Spain

Overview
Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into abeach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape theirown damp climates. With sun-bleached beaches and a favourable rateof exchange for most travellers, it's easy to see why. Some mayfeel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun bytourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote andMallorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays andwarm beer, and Ibiza's reputation has, for some, been tarnished bythe revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties;however even here you will find many magical, unspoilt cornersawaiting discovery.Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering suchvariation within one country. The hundreds of miles ofMediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off thebeaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourfulfestivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller.There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya andVelazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets thatvibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running ofthe bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each Februarywith the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelonais Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi'sbizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincialexperience, the Valencian town of Buñol goes wild every yearwith the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplustomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streetsand pelted about in a friendly riot. Spain is also a country richin heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Sevilleand Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorishbuildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incrediblemedieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared UnescoWorld Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Money
Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is dividedinto 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change andmajor hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cardsand travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels,restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally thecheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).

Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Climate
Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and August.The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in thenorth, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is duringspring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavyrains in October and November. August is the busiest month, whileMay and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewercrowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold duringwinter.