GENERAL INFORMATION
- Language: Spanish (in some regions: Catalan, Galician, Basque).
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Documents: Valid identity card (for EU citizens).
- Time zone: Mainland Spain and Balearic Islands: UTC+1 (summer time: UTC+2), Canary Islands: UTC+0 (summer time: UTC+1).
- Healthcare: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to the healthcare system.
- Safety: Safe country, but beware of pickpocketing in tourist areas.
- Climate: Varies greatly:
- North (e.g., Basque Country, Galicia): Cooler and rainier.
- Central-southern Spain and islands: Dry and hot.
ROAD RULES (valid for cars/motorcycles)
- Driving License: Valid European driving license.
- Speed Limits:
- Motorways: 120 km/h
- Extraurban roads: 90-100 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 km/h in many residential areas)
- Requirements:
- Seat belts are mandatory for everyone.
- Children under 135 cm must be in an appropriate child seat.
- Use of cell phones is prohibited unless hands-free.
- Alcohol: 0.5 g/l limit (0.3 for new drivers).
- Tolls: Some highways require tolls, but many have been made free in recent years.
- Parking: Watch out for the parking stripes:
- Blue = paid
- White = free (but always check the signs)
- Yellow = prohibited
SPANISH ITINERARY: FROM NORTH TO SOUTH + ISLANDS
Basque Country (Euskadi)
Main cities: San Sebastian, BilbaoSan Sebastian (Donostia): Famous for its Playa de la Concha beach, its views, and its gastronomic culture (pintxos, Michelin-starred restaurants).
Bilbao: Visit the Guggenheim Museum, the old town (Casco Viejo), and try modern Basque cuisine.
Culture: Strong Basque language and identity. Proud people, with festivals and traditional dances (aurresku).
Gastronomy: Pintxos, cod al pil-pil, txakoli (local white wine).
Cantabria and Asturias
Main locations: Santander, Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Gijón
Green nature, mountains, and the sea. Perfect for hiking.
Oviedo: An elegant city rich in pre-Romanesque art.
Food: Fabada asturiana, Cabrales cheese, cider (drinking with a special ritual!).
Galicia
Main cities: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo
Santiago: The final destination of the Camino de Santiago, a spiritual city with an iconic cathedral.
Culture: Strong Galician identity, Galician language, Celtic influence.
Food: Pulpo a la gallega, empanadas, Albariño (wine).
Castile and León
Cities: Burgos, León, Salamanca, Segovia
Medieval monuments, cathedrals, historic universities (Salamanca).
Segovia: Roman aqueduct and the "Coronation" castle.
Gastronomy: Cochinillo asado, hornazo, Ribera del Duero wines.
Madrid (Center)
Capital of Spain
Museums: Prado, Reina Sofia (Guernica), Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
Iconic sites: Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park.
Culture: Cosmopolitan, nightlife, tapas.
Gastronomy: Cocido madrileño, calamares bite, churros with chocolate.
Castilla-La Mancha
Places: Toledo, Consuegra, Cuenca
Toledo: medieval city with Christian, Jewish and Muslim influence.
Consuegra: Don Quixote’s famous windmills.
Gastronomy: Manchego, perdiz estofada, mazapán.
Extremadura
City: Mérida, Cáceres
Mérida: Roman ruins (theatre, amphitheatre).
Gastronomy: Iberian jamón de bellota, migas extremeñas, queso Torta del Casar.
Andalusia (South)
Cities: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz
Seville: Cathedral, Giralda, Alcázar.
Córdoba: Mosque, Jewish Quarter.
Granada: The Alhambra.
Málaga: Picasso’s birthplace, beautiful coastline.
Cádiz: One of the oldest cities in Europe.
Culture: Flamenco, Moorish architecture, fairs, Holy Week.
Food: Salmorejo, tapas, fried fish, sherry.
Islands
Balearic Islands
Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Majorca: Serra de Tramuntana, Palma.
Ibiza: nightlife, but also quiet villages.
Menorca: pristine beaches.
Gastronomy: ensaimada, sobrasada, lobster casserole (Menorca).
Canary Islands
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura
Volcanic landscapes, tropical climate year-round.
Tenerife: Teide, Santa Cruz.
Lanzarote: works by César Manrique.
Food: wrinkled papas with mojo, gofio, fresh fish.
Final tips
Ideal time: spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) to avoid extreme heat and crowds.
Transportation: AVE train to major cities; car to inland regions.
Local languages: In addition to Spanish, you’ll find Basque, Catalan, and Galician.
On Lusavi.com you will find: Vacation rentals in Spain | B&Bs in Spain | Hotels in Spain | Guesthouses in Spain | Farmhouses in Spain | Apartments in Spain | Room rentals in Spain