Spain Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the administrative center of Madrid Provincia (province). Settled in 860 AC, it boasts a rich historical heritage and is an important artistic and cultural center. It is the largest city in Spain, the fifth most populous city in Europe, and the greenest city on the continent.

Spain is 505,935 km² (195,342 mi²) with a coastline of 4,964 km (3,084.5 mi). The country has an excellent rail and road network, and most of its destinations are easily accessible.

+34 is the country code for Spain when making a call from another country. Follow the country code with an area code, such as 91 for Madrid.

The official currency of Spain is the Euro (€). You can withdraw cash from ATMs, bank branches, urban centers, shopping areas, and tourist sites. Money can be changed at bureaus de change, various banks, and the majority of hotels and travel agencies.

Spain’s main airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, commonly known as Madrid–Barajas Airport in Madrid. It is located nine kilometers from the city’s center and serves both domestic and international travelers. CODE: MAD CLOSEST CITY: Madrid

Countries that are exempt from visa requirements for Schengen countries include the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan. Travelers from these countries can enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens from the European Union (EU) do not require a visa to enter Spain. However, we recommend checking your travel advisories before booking a trip to Spain as visa requirements can change.

Castilian Spanish is the official national language of Spain and is spoken by 99 percent of Spaniards as a first or second language. Other co-official languages spoken in Spain include Catalan, Valencian, Galician, and Basque. English is spoken in major cities across the country. However, it does help to learn a few words like ‘hola’ (hello), ‘por favor’ (please), and ‘gracias’ (thank you).

The emergency number in Spain is 112 to call the police, ambulance, fire services, or coast guard in Spain.

Siesta is a practice that is unique to Spain. Spaniards take a short 15-20-minute nap in the afternoons after lunch. Tourists, who assume it to be common practice, tend to give it a bad rap, but the once religiously practiced siesta is now a luxury for the retired and those on holiday.