Toledo is the ancient capital of Spain. Spain - your trip to Spain: map, visa, photos, cities, resorts Spain who rules the country

Islands, and small enclaves in northern Africa (Melilla and Ceuta). Contrary to popular belief that Spain is a classic maritime country with an abundance of sunshine, it is also one of the highest mountainous countries in Europe. Spain has a well-developed tourism industry with many historical monuments, an interesting culture, an abundance of fruits and seafood, beautiful beaches - all this makes Spain a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world.

general information

Spain ranks fourth in terms of area in Europe - 504 thousand square meters. km. The population is 47.3 million people. The official language is Spanish (Castilian), in the autonomous regions, along with Spanish, other languages ​​\u200b\u200bare also official (Catalan, Basque, Galician, Aran). The monetary unit is the euro (EUR). 100 EUR = $EUR:USD:100:2. The time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter. The time zone is UTC+2 in summer and UTC+1 in winter. Time is one hour behind the rest of Spain. Mains voltage 230 V at 50 Hz, C, F. Telephone country code +34. Internet domain.es.

A brief excursion into history

For more than three thousand years of the country's history (that's how much the first mention of the Iberian tribes, the aborigines of the peninsula, and according to archaeologists, people settled here almost 35 thousand years ago), Iberia was Greek, Phoenician, later Roman. Then, for more than 200 years, the Vandals, Visigoths and Alans reigned here, and at the beginning of the 8th century, Arabs captured Spain. And only by the end of the 15th century, after the five-century struggle of Galicia, Aragon, Navarre, Asturias and other kingdoms for the liberation of the territory from the invaders, the country finally returned its lands and became the largest Christian state in Europe. However, the Moors during their reign contributed to the development of culture and left amazingly beautiful mosques, beautiful palaces with flowering reserves. During the same period, Spain sent its ships to the New World and conquered huge colonies, which contributed to the influx of gold into Spain, but this did not contribute to the development of the country's handicraft and agricultural production. These factors, combined with defeats in several wars and the Inquisition, which suppressed all freedom of thought, marked the beginning of the era of the decline of Spain. At the beginning of the XVII century. a major European conflict began. The struggle of European dynasties for the Spanish throne led to the War of the Spanish Succession, the Habsburgs were replaced by the Bourbons. After several revolutions in the 19th century, a constitutional monarchy was established in the country.

Climate

Thanks to the peculiarities of the climate, Spain attracts a huge number of tourists - this is one of the most warm countries Western Europe, the number of sunny days reaches 285 per year, and the air temperature averages +20. It is cold only in the northern and central regions, here there is a stronger influence of the continental climatic zone. In winter, the air temperature drops below zero. However, in different parts of the country, the climate can be quite different. If in the north-west of Spain there is a climate with high humidity, then in the south-east of the country it is dry and with significant fluctuations in air temperature depending on the season.

Relief

The relief of Spain is dominated by mountain ranges and high plateaus, which make up about 90% of the entire territory. The vast plateau Meseta occupies almost half of the territory of Spain, the average height is 660 meters, it is divided into two parts by the Central Cordillera. The powerful Cantabrian Mountains border Meseta in the north, they stretch for 600 km along the coast of the Bay of Biscay. In the central part is the Picos de Europa massif.

Nature and fauna

Due to the variety of climatic conditions, the flora and fauna of Spain is extremely heterogeneous. In humid climatic conditions in the south, features of the similarity of the nature of Spain with Central Europe appear, and the dry arid climate in the south - with Africa. Forests occupy only 30% of the territory of Spain, although in the past the territory was significantly forested. Evergreen oaks grow in the northwest, in the mountains, ash, birch, chestnut, beech, oak. Small tracts of evergreens, pines and shrubs have been preserved in the interior of Spain. Fragments of semi-deserts are found in the arid regions of the country - Murcia, the Aragonese plateau and New Castile. Typical Mediterranean vegetation is common in the humid regions of Southern Spain. The fauna of Spain, like vegetation, has common features with Africa and Central Europe. In the Pyrenees there are brown bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, forest cats. In Spain, as well as in North Africa, the imperial eagle is found, and the blue magpie was found not only in the Iberian Peninsula, but also in East Asia.

Visa and customs regulations

For citizens of Russia and Ukraine to enter the territory of Spain, it is necessary to obtain a Schengen visa. The import of foreign currency is not limited (a declaration is required if the amount exceeds 10,000 EUR). Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine, a liter of spirits, food, household items and items is allowed - within the limits of personal needs.

How to get there

Transport

Domestic air traffic is quite well developed, the Iberia airline connects all regions of Spain, the most low-cost flights are offered by the Vueling airline. Rail transportation across the country is carried out by the state-owned company RENFE. The trains have two classes, and with the lowest fares in Europe. Between Madrid and Seville, the AVE high-speed train runs at a speed of almost 300 km/h. The most economical means of transportation between cities in Spain is the bus service, buses follow exactly on schedule. With the help of the ships of the state company Transmediterranea, you can get to the Balearic Islands and northern Africa. There are daily flights throughout the year. And flights to the Canary Islands are carried out once a week. Car enthusiasts can, of course, use a rented car to get around the magnificent Spanish roads. During the high season, it is better to book a car in advance.

Regions

Select from list Andalusia Aragon Asturias Balearic Islands Valencia Galicia Canary Islands Castile and León Castile-La Mancha Catalonia Madrid Murcia Navarra Rioja Basque Country Extremadura

Cities and resorts

Select from list Avila Alicante Astorga Barcelona Benidorm Bilbao Burgos Valencia Valladolid Vigo Vitoria Granada Girona Cambrils Cartagena Caceres Cordoba Costa Basca Costa Blanca Costa Brava Costa Verde Costa Dorada Costa Cálida Costa Tropical Costa de Cantabria Costa de Cantabria la Luz Costa del Almeria Costa del Azahar Costa del Garraf Costa del Maresme Costa del Sol Costa do Marisco Cuenca La Pineda Las Palmas Leon Lloret de Mar Logroño Madrid ★ Malaga Marbella Merida Murcia Oviedo Gomera Island Gran Canaria Island Ibiza Island Hierro Island Lanzarote Island Mallorca Island Menorca Island Palma Island Tenerife Island Fuerteventura Palma de Mallorca Pamplona Reus Ronda Salamanca Salou San Sebastian Santa Cruz de Tenerife Santander Santiago de -Compostela Zaragoza Seville Segovia Sitges Tarifa Tarragona Toledo Torrevieja Figueres Gijón

Information

Select from list Ski resorts Spain Valentine's Day under the sun... Canary Islands: the best sports... Carnival in the Canary Islands Catalan hinterland Bullfighting, paella and roast flamenco national park"Peaks of Europe" Unexplored routes of the Canaries... Plunge into happiness: TOP 7 natural... Amusement park Port Aventura Altamira Cave Beaches of Spain Sierra cheese Crestellina Top 10 places in the Canary Islands Fallas Flower battle in Valencia Organic food “La ... Escorial

For visiting museums, walking along the old streets and a long dinner with wine, the capital of Spain is perfect. Famous - one of the largest collections of European fine art. - a world-famous architectural monument of the mid-16th century, the residence of kings, a museum, a library and a historical archive. One of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid, with gloomy towers surrounded by massive rectangular walls, has always caused conflicting assessments in the hearts and minds of people, and even today there is no unequivocal public opinion - some consider El Escorial "the eighth wonder of the world", while others call it an "architectural nightmare" ". The symbol of the city is withtattoo "Bear and strawberry tree", made of bronze and stone, and installed on the square. In Old Madrid the most important squares of the city are located, the houses of sunny yellow color are decorated with wrought-iron lattices of balconies, and the pavements are lined with time-polished cobblestones.surrounded by buildings with arcades, painted facades and iron cafe tables. The capital is home to 4 million inhabitants, which account for 17 thousand cafes and bars. Madrid people are very sociable and friendly, they talk about their city with love.

The second largest city in Spain, the capital is a beautiful city, which is the largest port on the Mediterranean Sea and has its own unique atmosphere. Barcelona impresses with its architectural ensembles, parks, museums, monuments of culture and history. The city harmoniously combines the culture of different eras: monuments of Roman architecture, medieval streets and quarters, magnificent buildings of the modernist era and avant-garde buildings of the last century. Catalan modernism has played an important role in the cultural uniqueness of Barcelona and has found its most striking expression in the work of the Catalan architect. One of his most ambitious projects is Sagrada Familia. At 50 km from, at an altitude of 725 meters, there is a center of pilgrimage for believers. It is surrounded by numerous limestone cliffs of an unusual shape, giving the holy monastery a fair share of mystical romanticism, making it a desirable object for tourists who come here not only to take a tour of Montserrat, but also to walk along hiking trails on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.

Beach lovers are offered an extremely wide selection of different resorts both on the mainland coast (the most popular are,), and on the islands.

Fans of natural attractions and national parks should definitely go on a trip to the north of Spain. The most beautiful mountainous area in Spain is the Alhambra, a Moorish fortress built on a hill of red-pink stone. Located next to the Alhambra - the summer residence of the Moorish caliphs: beautiful gardens of plane trees, cypresses, orange trees and elms. Lush vegetation is adjacent to many fountains and canals. Alcazar, erected in the 13th century - a luxurious complex that is richly decorated with turrets, battlements, including a network of shady gardens, orange alleys, many fountains, pools, waterfalls and an abundance of various sculptures.

Mosque of Cordoba- Roman Catholic Cathedral, located in the Andalusian city, was erected as a mosque by the masters of Byzantium and Baghdad in the VIII century on the site of the ancient Visigoth basilicas Saint Vincent, which, in turn, was built on the site of a Roman temple. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Cordoba to see this unique building, which is one of the twelve wonders of Spain. The site for the construction of the mosque was purchased by the emir from the Christian community. In addition to the grandeur of the building, a feature of the mosque is the absence of walls separating the courtyard from the interior of the mosque: their role is played by slender rows of orange trees.

One of the most colorful and unusual regions of Spain is. It embodies the culture of a whole people, and also impresses with its colors, originality and delicious cuisine. It is here that you can appreciate all the charm of the Iberian region and get a fair portion of positive, traveling through the ancient regions of the mysterious, but at the same time romantic and hospitable Basque Country.

Accommodation

There is no single classification of hotels in Spain, the assigned "stars" are conditional. Basically, in Spain, urban-type hotels. Even on the coasts, hotels are small, only in certain regions (for example, Costa Dorada) there are hotels with good infrastructure, children's mini-clubs, animation and the all-inclusive concept. For sightseeing tours, 3 * hotels with "breakfasts" in the city center are usually enough. Throughout Spain, the Parador chain is distributed - a historical landmark, partially or completely converted into a hotel.

Spain - the most detailed information about the country with a photo. Attractions, cities of Spain, climate, geography, population and culture.

Spain

Spain is a state in Southwestern Europe. This is one of the largest countries of the European Union, located on the Iberian Peninsula and occupying more than 2/3 of its territory. Spain borders Portugal to the west, France and Andorra to the north, Gibraltar and Morocco to the south. The state consists of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities and is a constitutional monarchy.

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The country is famous for its beaches and the sea, cuisine and nightlife, special atmosphere and friendliness of the locals. Interestingly, in terms of the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain is second only to Italy and China. In addition, it is a country with great geographical and cultural diversity. Here you can find almost everything: from lush meadows and snowy mountains to swamps and deserts.

Useful information about Spain

1. The population is 46.7 million people.
2. The area is 505,370 square kilometers.
3. The official language is Spanish (in some autonomous communities, the local dialect is also considered the official language).
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. Spain is among the 30 most developed countries in the world.
8. In Spain, during the daytime, some shops and establishments may be closed (siesta). Some restaurants and cafes do not serve dinner before 8-9 pm.
9. Tips are included in the bill. If you liked the food or service, you can set aside 5-10% of the bill.

Geography and nature

Spain occupies 80% of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. It also includes the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and a very tiny part of the North African coast. The Iberian Peninsula is located in the extreme southwest of Europe.

The relief of Spain is extremely diverse. Mountains and plateaus play the main role in it. The country is one of the most mountainous in Europe. The largest mountain systems: the Pyrenees, the Cordillera Betica, the Iberian, Catalan and Cantabrian mountains. The largest plain is the Andalusian lowland, located in the south. In the northeast is the Aragonese plain. The highest peak in continental Spain is Mount Mulasen (3478 and). The highest peak of the country is located on the island of Tenerife - it is the Teide volcano (3718 m).

River Tahoe

The largest rivers: Guadalquivir, Tajo, Duero, Ebro. Spain is known for its long coastline. There are several thousand beaches along the coast. The largest resorts: Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Canary and Balearic Islands.

Due to geographical features, the animal is very diverse and vegetable world Spain. The north of the country is similar to Central Europe, and the south resembles North Africa. Broad-leaved forests are found in the northwest, deserts and semi-deserts in the south, and Mediterranean flora is characteristic of the coast.

Climate

Spain is one of the warmest, even hottest countries in Europe. Although due to the relief here you can find several climatic zones. The Mediterranean climate prevails, which is maritime on the coast, and arid in the central part. In most regions of the country, summers are dry and hot, winters are quite warm and humid. In the central regions, frosts are not uncommon in cold weather.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Spain is April-May and September-October. July and August are very hot in most areas. During the cold season it can be quite rainy.

Story

In the third millennium BC, the Tartess civilization existed on the territory of the modern Iberian Peninsula. But already in the second millennium BC. Iberian tribes came here, who later mixed with the Celts. In ancient times, the Pyrenees were called Iberia. The Iberians quickly settled in the territory of Castile and built fortified settlements. Around the same millennium, Phoenician and Greek colonies were founded on the coast.

Interestingly, according to the most common theory, the name of the country comes from the Phoenician "i-spanim", which translates as "shore of darmans". The Romans used this word to refer to the territory of the entire peninsula.

In the 3rd century, almost the entire territory of the Iberian Peninsula was subjugated by Carthage. In 206, Carthage lost control of the Pyrenees. From this period, for almost two centuries, the Romans tried to subdue these lands. The last free tribes were conquered by Rome in 19 BC under Emperor Augustus. Spain was one of the most prosperous and important Roman provinces. The Romans built expensive fortresses here. By the end of the 1st century, more than 300 cities were founded here, trade and crafts flourished.

In the 4th-5th century, Germanic tribes penetrated the territory of Spain, which were soon completely replaced by the Visigoths. Even earlier, the first Christians appeared here. The Visigoths established their kingdom here with its capital in Barcelona and then in Toledo. In the 6th century, the emperor of Byzantium, Justinian, tried to return Spain to the rule of the empire.

In 711, Arabs and Berbers from North Africa came to the territory of the Iberian Peninsula, who were later called the Moors. Interestingly, they were called to help by the Visigoths themselves (or rather, one of their factions). In just a few years, the Moors conquered almost all of the Pyrenees and formed the Umayyad caliphate. It should be noted that the Arabs were quite merciful, preserving the property of the people, the language and religion of the conquered territories.

Around the same time, the Reconquista movement arose, the goal of which was the liberation of the Iberian Peninsula from the Muslims. In 718, the Moors were stopped in the mountains of Asturias. By 914, the Kingdom of Asturias included the territories of Galicia and Northern Portugal. After the end of the Umayyad dynasty in 1031, the caliphate collapsed. At the end of the 11th century, Christians captured Toledo and some other cities. In the 12th century, the Spanish Empire was proclaimed, which arose after the unification of Castile and Aragon and existed until 1157. In the future, despite the division, the kingdoms fought together with the Moors. By the 13th century, only the emirate of Granada remained on the Iberian Peninsula.

Despite the power of the Castilian kingdom, the country was tormented by unrest and unrest. Dominance belonged to knightly orders and powerful nobles. In Aragon, on the contrary, there were many concessions to the estates. In 1469, a dynastic marriage between Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile contributed to the unification of the two kingdoms. In 1478, the Inquisition was established, which served as an impetus for the persecution of Muslims and Jews. In 1492, the conquest of Granada and the end of the Reconquista took place.

In 1519 the Habsburg dynasty came to power. In the 16th century, Spain became one of the strongest powers in Europe. The absolute monarchy was established as a form of government. The Spanish kingdom captured Portugal and numerous colonies in South and Central America. Already by the middle of the 16th century, constant wars and high taxes led to economic decline. During this period, the capital of the kingdom was moved from Toledo to Madrid.

At the beginning of the 18th century, with the death of Charles II, the War of the "Spanish Succession" broke out. As a result, the Bourbon dynasty reigned, and Spain became "pro-French". In 1808, a popular uprising broke out, which led to the abdication of the king. Subsequently, the French were expelled from the country and the restoration of the Bourbons took place. In the 19th century, Spain was tormented by unrest and unrest. The state lost all American colonies. In 1931, the monarchy was overthrown and a civil war began, in which Franco won. Francisco Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until 1975. This year was crowned Juan Carlos I of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty.

Spain consists of 17 autonomous regions, two so-called autonomous cities and 50 provinces.

Autonomous communities:

• Andalusia
• Aragon
• Asturias
• Balearic Islands
• Basque country
• Valencia
• Galicia
• Canary Islands
• Cantabria
• Castile - La Mancha
• Castile and Leon
• Catalonia
• Murcia
• Navarre
• Rioja
• Extremadura

Population

The indigenous population of the country is the Spaniards (Castilians), Catalans, Basques, Galicians, etc. The official language is Spanish. In autonomies, the ethnic language or dialect is often spoken. Almost 80% of the population professes Christianity, of which 75% are Catholics. Interestingly, the average life expectancy in Spain is one of the highest in the world. She is 83 years old. The Spaniards themselves are quite friendly, open and emotional. These are noisy and temperamental people. They are often unpunctual, a little lazy and irresponsible.

Tips for communicating with Spaniards:

• Spaniards are very patriotic towards their country or autonomy. You should not raise such topics: "is Catalonia Spain" and so on.
• The vast majority of the population are Catholics, so words and actions that can offend the feelings of believers should be avoided.
• Avoid talking about the colonial past and the Franco regime.
• During lunch or dinner, the Spaniards do not start eating until all the guests have sat down. They also don't leave until everyone has finished eating.
• Close people or good friends hug or kiss each other on the cheeks when they meet. Otherwise, they are limited to a handshake.

Transport

Information about modes of transport in Spain.

Major airports:

• Barcelona
• Palma de Mallorca
• Malaga - Costa del Sol
• Gran Canaria
• Alicante / Elche

Spain has an extensive network of high-speed trains that connect the major cities. The rail service also includes long-distance trains and a commuter train network. There are regular bus services between many cities. Major cities are connected by high-speed highways. Motorways are tolled here.

Speed ​​limits:

• 120 km/h on freeways and motorways,
• 100 km/h on normal roads,
• 90 km/h on other roads,
• 50 km/h when driving in populated areas.

The blood alcohol level must not exceed 0.5 g/l. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.

Spain is the second country in Europe in terms of the number of visits cruise liners. Main ports of Spain:

• Barcelona
• Palma de Mallorca
• Las Palmas
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Malaga
• Bilbao

Spain cities

Spain has hundreds of old and interesting city. But the most popular are:

• - a noisy and vibrant capital that will amaze you with modernist architecture, wide streets and squares, museums and vibrant nightlife.
• Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia. Famous sights, masterpieces of modernist architecture and art nouveau Gaudí are concentrated here.
• Bilbao is a large industrial city.
• Cadiz is considered the oldest city in Western Europe.
• Granada is a stunning city in the south, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
• Cordoba is an ancient city with a rich Moorish heritage.
• Toledo is an ancient capital with sights from various periods.
• Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
• Valencia is one of the largest cities in the country. The place where paella was invented.
• Alicante - the resort capital east coast and the Costa Blanca region.

In the south of Spain in Andalusia, you can find a lot of evidence of antiquity. Cadiz is located here - one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe with the remains of a Roman settlement. Nearby is Ronda - a beautiful city located on steep cliffs. The cities of Cordoba and Granada have preserved a rich Moorish heritage. Seville, the cultural center of Andalusia and all of southern Spain, has a dazzling collection of sights and the largest gothic cathedral in the world.

Crossing the north through the plains of La Mancha into Central Spain, it is worth visiting picturesque Toledo. This ancient Spanish capital and the most beautiful ancient city located on a hill. Not far from the Portuguese border is Merida with an impressive Roman heritage. If you are interested in relaxation and beaches, then you should go to Alicante, Malaga, the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Popular tourist destinations:

• Costa Blanca - 200 km of coastline, beaches and charming seaside towns.
• Costa Brava is a coastline with many seaside resorts.
• Costa del Sol is a sunny beach in the south of Spain.
• Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands, famous for its clubs and discos.
• Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands.
• Sierra Nevada - the highest mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula with ski slopes.
• Tenerife - lush nature, volcanoes and great beaches.

Attractions

Historically, Spain has been an important crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, North Africa and Europe. As such, fantastic collections of unique attractions can be found here. The country impresses with the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical and cultural monuments.

The most famous sights of Spain

• Old city of Toledo.
• Historic center of Salamanca.
• Burgos Cathedral in the city of the same name.
• Moorish heritage of Granada and Cordoba.
• Architectural masterpieces of Gaudí in Barcelona.
• Gothic cathedral in Seville and architecture in the Mudéjar style.
• Rock paintings in Altamira cave
• The historical centers of the cities of Cuenca, Merida, Cáceres, Zaragoza, Avila and Segovia.
• Romanesque churches in Lleida.
• Ancient Roman walls in the town of Lugo.

Notable festivals:

• Feria de Abril is the best fair in the Pyrenees. If you love folklore, flamenco and wine, then you will definitely like this event. It takes place in April-May.
• Fallas is a festival in Valencia.
• Dia de Sant Jordi is a Catalan holiday.

Accommodation

Spain is an extremely popular tourist destination, so you need to look for accommodation in advance. When traveling here in the high season, accommodation will cost more. Many cities, even small ones, are tourism oriented. Therefore, it is not a problem to find accommodation for any groups of tourists and financial possibilities.

Kitchen

Spaniards love to eat, drink wine and are very proud of their cuisine. Spanish cuisine can be described as fairly light, with lots of vegetables and a huge variety of meats and fish. Interestingly, traditional cuisine does not use many spices, but relies entirely on the use of high quality ingredients and their taste. Spaniards' meals are slightly different from ours. Their breakfast is light. Lunch is served at 13.00-15.00. Lunch is followed by a siesta. Dinner is late.

Traditional food and products: paella, jamon, tapas, Chorizo ​​(spicy sausage), Bocadillo de Calamares (fried squid), Boquerones en vinagre (anchovies with garlic), Churros (Spanish donuts), Empanadas Gallegas (meat pies), Fabada asturiana (stew), various varieties of gazpacho (soups), Tortilla de patatas (egg omelet with fried potatoes). The main alcoholic drink is wine, which is of very good quality here. The most popular soft drink is coffee.

Spain is a sovereign state in southwestern Europe, a member of the European Union. Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. The territory is divided into 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. The capital is the city of Madrid.

Spain map

general information

The official name of the country The Kingdom of Spain

Capital— Madrid.

State structure
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king, who, on the advice of the prime minister, approves the members of the cabinet. Spain is divided into 52 provinces, grouped into 17 autonomous regions.

Location
Spain is a state in southwestern Europe, which occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Spain borders in the west with Portugal (the length of the border is 1214 km), in the north with France (623 km) and Andorra (65 km), in the south with Gibraltar (1.2 km). Spain is washed to the east and south mediterranean sea, in the west - by the Atlantic Ocean, in the north - by the Bay of Biscay (Cantabrian Sea). There are over 2,000 beaches on the coast of Spain.
The total area of ​​Spain is 504,782 km2 (the land area is 499,400 km2). The total length of the border is 1903.2 km, the length of the coastline is 4964 km.

Climate
There are three types of climate in Spain: temperate maritime in the northwest and north; Mediterranean in the south and Mediterranean coast; arid continental climate in the interior of the country.
Spain is one of the warmest countries in Western Europe. The average number of sunny days is 260-280. The average annual temperature of almost the entire Spanish territory fluctuates between 14 and 19 °C above zero. Average January temperatures vary from 8 - 10 °С in the northern and middle parts to 10 - 12 °С in the southern part. Average temperatures in July - the hottest month - reach 18 - 20 ° C in the coastal regions of the northwest and north of the country and 26 ° C - in the Mediterranean coastal regions.
The best time for tourism is from late spring to early autumn.

Population
The population of Spain, as of 2008, is 46.06 million people. Approximately 9% of the population are immigrants. The urban population is 76%. Population density - 79.7 people / km 2.

Official language
The official language is Spanish. In some areas and provinces, the inhabitants speak the ancient local languages, for example, in Catalonia, the Basque Country, etc.

Currency

Spain is a member of the European Union, the official currency of the country is the euro (€), equal to 100 cents. You can exchange currency at banks, ATMs, exchange offices, hotels and travel agencies. Most banks work Mon.-Fri. from 8.30 to 14.30, on Saturday from 8.30 to 13.00, exchange offices from 8.30 to 19.00 (some until 20.00), ATMs are open around the clock.

The highest rate when exchanging currencies in banks, at exchange offices at airports, railway stations, shops, etc. exchange rate will be less favorable.

It is also worth remembering that most banks take a commission for the exchange service, there will also be a commission when withdrawing money through an ATM.

Time
Time is 3 hours behind Moscow time.

Important information

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation, when crossing the border, must have an entry permit issued by the Consular Section of the Embassy of Spain in Moscow - a visa.

A visa is issued individually in the passport of the traveler; for issuing a visa, two blank pages in the passport are required.

In accordance with the rules for issuing visas established by the Consulate General of Spain in Russia, Pegas Touristik issues visas only for citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

Customs regulations

The importation of items for personal use (personal jewelry, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, musical instruments, etc. is not restricted, however, if a customs officer suspects that an item is being imported for sale in Spain, he may require you to fill out a declaration and make a cash deposit, which will be returned upon departure from Spain upon presentation of the declaration and the item itself.

Spanish customs officers issue, upon request, receipts certifying that the item has been brought into Spain. Duty-free import per person is allowed: up to 1 liter of spirits (alcohol content over 22%) or up to 2 liters of fortified wines and liqueurs (alcohol content less than 22%), 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco, 500 g of coffee, 100 g of tea, up to 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette, goods and items for personal use.

The import of foreign currency into Spain is not limited. If you plan to purchase for cash in excess of 5000 €, then you will need an official confirmation of the legality of importing money into the country. The export of currency is also not limited, but when exporting an amount of more than 10,000 €, it is required to fill out a declaration.

Sharp objects (nail scissors, penknives, etc.) can only be carried in checked baggage.

Prohibited for import:

• drugs and narcotic drugs,
• medical preparations,
• firearms,
• ammunition,
• explosives,
• pornography,
• plants,
• animals and birds,
• food products without vacuum packaging,
• Asian poultry meat
• products containing meat and milk,
• chocolate candies.

The ban on the import of meat and dairy products does not apply to baby and dietary food necessary for people with chronic diseases (in this case, the products must be carefully packaged).

Helpful information

emergency services

• National Police - 091
• Local Police - 092
• Fire Department - 080
• Ambulance - 061
• Red Cross - 22-22-22.

The shops

Shops are open from 10:00 to 20:00, a break from 14:00 to 17:00, some shops and private shops are open until 22:00. Bakeries and bars open from 8 am. There are no breaks in hypermarkets and department stores, but they are usually closed on Sundays. Markets are open only in the mornings. In resort areas, most shops are open on Sundays. Payment for purchases can be made both in cash and by credit cards.

It is best to make purchases in large cities - Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, etc. In such cities, there are many boutiques and shops with fashionable clothes, they are usually located in the city center. Prices in stores are not higher than in supermarkets, and sometimes even lower. In the markets you can find almost everything, from groceries to antiques.

In memory of Spain, you can bring the famous pottery (the Costa Dorada is especially famous for them), leather goods, guitars, traditional Spanish fans, products with gold and silver thread embroidery on velvet, olives and olive oil, wine and much more.

Transport

Spain has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which includes an extensive network of roads, railways, air and water communications. The length of roads is 328,000 km, and railways - 14,589 km. The leading place is occupied by air transport. Of the 42 airports, 34 carry out regular flights.

It is most convenient to move around Spain around the country, because. in almost all large and resort cities there are bus stations. Intercity buses are equipped with air conditioning, video equipment and, in most cases, toilets. It is customary to pay for travel directly on the bus, but you can save money by buying a multiple ticket.

Railway trains are divided into several categories, depending on speed and comfort. You can buy a ticket at railway stations and train stations, or at travel agencies. There you can also get detailed information about train schedules and ticket prices.

It is more convenient to travel around the city by taxi. You can take a car in the parking lot, order by phone, call from a hotel, cafe or restaurant. Taxis are usually distinguished by a light board with the inscription taxi. Each taxi has a meter, the cost of the trip will depend on its readings. At night, holidays and weekends there is an increased rate.

In Madrid and Barcelona, ​​perhaps the most convenient transport is the metro. This is the fastest and cheapest mode of transport. Tickets are sold at the box office or vending machines at the stations.

Car rental

A car can be rented by a person who is over 21 years old, who has an international driver's license and a credit card. In some cases, they may ask for a passport. Class A and B cars are issued for cash, while in addition to the deposit, the entire rental amount for the entire period is taken in advance. You can order a car both at the rental office and through the administrator at the hotel where you live. In addition, you can order a car from Russia by ordering it from an international car rental agency in advance. Tariffs of local rental companies, as a rule, are lower than the tariffs set by well-known international ones. When renting a car for a long period, a discount is possible.

In Spain, there are several types of roads: state highways (sign N), expressways (sign A) and municipal (marked with sign C). On the highways of Spain, every 5 km there is an SOS phone from which you can call emergency services.

Police phone number: 091. The maximum allowed speed in built-up areas is 50 km/h, on highways - 120 km/h. We recommend that you observe the speed limit, because. Spain has quite high fines for speeding. Fines are paid on the spot. When traveling by car, you must have a driver's license valid in Spain, a technical equipment passport and an insurance card.

Telephone

To make calls to Russia, dial:

• 007 (Russian code) - (area code) - (phone number).
• The dialing code for Spain is 34.
• Telephone code for the Canary Islands: +34 (922).

Tips

In Spain, the service is included in the price and is 10-15% of the cost of the service. If you like the service, you can add another 5% of the amount. If the tip is not included in the bill, it is customary to leave it on the table. It is customary to leave tips for waiters, maids and porters in hotels, taxi drivers, hairdressers, etc. Maid and porters leave about 1-2 euros, taxi drivers leave an average of 5-10%.

Precautionary measures

Valuables and documents are best left in a safe at the hotel. It is advisable to make photocopies of important documents (passports, tickets, etc.) and store them separately from the originals. Money and documents should be stored in different places. In case of theft or loss of a credit card, you must immediately call the bank and block the account. In crowded places (airports, train stations, squares, etc.) keep an eye on your things, do not show the contents of your wallets in public, do not give things to strangers for storage. In case of theft or other illegal actions against you, contact the police.

In case of difficult situations (problems with the police, loss of a passport, etc.), please contact the Consulate of the Russian Federation. The duty officer works around the clock. When detained by the police, do not sign any documents, do not answer questions, do not give your documents and do not succumb to provocations and do not create conflict situations. Demand to call a representative of the consulate or the host company.

Russian Embassy in Madrid:
Address: c.Velazquez, 155, Madrid, 28002, Spain
Phone: 91 562 22 64, 91 411 08 07
Fax: 91 562 97 12
Embassy opening hours: 9.00 - 14.00, 16.00 - 19.00
Email: [email protected]

BARCELONA

Barcelona is the second most populated city in Spain and is the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. It has an international airport and a subway. Barcelona is a port city and is located on the Mediterranean coast. Currently, the port of Barcelona is one of the largest in the entire Mediterranean, and the city's beaches stretch for as much as 5 km.

Barcelona experienced periods of its greatest prosperity in the Middle Ages, when it reached the status of a flourishing center of Mediterranean trade, and also in the 19th century, marked by intensive economic and demographic development. This stage culminated in the World Exhibitions in 1888 and 1929, which largely determined the current appearance of the city. In 1992, Barcelona was chosen to host the Olympic Games.

Barcelona is also proud of its rich historical, architectural and artistic heritage. Monuments of architectural art, buildings with historical significance and modern buildings coexist in an unusually harmonious way in the city. In 1929 Cathedral Barcelona has been declared a Monument of History and Art of National Importance. In the labyrinth of narrow streets that surround the Cathedral and form the historical center of the city, known as the "Gothic Quarter", you can find a large number of buildings of unique beauty and significance.

On the wide square of Plaza Sant Jaume rise, opposite each other, the City Hall of Barcelona - with its magnificent halls of the Salo de Sainte ("Hall of the Sta") and the Assembly Hall - and the Palace of the Generalitat (Palau de la Generalitat), with the hall of St. George and the internal Courtyard Pati dels Taronges ("Patio of orange trees"). In Barcelona, ​​you can see the creations of the greatest architect of the modernist era, Antonio Gaudí - the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the La Pedrera building, Batllo's house.

The city also has numerous museums, among which the Picasso Museum and the National Art Museum of Catalonia are especially famous. The Picasso Museum is popular with tourists and is one of the most visited in Barcelona with the richest collection. The ball museum was created in 1963 on the basis of a collection donated to the city by Jaume Sabater, a personal friend of the artist, and subsequently replenished with works donated by both Picasso himself and members of his family.

The central square of Barcelona is Plaza Catalunya. From here originates the famous Ramblas, which daily attracts many tourists traveling around Barcelona. This is a pedestrian boulevard along the central alley of which stretches flower, zoological and newsstands, in the lower part of the boulevard there are street vendors, pantomime artists, artists who draw portraits of everyone from life or photographs. Here you can buy various souvenirs.

The Palace of Catalan Music, located next to Via Laetana, was built by the architect Domènech i Montaner. This building is considered the pinnacle of modernism and incorporates many elements of this style.

On the waterfront of Barcelona, ​​in the Portal de la Pau ("Gate of the World"), stands a monument to Christopher Columbus, reminding us of the arrival of the navigator in Barcelona after the discovery of America. Nearby are Drassanas (XIV century) - the best preserved of all the Gothic shipyards, and nearby - part of the fortress wall of the same era. From here, in the Middle Ages, ships were launched that participated in the most famous naval battles. Now the building of the shipyards houses the Museum of Navigation, where you can see the magnificent ships of the XIV-XV centuries. Barcelona has the largest aquarium in Europe, where you can see 11,000 marine animals from over 450 different species.

The longest avenue, Avenida Diagonal, runs through the whole city, the length of which is 14 km. Two streets pass around the city: Upper and Lower, with the help of which you can get into it from any direction without stopping at the center.

You can see an amazingly beautiful spectacle by visiting the singing fountains located on the slopes of Montjuic mountain. There is also an observation deck on the mountain, which offers a panoramic view of Barcelona. If you want to enjoy an amazing panorama of the city, you are offered a tour on the Teleferic funicular, which leaves from Montjuic. Another way to get acquainted with the city is to take a trip on the Bus Turistic double-decker bus, where you will be offered headphones with audio recordings of the excursion program in 10 different languages, including Russian. You can also explore the city by bike, which can be rented on almost every corner in the city.

Barcelona is also home to countless shops, restaurants and cafes. For grocery shopping, you can visit the popular market "La Boqueria" (or "Mercat de Sant Josep"), which is a vivid example of 18th century architecture. In the city center on Plaza Catalunya there is a large shopping center "El Corte Ingles", where on 9 floors you will find a wide selection of goods: clothing, accessories, goods for children, food and much more. In the suburbs of Barcelona there is a place called “La Roca Village”, where more than 100 outlets (discount stores) of all famous brands are collected: Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, L’Occitane, Burberry, Cacharel, Puma and many others.

For sports fans in Barcelona, ​​it is advised to visit the famous Camp Nou football stadium, as well as see the Olympic Stadium, which was reconstructed for the Olympic Games in 1992. Also, Formula 1 races are held here once a year, which attract a considerable number of tourists .

What can you bring from Barcelona? Very tasty Spanish cuisine. For your friends and relatives, you can bring local jamon ham, chorizo ​​sausage, salchichon sausages, and various seafood to enjoy. In Spain, the production of quite tasty wine and olive oil is widespread. From local sweets you can buy Spanish halva.

COSTA BRAVA

Costa Brava, which in translation means "Wild Coast" - a strip of the Mediterranean coast in the northeast of Catalonia in Spain, the province of Girona. It extends for 160 km from the city of Blanes to the border with France. The relief of the Costa Brava is made up of impregnable cliffs and rocks, overgrown with Pyrenean pines and firs, which alternate with magnificent bays and bays with beaches of white sand and pebbles. In addition to the picturesque relief, the Costa Brava amazes guests with the extraordinary richness of Mediterranean vegetation: thanks to the numerous streams flowing down the slopes of the Pyrenees, the land here is extremely fertile, and low mountains and hills delight the eye with an abundance of mixed - coniferous and broad-leaved - forests that go to the sea itself.

The resort is known for its ancient towns, markets and magnificent beaches. The average annual temperature on the Costa Brava is 16°C.
The history of the coast goes back over 2000 years. Here you can see the ancient ruins, the remains of the Greek and Roman civilizations. The population of the coast is about 6.5 million people. Mostly they are Catalans who speak Catalan.

Arriving in the Costa Brava, it is worth visiting the city of Lloret de Mar, which has many bars and discos, as well as the famous Marineland water park. For those who prefer walks in historical places to noisy entertainment, there is also something to see. Church of Sant Roma, which was built in 1552 in the Gothic style. During the Civil War, the church was badly damaged, and today only the Chapel of St. Sacramento and the Baptistery allow us to imagine what Sant Roma was before. The Chapel of Santa Cristina is located 3.5 km from the center of Lloret de Mar. The first document mentioning the temple is dated 1376.

In 1764, work began on the expansion of the temple, which was completed in 1772. The work was carried out on donations from the inhabitants of Lloret, and those who could not help financially were directly involved in the construction of the temple. The monument to Dona Marinera (fisherman's wife) is located on a rock at the end of Lloret beach. In 1966, the city commissioned the artist Ernest Maragal for this statue, which would become one of the symbols of the city. The bronze sculpture depicts a woman looking out to sea, meeting or seeing someone off. It is believed that if a person looks at the sea, just like a sculpture, and at the same time touches her leg with his hand, then his desires, which he is thinking about at the moment, will certainly come true. In addition, in the city you can visit and see the Castle on the beach, the monument to Sardana, the Castle of Sant Joan, the monument to the angel and much more.

The Costa Brava is famous for its wines and liqueurs, which are relatively inexpensive here. As souvenirs on the coast, you can buy ceramic and leather products, tablecloths. In many cities, fairs are organized every week where you can buy clothes, souvenirs or fruits and much more.
From any town on the coast you can easily get to Barcelona, ​​Girona, Figueres
The most famous resorts are Lloret de Mar, Blanes, Tossa de Mar and Playa de Aro.

Costa del Maresme

Costa del Maresme is part of the coast of the Balearic Sea south of the Costa Brava, located in Catalonia, in the province of Barcelona. The resort area of ​​the Costa del Maresme stretches from Tordera and Malgrat de Mar in the north to the town of Montgat, 15 km from Barcelona in the south. This area is known for its magnificent beaches, developed infrastructure and mild Mediterranean climate.

North of Malgrat de Mar, the Costa del Maresme merges into the Costa Brava, so both coasts are often referred to as the Costa Brava. The Costa del Maresme has traditionally been a place of fishing and peasant settlements, whose inhabitants were engaged in the cultivation of grapes. The main part of the fishing industry is based in Arenys de Mar, which is the first fishing port on the Costa del Maresme. Starting from the middle of the 20th century, summer residences of wealthy residents of Barcelona, ​​as well as several hotels, began to appear on the coast. Since the mid-80s of the XX century, as part of the development of tourism in Spain, significant funds have been invested in the construction and reconstruction of the coastal cities of the Costa del Maresme. This has led to the transformation of the Costa del Marsme into a major resort and tourist center. The basis of the activity of this region is agriculture, primarily the cultivation of vineyards, as well as the textile industry.

resort towns

Malgrat de Mar
Malgrat de Mar is a coastal village located in the northern part of the Maresme district, on the border of the provinces of Barcelona and Girona. The wide beach strip, stretching for 4.5 km, is divided into three zones: Astillero Beach, Central Beach (marked with the Blue Flag) and La Conca Beach. The main activities in the city are industry and agriculture.

There are two large natural parks in Malgrat de Mar: the Castel Park and the Francesc Macia Park. Castel Park is located on a hill from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village. The Francesc Macia Park is one of the largest parks in the region and covers an area of ​​more than 40,000 m². In October, an international music festival is held here. For three weeks, more than 20 choirs and musical groups from various European countries take part in this festival.

Among the cultural and historical monuments in Malgrat de Mar are the church of Sant Nicolau de Bari, the municipal library, buildings built in the modernist style, such as the Town Hall and the music school "Ca l'Arnau". The city center is full of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Santa Susanna

Santa Susanna is a seaside town located in the center of the Maresme district, in the province of Barcelona. The main source of income for the city is the flourishing here, thanks to favorable natural conditions, agriculture. Santa Susanna has the largest number of watchtowers, designed to protect against the frequent attacks of pirates dating back to the period of the 15th-18th centuries.

For active recreation in the city there is the Maritime Center, which offers tourists various water sports: sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, motor sports, kayaking and others.

Pineda de Mar
Pineda de Mar is a seaside town located 56 km from Barcelona, ​​part of the Maresme district. With a long sandy beach, Pineda de Mar offers a wide range of hotels and services. Along the promenade, located in front of the beach, stretches a chain of shops, restaurants, cafes.

The historical center of the city has completely preserved its features. Here you can see the church of Santa Maria dating back to the 16th century, the restored palace of Can Halpi of the 15th-16th centuries, the protective towers of Mas Castellar and Santa Anna, and on Plaza de Catalunya you can see the most interesting buildings and palaces of the 18th-19th centuries. Also in Pineda de Mar, the remains of the Roman aqueduct Can Cua have been preserved.

The most lively centers of city life are the Plaza de les Melies (Placa de les Melies) and Paseo Maritimo promenade (Paseo Maritimo), where city holidays are held and the most popular bars and restaurants of the city are located.

Calella
Calella - located 50 km from Barcelona, ​​near the Montnegre nature reserve. It has three magnificent beaches: Garbi beach, La Platja Gran beach and La Platja de Les Roques beach - marked with a blue flag.

The city hosts a large number of cultural, folklore events and holidays, among which are: Carnival, a photography and cinema festival, an exhibition of roses of Catalonia, children's entertainment, international days of folklore of Catalonia and others.

Calella has many large natural areas, such as the Dalmau Park located in the city center, the Manuel Puigvert alley, designed by the modernist architect Jeroni Martorell.

One of the most attractive features of the city is its commercial activity. Throughout the year, Calella has more than 800 shops offering commercial offers. One of the popular places to trade is the open-air Saturday market, located in front of the municipal market building. In local restaurants and bars, you can taste both Mediterranean cuisine and dishes from around the world. Calella is also interesting from a cultural and historical point of view. The municipal archival museum of Josep Maria Bage contains all kinds of samples and collections of decorative stones from the 17th and 20th centuries; textile machines and samples of materials produced in the city; archaeological materials from excavations of Roman ruins and historical documents. A curious element is the Barri pharmacy with all the equipment and laboratories of the 19th century, as well as the Lluis Gallart Garcia art gallery, where you can see samples of more than 200 paintings by the masters of the city of Calella, with paintings, drawings of exceptional beauty, painted using various techniques. Also in the city there is a Cultural Gallery, which reflects the history of Calella. Collections of ancient tools, paintings, photographs and other items related in one way or another to Calella.

Proximity to the sea and the presence of a nautical club allows you to practice various water sports: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing.

COSTA DORADA

Costa Dorada (translated from Spanish as “golden coast”) is a segment of the coast of the Balearic Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea) in southeastern Spain, extending 200 km from Vilanova i la Geltru in the north to the city located in the Ebro Delta Alcanar in the south. Costa Dorada covers the entire coast of the province of Tarragona. The relief of the Costa Dorada is made up of long and gentle sandy beaches, which makes this coast popular with tourists. The beaches on the Costa Dorada are mostly long, wide, with fine golden sand and clear water. Among the large number of sandy beaches there are picturesque bays and bays, and unique rock formations. From the winds and cyclones from the north and west, the Mediterranean coast is well protected, first by the Pyrenees, and then by the Catalan mountains.

Thanks to its unique geographical features and mild Mediterranean climate, this place is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are all conditions for practicing water sports, such as windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, as well as for playing tennis or golf. On the coast there are many modern hotels of various levels, health centers and entertainment facilities. In the Costa Dorada there are many fortresses and military structures built during the wars and are cultural heritage Spain, and in the cities there are many beautiful churches, monasteries and monuments through which you can trace the history of the country. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either - there is a unique nature reserve located in the Ebro Delta.

One of the main tourist attractions of the Costa Dorada is the amusement park Port Aventura in the city of Salou. Port Aventura is the second largest amusement park in Europe, its area is 115 hectares. The park consists of five themed areas with attractions for both adults and children, each of which reflects the history of one of the world's five cultures.

Over a hundred unique theatrical performances take place in Port Aventura every day, and more than 70 restaurants and eateries with a menu of traditional dishes will help you discover the world through taste.

Despite the fact that the Costa Dorada is one of the centers of mass tourism, here you can find many cities that have retained their originality. The center of the Costa Dorada is the city of Tarragona, and the most popular resort is Salou. Other cities popular with tourists are Sitges, La Pineda and Cambrils.

Cambrils- a seaside town located in the resort area of ​​the Costa Dorada and part of the province of Tarragona. In this hospitable town, new traditions brought from abroad and other parts of Spain are wonderfully intertwined with the roots of local culture. You can get acquainted with the history of the city in the museum "Mouli de les Tres Eres". One of the famous sights of the city is the defensive port, built in the middle of the 20th century, and the fishermen's park, the port tower of the 17th century, which served to repel pirate attacks, buildings of the period of the Roman Empire, dating from the 1st century BC, are also of particular cultural interest. BC. and VI century. AD, Vilafortuny castle, port quarter and old town.

Sandy golden beaches, marked with the Blue Flag, stretch for 9 km. Along the beaches there is the Sea Promenade, along which you can walk or ride a bike. Also in Cambrils, tourists can fully explore the culinary traditions. The city is considered the culinary capital of the Costa Dorada. Fresh fish, the best olive oil and other top quality products are used to prepare exquisite and original dishes. Here you can taste typical traditional Cambrilian cuisine in the best restaurants specializing in fish and seafood. In addition to good cuisine, all restaurants offer a wide selection of wines and champagnes, as well as fresh confectionery products that can satisfy even the most demanding taste.

Food, souvenirs, household goods, accessories, antiques, handicrafts - all this can be purchased all year round in local shops. Most of the shops are concentrated in the narrow streets of the picturesque old town, as well as in the area of ​​the sea promenade and the port, a favorite place for walking residents and visitors of Cambrils. Once a week, a mobile market stalls open in the old town, where you can find anything you want, including products from local agriculture, such as the high-quality Siurana olive oil, which is considered one of the best in the world.

Salou

Salou is the tourist capital of the Costa Dorada, which is part of the province of Tarragona. The main attraction of the city is the famous amusement park "PortAventura" - the second largest amusement park in Europe, with an area of ​​115 hectares. The park consists of five themed zones with attractions, each of which reflects the history of one of the five world cultures.

The mild Mediterranean climate, golden sandy beaches and long holiday season (from May to November) attract a large number of tourists to Salou. Active guests will find in Salou a water sports centre, a municipal football field, an indoor swimming pool, a sports center and a go-kart track. For those who prefer entertainment, Salou has many restaurants, bars and all kinds of clubs, many of which are open at night. The busiest street in Salou is Carlos Buigas Street, which is full of shops, discos and restaurants. The city is recognized as one of the best shopping and gastronomic resorts on the Costa Dorada. Salou has a wide network of stores offering all kinds of goods, both Spanish and imported.

One of Salou's most picturesque attractions is Salou's Promenade, right along the coastline of Llevant Beach, the largest beach in the city, along with Platja de Ponent, Platja dels Capellans, Platja Llarga and Cala Cranx. The beaches have the European Blue Flag, which is an indicator of the cleanliness and safety of the beaches. The most popular promenade in the city is Jaime I Avenue, which today bears the name of King Jaime I, who conquered the Balearic Islands and the kingdom of Valencia. In the center of the alley there is a monument to this king, and at the end there is a charming illuminated fountain, shining at night with multi-colored jets and cascades. From the city's port, you can take exciting walks along the coast on tourist boats that depart daily for Tarragona, Cambrils and other nearby resort centers.

At 10-12 km from Salou, there are attractions such as the city of Tarragona, founded by the Romans, with a rich historical past, and the city of Reus, where you can visit the museum of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

La Pineda
La Pineda is a resort town located on the Costa Dorada. Along the sand and pebble beach, stretching for 4 km, there is a promenade, and along the streets there are many local cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops. In this city there is one of the famous water parks "Akvopolis" and a dolphinarium.

In La Pineda there are hotels of different stars, offering a variety of types of services that will satisfy even the most demanding vacationers. In the evening, you can go to a restaurant or go to the Pacha disco. The close location of the city of Salou (about 5-7 minutes drive) makes it possible to visit entertainment in this city. You can get to Salou by bus or taxi. In the immediate vicinity of La Pineda, there is the famous PortAventura amusement park - a real world of adventure and unforgettable musical performances, which will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults.

In July and August, the city hosts entertainment events for children and their parents: in the Pinar del Perruquet park, an open-air movie screening is organized, in the city square children are entertained by clowns, puppets and magicians. The park also hosts music and dance performances. At the end of July, the main summer festival is held here - the festival of St. Jaume, which is a mixture of such components as: traditions, culture, music and dance. A variety of festive events organized on the streets and squares of the city include concerts, dances, shows for children, fireworks, open-air cinema, etc.

Canary Islands - Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria(Gran-Canaria in Spanish) is the third largest island in the Canary archipelago. From afar, the island looks like a big mountain, in the center of which rises Pico de Las Nieves, its height is 2 thousand meters. The whole island is dotted with deep ravines stretching from the top of the peak to the ocean coast. The island's capital, Las Palmas, is located in the northeast. It is the largest city of the Canaries and every four years it replaces Santa Cruz de Tenerife as the capital of the Canary Islands.
The climate of Gran Canaria is tropical trade winds, moderately dry and hot. The comfort of the climate of Gran Canaria is determined by the ocean, the cold Canary Current and the proximity of Africa. Also, the climate is influenced by the mountain range that divides the island of Gran Canaria into south and north. In one day, you can travel around the entire island, while visiting different microclimatic zones. The south coast of Gran Canaria is sunny and hot, and snow can lie on the mountain peak. The maximum temperature in August and June reaches 30°C. These are the hottest months in the Canary Islands. In April, May, September and October the air temperature does not fall below 27°C.

Maspalomas stands out among the resorts of the island of Gran Canaria. This is the most popular and most famous resort of the island. Maspalomas is able to satisfy the needs of any tourist. From almost every hotel you can get to the fashionable promenade, where the calm atmosphere contributes to a quiet walk and solitude. The resort has a huge number of various restaurants or bars offering dishes for every taste.
Puerto Rico. A small tourist town in the southwest of the island, located in a valley surrounded by gardens. Puerto Rico has long been famous for attracting lovers of sea sports. There are also a huge number of various shopping centers and a lot of entertainment, and nightlife is in full swing until the morning.

Puerto de Mogan.
Port Mogan is considered the best tourist city of Gran Canaria. It is built in the style of folk architecture and combines the port and the typical character of a fishing village. The houses, located on the slopes of the cliff, are built on the basis of local traditions: white walls and straight shapes and colored windows and doors. Puerto Mogan is so quiet and peaceful that it is the best place for couples in love who want to be together. Only here you can relax from the hustle and bustle of city life and the crazy pace.

San Augustine- a quiet town with hotels on the first line and a good beach of gray sand. It is believed that San Augustine has the best private medical clinics in the Canary Islands and one of the largest thalassotherapy centers in Europe. This resort may be of interest to those tourists who are too crowded in Playa del Inglés. This tourist town is suitable for a leisurely beach holiday.

Playa del Inglés- a place for those who are not tired of life. After all, she, life, boils here day and night. Playa del Inglés has several times more hotels and apartments than the rest of the coastal resorts combined. On the resort's three-kilometer beach of the same name, there is the Anexo II shopping center, where you can dine in one of the many restaurants and buy every little thing; next to it - water activities. On the island, you can not only relax on the magnificent beaches, but also make exciting trips to local attractions. These are botanical gardens, and historical complexes, and traditional villages and settlements. The Jardín Canario Botanical Garden is one of the main natural attractions of Gran Canaria. The garden is located near the settlement of Tafira. There are more than 5,000 species of plants found in the local nature. Bandam Peak. This is a volcano crater, the diameter of which reaches one kilometer and a depth of more than two hundred meters. From the top of the crater offers an amazing view of the capital of the island of Gran Canaria and the central part of the island.

Artenara- a mountain village located at an altitude of 1270 m above sea level. Artenara is one of the oldest villages on the island and is an architectural phenomenon: most of the old houses here are built into the rocks and at the same time equipped with all modern amenities. Of particular interest is the village church of La Ermita de la Cuevita, set in a mountain cave.

Cueva Pintada. This archaeological complex is the largest in the Canary archipelago. Cueva Pintada Cave is located in the archaeological park and consists of six communicating caves, decorated with drawings of primitive people who lived in these places.

MAJORCA

Mallorca (Mallorca, Mallorca) is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago and the largest island of Spain. The wonderful climate, beautiful nature contributed to the great popularity of Mallorca among both ordinary tourists and world celebrities, some of them, such as Michael Schumacher, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, even bought houses here. Of all the regions in Spain, Mallorca is considered the region with the highest standard of living. As in all the Balearic Islands, the number of sunny days a year is more than 300. The warmest time is from July to August, the temperature rises above 30 degrees, but the Embat sea wind does not make you feel the sweltering heat.
Mallorca is considered the most environmentally friendly resort in Spain, there are about forty protected areas, the island is protected by the state.

Mallorca has a very diverse terrain. Mountains occupy the northwest and east, the highest point is Puig Major, 1445 meters, however this place is in a protected military zone and tourists are not allowed there. The neighboring peak is a little lower, this is Puig Massanella, 1352 meters, the entrance is open for tourists here. Through this mountain range (Serra de Tramuntana) there are 13 railway tunnels. The central part is a large plain, smoothly turning into a rather rocky northern part of the island with steep cliffs and beautiful bays along the coast. There are a lot of windmills on the flat part, which are the official symbol of Mallorca. In the eastern part of the island are the so-called Dragon Caves - unique caves with a beautiful underground lake Martel. In them, tourists are given a rare opportunity to listen to live music concerts.

The island has a lot of entertainment for almost every taste. There are several water parks (Aqualand, Western Park), Marineland Marine Park (according to rumors, the very first dolphin show in the world took place here), adventure parks (La Reserva, Jungle Park), many national parks and reserves, various shows (among them there are even jousting tournaments). Tourists can also take up various sports: windsurfing, diving, cycling, sailing, fishing, horse-drawn races and even just hiking, but special attention is paid to golf. Mallorca has more than 20 golf courses and hosts the famous Open de Baleares and the Mallorcan Grand Prix. Tourists arrive at Mallorca's Son Sant Joan airport. During the summer, this airport becomes one of the busiest in Europe.

Throughout its history, Mallorca has been repeatedly conquered by different peoples, the culture of each of which has left an indelible imprint on the island and its attractions. The island is the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, which was originally an Arab fortress and a Spanish treasury. From time to time, tourists have the opportunity to participate in official ceremonies.

Canary Islands - Tenerife

Tenerife island- the largest among the islands of the Canary archipelago. Since the middle of the last century, it has become one of the most popular resorts in Europe, and this love is fully justified - there is no such unique climate and natural beauty anywhere else. The name of the island can be translated as " white", presumably it was so named because of the peak of the Teide volcano towering above it, covered with snow. The island is divided by a mountain range into two parts: southern and northern. The climate in the south of the island is dry, almost rainless, sunny and warm with minimal fluctuations in average daily and average annual temperatures. In the north it is cooler, high humidity, air temperature is 2-5 degrees lower than in the south. But this is offset by lush vegetation and landscapes of incredible beauty. Tenerife is the only resort in Europe where you can swim all year round, but this mainly applies to its southern part.

All beaches of the island are municipal and therefore free. One of the most famous beaches of the island is Playa de Las Teresitas, located near the capital. Its main difference from most of the beaches of the island is the white sand brought here from the Sahara desert. Almost all beaches are covered with black volcanic sand, which is believed to have healing properties. There are especially many black beaches in Puerto de la Cruz. The coast of the resorts of Las Americas and Los Cristianos is a continuous chain of beaches, the most popular beach in the area is Playa de la Vista, with imported golden sand
One of the most famous and popular resorts is Las Americas. The city was created specifically for tourists, it is located on the coast an hour's drive from the capital. Las Americas has everything you need for a comfortable stay for tourists: many bars, restaurants, discos and nightclubs; hotels for every taste and budget. The second most popular resort is Los Cristianos. This resort is focused on a more relaxed family vacation, so it is popular with European tourists of retirement age. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the first resorts on the island, now it has become a business center, those who are oppressed by the regularity and calmness of resorts come here to relax. And most often, tourists come here for the purpose of shopping and sightseeing.

El Medano is another well-known resort. It is located away from other resorts and has its own specifics. El Medano is a paradise for lovers of water sports, divers. Costa Adeje. The southwestern part of the island of Tenerife is notable for the fact that it is here that Costa Adeje is located, the resort is a continuation of Las Americas, and is extremely popular in Europe. This contributes to the atmosphere of silence and comfort. Everything here is designed for the convenience of tourists. Hotels with a high level of service, comfort, a wide network of shops and entertainment venues. In addition, there is a huge number of small shops for all tastes and budgets. The resort is also very developed sea and water sports. Playa Paraiso is a small resort area in the southwest of Tenerife. "Paradise Beach" - this is how the name of this place is translated into Russian - is located in a rather secluded place, at a distance of 12 km from the center of tourist life in the south of the island - the resort of Las Americas.

In fact, the central part of Playa Paraiso consists of four high-rise and outwardly very similar hotels on the ocean coast, in the names of which the word “Paraiso” is present. Shops, cafes and restaurants are located along the highway that crosses the territory of the resort. The rocky coast is not suitable for swimming, so tourists prefer to sunbathe or by the pools, or go to the beaches of Las Americas, which can be reached by bus (20-30 minutes) or car (10 minutes).

The capital of the island of Tenerife, and one of the two capitals of the Canary Islands, is Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The service sector is primarily developed in the city. Santa Cruz is positioned as a paradise for shoppers; in the central part of the city there are many shops popular among visitors to the island. The city has a developed network of bus routes, there is also a tram line to La Laguna. Santa Cruz has the largest seaport in the Canary Islands, and the second largest in all of Spain. Despite the rich history, the city cannot boast of an abundance of historical sights. Among the architectural monuments of the city, the Palacio Palace (Cabildo) Insular is the seat of the government of Tenerife; Palacio Carta Palace (1742, now a bank), the Church of St. Francis (17th century) in the Baroque style; Pilar church (18th century) with a painted vault.

Ibiza Island

The island of Ibiza is part of the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is not too small, and varied enough not to be boring, and not too large; so that after a few days of rest you will feel at home there.

Since ancient times, the island has attracted conquerors and pirates. The history of the first settlements (Carthaginians) on it dates back to the 7th century BC. The Carthaginians were replaced by the Romans, then the Arabs, the Visigoths, and finally the Catalans. Each of these peoples left a mark on the history and culture of the island. Ibiza is popular not only among Western youth, but also among most of the world's beau monde: artists of all directions, movie and music stars, top DJs, models, millionaires, journalists, politicians and businessmen.

The coast of Ibiza is indented with countless rocky bays, and among the greenery of rural areas, dazzling white houses of small resort villages are scattered everywhere.
The small island has everything to please every taste of vacationers: well-maintained and wild beaches, hotels of various categories, luxury villas, campsites, tennis courts and golf courses, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, boutiques and hippie markets, an old fortress, narrow cobbled streets, wonderful landscapes, fantastic nature, pines, cacti and palm trees.

Ibiza has 58 beaches for every taste and color: fully equipped with a wide range of services, completely wild, beaches for water sports, as well as quiet and cozy - for a serene sleep after a stormy night at the club.
Ibiza is the most fashionable European resort, distinguished by its specific atmosphere, people, nature and, of course, unique megaclubs (discotheques), which are rightfully considered one of the best not only in Europe, but also in the world.

With the onset of night, the island turns into one continuous holiday. Along the embankments and central streets of the cities of Ibiza and San Antonio, a motley crowd of vacationers is moving, mixed with dancers from nightclubs dressed in carnival costumes, transvestites, drag-queens, etc. The nightlife of Ibiza is a unique combination of European youth clubs and Spanish traditional nightlife.

Its own atmosphere reigns in the Playa d'en Bossa area, one of the main tourist centers of the island. It is here that the legendary Space Club, famous for its after-parties, is located. - clubs known for their foam parties, gathering up to 10,000 people every night (Amnesia, Privilege). The night party in Ibiza does not end even in the morning: "After-parties" start at 6 am and last until 3 pm. Then the "movement" continues in music bars and right on the beach.
Every summer, the most famous DJs from Europe and the world come to the island: D. Morales, Sa$ha, Carl Cox, etc., and in winter, DJs from the best clubs in Ibiza perform in the most famous discos around the world.

Spain is a southern European country. It occupies five-sixths of the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The Pyrenees are inaccessible and isolate Spain from other European countries, except for Portugal, located on the western part of the peninsula. Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It borders on land with Portugal in the west, with France (along the crest of the Pyrenees) and the tiny state of Andorra in the northeast, with Gibraltar in the south.

The name of the country comes from the Phoenician "ishpanim" - "coast of rabbits".

General information about Spain

Official name: The Kingdom of Spain

Capital: Madrid

The area of ​​the land: 504.788 sq. km

Total population: 47 million people

Administrative division: It consists of 17 autonomous regions: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Valencia, Galicia, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, Castile-Lamancha, Castile and Leon, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, Rioja, Extremadura, which unite 50 provinces, as well as 2 cities (Ceuta and Melilla), which are independent administrative units.

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: King.

Composition of the population: 74% of the country's population are Spaniards, 17% are Catalans, 5% are Galicians, 2% are Basques.

Official language: Spanish, often called Castilian. In some regions - Galician, Basque, local dialects. The Catalan language, which belongs to the Romance group and is closely related to the dialects of France, is recognized as the second official language used in the media; almost all business negotiations and office work are conducted in it.

Religion: 95% - Catholics, 3% - Muslims, 1% - Orthodox, 0.5% - Jews.

Internet domain: .es

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +34

Country barcode: 84

Climate

Due to the length of Spain from north to south and an extensive mountain system, the climate varies quite noticeably in different parts of the country. The vertical zonality is also clearly visible.

The northern regions are in rather peculiar conditions - the influence of wet sea masses from the Atlantic is strong here, therefore, in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country, mild (from + 8 ° C to + 14 ° C) and fairly wet winters, and moderately warm summers ( from +21°С to 26°С). However, from the north, this region is fenced off by a powerful wall of the Pyrenees (height up to 3404 m), so in mountainous areas the temperature in winter can drop to -7 ° C, and in summer it usually does not warm up above + 22 ° C. At the same time, these same mountains, as it were, block the strongly heated air masses coming from the south, from the territory of Africa, which in summer often leads to an increase in daytime temperatures up to + 32 ° С.

The narrow strip of the coast north of the mountains, according to its weather conditions, already belongs to a temperate maritime climate. Precipitation falls up to 1200 mm per year, mainly in the autumn-winter period. In the highlands, frosts and heavy snowfalls are not uncommon in winter.

The central regions of Spain are located in the high plateaus and mountain ranges of the Meseta, so the climate here is close to sharply continental - day and night temperatures can differ by 10-15 degrees even in summer. Winter here is dry and for such a southern region it is cold (from -4°C to +8°C), summer is hot (up to +30°C during the day) and dry. In Madrid, in summer, the average temperature is around +25°С (at the same time, at night it can drop to +16°С, and during the day the thermometer can exceed +38°С), in winter - about +5°С. Precipitation falls no more than 500 mm per year, mainly in spring and autumn. In the mountainous regions of Aragon and northern Castile, snow often falls in winter. In the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra de Guadarrama, many peaks are covered with snow all year round.

The east coast of Spain is located in the subtropical Mediterranean climate zone. It has dry hot summers and mild winters. In summer, the temperature can reach + 36-38 ° С with an average level of about + 27 ° С, in winter the thermometer does not fall below + 12 ° С, although it usually stays around + 14-18 ° С (the Mediterranean coast of the country is quite long, therefore in the south is always somewhat warmer than in the north). There is little precipitation (500-600 mm per year), mainly in autumn and winter. The water warms up to + 23-27 ° С in summer, so the beach season here lasts from May-June to October.

The Balearic Islands have a subtropical Mediterranean climate. However, due to their position, the islands receive slightly more rainfall than the nearby continental coast of the country. Yes, and summer temperatures here are somewhat lower - + 26-28 ° С with daytime maxima around the mark of + 30-32 ° С. The beach season in the Balearic Islands starts in March, when the water temperature rises to +18°C, and ends in October.

On the islands of the Canary archipelago, the climate is close to tropical trade winds. The proximity of the cold ocean current noticeably softens the summer heat inherent in this entire region, but it also evens out the general temperature background - in summer, on any of the islands of the archipelago, the average temperature ranges from + 18 ° С to + 21 ° С with maxima from + 36 ° С to +38°С, in winter the thermometer does not fall below +12°С with maximums up to +24°С. However, the hot wind "harmattan" blowing from the coast of Africa is able to sharply increase the air temperature at any time of the year, but the summer trade winds almost completely neutralize its influence during this period. The water temperature is even more constant - +20-23°C all year round.

There is little precipitation - from 250 to 400 mm per year, and Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and the southern regions of Gran Canaria and Tenerife are quite arid (no more than 200 mm per year), and the northwestern regions (especially mountainous) are much wetter. Local rains are very strong, but short-lived. Often they are accompanied by powerful thunderstorms.

Geography

Spain occupies the majority (85%) of the Iberian Peninsula. From the northeastern neighbor - France - it is fenced off by the Pyrenees, in addition, it has land borders with Portugal, Andorra, the English colony of Gibraltar and Morocco. In the east and south it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay). Spain includes the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic and Pitius Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Spain controls the cities of Ceuta and Melilla in Morocco.

Spain is the second country in Europe in terms of area (505.9 thousand km2) and mountainousness (average height above sea level - 600 m), population - 39.7 million people.

After Switzerland, Spain is considered the highest country in Europe. Plateaus and mountains make up about 90% of its territory. Almost half of the country's surface is occupied by the largest high plateau in Europe, Meseta (in Spanish - "table"), its average height is 660 m. Meseta is a huge monotonous dry flat space with very hot summers and cold winters. Local residents say this about their land: “We have three months of cold and nine months of hell.”

The most powerful mountain system in Spain - the Pyrenees - consists of several parallel ranges stretching from west to east for 450 km and separating the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. This is one of the most inaccessible mountainous countries in Europe, but also one of the most picturesque. The Pyrenees are especially diverse and beautiful in the central part, where there are glacial landforms, alpine lakes and snowfields. The main peak of the Pyrenees is Aneto Peak (3404 m).

The Spanish Pyrenees is a major area of ​​international tourism with excellent conditions for mountaineering, skiing, cycling, and alpine skiing.

The entire southeast of the Iberian Peninsula is occupied by the Cordillera Betica, which is a system of mountain ranges and ranges. The highest mountain range - the Sierra Nevada - is inferior in height in Europe only to the Alps. Here is the highest peak of the Iberian Peninsula - Mount Mulasen (3478 m).

Valleys, basins and lowlands occupy only 11% of the territory of Spain. The largest plain is the Andalusian, through which the Guadalquivir River flows. In the northeast of the country, in the valley of the Ebro River, lies the Aragonese plain. The lowlands stretch along the Mediterranean coast in a narrow strip.

Approximately 60% of Spain is arid, so the problem of water is one of the most important in the country. The water resources of Spain are distributed extremely unevenly: in the northern and northwestern regions there is an abundance of water, while in the Mediterranean and central regions there is a huge shortage of water.

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

A variety of climatic conditions - from humid in the north to arid in the south - determines the heterogeneity of the flora and vegetation of Spain. In the north, similarities with Central Europe appear, and in the south - with Africa. Traces of forest vegetation in Murcia, La Mancha and Granada indicate that in the past a significant part of the territory of Spain was afforested, but now forests and light forests occupy only 30% of the country's area, with only 5% falling on full-fledged closed forest stands.

Evergreen oak forests grow in the northwest of the country. In the mountain forests there are more deciduous oak species, along with beech, ash, birch and chestnut, which is typical for Central Europe. In the interior of Spain, in some places, small tracts of dry evergreen forests with a predominance of oak (Quercus rotundifolia, Q. petraea), interspersed with pine forests and shrubs, have been preserved. In the most arid areas of New Castile, the Aragonese plateau and Murcia, there are fragments of semi-deserts (usually on salt marshes).

In areas of southern Spain where there is more rainfall, especially along the coast, typical Mediterranean shrub-grass communities such as garrigue and tomillara are present. Garriga is characterized by the participation of local species of gorse and cornflowers, for tomillara - the presence of aromatic labiales (shrub species of thyme, rosemary, etc.), as well as rockrose. A special variety of garriga is made up of scattered thickets of the dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis), very characteristic of Andalusia, as well as communities dominated by tall alpha grass, or esparto (Macrochloa tenacissima), a hardy xerophyte that gives strong fiber.

Animal world

In the animal world of Spain, Central European and African connections are obvious. Among European species, two varieties of the brown bear deserve mention (a large Asturian and a smaller, black suit found in the Pyrenees), a lynx, a wolf, a fox, a forest cat. There are deer, hares, squirrels and moles. The Imperial Eagle is found in Spain and North Africa, and the blue magpie found in the Iberian Peninsula is also found in East Asia. On both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, there are genets, Egyptian mongooses and one species of chameleon.

In Spain, there are also many types of reptiles: lizards, snakes, chameleons, and tarantulas and scorpions are found in the semi-deserts in the southeast of the country. A lot of fish is found in the mouths of rivers and in the Atlantic, mainly sardines, less - Baltic herring, cod, anchovies and various types of shellfish. The Mediterranean Sea is home to tuna, salmon, anchovies, crayfish and spiny lobsters.

Attractions

• Metropol Parasol in Seville
• Abbey of Sacromonte
• Alcazar
• Arena Las Ventas
• Auditorio de Tenerife
• Gothic Quarter

Banks and currency

The monetary unit of Spain is the euro. Euro is equal to 100 cents. There are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Banks are open from 9.00 to 14.00, on Saturday - from 9.00 to 12.00, Sunday is a day off. On the main streets of Madrid, banks are open around the clock.

You can exchange money at exchange offices, hotels and travel agencies, but the best rate is traditionally offered at banks that change without commission, or from a hotel guide. Sometimes they take commissions, but the inscription on the exchange office always informs about this.

With international credit cards, you can get money at any time of the day at ATMs located at almost all bank branches. In most hotels and restaurants, as well as in many shopping centers, credit cards and traveler's checks of the world's leading payment systems are accepted for payment. Some small shops may refuse to pay by card for purchases of less than 3 euros. Be sure to carry identification documents with you, they are often asked to present when paying by card.

When buying more than 90 euros and exporting the purchased goods from the country, it is possible to refund part of the VAT (usually 10%).

Useful information for tourists

If you are asked to stay for breakfast - do not accept this invitation: it is a mere formality. If it is repeated - refuse again. Only after the third time you can accept the invitation, because it will be sincere, and not just a gesture of politeness.

Oddly enough, it is not customary to arrive in Spain at exactly the appointed time, you definitely need to be late for 15-20 minutes.

Visits should never be made during the afternoon siesta hours. At this time, all institutions and shops are closed. On the train, be sure to invite your neighbors to eat with you. They will refuse, just as you should do in a similar case.

Madrid is located in the center of the Iberian Peninsula on the Meseta Plateau (translated from Spanish as “table”), at an altitude of over 650 m above sea level, south of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, on both banks of the shallow Manzanares River (Tajo Basin). This part of the plateau is called the New Castile. In terms of precipitation, the Meseta plateau occupies one of the last places in Europe, so it can be called a real European desert. The hot dry summer is also due to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of the continental type. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 0 ° C. The average temperature in January is +5 ° C, in July - up to +24.5 ° C. On average, about 440 mm of precipitation falls annually in this area, mainly in winter. The water supply of Madrid is fraught with some difficulties, therefore, reservoirs have been created in the Sierra de Guadarrama region, from where water is supplied to the city through special channels.

In the vicinity of the capital, there is vegetation characteristic of the Mediterranean, for example, evergreen shrubs - maquis, gariga, as well as semi-shrubs - tomillars. Maquis consists predominantly of myrtle, juniper, wild pistachio and rockrose bushes. Deer, roe deer and wild boars are common in large numbers. Of the predators, wolves, foxes and Spanish lynxes predominate. The fauna of the plateau is characterized by the presence of several species of lizards, snakes and chameleons. Tarantulas and scorpions also breed well here.

Population, language, religion

The capital ranks first in the country in terms of population, which is increasing mainly due to immigrants. According to the latest data, about 16 thousand foreigners permanently live in Madrid. The population of the capital is approximately 5 million people.

The official language is Spanish. Some districts also allow the use of Catalan, Galician and Basque. Spanish, or Castilian, belongs to the group of Romance languages. Nevertheless, some elements from the Arabic language are still preserved in it, which is due to the long domination of this ethnic group in this territory. Catalan, like Spanish, belongs to the Romance branch, while Galician is close in origin to Portuguese.

The majority of the population is Catholic. The church is separated from the state. Its relations with the main institutions of power are built in accordance with the agreement concluded in 1979.

History of development

Madrid grew up around the Moorish fortress Majirit, the first mention of which dates back to 932. Until 1083, there was a fierce struggle between the Arabs and the Spaniards for the fortress. In the end, the fortress became the property of the latter. The Christian Reconquista, which means “reconquest”, “return”, was started by the Visigothic nobility under the leadership of Pelayo. In 1118 the city acquired great rights in connection with its successful completion. Of great importance for the rise of Madrid among other major cities was the marriage between Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, concluded in 1469. As a result, a gradual process of centralization began, which was completed by the end of the 15th century.

During the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the struggle for the purity of the Christian faith was proclaimed. A brutal persecution of Jews, Muslims, and somewhat later Protestants began in the capital. All over Madrid at that time the fires of the Inquisition blazed. The great-grandson of the famous royal couple, Ferdinand II, entered the history of the development of Madrid as the person to whom the city owed the status of the capital. This happened in 1561. The growth rates were so great that literally in a century the city turned into a major commercial and industrial center of the country. The strengthening of the role of Madrid was due to the political activities of Charles III, who was called the most successful king of the 18th century. During his reign, an unprecedented economic growth was observed not only in the region, but throughout the country.

The 19th century is known as the time of the struggle against the reactionary monarchy. In March 1808, Madrid was captured by French troops. Two months later, a war of liberation broke out, marking the beginning of the Spanish Revolution of 1808-1814. In the 19th century Madrid became the center of revolutions 4 times.

1868 was marked by the creation in Madrid of the Spanish group of the 1st International. The First Republic, however, lasted no more than a year. Under the constitution of 1876, royal power was limited, but the country developed slowly under such conditions.

Madrid since the First World War became the center of the political struggle of various segments of the population. Although formally Spain remained neutral, the economic crisis was growing, and the dissatisfaction of the population increased due to rising inflation. After the military coup in 1923, General Primo de Rivera came to power, who managed to ensure stability in both the political and economic spheres for 8 years. But in 1931, at the request of the anti-monarchist forces, the king abdicated, and the Second Republic was proclaimed.

In the period 1936-1939. Madrid was the place of concentration of the republican forces. Despite the fact that the south and west of the country went over to the side of the rebels under the leadership of General Franco, Madrid remained loyal to the republican government. Nazi Germany came to the aid of the pro-fascist army of rebels. In early November 1936, fascist rebels invaded the outskirts of Madrid. The inhabitants of the city held the defense until March 28, 1939. The defeat of the capital was never officially recognized, but over time this center of resistance was eliminated.

Madrid remained a place of activity for revolutionary youth in the middle of the 20th century. With the accession to the throne of the current king Juan Carlos I in 1975, there have been significant changes in the political life of the country. Spain embarked on a path of democratic development after the popular uprisings of 1981 and 1982 centered on Madrid. The last major event in the history of the development of the capital was its proclamation as a European city of culture.
cultural significance

The cultural significance of the capital of Spain can hardly be overestimated. After all, the city over the past few centuries has become the focus of dramatic and musical theaters, numerous museums and architectural monuments. The historical core of Madrid is located southeast of the area of ​​the former royal palace. Unfortunately, most of the architectural monuments were lost during the reconstruction of the city in the XIX-XX centuries. The appearance of old Madrid with the irregular layout inherent in the medieval city has been preserved only to the southwest of Plaza Puertadel Sol, located on the site of the eastern gate of the medieval city. In this part of the capital, one should highlight such monuments of architecture of the 16th-17th centuries as the episcopal chapel (1520), the Plaza Mayor ensemble, built according to the project of the architect X. de Mora in 1629, and the church of San Antonio de los Alemanes (1624) in the Herreresco style.

In the XVIII - first quarter of the XIX century. Classicism dominated the architecture of Madrid. Architectural monuments related to this period are the Royal Palace (1738-1764), the City Hall, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Feriando", rebuilt in 1774 under the direction of the architect X. de Villanueva, the Church of San Francisco el Grande , the Prado Museum and the Church of San Antonio de la Florida, in which the murals of F. Goya are still preserved.

The rapid growth of Madrid falls on the second half of the 19th century. During this period, Madrid intensively merged with the suburbs. Art Nouveau became the leading architectural style. The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Almudena, built at the end of the 19th century, is the most striking example of this trend in the history of Spanish architecture.

In 1929, a master plan was developed for the reconstruction of Madrid, which was led by the architect F. De Escondrila. During the reign of the Republican government, intensive work was carried out to improve the city. Created in the 1950s According to the new general plan, the city was to be built up mainly in the north, east and southeast. So a number of satellite cities appeared, including Escorial and El Prado.

To replace eclecticism in the 20th century. came modern trends. A striking example of the trends characteristic of this period are the Ministry of Aviation, built under the direction of the architect L. G Soto (Syodad Jardin district, "garden city"), a university campus restored in the 1950s. Central Tuberculosis Sanatorium (1935), Hippodrome "Zarzuela" (1935), Institute of Structures and Cement (1951). The most important work of architecture of the 1960s. you can call the skyscraper "White Towers" architect F. X. Saenz de Hois.

The masterpieces of the monumental sculpture of Madrid can be admired indefinitely. The famous equestrian statues of Philip III (1613), Philip IV (1640), fountains of the 18th century, monuments to X. Columbus (1885), F. Goya (1905), two monuments to M. Cervantes (1835 and 1927), made of bronze, will not leave anyone indifferent.

Madrid is of great importance for connoisseurs of Arab-Moorish art. Here, as nowhere else, one can trace the history of its development from the very beginning to the era of its highest prosperity in the XIII-XIV centuries. There are more than 100 museums and art galleries in the capital. But the hallmark of Madrid can rightfully be called the Prado Museum, which houses priceless paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Bosch, Brueghel, Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Durer, Rubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and many other famous artists. In separate rooms of the Prado Museum, classical sculpture, works of jewelry art, as well as a fine collection of porcelain and coins are presented.

The Archaeological Museum contains valuable exhibits of all the cultures of Spain from ancient times to the present day. Here you can see the richest collections of ancient coins and ceramics. And the Museum of Modern Art of Spain presents the largest private collection in Europe, the Thyssen Bornemissen Art Gallery. The Royal Palace is interesting because here you can see the palace halls, the Royal Library, the Royal Pharmacy, the weapons, numismatic museums, as well as the Museum of Music, Applied Arts and Painting.

The famous Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid. It is popular among tourists because a bear figure made of stone is installed in the middle. Not far from the Puerta del Sol is the Carboneras Monastery, built in 1607, where the most valuable old paintings are kept. The Royal Theater, built in the 17th century, is located next to Encarnacion Square. No less famous is the convent of Descalzas Reales, founded in the 16th century. For several centuries, high-ranking persons stayed here, who donated various works of art from their collections to the monastery as payment for their stay. Thus, at the moment, the museum contains many masterpieces of world art. The Calatravas Church is distinguished by original architectural solutions. The palace of the Dukes de Useda, dating back to the beginning of the 17th century, is of cultural value. The fountain of the goddess Cibeles, which is installed on the square of the same name, is also famous for its extraordinary beauty. The composition is a chariot drawn by lions.

Madrid is home to a large number of large educational institutions. Everyone, including foreigners, is given a good opportunity to get an international standard education. These universities include the University of Madrid, the Catholic University, the Autonomous University of Madrid, the Royal College of Maria Cristina, the Conservatory and the School of Dramatic Art. In addition, there are also special educational institutions in Madrid, for example, the Royal Spanish Academy, the Royal Academy of History, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts "San Fernando", the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences, the Royal Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Royal National Academy medicine. Among the research institutions, one should single out the astronomical observatory and the botanical garden.

Information for tourists

The capital of sunny Spain is one of the most unique cities in the world. The non-stop nightlife magically attracts tourists from all over the world. The economic and cultural life of the city is concentrated on Paseo de la Castellana. It is here that the most expensive shops and luxurious restaurants are located. However, for those tourists who prefer a quiet family vacation, we can advise you to wander along the quiet streets of the old Moorish quarter that have been preserved almost in their original form or visit one of the parks that promise coolness even on the hottest afternoon.

Bullfights are held in Madrid twice a year. According to some people, bullfighting is an extremely cruel and bloody act, but for the Spaniards, and in recent years for most tourists, this is their favorite sight.

Toledo - the ancient capital of Spain

Toledo, located in the center of Spain, near the Tagus River, was originally a settlement of the Carpetans, an ancient Iberian tribe. In the II century. BC e. Toledo was captured by the Romans, who gave it the name Toletum (Tolet). In historical sources, the first mention of Tolet as a Roman city dates back to 193 AD. e. (Toledo is the Spanish version of the name). From the time of Roman rule, fragments of such architectural structures as the circus and the aqueduct have been preserved in the city.

From the 6th to the 8th centuries, Toledo was the capital of the Visigothic state, located on the territory of modern Spain. In 711, the city was conquered by the Arabs, who retained their dominance here until the 11th century. For three centuries, Toledo was ruled by either Arab emirs or Moorish caliphs, against whose cruel and unjust power the city dwellers repeatedly rebelled. Being the center of the Arab emirate, Toledo was a fairly developed city economically; here the production of metal products (in particular, edged weapons) and leather dressing were well established.

In 1085, Alphonse IV the Brave, who had been king of Leon since 1065, conquered Toledo and several other nearby cities from the Arabs. After that, Toledo became the capital of León and Castile. In 1479, after the unification of the Spanish provinces and the formation of a single state, Toledo received the status of the capital of Spain. In the XV century. handicraft production continued to develop in the city: the manufacture of fabrics (cloth, silk, brocade), jewelry, ceramics, etc. In 1561, the Spanish capital was moved to Madrid; the role of Toledo in the economic and political development of the country has been noticeably reduced.

During the Middle Ages, buildings were built in Toledo, which are now historical monuments. In the 9th century, already during the Arab rule, the magnificent gates of Puerta Bisagra Antigua were built in the city, and at the end of the 11th century. - Puerta del Sol. In the X century. the Bab Mardum mosque began to be built, later rebuilt into the church of Santo Cristo de la Luz, and at the end of the 12th century. - Church of Santa Maria la Blanca. By the period of the XIII-XV centuries. includes the construction of bridges-fortifications of San Martin and Alcantara, a Gothic Catholic cathedral, the Alcazar castle (royal palace). 16th century dates back to the construction of the City Hall and the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, created in the Renaissance style and decorated with paintings by El Greco.

From medieval times to the present day, the architectural appearance and layout of the city have not changed much, since the construction of new buildings here has hardly been carried out even in recent decades. The city is bordered by stone battlements, many branched, narrow and crooked streets depart from the historical center of Toledo, some of them rush up the mountain. From the 20th century Toledo is a national reserve of ancient architecture. The former capital of Spain has also been declared a museum city. Here is the house-museum of the outstanding artist El Greco, whose period of creativity coincides with the end of the Renaissance and the beginning of the era of new art of the 17th century, as well as the Lerma Museum, the Provincial Museum, etc.

Until now, the city remains a major center of handicraft production: Toledo blades and banderillas, as well as items for bullfighting, are widely known throughout the world. Now Toledo is the administrative center of the Spanish province of Toledo and the autopomp of the region of Castile-La Mancha. The sights of this ancient city attract many tourists from different countries.