See what the experts are saying about Cala Figuera. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Money
Currency The euro (€), the new single European currency, became the official currency in Spain and 11 other participating countries on January 1, 1999. After an overlapping period of just over 3 years, the old currency, the Spanish peseta, d... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip online
Surfing for Hotels Some Barcelona-based Internet hotel booking services include Barcelona On Line (www.barcelona-on-line.es) and www.hotel-barcelona.com. If you have a hotel in mind, search for their own website as discounts and special deal... Continue reading »
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The 21st-century traveler
Cellphone Use The French-owned store FNAC (main branch at Plaça Catalunya 4; metro: Catalunya; tel. 93-344-18-00; www.fnac.es) provides a pay-as-you-go mobile phone package, which actually works out to be cheaper than renting if you're stayi... Continue reading »
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Special-interest vacations
The Barcelona Information Office (www.barcelonaturisme.com) provides four detailed walks covering different architectural and artistic aspects of the city (Gòtic, Modernisme, Gourmet, and Picasso). They depart from the Plaça Catalunya, last b... Continue reading »
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Tips for multicultural travelers
As Barcelona becomes increasingly multicultural, visitors and residents of all nationalities are naturally accepted by what is in effect a fairly open-minded society. A person of a different race or skin color rarely draws more than a second... Continue reading »
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Health & safety
Spain does not pose any major health hazards. The rich cuisine -- garlic, olive oil, and wine -- may give some travelers mild diarrhea, so take along some anti-diarrhea medicine, moderate your eating habits, and even though the water is gener... Continue reading »
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Insurance
The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on 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 itself. You can get estimates from various... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
Barcelona is a lively and very crowded city that also happens to be a very good destination for families with children. From the peaceful Parc Güell to the Parque Zoologico, as well as fun spots like Happy Park Port Aventura and Cataluña en M... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
In 1978, Spain legalized homosexuality among consenting adults. In April 1995, the parliament of Spain banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and marriage between same-sex couples became legal in 2005. Catalonia has helped pave the... Continue reading »
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Tips for single travelers
Travel Buddies Singles Travel Club (tel. 800/998-9099; www.travelbuddiesworldwide.com), based in Canada, runs small, intimate, single-friendly group trips and will match you with a roommate free of charge. TravelChums (tel. 212/787-2621; www.... Continue reading »
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Tips for student travelers
If you're traveling internationally, you'd be wise to arm yourself with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers substantial savings on rail passes, plane tickets, and entrance fees. It also provides you with basic health a... Continue reading »
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Tips for travelers with disabilities
Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before. Because of the endless flights of stairs in most buildings in Barcelona, visitors with disabilities may have difficult... Continue reading »
