If you're planning a trip to Spain you may find yourself a little overwhelmed when trying to plan out the technicalities. So you've made it to Madrid, that part is easy. Most international flights will go through Barajas International Airport in the Capital and heart of the country. But now what? Even if you're going to spend a few days in Madrid before moving on, is there something you should expect or be on the lookout for? And what about when you want to go somewhere else? How do you get there?
1. Getting around
Getting around Spain is really very simple. The entire country seems to run on public transportation! The problem is, still, how do you know where to look to find the option that's best for you?
Well, let's start with the option of going in train! Everyone loves a relaxing train ride! The trains in Spain are spacious and comfortable, and a great way to get some amazing views of the country-side as your travel from one place to another!
The website for the train company here is: renfe.com.
The site tends to have a few glitches from time to time, so be patient with it. If you find that you can't purchase your ticked on the webpage (which is a common problem, for me at least) you can get your tickets easily at the train station!
Here's an example of what the website looks like when I searched for a ticket from Madrid to Barcelona. (Be warned! The website won't show options for trains too far in advance, so if you're planning your trip WAY ahead of time, don't panic if you don't find an option for travel. Check to see if they have trains that run the route you're looking for by pushing up the date. You can go back and buy them later if you find something you like)
You'll probably notice the difference in prices. This is something that's somewhat common, so if you're looking for a bargain, check the site a few times, and see if you can get a really cheap Promo!
The easiest way to check your options for bus travel is simply with a google search. Just type in "Bus Madrid Barcelona" (or whatever origin/destination you need) and see what pops up!
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| Skip over all the ads.. |
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| And there you have it! The first link (NOT an ad) is what you're looking for! |
Just so we can see a comparison in price ranges between bus and train, here's the same trip (Madrid-Barcelona) on the same day:
If you're still not sure what company, line, or option would be best for you, simply visit the train and/or bus station in the city you're visiting! You'll be able to get all the information you need there. (In larger cities -Madrid and Barcelona- there may be more than one bus/train station, so be sure to check that you're going to the right one!)
2. When, where, and why?
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I truly believe that if you want to get to see Spain up close and personal, you need to move around! You can't just stay in one place!! (For a link to that blog, click HERE) But where you should go depends on a couple different factors: what time of year you're traveling and what type of experience you're looking for.
Spain is, in reality, a country made up of a lot of different little countries. There's no end to the variety and diversity when traveling from one side of the peninsula to the next! Below I'm going to give just a few scenarios for possible destinations, with some information as to why I've recommended them.
I want sun, fun, beaches, and more sun!!
If you want to travel to Spain to experience part of what has given it it's fame then the South is probably what you're looking for. Also, the Spanish islands have some amazing beach and resort destinations! Places such as Ibiza are famed for their tourist allure!
Try cities such as: Málaga, Cádiz, or Valencia
Time of the year to travel: Being that Málaga and Cádiz are in the South, and Valencia is in the Southeast, the weather is good pretty much all year round! But if you're looking for some real cultural experience along with your sun and beach time, Semana Santa (Holy Week- leading up to Easter) in Andalusia is famed for it's celebrations and processions. Also, during Carnival the South of Spain comes to life with festivals and parades! In Valencia, the most famous time of the year is during Las Fallas in mid-March.
Other cities such as Barcelona and San Sebastian also have great beaches, but being that their in the north, you won't find the year-long warm weather that's present in the south and islands.
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| Playa de la Concha- San Sebastian |
I want art and culture!
Spain has some wonderful artistic history! With people such as Picasso, Dalí, Goya, and Velazquez there's no shortage of amazing works to see!
Try cities such as: Málaga, Madrid, and Barcelona
Why? Málaga is the hometown of Picasso, and his works and life are celebrated there. Madrid houses some of the best and most renowned museums in the country (El Prado, Reina Sofia, Tyssen). Barcelona is home to Gaudí, a famous abstract architect from the early 20th Century. His contributions have turned the city into a work of art in and of itself. Places such as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlo, Casa Vicens, and Parc Güell seem to be taken straight from a Dr. Suess book!
Time of the year to travel: The weather in Málaga will be beautiful almost year-round. Barcelona also has a moderately mild climate. Madrid, however, gets very cold in the winter.
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| Casa Vicens in Barcelona |
I want history! Roman ruins and Medieval cities please!
Spain's history is rich and complex. The peninsula changed hand many times before it became what we know it to be today. Forming part of the Roman Empire, the country is still sprinkled with ancient artifacts and monuments. Having a strong Arabic influence, and forming part of the Moorish Rule for over 700 years has left a colorful and unique mark, especially in the south of Spain. With large Cathedrals dating back even to the 12th Century, the Spanish architecture mirrors its long and historic past.
Try cities such as: Segovia, Cáceres, Córdoba, and Santiago de Compostela
Why? It's true that no matter where you go in Spain, you'll find history and awe-inspiring tales of days gone by. But, the cities I've listed above seem to make the history almost palpable. Running through the heart of Segovia, you will find an almost completely intact Roman Aqueduct. The cathedral is astounding, and the Alcazár is beautiful. On the outskirts of the city, you will find a 12th Century Templar church. Cáceres is a place where it feels like time has literally stood still. The old zone is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is one of the most well-preserved Cascos Antiguos I have ever been in! Córdoba played an important role in the history of the country, especially during the Arabic rule. The heart of the city is the Mesquiza, a beautiful masque which overwhelms the visitor. In the center of the masque, you'll find a Cathedral! It feels like you have walked into a different building, city, and time period. Santiago de Compostela is in the far north of Spain, and never formed a part of the Moorish Kingdom. The city is built around what they believe to be the remains of St. James, and the large, ornate Cathedral will literally take your breath away.
Time of the year to travel: Córdoba in the south will boast wonderful weather all year around. Segovia and Cáceres should be visited during the spring or summer months, as the surrounding landscape is best at this time. Santiago de Compostela should be visited during the summer. Being that it is in Galicia, the region with the most rain, there are only a few months when you won't be required to carry an umbrella with you wherever you go.
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| La Mezquita in Córdoba |
3. In case you get sick...
No one wants to get sick when they're on vacation. But, let's be serious... being trapped in the confined space of an airplane for 8-10 hours, sleep deprived, and physically exhausted isn't a great combination for the ideal image of health.
So, what should you do if you find yourself getting a sore throat, the sniffles, or any other form of illness while traveling through Spain? The answer is simple! Unless of course it's something serious which requires a doctor's immediate attention, you simply have to find a pharmacy! They are everywhere, very easy to locate, and are where you will be able to get anything you need from cough syrup to ibuprofen! The pharmacists working there are actually like doctors. You explain your ailment to them, and they will be able to "prescribe" you what you need to take. You won't be able to find Tylenol or DayQuil in the stores, as you can in the States. So, be aware that if you start feeling like you're dragging a little the pharmacist will quickly become your best friend.
4. How much should I tip?
The answer to this question is easy!! YOU DON'T! Tipping in Spain isn't expected. If you're feeling generous, you can leave something small (like the change you have left over after you pay). But, long story short, tipping isn't part of the culture!
5. Let's Eat! - Timetables, Menús, Tapas, and Hey! Where's my water?!
Eating and vacation go hand in hand! I firmly believe that to experience a culture, you need to experience the cuisine. Spain has an amazing gastronomy! Everything from seafood to pork, beef to yummy veggies will be on almost any menu you find! So, let me take just a minute to talk about what to expect when you go out to eat in Spain.
In one of the blog posts I added a link to earlier, I mention the weird eating schedules. Lunch goes from 2-4pm and dinner from 8-10pm. Kitchens generally close during the off hours, so you won't be able to get a big meal from 4-8pm, generally. Lunch is the big meal in Spain, but that doesn't mean they won't serve a large dinner as well.
When looking at a lunch or dinner menu, you'll probably notice a few things worth noting. One is the "Menú del día". This is a common thing at Spanish restaurants, and generally consists of a first course, second course, dessert, and drink all for a bundled price (generally between 8-15 Euros each). This is a GREAT option if you're really hungry and want to get a lot of food for not a lot of cost! There's also the option of ordering a "plato combinado" which is just a typical dish, such as chicken and fries, or something like that. Be careful though! These platos combinados may be cheaper than the full-blown menú, but you'll get a lot less food, and still have to pay for your drink. So, the menú is probably the better option.
Speaking of drinks, you'll notice that in restaurants and such they don't give you a glass of water. If you want water, you have to order it, and it comes in a bottle, and you have to pay for it. You can try to ask for tap water (agua del grifo), but some places won't serve it.
And, as always, you have the option of enjoying the local cuisine through the wonderful Spanish tradition of the "tapeo". Pinchos (or tapas) are usually small portions of food that you can order along with your drink at bars or cafés. Depending on the city or region you're in the tapa culture will be different. In the north, in cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian, the pinchos are elaborate and delicious! They usually cost between 2-3 euros each, and you'll need to hop from place to place, sampling different ones as you go! In cities like Cáceres in the southwest, the tapas are large and delicious! They cost about 5 euros, and can be shared easily between friends.
No matter where you go, you'll find delicious food and a unique culture behind it. Don't be afraid to get out there and try a little of everything!
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| Cheese plate in Cáceres |
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| Pincho in Bilbao |
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