although the atmosphere in such bars is always relaxed, the art of experimenting with flavor combinations is very serious (this is the hallmark of the Basque Country), and there is no doubt that it will only improve with time.
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7. City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, which was created by one of the largest Spanish architects Santiago Calatrava, helped transform the third largest city in Spain into one of its most vibrant places. A daring and stunning masterpiece of modern architecture, this complex includes a state-of-the-art theater - the Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts, the huge Oceanographic Aquarium, the Hemisphere Planetarium and the Prince Philip Science Museum.
La Rioja is a place where you can spend whole weeks winding along quiet roads in search of a glass of delicious wine. Wine tastings are offered in the wine shops (bodegas), and in the picturesque villages the traveler will find excellent wine museums, the backbone of the region. Hotel marquesdeRisk not far from Elciego, built by Frank Gehry, can be called the "Guggenheim of Bilbao" - in terms of architectural scale and ambition. This hotel has become an elite center for wine tourism throughout the region.
Bathed in the bright light of lanterns, the elegant central Plaza Mayor of Salamanca is perhaps the most beautiful square in Spain. But it's just one of the city's many gems, with architectural splendor that few places in the entire country can match. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe is located in this city, so nighttime festivities here are not complete without student feasts. It is the combination of splendor and energy that makes Salamanca the favorite city of many Spaniards.
The Sierra Nevada, with the majestic Mulasen Peak (3479 meters), the highest mountain in mainland Spain, serves as a mesmerizing backdrop for the warm city of Granada. Here you can ski in winter, walk in summer, and explore amazing pueblosblancos(white villages) Las Alpujarras. The villages of Las Alpujarras are one of the havens of the Moors on Spanish soil and are somewhat reminiscent of oases North Africa; they are lost among the forests and deep gorges for which the region is famous.
There may not be many marvels of architecture in Madrid, but what they lack is more than made up for by an incredible array of art galleries. The pearl of Madrid is the Prado Museum, where there was a place for the masterpieces of Goya, Velasquez, El Greco and other masters from all over Europe. However, within walking distance of the Prado is also the Reina Sofia Art Center, where Picasso's Guernica is exhibited, as well as works by Dali and Miro. Nearby is the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which has collected the works of the greatest authors of many centuries.
According to one of the testimonies, the emerald-green region of Asturias, spread out in the north-west of Spain, has 211 bays. Although the Atlantic is quite chilly here, which may not be to the liking of sunbathers, the beauty of these often wild and unspoiled stretches is simply breathtaking. Moreover, the villages, of which there are many along the coast and throughout the region, are among the most beautiful in the coastal regions of Spain. And the dishes served in this part of the country are also famous throughout Spain.
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13. Flamenco in Andalusia
The sublime and melancholic, touchingly intense art of flamenco originated in Andalusia and still exists here in the south of Spain, where you can get acquainted with the masterpieces of this genre. The birthplace of flamenco is located somewhere between Seville, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera, and in all three cities the colors of live flamenco cut through the night. Seville is especially rich in flamenco establishments. Performances with this dance are very incendiary and are remembered for a long time.
Spain offers the hiking traveler a wide variety of places to walk, but the Aragonese Pyrenees are especially famous for being the ideal destination for hiking. Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park is one of the most outstanding (both literally and figuratively) places in the Pyrenees. Highest point this mountain range - the peak of Monte Perdido (3348 meters). The park offers to climb the majestic rock walls and ice platforms, where you can sometimes meet chamois. Please note that the park has a limit on the number of people who can be in it at the same time.
You can get a royal stay at the Spanish state network paradores(paradors) - often luxurious and always exceptionally comfortable former castles, palaces and monasteries. There are only 86 such paradors throughout the country. They make up the golden fund of the European real estate service, and many are also located on the territory of historical complexes (for example, the Alhambra of Granada), and the prices for an overnight stay are more moderate than you might imagine, especially if you book online and in advance.
These peaks rise in a tight group just above the rugged and ever-changing coastline of Cantabria and Asturias. The Picos are three majestic limestone massifs, unique to Spain, but geologically similar to the Alps. The peaks of Europe are crossed by the most interesting tourist routes. These mountain ranges, being an integral part of Spain's second largest national park, boast some of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the country - a serious claim considering that Spain also has the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The Picos de Europa take pride of place in this high circle.
While the Mediterranean coast of Spain has become the epitome of mass tourism, Menorca occupies a special place in its composition. The island managed to be saved from the harmful effects of excessive economic development, so most of it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island has a 216 km long coastline with many beaches that deserve a separate description. Someone claims that getting to them by sea is the height of pleasure, but it is no less pleasant to spend time there. Among the best beaches are Macarelleta and Turqueta.
According to legend, Saint James, one of the twelve apostles, rested here. Therefore, Santiago de Compostela in the far north-west of Galicia attracts pilgrims like no other place in the country. Its splendid cathedral is adorned with an extraordinarily rich Romanesque façade and remarkable spiers. The cathedral is a famous pilgrimage destination for pilgrims on the Way of St. James in northern Spain. But look behind the cathedral and you will see many other exquisite monuments, as well as get acquainted with the magnificent culinary culture that embodies all of Galicia.
The noisiest Spanish festival is one of the most spectacular. It takes place annually in March in Valencia and is an explosive celebration with fireworks, music and bonfires that light up the sky for almost a whole week. But it's not just noisy fun. The Las Fallas festival has deep cultural roots and is exceptionally inventive. During it, each district tries to outdo the others in producing beautiful wood and papier-mâché sculptures that are burned at the climax of the festival.
Jamon (jamon, smoked ham) is one of the main dishes of Spanish cuisine and one of the few that can be found throughout the country. If there is a national Spanish dish, then it is not even paella, but jamon. In almost any Spanish restaurant, almost at any time, at least one jamon is prepared, laid out in a special brazier called jamonera. Thin, like a waffle, slices of selected jamon (it is called Jamonibericodebellota, although there are many other types of jamon) is simplicity itself, and they personify the Spanish culinary paradise for us.
Cape Cabo de Gata is a virgin strip of protected coastline east of Almeria. These places are truly legendary for many Spaniards. For most of the year, the beaches nestled between towering cliffs are virtually deserted. Rarely where else can you dive and take a walk on foot. Indeed, Cabo de Gata is a kind of oasis, places of stunning beauty that look exactly like in those days when no one, except for the inhabitants of the Spanish coast, had yet heard of the Costa del Sol. Best of all, you can't see any tourist areas from here.
Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists, driven by a variety of motives, embark on a journey through northern Spain. They are heading to Santiago de Compostela, a place of great importance to all Christians. But the attraction of this great route is not limited to religious feelings. There are many tourist routes in the north of Spain, but no other allows you to penetrate so deeply into the soul of Spain, experience the joys and whims of its nature. And at the end of even the smallest transition, you will gain impressions for the rest of your life.
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23. Segovia
One of the most beautiful small towns in Spain is Segovia. Here you will find beautiful Castilian churches and picturesque places, because the city is stretched along a mountain range, often covered with snow. But in Segovia there are also two legendary architectural masterpiece. Firstly, it is the Alcazar castle with several towers, which served as the prototype for the famous Disney magic castle. Secondly, this is a gigantic but graceful Roman aqueduct, built of granite blocks (fastened without a single drop of cement). It has stood the test of time and has stood at the heart of the city for nearly 2,000 years.
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24. Vacation in Cadiz
Cadio creates a special dashing feeling of "living today" and almost immediately makes you fall in love with its central, sometimes destroyed, streets of the 18th century. Locals while away the hot summer nights in the squares of the old city and in bars near the water. And the fame of how the carnival is celebrated in Cadiz, of its fun and passion, spreads throughout the country. And the city itself is utterly charming: breathtaking historical monuments, snaking whitewashed paths, panoramic lookouts and the cathedral square are all as beautiful as in other cities in Spain, and sometimes even better if you are blown by the cool salty Cadiz breeze.
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25. Costa da Morte and Cape Ortegal in Galicia
We look quite tiny next to the wild Atlantic cliffs of the Galician coast. Near Cape Ortegal you will be blown by strong winds, and the huge Atlantic waves will seem like just a tide as they break on the rocks of the cape far below. And along the Costa da Morte, where they only talk about shipwrecks, long and deserted sandy expanses are interspersed with formidable rocky headlands. If only all Spanish beaches were so pristine!
Barcelona has been a European style icon for decades, and designers from the haute couture world have played a significant role in ensuring that reputation never leaves the city. As a result, Barcelona has become one of the world's largest shopping centers, a place where originality really matters. Shop on Barcelona's boulevards (Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya and Avenida Diagonal), as well as the countless private shops and jewelry boutiques in the Gothic Quarter, Born and Gràcia boulevards.
Symbolic home of the Spanish Catholic Church and the army, the medieval center of Toledo is an outstanding World Heritage masterpiece. Toledo is known as the "city of three cultures" (where Muslims, Jews and Christians once lived side by side) and today remains a fascinating labyrinth of former mosques, synagogues and churches. The latter are still in active use, and the Cathedral of Toledo is one of the most majestic in Spain. Since Toledo is located very close to Madrid, many travelers stay there only during the day, and rush to the capital for the evening. But spend the night here and see Toledo in all its glory.
This coast is easily accessible by plane from the rest of Europe. It is dotted with the kind of villages and beaches that gave rise to the passion for summer holidays in Spain in Northern Europe. The Costa Brava in Catalonia is one of the most beloved parts of the Mediterranean. In addition, the spirit of Salvador Dali gives originality and exquisite eccentricity to these places. The great artist once lived in Cadaqués. In addition, places such as Figueres and Pubol Castle are associated with the name of Dali.
But is it necessary to expect to marry a Spaniard ?! In this matter, it is better to heed the advice of experienced compatriots ...
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From the northern mountains to the hot Seville and the distant Canary Islands: what are the places to visit to fully capture the splendor of sunny Spain.
1. Pueblos Blancos, Andalusia
The snow-white villages that humiliated the hilly region in central Andalusia not so long ago experienced a period of decline: young people left these farming settlements en masse, heading for work in large cities. However, now the inhabitants of the villages have clearly decided to attract more tourists and engaged in the restoration of buildings and pavements.
Narrow lanes winding between snow-white houses, old churches and playgrounds covered with colorful flowers have regained their medieval charm. The most picturesque of the villages are Grazalema, Vejer de la Frontera and Arcos de la Frontera.
2. Alhambra (Alhambra), Granada
The Moorish fortress, covered with stunning carvings, is one of the most visited monuments in all of Spain. The complex of palaces, surrounded by well-kept gardens, crowns the top of the hill; the backdrop is the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Inside its walls, the fortress is no less impressive: here, among the peaceful courtyards, the Moorish opulent decorations contrast interestingly with the laconic lines of the Baroque elements of later eras.
3. Masterpieces of Gaudí, Barcelona
The Catalan capital has no shortage of good things: a vibrant nightlife, long beaches and plenty of shopping space make it one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. However, its main pearls are undoubtedly the phantasmagoric buildings erected by the legendary Antonio Gaudi. The most visited of his creations (and, concurrently, the symbol of the city) is, of course, the still unfinished Sagrada Familia with its carved turrets and bizarre columns. Other must-see masterpieces of the architect are the Casa Mila residential building, as well as the "gingerbread" houses of Park Güell.
4. Mountain beauty, Picos de Europa
Spanish landscapes are good everywhere, whether long sandy beaches or wide plains. But the most impressive natural views of the country are concentrated in the mountains. natural park Picos de Europa. Rocky slopes, emerald green valleys and raging rivers make this region in northern Spain perfect place for trekking, rafting and other outdoor activities.
5. Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela
Numerous Gothic cathedrals in Spain are an important tribute to Catholic traditions. Perhaps the most impressive of them is the bulk of the Cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela. It is a huge building covered in baroque scrollwork, statues and stalagmites. And the cathedral is the last stop on the route of many thousands of pilgrims who annually pass along the famous pilgrimage road, known as the Way of St. James.
6. Teide Volcano, Tenerife
It takes almost two hours to fly from Spain to the Canary Islands. The islands are located much closer to the African coast than to the European one, and their nature differs sharply from the landscapes presented in Spain. These lands of volcanic origin are covered with stepped slopes and black sands. In the center of Tenerife - the most popular of the islands - rises the mighty Teide volcano, crowned with a snow cap. Those who decide to conquer its slopes on foot will have a walk among completely “lunar” landscapes, and stunning views of the Canary Islands open from the very top.
7. Formentera Beaches, Balearic Islands
Almost 10 thousand kilometers coastline and the abundance of sunshine has long since turned Spain into a beach mecca. The beaches here are very different: from humiliated with sun loungers and colorful umbrellas to virgin desert sandy strips. Perhaps the most pristine (and whitest!) beaches can be found on Fortmenter, one of the Balearic Islands. You can swim to Formentera from the mainland in just a couple of hours. The most picturesque of the beaches of the island - Ses Illetes - is a curving strip of white sand, on which the ultramarine waters of the Mediterranean gently splash.
8. City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
Spain is famous for its outstanding ancient architecture, but its modern projects no less interesting. Located in Valencia, the architectural complex "City of Arts and Sciences", designed by the outstanding architect Santiago Calatrava, can be called the hallmark of modern Spanish architecture. Dazzling white buildings of bizarre shapes, the walls of which are curved at the most unimaginable angles, are impressive at any time of the day, but they are especially picturesque at night, when their outlines are emphasized by skillful illumination.
9. Plaza of Spain, Seville
The capital of Andalusia is full of beautiful buildings and a stunning, authentic Spanish atmosphere. Plaza de España, designed by local architect Anibal González in 1929, is a colorful kaleidoscope of colorful turrets and colonnades, lavishly covered in swirling patterns. In the center of the square there is a huge fountain and canals where you can ride on rented catamarans. The place is so picturesque that it has been featured in various films more than once, the most famous of which is the second episode " Star Wars"("Attack of the Clones").
10. Old City, Toledo
Ancient Toledo, located in the heart of Spain, was the capital of the country until the 16th century. For many centuries, Jews, Christians and Muslims lived here side by side, for which Toledo received the nickname " Cities of three cultures". Narrow cobbled streets, historical buildings, architectural monuments, majestic temples and cathedrals - this place is a must for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the rich history of the country.
Of course, there are many other beautiful places in Spain. To describe them all, one article and even one site is not enough. And to visit all of them, one life may not be enough.
9.10.2017 at 21:43 · pavlofox · 410
Most Beautiful places Spain
Seeing the most beautiful places in Spain is a great reason to visit this amazing country, which has picturesque beaches, powerful mountains and plateaus, plains and even volcanoes. Spain has something to show its guests: ancient monuments of the Roman era, medieval castles, majestic cathedrals, amazing creations of Antonio Gaudi, luxurious royal palaces, national parks and beautiful architectural and park ensembles.
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Opens the list of the most beautiful places in Spain masterpieces brilliant architect Antonio Gaudi that can be seen in Barcelona. The capital of Catalonia can offer guests amazing beaches, vibrant nightlife, many shops and boutiques for shopping, but many tourists go to Barcelona with one goal - to see the brilliant creations of one of the greatest and most extraordinary architects in the world, Antoni Gaudí. In the capital of Catalonia, there are the most famous of his works, stunning in their beauty and unusualness. Its buildings are easily recognizable - they look like outlandish plants or bizarre animals.
One of the most famous creations of Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia, has become a symbol of the city and its hallmark. The architect spent the last 43 years of his life building it. The cathedral was never completed, and its construction continues to this day. Other masterpieces of the outstanding architect that can be seen in Barcelona include Park Güell with its amazing "gingerbread" houses, the residential buildings of Casa Mila and Casa Batlló and Güell Wine Cellars.
9. Architectural and park ensemble of the Alhambra
The most beautiful places in Spain include the architectural and park ensemble Alhambra located in the city of Granada. The appearance of the Alhambra is associated with the era of the rule of the Muslim Nasrid dynasty in Granada. The magnificent complex of towers, dwellings, mosques, warehouses and gardens was the residence of the rulers of the Emirate of Granada. Now the Alhambra is considered to be the best example Moorish art in Europe. The complex is divided into several zones: the Nasrid palaces, the palace of Charles V, the Generalife gardens, the upper Alhambra and the Alcazaba.
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Located in the city of Santiago de Compostela, is a Catholic shrine, the largest center of pilgrimage and one of the most beautiful places in Spain. In the cathedral, in a silver reliquary, the relics of St. Santiago Matamoros (Apostle James) are buried.
The Cathedral of St. James has several attractions: different facades, decorated with many sculptures from different eras, the largest censer in the world, weighing 80 kg, and 80-meter towers. The huge building impresses with its powerful energy. Despite its monumental size, the architecture of the majestic cathedral is remarkable for its amazing grace.
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Spain boasts not only magnificent architectural sights, but also fabulous beaches of Formentera.
Formentera is a small island in the Balearic archipelago. Here is one of the most beautiful places in Spain - clean and deserted beaches. The main advantage of the beaches of Formentera is the purest white sand, gentle turquoise sea and delightful sea air.
6. Plaza of Spain
The list of the most beautiful places in Spain continues (Plaza de España), located in Seville. It is an urban ensemble built to the beginning international exhibition 1929. The ensemble was decorated in the then fashionable neo-Mudéjar and Art Deco styles. There is a large fountain in the center of the square, and it is surrounded by buildings with niches, each of which is dedicated to one of the provinces of Spain. The niches are decorated with panels depicting events that reflect important historical moments in the life of the provinces. The buildings now house the municipality of the city. A small canal stretches along the square, and those who wish can ride along it in rowing boats. City museums are located near the square.
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One of the most beautiful places in Spain. It is located in the Catalan Pyrenees. Here you can admire many waterfalls and glacial lakes, dense coniferous forests and flowering alpine meadows. The most popular lake among visitors to the park is San Muricio. Mostly lovers of mountaineering, rock climbing and rafting come here in late spring and summer. Guests of the park can spend the night for a small fee in houses with a minimum set of amenities and try the local cuisine.
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IN Teide National Park Spain's highest peak is located on the island of Tenerife. And this is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places in the country. The island is of volcanic origin. Peak Teide is second in height only to the Hawaiian volcanoes Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Teide Park, despite its desert appearance, attracts tourists with a wealth of unique flora and fauna. lovers extreme recreation come here to climb to the top of the volcano. Most of the park's guests prefer the cable car ride to hiking.
3. The beaches of Menorca
Speaking of the most beautiful places in Spain, one cannot but mention the luxurious ones. Today, most of the island is a biosphere reserve under the protection of UNESCO. There are more than 70 beaches on the island, most of which are wild. The beaches of Menorca - real paradise with magnificent nature, small cozy bays and clear turquoise water.
2. Alcazar Palace
Royal in Seville - the most beautiful place in Spain and the oldest of the palaces of rulers in Europe. Like the Alhambra, it was built in the Mudéjar style. The palace is still used for its intended purpose - when the Spanish rulers live in Seville, they stay at their official residence. The rest of the time, the Alcazar is open to the public. The palace impresses with its artsy Arabic architecture, which is characterized by the rich decoration of the floor, walls and ceilings, rich stucco, tiles and friezes.
1. Buen Retiro Park
Among the most beautiful places in Spain is the city - the largest of the parks in Madrid and favorite place recreation for local residents. Here you can see such sights as the Fallen Angel Fountain with a statue of the Devil, the Crystal Pavilion, which hosts art exhibitions, and the Velasquez Palace. The park is decorated with a small lake.
Sights and museums, the most interesting cities, beach holiday, ski resorts and the cost of hotels in Spain
The slogan of the tourist department of Spain sounds like "I need Spain". If you agree with this statement and have already planned a vacation in a hospitable Mediterranean country, then it will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with information about its main attractions. In this review, we have prepared a summary of must-see tourist locations in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Marbella, cultural features of Spanish leisure, popular resorts, shopping and cuisine.
Knowledgeable travelers claim that Spain is such a diverse country that it is almost impossible to get to know it in one visit. However, this should not confuse you! The first meeting with Spain can become so impressive that you will want to return here again and again to continue immersing yourself in the original culture, centuries-old history and the hectic pace of life of the modern homeland of Dali and Cervantes.
Attractions
Madrid
The capital of sunny Spain is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. To see this, you just need to take a walk along its wide and busy avenues. Hurry up to visit the most famous museums with impressive collections of world masterpieces and spend a siesta in the shade of plane trees in one of the parks of the capital, escaping the heat. And with the onset of darkness, it is worth starting a journey through the drinking establishments of the city. You will be surprised when you notice that traffic on the Gran Via, main street Madrid, even more lively at night than during the day. No wonder Madrid breaks all European records for the number of nightclubs, restaurants and bars per capita.
Puerta del Sol is called the heart of the city. It is decorated with an equestrian statue of Charles III and the symbol of Madrid, placed on the coat of arms of the city - Ursa with a strawberry tree. The "Gate of the Sun" is the geographical center not only of Madrid, but of the whole of Spain. Here you will find a bronze plate from which the distances to all settlements in the country are calculated. The oldest building of the square, built in 1761, is the Post Office, today it houses the government of the autonomous region of Madrid. Its facade is decorated with a clock notifying the Spaniards of the New Year.
Another no less attractive area for travelers is the Plaza Mayor. During the Middle Ages, it served as a market and at the same time a place where executions at the stake and bullfights were held. Today it is decorated with an equestrian statue of Philip III and two outstanding buildings - the Baker's House, which is easily recognizable by the frescoes on the pediment, and the Butcher's House, which houses the city executive authorities. From the east, the Plaza de la Provincia adjoins the square with the Santa Cruz Palace - the Spanish Foreign Ministry. Tourists like to stroll along Villa Square, decorated with the Consistory building. At one time, it also housed the La Villa prison, and today municipal officials work.
If you want to hear about the history of Madrid from the lips of qualified guides, then you can join a two or three hour walking tour in Russian. , second -
As you know, Spain is ruled by a king. Anyone can visit his residence - the Royal Palace, built in the classical baroque style of granite and white stone. Experienced travelers claim that the palace is vaguely reminiscent of the French Versailles. It is considered one of the most interesting sights of the city. The entrance ticket for adults will cost 10 euros, for children - 5 euros. Juan Carlos II visits his residence exclusively for official events. The palace is open for tourists all year round, the schedule is better to check on.
In the immediate vicinity of the palace, on its north side, free admission to the Sabatini Gardens is open to everyone - a quiet and cozy place with neat flower beds, a rectangular pond and amazing living boxwood sculptures. It is from here that the most successful photos of the Royal Palace are obtained. The garden is open to the public from 10:00 to 20:00 (from October to March until 18:00).
Do you love football? Then you definitely must know the legendary Spanish team Real Madrid. It is called the real pride of Spain. If you are lucky, you will be able to get to the match of the best football club of the 20th century. At the Santiago Bernabeu stadium there is a museum where all the team's awards for 114 years of its existence are stored. A visit to the museum is part of the tour of the legendary stadium. The cost of an adult ticket is 19 euros, for children (under 14 years old) - 13 euros. Tickets can be bought at box office number 10. Comprehensive information on the tour on the official.
Since we are talking about museums, we cannot fail to mention the Museo del Prado, the main artistic attraction of Madrid. Any self-respecting connoisseur of fine arts knows that the Prado is the richest museum in the world, whose scale can only be compared with the Hermitage, the Uffizi Gallery or the Louvre. Within its walls you will meet the masterpieces of Goya, Bosch, Rubens, Botticelli, Dürer and Rembrandt. Take a whole day to visit the Prado, as its exposition will require a lot of free time from you. The museum is open from 9.00 to 20.00, except holidays and Mondays. Entrance ticket from 4 to 8 euros. When entering, do not forget to take a plan of the halls, on which all the brightest paintings are marked, otherwise you risk getting lost and missing the most valuable.
In Madrid, in addition to the Prado, there are two more outstanding museums - (admission ticket 10 euros) and (adult ticket 12 euros, preferential 8 euros, on Mondays from 12:00 to 16:00 - admission is free). These three collections of paintings are known only as the "Golden Triangle of Arts" of Madrid.
museum card
When you travel to Madrid, don't forget to purchase the Madrid Card, a discount card that will give you free public transport, at least 30% discounts in cafes and shops, skip-the-line entry to museums, and even a guide service. You can order a card at or in the tourist centers of the city. Its cost for one day is 47 euros for 3 days - 67 euros, for children for 1 day - 34 euros, for 3 days - 44 euros.
Outskirts of Madrid: where to go?
Warner Brothers Film Company Park
If you love movies or are traveling with kids, include a visit to the Warner Brothers Film Company Park in your travel plan. It is quite easy to get to it: a commuter train of the S-3 line departs from the Atocha station. On the way 25 minutes. Your Pinto station, then you will need to take bus number 413. We advise you to check the bus schedule so as not to be late for the last one. A taxi from the park to the train stop will cost 20 euros.
The area of the amusement park is 250 hectares, it is divided into thematic zones - Cartoon Village, Hollywood Boulevard, Super Heroes World. It will be interesting for children to get acquainted with their favorite cartoon characters, and for adults to ride on numerous roller coasters and tickle nerves in haunted houses. The entrance ticket on the site for all categories of visitors is 25.9 euros, on the spot it is much more expensive. Schedule is possible.
Escorial
We recommend heading to Escorial to visit the stunning 16th-century monastery and palace of San Lorenzo del Escorial. Here you will meet with the monumental paintings of Bosch, Velasquez, Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian and El Greco, acquaintance with tapestries made according to the sketches of Rubens Goya. A visit to Escorial is completed by a walk to the marble mausoleum of the Spanish kings, in which only two tombs are free.
And Escorial attracts with its atypical climate for Spain - it is always cool here, even if the air temperature in Madrid has risen to an uncomfortable +30 degrees. An hour trip to Escorial will give you not only a meeting with the beautiful, but also the opportunity to relax from the scorching Spanish sun. The complex is open for visits from 10:00 to 20:00 except Monday, from October to March until 18:00. Entrance ticket - 10 euros for adults and 5 euros for beneficiaries. A trip from Madrid will cost you 7-20 euros, depending on the chosen transport. You can travel by bus or train.
Flamenco
Such a cultural phenomenon as flamenco deserves special attention. Andalusia is considered to be the birthplace of this dance, but the shows of groups that perform on an ongoing basis can be seen in all major cities of the country. If you want to see how flamenco dances in Madrid - go to one of the "tablaos" - the scenes where the dancers perform are called. The oldest tablao in the capital of Spain is called
performances have been held here since 1956. Graceful dancers in rustling scarlet skirts, who passionately and selflessly dance a hot dance to sonorous guitar chords, will surely conquer you.
This location is included in the list of "100 places to visit in your lifetime." Music critics claim that El Corral de la Moreria is the best venue not only in Spain, but also in Europe. Concert organizers invite talented musicians and dancers from all over the country. A ticket to the show will cost you 50 euros (this price includes 1 drink).
The most interesting cities in Spain: Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Marbella
Barcelona
Barcelona is known as the Architectural Wonder of Spain. Numerous historical sights of the Catalan capital attract millions of tourists every year. Guests are advised to start exploring the city with a visit to the Gothic Quarter, the oldest in the Old Town. Its buildings date from the 14th-15th centuries. The most visited location is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia. It houses the residence of the archbishop. White geese live in the chapel of the cathedral, their color symbolizes the purity and purity of Saint Eulalia. Please check catedralbcn.org for hours of operation. A visit to the choirs and an observation deck on the roof for 3 euros.
Fans of secular architecture will certainly appreciate the Grand Royal Palace (adult ticket 4 euros, reduced ticket 2.5 euros, children under 6 free of charge), the unique concert hall Palace Catalan music(55 minute tour 18 euros, concession ticket- 11 euros), the Jewish quarter of Cal and the Gothic fountain on Sant Just Square.
The most popular museum in Barcelona is the Picasso Museum museupicasso.bcn.cat. This is a whole complex that occupies 5 Gothic buildings on Moncada Street. The ticket price is 12 euros, children under 18 are free.
It is simply impossible to visit Barcelona and not touch the legacy of the great inventor Antonio Gaudi. It was according to his drawings that the construction of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, still unfinished, began. This fact does not prevent the enchanting structure with many towers from playing the honorary role of the visiting card of the city. The cost of tickets to the Sagrada Familia is 15-29 euros (self-guided tour, with a guide, with an audio guide). The work schedule is better at. In the creative piggy bank of Senor Gaudi, in addition to the Sagrada Familia, there are also secular buildings - the Guell Palace, Vicens' House, Mila's House, nicknamed the "Stone Quarry", Calvett's mansion. All these eccentric buildings are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The area of Montjuic deserves special attention. Its most striking sights are the fortress of the same name and National Museum Arts of Catalonia museunacional.cat (admission 12 euros, children under 16, visitors over 65 free). Tourists love to see the Magic Fountain and the exposition (adult ticket 12 euros, reduced ticket 7 euros, children under 15 free of charge). It was on Mount Montjuic that two world-class events took place at once - the World Exhibition (1929) and the XXV Summer Olympic Games (1992).
Seville
The capital of Andalusia is known for its outstanding historical quarter, one of the largest in Europe. Tourists like to start exploring the city with a visit to the catedraldesevilla.es Cathedral, where the remains of Christopher Columbus are buried, who set off from the local harbor to the New World. Entrance ticket for adults 9 euros, preferential - 4 euros, children under 14 years old - free of charge.
An equally popular place among city guests is Art Museum, the second most important collection of paintings in the country. The visiting card of the city is the bell tower of the cathedral, the Giralda.
This imposing building once served as the minaret of the mosque. Now at a height of 98 meters there is an observation deck. The ticket price is 8 euros, students and pensioners pay 3 euros. Opening hours better to clarify Another evidence of the Moorish invasion - the palace-fortress Alcazar alcazarsevilla.org with many galleries, waterfalls, fountains, patios and cozy gardens. An entrance ticket will cost 11.5 euros, a reduced ticket - 3 euros.
There are night tours (14 euros) and free visits on Monday evenings. Don't miss the "Golden Tower" visitasevilla.es (admission €3, concession €1.5) and the magnificent observation deck, Triana Bridge. In Seville, you can admire the spectacle that made Spain famous all over the world - bullfighting. above the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza.
Granada
The pearl of Granada is the "Red Fortress" or Alhambra, the only example of Moorish architecture in the city. The Alhambra rises above the city, crowning a steep ridge above a wooded hill. The official website of the architectural complex is alhambra-patronato.es. We recommend booking a ticket in advance through the hotel administrator, so as not to stand in line. Entrance ticket - 14 euros (includes visits to the Nasrid palaces, Alcazaba, Generalife), children under 12 years old are free.
An equally interesting location in Granada is the old summer palace Arab sultans, adorned with fountains, pools and stunning Generalife gardens. Ticket to the gardens - 7 euros, in the evening - 8 euros. Among the Christian sights, I would like to mention the Church of St. Jose, the Abbey of Sacromonte, the Basilica of St. Juan. If you want to try the Arab cuisine of the Maghreb, head to Calle Calderería (Calle de las Teterías). And for lovers of bathing leisure in Granada there is a high-class spa complex, made in the style of traditional Muslim baths.
Marbella
The Spanish Mediterranean city of Marbella is a fashionable and very fashionable resort. In the high season, its population increases by 2.5 times, reaching 200 thousand people. It is here, on the Golden Mile, that the most prestigious Spanish hotels and villas are located, in which celebrities from all over the world and even members of royal families regularly rest. The most comfortable beaches on the Costa del Sol include Bounty Beach, Playa de Rio Real, Playa de Alicate, Playa Hermosa Playa Real de Zaragoza Playa Fontanilla and Playa de Nueva Andalucía. The city has 4 operating ports - one of them is fishing and three are sports.
The most famous of them is the largest sports port in the Mediterranean, Puerto Banus. It is decorated with the Victory monument - a bronze giant, a gift from the sculptor Zurab Tsereteli. It is a stele crowned with a figure of a man with his hands raised up, looking at the sea. The locals dubbed him "Russian, who first came to the sea." Among the historical sights of the city there are many interesting ancient buildings: the ancient Roman mosaic in Villa de Rio Verde and the baths of the 3rd century AD in the town of San Pedro, the Paleo-Christian basilica of the 3rd-4th centuries AD. in Vega del Mar, the fortress of the Alcazaba with the Thieves' and Royal Towers. A walk through the old town will give many unforgettable impressions - the Ermita de Santiago chapel on Orange Square and the Corregidor's House, made in the Gothic and Renaissance styles, will be remembered by travelers for a long time.
Those wishing to admire the wonderful Mediterranean nature will love the parks and botanical gardens of Marbella - La Alameda Poplar Alley, one of the oldest parks in the city and the Arollo de la Represa Garden, which cascades down to the waterfront itself with the amazing Bonsai Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of mini-trees in Europe.
If it seems to you that you have already explored Marbella well, go on one of the sightseeing tours of the cities of the Costa del Sol. Such a trip will take 2 days and will cost 200-250 euros per person. Another interesting pastime option is an excursion to Morocco. One day tour with the crossing of Gibraltar and a visit to Tangier costs 70-80 euros.
Beach holidays in Spain
Do you know that Spain is commonly referred to as "The most beach country in the world"? And this is the case when quantity is inextricably linked with quality. More than six hundred beaches in Spain are marked with " blue flag” - an international award confirming that they are suitable for safe swimming. Note that in the country absolutely all the beaches are municipal and completely free. Let's get acquainted with the most popular beach regions of the country so that you can choose the direction that meets your ideas about the perfect vacation by the sea.
Mallorca is usually called a resort for bohemia. One of the Balearic Islands will meet its guests with comfortable air and water temperature, pleasant breeze, natural beauty of bays and lagoons. First-class hotels with well-trained staff will offer a lot of entertainment. If you get tired of a lazy beach holiday and admiring exotic nature, then diving, windsurfing, rock climbing are at your service.
Tenerife is called the "Island of Eternal Spring" for its surprisingly mild climate, because even in winter the air temperature does not drop below +21 ° C. One of the islands of the Canary archipelago is usually chosen by families with children and newlyweds. And this is not without reason - the gentle sea, magnificent sandy beaches, an interesting excursion program and picturesque nature allow this place to be included in the list of the world's best resorts.
The Costa del Sol is for you if you don't like too hot sun. The temperature in the resort rarely rises above +21 °C even in the height of summer. Obviously, this fact does not bother the millions of tourists who happily come to Andalusia every year to the resorts of Sunny Beach - Benalmadena, Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Estepona.
The Valencian resort of the Costa Blanca is popular for its pristine white sand beaches. Tourists are attracted by the excellent infrastructure and the opportunity to spend active sea leisure - scuba diving, cycling around the area, practicing rock climbing and windsurfing.
Costa Brava, or "Coast of the brave" is located in close proximity to the border with France. This resort features a large number of beaches marked with the Blue Flag, as well as cozy bays and coves. The impregnable rocks are covered with firs and pines. Suitable for family vacation, thanks to the many amusement parks and water rides.
San Sebastian is an elegant resort located on the Cantabrian coast. Representatives of the European elite from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and France come here for a quiet holiday. Jazz fans annually come to San Sebastian for the Jazzaldia festival, and the International Film Festival is held here at the end of September, which means that on the Velvet season here comes the cinematic elite from all over the world.
Costa Dorada ("Golden Coast") got its poetic name thanks to the purest golden sand, which shimmers in shallow and warm sea lagoons like real gold. Proximity to Barcelona makes this place popular among fans not only to bask in the gentle Spanish sun, but to visit the many sights of Catalonia. Families with children and young people like to relax on the Costa Dorada. The former like the shallow sea, comfortable hotels and a warm mild climate, the latter - affordable prices and an abundance of amusement parks.
Connoisseurs of maritime leisure say that in Benidorm best beaches Mediterranean. This resort of the Costa Blanca region attracts guests with a wide range of services, especially appreciated by fans of outdoor activities and party-goers. There are many clubs and discos in Benidorm. Families with children equally like this Valencian coastal town, because many of the resort's hotels allow children under 12 to relax for free. In Benidorm, there are playgrounds and entertainment centers, you can order babysitting services, and in restaurants, parents of kids will be offered a separate children's menu.
The Costa Tropical resort is located in the province of Granada. Tourists choose this place for excellent beaches and a calm, relaxed atmosphere conducive to a good rest. The subtropical climate gives the guests of the resort 320 sunny days a year. average temperature air does not exceed +24 C and there is practically no precipitation in summer time. The choice of hotels will please even the most demanding public. The abundance of water parks and well-thought-out infrastructure make the Costa Tropical an ideal place for both family and youth recreation.
| 3* | 4* | 5* | Apartments | Guesthouse | Hostel | |
| Majorca | 53 euro | 60 euro | 122 euro | |||
| Tenerife | 28 euro | 33 euro | 90 euro | 19 euro | 9 euro | 7 euro |
| benalmadena | 131 euros | 198 euro | 85 euro | 65 euro | 53 euro | 38 euro |
| Costa Blanca | 40 euro | 54 euro | 119 euros | 20 euro | 20 euro | 17 euro |
| Costa Brava | 63 euro | 117 euros | 145 euro | 119 euros | 22 euro | 41 euro |
| San Sebastian | 45 euro | 89 euro | 264 euros | 100 euro | 36 euro | 15 euro |
| Costa Dorada | 44 euro | 67 euro | 375 euro | 49 euro | 24 euro | 18 euro |
| Benidorm | 48 euro | 104 euros | 236 euros | 62 euro | 27 euro | 29 euro |
| Costa Tropical | 55 euro | 100 euro | 43 euro | 28 euro | ||
| Ibiza | 115 euro | 198 euro | 212 euro | 152 euros | 99 euro | 44 euro |
Club holidays in Spain
Among fans of club culture, the island of Ibiza, which belongs to the Balearic archipelago, is considered a real Mecca. It is worth talking about this wonderful island in more detail. Despite the fact that it is 80 km away from mainland Spain, getting to Ibiza is not difficult. The number of flights to Ibiza increases during the "high season". If you are flying from Moscow, then you will have to make a change in Barcelona. These flights are operated by Vueling Airlines. The journey takes about 7 hours, the cost is from 240 euros. If you want to save money, you can choose a joint flight from Air Italy and Vueling Airlines with an independent connection in Milan. The journey takes about 13 hours, but the ticket will cost 191 euros.
There are also no direct flights from St. Petersburg. S7 Airlines offers flights through Moscow from 182 euros, on the way for about a day, Vueling Airlines and Iberia will take you to Ibiza in just 6 hours, a ticket will cost 262 euros one way.
If you are traveling via Madrid or Barcelona, you can take advantage of the offers of European low-cost airlines. A ticket from the capital will cost 41-68 euros, travel time is over 1 hour. Such flights are regularly operated by Iberia Express, Ryanair, Vueling Airlines. From the capital of Catalonia you will fly to Ibiza for 24-28 euros with Ryanair and Vueling Airlines.
Another option is the ferries that run regularly between Barcelona and Ibiza.
Information about flights can be clarified on the websites of carrier companies and Acciona. A one-way trip will cost from 60 euros, the journey takes 9 hours, but this time can be spent at an incendiary sea disco, in a bar, in a pool or in a cinema.
What awaits you in Ibiza in addition to parties all night long, famous DJs, foam parties and crazy sets from gurus electronic music? Good beaches, gentle sun, picturesque olive groves, warm sea. It should be noted that the capital of the island with the same name is included in the UNESCO heritage list.
When is the best time to fly to Ibiza if you want to dive head first into the club scene? The season opens in May, and its peak falls on the velvet season. From August to September, the world's most famous DJs, club residents and fans of club leisure flock to the island.
It should be noted that during this period of time, the boring island really “wakes up” with the advent of twilight - stylish boutiques, bars and nightclubs begin to work. The most popular "warm-up bars" open their doors to party-goers looking to recharge before hitting the club. This is not surprising, because club establishments for the most part work from 2 am until morning.
The most famous clubs of Ibiza are thundering all over the world: Amnesia is famous for its foam parties, Privilege is the biggest night club in the world, Space is open around the clock, Pacha does not close even in the "off season" and from the spacious terrace of El Divino, which serves as a dance floor for hundreds of guests, offers a magnificent view of the ancient fortress of Dalt Vila.
Ski resorts in Spain
Despite the fact that Spain is considered a country with a stable hot climate, ski tourism is developed here no worse than beach destinations. The most famous and visited ski resorts the countries are considered to be Port del Comte, La Molina and Baqueira Beret, located in the Catalan Hills. Baqueira-Beret is a favorite vacation spot for members of the royal dynasty and high-ranking politicians, including the president. And on the heights of the Aragonese Pyrenees, with their famous thermal springs, there are at least popular resorts Kandansa, Astuna and Boi-Taul.
The largest winter resort in Spain is Formigal, located in the province of Zaragoza. There is usually little snow here, but walking tours along high-altitude routes with coniferous forests will appeal to all lovers of wildlife.
An hour's drive from the Mediterranean coast is ski resort Sierra Nevada. The conditions offered here to tourists comply with international standards, and in 1996 the Sierra Nevada hosted the World Championship in skiing. Barcelona and Madrid winter resorts do not differ in long-term seasonal attendance, but compensate for this shortcoming with an extensive selection of original entertainment and accommodation options for vacationers. Not far from Madrid are La Pinilla, Navacerrada and Valdeschi. In the vicinity of Barcelona - Espot-Eski and the same Baqueira-Beret. Here you will be offered to taste the most exquisite wines and rich Spanish cuisine as part of gastronomic and wine tours. But Spanish food is worth talking about separately.
What and where to eat
Spanish cuisine is legendary. A rare traveler, having once visited Spain, will not bring with him a new favorite dish. The abundance of restaurants and cafes leaves no chance to miss the opportunity to try National dishes and enjoy excellent wines. Here they care about the tastes of not only adherents of colorful Spanish cuisine, but those who prefer the usual food when visiting. In Spain, you can freely dine in an Italian, Japanese or Mexican restaurant. Note that Spanish cuisine itself differs according to the regional principle.
Not surprisingly, Spain is home to the oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botín, which opened in Madrid in 1725. Locals say that Francisco Goya once worked here washing dishes.
For lovers of fast food, the Spanish coast around the clock offers to visit McDonald's, WOK TO WALK, KFS, as well as try national Spanish sandwiches in the fast food chain 100 montaditos, or use the "business lunch" service from 12 to 16 pm for 10-12 euros. In the same price range, you can dine in a small Chinese restaurant, trying not only Asian, but also European cuisine. Street food will cost from 4 to 7 euros (we are talking about stuffed tortillas, churros, pizza or Spanish bocadillo sandwiches).
Tapeo and the famous tapas bars are a separate type of holiday for Spaniards who want to have a tasty meal, drink excellent red wine and have a heart-to-heart talk with friends. Before serving the main course, various appetizers are placed on the table, each of which can be considered a full and hearty meal in itself, and then guests are served with cold gazpacho soup, perhaps the most common meal in Spain.
Not inferior in popularity is the colorful paella with healthy seafood and golden rice, as well as the dry-cured pork product called jamon. For a dinner for two with alcohol, be prepared to pay about 50 euros in Madrid.
Spain has always been famous for its hospitality and warm attitude towards guests, who are usually treated with wine. Of the white wines, Ampurdan and Penedès are the most popular, and the Spaniards assign a special place to the famous sherry in the national wine list. The world famous sangria is usually made from semi-sweet red wine and served with crushed fruit, ice and soda.
What and where to buy
Walking along the colorful Spanish streets, don't forget to buy local homemade souvenirs that have absorbed the whole range of impressions from a trip to this beautiful country.
From Spain they bring:
legendary castanets (from 10 euros), which can be bought as a gift to friends who are fond of music;
figurines of a bull or bullfighter made of wood, marble or clay. Bullfight posters for 10 euros are also popular, where anyone can enter their name as a participant in the tournament;
red woolen hat "barretina vermelha";
the famous Mallorcan colored glass and pearls;
figurines of a "pooping" person - a kaganer, which, according to the Spaniards, brings success, happiness and a rich life;
original leather goods (from 20 euros).
For gastronomic souvenirs, packaged jamon from a local supermarket from the famous culinary specialist Pedro Diego (from 10 to 17 euros per 1 kg), the highlight of Spanish cheese making - Manchego, semi-hard cheese from sheep's milk (10 euros per 1 kg) are suitable. Pay attention to olive oil (5 euros), wine, spices, turron (3-5 euros), a dessert that tastes like halva and aromatic tea.
Porcelain (from 5 euros), the finest and most exclusive lace (from 5 to 500 euros), amazing silk embroidery, fans (from 5 euros) and, of course, wine (sangria from 2 euros) are also very popular.
Spain is considered one of the world's largest shopping centers. There are a huge number of stores of the most famous and popular brands of world stars of the fashion industry, and the largest stock centers of leading manufacturers of clothing and household items. Fashion weeks are regularly held in Spain, setting the tone and direction for the upcoming season, not only for the temperamental Spanish men and women, but also for all guests who are in love with this beautiful country and are interested in fashion.
Pay attention to the opening hours of the shops. The famous Spanish siesta starts at one in the afternoon and lasts until four in the afternoon. For the Spaniards, this is not just a tradition, but a way of life that has not changed for several centuries. At this time, the working mechanism of the Spanish cities freezes in a peaceful pause, inviting everyone to their world of tranquility and joyful communication. Most government agencies, banks and, of course, shops and shopping centers are closed for a three-hour break. The only place in Spain where the stormy atmosphere of active life does not allow you to turn off the process of movement even for a siesta is the Sierra Nevada.
The usual opening hours of Spanish shops are as follows: 9:00-13:00, break for a siesta, then 16:00-20:00. The exceptions are some large markets that work non-stop.
Days of sales and discounts in Spain happen twice a year - from the beginning of the year to March and from the middle of the summer season to September. The most attractive cities for fashionistas and fashionistas are Barcelona and Madrid with entire complexes of the largest outlets. The Madrid quarter, located in the historical part of the city - Arguels, is widely known, as well as the Sol and Preciados shopping centers, where you can find any souvenirs, fashionable clothes, wedding dresses from the latest collections of leading designers.
In Barcelona, getting to the most remote shopping centers will not be difficult. Here, for shopping lovers, a special route was launched, which includes the most popular stores - Barcelona Shopping Line. Funny blue buses during the day carry everyone along a certain route with a small time interval. The ticket price is 10 euros, and the duration of the trip is not limited.
In order not to get lost in this cycle of commercial diversity, the Spaniards offer to purchase the Barcelona Shopping Guide, which is sold in all print kiosks, as well as bookstores.
Spain is a country in Southern Europe, its territory is located in the western Mediterranean on the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal.
Spain, with its beautiful beaches, fun nightlife, lots of cultural regions and ancient cities - beautiful place for traveling. As a diverse country both geographically and culturally, Spain can be surprisingly interesting for those who are familiar with it only from relaxing on the beaches. Everything is here: from dense meadows, snow-capped mountains and huge swamps to salt lakes and deserts.
Current time in Madrid:
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Of Spain 's many wonderful cities , the country 's thriving capital Madrid , the bustling coastal city of Barcelona , bullfighting famed Pamplona , and flamenco homeland Seville deserve to be mentioned first . But that's not all!
How to get there
There are many different ways to get to Spain, but it all depends on which city or island you want to go to. Below we list the links, following which, you can understand how you can get to a particular city.
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Weather in Spain
Spain has a mild climate. The country is almost completely influenced by the Mediterranean climate zone, it is considered one of the warmest in Europe.
In summer, the air temperature in the south and in the central regions reaches +30, sometimes +40 ° C, and in winter in Spain it is cool and rainy. Frosts in the country are very rare, even in January it is usually warmer than +5°С.
The beach season in Spain lasts from May to October. Sea water at this time warms up to + 18 ° C and above. The mild climate favors sightseeing vacation during the whole year.
The maximum precipitation falls on the northwestern regions, their volume reaches 2000 mm per year. It is not so rainy in the interior parts of the country, the annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.
Cities and regions
Cities
The main cities of Spain are, of course, the capital of the state of Madrid and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona. In addition, there are other famous cities Spain, except for Madrid and Barcelona, which are famous tourist routes- Valencia, Salou, Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Bilbao and others.
The southwestern region of the country, characterized by an amazing variety of landscapes. Here high cliffs alternate with fertile valleys, and desert areas give way to swampy areas. Only in this part of Spain, the hot climate of the Mediterranean is adjacent to the cold of the mountain peaks.
In Andalusia, tourists are waiting for a large number of interesting monuments of antiquity - medieval fortresses and Arab towers, majestic cathedrals and cozy churches in mountain villages.
The main tourist destinations in Andalusia are the cities of Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cadiz, and resort area Costa del Sol.
It is from the Costa del Sol (" sunny Beach”), many tourists associate holidays in Andalusia. Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas in Spain (300 km long), including famous resorts Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona.
Andalusia also attracts tourists with its holidays, traditions, cuisine. Here is the warmest sea in Spain, the hottest and longest summer, the most friendly locals.
Region of Spain, located in the northeast of the country, in the Ebro River basin. The environment of the mountains - the Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan - makes Aragon the most isolated of the regions of Spain. The main cities of the Aragon region are the capital of Zaragoza, Teruel with buildings in the Mudéjar style, Huesca, sheltered at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Tourists are attracted to Aragon by its natural wealth: clear lakes, deep gorges, dense forests, thermal springs, the healing properties of which have been known since Roman times. Modern thermal complexes of Aragon offer a large number of wellness treatments.
This region is popular with climbers, kayakers, rafting enthusiasts and mountain bikers. They are attracted by the Ordesa National Park (Parque Nacional Ordesa) located here - the oldest national park Spain (1918), covering an area of 15,600 hectares. The pearls of the park are flowering alpine meadows, mountain rivers with waterfalls.
small historical area, located in northern Spain, off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Asturias still retains its ancient title - the principality of Asturias (Principado de Asturias). Geographic features Asturias are sharp coastal cliffs and mountain landscapes that form the local climate: humid and warm in summer and quite cold and snowy in winter.
The main cities are the capital of Oviedo and a large seaport Gijón, with picturesque beaches and old fishermen's quarters.
Tourists in Asturias may be interested in natural resources, including the Peaks of Europe National Park, which is spread over the territory of three administrative regions at once. So, in the Asturian part of the park there are beautiful lakes Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga). In one of the caves of the park (Santa Cueva) is the chapel of the Holy Virgin of Cavadonga (Virgen de Covadonga), which is the main attraction of Asturias and a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of believers.
An autonomous region of Spain, a large tourist area, which is an archipelago of small islands. The Balearic Islands lie in the western Mediterranean at equal distances from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa.
The archipelago consists of two groups of islands: the Gimnesias Islands (Menorca, Mallorca and Sabrera and the small islands of Dragonera, Isla de Aire, etc.) and the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza, Formentera and the small islands surrounding them).
The main islands of the Balearic archipelago (detailed information is available at the links)
Autonomous region of Spain, located in the north of the country. The Basque country is granted wide autonomy: in its administrative center, Vitoria, the parliament meets and the government works. Due to the proximity of the ocean and mountains, the Basque Country has a favorable climate: no cold in winter and tiring heat in summer.
The region attracts tourists with its unique culture and excellent conditions for outdoor recreation: hiking, golf and all mountain sports are developed here. There are several protected areas in the Basque Country: Valderejo, Urkiola, Urdaibai national parks. Of the attractions of the area, it is worth visiting the active salt mines of Salinas de Anana, discovered by the Romans.
The Basque Country consists of three provinces: the lowland Alava (Alava), the center of winemaking, the mountainous Gipuzkoa (Guipúzcoa) and Biscay (Vizcaya). The main cities of the autonomy are Vitoria, Bilbao, San Sebastian.
Archipelago and autonomous region of Spain, consisting of 2 provinces, seven large inhabited islands and several small ones located just 100 km from the coast of Africa. Canaries - Spanish tropical paradise, which is visited by thousands of residents of the country and foreign tourists all year round. I can offer the guests of the Canary Islands a unique variety of tropical nature, wonderful weather all year round, magnificent beaches and opportunities for activities of any kind. water sports sports. The total length of the beaches of the Canary Islands is 257 km.
Islands of the Canary archipelago (detailed information is available at the links)
This region of Spain is located in the north of the country. The region is famous for its excellent beaches and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities (windsurfing, yachting, snowboarding, rafting, horseback riding, hiking). There are national parks on the territory of the region: Dune Lienkres - a protected area of dunes at the mouth of the Pas River, protecting large populations of birds; Saha Besaia Park - the largest hunting grounds in Spain; part of the National Park "Peaks of Europe", which was chosen by climbers and ecotourists.
On the territory of Cantabria there is a very interesting place, which is the Paleolithic heritage of the whole of Europe: the Center for the Study of Caves, guarding four unusually beautiful caves (El Castillo, Las Monedas, La Pasiega and Las Chimeneas).
The main city of the region is the capital of Santander, which is a favorite resort of the Spanish royal family. Also noteworthy is the town of Santillana del Mar with the caves of Altamira, included in the list of the historical heritage of mankind by UNESCO.
This autonomous region is located in the center of Spain and has no access to the sea. The area is famous for its magnificent mountain landscapes - the Central Cordillera in the north, the Pyrenees in the northeast, the Sierra Morena and Montes de Toledo mountains in the south. The capital of the region is the ancient historical city of Toledo. Recognizable symbols of this area are windmills. Among the main attractions of the region are the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Toledo, the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Julian in Cuenca.
The largest autonomous region of Spain, interesting for its bright historical past, impressive monuments, including well-preserved ancient cathedrals and monasteries. The region is popular with winter sports enthusiasts, with many modern ski resorts. In summer and spring, gourmet tours to Castile and Leon are especially popular with tourists.
The main cities are the unique historical city of Segovia, with the ancient Roman aqueduct and the Royal Palace of the Alcazar; Salamanca with the famous university - one of the first in Europe (1218). Also interesting are the "city of one cathedral" Burgos, ancient city- Fort Avila; once the capital of the kingdom, the ancient city of Leon with many historical monuments.
One of the most beautiful regions of Spain, but at the same time - the largest cultural, business and industrial center of the country. This autonomous region, located in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, is famous for its history, rich culture, ancient customs and chic Mediterranean resorts.
The climate of Catalonia is temperate Mediterranean, and the Pyrenees protecting it from the winds and the influence of the sea provide comfortable weather for relaxation almost all year round. It is in Catalonia that the famous resorts of Costa Brava, Costa de Maresme, Costa Dorada are located. There are beautiful beaches, hotels, clubs, restaurants, water parks for vacationers. The most famous is the Port Avetura amusement park in Salou, popular with children and adults all over the world.
The most significant cities in the region are the capital Barcelona, a city-museum, one of the most beautiful cities in the world; ancient Tarragona with buildings of the ancient Roman era; Girona is an ancient city that has preserved monuments of various cultures.
Autonomous region of Spain, located in the west of the country, on the border with Portugal. Most of this non-tourist region is plains covered with forests and olive trees. Guests of the region may be interested in protected areas, including the Monfragé National Park. The reserve is famous for the largest forests in the Mediterranean, filled with unique fauna.
The main cities of the region are the capital of Merida, which was once one of the most significant cities of the Roman Empire on the famous Silver Road, and the border city of Badajoz with historical monuments of the Arab period.
Autonomous region of Spain, located in the northwestern part of the country. The territory of Galicia is crossed by mountain ranges 900-1625 m high, descending to the sea coast and forming a picturesque coastline. The climate of the area is mild, but damp and rainy, and it was he who created the Galician landscape saturated with greenery.
For tourists, Galicia is interesting for its culture and nature; a type of ecotourism is developed here, called "rural tourism" - rural turism. The Rías Altas in Galicia is famous for its fishing villages, excellent beaches and monumental cliffs, while the Rías Bajas is famous for its magnificent national parks and natural reserves.
On the territory of Galicia, one of the most revered places by Catholic pilgrims is located - the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The main cities of the region are Santiago de Compostela; La Coruña with its famous glazed facades; Lugo, which has retained its flavor from ancient Roman times; port Vigo; Pontevedra with an interesting historical area.
The smallest autonomous region of Spain, and at the same time - the most famous and prosperous wine region of the country. The region is located in northern Spain, in the valley of the Ebro River and its tributary Oja, and consists of seven fertile valleys, completely covered with vineyards.
Winemaking has flourished in Rioja since ancient Roman times. Already in 1650, a law was passed here that approved the rules for making wine. On an industrial scale, wine in Rioja began to be produced at the end of the 19th century. In 1945, Rioja was proclaimed the first Spanish wine region DO (Denominacion de Origen), and in 1991 the region was awarded the status of DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). The center of Rioja winemaking is the city of Haro.
Tourists traveling in Rioja are advised to visit the largest Wine Museum in the world and the Enkiso paleontological center, as well as the amazing grottoes-dwellings, hollowed out in the mountain of Cantabria. The main city of the region is the medieval capital of Logroño with many attractions.
Madrid is the capital of Spain and at the same time its separate autonomous region, filled with a huge number of attractions - both ancient and modern. Nearby are Aranjuez, Escorial, Salamanca, Segovia, Toledo and Valle de los Caidos.
Autonomous region located in the southeast of Spain. In the south of the region, in the area of Cape Palos, rocky shores form magnificent landscapes, to the north is the picturesque Mar Menor lagoon with small islands of volcanic origin.
The region of Murcia is the horticultural center of Spain and is the largest producer of fruits, vegetables and flowers in Europe. Tourists are attracted to Murcia by local resorts: the golden-sand Costa Calida, the promising La Manga del Mar, located on a narrow sandy spit that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the large Mar Menor lagoon.
The main cities of the region are Murcia, which has preserved its Arab heritage; the ancient port city of Cartagena, founded by the Carthaginians in 221 BC. e.
The autonomous region of Spain, once a separate kingdom, is located in the north of the country, at the foot of the western Pyrenees, on the border with France. The territory of the region has a rich historical heritage: history buffs will find numerous fortresses, palaces, castles and temples here. The main cities of the region are the capital of Pamplona, a cozy and calm city with many parks and attractions, exploding with a grand fiesta with a bull run on St. Fermin's day; winemaking center Olite; Very beautiful city Puente La Reina.
The region will also be of interest to lovers of active pastime: hunters and fishermen, climbers, lovers of hiking, as there are several national reserves(Reserva Natural del Embalse de las Cañas, Parque Natural del Señorío de Bértiz). Navarra is also famous for its healing springs: here in the town of Fitero is the popular thermal resort of Baños de Fitero.
Autonomous region of Spain, located in the southeast of the country. Valencia is one of the most touristic regions, consisting of three provinces: mountainous Castellon with resort towns on the coast, Valencia with an amazing lagoon and traditional festivals, and rocky Alicante with numerous tourist centers.
Valencia is an important center of beach tourism in Spain. The length of the coastline of the region is 485 km. In terms of the number of beaches awarded with the Blue Flag of the EU, Valencia is ahead of all other regions of the country.
The coast of Valencia is conditionally divided into zones:
- Costa Blanca ("White Coast") in the south in the province of Alicante, with a strip of magnificent fine sandy beaches and the resorts of Denia, Calpe, Javea, Torrevieja and Benidorm spread over it;
- Costa Azahar, the “Coast of Orange Flavor”, famous for its rocky landscapes, is located in the north, in the province of Castellón, where the largest resorts are Peñiscola, Alcossebre, Oropesa, Benicassim;
- Costa Valencia with the major resorts of Sagunto, Balvarosa, Saler, Perelionet, Coolera, Gaguya and Oliva.
Valencia is also home to one of the most popular amusement parks in Spain, Tera Mitica, which was built based on famous myths antiquities.
The main cities of the region are its capital Valencia with ancient and modern sights; as well as Alicante - famous tourist centre and a very beautiful old town.
What to see
Barcelona
Madrid
Ibiza
Majorca
Tenerife
Other cities
- Port Aventura in Salou
- Salvador Dali Theater Museum in Figueres
- Garajonay National Park on La Gomera
- Cave de los Verdes in Lanzarote
- Ordesa National Park in Aragon
- National Park "Peaks of Europe" in Asturias
And many other attractions in Spain ...
Where to go in Spain
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and recreation areas
Transport
Wellness vacation
Private guides in Spain
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Spain in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Festivals in Spain
Spain is a country of festivals, dozens of such events are held there every year. The festivals cover all genres of art. The most grandiose of them are listed below. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the capital of Catalonia, then you should read the section "Festivals and parades in Barcelona".
- June July. Granada International Music Festival: concerts, operetta, classical and modern dances and flamenco
- The second half of July - the first half of August. Santander International Music Festival: music, dance, theater
- End of June - beginning of August. Mérida Theater Festival: Classical Greco-Latin and Mediterranean Theater
- September. National Festival of Classical Theater in Almagro: Classical Spanish and World Theater
- Mid September - early October. autumn festival in Madrid: concerts, opera, drama, classical and modern dances
- July. Jazz Festival in San Javier
- August. International Vocal Festival Habaneras in Torrevieja
Fiesta in Spain
Fiestas are mass events on the occasion of national or religious holidays. There are a lot of such events in Spain, and they are held on a large scale. The most famous fiestas are listed below.
- Fallas festival in Valencia (March 19): burning of fallas - large papier-mâché dolls, bullfighting
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): solemn processions in the south, in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Murcia
- April Fair (10 days after Easter): spring festival in Seville; all night long the Sevillians dance, eat and drink in the streets
- Fiesta of St. Isidro (May 15): feast of the patron saint of Madrid, bullfighting (the biggest bullfight of the season), folk festivals with music and dancing
- Feast of San Fermin (second week of July): Thrill-seekers running down the city street ahead of wild bulls and bullfighting in Pamplona
- Mystery in Elche (August 14-15): Theatrical Ascension of the Virgin Mary (Valencia)
- La Mece (September 24): a celebration in honor of the patroness of Barcelona, during which one of the attractions is the construction of a "human pyramid" and "running lights", as well as a procession with huge papier-mâché figures
- Fiesta "Moors and Christians" is a grand performance with colorful shows and fireworks. It is carried out on the largest scale in Alcoy. The time is April, but such extravaganzas take place throughout the year in many cities.
- Fiesta "Bonfires of St. Juan" (on the night of June 24) is a grand celebration with bonfires, colorful processions and fireworks. The culmination of the holiday happens in Alicante, where a large fiery palm tree lights up on the top of Mount Benacatil.
Surfing in Spain
Movement around the country
Bus
Bus stations (in Spanish estacion de autobus) in Spain are available in almost all major cities and resort centers. Bus timetables can be found at travel agencies and at bus stations, and they are often found in shop windows and cafes, especially those located near bus stations.
It is customary to enter city buses through the front door. To get off at the stop you need, you must first notify the driver by pressing the button at the door. Exit from the bus is carried out only through the back door. Maps of the city's bus routes are available at each stop, which are marked with yellow-green boards with the word "bus". Red color, as a rule, denote routes that run through the central areas of cities, and blue color - routes of night buses.
City buses in Spain run from 5:30 to 00:00. The trip is paid directly on the bus: the passenger tells the driver the destination and the number of people. The driver issues a check, which indicates the fare. In Spain, single tickets are valid for all types of public transport, their cost depends on the number of transport zones crossed per trip. IN different cities also set its own tariffs, discounts, benefits and travel tickets for different types transport.
A network of intercity bus lines connects all corners of Spain and is distinguished by a high level of service (air conditioning, dry closet, video equipment). Traveling by bus is cheaper than by train and allows you to get to know the country better. So, the fare between the most remote cities, depending on the season, day of the week, time of day and distance of the trip, will not exceed 40-45 euros. At the height of the tourist season, buses on the main routes depart at intervals of about once an hour. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office of the bus station or at travel agencies.
Often the same route is served by several buses (depending on the number of tickets sold) that will have to leave at the same time. Therefore, it is worth checking the bus number indicated on your ticket (coche (autobus) No. ...) with the number on the windshield of the bus. Intercity bus routes, which are serviced by multiple operators, can be scheduled on .
Train
Railway lines in Spain are operated by a state-owned company (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanolas / National Network of Spanish Railways).
There are many train fares on the train, depending on the day of the week and time of year. Tickets are sold at the box office of railway stations and train stations, at tourist offices. There you can also get detailed information about train timetables.
At large train stations in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Salamanca and others, in addition to ticket offices, there are special tourist centers - they serve travelers and sell tickets for any direction, including advance ones. The employees of such centers usually speak English and French, and all types of major credit cards are accepted for payment. payment systems. In order not to crowd in the queue, you must first take a ticket with a number in a small machine at the entrance to the center. When your turn comes, the corresponding number will be displayed on the scoreboard above one of the windows.
You can also buy a ticket through the RENFE website. You can order tickets online a maximum of 60 days, and buy at the box office of stations - at least 5 minutes before the train's departure.
Controllers work on all directions and in all trains in Spain. If you did not have time to buy a ticket, you can do it after the train has departed - directly from the controller, but it will cost a little more.
There are several types of trains in Spain. First, train cars have two classes: first (primera) and second (segunda).
Secondly, trains vary in the level of amenities provided.
Ave- High-speed luxury trains connecting so far only Madrid and Seville and Barcelona and Madrid. Travel time (Madrid-Seville) - 3 hours 25 minutes with stops (11 flights per day) and 2 hours 40 minutes non-stop (Madrid-Barcelona) - 6 flights per day, in the morning and evening hours.
Talgo- fast long-distance trains, they run between all major cities in Spain. They provide sleeping places, buffet.
Diurno, Estrella, Rapidos- less fast than Talgo and not very comfortable. Estrella is a night version of these trains.
Tranvia- inexpensive regional and suburban trains following with all stops.
In addition to regular trains, there are special tourist trains, the most famous of which is the Andalus Express (Al Andalus Express). This is a luxury train called a "palace hotel" on wheels, equipped with 1930s carriages, with toilet rooms, maids, etc. The train has 2 restaurants of "high" cuisine - Alhambra and Gibralfaro, and bar "Giralda" with live music. The train is designed for only 50 passengers. It moves at a speed of 60-90 km / h, making long stops in the major cities of Andalusia. Departs once a week - on Sundays. Information can be obtained at the box office and tourist offices.
In addition to the above, in this post you can read a tourist's observations about trains between Madrid and Barcelona, nuances, differences, and so on.
Taxi
Taxis in Spain are official (licensed) and private. An official taxi can be painted black and yellow (as in Barcelona) or white (as in Spain as a whole), has a light board with the inscription taxi and a counter. The fact that the taxi is free is indicated by the “libre” flag (free) or the green light (at night). You can take a taxi at the taxi ranks (Parada de Taxi), marked with a blue sign with a large white letter "T", or stop by "voting" on the street. In addition, a taxi can be called by phone to a restaurant, hotel, supermarket. The maximum waiting time for a booked taxi is 10 minutes.
The fare is usually calculated as follows: for landing - 2 euros, then for each km - 1 euro during the day and about 1.2 euros at night (from 22:00 to 06:00). For luggage - 1 euro more. Rates increase on holidays and weekends. When traveling outside the city limits, it is necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver in advance, since the passenger also pays for the taxi return trip. Payment in licensed taxis is made only in accordance with the meter.
Metro
The subway in Spain is a very convenient means of transportation, with its help you can easily and quickly go to almost anywhere in the city, in addition, some lines have stations of intersection with Renfe (Spanish National Railways) and tram lines. Metro is available in such major cities as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, Seville.
In all cities, the principle of operation of the subway is approximately the same. The Spanish metro, as a rule, is divided into transport zones, and fees are charged accordingly - the more zones a passenger crosses during a trip, the higher the fare (from 1.50 euros). Subway tickets are single-use and reusable, they also apply to other public transport in cities. The ticket must be kept until the end of the trip. The metro in Spain is usually open from 05:00-06:00 to 23:00-00:00 (on weekends and holidays - until 01:00-2:00).
Tram, funicular and cable car
Trams in Spain are available in many cities and are usually part of the metro system (marked with the letter T on metro maps). They are also called surface metro. Spanish trams are modern, fast, very comfortable and equipped with the latest technology. Trams run regularly, as a rule, from 05:00 to 00:00, on holidays, weekends and on Fridays - until 02:00.
Panoramic transport in Spain is represented by funiculars and cable cars. Barcelona can boast of their presence ( cable car Montjuic), Tenerife island and some other cities.
Sea transport
Since most of Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, water transport is also well developed in Spain.
Marine Passenger Transportation in the Mediterranean is carried out by the company. Its ferries and passenger ships go to the Balearic Islands from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia, to the Canary Islands from the port of Cadiz. Other ferry companies operating ferry services - and.
Between Spain and Africa there is also a regular ferry service - car and passenger ferries, speed boats. So, regular flights are made from Malaga (Spain) to the cities of Melilla (Spanish enclave in Morocco) and Nador. The price of a one-way ticket is 35-40 euros. From the city of Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco), the ferry departs 8 times a day. The price is 25-27 euros. From the Spanish Algeciras, a ferry also runs to Tangier 8-10 times a day daily, the ticket price is about 29 euros.
Automobile
Spain has a total of 317,000 km of highways, of which 2,000 km are modern motorways. The main routes run along the Mediterranean coast from the French border to Alicante and from the coast of Cantabria to Catalonia. The maximum allowable speed is 50 km/h ( settlements), 100 km/h (on national highways), 120 km/h (on expressways). Fines for speeding are very high, paid locally.
To rent a car, the driver must present an identity document and an international driving license. You can order a car at the rental office, through the administrator at the hotel, in advance via the Internet. Often a security deposit is required upon pickup (which is refundable if you return the car with a full tank of gas). In Spain, there are both local rental offices and representative offices of well-known international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Rent-a-car. If you rent a car for three or more days, significant discounts apply.
In large cities such as Barcelona, driving is expensive, and it's better to save your nerves. Fined for incorrect parking strictly - 85 € and more. A road map or navigator is a must - many one-way streets, left turns are less common than right turns. Renting a car makes sense if you plan to move from one city to another.
Motorcycles and bicycles
Spain is a paradise for cyclists, judging by the number of bicycles in cities. Bicycle paths are available in both large cities and small ones. In the resort towns of continental Spain, in the Canaries and Balearic Islands, bicycles can be rented.
And if you are over 16 years old, you can also rent a motorcycle (upon presentation of an identity card and a driver's license) or a scooter. While riding a motorcycle, the driver must wear a protective helmet. Motorcycles at gas stations in Spain are filled with a special fuel - mezcla (mezcla).
Airplane
Spain has about 30 international airports. Each major city has its own airport, from where planes fly to all regions of the country. Main major airports Spain - Barajas in Madrid and El Prat in Barcelona.
The main airlines serving international and domestic routes are and. Flight time from Madrid to Barcelona is 55 minutes, to Valencia 30 minutes, to Balbao and Seville 50 minutes, to Mallorca 1 hour, to the Canary Islands 2 hours 30 minutes. All international airports are connected to city centers by express buses.
Communication
The official language of Spain is Spanish (español, castellano). However, different languages are spoken in many parts of Spain (Catalan, Galician, Asturian, Valencian, Balearic, etc.). Some of these languages, according to the 1978 constitution, are official in their respective regions. With the exception of Basque (whose origin, by the way, is still not clear), all the languages of the Iberian Peninsula are related to the Romance language group, they are quite easy to understand if you know Castilian (classical Spanish) well. If you learn a little local languages, this will help you win over the locals.
Catalan. A distinct language similar to Castilian but closer to the Oscan branch of the Romance languages, considered by many to be part of the dialectal continuum of Spain, France and Italy, includes other Languedoc languages such as those of Provence, Béarn, Limousin, Auverna and Nice. A variety of dialects are spoken in northeastern Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Valencia, eastern Aragon, neighboring Andorra, and southern France. To the casual listener, Catalan seems to be something between Spanish and French, although it combines features of both languages to form a completely separate language.
Galician. Very closely related to Portuguese, Galician is spoken in Galicia and western Asturias. Galician predates Portuguese and is considered one of the four main dialects of the Galician-Portuguese group, which includes Brazilian, South Portuguese, Central Portuguese and Galician.
Basque. A language not related to Castilian (or any other known language), it is spoken by three provinces in the Basque Country, two neighboring provinces on the French side of the Franco-Spanish border, and Navarre. Basque is not related to any Romance language or to any other language of the Indo-European or Indo-Iranian language family. It currently defies classification and is considered a linguistic isolate that does not seem to be related to any language of the linguistic tree.
Asturian. It is spoken in the province of Asturias, where it is under semi-official protection. It can also be found in the rural areas of León, Zamora, Salamanca, in some villages in Portugal (where it is called mirandes) and in villages in the very north of Extremadura. Although the Spanish constitution provides for the right to use as the official language of the province Basque, Balearic-Catalan-Valencian under the single name Catalan, Galician and Spanish, Asturian does not have such a right. But the province of Asturias uses it as an official one, and the state does not mind.
Aragonese. It is spoken in northern Aragon. Its existence is recognized, but it is not the official language of the province (as of June 2008). This language is close to Catalan (especially in Benasca) and to Castilian with some influence from Basque and Oca ( southern France). Today, only a few villages near the Pyrenees speak pure Aragonese, while the majority of the population uses a mixture of Aragonese and Castilian in everyday speech.
Aran. It is spoken in the Aran Valley and is considered one of the official languages of Catalonia (but not Spain) along with Catalan and Spanish. This language is a variant of Gascon and is very closely related to the languages of Provence, Limousin, Languedoc and Catalonia.
In addition, schools in Spain usually study English and French. If you come to any tourist center, you will meet people who speak several languages fluently. But in other places you are unlikely to see this: most Spaniards speak English quite poorly. In this case, it is better to turn to urban youth. Speak slowly, use simple words, feel free to use gestures, drawings or writing - if the word is written, you are more likely to be understood.
In the northeast of Spain, many people understand French, sometimes even better than English, because most of the tourists in this region are visitors from France. The locals will appreciate any attempt you make to communicate in the local language. For example, trying to say "good morning" or "thank you."
culture
The historical and cultural heritage of Spain is rich and varied, it was formed by many eras, peoples, religions, as well as the border position of Spain between Europe and Africa, the isolation of the Mediterranean and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Architecture
The architecture of Spain is an amazing interweaving of the building traditions of ancient civilizations and architecture contemporary architects. The sights of Spain amaze the imagination: here the ancient amphitheaters peacefully coexist with powerful Arab fortresses and Visigoth forts. Thus, the Alcazar in Seville and the Alhambra in Granada are excellent examples of Moorish architecture from the era of the Caliphate.
In addition, Spain is rich in world-famous temples, the most famous of which are the Romanesque Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, the Mudejar Cathedral in Teruel, the Herreresco-style Escorial Monastery near Madrid, the Gothic temples of Seville, Burgas, Toledo, Tarragona and the Baroque-Renaissance cathedrals of Granada, Murcia and Valencia.
It is impossible not to mention the masterpieces of the brilliant Catalan Antonio Gaudí, who worked in the style of Spanish modernism at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Painting
It is difficult to imagine the world fine arts without Spanish painting. Its heyday began with the work of Domenico Theotokopuli, nicknamed El Greco, who became the founder and head of the Toledo school of painting. Spain was also glorified by José de Ribera, Francisco Zurbaran, B. E. Murillo and Velazquez, who followed him, whose paintings are now kept in the best museums in the world.
Spanish painting is unthinkable without the work of Francisco Goya (1746-1828), as well as the pioneer of surrealism Salvador Dali (1904-1989), the founder of cubism Juan Gris (1887-1921), the abstract artist Juan Miro (1893-1983) and the brilliant versatile master Pablo Picasso (1881-1973).
Literature
Literature in Spain has come a long way to become one of the most prominent components of world literature today. Her contribution can hardly be overestimated, if only because the two most famous universal types - Don Quixote and Don Juan - were created by Spanish writers.
The first Spanish literary work to become widely known is the epic poem "The Song of My Side" (circa 1140). The classics of Spanish literature are considered to be Felix Lope de Vega, Pedro Calderon de la Barca, Tirso de Molina, Miguel de Cervantes.
Beginning with late XIX century, called the period of spiritual renewal of Spain, new authors appear in the country, whose works quickly find their readers all over the world: Miguel de Unamuno, Ramon Maria del Valle Inclan, Federico Garcia Lorca. Among modern authors, it is worth mentioning the 1989 Nobel laureate Camilo José Sela, as well as Juan Goitisolo, Miguel Delibes, Manuel Vasquez Montalban.
Music
Spanish musical culture developed from folk music, the origins of which date back to the 6th century BC. e. - to the musical art of the ancient Iberians and Celts, and church music of the 16th century. By the 19th and 20th centuries, Spanish music had become one of the most notable in Europe thanks to composers such as Enrique Granados (1867-1916), Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) and Manuel de Falla (1876-1946). Modern Spain is famous all over the world for its opera school, the most prominent representatives of which are Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Montserrat Caballe.
Flamenco
Flamenco is a famous Spanish art that originated in Andalusia. Flamenco is an amazing fusion of song (Cante), dance (Baile) and guitar playing (Guitarra), and also includes various forms from a mixture of these genres. The first written mention of flamenco dates back to 1774. Flamenco was formed under the influence of two cultures - the gypsy, from which flamenco took its dance part, and the Moorish, which brought deep meaning to flamenco music.
Flamenco styles (palos) differ in rhythmic pattern, there are more than 50 of them. The most popular styles are tones, fandango, soleo and seguiriya. Songs and dances are usually accompanied by percussion (castanets tapping, hand clapping) and a guitar.
The keepers of flamenco traditions are Andalusian gypsies. In 2010, Flamenco was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Cinematography
The history of Spanish cinema has a long tradition: already in the 20s of the 20th century, the film “Andalusian Forest” by Luis Buñuel was released. Since then, Spanish directors, including Carlos Saura ("Carmen"), Pedro Almodovar ("Woman on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown", "Kika", etc.), Fernando Trueva (" beautiful era”), Julio Medel (“Red Squirrel”), contributed to the strengthening of the world fame of Spanish cinema.
Kitchen
Spaniards are very passionate about food, wine and Spanish cuisine. Spanish cuisine is light vegetable dishes and a huge variety of meat and fish. Spanish cuisine uses few spices and excellent quality ingredients.
As a rule, restaurants in big cities are open until midnight on weekdays, and until 2-3 am on weekends.
In bars under the general name "Tapas" you will find a wide variety of dishes that are served as an appetizer for drinking. Some bars offer a wide range of different "tapas"; others specialize in one type (for example, seafood starters). Traditionally, Spaniards take one tapas and one small drink at a bar, then move to another bar and repeat. A group of visitors can order 2 or more "tapas" or order "raciones" instead, which is larger and can be shared.
In major cities, you can find McDonalds and Burger King. Their menu will surprise you: it has been revised to suit local tastes, so beer, salads, yogurt and wine feature prominently. Pizza is growing in popularity, and you can find outlets selling pizza in major cities, but they may sell their own home-grown products or something international like Pizza Hut.
Many restaurants offer set meals at fixed prices - "menú del día" - often very profitable. The price includes the cost of water or wine.
Tipping and taxes
The bill does not include service charges. It is customary to give a tip, which can be increased if you really liked the service. Usually, a separate banknote is left as a tip.
Mid-range restaurants and fast food restaurants do not usually include taxes in the price, so you should always check the menu to see if VAT (7%, IVA in Spanish) is included in the price.
Spanish Products
Cheese. In Spain, you can buy a large number of locally produced cheeses. The most famous is Queso Manchego. Cabrales, Tetilla, Mahon are also popular.
Morcilla. Anise-flavoured blood pork sausage offers fresh, smoked and dried sausage.
Chorizo. The most popular type of sausage in Spain, the composition includes pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper. There are many varieties, different sizes and shapes, short and long, with spices, different shades of red, soft, dried and hard or smoked. They often contain emulsifiers and preservatives, so if you're allergic, check the label carefully.
Jamon. This is air-dried ham. There are several types. Jamón Serrano (Serrano ham): A preserved product obtained by drying a salted ham. If the front leg is taken, then the product is called "trowel" or "paletilla". It is also called jamón Iberico (Iberian) and jamón of bellota (acorn). Particularly popular are hams made in Huelva (Spain), in Guijuelo (in the province of Salamanca), in Pedroches (province of Cordoba) and in Treveles (province of Granada). Jamón Iberico is made only from the meat of grazing pigs. In the Boquería market in Barcelona, Jamon Iberico costs from €80/kg, Jamon Serrano costs about €25/kg.
Paella. The famous rice dish of the Mediterranean. There are many options: with seafood, with chicken and rabbit, etc. Although a dish called "paella" can be found in almost every Spanish restaurant (and you will certainly be told that it is cooked according to "the very" real recipe), real paella is found very rare: the dish must include saffron (extremely expensive) and certain seafood (which is hard to believe in good quality outside coastal areas). Locals advise looking for real paella at major local festivities, such as a wedding in the village, but some restaurants can still compete here.
Restaurants and cafes in Spain
Wines of Spain
Spain is the birthplace of many spirits loved all over the world. Spanish wines are no less popular than French and Italian wines, they are widely known in the world for their excellent taste and aromatic qualities. Each wine region is famous for its centuries-old traditions and recipes for wine production.
So, the most famous Spanish wine is "Rioja" ("Rioja") - a wine produced in the region of the same name in Spain. The Rioja region produces mostly red wines that are aged in American oak barrels and bottled in Bordeaux bottles. However, there is a percentage of white wines that should be drunk young and fruity rosés that are drunk in the year following their creation.
Wines of Rioja, which has the status of DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) quality, are classified according to the aging time: Hoven - up to 1 year, Crianza - 3 years (of which at least 1 year in an oak barrel), Reserve (reserva ) - 4 years (of which 1 year in oak barrel + 2 years in bottle), Gran Reserva - 6 years (of which 2 years in oak barrel + 3 years in bottle).
Wine connoisseurs advise men and women to drink different kinds"Riohi". For men - Alta "gran reserva", produced in the north of the Rioja region, and for women - Alavesa "reserva" or "gran reserva", created in the south of the region and has a milder and lighter taste.
Valencia is another region of Spain famous for its quality wine (it has the quality status DO (Denominacion de Origen)). It produces excellent white wines from the Merseguera and Malvasia grape varieties, as well as the fragrant sweet Moscatel of golden color. There are not many red wines in Valencia (Monastrell, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon), and it is customary to drink them young.
Malaga
Malaga is both the name of Spanish wine and the city in Andalusia, in the vicinity of which this wine is produced. Malaga is a dessert wine with raisin or caramel flavors, it is sweet and dry, white, golden and almost black, depending on age. There are 16 varieties of Malaga. The best type of malaga is "Lagrima" (Lagrima), it is made from Pedro Ximénez grapes, which are dried in the sun for several days before pressing.
Malaga is also made from Moscatel grapes.
And, of course, it is impossible to imagine a collection of Spanish wines without the table wines of Galicia, the full wines of Navarra, the fine ones from Alellanza, the rich and refined ones from Tarragona and Priorat.
Sherry
Sherry (Jerez) is the most famous strong Spanish wine with excellent taste and delicate aroma. Real sherry is made only in Andalusia, in the vicinity of the cities of Jerez de la Frontera, San Lucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Sherry is made from Palomino Fino, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel grapes.
Conventionally, all sherries can be divided into two groups: Fino and Oloroso.
Fino is a dry sherry with a strength of up to 15-16%, made exclusively from Palomino Fino grapes. It has a pale straw color and a fresh, bitter almond taste.
Oloroso - translated from Spanish as "fragrant", it can be not only dry, but also semi-dry, and sweet, with a strength of 17% or more.
Other types of sherry, of which there are quite a lot today, in their essence belong either to Fino or Oloroso, or they are something in between. For example, the famous sherry Manzanilla (Manzanilla) belongs to the Fino type, Palo Cortado belongs to the Oloroso, Amontillado can be considered the middle option.
Sherry has found wide application in the preparation of aperitif cocktails; it goes well with vodka, gin, whiskey, and, if necessary, can even replace dry white vermouth. It is customary to drink sherry from a tulip-shaped glass.
sangria
sangria —
also wine. It is prepared by diluting dry red wine with water (regular or carbonated) or juice. Sometimes sangria is seasoned with fresh fruit (peach, apple, orange, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, melon) and spices, or sugar is added. In summer, sangria is served on ice - it perfectly quenches thirst, and in winter it is drunk warm (like mulled wine).
Sangria does not have any features or classifications, but people distinguish between 5 types of it: quiet sangria, fruity, white, sparkling and strong.
The first type is the simplest: dry red wine with grapes, orange and still water.
The second is the same, but with the maximum possible amount of fruit. The third type of sangria is prepared on the basis of white wine, but, paradoxically, it is still tinted with red berry juice or grenadine syrup.
Sparkling sangria is the tastiest, made with cava (a Spanish sparkling wine similar to champagne) or regular red wine with soda.
And finally, strong sangria is prepared with the addition of sugar, strong drinks (cognac, brandy, liquor, vodka, gin) and spices (cinnamon, mint, ginger, nutmeg).
Kava
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made using technologies imported from Champagne (Methode Champenoise) mainly in the Catalan region of Penedès, which has DO status. Cava is a white wine, although small quantities of rosé are also produced.
Cava is made from the following grape varieties: Pareyada, Macabeo (Viura), Charello, Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Monastrei and Pinot Noir. Flavors of kava include fruity and floral tones. On the palate there are hints of honey and sweetness.
Kava varies in sugar content from very dry (Extra Brut) to sweet (Dulce). There is also a classification of cava according to the number of years the wine has been aged in the bottle: Cava (from 9 months); Cava Reserva (from 15 months); Cava Gran Reserva (from 30 months) - usually Brut Nature and Extra Brut.
The most popular brands of cava are: Freixenet, Codorniu, Segura Viudas, Juve y Camps, Gramona, Bodegas Faustino.
Cava is served chilled in tall flute- or tulip-shaped clear glass glasses. It is impossible to imagine any Spanish party, wedding or banquet without cava. Cava is often compared to champagne, because it is an excellent alternative (in terms of value for money) to the most famous sparkling wine in the world and is a very serious competitor to it.
Cider
Cider (Sidra) is a low-alcohol drink made from apples of a certain variety in Asturias and the Basque Country. Juice is made from apples, which, by fermentation and without the addition of yeast, is turned into a light alcoholic drink with a strength of 2-7%. Cider has a golden or greenish color and the smell of apples. Ciders vary in sugar content from dry to sweet.
Cider is usually drunk chilled. In order to form the necessary layer of foam when filling the glass, the cider is poured into large glasses from a certain height. The places where cider is used are called ciderries, and the Spaniards call the cider itself the “jealous bride”, since this amazing drink does not tolerate combination with other alcoholic beverages.
Purchases
Spain has a rich tradition of folk arts and crafts; each province can offer tourists authentic products of local craftsmen. Thus, the best ceramics in Spain are made in the Toledo region, in Catalonia and Valencia, and Andalusia keeps the richest traditions of pottery. Beautiful items made of gold and silver, decorated with national ornaments, are made in Cordoba, Toledo, Salamanca. Colored blankets and carpets of excellent quality are best bought in Cadiz, Salamaque, in the Alpujarra region. The finest lace is made in Galicia, and the finest leather goods are made in Albacete. Mallorca is famous for its pearls and fine glassware, and mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands weave wonderful baskets, hats and mats.
Local SIM cards
You can significantly reduce communication costs in Spain by purchasing a local SIM card. There are four main mobile operators in Spain - Movistar, Vodafone, ORANGE, Yoigo. But these operators offer mostly contract terms (contrato). This means that you must have an account with a Spanish bank and the services will be paid from your bank account.
Prepaid (prepago) sim cards can be purchased from virtual operators such as HappyMovil, Hitsmobile, Legaba, Simyo and others. In addition, their tariffs are somewhat lower than those of the Big Four. For example, HappyMovil offers an interesting tariff option for 300 minutes to Russia for 15 euros, while Hitsmobile provides the first five minutes of each call for free when calling landlines to Russia.
The main advantage of using a local SIM card is the ability to get inexpensive high-speed Internet access (from 10 euros per 1 gigabyte). From the card of a Russian operator, which is in roaming, mobile Internet is extremely expensive. The Internet is also expensive when using tourist cards.
WiFi
Access points for Wi-Fi connection in Spain are located everywhere: at airports, train stations, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes. Information on the location of hotspots can be obtained from tourist offices, Internet service providers' shops.
If there is no open Wi-Fi network in your villa or hotel, then you should contact any major shopping mall, where you can definitely find the office of a Spanish Internet provider. Show office workers a list of Wi-Fi networks that your device has detected. If among them there is a public access network of one of the providers, ask about the daily rate. As a rule, the cost of using the Internet will not exceed 1-3€ per day (including VAT), and the payment will be taken only for the days when you use the Internet.
Here are some pricing plans:
- Movistar: "Tarifa Diaria" tariff - 1.77€ per day if you have not exceeded the volume of 10 MB. Each next 10 MB will cost you an additional 1.5€, but no more than 10.62€ per day.
- Movistar: Unlimited tariff Tarifa Plana Internet Mini, suitable for users who either "download" large volumes or just have a long vacation in Spain. Price - 19€ per month, download speed - 7.2 Mb / s up to 500 Mb, then it will decrease to 64 Kb / s.
- : fare "Contigo 2 horas". Another unlimited package, costing 19€ per month with a speed of 7.2 Mb / s, but with a time limit of no more than 2 hours per day.
Useful phone numbers in Spain
Safety
Police
There are several types of police officers in Spain
- Policia Municipal or Local(city police), in Barcelona - Guardia Urbana. Uniforms vary from city to city, but are usually black or blue, with a light blue shirt, blue cap (or white helmet) with a stripe of blue and white checkers. This police unit maintains order and regulates traffic within the city; If you are lost and do not know where to go, it is best to contact them. Although they will not accept your report of theft, they will, if necessary, escort you to the headquarters of the Policia Nacional (National Police) and, if necessary, arrest the suspects.
- Policia Nacional wears navy blue uniforms and blue caps (which can sometimes be changed to caps like baseball caps), but unlike the municipal police, they do not have a checkered ribbon on their headgear. They deal with all offenses committed within the city, although other police officers can also assist a person wishing to report a crime.
- Guardia Civil(National Guard) keeps order outside the cities and regulates intercity traffic on freeways. They guard government offices, patrol the roads, and you can see them there. They wear similar to military uniforms, some may wear a strange black helmet (tricornio), reminiscent of a bullfighter's headdress. But most wear green caps or white motorcycle helmets.
- The high level of political autonomy in Spain has allowed some regional governments to create their own power structures, such as the Policía Foral in Navarre, the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, or the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia.
All types of police, patrolling roads or controlling traffic, put on reflective vests that are clearly visible from afar.
Theft
Spain is quite a safe country, but you should still adhere to some rules accepted around the world.
- Try not to use expensive things in poor areas (although most of them are far from tourist areas, and you are unlikely to be able to get there).
- Try not to show how much money you have in your wallet.
- In tourist areas, on buses, trains, in crowded places, always keep an eye on your bag or wallet. At most airports, bus and railway stations you will be reminded of this over the loudspeaker.
- If possible, do not carry large sums of money with you. Use a credit card (Spain has one of the largest number of terminals in Europe, and most shops and restaurants will accept credit cards). Of course, you need to use it carefully.
- When you get to crowded places, such as crowded buses or Puerta del Sol in Madrid, beware of pickpockets. If you apprehend a thief, those around you will usually help you.
- In Madrid and Barcelona, tourists from the Far East (especially from Japan) often become victims of criminals, as thieves consider them easy prey with pockets full of money.
- Report the crime to the local police immediately.
- You must remember that places with a lot of foreigners, such as crowded resorts East Coast, are more likely to attract thieves than less popular regions.
- Avoid gypsies, immediately refuse their services; they will predict the future for you, ask for some money, and, most likely, you will lose your wallet.
- The “flea market” (el rastro) held on weekends in Madrid is very popular with tourists. However, it is no less popular with pickpockets who operate in groups. be extremely careful in the cramped market, as the possibility of becoming a victim is very high, especially if you can easily be recognized as a tourist or a person with money. Try to look so that you do not stand out from the crowd, and the risk of being robbed will immediately decrease.
- Women wearing purses should always wear them on the waist in front. Always hold your wallet with your hand.
- Do not hang anything on the back of a chair or place it on the floor next to you.
- If you need to use an ATM, don't go alone.
- Some may try to cash in on your ignorance of local customs.
- In Spain, all taxis must have meters in a conspicuous place. You don't have to agree to pay a predetermined amount for a ride from the airport to the city, in most cases the taxi driver will make more money if you pay the meter.
To call the police, firefighters and ambulance, dial 112. If necessary, the number can be dialed from any phone free of charge.
drugs
Drugs are illegal in Spain, but their use in private places is not punished. If you bring drugs into public places, even for personal use, you will be fined between 300 and 3,000 euros, depending on the type and amount of drugs found in your possession. You will only be arrested if the drugs found are enough to trade on the streets.
Health
- Medicines are not sold in supermarkets, they are sold in "farmacias" (pharmacies), which are easy to find by the green cross or the emblem with the cup of Hygia. Almost every city and town has at least one 24-hour pharmacy, and those that close at night must have a poster on the door with the address of the nearest working pharmacy, which may even be in nearby towns - such is the requirement of the law.
- If you are injured or seriously ill, contact the doctors, by law they cannot refuse to help you, even if you do not have insurance.
- Although most foreigners consider Spain warm country, it can be very cold here in winter, especially in the central regions and in the north of the country, and in some places it is very rainy in summer. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing.
- In the summer, in order not to get heat and sunstroke, try not to be under the bright sun for a long time. Drink water, walk on the shady side of the street and keep a jar handy sunscreen or lotion.
Where to stay
There are many different ways to accommodate tourists, from hotels, guesthouses, villa rentals, to campsites and even monasteries.
It is not customary in hotels and mid-range hotels to include tax in the price, so always carefully read the text written in small print. In Spanish, VAT is written as "IVA".
A little further from the coast there are small villages with narrow medieval streets, charmingly quiet and secluded, in which still preserved a good choice restaurants and accommodation at very reasonable prices. In such places you can find not just hotels, but also stay in an old inn.
By the way, in Spain Parador (“inn”) is a state-owned hotel (from 3 to 5 stars). King of Spain Alfonso XIII founded in 1928 a whole network of such hotels. Their uniqueness lies in their location and history. Most paradors are located in historical buildings such as monasteries and Moorish castles, or in haciendas, as opposed to uncontrolled development in coastal regions such as the Costa del Sol. In the paradors, the hotel business is successfully combined with the restoration of castles, palaces and monasteries, and saves the monuments of the cultural and historical heritage of Spain from ruin and desolation.
For example, the parador in Santiago de Campostela is located near the cathedral, in the former royal hospital, built in 1499. The rooms are decorated in an old style but with modern amenities. Worthy of attention are the paradors in Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda, Santillana del Mar (Altamira Cave), as well as more than a hundred more paradors throughout Spain. In the parador you will be served breakfast (about 10 euros) and will also offer good dishes typical of this region(about 25 euros).
Room fees are quite high because hotels are often located in the very center picturesque places. Prices range from 85 euros for a double room to 245 euros for a room with two rooms (for example, in Granada). The most beautiful paradors are in León and Santiago de Campostela.
You can view information about accommodation in the country of bullfighting and flamenco (facilities in the room and on the territory, photos, reviews of tourists) in the section “Hotels in Spain Hotels in Malaga
