SPAIN

Capital : Madrid
Currency : Euro
Population : Around 41 million
Language : Only 60% of Spaniards speak mainstream Spanish. For the Basque and Catalan populations, their own unique language is an essential part of their proud identity
Climate : Spain is extremely hot and dry during July and August. Oppressive heat can be avoided if you visit in late spring or early autumn. During the winter Spain offers both sun in the Canary Islands and skiing on the slopes of the Pyrenees
National religion : Roman Catholicism

From the elegant retreat of San Sebastian to the dizzy hedonism of Ibiza, Spain has something to capture every imagination. Cosmopolitan cities give way to awe-inspiring mountain ranges and sun-soaked beaches. All vastly different yet unified by one prevailing passion. A lust for life and all it has to offer.

Landscape

Made up of 17 different regions, Spain’s territory extends to the Balearic Islands in the Western Mediterranean and the Canary Islands off the West Coast of Africa.

You’ll find almost every type of beach imaginable, from the infamous blonde shores of the Costa Brava in the South to the volcanic sands of the Canary Islands. Due to frequent rainfall the North East is uncharacteristically green, dominated by the towering mountain range of the Pyrenees.

Considering it’s the third largest country in Europe, Spain’s population is comparatively small, leaving large expanses wild, unspoiled and just waiting to be explored.

Culture

Spain is as rich in culture as it is sunshine. Exquisite examples of art and architecture feature in every city, from the Moorish monuments in Seville and Granada, to the stunning modernist buildings of Barcelona. For devout art lovers, the Guggenheim in ultra-stylish Bilbao is a must-see.

Culture combines with thrill seeking in July for Pamplona’s running of the bulls. And, for the visitor to Andalucía, no trip is complete without a glimpse of true Flamenco.

For activity-based holidays, Spain is second to none. Along with a variety of theme parks for children, there are countless water sports to be enjoyed and for golf enthusiasts, over 100 world-class courses.

Food & Drink

Almost every region has its own speciality dish but tapas is enjoyed throughout Spain. Authentic tapas is a bar snack food displayed in glass cabinets featuring such delicacies as anchovies, olives, chorizo (spicy Spanish sausage) and chunky tortilla (omelette).

Mouth-watering seafood dishes are served across Spain, washed down with a refreshing glass of Cava, sparkling wine produced in the same way as Champagne. Other speciality drinks include sweet or dry sherry from the region of Jerez de la Frontera, and of course, world famous Rioja from the La Rioja vineyards in Northern Spain.

People

Spanish people are blessed with a happy and contented disposition. They don’t let work get in the way of life, taking an extended break between 2pm and 4:30pm and dining much later than the British. Friendly and gregarious, Spanish people love children and enjoy spending time with family and friends. As a visitor, the more time you take to understand the unique customs of the particular region, the more whole-heartedly its people will welcome you into their country and their lives.

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