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Spain: a land full of charm, history, magic and tradition. An evocative place to spend your holidays.
From the big cities, to the small and charming villages, up to the islands, a paradise for vacationers all over the world.
Here is a lot of practical and useful information for your trip to this wonderful land.
HOW TO GET
By car, train and plane, you will have no difficulty in reaching any Spanish destination.
The plane is, undoubtedly, the fastest, fastest and most economical solution to reach the various destinations. The country boasts numerous international airports, many of which are particularly busy throughout the year. Madrid-Barajas e Barcelona-El Prat, they are in the Top 10 of the busiest airports in Europe, followed by Palma de Mallorca.
With the many low-cost flights, getting to Spain by plane is the best solution.
Getting to the Iberian Peninsula by train is a valid option. Above all by making stops in cities like Madrid and Barcelona, well served by high speed. Obviously, having to arrive in the Balearic Islands or in the cities of the South, the train is not preferable. The car, however, is recommended only if you have plenty of time available during your holiday. For example, from the French Montpellier, to get to Madrid, you will have to travel over 900 kilometers. Many more, if you want to get to the South.
GETTING AROUND SPAIN
The Spanish infrastructures are highly efficient and modern. You can move around the country, very easily, by train and by car.
RENFE manages the railway transport of the country. In recent decades, the country has had a rapid process of modernizing the entire network. Today, even the small Spanish cities are served by the railway line. Obviously, moving from the big circuits, the travel times are considerably longer.
Reverse speech for large cities. In fact, these are served by High Speed (AVE). In just over three hours, you can travel, with the fast train, over 600 kilometers that separate Madrid from Barcelona. Instead, 150 ‘enough to move from the capital to Malaga.
The road and motorway network is also highly efficient and modern.
DOCUMENTS AND CUSTOMS
There is no obligation to produce documents at the border, but you are always required to bring an ID card or passport with you. It is recommended, above all, to bring the CI of their children under age, even if traveling by car or train. See our special section, about that.
Dogs and cats enter freely, provided they have a health certificate and a recent certificate from the veterinarian of the ASL of residence, attesting to good health. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies for at least 21 days.
Please note that the appropriate microchip must be applied to the animals.
To fly with animals, please refer to the individual section Airline companies.
CURRENCY AND CHANGE
From the 1st January 2002, the Euro has become the official currency of the country. Almost everywhere, you can pay directly by credit card and withdraw cash at ATMs. Keep in mind, however, that in some small cities, and less touristy places, you may find it difficult to make credit card payments. A cash reserve is always recommended.
If you need to enter the bank, please note that it is generally open from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 14:00. In general, the branches are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
PRACTICAL INFO
HOUR
In Spain, the hands of the clock are one hour ahead of the Greenwich meridian (UTC/GMT + 1 now). Daylight saving time starts from the 25 March at the 28 October with the hands forward by an additional hour compared to Greenwich.
POST
The Spanish national post is identified with the name Post. Typically, the offices are identified by a blue writing on a yellow background. The counters are open on weekdays from 07:30 to 14:00; in the big cities, you can find the Post Office open until late evening, from Monday to Friday, and Saturday morning.
Lista de Correos is a convenient post-rest position service that allows those who request it to receive correspondence even if they do not have a delivery address. Ideal if you are on vacation and you need to send something. The valid identification document is mandatory to use this service. Lista de Correos is available in many post offices in the country.
SHOPS
There are no regulated timetables, but much depends on the area and the period. Shops are generally open from Monday to Saturday, from 09 to 14 and from 16:30 to 20:30. Timetables may vary depending on the area and the period. Department stores and shopping centers are open all day. Only on Sundays, almost everywhere, the shops are closed.
PHARMACIES
With a few exceptions, pharmacies observe the same store hours. Typically, they are open on weekdays from 09:00 to 14:00 and 16:30 to 20:30. Some, 24 hours are open on 24. It is almost impossible to find exercises open on Sundays, closing days.
PHONE
In Spain, the system used is GSM 900/1800, the same of the main European countries. So you can easily use your Italian, French … smartphone.
To call phones in Spain, you need to enter the Spanish international code 0034, followed by the telephone number.
With reduction of roaming costs, you can easily call from Spain using your national rate. Alternatively, you can use the classic VoIP calls, or make video calls, using a free WI-FI line.
MUSEUMS, RELIGIOUS SITES
There is no fixed rule but, generally, museums observe very similar hours to stores. In winter, however, many buildings close before the 20. The closing day varies depending on the place. In most cases, the closing takes place on Monday, Tuesday or Sunday. It is advisable to check the visiting hours, on our guides to the individual Spanish cities.
If you want to visit the religious sites, keep in mind the rule that applies all over the world. Maximum silence. Switch off the mobile phone. Dress in a decent way. During the hours of Holy Mass, visits are not possible.