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So you want to go to Spain
By Edward Kirwan
The land of fiesta, ferias, bullfighting, siestas, sun, senoritas, machismo and
manana. It truly is like that and you will be happy to soak it all in. The heat,
the noise, the traffic and the noise, your joy at being here, the colour and
did I mention the noise. After your journey you will no doubt be glad to sit
down with a cool drink and some tapas.
Spain is famous for its tapas. What a marvelous idea. A little drink and a
little to eat, a little to drink and a little to eat: all taken at the gentle pace
of tranquilo. Watch the world go by while you decide what you might like to
do next. What else is life for?
Spain is full of diversity. Mountains, rivers, huge plains, wooded glens and
of course beaches and lively cities. The beaches come in all shapes and
sizes. The long, languorous beaches on both Mediterranean and Atlantic
coasts coexist with the craggy rocks and hidden coves all around this land.
While the land twists and turns so does the weather. While generally hot,
the sub-tropical nature is such that ferocious winds and rains, although
short lived, can and do strike without much warning. But you have been
now!
Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga are the principal cities for international flights
although more regional airports are available. These cities all offer unique
sights and sounds typical of their regions. The thoroughly modern
Barcelona offers Gaudi’s architecture, Las Ramblas and “Barca”, the famous
football club. Sedate Madrid enjoys the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum
and Grand Via. Malaga meanwhile, entertains grand cruise ships,
celebrates Pablo Picasso and holds the key to the Costa del Sol.
Perhaps the best time to visit Spain, if your schedule allows, is in the spring
and autumn. The weather is temperate, the flowers are in bloom and
everyone is shaking off winter’s cool. The heat of the summer months can
be oppressive for many but by abiding by the custom of siesta (the long
afternoon meal and rest) you will have no problems. The nights are a
wonder to enjoy and tend to be very long.
While visiting Spain you may be overwhelmed at the choice of activities.
Other than the well known beach, water sports and golfing holidays the
regions variously offer hiking, biking and mountaineering. Skiing in the
Sierra Nevada and exploration of the mountains of Los Picos compete with
Grand Prix motor racing and world class football. The museums, art galleries
and parks rub shoulders with gastronomic restaurants, hotels and bars.
The range of activities is only limited by your imagination.
Spanish restaurants and bars cater for every palate and pocket. It is
customary to take the main meal of the day at 2pm while the evening meal
is taken at around 10pm. If you can adjust to this you will not end up
eating in an empty restaurant with its subsequent lack of atmosphere. On
the whole the standards are high with exquisite fresh fish dishes being
predominate in the coastal regions and meat dishes in the interior. Be bold
and watch or ask where the locals go for the best dining experiences.
Accommodation throughout Spain, from luxurious hotels and Paradores to
the hostals, are plentiful, clean and reasonably priced. Do not be put off by
the title “hostal” as this merely a hotel category. Competition and the pride
of the proprietors ensures a good standard.
It is always advisable to check your flight times and remember that Spain is
at GMT+1 hour and all times are given at local time. From your arrival your
options are taxis, hire car or public transport. The trains and buses are
clean and comfortable although a little erratic when it comes to time
keeping. Just be patient as another on will be on its way …sometime.
Spanish people are amongst the friendliest and most curteous in the world.
You will never be alone as help is always at hand. If you can learn one or
two basic words before your trip so much the better. As crime rates are low
your security is assured as long as you take the normal tourist precautions
and don’t leave your brain in lost luggage or customs. However, taking out
health and travel insurance is always advisable.
In case of minor medical treatments, the farmacias (pharmacy or chemists)
have well qualified staff to advise and serve you the necessary prescription
thus relieving you of a tedious trip to a doctors office. Look for a sign, a
large green flashing neon cross, for your nearest pharmacy. The water,
although fine to drink, differs from place to place and certainly from your
home. Avoid minor stomach upsets by drinking bottled water. Other than
the risk of Dehli-belly and hangovers, you should be fine.
Edward Kirwan resides in Southern Spain and he is co-founder of Finca
Fantastica Travel.
By Edward Kirwan
The land of fiesta, ferias, bullfighting, siestas, sun, senoritas, machismo and
manana. It truly is like that and you will be happy to soak it all in. The heat,
the noise, the traffic and the noise, your joy at being here, the colour and
did I mention the noise. After your journey you will no doubt be glad to sit
down with a cool drink and some tapas.
Spain is famous for its tapas. What a marvelous idea. A little drink and a
little to eat, a little to drink and a little to eat: all taken at the gentle pace
of tranquilo. Watch the world go by while you decide what you might like to
do next. What else is life for?
Spain is full of diversity. Mountains, rivers, huge plains, wooded glens and
of course beaches and lively cities. The beaches come in all shapes and
sizes. The long, languorous beaches on both Mediterranean and Atlantic
coasts coexist with the craggy rocks and hidden coves all around this land.
While the land twists and turns so does the weather. While generally hot,
the sub-tropical nature is such that ferocious winds and rains, although
short lived, can and do strike without much warning. But you have been
now!
Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga are the principal cities for international flights
although more regional airports are available. These cities all offer unique
sights and sounds typical of their regions. The thoroughly modern
Barcelona offers Gaudi’s architecture, Las Ramblas and “Barca”, the famous
football club. Sedate Madrid enjoys the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum
and Grand Via. Malaga meanwhile, entertains grand cruise ships,
celebrates Pablo Picasso and holds the key to the Costa del Sol.
Perhaps the best time to visit Spain, if your schedule allows, is in the spring
and autumn. The weather is temperate, the flowers are in bloom and
everyone is shaking off winter’s cool. The heat of the summer months can
be oppressive for many but by abiding by the custom of siesta (the long
afternoon meal and rest) you will have no problems. The nights are a
wonder to enjoy and tend to be very long.
While visiting Spain you may be overwhelmed at the choice of activities.
Other than the well known beach, water sports and golfing holidays the
regions variously offer hiking, biking and mountaineering. Skiing in the
Sierra Nevada and exploration of the mountains of Los Picos compete with
Grand Prix motor racing and world class football. The museums, art galleries
and parks rub shoulders with gastronomic restaurants, hotels and bars.
The range of activities is only limited by your imagination.
Spanish restaurants and bars cater for every palate and pocket. It is
customary to take the main meal of the day at 2pm while the evening meal
is taken at around 10pm. If you can adjust to this you will not end up
eating in an empty restaurant with its subsequent lack of atmosphere. On
the whole the standards are high with exquisite fresh fish dishes being
predominate in the coastal regions and meat dishes in the interior. Be bold
and watch or ask where the locals go for the best dining experiences.
Accommodation throughout Spain, from luxurious hotels and Paradores to
the hostals, are plentiful, clean and reasonably priced. Do not be put off by
the title “hostal” as this merely a hotel category. Competition and the pride
of the proprietors ensures a good standard.
It is always advisable to check your flight times and remember that Spain is
at GMT+1 hour and all times are given at local time. From your arrival your
options are taxis, hire car or public transport. The trains and buses are
clean and comfortable although a little erratic when it comes to time
keeping. Just be patient as another on will be on its way …sometime.
Spanish people are amongst the friendliest and most curteous in the world.
You will never be alone as help is always at hand. If you can learn one or
two basic words before your trip so much the better. As crime rates are low
your security is assured as long as you take the normal tourist precautions
and don’t leave your brain in lost luggage or customs. However, taking out
health and travel insurance is always advisable.
In case of minor medical treatments, the farmacias (pharmacy or chemists)
have well qualified staff to advise and serve you the necessary prescription
thus relieving you of a tedious trip to a doctors office. Look for a sign, a
large green flashing neon cross, for your nearest pharmacy. The water,
although fine to drink, differs from place to place and certainly from your
home. Avoid minor stomach upsets by drinking bottled water. Other than
the risk of Dehli-belly and hangovers, you should be fine.
Edward Kirwan resides in Southern Spain and he is co-founder of Finca
Fantastica Travel.
 |
Barcelona Airport
(Pablo Ruiz Picasso International airport)
Granada Airport
Frederico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport
Madrid airport
Madrid Barajas International Airport
Málaga Airport
(Pablo Ruiz Picasso International airport)
Seville Airport
(San Pablo Airport)
(Pablo Ruiz Picasso International airport)
Granada Airport
Frederico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport
Madrid airport
Madrid Barajas International Airport
Málaga Airport
(Pablo Ruiz Picasso International airport)
Seville Airport
(San Pablo Airport)
International country
code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz;
round two-pin plugs
are standard.
Government
Parliamentary
monarchy
Population
Spain:
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%,
other 6%
code: 34
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz;
round two-pin plugs
are standard.
Government
Parliamentary
monarchy
Population
Spain:
Religion
Roman Catholic 94%,
other 6%
Spain |
Time Zone GMT +1, +2
during daylight-saving time
(last Sunday in March to last
Sunday in October)
during daylight-saving time
(last Sunday in March to last
Sunday in October)
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Destination Spain...Reliable and comprehensive travel information on
Spain from Lonely Planet & World Normads
Spain from Lonely Planet & World Normads
