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Spain: background and travel essentials
The diversity of experience and life in Spain is immeasurable.
It is probably Europe's most geographical diverse country, ranging
from the near-deserts of eastern Andalucia to the green countryside
and deep coastal inlets of Galicia. But contrary to popular
belief, there's a great deal more to Spain than concrete apartment
blocks and the Costa del Sol.
The country covers over nearly 300,000 sq miles making it the second
biggest country in Western Europe. Travel is easy, accommodation
plentiful, the climate generally benign, the people relaxed and
fun loving, the beaches long and sandy, and food and drink easy
to come by and full of regional variation.
It is also well known for its plethora of colourful fiestas and
unbelievably vibrant nightlife. It's not suprising that more than
40 million foreigners a year take holidays in Spain.
It's a phenomenal land to discover the unique people and characteristics
of each contrasting region and also a wealth of vibrant history
from great 20th century artists (Dali, Picasso, Miro), to the prehistoric.
Architecture is glorious - influences from the Romans, Moors and
Catholicism have created an amazing blend of styles in Spain. From
stunning coastal cities like Barcelona that have captured the imagination
of the world to vibrant and unique regional cultures and the cool
clublife of the Balearic islands - the party never stops in Spain.
Cash
The local currency as of 2002 is the Euro.
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Spain is one of Europe's more affordable countries. Places like
Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and San Sebastian will however place
a greater strain on your money belt. Off season, avoiding cities
you can expect to survive on around $50 a day sharing a room.
People
Spain has a population of just over 39 million - although a staggering
60 million or so visitors flood into the country each year. Spain
never received any significant immigration from its empire, and
its main ancestral peoples - Iberians, Basques, Celts, Romans,
Jews, Visigoths, Franks, Arabs and Berbers - had all
arrived by 1000 year ago, though large number of Jews and
Muslims were expelled in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries,
these people had already intermingled with the rest of the population.
Travel
Transport in Spain is a fairly good standard, offering internal
and international flights, trains, car hire and buses. Domestic
flights are run by Iberia (IB), Aviaco (AO), and Air Europa (AEA).
Scheduled flights connect all main towns. The Spanish rail system
is one of the cheapest in Europe. Travellers can purchase a Spanish
Railways Tourist Card allows unlimited travel from three to ten
days within two months and is valid for on all RENFE long-distance
trains, with the exception of high-speed ones (the Ave and Talgo
200).
Motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north-south. Trunk
roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained.
Rural roads are of differing quality. There are bus lines, which
are efficient and cheap, operating between cities and towns.
Food
Eating out in Spain is often cheap and meals are substantial rather
than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample Spanish food is to
try tapas (bar snacks) which are served at any time of day in local
bars. These range from cheese and olives to squid or meat delicacies,
and are priced accordingly. Many of the specialities of Spanish
cuisine are based on seafood, although regional specialities are
easier to find inland than along the coast.
Language
Spanish or Castilian is spoken throughout Spain, but
there are also three widely spoken regional languages: Catalan,
Galician and Basque. English isn't as widely spoken as
many travellers seem to expect. It's much easier to find people
who speak at least some English in the main cities and tourist areas,
but generally you'll be better received if you at least try to communicate
in Spanish.
Climate
Spain's climate varies from temperate in the north to dry and hot
in the south. The best months to visit are from April to October,
although mid-summer (July to August) can be excessively hot throughout
the country except the coastal regions. Madrid is best visited in
late spring or autumn, avoiding the opressive heat and hoards of
tourists, although the central plateau can be bitterly cold in winter.
Dress
Spain is a funky, modern western country with no religious or clothing
restrictions, but make sure you wear suncream on bare flesh as in
the summer the temperatures soar. If you're visiting a Catholic
religious site, you should make sure you are dressed modestly with
arms and legs covered.
Health
Spain is a pretty healthy country with no major history of contracting
life threatening diseases. Your main risks are likely to be sunburn,
dehydration, foot blisters, insect bites, or mild gut problems,
if you're not used to a lot of olive oil.
Visas
Those who need no visa for Spain are citizens from the EU, America,
New Zealand, Japan, Israel, Switzerland and Norway. Those who require
a visa for Spain are Australians and South Africans. Other Nationals
should consult their local consulate.
By Susi O'Neill
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