Spain
HOLA!
Spain is located at southwestern edge of Europe in the Iberian Peninsula and includes nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline ranging from the turquoise coves of the Mediterranean to the dramatic cliffs of the northern Atlantic, as well as the Balearic Islands. Spain, anchored by two world-class epicenters of urban culture - Madrid and Barcelona, ranks as one of the world's most visited countries. It’s famous for cultural pillars like flamenco, world-class art, and historic architecture. From sampling tapas and pintxos at casual bars, to diving into some of the world’s finest seafood on the coasts, to indulging at the many Michelin-awarded restaurants around the country - food and wine are part of the pulse of Spanish life.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Spain greatly depends on the area in which you will be visiting as the Northern and Southern regions differ greatly. In general, we would suggest visiting during the shoulder seasons, April - May & September - October. These tend to be less crowded, less touristy, and with milder temperatures. However, the summer months, May - September, are definitely best for beach trips if you’re looking for hotter temperatures and mostly sunshine, but it will be very crowded with lots of tourists. If you travel October - April, this is considered the rainy season in many parts of Spain, so pack accordingly.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
Castilian Spanish is the official language of the entire country and spoken by 95% of the population, however, different regions speak other Spanish languages - Catalan, Gallego, Basque (or Euskara), and Aranese.
CURRENCY
Euro € is the national currency of all countries in the European Union, however major credit cards are widely accepted in almost all businesses.
PLUGS
Type C, you will need a converter in order to use outside appliances (curling/flat iron, hair dryer, phone charger, etc.)
TRANSPORTATION
The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is Spain’s flagship high-speed rail network operated by the national railway company, Renfe and is widely regarded as one of the very best high-speed rail systems in Europe. The AVE connects major cultural and economic hubs across the country such as Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Cordoba, Valencia, Malaga, and others. While traveling through the major cities in Spain, there is also a metro system, bus system, trams (in some cases) as well as taxis and ride share. Be aware that when traveling in the more remote communities, not all of these modes of transport will be available.
TRAVEL NOTES
To travel in Spain, one must get accustomed to a unique rhythm of daily life. Small businesses and offices often close for a midday break (for lunch or a siesta) from 2:00pm-5:00pm, then reopen until 8:00pm or 9:00pm. Meal times skew significantly later for Spaniards. Lunch is typically eaten between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, while dinner usually starts very late, running from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM, with many restaurants not opening until 7:00pm or 8:00pm.