Spain: A Country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Portugal and France. It is famous for its flamenco dancers and bullfights. The diversity of the country is prooven by its cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals and Moorish palaces. Spring and fall are very pleasant here while the summers are hot.

Culture

The official language of Spain is Spanish but English is widely spoken here. Even though the people have become modern Spain still has its traditions, manners and customs. For example people have two surnames from which the first one can be used to refer to the person. Handshaking is custom for greeting somebody. When invited to someone’s house carry a gift for the host. Casuals are worn by the people most of the time but men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuites should only be worn at pools and beaches. Smoking has been banned in public places.

Shopping

Shops in Spain are open from early morning till late in the evening but in the afternoon they are closed for lunch and siesta. Porcelain and leather goods will be good gifts for friends and family members as they are famous. Bills include a service tax, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

Electricity

The Voltage is 220 V and frequency is 50 Hz.

Getting There

The national airline of Spain is IBERIA but many other airlines offer services in the country. The most famous airports of Spain are Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga. The Madrid airport is located 13 km away from the city and provides bus services every 15 minutes. Also underground services are working to transport passengers to their destination. The airports also provides facilities such as duty free shops, bank, restaurants, tourism information, and hotel reservations.

The airport of Barcelona is only away 3km from the city. Buses are going every 15 minutes and trains every 20 minutes. Of course taxis and facilities like duty free shops, restaurants, bank, car hire and tourism information are also available here.

Spain has a good network of roads which not only connect north to south but also Spain with the rest of Europe. In some parts of the country toll booths are installed, so carrying a few Euros will help. If driving in a private car one should carry a travel insurance that covers medical costs, too and you always should carry a medical kit in your car.