Guide to Spain in Russian. Travel guides to Spain

Guide to Spain

Hedonist Club is a practical adviser, a prompt source of ideas and a guarantor of a good mood for the traveler. Our guide to Spain will help you find the services you need anywhere in the country, learn about new products, and quickly organize a vacation, holiday or day off. For example, there are tens of thousands of restaurants in Spain, but no more than 5 percent of them are truly good. How not to make a mistake with your choice? We have learned to find the best among the mediocre, and were able to combine consistent quality and low prices in one project. It was a long and not easy path, years of work, trials and searches. Now all you have to do is simply take advantage of our knowledge, experience and get the pleasure of life that every person on earth deserves. This is why the guide to Spain is called the Hedonist Club. Any of us can become happier today if we want to.

Excursions in Spain- this is an inexhaustible source of new ideas for active recreation and pleasant time together. For a Russian-speaking holidaymaker, just being in Spain is already one ongoing wonderful excursion, when compared with a possible walk along a frosty street at -35 degrees in a northern Russian city. There are excursions in Spain to suit every taste and budget. If you are a millionaire who has seen everything in your life, do not despair, our company also has its own excursion in Spain for you. If you are a principled economist who will never pay a cent for additional services in his life, then we will be happy to offer you, using our ideas and routes detailed on the website, to independently organize your excursions in Spain without extra expenses.

Wine and roast trip to Penedes

On a warm summer day, closer to noon, when you have absolutely nothing to do in Barcelona warmed by the sun, you can get into a car and go to the province for lunch. The trip will not take much time and will bring a lot of positive emotions, will help you unwind in the middle of the work week without any damage to your current affairs. Fortunately, the destination is less than 60 km from the center of the capital of Catalonia.

Spain is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. Usually, when describing it, locals use an expression that, according to legend, belongs to Alexandre Dumas: “Africa begins in the Pyrenees,” and then they add: “Spain is different.” And both proverbs are true.

Spain is different. Spain is special. It may be difficult to find a second country that simultaneously combines such a rich culture, centuries-old history and geographic diversity. This is precisely the uniqueness of Spain, which makes millions of people return here year after year. That is why Spain is consistently included in the top 4 most popular countries for tourism in the world. And this is not surprising - everyone finds something of their own here.

The international websites of the Spain-holiday group - including this website - contain gigabytes of useful information about holidays in Spain. High-quality videos about different regions of Spain, first-hand recommendations, traveler reviews, detailed descriptions of the regions, tips on what to do, what to see and where to go in Spain. Whatever the purpose of your holiday, on the Spain-holiday websites you are sure to find everything you need to plan your trip. Due to the recent launch of the Russian-language portal, the information available in Russian is still available in a limited amount, however, it will be regularly supplemented.

Geography

Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe with an area of ​​approximately 504,782 km2. In addition to the mainland, it includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain occupies 84% ​​of the Iberian Peninsula, its coastal borders stretch along the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

An amazing fact that comes as a surprise to many: in terms of the predominance of mountainous terrain, Spain is the second country in Europe after Switzerland. The diversity of the landscape provides a great variety of options for active recreation. Stereotypically associated with the beach, sun and sangria, Spain has much more to offer.

Spain's national parks are truly second to none and the country proudly protects them. In fact, 9.1% of Spain's area is protected areas, in the Canary Islands this figure reaches 42%, in Catalonia 21.5% and almost 19% in Andalusia.

Andalusia is the second largest autonomous region, accounting for 36% of the total area of ​​reserves in Spain. Protected areas are an ideal habitat for the rarest and most amazing representatives of flora and fauna.

Culture

For more than 700 years, Spain was occupied by the Moors. The legacy of that era is unique architecture, as well as various agricultural achievements, some of which - such as irrigation canals - have survived to this day.

The Reconquista and the colonization of America, with its endless reserves of gold and silver, sparked a great expansion. The construction of magnificent palaces and churches even in the most unexpected places became a symbol of the prosperity and wealth of the era.

The imprint of history, which is so clearly visible in the Spanish metropolises of Madrid and Barcelona, ​​attracts millions of tourists every year. However, lovers of leisurely walks along the winding streets in search of architectural monuments and signs of time will find many discoveries in other cities, among which are Seville, Burgos, Valencia, Malaga, San Sebastian, Granada, Cordoba, as well as countless small villages and settlements.

Each region of Spain is a separate amazing world - with its own history, unique culture, traditional cuisine, and sometimes even a language of communication.

Active, open-minded, able to sense the taste of life, the Spaniards differ from most of their European neighbors. Spain has a population of just under 45 million people, of whom 74% speak Castilian Spanish, 17% Catalan, 7% Galician and 2% Basque. Not counting the numerous dialects that are present in each region.

Approximately 11% of Spain's population is foreign. 96% of Spaniards are adherents of the Roman Catholic Church, the remaining 4% are mainly Christians of other faiths and Muslims.

Holidays in Spain mean flamenco dancing, meeting the sun, good cuisine and Spanish wines, hospitality and the joy of life.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

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Spain weather map:

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How much does a holiday in Spain cost? September 2019.

Tour cost

Just recently, my work colleagues and I decided to go somewhere on vacation. There is a good company in our city that gave us a list of resorts where we can go. There were many cities from different countries there. We tried our best to choose something interesting and unique. We decided to go to Solomanka (Spain). Solomanka is a scientific city, just connected with work. Therefore, everyone was happy to visit this city. The price including the flight was 45,000 rubles. We rested for a whole week, that is, 7 days. This price included accommodation, meals, airfare and everything you need for active tourism. Overall, we were very pleased with the trip. I personally spent 65,000 rubles in a week, but it was worth it.

Souvenirs and other goods

Naturally, everyone bought souvenirs. Prices in Solomanka are quite high. Everything can be bought for euros. A magnet, for example, costs from 5 to 10 euros. In total, I spent approximately 50-60 euros on souvenirs and other goods.

Cost of services and entertainment

Renting a car was also a big plus for us. In the evening, when we had free time, we rented a car and drove around the city at night. Renting a car for 12 hours cost 150 euros, it also depends on the brand. You also buy gasoline with your own money. Since there were 5 of us, this amount was not significant.

Total money spent on vacation

Useful information?

Holiday impressions in September

We vacationed in Tossa de Mar as a family (two adults and two children - 3 years and 12 years old) in mid-September. We were a little worried about the weather, but completely in vain: the sun was warm, but did not burn; the sea was warm and crystal clear; there were strong waves only one day, but no one forbade going into the water; It also rained only once, lightly, rather lingeringly - almost the whole day, but this did not spoil the overall impression of the holiday.

This is already the end of the season, so there were a moderate number of vacationers, you can easily find a place on the beach and suit every taste, and sellers in shops are more willing to offer a discount on their goods. And the visiting card of the resort, the beautiful medieval fortress of Villa Vella, is much more pleasant to walk around and take photos when there are as few people around as possible.

Family vacation

Tossa de Mar is a very calm town, with clean, well-kept streets, where almost every accommodation is close to one of several beaches. All beaches are well-maintained and suitable for children. The resort has almost no nightlife, so in the evening the town becomes quiet, which means you don’t have to worry that it will be difficult to put your child to bed due to the noise. The main contingent of vacationers are European pensioners and families with children. The town is literally surrounded by greenery, this is especially noticeable when you go down the serpentine road - it looks like a pearl framed by lush thickets of Mediterranean pine. Thanks to this, the resort has amazing air, which is sure to be beneficial for a child’s body.

What to do at the resort?

While vacationing in Tossa de Mar, you should definitely visit the medieval fortress of Villa Vella and the Old Town. I don’t like to throw around words like “must” and “required”; each person decides for himself what he needs, but not in this case - not visiting this fortress would be a huge mistake. People specially come to it from other resorts in Spain, because it is truly magnificent. It’s nice and easy to wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, sit in cozy cafes and take stunning photos. A walk through the fortress and the Old Town in the evening, when the lights turn on, leaves a particularly vivid impression. The feeling is indescribable, the atmosphere is at the same time romantic, mysterious, and even a little scary (just a little).

Among independent excursions, I would also like to mention a small cruise on a glass-bottomed boat from the company Fondo Cristal. At our hotel (Tossa Beach 4*), upon check-in, they gave a coupon with which you could take this walk with a 10% discount. The glass bottom of the boat is large, tourists are seated comfortably, so you can watch the seabed in comfort. Of course, the underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea cannot be compared with the underwater world of the Red Sea or the Indian Ocean, but children are still very interested. The ship sails along the coast, enters several caves, and eventually delivers passengers to Giverola Bay with a sandy beach, where you can swim, sunbathe, explore the surroundings, sit in a restaurant, and then go back to Tossa on any other Fondo Cristal ship. A pleasant, not tiring boat trip.

Spain is generally an open-air museum country. The excursion program here is simply amazing. And Tossa de Mar is no exception. Among the variety of excursions, we chose a sightseeing tour of Barcelona and a visit to the Barcelona-PSV football match taking place as part of the Champions League. We could not deny ourselves the pleasure of seeing with our own eyes the performance of such excellent players as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, Dembele, and even at the legendary Camp Nou stadium. Moreover, my eldest son is a Messi fan and this was a gift primarily for him. We were simply delighted with this event, the energy during the match was simply crazy, even if you are completely indifferent to football, Spanish fans will make anyone experience the whole range of emotions, from jubilation to despair and back.

Tossa de Mar has three main beaches and they are all worth visiting. We mainly spent time on the main one - Playa Gran, marked with the Blue Flag for clean water and comfortable infrastructure. The beach is small-pebble, and the pebbles are so small that many people think that it is coarse sand. The depth begins quite abruptly, but even non-swimmers, poor swimmers and small children can easily spend time in the water. For children, the most suitable section of the beach is located near the fortress, where the bottom is flatter. Once we went to Kolodar beach, quite cozy, in a beautiful place, surrounded by rocks, protected from wind and waves, but it did not become our favorite. We ignored the third beach - Mar Menuda, but I know that divers respect it very much.

Pros of a holiday in Tossa de Mar

The resort is wonderful and in general it is all one big plus, but I will still try to highlight its most important advantages:

The presence of several beaches for every taste, the main one of which is marked with the Blue Flag;

Crystal clear water in the sea;

An incredibly beautiful medieval fortress, entry to which is completely free;

Stunningly beautiful nature and healing air, an abundance of Mediterranean pine trees;

The place is very well maintained, respectable, quiet;

There are a lot of places where you can take unrealistically beautiful photographs.

Disadvantages of holidays in Tossa de Mar

For our family, the only negative is the long transfer from Barcelona airport. When we boarded the tour operator Pegasus Tourist bus, our guide said that the transfer would take from three hours to infinity (due to traffic jams in Barcelona). As a result, we managed to avoid traffic jams, but it took us three hours to get to the hotel, as promised by the guide, the same time it took to get from Tossa to the airport on the day of departure.

Groups are small - up to 4 people. Routes of 1st and 2nd degree of difficulty are offered. The entire route passes through the picturesque bays of the Costa Brava, surrounded by green pine forests and emerald-turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

At the end of the route, you will be rewarded for all your efforts with a small picnic near the rocks, where you will be offered soft drinks, chips and seasonal fruit.

Included in the price of the excursion

Guide services

Transport service

professional licensed guide-instructor

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Do you want to feel like kings? Then visit our excursion “Spain – Land of Kings”, which includes three cities:

Zaragoza is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, the former capital of the Aragon-Catalan Crown since the 13th century;

Madrid is the capital of Spain, the capital of the Habsburgs and Bourbons and the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Spain.

Toledo - the first capital of Spain and the oldest capital of the Visigoths, 2 days with an overnight stay at a hotel in Madrid.

1st day. Zaragoza. Walk through the historical part of the city, visit the Cathedral, where you can see the frescoes of Francisco Goya and learn about the life of this extraordinary artist. In the Basilica of Saint Pilar of Zaragoza you can touch the symbol of faith of the Aragonese people - the jasper pillar that forgives sins. Then we...

Individual walking tour: only for you and your loved ones (from 1 to 8 people)

It is impossible to imagine the history of modern Spain without visiting the city of Tarragona - the oldest city built by the Romans, destroyed by the Visigoths and Moors and restored by Christians.

Just like thousands of years ago, Tarragona today is one of the most developed and rich cities of the Iberian Peninsula.

Here you can walk through the narrow streets of the old city, see and even touch with your own hands the powerful walls built by the ancient Romans, imagine how gladiators held competitions in their chariots. You will learn the legend about Saint Thecla - the patroness of Tarragona, and how exactly the phrase “Money has no smell” was born here, about the city...

A complete guide on how to organize an independent holiday in Spain: which resort to choose, where to find and book airline tickets and hotels, how to get around the country, various routes around Spain, what to see, where to go, where to eat; general information to help you plan your trip.

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Briefly about Spain

Spain is the southernmost country in Europe; in addition to the mainland, it also includes the Balearic and Canary archipelagos. Tourists and travelers love Spain for its originality, long traditions, and a huge variety of attractions and entertainment. In addition, Spain, with its excellent climate, has more than 2,000 km of coastline, most of which is suitable for beach holidays. The beaches in Spain are long, sandy and have some of the best services. Many beaches in mainland Spain, as well as Mallorca and the Canary Islands, have the Blue Flag distinction as the cleanest beaches in the world.

The traditional centers of attraction for tourists in Spain are the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, as well as the islands of Mallorca and Ibiza among the Balearic Islands and Tenerife among the Canary Islands. These places ideally combine the possibilities of a beach and excursion holiday. The central part of Spain is famous for its ancient cities, in which the architecture of different eras is perfectly preserved, and the north of Spain boasts the best surfing spots, colorful cuisine and unusual architecture.

The country is suitable for holidays all year round. In mainland Spain, the beach season lasts from May to September inclusive; the rest of the time the place is ideal for excursions, walks and trips of varying lengths. In Mallorca and Ibiza, the beach season also lasts from May to September. But in Tenerife and other islands of the Canary archipelago you can swim even in winter. In general, a holiday in Spain is a combination of beach and excursion opportunities, varied cuisine, amazing traditions and a lot of entertainment that leaves few people indifferent.

Tom Maisey/Beaches of Costa Brava

Holiday Destinations in Spain

Almost all of Spain is suitable for independent recreation and active travel. There are a total of 17 regions in the country, although the largest share of tourists in mainland Spain comes from Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia, and on the islands - Mallorca, Ibiza and Tenerife.

The following regions are suitable for a beach holiday:

Andalusia- the southernmost region of Spain, which is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The best beach resorts are concentrated on the coasts of Costa Almeria, Costa del Sol, and Costa de la Luz. The beaches are spacious, sandy, with a gentle entrance to the sea, equipped with everything necessary. The most famous resorts in Andalusia include Almeria, Nerja, Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Tarifa, Cadiz. In addition, the region is also ideal for excursion holidays. It is here that such ancient cities as Seville, Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Cordoba and others are located. Read more about ;

Catalonia- a region located in the east of Spain and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the fact that the most visited city in Spain, Barcelona, ​​is located in Catalonia, the region specializes in beach holidays. Local resorts are traditionally in great demand, incl. and among tourists from Russia. The most famous beach resorts include Lloret de Mar, Salou, Blanes, Calella, Tossa de Mar and others. The Catalan coast is conventionally divided into 3 parts: Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme and Costa Dorada. Along the entire coastline, there are extensive sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea and equipped with everything you need. Read more about ;

Valencia- a southeastern region of Spain with the administrative center of the same name in the city of Valencia. The region is also famous for its beach resorts, sandy coastline and plenty of activities. The main resorts are located in Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm, Torrevieja and other towns. It is also worth visiting Valencia for excursion purposes; here you can find a wide variety of attractions to suit every taste; Read more about ;

Northern Spain (Basque country, Cantabria, Galicia)– regions that have gorgeous sandy beaches, but are unsuitable for traditional beach holidays due to the climate. Precipitation in the form of rain falls quite often here, and the waters of the Bay of Biscay can hardly be called calm due to the constantly blowing winds. In general, the northern regions of Spain are more suitable for windsurfing than for swimming and sunbathing.

Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza)– a popular tourist destination for a beach holiday. The islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 250 km from the east coast of Spain. Mallorca and Menorca have beautiful sandy beaches located in coves. The main resorts of Mallorca include places such as Alcudia, Magaluf, Palma Nova, Santa Ponsa and others. In terms of excursion holidays, the city of Palma de Mallorca is attractive, as well as some natural attractions. Read more about . Ibiza is more famous for its unlimited possibilities in terms of entertainment than for its beaches;

Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria)- a year-round beach resort, located on islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa. The beaches here are spacious, sandy, in some places mixed with volcanic ash. The resort infrastructure is developed at a high level. There are direct flights to Tenerife from Russia. Read more about . There are no direct flights to Gran Canaria; a transfer will be required in Madrid. Read more about . The islands of the Canary archipelago are often called the “islands of eternal spring” due to their mild climate and unique natural conditions.

Jorge Franganillo/Beaches of the Costa Dorada

For excursion holidays you can go to:

Spain, like no other country, is rich in historical sights, architectural monuments of different eras, natural landscapes and all kinds of traditional entertainment, such as bullfighting or flamenco. In addition, Spain is famous for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine and the production of various types of wine, so it is not surprising that tourists often go on food tours in Spain.

Often, beach and sightseeing holidays in Spain can be skillfully combined, because... many resorts are located near large historical cities. It is convenient to travel between settlements in Spain by train or car.

In Andalusia:

Seville– this is the “heart” of Andalusia. It was here that flamenco was born and bullfighting became widespread. The city is also famous for its Alcazar Palace, the Cathedral, Plaza de España, the huge Metropol Parasol umbrella, the Maestranza bullring and other architectural attractions in which flaming Gothic and Mudejar style are intertwined. Read more about ;

Granada is a beautifully preserved historic city in Andalusia, where the concentration of monuments from the era of Moorish rule is literally off scale. Here is also the “city within a city” - the Alhambra. In addition to the Alhambra, the Cathedral, the ancient Albasiín quarter, the Generalife Palace and Gardens, the Sacromonte Abbey and much more deserve attention. Read more about ;

Rhonda- an ancient town in Andalusia, which is located on a steep cliff, on the edge of an abyss. It is the unusual location of the city that attracts tourists to this area. Here it is definitely worth visiting the Punta Nuevo Bridge and the El Tajo Gorge with the Guadalevin River. Read more about ;

Cordoba (Cordova)- an ancient Spanish city where the Muslim Alcazar and Mezquita adjoin the ancient Roman bridge and the Jewish quarter. The historical heritage of the city is extremely rich. Read more about ;

Cadiz– is considered the most ancient city in Europe. Cadiz is located in the bay of the same name, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz is famous for its cathedral, Roman ruins, Candelaria Bastion, Baroque churches and a magnificent landscaped park. In addition, the best beaches in the area are located here, long, clean, with golden sand. Read more about ;

Malaga– a port city, from where the “gate” to the resorts of the Costa del Sol (“Coast of Light”) opens. In Malaga, it is worth seeing the Roman Theater, the Cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, the La Malagueta bullfighting rental, the Pablo Picasso Museum and wandering around the ancient fortresses of Gibralfaro and Alcazaba, from where the best views of the bay open. And then be sure to go to the local beaches or neighboring resorts. Read more about ;

In Castile:

Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the most elegant cities in Europe. The main attractions in Madrid are Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, Royal Palace, Almudeina Cathedral, Gate of Europe, Temple of Debod and numerous museums, including the world-famous Prado Museum. Read more about ;

- the “golden” city of the Spanish Baroque. Elegant, lush, seasoned, the city attracts attention and is a great idea where to go from Madrid for a day or two. The main attractions here are the Cathedral, the stone Roman bridge, the Monterrey Palace, the Monastery of San Esteban and much more. Read more about ;

Toledo – the ancient capital of Spain with its Cathedral, Alcazar Palace, San Martin Bridge and other architectural attractions. Like Salamanca, Toledo is a great alternative for a day trip from Madrid. Read more about ;

Segovia is an ancient Castilian city, the entire historical center of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The “pearl” of the city is considered to be an ancient Roman aqueduct of gigantic size. The main tourist trail is considered to be the triad of attractions: aqueduct - cathedral - Alcazar fortress. Read more about ;

William Warby/Beaches of Puerto de Mogán

In Catalonia:

Barcelona- the largest Catalan city and a center of attraction for tourists from all over the world. Barcelona is a self-sufficient city with many attractions and entertainment. In addition, Barcelona is also the “gateway” to the beach resorts of the Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, and Costa Dorada. In Barcelona itself, the TOP 5 main attractions include La Rambla, the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, the Gothic Quarter and the hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo. Read more about ;

Girona is an ancient Catalan town located near the French border. Its top places are often called the embankment of the Onyar River, the Cathedral, fortress walls, churches, the Eiffel Bridge, Arab baths, etc. Often a trip to Girona is combined with a visit to Figueres. Read more about ;

Figueres– the place where the famous Salvador Dali Theater Museum is located, and it is this attraction that attracts a large number of tourists who relax in Catalan resorts. In addition to the museum, other architectural attractions in Figueres are also interesting. The local toy museum is also of interest. Read more about ;

In Valencia:

Valencia– on the one hand, the city is ancient, on the other hand, it is extremely modern. Here you can find a lot of entertainment and ideas for excursions. You should definitely visit the Cathedral and Queen's Square, the Silk Exchange, stroll along the Paseo Maritimo embankment, and visit the city of arts and sciences. In the vicinity of Valencia, the Bioparc and Albufeira Natural Park are interesting. Read more about ;

Alicante- a city that combines historical sights, developed infrastructure, all kinds of entertainment and, of course, gorgeous beaches. Alicante is considered one of the most sought-after resorts on the Costa Blanca. Read more about ;

In Tenerife:

In Gran Canaria:

In Mallorca:

TimOve/Night Costa Adeje

Visa to Spain and entry rules

To travel to Spain you need a visa. Since Spain has signed the Schengen Agreement, tourists are most often granted a Schengen tourist visa type C. Such visas differ in duration and in the number of entries allowed (single or multiple entries). You can open a visa at the Spanish embassy or consulates in Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg), as well as at Spanish visa centers, which are located in many large cities of Russia. In addition to the standard set of documents and fingerprinting, to open a visa you will also need to present return tickets, a hotel reservation and a cover amount of at least 30 thousand euros. Read more about how to choose insurance for a trip to Spain—>. On the territory of Spain, the entry rules prescribed in the Schengen Agreement apply, i.e. essentially no different from the rules for entry into any other European country that has signed the Schengen Agreement.

TimOve/Resort Costa Adeje

Weather in Spain

The climate of Spain is, for the most part, hot Mediterranean on the coasts and continental in the central part of the country, where the terrain is quite mountainous. Spain is characterized by a warm spring-summer-autumn period; winters in the country are relatively short. The beach season in Spain lasts from May to September inclusive on the mainland and Mallorca, but in the Canary Islands you can swim all year round.

When planning your trips, it is worth considering that the summer months, especially July and August, are quite hot and are only a stretch for excursion purposes. At this time of year it is better to focus on a beach holiday. Air temperatures in some regions (especially Castile and Andalusia) in the summer months can reach +40 degrees and above. It is not surprising that in Spain there is a so-called unspoken law of “siesta”, when many public institutions close during the daytime for a long lunch break.

Winters in Spain are mild, sometimes rainy, snow falls extremely rarely and only in the mountains. For the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza) and the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, etc.) snow is not typical at all. The ideal time of year for excursions in Spain is spring and autumn; winter is also suitable if you are going to the central or southern regions of the country. If you are planning a trip to the north of Spain (Basque country, Galicia, Cantabria), then it is worth considering that it is almost always rainy here due to the cyclones that the Bay of Biscay brings.

More details about the weather:

Andrew Nash/Costa de la Luz

Currency, language, time

In Spain, it is customary to pay with the euro currency. You can change money not only before your trip, but also upon arrival at the airport. Despite the fact that in Spain bank cards are widely used to pay for goods and services, cash may still be needed, for example, to pay for public transport or for a taxi. Other currencies (dollars, for example) are not accepted for payment in Spain. You can use debit and credit cards for payment, but not below the Standard level. Electron and Maestro cards are not accepted for payment.

In Spain they speak Spanish. Other languages ​​are also accepted in some regions. For example, in Catalonia and Mallorca both Spanish and Catalan are spoken. As for English, there should be no problems in tourist places. Many signs and inscriptions are also duplicated in English. But far from the tourist trails, you can also encounter a complete lack of knowledge of foreign languages. For Russian tourists, the advantage is that some hotels in Catalonia and Mallorca have Russian-speaking staff.

The time difference between Moscow and Spain is 1 hour. The same time applies throughout Spain, including the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza). Please note that the time difference between Moscow and the Canary Islands is 2 hours (including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, etc.).

Carquinyol/Panorama of the Costa del Maresme from above

How to get to Spain

The best option to get from Russia to Spain, both the mainland and the islands, is by air. Several large cities in Spain have their own international arrival airports, and some smaller cities have local airports where you can fly with a transfer. List of cities in Spain that can be reached by plane from Russia:

Barcelona: El Prat airport receives direct flights from Aeroflot, S7, Russia, and Spanish Vueling. Direct flights are possible from Moscow (4.5 hours) and from St. Petersburg (4 hours 20 minutes). Direct flights are also launched from some other Russian cities in the summer. In addition, you can fly to Barcelona with a transfer in one of the European cities; such flights, as a rule, are somewhat cheaper, but longer in time. It is from El Prat Airport in Barcelona that most tourists travel to the resorts of Costa Brava, Costa del Maresme, and Costa Dorada;

Girona: relatively recently, the Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda launched direct flights from Moscow to Girona, a city located in the north of Catalonia, 90 km from Barcelona. From Girona it is also convenient to get to the resorts of the Catalan coast. Flights operate several times a week from Vnukovo Airport. If you buy tickets in advance, you can find really cheap options to get to Spain;

Valencia and Alicante: To get to the resorts of the Valencian coast, you need to fly to the Valencia airport of the same name, direct flights to which are operated by Aeroflot. Travel time is 4 hours 50 minutes. You can also fly non-stop to neighboring Alicante; flights are operated by S7. Travel time is 5 hours 10 minutes;

Madrid: people often fly to the capital of Spain for excursion purposes and for business tourism, because the city is located at a considerable distance from the sea. It is also convenient to travel from Madrid to the cities of the neighboring region - Andalusia. In Madrid, flights from Russia are accepted by Barajas International Airport. Direct flights from Moscow are operated by Aeroflot, the flight time is 5 hours 10 minutes;

Malaga: One of the most convenient ways to get to Andalusia and the resorts of the Costa del Sol is to fly to Malaga airport. Direct flights from Moscow are operated by Aeroflot; travel time is 5.5 hours. From Malaga you can easily get to Andalusian cities such as Granada, Ronda, Seville, Cordoba, as well as the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and others;

To cities like Bilbao, Seville, Almeria, Jerez de la Frontera , you can get there with a transfer in Barcelona or Madrid, because These cities have local airports.

Majorca: to get to the island, you can fly directly from Moscow by S7 (in summer). Flights operate several times a week. In addition, you can get to Mallorca with a transfer in Barcelona. As a rule, the second method is cheaper. The duration of the flight in this case will depend on the duration of the connecting flights. The arrival airport in Mallorca is located in its administrative center - the city of Palma de Mallorca;

Tenerife: You can fly to Tenerife on a direct flight from Moscow, operated by Russian air carriers; also, in the summer, several charter flights are launched, which, in particular, are operated by the Spanish airline Iberia. A cheaper way to fly to Tenerife is to fly with a transfer in Madrid. In Tenerife, the international arrival airport is called Tenerife South. In addition, the island also has the Tenerife North airport, from which flights are available to other islands of the Canary archipelago;

Gran Canaria: You can fly to this Canary island from Russia only with a transfer; there are no direct flights. Flight connections usually take place in Barcelona, ​​Madrid or Tenerife. Flight time depends on the duration of the transfer (from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona - 4.5-5 hours + from Madrid or Barcelona to Gran Canaria - 2 hours 50 minutes). From Tenerife you can get to Gran Canaria not only by air, but also by water; ferries run between the islands, although this is more time-consuming than flying.

Searching and purchasing air tickets to Spain:

The general recommendation for searching and purchasing tickets to Spain is to purchase tickets as far in advance as possible before your travel date, at least several months in advance. This way you have a better chance of finding budget flight options. It is more expedient to search for air tickets through special search engines that compare all available flight options for specific dates from different airlines:

Carquinyol/Costa del Maresme beach

How to get from the airport to the city

The main ways to get from arrival airports are to use public transport or taxi/transfer services. Transfers in Spain can be both group and individual.

Taxis at arrival airports can be found at the exit of the arrivals terminal. You can order a transfer in advance of your arrival time using specialized international services:

From the airport Alicante You can travel independently to the city or to resorts in the surrounding area by city and suburban buses. Travel time to the city center will be about half an hour, travel time to Torrevieja or Benidorm will be about an hour. Also from Alicante airport you can get to the city’s central railway station, from where you can go to the resorts by commuter train;

Getting from Barajas Airport to Madrid can be done in several ways: by metro (city line No. 8), express bus (runs to the railway station or the Cibeles Square stop), train (line C1);

Get to the city center, as well as to other resorts on the Costa del Sol from the airport Malaga You can take a commuter train or a regular bus. The railway station is located right at Malaga airport in the arrivals section of terminal No. 3, from where trains run to various destinations. The bus station is also located in close proximity to the airport - at the exit from the terminal. Buses also have an extensive route network. Public transport does not operate at night;

Between the airport and resorts Mallorca There is a bus service. Transportation to different parts of the island along 4 main routes is carried out by the company Tib. The schedule can be checked on the carrier's website. There are no buses at night;

From Yuzhny airport on the island Tenerife You can get to the main beach resorts by the company's shuttle bus Titsa. It runs to all main destinations on the island, but only during daylight hours. At night you will have to take a taxi or an individual transfer;

On Gran Canaria You can get from the airport to the desired resort by regular buses of the company Global, or by taxi.

VivirElTren/Metro in Madrid

Public transport in Spain

The main types of public transport you can use in mainland Spain are trains and buses. Compared to other European countries, travel in Spain is quite cheap, while high-speed trains and comfortable buses run between settlements. The train schedule for the route you need can be checked at the railway service , bus schedule - from the main carrier - company Alsa. Local bus companies also operate in some regions of Spain, but usually their routes are limited to travel within that specific region.

You can travel around the islands of Spain only by buses, because... There are no railway connections between the cities (with the exception of 2 train lines in Mallorca). In Mallorca, the main bus carriers are companies Aerotib, Emtpalma and Aena; in Tenerife - company Titsa; in Gran Canaria - the company Global. It is worth noting that it is often much more convenient to move around the islands with a rented car, because... Public transport routes are limited and it is not possible, for example, to get to some of the natural attractions on the islands.

rafa_luque/Buses in Madrid

Car rental in Spain

In Spain, in addition to public transport, it is quite convenient to travel by car, while car rental is relevant for both mainland Spain and the islands. This option is very popular among tourists and travelers due to the ease of movement and the ability to not depend on public transport schedules.

It must be said that the rental itself is often so cheap that in some cases it turns out to be a cheaper way to travel than traveling by train, for example. To monitor prices for all rental offices in a particular city, you can use specialized search engines:

Carles Tomás Martí/Almudena

Routes in Spain

Spain, by European standards, is a fairly large country, so most often tourists prefer to travel not throughout the entire country, but in its individual regions. Getting around Spain is equally convenient both by public transport (by trains in mainland Spain and by buses around the islands) and by rented car.

There are quite a lot of interesting routes around Spain, most often not tied to certain iconic cities. There are interesting routes through National Parks, but here you definitely can’t do without a car. Below are some of the most popular routes for traveling around the regions of Spain:

• Barcelona and radial trips to Girona, Figueres, Reus, Mount Montserrat, resorts on the Catalan coast and the Port Aventura amusement park (the same radial trips can be made from any resort in Catalonia);

• The route in Northern Spain most often runs through places such as San Sebastian-Bilbao-Santander-Peaks of Europe National Park-Gijon-Oviedo-Santiago de Compostela-Pontevedra-Vigo-Ponferrada-Lyon-Bilbao;

• Madrid and radial trips to Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, Avila, El Escorial Palace;

• Valencia-Alicante and intermediate resorts on the coast;

• Madrid-Cordoba-Seville-Cadiz;

• Seville-Huelva-Doñana National Park-Jerez de la Frontera-Cadiz-Tarifa;

• Malaga-Granada-Ronda;

• Malaga resorts on the Costa del Sol;

• If desired, you can make longer journeys, for example, from Madrid to Barcelona or from Madrid to Valencia. Combined routes in Spain and Portugal are also somewhat popular;

• In Mallorca and Tenerife, circular routes around the island are in demand, as are trips to the center of the islands, where the mountain ranges are located. As for interesting architecture, in Mallorca it is concentrated in Palma de Mallorca, and in Tenerife - in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna.

Tommie Hansen/Swimming season in Mallorca

How to book accommodation in Spain

Spain is a country with a developed tourism infrastructure, so you can find holiday accommodation here to suit every taste. These can be classic hotels, apartments, guest houses, holiday homes, hostels, bed and breakfasts, villas, campsites, resort hotels. Some regions of Spain, for example Catalonia, Mallorca and Tenerife, are characterized by the predominance of resort hotels. They differ from ordinary ones in that almost all the necessary infrastructure is located on the hotel premises (including entertainment, evening programs, children's animation, food, etc.).

If you are traveling around Spain for excursion purposes, then you need to know that in large cities you can find almost any accommodation options, while in small towns the choice is small and they know about five-star hotels only by hearsay. However, the overall level of service in Spain is European quality of service.

In Spain, this type of housing such as apartments or apart-hotels is also gaining popularity. The first option is a detached house or apartment in a residential complex. The second option (apart-hotels) is a whole complex of apartments, often they are also equipped with a common recreation area and a swimming pool. Mainly, living in apartments differs from staying in hotels - food, i.e. Apartments have built-in kitchen options, while hotels offer cooked breakfasts (half board or full board).

You can find and book suitable accommodation in Spain using specialized services; just enter the locality and desired travel dates:

Costa del Maresme: here are the most affordable resorts in terms of holiday prices. Families with children often choose this coastline because... The Costa del Maresme is famous for its gently sloping sandy beaches. The main resorts in the region include , , . The Costa Blanca is located in the south-eastern part of the country, so the water here warms up faster than on other coasts of Eastern Spain. And the Costa Blanca got its name thanks to the snow-white sand that is common on the local beaches;

Costa de Almeria: on this coast there is a resort of the same name , the hottest in southern Spain. The climate here is almost semi-desert, due to the fact that nearby is the Almeria Desert, the only one in Europe. The Almeria resort is more reminiscent of some Egyptian or Moroccan resort than a European one (in terms of climate and landscape), but the service here meets all European standards. The beaches here are spacious, sandy, more reminiscent of sand dunes; , , and others;

Tenerife: on the island, most of the beaches are sandy, but their peculiarity is that the sand here is mixed with volcanic ash, so its shade is grayish. This is due to the fact that the island is of volcanic origin. However, the beaches of Tenerife are clean, well-groomed, equipped with everything necessary, with a gentle entrance to the water. The main resorts include , , ; on the opposite shore there is a beautiful beach with golden sand – ;

Gran Canaria: The main beach resorts of Gran Canaria are concentrated in the southern part of the island. This is due to a more favorable climate. The beaches here are vast open spaces because... The island has a fairly flat topography. The coating is fine sand. The most popular resort areas on the island are , Playa del Inglés, Campo International, Meloneras, Bahia Feliz, San Augustin, Puerto Rico, Puerto de Mogán and others.

kevin pacheco/Almeria Beaches

Prices for holidays in Spain

It is believed that the resorts of Spain are more affordable in terms of the cost of holidays than other southern European countries, and this is another plus in the treasury of advantages of Spain. Some resorts in Spain offer package tours for holidays, which include a basic set of options, but we will tell you what the approximate cost of a holiday in Spain will be if you travel there on your own.

Cost of placement in hotels in Spain starts from 25-50 euros per night (usually these are bed and breakfast hotels and apartments). Hotels in the 4* category cost from 50 to 80 euros per night for accommodation. If your trip occurs during the “high season” (from June to September), then housing prices during this period may rise by 15-20%. To avoid overpayments, it is recommended to book hotels, apartments in advance;

Travel by public transport will cost between 1.5-2 euros per trip. If you are staying in any city in Spain for a day or more, then, as a rule, it is more profitable to purchase a pass for the whole day (from 4.5 euros);

Eating in a restaurant will cost 15-25 euros (without alcohol), in cafe– up to 15 euros, in establishments fast food- about 10-12 euros, ice cream in a gelateria - from 4.5-5 euros (in tourist places prices can be 10-30% higher). Please note that so-called tapas bars are common in Spain, where when you buy a drink you also get small snacks for free.

Cheapest to buy groceries in stores. Approximate prices for some popular food products: pork fillet - 8 euros; jamon – from 12 euros; smoked sausage – from 9 euros (prices are per kg); local wines – from 3 euros per bottle; pasta – from 1 euro per package; yoghurts – from 2 euros per pack of 4 pcs.; processed and curd cheeses – from 1.30 euros per jar; mineral water – 0.5 euros per bottle; carbonated drinks - from 1.50 euros per bottle; semi-finished products (lasagna, pizza) – from 2.5 euros.

Entrance to some Spanish attractions also paid. If it is a historical or architectural monument, or a museum, then the cost usually varies from 5 to 10-12 euros per adult. If these are water parks and amusement parks, then the cost of admission starts from 17-20 euros. And, for example, a trip to the famous Port Aventura amusement park will cost a record 47 euros for adults and 40 euros for children.

Price excursions varies depending on its type. Group bus excursions over short distances usually cost 25-30 euros, individual ones - from 50 euros.

rey perezoso/Caleta Beach

Food in Spain

You can eat in Spain in restaurants, cafesortapas bars, you can also buy ready-made products at stores or on markets and cook your own food. The basis of Spanish cuisine is seafood, beef (including smoked meat - jamon), rice, cheeses, local wines (including sangria and sherry). People here like to cook roasts, stews, marinated meats, omelettes, cold soups - gazpacho, paella, risotto, and for desserts they serve various pastries that look like donuts.

The cost of food in restaurants or cafes, as a rule, costs 15-20 euros, excluding alcohol. Tapas bars have the following system: when you order a drink, you get a small plate with various canapes to accompany it. If you are staying in apartments or apart-hotels equipped with a kitchen area, you can save significantly on food, because... products in stores or markets are cheaper. Famous fresh food markets in Spain include Boqueria (Barcelona), San Miguel (Madrid), Central Market (Valencia), Mercado de San Martin (San Sebastian), Mercado Central (Alicante), Triana and Encarnacion ( Seville), Atarasanas (Malaga).

Jorge Franganillo/Night Barcelona

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

Photo at the beginning of the article: Edmund Gall

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