INTRODUCTION

A country which has captivated the hearts of so many tourists for generations, Spain has managed to keep its unique character which makes it one of the most visited countries in Europe. A country which includes a refreshing blend of modern and ancient from the fascinating architectural delight that is the Guggenheim to the Moorish palaces, castles, cathedrals. Wander the streets to discover something new at every turn. Spain is a country where you will find rapid change, yet also discovering places where time stood still. The history and culture which has so long been impregnated in the fabric of life can be recognized and revealed through the people that one meets. Enjoy a country which continues to delight so many people. Enjoy Spain!

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language spoken is Spanish with four different dialect existing, Castillian, Catalan, Galician and Basque, however English is also widely spoken.

CURRENCY
The currency of Spain is the Euro, and most major credit cards are accepted.

VISAS
Canadian and US travelers only need a passport with 6 months validity for travel less than 90 days.

TIME ZONE
Spain is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and also has daylight saving which is adjusted during summer, the same as the rest of Europe.

POPULATION
Spain’s population was estimated at 41 million in 2009.

CLIMATE
The Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Spain are blessed with a Mediterranean climate, while the inland experience more of a continental climate. Summer in Spain is predominantly hot everywhere reaching temperatures of 30°C, apart from the far north where it tends to rain most of the year and winter is generally mild. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September, though April and October is also good for travel to the south.

ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in Spain is 220V, while 125V still operates in some older buildings. The standard European plug applies so an adapter is required.

FOOD
The Spanish are passionate about their food. They take a lot of care in the preparation processes choosing the best quality ingredients to give the best possible taste. One traditional way to enjoy Spanish food it to try Tapas (snacks or appetizers) at one of the many bars scattered around. It is customary to have one tapa and one drink at a bar before moving onto another bar and doing the same. Some essential culinary experiences include the seafood available along the coastlines, where fresh seafood is widely available and affordable. Some Spanish delicacies include some of the many varieties of cheese, including Queso Manchego. Other specialities also include Chorizo, a sausage made from pork, ham, salt, garlic and pepper, Jamón, air dried ham, and Morcilla, a sausage made from pig blood and flavoured with anise. Other famous Spanish dishes include Paella, a rice dish with seafood or meat, Churros, a fried snack similar to a doughnut, Tortilla de patatas, a Spanish egg omelet with fried potato. Gazpacho, a cold vegetable soup, and Butifarra, a sausage stewed with beans.

SHOPPING
Spain is another must see destination for those on the hunt for designer fashion items. There are many designers, such as Busto Barcelona, who sell items that are not readily available outside of Spain. One of the main must buy items from Spain is the famous Kukusumusu T-shirts, a series of T-shirts which are both funny and involve topics of Spain as seen by tourists. Other popular items also include leather items, colourful ceramics in the shape of dishes, tiles and vases, and lace.

GETTING THERE
By Air: All major European carries as well as Air Canada. There are also daily flights from Athens and Rome as well as other European cities.

GETTING AROUND
Travel in Spain is generally easy, but can prove to be tricky during the high tourist season summer months. Hiring a car is easy and can make a trip more pleasant. Main roads are well signposted, and the network is quite extensive, making for a pleasant and wide-ranging self-drive holiday. However be aware that urban driving can be a hassle, as traffic can become congested in major cities. Domestic flights are available, though in common with most European countries, can become quite expensive at times. The train network is mainly between major cities and short distances train services can be subject to long delays, particularly in the Barcelona area. However longer distance train services always arrive on time. Buses are considered the best way to get around, as local services are fairly frequent and service most towns.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is Spain is similar to most countries in that its services range from budget to luxury. There are many different kinds of tourist accommodations, ranging from hotels, pensions, rented villas, to camping or even a stay in a monastery. Other accommodation include Casa Rural, similar to bed and breakfasts and Paradores (State owned hotels), usually steeped in history and have some of the best locations. Usually a Paradore is a historical conversion of a Moorish castle or hacienda.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 2010
1 Jan – New Year’s Day
6 Jan * – Epiphany
19 Mar * – San Jose
1 Apr * – Maundy Thursday
2 Apr – Good Friday
1 May – Labour Day
15 Aug – Assumption
12 Oct – National Day
1 Nov – All Saints’ Day
6 Dec – Constitution Day
8 Dec – Immaculate Conception
25 Dec – Christmas Day
31 Dec – New Year’s Eve
* These holidays may be replaced by the autonomous communities with another date and additional dates are celebrated as regional public holidays which vary from region to region.

TIPPING
Like most other European countries, there is a service charge added to most restaurant bills, however you can leave an additional tip if satisfied with the service, generally 5-10%. Porters in hotels are generally tipped, with most being satisfied with a couple of Euros and it is not required to tip taxi drivers, however most travelers round their figures up. For good service on tours, we recommend a tip of approx. A$10 for Tour Guides and A$5 for bus drivers per day.

THINGS TO DO
Madrid: Within the capital of Spain there are many sites to see and activities to do. Among the many Baroque and neoclassical structures, see Casa de Campo, Puerta del Sol, the Mesones and the Old Madrid District. Visit the Plaza de Espana, one of Madrid’s largest and most popular squares or one of the three museums. Barcelona: Of all the sites in Barcelona, La Ramblas is the most famous and well known, revel amongst the performance artists, the rainbow stalls and the kiosks. Other must see attractions of Barcelona include the Barcelona Cathedral, a perfect example of Catalan Gothic architecture, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter, Plaza Sant Jaume, Saint Jordi Palace, Caltrava Tower and the Olympic Village. Perhaps take a day trip to Monserrat, site of the Royal Basilica and the infamous sculpture of the “Black Virgin”.Seville: Also known as Sevilla, is the location of one of the most beautiful parks in all of Europe, the Park of Maria Luisa. Also visit the Cathedral, this Gothic structure is known as the third largest Cathedral in the world, the Santa Cruz Quarter, Old Jewish Quarter and the Spanish Square. Cordoba: Once an important Roman town, in the 9th and 10th centuries, it was the capital of Caliphate, and one of the most populous cities in the world. See the Mosque and Jewish Quarter and marvel at the architecture left behind by a society of Muslims, Christians and Jews. Costa Del Sol: Also known as the sun coast, the Costa Del Sol region offers many beautiful cities including Málaga, the capital of the Costa Del Sol and includes popular sights such as the stronghold of Alcazaba and Gilbralfaro Castle, known as the best preserved Arab monument. Roman monuments and structures scatter the town including the roman Theatre, Customhouse and the Catholic Cathedral, commissioned to cover the site of an ancient mosque.  Other Destinations: A visit is recommended to the Museo Guggenheim in Bilbao to admire the architectural wonder of design. A worthwhile visit is also recommended to Granada. Enjoy a city tour which encompasses the main sights of this interesting city including the Generalife Gardens and the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms, the Alhambra. Visit Valencia, known as the birthplace of the famous Paella and admire the many domes and spires of the Zaragoza Cathedral.