Travel tips in Spain (II)
Travel tips in Spain (II)
In this post we are going to focus on more tips and recommendations for travel in Spain, having seen the basics about prices, security, schedules, weather and all those things, now we will explain more details and specific and practical things, such as cities to visit, how to travel within Spain, facts to consider.
How to travel to Spain and within the country
By train. To reach Spain by train there are only two options because of the geography of the Iberian peninsula, surrounded by the sea mostly. These two options are Portugal and France. Once you are in Spain, there is only one train company, RENFE (Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Españoles)
This company connects all the capitals of the country with Madrid and that increasingly has more high-speed trains.
By plane. In most Spanish airports operate airlines that connect with some of the most important cities in the world. Airports with more international connections are Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga – Costa del Sol. The airports are connected with a comprehensive transport network that allows you to reach your destination by train, taxi, bus or subway. Most are located within 20 kilometers from the city center.
There are also many options for travel between Spanish cities by plane, although the distances are not too long in some cases.
But in cases like Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, for example, travel by plane it’s neccesary, but also connections from Madrid to Barcelona, to the north of Spain, or from Andalusia to the north of Spain, can be a good idea to save some travel time.
By bus. Various companies offer regular services from different European countries to Spain. In addition, many of the Spanish stations have bus services connecting with major airports. For travel within the country, there are several companies working different routes and itineraries, so it is advisable to use this search engine, to find out the options we have.
By car. Spain has more than 16,000 kilometers of roads between motorways, resulting easy and comfortable reach almost any medium or large city by highway. In Spain, the vast majority of the national road network is free to use. Among them are the highways.
However, there are a number of roads that may require payment of a toll. The amount payable varies by case and in general, there are alternative ways for free.
By cruise ship or ferry. Spain has major cruise ports. The most relevant ones in terms of tourist traffic are those in Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Málaga, Cádiz, Valencia and Bilbao. In addition, boats are used primarily to reach the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.
Where to go in Spain
This may be the million dollar question. Fortunately you have many different options to choose, from all those surely you will find the one that would fit perfectly to your preferences. I will explain with a brief summary (I hope) some of the top destinations in Spain.
Madrid is the capital of Spain, seat to the administration and government of the country. If you like art, don’t miss its famous museums: Museo del Prado and Reina Sofia. Other “must see” places are the Palacio Real and the city square. Walking on the streets of the city you’ll find that its architecture, entertainment and liveliness make of Madrid a unique city.
Barcelona is a special city, perhaps thanks to the contribution of Gaudi’s architecture or the special character of Catalonian people; undoubtedly Barcelona is one of the best places to visit in Spain. In the city don’t miss to visit La Rambla street, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Guell park and beaches such as Barceloneta.
Andalusia is the Southern most region of Spain, famous by its Moorish remainders, the religious fervour of its people, its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, and of course for being the cradle of Flamenco music and dances. Where to go in Andalusia? Well, we would choose to recommend you Seville, Córdoba, Málaga and Granada.
Seville is the biggest city and the capital of in Andalusia. Its splendid architecture and famous festivities (especially the Eastern parades and April fair) attract many tourists. Visit its beautiful Cathedral, with the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda tower. Across the cathedral square, you’ll find the Alcazar, an awesome medieval Islamic palace. Last but not least, Plaza de España worths a visit, where all the provinces of Spain are represented.
Granada will be another city worth visiting if you travel to Andalusia. In Granada, you cannot miss a visit to the Alhambra Palace, the most visited monument in Spain, set at the foothill of Sierra Nevada Mountains. Besides sightseeing in the city, you will be able to practice skiing in the famous sky resort of Sierra Nevada.
Cordoba is considered by many one of the most beautiful cities of the South of Spain, its famous Mezquita (mosque) is one of the greatest treasures of the Moorish-Andalusian art with its extraordinary red and white arches.
The Costa del Sol and Malaga beaches have been for years the favourite destination of travellers seeking to spend their holiday sunbathing and enjoining good weather. Coming to Malaga and Costa del Sol means finding beautiful landscapes, fabulous beaches, delicious food, interesting customs and traditions. It means discovering a rich cultural heritage, amazing coastal areas, and charming white hinterland villages. It is unveiling marvellous secrets that will make your stay unforgettable.
The centre of the country displays a completely different Spain, more traditional and quiet, a landscape of endlessly wide plains, austere cities, fortresses, Roman churches and the famous Windmills of the story of don Quijote, this is Castile. Cities worth visiting are: Avila, Cuenca, Toledo, Salamanca, and Segovia, most of these cities have been declared by UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Eastern Spain recalls of Mediterranean culture, fruits and of course excellent beaches and tourist resorts.
Valencia is the capital city of the Costa Blanca, another of the remarkable Spanish beach resorts. In Valencia, don’t miss a visit to its City of Arts and Sciences with amazing eye-shaped buildings. Make the most of your holidays visiting popular towns in the coast like Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Denia or Torrevieja.
The North of Spain keeps the legacy of the Celts who settled in Asturias and Galicia. The Northern cities are famous by its gastronomy (seafood, fish and “tapas” are excellent) and its green valleys. If you don’t know where to go when visiting the North of Spain, don’t miss Bilbao and its Guggenheim Museum, Santiago de Compostela (Saint James) and its famous cathedral where thousands of Pilgrims arrive every year. San Sebastian, Santander, Gijón or La Coruña are other cities worth paying a visit to.
Besides the inland Spain, there are also famous Spanish islands, like the Balearic Isles, and The Canary Isles.