Spain

Quick Facts

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Local name

España

Capital

Madrid

Government

Parliamentary Monarchy

Nationality

Spanish

Population

45 200 700^[1]

Languages

Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Religions

Christianity (Catholic)

Currency

Euro (EUR) €

Calling Code

+34

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Summer (DST)

CEST (UTC+2)

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Introduction

Barcelona Vista

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From the thumping beats of nightclubs to the intoxicating rhythms of the flamenco, Spain is an exuberantly modern land rich with tradition. Fine art, revolutionary architecture, inspiring fashion and world class music all call Spain home, creating a fabulously diverse travel experience. Whether you head to the country's official capital at Madrid, the cultural capital at Barcelona, or the beach capital at Valencia, you will discover a country with attractions ancient and modern and every stage in between.

This is truly a top destination providing something for everyone, whether you're after beaches or sweeping plains, lively clubs or impressive cathedrals.

Brief History

Spain is a strategically located nation, a fact which has led to it being conquered by many empires. The Celts, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greeks all had a hand in the region in ancient times, but the Roman Empire was the first major empire to extend into the Iberian peninsula. Rome was in Spain from the 2nd century BC through to its demise in the 5th century, when the Visigoths displaced them. Two centuries after that, the Moors stormed across from North Africa into Spain, extending their Islamic Empire.

The reconquest of Spain was a priority for the Christian kingdoms of Europe, who were gradually able to fight their way back into and across parts of Iberia. In the 15th century, Fernando of Aragón and Isabel of Castile married, leading to a unified Spain. It was around this time that Christopher Columbus sailed out to discover the New World, setting off a process of Spanish conquest in the American continent. Colonization created wealth for Spain; wealth which was, in turn, used to fight wars in Europe and continue the very bloody inquisition in Spain and beyond its borders.

Because of mining too much gold and silver from the New World, Spain actually devalued the world price gold. Since their entire economy was valued on gold and silver it hit their banks extremely hard. Any time Spain entered a war with another European power, the gold and silver ships were also their main weakness. Other major powers would just attack the slower and weaker gold and silver ships sinking countless numbers of them. Throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th century Spain's power declined even quicker to the point that almost all of its New World colonial possessions were independent by 1811. The humiliation continued when in 1898 Spain lost Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guam, Micronesia, Palau and the Philippines to the United States in the Spanish-American War.

The 20th century was an unstable period in Spain's history. Anarchy and fascism were both gaining prominence in the Spanish political landscape at the turn of the century. In 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was established - only to be destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, which ran from 1936-39. Francisco Franco took control of the country. He would rule Spain with an iron fist for close to four decades.

After Franco's death in 1975, it didn't take long for Spain to move towards democracy. Since 1978, Spain has been a democratic state.

Geography

Playa de las Teresitas

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Spain has Europe's only desert, highest capital city and is also its third most mountainous country (surpassed only by Switzerland and Austria).

The tall peaks of the Pyrenees line the northeast corner, where Spain borders Andorra; further west, the snow-capped Picos de Europa afford beautiful scenery in Asturias, Castile and León and Cantabria.

Spain has both a Mediterranean and an Atlantic coastline, and cities such as Valencia and San Sebastián are popular beach destinations. The Balearic Islands and Canary Islands are two off-shore regions of Spain.

Inland Spain is at times arid, at other times lush. Madrid is situated on a high plateau in the centre of the country, while further south are the plains of La Mancha. The desert of Almería is located on the southern coast, in Andalusia.

Spain shares international borders with France, Portugal, Morocco and the United Kingdom, because of Gibraltar.

Provinces

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous regions and 50 provinces. Ceuta and Melilla are two Africa-based autonomous cities that are also a part of Spain.

The autonomous regions of Spain are:

• Andalusia - capital cities: Seville, Granada, Málaga
• Aragón - capital city: Zaragoza
• Asturias - capital city: Oviedo
• Balearic Islands - Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca
• Basque Country - capital cities: Vitoria and Bilbao
• Canary Islands - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Cantabria - Santander
• Castile-La Mancha - Toledo and Albacete
• Castile and León - Valladolid, Salamanca and Segovia
• Cataluña - Barcelona
• Extremadura - Mérida and Cacéres
• Galicia - Santiago de Compostela
• Community of Madrid - Madrid
• Region of Murcia - Murcia and Cartagena
• Navarra - Pamplona
• La Rioja- Logroño
• Community of Valenciana - Valencia

Cities

Madrid

Madrid streets

© All Rights Reserved LToran

Madrid is the Spanish capital and largest city. Set in the heart of the country, Madrid doesn't have beautiful beaches to lure travellers; instead, the esteemed city has a vibrant beating heart, especially at night. Madrileños are fashionable and proud, rallying behind major football teams Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. For those inclined towards quieter modes of expression, the Prado Museum is one of the world's best art museums - and just one of a handful of rewarding museums in Madrid.

Barcelona

Nestled on the Mediterranean coast in north east Spain, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and Spain's second largest city. But where the city might be slighted in size and population by Madrid, Barcelona stands tall as a distinct and beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage.

Málaga

Málaga is the capital of the "Costa del Sol," a hospitable and cheerful city. One of the most popular places in Spain, it is known for beautiful beaches, espetos of sardines, white wine, and some famous buildings, including a cathedral, museum and fort. Málaga has a hot climate year round and is also the birthplace of Picasso.

Other cities

• Valencia
• Seville
• Granada
• Córdoba
• Bilbao
• San Sebastian
• La Coruna
• Zaragoza
• Toledo

Sights and Activities

Balearic Islands

Ibiza

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The Balearic Islands are an autonomous community in Spain and the islands are wonderful. Although the most famous island of Ibiza is known for its crazy nightlife and constant party atmosphere there is much more to these islands then the dance parties. Wonderful hikes can be enjoyed around the island of Mallorca. The culture of Menorca is not to be missed with a fusion of many different European cultures. All three islands have stunning beaches and beautiful coastlines.

La Sagrada Família

Located in Barcelona the La Sagrada Família started in 1882. This modernist cathedral is not expected to be completed by 2026. The main architect Antoni Gaudí may be long dead yet his vision is carried on. Millions of travellers visit this unfinished piece of work every year and are still awed by it. The construction of the La Sagrada Família gives a unique chance for travellers to see a work in process.

Palacio Real

At the western end of Madrid lies the Palacio Real. This palace is located on the spot where the city was founded in the 10th century. After the old palace burned down on Christmas eve 1734, construction on the new place began 4 years later and was finally completed in 1755. Today the palace is only used for official ceremonies and no one currently lives in it.

Torre del Oro

The Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) in Seville was originally built by the Moors in the 13th century for defensive purposes. It was later used to store the gold from Spain's conquest of South America and the Caribbean. Today it houses a very good naval museum.

Mezquita

Mezquita Archways

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The Mezquita, which means mosque in Spanish, is a present day Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Córdoba. This religious site has undergone many transformations over the centuries. It originally was a Roman temple and over a thousand columns in the current church made of jasper, onyx and marble mostly belonged to the original Roman temple and several other Roman buildings in the area. A new church was built on the foundation of the temple in 600 AD by the Visigoths. But when Moorish forces occupied the city in 711 they started to turn it into a mosque. As the different rulers controlled the structure they left different designs with them. Today the Mezquita is the most important church in Córdoba.

Basque Country

Although the Basque Country can be a bit more dicey in Spain than in France, Basque culture is amazing. The Basque have a unique language, food and culture completely different from the neighbouring Romance cultures. This pride has only been made stronger by their resistance to being assimilated by France or Spain. Today most Basque areas in Spain enjoy extensive autonomy and are worth a visit for the off the beaten track traveller.

Other Sights and Activities

• Parc de la Ciutadella (Ciutadella Park) - Enjoy watching the families of Barcelona have fun in this wonderful park, which was the sight of the 1888 universal exposition.
• Casa Mila (La Pedrera) - Enjoy this wonderful house designed by Antoni Gaudí.
• Cathedral La Almudena is a nice cathedral in Madrid near the Palacio Real.
• Plaza Major is a beautiful 16th century plaza located in Madrid, surrounded by 16th century buildings.
• City Walls - Enjoy the city walls around cities like Toledo.
• Cathedral of Seville is located in Seville is the third largest cathedral in the world and home to an amazing tower, which used to be part of a Moorish mosque.
• Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace in Seville, built as a Moorish fort and expanded since then. It is one of the best examples of mudéjar architecture, a style developed under Christian rule in Spain, but influenced by Islamic architecture.
• Running of the Bulls - Run with these animals every year in Pamplona from July 7th to July 14th.

Events and Festivals

Spain's rich history and diverse communities has allowed for the formation of countless special events and festivals. From the famous running of the bulls every year from July 7th to July 14th in Pamplona to less known festivals like La Tomatina, which is a giant tomato food fight, outside of Valencia there is plenty to chose from. Many towns and cities have holidays year round for local patron saints or traditional holidays going back to pagan times. For more information on local events and festivals look at the city and region articles.

Weather

Because of Spain's location and mountainous arid environment the climate is very different depending on the location in the country. The inland areas, like the city of Madrid, have a continental Mediterranean climate. A Mediterranean climate reaches from the Andalusian plain on the southern and eastern coasts all the to the Pyrenees Mountains, and also on the seaward side of mountain ranges that are near the coast, such as cities like Barcelona. Lastly there is an oceanic climate in Galicia and also along the coast near the Bay of Biscay. Sometimes this area is called Green Spain.

Getting There

By Plane

The major airports receiving international flights are in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza and numerous other places around the country. Other important cities and tourist areas can be reached by plane. There are airports in Sevilla, Granada, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga, Almeria, Alicante, Murcia, Zaragoza, Girona, Valladolid, Santiago de Compestela, Bilbao, San Sebastian. Most of the islands have an airport. Detailed information about the airports can be found on the website of aena

The Major airline in Spain is Iberia, but over the last couple of years a lot of budget airlines have started to fly on different routes. The best known of these budget airlines are Vueling, Air Europa, Spanair, and Click air. The Canary Islands are connected by a small airline called Binter Canarias.

From Europe there are numerous flights to several destinations in Spain, especially in the tourist season. Budget airlines that have flights to and from Spain include Ryanair, Easyjet, Air Berlin, and of course the Spain based airlines.

By Bus

Buses run from all over Europe, making this one of the cheapest ways to get there.

By Boat

If you are coming from Morocco or the United Kingdom, you could also take the ferry.

By Train

There are international trains to and from Spain to Portugal and France. Most major cities in Spain have direct international trains to most major cities in Europe.

By Car

Getting Around

By Plane

Spain has a large numbers of airports available for commercial use. The large number of budget airlines make flying a cheap alternative for train travel. Most smaller airports have connections to Madrid Barajas Airport and Barcelona El Prat Airport, which makes it easy to connect to airports in the rest of Europe or even further.
The major domestic carriers include Iberia, Air Europa, Binter and Spanair with connections in mainland Spain and to the Balearic and Canary Islands and even the North African exclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.

By Train

RENFE is Spain's national railway company. They operate all passenger trains on the network (except those in Basque country), which serves most larger cities. Unfortunately, the net has a radial architecture which often necessitates making considerable detours to get from A to B (this problem presents itself especially south of Madrid). For most typical tourist itineraries, this will not be a problem, though.

Trains are cheap, and generally reliable both timewise and safetywise. Spain participates in EUrail and Interrail.

In the last couple of years the number of high speed connections has grown, and will continue to grow during the coming years. Most of these routes are serviced by AVE or Talgo trains. Madrid to Sevilla, Madrid to Barcelona and Cordoba to Malaga are the main high speed train lines and in 2010 Madrid will be connected to Valladolid and Valencia as well.

By Car

Spain has an excellent highway network and also an extensive network of secondary roads. You can bring your own car or rent one from most international companies at airports, resort areas or downtown offices in most cities. You have to be 21 years old and have a national driver's licence. Sufficient insurance (green card) is recommended.

By Bus

On many itineraries in Spain, going by bus will be more attractive (i.e., cheaper and quicker) than taking a train. Movelia bundles route information and ticket purchase for most national bus companies. Note that booking through their website involves a surcharge that you can usually avoid by contacting the company operating the line directly.

By Boat

Acciona Trasmediterránea is the main ferry operator in Spain. Routes include Algeciras to Ceuta (North African exclave), Malaga and Almeria to Melilla (North African exclave), Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante to the Balearic Islands, and Cadiz to the Canary Islands.

Red Tape

Visa wise, Spain is part of the Schengen zone, which includes 25 countries. If you are a citizen or resident of one of the countries who signed the convention, you will not be required to obtain a visa for a trip to Spain. If you stay over 90 days however, you need to register with the Spanish police.

Citizens of many other countries are also able to travel to Spain for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa first.

Money

See also: Money Matters

Spain has adopted the Euro (ISO code: EUR, symbol: €) as its official currency. One Euro is divided into 100 cents, which is sometimes referred to as eurocents, especially when distinguishing them with the US cents.

Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500. The highest three denominations are rarely used in everyday transactions. All Euro banknotes have a common design for each denomination on both sides throughout the Eurozone.

The Euro coins are 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1 and €2. Some countries in the Eurozone have law which requires cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. All Euro coins have a common design on the denomination (value) side, while the opposite side may have a different image from one country to another. Coins issued in Spain has the portrait of King Juan Carlos on the image side. Although the image side may be different, all Euro coins remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone.

Work

Study

Studying in Spain is very popular. Countless cities have private language schools and most universities offer Spanish language programs for foreigners. Many of the universities have programs for people not interested in studying Spanish. These include programs in art history, anthropology, religious studies, studio art and music. Just remember part of the fun of studying in Spain is the distractions that Spain has to offer.

Language

Related article: Spanish: Grammar, pronunciation and useful phrases

Spanish (or better: Castillian) is the national language of Spain. There are however four more official regional languages that are spoken within Spain: Catalan, Galician, El Euskera (or the Basque language) and Aranese. Besides these languages, there are also a couple of other languages and dialects spoken in Spain especially in the islands.

Eat

Enthusiam for food can near obsession with each region waxing lyrical about the perfection of their dishes and produce.
Causing particularly hot debate are jamon (ham), most famously the Serrano and Iberico varieties, and Olive Oil. There's also a tremendous variety of regional sausages, the best-known being spicy Chorizo. Spanish dishes are often spiced with Saffron or Paprika.

One famous Spanish dish is Paella, typical of Valencia, a rice stew usually involving a mix of meat (rabbit, chicken and/or sausage) and/or seafood, flavoured and coloured with Saffron.

Tapas (or Pintxos in the Basque country) are small portions of food served to go with drinks. A very wide variety of dishes may be served, however typical dishes include Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce), Bacalao (salt cod), Calamares (squid rings), Pimientos (slightly spicy peppers) and Gambarones (prawns - often with garlic).

Spain is also home to some of the world's top restaurants including El Bulli, regularly voted 'best restaurant in the world'.

Sleep

Drink

Spain produces some great wines, including the ubiquitous Rioja which comes in Crianza (aged 2 years), Reserva (aged 3 years) and Gran Reserva (aged 5 years) varieties. The fortified wine known as Sherry is widely celebrated and many types are available, including light, dry Fino and deep, rich Oloroso. Spain is also famous for the production of the sparkling wine known as Cava.

Spain is also home to a number of major breweries, the most famous internationally being San Miguel. Other popular local brews include Cruzcampo, and the range produced by the Alhambra brewery of Andalucia.

Health

Safety

Spain is a much safer country than it was back in the 1970s and 1980s. Remember many areas of Spain still have lots of crime and scams. Just keep your wits around you when in a more shady areas. Most of Spain is desert and dehydration is no fun. Drink lots of water no matter what time of year it is.

Keep Connected

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