VISITEZ L' ESPAGNE

Spain offers an irresistible mix of rich history, world-renowned art, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. From the Moorish palaces of Andalusia and the beaches of the Costa Brava to the tapas bars of Madrid et une Gaudí’s masterpieces in Barcelona, the country delights travelers with culture, color, and cuisine. Whether you’re here for festivals, food, or flamenco, Spain is endlessly exciting and full of surprises.

❄️ December – February: Winter brings cool temperatures and fewer tourists, especially in central and northern Spain. Madrid and Barcelona average 6-12°C (43-54°F), while the south (Andalusia or the Canary Islands) stays mild and sunny.

🌱 March – May: Spring is one of the best times to visit, with blooming landscapes, warm days, and vibrant festivals like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril in Seville. Perfect for cultural visits and road trips.

☀️ June – August: Summer is hot, especially inland where temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F). The coasts, islands, and northern Spain offer cooler escapes. Expect large crowds in popular destinations, so book in advance.

🍂 September – November: Autumn is warm and pleasant, with fewer tourists. It’s a great time for wine tasting in La Rioja, hiking in the Pyrenees, and city breaks in cooler temperatures.

Spain has an excellent transport infrastructure, making it easy to travel around:

🚌 Buses: Buses are affordable and cover both large cities and small towns. Companies like ALSA offer long-distance connections.

🚂 Trains: Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE) connect major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia quickly and comfortably. Regional trains reach smaller destinations, and Renfe is the national provider.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is a good option for exploring regions like Andalusia, Galicia, or the Basque Country. Roads are in good condition, but be mindful of tolls. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Latin script.

Cards are widely accepted in Spain, especially Visa and Mastercard. Small businesses and rural areas may prefer cash, so it’s wise to carry some euros. American Express is accepted in fewer locations.

Spain uses plug types C and F, both with two round pins. The standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.

If needed, you can order an universal travel plug adapter here.

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common. Small tips are also appreciated for taxis, cafés, and hotel staff.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Spain.

In Spain, stores often close on Sundays. There are 9 jours fériés nationaux in Spain:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• Epiphany (January 06)
• Labour Day (1er Mai)
• Assumption Day (15 Août)
• National Day (12 Octobre)
• All Saints’ Day (1er Novembre)
• Journée de la Constitution (6 Décembre)
• Immaculate Conception (8 Décembre)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

Ces jours-là, la plupart des entreprises et des bureaux seront fermés, et de nombreuses attractions peuvent être fermées ou avoir des heures d'ouverture limitées.

In Spain, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30 mph in urban areas
• 90 kph / 56 mph on secondary roads
• 100 kph / 62 mph on main roads
• 120 kph / 75 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Hola
• Good day = Buenos días
• Goodbye = Adiós
• Yes = Sí
• No = No
• Thank you = Gracias
• Please = Por favor
• You’re welcome = De nada
• Excuse me = Perdón / Lo siento
• Day = Día
• Night = Noche
• Good evening =  Buenas tarde
• Goodnight = Buenas noches
• Mister = Señor
• Ma’am = Señora
• Street = Calle
• Road = Carretera

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download the Spanish language to use it even offline!

Spain is a very safe country to travel in. Most visits are trouble-free, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Basic precautions are recommended:

• Secure Your Belongings: Be extra cautious in metros, markets, and crowded spots.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, medical, or fire emergencies anywhere in Spain.