See what the experts are saying about Spain. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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The best wines & vineyards
Spanish wines are some of the best in the world and are remarkably affordable here. Below is a list of bodegas that receive visitors. For more information about the 10 wine regions -- and the 39 officially recognized wine-producing Denominaci... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
In this section, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip, including tips on when to go. Continue reading »
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Fast facts
Business Hours -- Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 2pm and Saturday from 9:30am to 1pm. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5 or 5:30pm; the longtime practice of early closings in summer seems to be dyin... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
Tourist Offices The Tourist Office of Spain's official page can be found on the Net at www.okspain.org. In the U.S. -- 666 Fifth Ave., 35th Floor, New York, NY 10103 (tel. 212/265-8822; fax 212/265-8864); 845 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 915... Continue reading »
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When to go
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit nearly all of Spain, with the possible exception of the Atlantic coast, which experiences heavy rains in October and November. May and October are the best months, in terms of both weather and crowds.... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
The dates given below may not be precise. Sometimes the exact days are not announced until 6 weeks before the actual festival. Check with the National Tourist Office of Spain if you plan to attend a specific event. January Granada Recon... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane From North America -- Flights from the U.S. East Coast to Spain take 6 to 7 hours. Spain's national carrier, Iberia Airlines (tel. 800/772-4642; www.iberia.com), has more routes into and within Spain than any other airline. It off... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
Packages for the Independent Traveler Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itsel... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Car A car offers the greatest flexibility while you're touring, even if you're just doing day trips from Madrid. Don't, however, plan to drive in Madrid or Barcelona for city sightseeing; they are both too congested. Theoretically, rush... Continue reading »
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Money
If there is one thing old Spaniards wax nostalgic over, it's not the police state they experienced under the dictatorship of Franco, but the prices paid back then. How they miss the days when you could go into a restaurant and order a meal wi... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements
Passports -- For information on how to get a passport, go to "Passports" in the "Fast Facts: Spain" section of this guide -- the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing passport ap... Continue reading »
Spain Travel Experiences
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Spanish Sightings
Christmas this year was a little different than in years’ past –okay a lot different! I spent the holiday travel Florence to Rome by bus,... Continue reading »
