Modern Spain is made up of 17 autonomous communities, further divided into 50 provinces. Within these regions there is a diversity of geography and culture, which even extends to the languages and dialects spoken. Although the predominant language is Spanish, or Castillian, Catalan is spoken in Catalonia (especially further north and in the rural areas) and in the Balearic Islands, while in Galicia, Gallego - or Galician - is favoured. Then there’s the Basque Country, where they speak Basque, or Euskera, - a language with no known precedent or link to other Indo-European languages. The region of Valencia also uses Valenciana, which sits somewhere between Catalan and Spanish.
The preference, or not, of a regional language over Spanish may be tied to familial, social or political reasons, the latter of which can be the source of controversy among the peoples that make up Spain, both within and across the regions. However, as a tourist, you are not expected to have formed a political position on any of these issues. There is a general consensus within Spain that tourism is an important motor of its economy, and English is therefore widely accepted and spoken in its touristic sectors and locations. That being said, an ‘hola’, ‘adios’, ‘por favor’ or ‘gracias’ never goes amiss!
Spain is the second most visited country in the world, behind only France, and, for the most part, its travel infrastructure is well set up to accommodate this. Most of its popular holiday destinations are served by direct flights from the UK and elsewhere, while in the case of their less-common destinations, a short connection may be needed.
Spain can also be reached by car, bus or train through the Pyrenees via the south of France. Although there are high-speed rail links between Spanish and French cities, we are still some way off the super-quick times proposed by some ambitious projects. That said, the train journeys can show you a completely different view of this storied country.
Ferries too can be used for those travelling with cars, with international ports connecting Portsmouth and Plymouth with Bilbao and Santander. This is also an option between the Spanish mainland and the Balearics, leaving from either Barcelona or Valencia.
Spain’s transport infrastructure is well connected between the major cities, but you will find that some of the motorways carry a toll (peaje). The train network is also relatively well connected, although you may find the number of disparate companies running services a little confusing when you come to purchase tickets. Nearly all train networks pass through Madrid, with the capital acting as an axis of sorts.
In the major cities metro and bus networks are generally excellent, with ticket machines in a number of languages and staff willing to help tourists with any difficulties. Taxis are also extremely common and easy to identify in the major cities. However, on the Balearic and Canary Islands demand can be particularly high – especially during high season – and this may be reflected in the rates charged and the ease (or not) of hailing one. However, these can be booked in advance – ask our concierge service for more details.
As might be expected, the more rural destinations are something of a mixed bag. Therefore, those who are looking to stay somewhere more out of the way might do well to consider renting a car. It is also an excellent way to get off the beaten track and see some of the stunning landscape on offer.
Although Spain is well known for its sun and sand, the weather is more diverse than you might expect. What’s more, in some cases, you can have too much of a good thing. Therefore, it is worth taking into account a few things before deciding when to book your villa in Spain.
The northern Atlantic coast of Spain, stretching from the Basque Country to Galicia, owes its lush green scenery to a climate not hugely different from that of the southern regions of the UK. Galicia, in particular, is famously rainy, so those looking to minimise their risk of getting caught in showers (or worse) should look to visit in the summer, with July usually drier than August.
The north of Catalonia – Barcelona and the Costa Brava – enjoy generally pleasant weather, especially in late Winter, Spring and Autumn. The summers, particularly in the cities, can become a little too warm, with the locals of Barcelona usually opting to vacate the city for the entire month of August. The Costa Brava, however, enjoys better milder temperatures and many of the quaint villages and coves that make up its coastline offer some shade in if things become too much. Temperatures in rural, inland Catalonia vary according to altitude, with some of the more mountainous destinations even becoming a little cool at night.
As we move further south through the Costa Daurada and the Costa Blanca, you can expect temperatures to be a little warmer, but not necessarily as humid. Again, late Winter, Spring and Autumn offer perhaps the most pleasant temperatures, while there being fewer tourists will be a bonus to those seeking a more relaxing break. Those visiting in Summer should expect crowds and temperatures in the early 30s. Meanwhile, in the winter, average highs are around 15-18 degrees and the skies are often clear. Expect similar temperatures in the nearby Balearics, although their being islands means they are a little more exposed to the wind.
Andalusia and the Canary Islands are the hottest of the Spanish regions and the warmest winter regions in Europe. It is not unusual for temperatures in Summer to top 40 degrees Celsius in Seville, while the Canary Islands enjoy average winter temperatures similar to that of a warm, Spring Day in the UK.
Of course, these are not the only reasons to choose when to visit. The regions enjoy a number of different holidays and celebrations that you may wish to build your trip around.
Spain is the only European country with a physical border with Africa.
Spain possesses the world's third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Sierra Nevada near Granada is Europe’s southernmost ski resort.
The shortened nickname for Barcelona city is ‘Barna’, not ‘Barca’, as commonly assumed. Barca is the football team!
The Roman Philosopher Seneca was originally from Andalusia.
Spain is the biggest producer of olive oil in the world.
A traditional, Valencian paella does not contain seafood! Its main meats are rabbit and chicken. A rice dish containing seafood is known as an arroz (plural arroces), literally ‘rice’.
The Tabernas Desert in the south of Spain is Europe’s only true desert.
Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quijote de la Mancha is considered the world’s first novel.
Composed in 1791, the Spanish National Anthem, ‘La Marcha Real’, is one of the oldest in the world and, curiously, contains no words.
