Spanish Culture

The regional and official language of Spain is Spanish although English is commonly used. Today, the locals have adapted to the modern era and are not as conservative as before. However, the traditions, values, customs and manners of the locals remain steadfast. Each local has two surnames; you can greet a local with his first surname and a handshake.

When you visit a local, it is the local tradition to offer a small gift to the host. Flowers are only given on special occasions. The locals have their dinner very late at night. They are very casual in their dressing but men are required to wear jackets at certain restaurants. Swimwear is to be worn only at the beach or pools. Smoking has been banned in public places.

Shopping Opportunities

Spain is a great place for shoppers as the stores open their doors very early and close at late evenings. However, they close for lunch or a short rest, known as siesta, in the afternoon. Spain is famous for its porcelain and leather wares. There are service charges imposed on all purchases while tipping is personal.
Electricity voltage – at 220V with 50 Hz frequency

Means of Arrival

The national airline is IBERIA although there are various low cost airlines available. Spain offers about 30 international airports of which Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Malaga and Alicante are the more famous.

Madrid airport is about 13km outside the city with a regular 15 minute interval bus service and an efficient underground service. Barcelona airport is only 3km away from the city with regular buses and trains. The network of roads is excellent in Spain connecting the north to the south. Tolls are also placed along certain stretches that cost a few Euros.

Duty Free Items

Any visitor to and out of Spain is allowed 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250g tobacco or 300 cigarettes/150 cigarillos/70 cigars/400g tobacco for EU citizens. Visitors are also entitled to 1L spirits of over 22% volume or 2L alcoholic beverage less than 22% volume and 2L wine or 1.5L over 22%/3L of 22%/5L wine for EU residents.

Perfumes of 50g or 250ml eau de toilette are allowed. For coffee lovers, 500g coffee or 200g coffee extract with double the amount for EU residents are to be enjoyed.  Finally, you can enjoy 100g tea or check out 40g tea extract with gifts costing about Euro37.26.

Ibiza

This enchanting island is located off the North East Spanish coast; it is renowned for its special brew and night life where a big crowd comprising young travelers and tourists gathers nightly. For a different clubbing experience during your holiday, you will not get it better than at Ibiza which offers a totally different nightlife culture. It would seem that all party animals are on the loose here.

Barcelona

This impressive city offers much with its cosmopolitan residency and lifestyle. The culture is so diverse here that there is certainly something for everyone in Barcelona. For the young and energetic, there is the really lively bar with clubbing facilities at the waterfront which is open from evenings till the early morning hours.

For those interested in culture, informative museums and architectures from different eras are the places of attraction. You can also relax at the beach front or try your hand at some water sports or live fishing at the deep. There are city tours and shopping opportunities for those who prefer a different type of holiday pace.

Alicante

This town may be smaller than Barcelona but it is a great place to hang out if you have a week to spare. The quiet atmosphere here is very relaxing to the soul and body where you can enjoy more of the true local lifestyle. Staying is cheaper with a friendly community. There are many budget airlines that serve Alicante as it has its own local airport. You can enjoy the view at the marina with the beckoning weather all around.

Santander

This town may not be every tourist’s first preference; it is located at Spain’s Northern coast. There is a ferry service to Santander from Britain’s Plymouth. Santander is a great place to experience the Spanish culture in all its originality.

Madrid

Last but not least, Madrid, Spain’s famous capital is an interesting city with lots of happenings and many interesting activities to attract its visitors and locals. The galleries are well stocked with beautiful pieces from ancient days as well as from contemporary artists while the museums offer more than a glimpse of the past. Cuisine is exquisite here, especially the local fare.

The locals in Valencia Community enjoy free health care while private health care is less costly than anywhere else.

Making a Home in Spain

Residency is an established right for any EU citizen while others require only an affordable amount to live comfortably here. Usually a pension or some substantial savings will permit foreigners to stay as long as he has no criminal record. Any foreigner can purchase a house here which uses a local abogado or lawyer who confirms the property as fully legal and free of debts or any other attached embargoes.

Weather in Spain

The attractive weather becomes the primary reason for migration and residency in Spain. Holiday homes are a frequent feature here as this blessed nation enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year; its average temperature is only about 20º C every year. You can bask in your own garden anytime of the day, even till late evening.

Lifestyle in Spain

Most parts of Spain are very cosmopolitan with the influx of foreigners over the recent years. All Spaniards love a good and easy life where they can be stress free and laid back whenever they can. Spain is not really for the young and energetic with young families to settle down.

The education system leaves much to be desired and Spanish is definitely not so easy for most to pick up. The local children also seem to misunderstand the foreign children who require more help with the language from the school staff; hence, school bullies prevail which leaves foreigners with little choice but to send their children to private schools.

Work Opportunities in Spain

To work comfortably in Spain, your Spanish must be on par with the locals. An added advantage would be to be fluent in German as well. This will give you a chance at an office position or some professional posting. The local social security system differs from Britain or elsewhere which requires employers to offer monthly contracts for 3 consecutive months before an annual contract is given.

The employer is obliged to pay the employee social security payment if he is dismissed. Hence, employers are not keen to consider permanent employment for foreigners. If you are not fussy, you can consider working in the bars, construction or other menial work. All in all, Spain is great for retirement or holiday but not for work opportunities.

Other components to be considered in a car hire in Spain include third party insurance, airport taxes, breakdown coverage, local surcharges, collision damage waiver, and unlimited mileage. These are important considerations when hiring a car in Spain.

Air-conditioning in a hired car

This aspect is normally taken for granted in warm countries but some hired cars in Spain do not cover air conditioning; and the summer can go as high as 40C. You would not want to be in your car then.

Booking your car ahead

Do not presume that there will be plenty of cars for hire upon your arrival to the destination. Car hire counters are usually chaotic and very busy to serve you well. With a prior reservation, you will be assured of a waiting car. Pay for comfort There are many models in Spain but they may differ from Northern Europe models. Some car boot may be too small to fit your luggage. Others may be tight in space which makes traveling over long journeys uncomfortable.

Child seats

If you are traveling with a young child, you can hire child seats cheaply. Alternatively, you can bring your own to avoid any hassle or unavailability.

Double check your bookings

Ensure that all the bookings are exactly as you have pre-arranged, as sometimes miscommunication may happen. Double check all details before you sign on any paperwork.  You should always keep a copy of the hire documents for your reference.

Check the hire car before use

It is important to ensure that you will not be blamed for any dent or scratch on the car you are hiring; hence, it is advisable to check the inside and outside thoroughly before driving away. Petrol or Diesel A diesel car is much cheaper.

Excess clause in insurance

Check out the excess clause in the insurance policy offered to you which refers to the amount payable by you while the rest is covered by the rental agency. Some excess can be quite high; however, you may want to pay a bit more to avoid further liability. Driving in a foreign land requires careful planning and understanding of the local traditions, rules and conditions.

This way, you will be able to see more than what you bargain for. Most places listed below can be enjoyed within a day although there are longer stays if you have the time.

Barcelona

The best way to get to Barcelona from Madrid for a day trip is via Spain’s incredible high-speed train or AVE system. It may be a bit more costly but it is an adventure by itself if you have not been on one before.

Toledo

Tthis is the former Spain capital which has a lot of medieval charm to enchant you. Its ancient city walls with its winding streets will captivate you as you travel along them for a view of their past.

Seville

This is a city that is located a little further from Madrid but not when you take the AVE train. You can enjoy the sights better with a guided tour which includes the train ride.

Cordoba

AVE would be the best form of reaching this city so that you can still call it a day trip; else a two-day visit is preferred.

Segovia

A day trip here will set you on the charms of its fairytale castle and Roman aqueduct make Segovia an essential day trip from Madrid.

Valencia

This is the third largest city in Spain with the nearest beach to Madrid.
Avila – this city offers charming and well preserved city walls from medieval times in the best of Europe.

El Escorial

Tthere are plenty of monasteries and crypts of ancient kings that are over 400 years. This quiet town is a nice contrast to the tourist crowd at Segovia and Toledo.

El Valle de los Caidos

The English name of this town means ‘The Valley of the Fallen’ which refers to General Franco and the nation’s Civil War.

Aranjuez

This place hosts the royal residence which can be reached by a Madrid train.
Cuena – this town has unique looking houses that seem to be hanging off the precipice’s edge, known as ‘casas colgantes’.

Chinchon

Excellent Spanish cuisine can be tasted here.

Manzanares El Real

The impressive Mendoza Castle is the primary focus here with its well preserved structures.

There is nothing that people love most than the summer holidays; they represent the moment of the year when people can take the freedom to just relax and forget about the usual, daily problems. Spain is a great destination for those who want to relax on a delicate beach, enjoying the warm sun and the crystal clear, shallow waters of the Mediterranean.

It has hundreds and hundreds of resorts, an impressive historical and architectural heritage, beautiful customs and traditions, as well as a delicious cuisine with unique flavors that will nourish all your senses. Out of all the resorts that patiently wait for their visitors, I strongly recommend you Conil.

A few words about Conil

Conil is located just about 12 kilometers from Vejer de Frontera; the resort started to become popular a few years ago and it is now growing into an important attraction for people from all the corners of the world. Conil used to be a poor fishing village and even though you wander around its now modern streets, you still have the chance to enjoy the beauty of old monuments and buildings that once formed Conil.

One of the main attractions in Conil is represented by the spectacular beach, a stretch of a few kilometers, covered with delicate, golden sands and bathed by warm, shallow waters, perfect for swimming. Right in front of the town, you will find the family beach, so you will easily understand why you will see so many families in Conil: it represents the perfect destination for such a holiday type.

When it comes to transportation, you have nothing to worry about: there are plenty of buses that take you from the town to the beach or buses that connect Conil with bigger cities in Spain, so you can reach it regardless of the place you find yourself. A tourism office is at your disposal whenever you need help and guidance, so don’t hesitate to use its services.

You will also find a few good restaurants in Conil, especially along the front; they serve delicious seafood and you have to try the wonderful fried sea anemones: they will make you understand that in Spain, food seems to touch another level! Accommodation is available in one of the hotels or one of the many hostels, so nothing is there to prevent you from spending a pleasant holiday. Enjoy Conil!

Costa Almeria occupies pieces of the south eastern part of Spain and it represents a very attractive holiday destination due to the fact that it became renowned as the land of contrasts. The coast does have a few desolate, rugged terrains, but it also has amazing beaches with some of the finest and most delicate sands you have ever seen. I think it is worth the effort, so let’s see what the coast has to offer to its visitors!

The attractions of Costa Almeria

Since the terrain is a place of contrasts, so are the towns; Almeria has some of the busiest towns in Spain, towns that offer a huge range of modern entertainment possibilities to their visitors, but it also has a few tranquil ones, places where you can relax, enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

If you need some recommendations, do take into consideration the agitated Almeria, El Ejido and Roquetas del Mar or the peaceful and quiet Garrucha, Mojacar, Turre and Vera. Costa Almeria is also the perfect destination for those who love nature, as it hosts the beautiful Natural Park of Cabo de Gata, a place where tourists can enjoy the beauty and the uniqueness of the untouched natural coves and beaches, as well as the calm that dominates the few villages hosted by it.

The attractive Mojacar

Mojacar is one of the most popular and famous villages along the Almeria Coast, located in the heart of the Cabrera Mountains, which surround it with breathtaking landscapes. It is an ancient settlement that still wears the marks of the Moors, with all its narrow and cobbled streets that will make you fall in love with it.

The charming Vera

Vera is not a destination as popular and Mojacar, but it surely is one where you can live memorable moments. You’ll find here quiet beaches and those who love nature choose it due to its spectacular location.

Roquetas de Mar

By far the most popular destination along the coast, Roquetas de Mar is just a fishing village that became famous with the help of its stunning beaches, the fantastic cuisine and the impressive, colorful fiestas. This really is a place where one can have a lot of fun!

Accommodation

This is not something to worry about, as there are hundreds of hotels and villas that offer their exquisite services to visitors; you can choose Hotel Virgen del Mar or Rural los Palmitos. I assure you that you will adore this part of Spain!

Spain is really a great destination for a summer holiday: it has endless beaches of an unreal gold, covered with fine, delicate sands, it has warm and shallow waters that enjoy a beautiful crystal clear blue and it has a welcoming sun that will help you get that perfect tan you have always dreamt of.

Is there anything else that one can wish for from a holiday destination? Now, you probably wonder why Spain, of all the countries, is such a visited one. Well, Spain is happy to enjoy a unique diversity that makes it the perfect destination for any type of tourist, regardless of the interests and preferences so don’t worry about getting bored in Spain, because it is practically impossible.

Out of all the hundreds and hundreds of resorts, I chose to recommend you Cruz Del Carmen; this is the perfect destination for one who wants to relax, to get to know the beauty of the customs and the traditions of this country and to enjoy its colors, its joy and its welcoming people. You have to visit it!

Cruz Del Carmen and its attractions

Cruz Del Carmen is one of the most amazing gateways in the province of Andalusia, located just 9 kilometers from the popular La Laguna. You can easily access it, due to the fact that it has a good bus service.

Those who don’t love hiking won’t find in Cruz del Carmen an interesting holiday destination, because apart from a good restaurant, a visitor’s centre and a viewpoint, there is not much to do in this Spanish resort.

However, it is a spectacular departure point for a two or three hours hike to a place that will offer you picturesque views, views that will take your breath away. This hike will lead you to the interesting Chinamada, a village that became known due to the fact that its houses are all built around amazing natural caves, caves that were formed in the rock.

Mirador Aguaide is one of those places that you are not allowed to miss in the area, as the views it offers down the cliffs towards the ocean are absolutely dizzying. You can also extend your trip and hike to Taborno, as this is another place that will delight you with the beauties of the nature and all its landscapes. If you are one of those who love nature, don’t hesitate to visit Cruz del Carmen: you will love it!

Costa Brava is a typical, classic Spanish coast, one that attracts the attention of tourists with its unique air and with its diversity. You will find it in Girona, covering 5,800 square meters with picturesque landscapes, golden, delicate beaches and crystal clear waters.

Costa Brava started to become famous in the 1970s, when tourists found a few of its resorts the perfect cheap escape with delicious sangria, fish and chips. You will immediately fall in love with its spectacular Greek and Roman influences and you will learn that it is the birthplace of the famous Dali: do you need any other reasons why to visit it?

Further reasons

Costa Brava is a place with a lot of climates and even macro climates, but an area that enjoys a delicate Mediterranean weather, with the perfect, dry summers that people love for a holiday and with the warm, mild winters, great for an out of season escape.

The terrain of Costa Brava enjoys a wonderful natural diversity, so the town and the villages along the coast are absolutely superb; you should visit Pals, Monells, Peralda, Lloret de Mar, Blanes or Roses. All these destinations are fantastic holiday resorts that will help you live memorable moments in Spain.

Costa Brava is a place that you will adore, because it has numerous tourist attractions for any type of tourist; it does not matter what type of interests or preferences you have, as somewhere along the coast, the perfect destination is patiently waiting for you.

You can choose something from the long list that includes the Natural Park of Cap de Creus, the spectacular botanical gardens hosted by the maritime Selva, the Banyoles Lake, the amazing pottery at La Bisbal, the old towns that will impress you with the rich historical heritage such as Girona and the charming Tossa del Mar or the breathtaking valley of Comprodon.

Accommodation in the Costa Brava

Costa Brava does not have problems with accommodation; of course, if you visit it during the peak season, you will not have the chance to find the best places, as they are long booked in advance.

However, there are enough hotels or private villas that wait for their clients with spectacular conditions, services and facilities, so make sure you choose them. For example, drive your attention towards Hotel Cala de Pi or Hotel Ramblamar. I am sure that you will have a wonderful time!

Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians around the year 1100 BC, so it represents one of the oldest settlements that Spain has. Since the Phoenicians founded Cadiz, the city also played the role of an important port and it still is one of the busiest and productive that Spain has.

However, it is not the Phoenicians who brought the Golden Era for Cadiz, but the 18^th century, the century that seems to have created all the important transformations for the city. The Inner Cadiz is one of the most popular attractions for tourists, as it looks much like it used to back in those days.

As usually, the rich history is an attraction factor for visitors from all around the world, so it is understandably why so many people choose the city as their holiday destination. It is also in the inner Cadiz that you will have the chance to enjoy the beauty of the high, turreted houses, the open squares and the air of mystique that seems to surround all the alleys, the houses and the monuments.

The town of Cadiz, even if you might think that it will be agitated and busy as it also works as a port, is in fact extremely relaxed and easy going. There are no threats, even when the night comes, so you can choose it without any hesitations as the holiday destination for you and your family.

The sea, the sea fortifications and the amazing waterside alamedas give you the impression that it is impossible to get lost in Cadiz or to feel threatened by any unpleasant situation. It is impossible: Cadiz is too peaceful and quiet for something wrong to happen here!

Other attractions of the city

There is no particular building that will attract your attention; in fact, Cadiz is all about unity, all about being one city, as a whole. You will fall in love with its architecture; its cafes, the backstreets that wait to be discovered and explored, as well as you will fall in love with its alleys.

You have to visit the Roman theatre, the Bellas Artes Museums and the Nueva Cathedral, as they will all tell you short stories of the city’s history. Also, taste the cuisine, experience sleeping in its hostels and hotels and I assure you that your holiday will be a memorable one! You will love Cadiz!