Travel tips for Spain - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. There is, unfortunately, a big risk to meet with pickpockets in Spain, especially in large tourist cities. Therefore, it’s better not to carry the original documents. It's also recommended to keep money on a card, as it will be much more convenient and safer.

2. It is more convenient to move around the cities on subway. It costs less and passengers don't have to stop in traffic jams. It’s better to walk short distances, so you'd get acquainted with the architecture and features of each city.

3. If you rent a car, you should be very careful. Spaniards do not always follow the rules of the road; they are in no hurry and are quite unpredictable while driving. They often forget to turn the signal while switching lanes.

National traditions and mentality of people in Spain

Spain is home to bullfighting and siesta, which very vividly characterize the mentality of the inhabitants of this country. Passionate and emotional …
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4. Spaniards are sociable people. They are not accustomed to ride in the subway or bus in silence. There are stormy discussion of news, politics or even just the weather among unfamiliar people. Tourists, who first encountered such a lively conversation, can easily enter into communication.

5. Spaniards gesticulate very actively and in the process of communication can unconsciously touch the interlocutor with their hands, even if they see a person for the first time. Such gestures do not have any undertone, and therefore it is worth not paying attention to them.

6. Spain is a fairly religious country. Even during the tour, people dressed in low necked outfit or shorts may not be allowed to enter the church. Therefore, tourists should choose clothes that cover their shoulders and knees.

7. During a siesta, not only shops, but most restaurants and cafes are closed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. In Spain, especially in small towns, people speak English rather badly. It's worth to have a dictionary or phrase book.

9. Catalonia residents do not consider themselves to be Spanish. They speak Catalan and call themselves Catalans. Multinationality is an important feature of Spain, and therefore its culture and peoples must be treated with special attitude.

10. You can travel around Spain in 3 ways - by bus, train or plane. Far distances, including Madrid to Sevilla, are recommended to be done by plane. Domestic airlines offer low prices.

11. You can safely walk on the streets of Spain both during the day and night. Spaniards are active in the evening and night, so the streets are almost always crowded.

Shopping in Spain - best shopping places, what to buy?

Shopping in Spain is concentrated in the two largest cities - Madrid and Barcelona. These cities have the best malls and shopping centers in the …
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12. All the beaches of the country are free, but you have to pay for sunbeds.

13. Foreign tourists may be confused by girls and women sunbathing topless. That's common in Spain and is not considered nudism. There are dedicated beaches for nudists.

14. Tips in Spain make 10 percent of the check. Extra money aren't included; therefore you leave a tip afterwards.

15. Spaniards talk very loudly and emotionally, but such an expression is not a manifestation of any aggression.

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Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Spain

Colorful and unique places in Spain

Palmeral of Elche

From the series “The most interesting UNESCO sites in Spain”

Travelers can visit the amazing Elche palm forest in Alicante. This is the largest palm grove in Europe. The forest area is 5.1 square kilometers. Its territory is divided into several zones. There is a great recreation park with equipped paths for walking, playgrounds, and attractions here. The history of the appearance of this grove goes far back in time. It was formed by the Iberians in the 4th century BC. The Moors created an artificial irrigation system in this arid area later. A small grove has grown into a huge palm garden thanks to it.

Many trees in the Elche forest are more than 200 years old today. In addition to unique plants, it is also distinguished by a variety of architectural monuments. You can see beautiful old gazebos, symbolic monuments, interesting elements of stone … Read all

Caves in Atapuerca Mountains

From the series “The most interesting UNESCO sites in Spain”

The Sierra de Atapuerca archaeological area is located near the Spanish city of Burgos. The ancient cave is its central feature. Unique artifacts were discovered by researchers in it. They belong to different historical periods. They allowed finding answers to many questions related to the process of human evolution. A detailed report on the exploration of the Great Cave was published as early as 1858. It is called the Cave of Bones today.

The Sierra de Atapuerca was discovered by accident, like many other outstanding archaeological sites on earth. Large deposits of coal were discovered in this area in the 19th century. It was necessary to build a new railway for active mining. It was necessary to cut tunnels for the road right in the rocks because of the mountainous terrain of the … Read all

Tarrago

From the series “The most interesting UNESCO sites in Spain”

The unique archaeological complex of Tarraco is located on the territory of the Spanish city of Tarragona. It combines the ruins of ancient Roman buildings. The Roman colony was founded on the territory of the modern city during the reign of Caesar. The ancient city reached its peak during the reign of Octavian Augustus. Luxurious buildings and palaces were built in the city by his order. The Emperor sought to celebrate the successful conclusion of the Cantabrian war in this way.

Many buildings of the archaeological area were restored during its research. The circus is considered one of the central elements of the complex today. It forms a single complex with the Casa de Pilatos. Excellent views of the archaeological area can be enjoyed from the upper part of this complex. The Roman … Read all

All unique sightseeing Spain

Advices for popular cities of Spain

Barcelona

1. Travelers are advised to be especially careful and keep valuables away from prying eyes. Despite the fact that Barcelona is quite a safe city, you should not tempt fate and leave bags and clothes. If you lose valuable items, you should contact the police to get insurance. 2. Tourists will find much interesting in «Guia del Ocio» newspaper as it throws the light on the upcoming cultural events and excursions. You can buy it in any newsagent. 3. Since dinners are rather late in … Read more

Madrid

1. The system of buses is very well-developed in the city, so travelers can easily get to any area of Madrid by public transport. If you plan to travel frequently, you can purchase a special pass from the driver. 2. In order to rent a car, you will need to have a credit card, a passport and an international driving license. By the way, the age of a renter must be at least 21 years. 3. Car rentals located near railway stations are considered the most advantageous ones. 4. Those … Read more

Sevilla

1. Currency is best to be exchanged in special exchange offices as they offer the most advantageous tariffs. 2. All beaches of the city are municipal, so entering them is absolutely free. Charges may be withdrawn only for the rental of deck chairs, parasols and various sports equipment. 3. You are highly recommended to leave tips in local restaurants and cafes. The usual amount of tips is 5 - 10% of the total bill. It should be also noted that leaving a tip to the waiter is not … Read more

Benidorm

1. The majority of shops in Benidorm are open from 10:00 to 21:00. Some shopping centers may be closed during a working day for a lunch break. Fans of shopping should keep in mind that in Benidorm low price of goods is usually the indication of its poor quality. The travellers, who want to save money on purchasing souvenirs, are recommended to go to Cala de Finestrat market, which is open on Fridays. 2. CARREFOUR supermarket is the best place to purchase food. It works every day including … Read more

Granada

1. When you plan to make a walk, it is necessary to take a copy of your identity document, as well as a map of the city. All valuable items should be kept in the safe of your hotel room. Motorists also should not forget that leaving valuable items in their cars is very dangerous. 2. The majority of shops and shopping centers open from 9:00 to 20:00. Small shops can close for a lunch break during the daytime, and large supermarkets and shopping complexes usually work without any breaks. … Read more

Valencia

1. Currency is better to be exchanged in banks. They usually open early, no later than at 9:00 am, and serve clients up to 14:00. Many exchange offices may work around the clock, but they usually offer less profitable exchange rate. 2. Travelers should not forget to follow basic safety precautions. Do not go for a walk to remote areas of the city, do not leave your belongings unattended, and do not forget to monitor your bags closely in public places in order to avoid becoming a victim of … Read more

Salou

1. Tourist season in Salou lasts from the beginning of May till the middle of October as this period features the most favorable weather for rest, recreation and city exploration as well as plenty of exciting cultural events. A hotel for this period should better be booked in advance as many local hotels raise prices for rooms. 2. The resort area should better be cruised and explored on foot as a major part of entertainment establishments, landmarks and sites as well as hotels are located in … Read more

Lloret de Mar

1. Descriptions of many local hotels contain the information on the distance to the popular beaches. It should be taken in consideration that the straight distance is indicated. The holiday resort is placed in the hilled country that is why one will need to make the way through the wind streets and routes. 2. Prudent tourist should give preference to the hotels situated in the suburbs of the resort. The pricing of the hotels centered in the heart of the city is rather high. Many tourists … Read more

Travel tips for Spain - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Spain

Colorful and unique places in Spain

Palmeral of Elche

Caves in Atapuerca Mountains

Tarrago

Photogallery of sightseeing Spain

Advices for popular cities of Spain

Trip preparations to popular regions of Spain