Spain is a country located in Europe with name that begins with letter S. The EU country Spain is a hospitable country and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The cultural diversity in the historically grown cities such as Madrid, Seville or Barcelona and the varied scenic beauties of the Iberian Peninsula and the exclaves, islands and archipelagos belonging to Spain – such as the Balearic and Canary Islands – attract around 60 million foreign tourists every year in the country. With over 280 million overnight stays, Spain leads the European tourism statistics.
Although Spain and its islands are the first to think of sea and beach, the country has an average height of 660 meters thanks to its mountain ranges and volcanoes (on the Canary Islands) – and is accordingly well suited for hiking.
The official currency in Spain is the euro. Central European Time applies on the mainland and the Balearic Islands; in the Canaries the clock is turned back an hour.
Entry and visa
Spain is a founding member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens from Austria, Germany and Switzerland only need a valid passport or identity card to enter the country.
Climate
As varied as the landscapes of the fourth largest European country are its climatic conditions. The following climate zones are relevant for web travel:
- The north of the country is dominated by the balanced Atlantic climate, which in the Pyrenees meets mountainous climates.
- In the Balearic Islands there is a mild Mediterranean climate, which is pronounced in its dry variant in the Andalusian south of the country.
- The Canary Islands enjoy the subtropical climate with a pleasant 18-24 degrees Celsius throughout the year. However, the power of the sun in these latitudes should not be underestimated.
Culinary and traditional cuisine
Fancy a paella? Or would you prefer gazpacho or tapas? – Whether fish, meat, seafood, vegetables including potatoes and legumes: the cuisine of the great country is as diverse as the country and its people – not least thanks to Moorish and colonial influences that have enriched the various regional cuisines of Spain. Perhaps the lowest common denominator is the abundant use of olive oil. The best-known Spanish drink is the red wine from Rioja.
Medical advice
Medical care corresponds to the European standard. The vaccinations against tetanus, hepatitis, diphtheria, polio and typhus, which are usually recommended in Europe, are sufficient for the trip to Spain. Please also ask your doctor if you have any doubts or questions. A personal pharmacy with your own medication makes it easier to act in the event of illness.
Clothing & cultural rules of conduct
In Catholic-dominated Spain, general European customs apply to clothing and cultural behavior.
General security
Only in the larger tourist centers do pickpockets occur again and again, and it is recommended that you only carry small amounts of cash with you and that you do not keep cash and credit cards in the same pocket.
Climate and travel time
In the south of Spain (Andalusia, Sierra Morena, Granada and parts of Murica) there is an African or subtropical climate, while the north coast and the northern regions, such as the Alava plateau, are colder, Central European zones. The rest of the country is southern European and warm. In the Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca) the climate is warm and little rainfall can be expected.
All about money
Currency
The legal tender is the euro (EUR)
Money
You can easily withdraw money and pay by card anywhere. Pay attention to the international fees that may be due on your card.
In restaurants, the waitress does not collect money straight away. A small folder with the bill is usually brought to your table. In this you either put your credit card or the corresponding amount of money including the tip.
Usually around 5% or rounded up to a round amount. In restaurants, only one person pays at the table, the rest is discussed among yourself.
Note on VAT: Do not be surprised if the invoice amount in the restaurant is suddenly higher than you have calculated. Often the 10% VAT IVA is not included in the price. But this is on the menu.
Other essential information
Time difference
Time difference to CET: In Spain the same as here, in the Canaries -1h
Electrical current
The voltage in Spain is 220 volts. The sockets are the same as ours, you don’t need a travel plug.
