Spanish tourist information
This page provides general information regarding holidays and visiting Spain. Additional links are provided if necessary to other sites.
Click here for links to official Spanish tourist websites
Access by Road
There are several methods to access southern Spain by road, these include coach [contact: Eurolines at www.gobycoach.com] and car. The most direct route by road is through Madrid. Alternatively the Mediterranean coastal route through Barcelona is possible. A payment at the Spanish Tolls is payable. Drivers require a national drivers licence and third party insurance. Speed limit restrictions apply [i.e. urban - 50 km/hr, dual carriageways - 100 km/hr, motorways - 120km/hr.
A toll motorway connects Malaga with eastern and western Marbella. The main coastal road is the N340. All roads are open 24 hours per day
There are numerous international and local car hire firms in the Costa del Sol. These are available at Malaga airport and the other main tourist resorts.
Click here for more information on Spanish transport
Bus service
All the major towns and resorts such as Malaga, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella have a relatively cheap and reliable bus service .These services cover a fairly wide span in the Costa del Sol.
Camp sites
Contact the Spanish National tourist Office for a list of campsites in Spain and their amenities.
Currency
The Euro is the national currency of Spain. Coins are available in one, two, five, ten, twenty and fifty Euro coins. Euro notes are available in fives, tens, twenties, fifties, hundreds, two hundreds and five hundred notes. Most shops and restaurants will accept credit card payments. Trains and taxis are paid with cash. Spanish banks will exchange foreign currency for a small commission. Some beach side currency shops will offer commission free. Conversion rates will vary so it is best to shop around. Traveler cheque is a safer way of carrying money. Most banks and hotels will exchange for Euros with a small commission.
Customs and excise
There is a maximum allowance on drink and tobacco bought in Spain and brought to the UK . Contact the Customs and Excise office for the most up to date regulations. Alternatively these are shown on posters at the airports of departure.
Church Services
Click here to find out more on Church services.
Drink
Rioja is the local red wine [reserve is slightly more expensive but of a higher quality], Sherry is also very popular and is made from blends of wine that matured for between 3 and 9 years.
Entry into Spain
A visa is not necessary for citizens of the European Union such as the UK. A valid passport is necessary for all visitors even if they are citizens of the European Union.
Electrical voltage
The voltage in Spain is 220 volts the plug is two pin not three pin like in the UK, so an adapter is necessary for uk appliances.
Food
Click here to see information on Spanish food
Language
Click here to find some Spanish phrases.
Local Time
The Spanish mainland is one hour ahead of the UK. [i.e. +1 hour GMT].
Mail service
Postage stamps are available in some shops, newsagents etc cost for a first class stamp to the UK is around one Euro
Mosquitoes
During the hottest summer months mosquito's may be present. Sprays, candles, creams and electrical mosquito killers are available to make you holiday more comfortable .
Newspapers
There is a wide variety of the local English newspapers such as the Sun, Express, Mail, Telegraph etc . Most are now printed in Spain so are available during the morning. Expect costs to be higher than the UK - between two and four euros each depending on the newspaper.
Opening times
Shops are normally open between 9 am and 8pm, with a siesta during midday, between 1pm and 4pm. Banks are open from Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm and during the mornings on Saturday 9am to 12am.
Tipping for services
It is normal to tip in restaurants and cafes [10% of the total bill], For taxis it is best to round up the bill to the nearest Euro.
Trains
There is a fast train route from London, England into Europe an southern Spain from London [ i.e. route :[London to Paris to Madrid to Seville to Malaga] (contact the following website : www.eurostar.com).
Some of the most scenic routes are via train [e.g. Almeria to Granada]. There is an half hourly service from Malaga to Fuengirola.
Pets and animals
An export health certificate is required to bring a family pet from the UK into Spain. The rules and regulations change from time to time so it is best to consult the Ministry of Agriculture to obtain the most up to date information [contact the following website: http://www.defra.gov.uk].
Spanish Airports
Malaga is the main Airport in the Costa del Sol. There are other small airports in Almeria, Granada and Algeciras. The national carrier is Iberia Airlines [contact : www.iberia.co.uk].
Telephone calls
The telephone code to call Spain from England is 00 34.
The telephone code to call England from Spain is 00 44 - omitting the zero from the local code.
Either phone cards or cash can be used for the telephone call.
Tourist information
Contact the Spanish National tourist office for the most up to date guide for tourists going to Spain.
Click here for other Spanish tourist information web sites
Water quality
Although every effort has been taken to ensure a good quality drinking water, it is generally not a good idea for visitors to drink the local tap water or is some cases take ice with your drink. Bottled water can be purchased from most shops, restaurants and supermarkets.
Weather
Click here for more information on spanish weather
Youth hostels
Contact the National Youth hostel Association for the latest information on Youth hostels in the Costa del Sol. [contact : www.yha.org.uk]
Click Here : Specific information for American US travelers to Europe
