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Spain is justifiably one of the worlds most popular destinations.

Its hot sunny Mediterranean weather, golden beaches, long history, rich culture and superb cuisine means there is something for everyone.

Spain's reputation for cheap flights, cheap holidays and cheap short breaks offering good value for money and the vast selection of flights and holidays available makes finding your ideal holiday to Spain, Alicante, Malagag, Barcelona, Gerona, Reus a breeze.

Region - Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares, Ceuta, Canarias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna, Comunidad Valenciana, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco, Plazas de Soberania.
Country - Spain.
Capital City - Madrid.
Language - Spanish, English widely spoken.
Religion - Roman Catholic.
Visas - Valid UK passport.
Currency - Euro, about €1.45 = £1.
Credit Cards - Widely Accepted throughout Spain.
Time Difference - GMT +1 hour.
Flight Time UK - About 2 hours 30 mins (Madrid).
Spain Airport - ACE,AGP,ALC,BCN,BIO,BJZ,EAS,FUE,GRX,IBZ,LCG,LEI, LEN,LPA,MAD,MAH,MJV,MLN,OVD,PMI,PNA,REU,SCQ, SDR,SPC,SVQ,TCI,TFN,TFS,VGO,VIT,VLC,VLL,XRY,ZAZ.
Distance from Spain Airport - 8 miles - MAD Madrid.
Taxi Fare from Spain Airport - About €15-€20 (£10.34-£13.79) - MAD Madrid.

Driving in Spain - In Spain they drive on the right. EU compliant three-part pink document or international driving licence required.
Electricity in Spain - In Spain it is 220v 50Hz, adapter required.
Spain International Dialing Code - 00 34.
Spain Public Phones - In Spain International booths accept coins and phonecards, as well as credit cards.
Spain Mobile Phones - Spain has all major networks.

Spain Emergency Numbers - Emergency number in Spain is112 (police, fire and ambulance).
Spain Health Risks - None.

Spain Safety & Security - Motorists, particularly those towing caravans, should be aware of highway pirates, who target foreign registered vehicles in service areas and subsequently stop them on the hard shoulder of motorways.

Shop Opening Times in Spain - In Spain Banks open 09.00-14.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-13.00 Sat (except summer). Spain Shops open 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. Spain Department stores and commercial centres 10.00-21.00. Spain Office hours are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00. .

Public Holidays in Spain - Public Holidays in Spain are Jan 1, 6, March 25, May 1, Aug 15, Oct 12, Nov 1, Dec 6, 8, 25.

Spain Accommodation - Accommodation in Spain is registered and inspected by regional authorities, but results in variations nationwide. Hotels in Spain are classified from one to five-star, hostels/pensions in Spain are classified one to three-star. Other accommodation in Spain includes apartment-hotels, hotel-residencies, motels, self-catering, campsites, family guest houses, country villas, health spas and monasteries. There is a network of paradors in Spain, that are often converted palaces and mansions.

Eating Out in Spain - Eating food out in Spain is often cheap and meals are substantial rather than gourmet. One of the best ways to sample food in Spain is to try tapas, or snacks, which are served at any time of day in local bars. In Spain food ranges 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. In the northern Basque provinces, there is cod vizcaina or cod pil-pil; angulas, the tasty baby eels from Aguinaga; bream and squid. Asturias has its bean soup, fabada, cheeses and the best cider in Spain, and in Galicia there are shellfish, especially good in casseroles, and a number of regional seafood dishes such as hake à la Gallega. For food in Spain in the eastern regions the paella has a well-deserved reputation. It can be prepared in many ways, based on meat or seafood. Catalonia offers, among its outstanding specialities, lobster Catalan, butifarra sausage stewed with beans, and partridge with cabbage. Pan amb tomaquet, bread rubbed with olive oil and tomato, is a delicious accompaniment to local ham and cheese. For food in Spain in the Castile area try the roast meats, mainly lamb, beef, veal and suckling pig, but there are also stews, sausages, country ham and partridges. Andalucía is noted for its cooking (which shows a strong Arab influence), especially gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup, a variety of fried fish including fresh anchovies, jabugo ham from Huelva and many dishes based on the fish which the coast provides in such abundance. .

Food in Spain - Each region in Spain has its specialities, although a stew in various guises is to be found everywhere in Spain, together with a general use of olive oil, garlic, Mediterranean vegetables, fish on the coasts, game and sausage. Typical dishes in Spain include marmitako (potatoes with bonito) and txangurro (clams and spider crab) in the Basque country; fabada (haricot beans and pork stew) in Asturias; pote (potage made with ham bones and haricot beans), caldeiradas (similar to bouillabaisse) and pulpo (octopus) in Galicia; chilindrones (meat marinades) and platters of mixed vegetables in Aragon; escudella (meaty broth with pasta) in Catalonia; paella (saffron flavoured rice with chicken and shellfish) in Valencia; ensaimadas (pastries) in the Balearics; botillo (mountain sausage from Leon) in Majorca.

Tipping in Spain - In Spain service and tax are usually included in hotel bills, but tip chambermaids, porters and waiters. Restaurants in Spain often include service, so a gratuity is discretionary, normally 10%-15%. Taxi drivers expect 10%-15%.

Spain Standard of Living - In Spain a Bottle of beer (330ml) - €1 (70p), mineral water (1L) - €0.90 (62p) and three course meal with drinks - €12 (£8.25).

What to do in Spain - Alhambra in Granada.This moorish fortified palace is absolutely incredible. The complex is vast and occupies a large portion of the Granada, so make sure you have a whole day to explore it. If you are visiting in the summer though, you are well advised to buy tickets in advance. Andalucia is blessed to have these mountains so close to legendary tourist spots such as Malaga and Torremolinos. During late spring you can go skiing in the morning and do a spot of sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon. Marvelously bizarre! The local fiestas are mostly religious in nature, but that doesnt mean that they arn't a lot of fun. The colourful processions are worth it in themselves, and the parties usuallu go on throughout the night. Of all the buildings in Barcelona that Antoni Gaudi designed, no visit is more spectacular than Parc Guell. The large park has numerous buildings and sculptures featuring Gaudi's well known broken tile style, and elegant organic curves. A great day out for all ages. It is one of the Best and most uniquely Spanish things to sit in a bar in the evening and eat tapas while you have a drink. Visiting the Prado Gallery in Madrid will open you eyes to Valazquez, possibly the greatest ever Spanish artist. Perhaps his Best known painting is "The Rokeby Venus" but consider that his famous "Old Woman Cooking Eggs" was painted when he was only 19, and you can be sure of the masterful talent Velazquez had. See the Best football in Europe. Real Madrid now have the Best football tem in Europe, and probably in the world. With the like of Figo, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Raul, Zidane and now David Beckham in the ranks, has Madrid got an unstoppable force? Barca, Deportivo and Valencia are amongst the teams to try and stop them running away with next years trophies. Test your golfing skills at Valderrama. Famed architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed this 18-hole championship layout that stretches more than 6,356 meters at par 71. If Valderrama is a little out of your reach, then the Costa del Sol has more than enought other courses for everyone. Nicknamed the Costa del Golf, Southern Spain has both the courses and the weather to make any golfer happy. .

Where to Visit in Spain - Catalonia has a different feel than the rest of Spain and Barcelona is unique in Catalonia. Perhaps it is the uplifting contribution of Gaudi's architecture or the Catalonian people; whatever it is, Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain. Start your visit with a walk down La Rambla, then, see the Sagrada Familia, and the Barcelona Cathedral. Take in as much of the city and as many of Gaudi's monuments as possible. Madrid is a remarkable city. The "must sees" of the city are Old Madrid, the Museo del Prado, and the Palacio Real. Make no mistake, the museums, architecture, dining, and entertainment in Madrid are spectacular. attracts many tourists due to its splendid architecture and interesting attractions. Seville's Cathedral is popular due to its architecture, its tomb of Christopher Columbus and the attractiveness of its noted bell tower (the Giralda). Cross the square and visit the Alcazar, a stunning, well preserved, medieval, Islamic palace. Follow-up with a visit to the grand Plaza de Espana. If you have to choose one town to visit in Andalusia, make it Granada. The Moorish Alhambra is beautiful, taking advantage of its glorious setting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The Alhambra's architecture is intricate, purposeful, and important. Budget your time to spend the better part of a day, just in the Alhambra. Of course, the rest of the Granada provides many attractive areas to explore, including the Albaicín and the Old City. Many complain that Costa del Sol has become a continuous set of high rise apartments, blighting the landscape. The observation may be true but the majority of vacationers who visit Spain come to the Costa del Sol to sunbathe and escape the hot and cold seasons in the rest of Europe. Concrete aside, there is a lot to like about the area, as the scenery is great and some of towns are quite striking, especially Malaga and its striking Alcazaba, a palace from Moorish times. Valencia is the gateway to the Costa Blanca, another of Spain's noted beach areas. Valencia has some excellent beaches and it Cathedral is worth a visit. The city's most popular attraction, however, is the La Lonja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange, that dates from 15th century. The Silk Exchange, is a series of impressive Gothic-style buildings that marked the center of commerce in Valencia, Spain's major Mediterranean port during the 15th and 16th centuries. Reachable by ferry, Palma de Mallorca, is an exotic destination. The town (Palma) has two fine cathedrals, interesting shopping, and is a great place to wander. Visit the hilltop castle (Castell del Bellver), which is now a historical/archaeological museum, for a great view of Palma. Still others prefer to visit the island of Menorca, especially for Maó (Mahon), known as the setting for the initial novel in the Hornblower Saga, as well as the invention of Mayonnaise. The island has numerous mysterious, historic mounds and dolmens, and is a delightful, peaceful place to spend some time.

Local Festivals in Spain - Spain is the nation of "Fiesta". There are festivals all over the country in every city, town and village. Below we've listed some of the most famous ones by month. Specific dates of festivals vary most years but where possible we've provided information on the page of the particular fiesta. January The Festividad de San Sebastian is the celebration of Lord Wellington's capture of the city of San Sebastian from French troops in 1812. February The Seville Tapas Fair is a chance to savour a feast of Spanish snacks in the world capital of tapas. In Cadiz, Tenerife, Barcelona and Sitges it's Carnaval with huge celebrations involving fancy dress costumes and dance. March The Festival de Jerez is a flamenco festival with some of Spain's top performers. In Valencia it's the Fallas de San José where there are huge street parties with incredible fireworks every night and the burning of the fallas (papier-mache effigies of famous people) on the last day. April Some of Spain's biggest festivals take place during April and May starting with Holy Week (Semana Santa) which is important nationwide but is especially recommended in Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. The celebration of Holy Week is the highlight of the year in Andalucia with teams of parish members carrying enormous religious floats. In Alcoy, Alicante it's the festival of the Moros y Cristianos where you'll see mock battles between Moors and Christians. Back in Seville, two weeks after Easter it's Spain's biggest annual party at the Seville April Fair (La Feria de Abril). It's also the Romería de Andújar in Andalucia, a mass pilgrimage to a shrine of the Virgin. May In Granada and Cordoba it's the festival of the Cruces de Mayo where large crosses adorn parishes and the locals party in the streets. Cordoba continues its parties with the Fiesta de los Patios, a competition to find the city's most beautiful flower covered patio. Then shortly afterwards it's the Feria de Cordoba, a fiesta of flamenco and all things Spanish that now rivals Seville's April Fair in size. The famous Feria del Caballo, Jerez's Horse Fair is also this month. Up in Madrid it's the world's largest bullfight festival plus plenty cultural events and parties as Madrileños celebrate San Isidro, the Patron Saint of the capital. June An enormous yet little known festival outside Spain is La Romería del Rocio which is a pilgrimage of upto a million people who travel on foot or by horse and carriage to the shrine of the Virgin at El Rocio in Huelva. Corpus Christi is celebrated to varying degrees all over the country most notably in Toledo and Seville. In Granada it's the International Festival of Music and Dance whilst the Hogueras de San Juan (midsummer bonfires and fireworks) are celebrated in the south especially Alicante. July The Festival de Cordoba is an International guitar festival that takes place in the gardens of the Alcazar. In Pamplona it's San Fermin, the famous running of the bulls which always begins on 7th for a week. San Sebastian attracts some of the top jazz performers to its annual San Sebastian Jazz Festival. If you're on the south coast on 16th you'll come across a range of different celebrations of the Día de la Virgen de Carmen. Most commonly you'll see a statue of the Virgin carried in from the sea by a flotilla of fishing boats often with some impressive firework displays especially in Almuñecar on the Granada coast. On the 25th it's the Día de Santiago in with the celebration of the Feast of St James when thousands of pilgrims who have walked the Camino de Santiago congregate in Santiago de Compostela where the Saint's tomb lies in the Cathedral. August One of Spain's maddest festivals is La Tomatina Tomato Festival in Bunyol near Valencia which is the world's biggest tomato fight. Cambados in Galicia hosts the Albariño wine fair where you can sample some of Galicia's finest white wines. September Catalunya celebrates Cava week, a festival dedicated to the fine Catalan version of champagne. Jerez de la Frontera has its annual Fiestas de Otoño, a three week party involving sherry, horses and flamenco. In Sueca, Valencia there is a Fiesta del Arroz which is basically a paella festival. In Logroño, the centre of the Rioja wine region it's the Fiesta de San Mateo which is a grape harvest festival. Barcelona celebrates Festes de la Merce, a huge fiesta with processions, fireworks and dance performances. October After all the activities of the summer months things tend to calm down this month. Hispanidad is a nationwide fiesta commemorating Columbus's landing in America which is particularly celebrated in Zaragoza. December Christmas in Spain is a family affair with Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) a very quiet night when all families get together for dinner. After midnight on Noche Vieja (New Years Eve) is as raucous in Madrid's cities as elsewhere in Europe. .

Spain Climate - Conditions vary considerably, ranging from the typical Mediterranean heat and sun in the south of mainland Spain to the cooler and wetter north coast of Spain, and the refreshing mountain air of the Pyrenees and their heavy snowfalls during winter. Madrid is sweltering in midsummer, when temperatures soar, and the Leveche, a hot wind from Africa, can provide oven-like conditions in the south of Spain. There is little rain in the summer in Spain apart from the occasional thunderstorm. Winters can be surprisingly cool. The Balearics are fanned by gentle sea breezes, but can get very hot during the summer. Rainfall tends to be light in the summer, but spring and autumn can be unpredictable. The Canaries are probably the closest destination to the UK to offer guaranteed winter sun, although rain and fog are not entirely unknown in the islands.

Spain Position - Lat: 40 27N, Long: 003 33W, Elevation: 582m. (Madrid). Madrid:.

Tourist Information on Spain
For further tourist information on Spain go to www.spain.info

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Whilst every effort has been made to give accurate and up-to-date information, no liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage in respect of any information supplied.

To apply for a passport go to the Passport Service, for the latest Government advice and information on visas go to The Foreign Office

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