What countries are next to Spain? General information. Crime in Spain

Spain is the country of flamenco and bullfighting. Ancient history, culture and favorable climatic conditions have made it very popular among tourists.

Spain is almost the southernmost country in Europe, occupying 5/6 of the Iberian Peninsula. In ancient times, this land belonged to the Romans, then to the Vandals, Alans, Suevi, Visigoths, Basques, and Byzantines. In the 13th century, the Arabs captured the territory and a struggle began that lasted for many years. And only in 1492 the Spanish crown captured the last Muslim stronghold - Granada. The process of unifying the country began in the 15th century with the marriage of Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon. In the 19th century, Spain experienced 5 revolutions, and in the 20th century - the dictatorship of Franco, but met the new century as a parliamentary monarchy.

Climate and weather

The climate varies greatly in different areas of Spain. The central part is cold and dry in winter and scorching sun in summer. In June-August, Madrid turns into a hot frying pan, but already in March the city gardens begin to bloom, in the fall rains are very rare, and even in the cool winter there are often sunny days.

Capital	Madrid
Population	46,162,024 people
Population density	91.45 people/km 2
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	a constitutional monarchy
Timezone	UTC +1, summer +2
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

On the northern coast, the cold currents of the Bay of Biscay bring moderate temperatures and heavy rain. It is better to carry an umbrella with you, otherwise you are guaranteed an unplanned shower.

Barcelona's weather is typical of the Mediterranean coast. Average annual temperature - approx. +20 ºС. It starts to warm up already in April, the water warms up by June. In winter, due to high humidity, it can be quite cool.

When is the best time to go? From April to early November, pleasant and warm weather persists throughout almost the entire territory of Spain. Ideal months to visit are May, June and September (plus April and October in the south). In July and August temperatures can exceed +45 ºС. Snowfall in the mountains begins in October, and the highest peaks are covered with snow all year round.

Nature

About 90% of Spain is mountainous. The highest ones are in the Pyrenees system, famous for one of the highest cliffs in Europe - Governey, about 1200 m high, and the waterfall of the same name 800 m high.

The central part is occupied by the Meseta plateau, with an average height of 660 m. It consists of more than 70 mountain ranges. The highest point of the peninsula, Mt. Mulhacen(3478 m). And the highest mountain in the country is Teide volcano- is located on the island of Tenerife, which is part of the Canary Islands. Its height is 3718 m.

Canary Islands- one of the most unusual and attractive natural areas of Spain. The fact that 4 out of 10 National Parks are located here speaks for itself. The volcanic origin of the islands has led to a variety of landscapes - tuff fields, black gorges, calderas of old volcanoes and cones of young ones.

In the south of Spain there is the only large lowland - the Andalusian lowland. In the northeast of the country in the valley of the Ebro River is the Aragonese Plain. Smaller lowlands are located along the Mediterranean Sea.

Main rivers of Spain:

• Duero Tajo;
• Guadalquivir;
• Guadiana;
• Ebro.

The landscape of Mediterranean Spain is created by coastal valleys and steep cliffs.

There are more than 2000 beaches on the Spanish coast :

• Costa Dorada;
• Costa Brava;
• Costa de Almeria;
• Costa Blanca;
• Rias Altas Mar Menor;
• Costa del Sol;
• Costa del Assar;
• Rias Bajas;
• Costa Cantabric;
• Costa de la Luz;
• Canary and Balearic Islands.

Attractions

Thousands of tourists come to Spain to see with their own eyes the rich historical heritage. And this country captivates everyone, because it really has something to show.

Madrid- one of the most beautiful capitals in the world - is ready to boast:

• Royal Palace of the 17th century;
• Plaza Mayor and its 136 Baroque buildings;
• the chapel of St. Anthony of Florida with paintings by Francisco Goya;
• Prado Museum .

Incredibly artistic city Barcelona with the bustling Rambla, the incredible creations of the brilliant Gaudi and the Gothic Quarter, it is a magnet for tourists.

From the arches of the ancient Roman aqueduct to Segovia breathtaking. It literally breathes history.

The pearl of Islamic architecture, the Alhambra Palace in Granada captivates with its beauty.

And the great Gothic cathedrals in Burgos, Palma de Mallorca And Toledo make you think about the eternal.

Nutrition

The cuisine of Spain is very diverse. Each region of the country has its own special culinary traditions: from boiled octopus, stewed whiting fish from Galicia to roast suckling pig in Segovia and baked cod with garlic from the Basque cuisine.

Be sure to try:

Tapas- typical light snacks served with beer or wine. Olives in a variety of combinations: with tuna, lemon, almonds; shrimp, cheese and even pies with seafood, meat, and mushroom fillings.

Jamon- one of the best and famous meat delicacies. A dry-cured ham hanging from the ceiling can be seen in almost any bar. There is a whole culture of its use.

Paella- a rice dish with the addition of meat, vegetables, and seafood. There are many recipes for its preparation, the ingredients can be very diverse, but three always remain the same: rice, saffron and a large paella pan.

Gazpacho- a very chilled soup made from pureed tomatoes, cucumbers, olive oil and spices.

And for dessert - don’t forget about the confectionery made from honey and nuts - turron, a traditional decoration for the Christmas table, although now it can be tried all year round.

You can get acquainted with Spanish winemaking thanks to specially designed routes, of which there are more than 10. And not only tasting awaits you there - finding the ideal taste combination of products and wine, visiting a wine cellar, getting acquainted with the production process... In Spain, all the conditions have been created for a complete least enjoy this drink in a country that is one of the three largest wine producers in the world.

The most famous varieties are sherry And sangria.

Accommodation

There is no need to book a room during the low and middle seasons - you can easily find one you like locally. But in high season it will be very difficult to find a free room.

Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the region. In Madrid, Barcelona and other popular tourist destinations you will pay at least 60 € . And, for example, in Murcia, where there are not many tourists, a room with excellent conditions can be found for 45 € .

A bed in a multi-bed hostel room will cost on average around 20 € .

You can also live in an apartment or villa, or rent an entire house or room. Here 45 € for a double room - the lowest price for this type of accommodation. Typically, the cost reaches 80 € and higher.

Entertainment and relaxation

At any time of the year, Spain hosts many sporting and cultural events.

Witness the Spanish love of dressing up and partying at the many fiestas - each town has events with its own unique traditions.

Carnival is considered one of the main holidays on the Catalan coast. Colorful parades with miracles of transformation into Sitges, Tarragona and other cities.

The most popular sport in Spain is undoubtedly football. You may not even hope to buy a ticket on the day of the match, especially if Barcelona is playing Real Madrid. The Spanish national football team is the current world champion - and that says a lot.

Also popular sports in Spain include: basketball, motorsports, cycling, tennis, Formula 1, golf.

This country has a lot to offer to lovers of outdoor activities:

• windsurfing next to the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar;
• rafting in Catalonia;
• diving in Andalusia;
• skiing in Sierra Nevada National Park.

Theme parks and water parks will delight not only children, but also adults.

Purchases

In the shops of Spanish cities you can find goods for every taste and budget.

In Madrid and Barcelona, ​​buy clothes and shoes. Local brands will delight you: Loewe, Custo, Zara and others. Be sure to visit one of the outlets - shopping centers that specialize in selling branded items from the previous season at significant discounts. For example, La Rocca Village, located 30 kilometers north of Barcelona, ​​or Las Rozas Village- 40 kilometers from Madrid.

The shoe sizing system is the same as ours, but the clothing size system is not. It's not that difficult to figure it out. Add 6 to the number you see on the label and get the usual size designation for us. For example, 38 (S) corresponds to 44.

Almost all stores accept credit cards. Opening hours from 10:00 to 21:00, with a break for siesta. Sunday is a day off.

A trip to the market is a great opportunity to feel like a local. Here you can buy a variety of fruits, vegetables and other products, as well as clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Opening hours are from 9:00 to 14:00.

Transport

The main airport of the country is Barajas in Madrid There are also major airports in Barcelona, ​​Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia. National air carrier - Iberia Airlines.

The main transport center of Spain is Madrid. Major railway lines and highways converge in the capital.

The railways are run by RENFE, the state-owned railway company. There are several types of trains depending on the level of comfort and speed. You can purchase tickets at the ticket offices of railway stations and stations, as well as at travel agencies.

There are major highways along the Mediterranean coast: from the French border to Alicante and from the Cantabrian coast to Catalonia. Spanish roads are distinguished by their quality and developed infrastructure. The speed limit in the populated area is 50 km/h. On the national highway you can speed up to 100 km/h, and on the expressway - 120 km/h.

Bus stations are located in almost all major cities and resort centers of Spain. You can easily get to the right place.

Spain also has a developed ferry service. The main carrier, Acciona Transmediterranea, flies to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and North Africa.

If you want to get around the city by public transport, keep in mind that bus stops are marked with yellow and green signs that say bus. You must enter the bus through the front door. You tell the driver the place you need to go to and the number of people, and you receive a receipt with the indicated fare (a ticket for one trip costs about 0,70 € ). There are subways in Madrid and Barcelona.

Connection

The easiest way to make a call to your home country from Spain is to use telephone booths on the street. They accept coins and phone cards, which you can buy at the post office or at kiosks with a Tabacos sign.

The international code for calls from Spain is 00. To call, dial the international code, wait for the dial tone, then dial the country code, city code and the required phone number.

To make calls from a mobile phone, buy a prepaid card from Vodafone, Orange, Movistar or Yoigo. They can be purchased in supermarkets or at The Phone House chain of stores.

To access the Internet, use Wi-Fi hotspots. You can find a free connection at airports, train stations, large hotels, supermarkets, libraries and cafes.

The Wi-Fi network is very developed in Spain. Only in Barcelona there are 418 free access points.

Safety

In Spain, you shouldn't walk down the street dressed like a beach. In Barcelona this pleasure will cost you 120-300 € .

Remember: red light - no road. If you forgot this rule, cook 200 € . Jumping in the wrong place will cost 80 € .

Smoking is prohibited in workplaces, in bars and restaurants whose area does not exceed 100 m2, in some hotels and on beaches.

You cannot drink alcoholic beverages in transport or public places.

Like most European countries, Spain drives on the right hand side. Passengers and drivers of vehicles equipped with seat belts must be fastened.

Spanish traffic laws prohibit driving under the influence. The maximum permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5 ppm.

If the amount of the fine does not exceed 350 € , the traffic police have the right to accept it on the spot.

Theft, especially of valuables, can ruin any vacation. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence in Spain. Be especially careful on the main streets of tourist cities.

Business climate

One of the largest exhibition centers in Europe Feria de Madrid is the main platform for organizers of conferences and exhibitions in Spain. The area of ​​the center is 200,000 m2, on which there are 12 pavilions, a business center, a press club, two congress centers and parking lots for 14,000 spaces. This is a meeting place for professionals from various fields.

ArcoMadrid and Cibeles Madrid Fashion Week are the most famous and prestigious events of the center.

The largest exhibition centers in Spain in other cities:

• Fira de Barcelona (Barcelona);
• Feria Valencia (Valencia);
• Bilbao Exhibition Center (Bilbao).

In Spain, taxation is carried out at three levels: state, regional, local.

On state level: taxes on income of individuals and legal entities, tax on enterprise activities and value added tax.

On regional level: property transfer tax, economic transaction tax and tax on legal documented acts.

On local level taxes are collected from individuals on real estate, motor vehicles, a tax on economic activity, construction and engineering work, as well as a tax on the increase in the value of urban land.

VAT rates in Spain are 4%, 8% and 18%.

Real estate

Who doesn't dream of an apartment by the sea? Spain is very attractive in terms of such a purchase.

Both individuals and legal entities can purchase real estate. All you need is a valid passport, an alien number (N.I.E.) and, of course, financial resources.

To obtain N.I.E. you will need:

• open visa;
• certificate of origin of money;
• certificate from the bank about the account status;
• a contract for the payment of a deposit for a specific house and copies of documents for it.

The property must be registered in the Registro de Propiedad - Property Registry. Here you can find out all the necessary information about the property you are purchasing. When purchasing, a sales contract is drawn up, which stipulates all the conditions. After signing it, as a rule, the buyer pays about 10% of the cost. The remaining amount is paid at the time of signing the bill of sale (Escritura Publica), which is signed by the seller and the buyer in the presence of a notary.

Average property price in Spain — 245 000 € .

If you haven’t decided to buy yet, you can rent a home. Most rental apartments are furnished. Finding an empty apartment is quite difficult. As well as renting housing for a long time, especially in resort towns. Short-term rentals are easier, but prices can rise dramatically during the holidays and holiday season. A mandatory document when renting housing is a short-term or temporary contract. Typically, rent is paid in advance.

Remember that during siesta many shops and restaurants close. In the period from 14:00 to 17:00 in Spain there is a traditional afternoon rest.

Tips are usually included in the bill. If not, then it is customary to leave 5-10% of the total order cost.

You can find toilets in bars and restaurants, airports, train stations, museums, and shopping centers. Landmark - signs with inscriptions Servicios or Lavabo. Women's toilet - senoras or damas, male - senores or caballeros.

Many locals speak English, but it wouldn't hurt to learn a few phrases in Spanish. It should be noted that in Spain the official language for the entire country is Castilian Spanish, but other languages ​​are also in use. In Catalonia, for example, they speak Catalan, and in Galicia they speak Galician.

"Ola" is a universal greeting "gracias"- Thank you, "por favor"- Please.

Visa information

Spain has long been a member of the Schengen Agreement, so the sequence of actions for obtaining a tourist visa has been worked out literally to the point of automaticity.

The maximum period of stay in Spain with a standard visa is 90 days. However, in some cases, the consulate has the right to issue single or double entry visas valid for 3 months.

Visa applications in Moscow can be submitted to:

• Embassy of Spain (B. Nikitskaya St., 50/8)
• Consular Section (Khlebny lane, 28)
• Spanish Consulate General (Stremyanny Lane, 31/1)
• Visa Center (Dubininskaya St., 35).

You can also contact the Consulate General of Spain (Furshtatskaya St., 9) and the Visa Center (Shpalernaya St., 54), which are located in St. Petersburg.

Spain, the fourth largest country in Europe, was once the center of a huge colonial empire. It has a rich culture and history.

Square: 504,782 km 2

Population: 40 847 000

Capital: Madrid (5,087,000 people)

Main export items: transport equipment, mechanical engineering and agricultural products

State tuning: a constitutional monarchy

In terms of population, Spain ranks fifth among European countries. It borders on Portugal in the west and France and Andorra in the northeast, where the Pyrenees mountains rise. The territory of Spain includes the Balearic and Canary Islands and three small groups of islands off the coast of Africa. In the north and northwest, Spain is washed over a long distance by the Atlantic Ocean, and in the east and south by the Mediterranean Sea.

AFRICA'S NEIGHBOR

Spain occupies 4/5 of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula - the part of Europe that is closest to Africa. It is separated from North Africa by the narrow Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Spain controls Ceuta and Melilla, two small territories in the north of the African state of Morocco. In the very south of the Iberian Peninsula, at the Strait of Gibraltar, Gibraltar is located - a British possession since 1713. On this piece of land with an area of ​​6.5 square meters. 25 thousand people live in km, most of whom are engaged in tourism and sailing. For many years, Spain and Great Britain fought for dominance over this territory. A referendum held in November 2002 showed that the majority of Gibraltarians preferred to remain a British protectorate, but negotiations are likely to continue in the future.

MOUNTAINS AND PLATEAU OF MESETA

In different places, the territory of Spain is crossed by powerful mountain ranges. In the center of Spain lies the huge Meseta plateau, occupying almost half the country's area. In the northeast rise the Pyrenees, and in the northwest the Cantabrian Mountains stretch along the Atlantic coast, which then turn south towards Portugal. From the Cantabrian Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea stretch diagonally the Iberian Mountains, and to the south of the Meseta - the Sierra Morena Mountains and the Andalusian Mountains (Cordillera Betica). The Meseta plateau (Castilian plateau), with an area of ​​about 210,000 sq. km, has an average altitude of 700 m above sea level. Here are the oldest geological formations of the Iberian Peninsula. A fair part of the plateau is a treeless, arid area. The plateau is drained by three major rivers - the Guadiana, Duero and Tagus, as well as their tributaries. In the center of the Meseta is the Cordillera Central mountain range. The soil in the eastern and western regions of Meseta is very different in quality. Limestone layers located close to the surface in the east of the plateau were weathered and formed more fertile soils favorable for growing crops.

CLIMATE AND AGRICULTURE

Most of Spain is characterized by a warm Mediterranean climate, which varies depending on the terrain and altitude. In a number of northern regions of Spain, winter temperatures drop below zero, and in Malaga, on the southern coast, the average daily winter temperature is 13.9°C. The mainland of the country receives less than 600 mm of precipitation per year, and droughts are not uncommon in the Meseta. In many areas, farmers water their fields through irrigation canals that drain water from rivers, further exacerbating the problem of desertification. Spain is a traditionally agricultural country. A variety of crops are grown here - from sugar beets and grains to citrus fruits and grapes. Spain is one of the world's leading wine producers. Over the past 40 years, industry has developed rapidly in the country, but agriculture and food production still play a very large role.

DIVERSITY OF CULTURES

Until the 15th century Spain was subject to invasions by a variety of peoples: the Phoenicians, Celts, Greeks, Carthaginians, and later the Romans, Visigoths and Moors. Under the influence of foreigners, different provinces of Spain over time developed their own distinctive cultures, and local languages ​​and dialects were formed. Originally, this territory was inhabited by Iberian tribes, who later mixed with the Celts who arrived on the Iberian Peninsula in the 1st millennium BC. In the III-II centuries. BC. The Romans invaded here, and in the 5th century. AD - Germanic tribes of the West Goths. In 711-718 Almost all of Spain was captured by the Moors - Arabs and Berbers from North Africa. From the 9th century to the 14th century this region was a center of prosperity for Islamic art, culture and science, which played a huge role in the further social and cultural development of Spain. The traditions of Muslim architecture are reflected in the special Moorish style of architecture, which existed in Spain for many centuries. By the end of the 15th century. During the Reconquista (718 -1492), the Spaniards recaptured their lands from the Moors. Despite many years of foreign rule, some peoples of Spain have retained not only their unique regional culture, but also their national identity, including the Basques in the north and the Catalans in the east and northeast of the country. After the Civil War (1936 -1939), Spain was ruled by dictator General Francisco Franco until 1975. During his reign, the languages ​​and customs of national minorities were banned. After his death, separatist movements in the Basque Country and Catalonia intensified the struggle for separation from Spain. At the end of the 1970s. a new constitution was established. All 17 historical regions of the country were granted autonomy, and Basque, Catalan and Galician languages ​​began to be taught in schools.

MAJOR COLONIAL POWER

At the end of the 15th century. under Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Spain became a unified state. In an effort to expand their possessions, the Spanish monarchs began to finance long-distance sea expeditions. Columbus and other discoverers paved the way for the Spanish conquistadors who conquered the lands of the New World. Spain turned into a large colonial empire. By 1600, it owned territories in North, Central and South America and a number of Caribbean islands. In Europe, Spain subjugated Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, as well as parts of France, Germany and Italy. As a result of wars and internal conflicts that lasted from the middle of the 17th century, by 1714 Spain lost its European possessions, and by 1825 - almost all of its South American colonies.

CITY LIFE

In the 1980s Spain was experiencing an economic boom associated with the development of the manufacturing industry and tourism. With the transition to more developed production and the expansion of the service sector, the migration of Spaniards from rural areas to cities began. Nowadays, about 75% of the population lives in cities. The largest city in Spain is Madrid, the capital and seat of the country's government. It is located in the center of the Meseta plateau, far from large rivers and the sea coast, which is quite unusual for a European capital. Barcelona, ​​the second largest city in Spain, with which Madrid constantly competes for primacy in all walks of life, is an important Mediterranean port and the center of a large, densely populated industrial region.

TOURISM INDUSTRY

Spain is one of the five countries most popular among tourists. In 2000, its income from tourism exceeded 30 billion dollars. Foreign guests are attracted by the warm climate, magnificent Mediterranean beaches and large historical centers of art and architecture - Barcelona, ​​Madrid, Valencia. About 50 million tourists visit the country every year. The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, which belong to Spain, are very popular holiday destinations. The Balearic Islands group includes Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza (incorrectly called Ibiza in tourist brochures). The Canaries are the remains of volcanic mountains. Vegetation on their rocky soil is relatively sparse. However, the year-round sunshine and mild winters make it possible to grow bananas and tomatoes for export.

«Large Illustrated Directory. Countries and continents", Moscow, "Swallowtail", 2005,

Spain has its own access to the sea and is also located in Europe, which is why this state has so many neighboring countries. Who does Spain border on sea and land?

Land borders of Spain

On land, Spain has common borders with the following countries:

• Portugal;
• France;
• Andorra.

The length of the border with Portugal is 1214 kilometers. With France, the length of the borders is 623 kilometers. The smallest border with Andorra is 64 kilometers.

The total mileage of the Spanish borders is approximately 1917 kilometers by land and sea.

In addition to neighbors on land borders, Spanish territories also have sea borders.

Maritime boundaries of Spain

The coastline of Spain stretches for 4964 kilometers. The Spanish state is washed by seas and straits: the Mediterranean, Balearic, Alboran Sea, as well as the Bay of Biscay and Gibraltar.

The country's maritime borders are associated with the borders of Morocco and the state of Gibraltar. There are also borders with North Africa.

Only 14 kilometers of the Strait of Gibraltar separate the Spanish state from Africa.

The area of ​​Spain is 504,782 square kilometers. In Europe, the state is considered the fourth largest in terms of territory. Thanks to its favorable geographical location, Spain has good trade and maritime connections with many countries around the world.

Capital: Lisbon

Square: 92391 sq. km

Currency: Euro

Neighboring countries: Spain

Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

Population: There are more than 10.8 million people in the country. The majority of the population is Portuguese (97%), the rest are blacks, Brazilians and others (3%).

Religion: More than 94% of the population professes Catholicism, less than 6% - other religions.

Time: It lags behind Moscow by 4 hours in winter, and by 3 hours in summer.

Climate: Portugal does not experience sharp temperature fluctuations. The maritime climate of the northern part is largely determined by the Gulf Stream. Summer here is not hot, but sunny, there is little rain. On average, the air temperature is around +20...+22° C, in mountainous areas - +16...+20° C. Winter is rainy and cool - the air cools down to +4...+9° C. In the south The weather is usually drier and warmer. In July, the air temperature ranges from +21 to +27° C, in January - from +5 to +12° C. In the mountains, annual precipitation falls from 1100 to 2600 mm, on the plains - from 450 to 800 mm.

Currency: The country's monetary unit is the euro.

Currency exchange: The most convenient place to exchange money is at Lisbon airport - there is a favorable exchange rate, as well as a relatively low commission fee. In hotels and banks the rate is lower, but the commission is higher (0.5-1%). Exchange rates may vary between banks. In some commercial banks, amounts less than 30 euros are exchanged without charging commission interest. You can pay in US dollars in markets and in some private stores. At a more favorable rate compared to cash, traveler's checks are accepted, but the commission charged is quite high - up to 13%. American Express checks are an exception - they can be exchanged at Amex without a fee. ATMs with instructions in English are located throughout. You can pay with credit cards in Portugal even in rural areas.

Visa: Russian citizens require a Schengen visa.

How to get there: Regular direct flights to Portugal are operated by TAP Portugal five times a week. You can also enter the country in transit using flights of other airlines. There are no direct trains to Portugal from Russian cities; getting there by rail requires three (or more) transfers. As a result, the cost of travel is much higher than the price of air tickets. The length of roads leading to Lisbon from Moscow is 4,780 km.

Transport: In the mainland of the country, domestic air traffic is poorly developed, but numerous regular flights connect Lisbon with the islands of the Azores and Madeira. On the contrary, railway communication is well developed, but the density of lines is lower than in other European countries. The main routes are from Lisbon to the cities of Porto, Viana do Castelo, Faro, as well as from Porto to the city of Braganza. The country also has a network of regional trains, which travel more slowly as they stop at all stations. By European standards, the cost of train tickets is relatively low. The areas surrounding Porto and Lisbon are served by electric trains. Trains run daily from Lisbon to Madrid and Paris, and from Porto to the Spanish town of Viga. Bus service makes the most remote areas accessible. It is better to book tickets for intercity flights in high season in advance.

Urban transport in Portugal is represented by trams, buses, funiculars, and in Lisbon and Porto there is also a metro. Transport cards of various types allow you to save on travel, providing the opportunity to use all types of public transport for a certain period of time. You can buy tickets or top up your transport card balance at vending machines installed in the metro, train stations, bus stops, post offices and other points. You can also buy a ticket from the driver, but it will be more expensive. Taxis can be ordered by phone or picked up at the bus stop. If you are planning a trip out of town, taxi drivers will require you to pay for the return trip. On weekends and at night, taxi fares increase. By purchasing a voucher you can save on taxi travel from Lisbon Airport to city areas.

Where to stay: In addition to hotels of various levels (clearly classified according to the international system), in Portugal you can stay in campsites, hostels, and guest houses. Living in village estates is popular - on houses where rooms are rented out, you can see the TER sign. Hotels usually offer guests only half board (breakfast or breakfast-dinner, breakfast-lunch).

The Kingdom of Spain, with its capital in Madrid, is located in the southwestern part of Europe. The total area of ​​the kingdom is 504,782 km. The country is located on most of the Iberian Peninsula, and owns the Canary and Bolearic Islands. Spain's northern neighbors are Andorra and France, its western neighbor is Portugal, its southern neighbor is North African Morocco, and the south of the country is washed by the waters of Gibraltar.

Climate

In general, the country is influenced by a temperate Mediterranean climate, but each of the regions of Spain is characterized by deep internal climatic differences. The average temperature in summer is +24 +29 °C, the average autumn temperature is +15 °C, the winter temperature is around 0 °C, and the average winter temperature for the southern coast is +14 °C.

Time zone: -2 hours from Moscow time, and -3 hours for the Canary archipelago.

Population

Spain has a population of 40 million. In percentage terms, the largest population of the country is made up of Catalans and Andalusians – 15.6% each.

The vast majority of Spaniards profess Catholicism.

Language

The official language of the country is Spanish, but many regions use their own dialects - Basque, Catalan, Gallego, etc. The staff of hotels and restaurants in popular Spanish resorts also speak English, German and French.

Flight time:

flight Moscow-Madrid – five hours, Moscow-Barcelona – four hours, Moscow-Malaga – five hours, Moscow-Tenerife – seven hours.

Entry/exit rules

Entry into the country is carried out with a Schengen visa. There is no import duty charged for: two liters of wine, 500 grams of coffee, 200 cigarettes, 100 grams of tea, household utensils in the amount of personal needs, food. Video, photo and radio equipment, musical and household appliances must be declared. The Consular Section also issues special permits for the import of film equipment. An amount exceeding 500 euros is declared, but is not limited. Exported currency is allowed in an amount that does not exceed the imported declared amount. In the absence of a special permit for the export of weapons and cultural property, their export is prohibited. Vaccination certificates are not required for tourists. A veterinary certificate is required to import pets.

Currency

Currency – euro. Banking hours are on weekdays from 9.00 to 14.00, on Saturdays from 9.00 to 12.00. You can use all banks on the main streets 24 hours a day. Currency exchange offices can be found at airports, resorts and hotels. Often exchange offices charge a commission for the operation. The main credit cards that can be used outside the country are Visa, Master Card, American Express, etc.

Transport

The public transport infrastructure in Spain is excellent. The bus and railway networks make it possible to get to any desired location without spending a minimum of money. The cost of a ticket for an express bus is much lower than the cost of a ticket for an intercity train, and they will also take you to your desired destination much faster. Electric trains cost almost half as much as buses. In Barcelona you can buy a T-1 ticket for ten trips by train and bus, and a T-2 ticket for ten trips by train and metro. The cost of a taxi ride is approximately 1 euro/km; a taxi can be caught on the street or called by phone. The islands can be reached by passenger ships or by air travel from local companies.

Car rent

Car rental can be done at airports, large train stations and at any rental company. In order to rent a car, you must have an international driver's license, be at least 21 years old, and have 1 year or more driving experience. The rental cost will depend on the amount of insurance, rental period and brand of the selected vehicle - at least 35 euros/day. The amount of deposit left will be from 100 euros. When paying with a credit card, it is worth remembering that the deposit will most often be blocked on the card. So, the rental price includes insurance (sometimes incomplete); also, when you receive a car with a full tank, you must return it in the same condition - and the cost of gasoline will not be included in the rental price.

Connection

The most convenient way to make international calls is a telephone card, which can be purchased in Tabaco stores and tents. You can take advantage of preferential rates for negotiations from 22.00 to 6.00, and also apply on holidays. When making calls to Spain, dial the combination: 8->10->34-area code, without using “0”->subscriber number. In order to call Russia you need to dial the combination: 007->city code->subscriber number. The main post offices in Spain operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hotel information

Most Spanish hotels use 12:00 noon as their checkout time. Sockets in hotels are European standard with a voltage of 220. Rooms in two- or three-star hotels do not provide air conditioning and TV. Before departure, payment for additional services is required: minibar, telephone, etc.

Kitchen

Spanish cuisine is famous for its healthy, delicious dishes. There is complete freedom for stewing, grilling and baking, and there are simply too many dishes using white and red wines and sheep’s cheese. The most popular soups are perhaps the famous gazpacho - made from selected tomatoes and fresh vegetables, escudella - made from vegetables, trout and meat, delicious fish soup, of course, the most delicate paella - made from rice and seafood, the world famous pork ham - jamon , and tapas. Very often in national cuisine they use hot sauces: tomato Sofrito, pepper Ali-oli, spicy Picada.

When talking about tasty and healthy Spanish food, it is impossible not to mention the numerous orange plantations, because every Spaniard prefers freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast, not canned, which is also sold everywhere here. The famous pina colada was also “born” in Spain, and is sold in supermarkets in glass bottles.

The most popular Spanish wines are Jerez and Rioja, as well as Spanish brandy and Orujo vodka. Beer is most often served with appetizers; here it is not strong and inexpensive. Tourists prefer red wine sangria with pieces of ice and fruit.

The shops

Working hours of local stores: from 9.00 to 13.00, from 13.00 to 16.00 - rest for siesta, and then from 16.00 to 20.00.

The easiest way to go shopping is in big cities - Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona. El Corte Ingles is the largest national supermarket chain. In these stores you can purchase everything from the smallest household purchases to large household items. All goods offered by supermarkets are of good quality. When leaving the country, you can refund the value added tax using the Tax Free system; it is made when purchasing goods in an amount exceeding 180 euros upon presentation of a pre-issued receipt at customs.

Particularly popular among souvenirs are castanets, figurines in the form of national characters, fans, Toledo steel - knives and daggers.

Tips

In Spain, it is customary to leave a tip (not mandatory, but is an indicator of good manners) in the amount of 5-10% of the amount of the service received in a restaurant, hotel, taxi, or tour guide.

Sights and excursions

Spain is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Here you can visit all kinds of ruins of Roman settlements and the remains of ancient Greek villages. While in Madrid, do not miss the interesting opportunity to visit the Prado National Museum, with its truly unique collection of paintings by the greatest masters. Madrid also attracts tourists with its Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francisco El Grande.

Barcelona inspires travelers with its numerous Gaudí architecture. Of course, the first places most visited by tourists are the Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Park Güell. You should definitely visit the ancient quarters and look at the architecture of the central Catholic Cathedral.

Toledo, Segovia and Avila are museum cities included in the UNESCO heritage list. When visiting Andalusia, you should definitely note the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville on your itinerary.

The most popular Spanish resort island with clear sea waters, a pearl factory and an aquarium is Mallorca. For a tropical climate and unusual origin of rocks, you need to go to the Canary island of Tenerife. The favorite entertainment of all Spaniards and travelers, bullfighting, takes place at many resorts in the country.

Helpful information

English, popular among Russian-speaking tourists, is not popular in Spain. You should not resort to car rental services if the owners of the company are Arabs - they may turn out to be simple scammers. On the way, you should not stop on the roads if you see people voting - this is not accepted here, and therefore, most likely it is a hoax.

There are frequent cases of theft, you should be vigilant. All Spanish beaches are municipal property. Visiting the beaches is free, only sun loungers and umbrellas are rented. There are separate beaches for nudists, but top-less sunbathing is not prohibited on all beaches. Spain is one of those Mediterranean countries that have a widespread afternoon rest - a siesta, during which you can eat a cheap lunch - Menu del dia.

The number of forks present on restaurant signs indicates the class of the establishment.