• Travel Guide
• Eating Out
• Towns

Spain Regional Travel Guide

Spain is so much more than just a succession of glorious beaches. While it is rightly favoured by sun worshippers, it is also a land with rich culture and a wealth of both architectural and historical interest. For every golden, sandy beach, there is a beautiful mountain village; for every hidden cove, there is a picture postcard fishing port. Whether you crave excitement or relaxation, you will find it here in Spain.

You will not need to take much in the way of food to Spain, though a few basics might be useful. It should be noted that most imported goods are very expensive in Spain. Supermarkets (‘supermercado’) are the easiest and cheapest places for food shopping, though small general shops (‘alimentacion’ or ‘comestibles’) are usually quite well stocked. There are few specialised food shops apart from bakers (‘panaderia’); butchers and greengrocers are often hard to find. For general shopping in larger towns in Spain, department stores (e.g. ‘El Corte Inglés’ or ‘Galerias Preciados’) stock a wide variety of goods. Probably the most striking thing about shopping for food in Spain is the exceptional range and quality of seafood, though prices are not necessarily particularly low. In comparison, cuts of meat are limited and quality can vary quite a lot; pork is usually a good buy and lamb is reasonable. Many supermarkets in Spain have a separate counter for cheeses and cold meats. The Spanish are very fond of hams, which you will see hanging up in all the bars and food shops. These are not cheap but they are very good. Both imported and native cheeses are available, the most famous in Spain being ‘Manchego’. This is sold at a wide variety of prices and ages and it is perhaps a good idea to ask to taste some before buying. Most other foodstuffs are very similar to those in Britain. Bread can be heavy though - rolls are often more palatable. The tea sold is reasonably good, but very expensive. Generally shops in Spain open from about 9.00/10.00 a.m. until 1.00/1.30.p.m, when they close for the traditional ‘siesta’, and re-open at about 3.00/3.30 p.m. until 7.30/8.00 p.m. Larger stores are open right through the day. Normally, shops are closed on Sundays, but this may vary in holiday areas.

You will need an international driving licence whilst in Spain if your current one does not conform with EC format (pink-coloured licence). This can be obtained from the AA or RAC, for a small charge, upon presentation of your British driving licence and a passport-size photograph. You need not be a member. Bail bond cover will be included in our Car Breakdown insurance, otherwise it can be obtained through your own car insurance broker. Please note that third party car insurance does not extend automatically to Spain. It is, therefore, highly recommended that you take out Green Card insurance. Spain is reputedly the second most mountainous country in Europe so, although main roads are generally of a reasonable standard, they may be winding and driving is slow. Roads in coastal areas are often busy as well. Secondary roads (marked C) tend to be narrow, rough and dusty. Particular care is needed in villages and smaller towns in Spain where streets do not always have pavements.

Motorists travelling to or transiting Spain are reminded that, as from March 2000, it has become a legal requirement to carry (in all vehicles), two red warning triangles. These are to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle. It is also a requirement for reflective safety jackets to be worn by the driver and any passenger who alights. Failure to comply may result in the imposition of a spot fine. This requirement is in addition to the need for drivers to carry a spare wheel and a full set of bulbs plus the tools to change them. An accident in Spain can be a very serious matter. It is strongly recommended that you have a bail bond with a Spanish translation (see above) to avoid imprisonment or confiscation of your car. For emergency services dial 091 for police, 092 for medical assistance and 080 for fire service in Madrid, Barcelona and other main towns in Spain; otherwise dial the operator.

Holiday parcs in Spain

> El Delfin Verde - View video » a great beach holiday in Costa Brava
> Cypsela - View video » a luxury family camping holiday
> Internacional de Calonge - View video » family holiday resort Spain
> Park Playa Bara - View video » an active activity beach holiday
> Las Dunas
> Playa Tropicana
> Castell Montgri - View video » ideal holiday for teenagers
> Cambrils Park - View video » Luxury beach holiday
> Cala Gogo - View video » activity holiday Spain
> Camping L´Ametlla Village Platja
> Camping Tucan
> Playa Montroig Camping Resort
> Vilanova Park