You can pay a hefty fine for throwing garbage into the sea or lighting a fire on the shore. In Mallorca, it’s easy to pay a fine of 750 euros for washing food or dishes in a beach shower.
Don't forget to check the information
The opening hours of banks and catering establishments in Spain are more “friendly” for staff. Restaurants and cafes usually open later than ours; there may be long breaks during the day.
When planning your route in a rented car, do not forget about toll roads, so as not to spend more than planned and not get into a “logistical dead end”, being left without money for travel in the middle of toll roads.
Don't forget about road safety
Be careful: there are many roads in Spain without road signs or markings, and hot Spaniards often drive recklessly, thus showing an impulsive character. Even during short stops at a gas station or store, do not leave your keys in the car door. It is also undesirable to keep particularly valuable items in the cabin. Thefts from cars are not that common, but it is better not to take risks.
By following the above rules, it is easy to get rid of the main potential problems that threaten to ruin a pleasant vacation. It makes sense in your behavior to be guided by basic ethical standards and common sense, then you won’t face any troubles from this side either.
Have a nice holiday in Spain, and read our useful articles about this country ( links below).
Spain will not leave anyone indifferent. Everything the Spaniard’s soul touches is filled with frantic energy: nature, songs, architecture and history. Spain is passion in its purest form.
Spain is a member of the Schengen Union, so to obtain a visa to Spain, Russians need to submit fingerprints. Documents are submitted personally by the applicant (Schengen visa applicant). Fingerprints can be taken once every 5 years. If you have undergone fingerprinting within the last 5 years, you must check the appropriate box on your visa application form.
Visa to Spain
You can submit documents directly to Spanish consular offices or through official visa centers. The full list of representative offices can be viewed. Submission of documents is carried out on a territorial basis, that is, for example, residents of the Ural Federal District submit documents to the Ekaterinburg visa center, residents of the North-Western District must apply to the visa centers of St. Petersburg, and so on.
The process of fingerprinting when obtaining a visa to Spain Documents for a Spanish visa must be submitted no earlier than three months before the intended trip, and no later than two weeks before arrival in Spain. The package of documents depends on the purpose of your visit to Spain (tourism, business, education, visiting friends or relatives, and so on). A list of documents required to obtain a tourist visa can be found.
Download the application form and rules for filling it out. Corrections in the questionnaire are not allowed. Incomplete packages of documents and photos that do not meet the requirements are also not accepted for consideration. Please note that all consular offices and some visa centers in Spain can only submit documents by appointment. You can read more about whether you need to make an appointment and how to do it.
You can obtain a visa at the consulate or visa centers of Spain The visa center and consulate will charge a small fee for reviewing the application and processing your documents. You can read more about tariffs and payment methods. At visa centers you can order additional services, for example, courier delivery of your passport, SMS notification of visa readiness, photocopying of documents, and so on. See more about additional services.
Spain visa centers provide additional paid services If you are denied a visa, the consulate must issue you a notice stating the reason for the refusal. The most common reasons: insufficient funds for the trip, false information about the booked services was provided. In case of refusal, you can file an appeal if you are sure that the refusal was due to a misunderstanding, and you can provide the consulate with documents confirming your case. See more information about filing an appeal.
Resorts in Spain – what to choose?
On the Internet you can find a lot of offers for flights and accommodation in Spain, here is one of them booking.com with a huge selection.
Most often, when it comes to holidays in Spain, most of us think of holidays in Barcelona and the resorts around it. More sophisticated tourists will prefer the southern shores near Malaga. Meanwhile, in Spain there are as many as 17 autonomous regions, and each of them is completely different from the other. \
Traveling through different regions of Spain, it may seem to you that you are traveling through different countries - they are so unique in culture, mentality, climate, and landscape.
The figure of a bull against a sunset background is one of the symbols of Spain Catalonia and Barcelona
Catalonia is a region in northeastern Spain, the capital is Barcelona. Catalans consider themselves a separate nation with a separate state and language, and their presence in Spain is a pure misunderstanding, which they constantly strive to correct. If you call a resident of Catalonia a Spaniard, he will certainly correct you: “I am a Catalan.”
Peaceful demonstration for the separation of Catalonia from Spain Despite the tense relations between Catalonia and the official Spanish authorities, the situation does not at all affect the comfort of tourists. Catalonia is the most visited tourist region in Spain. It has everything you could want on vacation: excellent sandy beaches, excellent cuisine, a rich excursion program.
Cuisine of Catalonia Barcelona
The main pearl of the region is, of course, Barcelona - a city of which there are never too many. No matter how many times you come to Barcelona, there is always a feeling that you need to come back and discover something more. How to choose the right accommodation, deal with transport, food and other everyday issues in Barcelona, read. How to have time to see all the sights of Barcelona, and what to choose first, see.
Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain Costa Brava and Costa del Maresme
Costa del Maresme and Costa Brava are two resorts that stretch from Barcelona north to the very border with France. Closer to Barcelona is the Costa del Maresme. The main advantage of this coast is very reasonable prices, a huge selection of hotels and entertainment for the whole family. It’s hard to find any cons here, there simply aren’t any. You can read more about the resorts and attractions of the Costa Brava.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain Costa Dorada
The Costa Dorada is a resort area that stretches from Barcelona to the south, to the border with Valencia. Costa Dorada is a favorite holiday destination for families with children and laid-back retirees. For active nightlife, young people here go to Salou and Sitges. For good cuisine and long promenades, you need to go to Cambrils and La Pineda, and to feel like a real local, you should rent a house in Comaruga or Torredembar. See more about holidays on the Costa Dorada.
Promenade in Cambrils, Costa Dorada, Spain Valencia and Costa Blanca
Valencia is an independent province in eastern Spain with the capital of the same name. Valencia is more popular among Europeans than among Russians, although recently more and more of our compatriots are choosing it. The only disadvantage of Valencia is that there are no direct trains or planes from Russia; you will have to make transfers to get there. Everything else is a complete plus. You can read more about the sights of Valencia.
City of Sciences and Arts in Valencia, Spain Costa Blanca is a resort area within the autonomous region of Valencia. In many respects, this is the best resort on the entire coast of Spain: the Costa Blanca has the most blue flag beaches, there are more sunny days a year than other resorts in Spain; It is believed that the Costa Blanca has the most affordable prices in all of Spain. In terms of entertainment and attractions, the Costa Blanca is in no way inferior to neighboring regions. You can read more about holidays on the Costa Blanca.
Calpe, Costa Blanca, Spain Andalusia and Costa del Sol
Andalusia is the southernmost region of Spain, which was under Muslim Arab rule for the longest time. It was the Arab influence that made Andalusia so different from other areas of Spain. Andalusia has the most passionate dances, the most fiery macho, the most bizarre buildings and palaces (a mixture of Moorish traditions and Gothic). Everything that we associate with the word “Spain” comes from Andalusia – castanets, bullfighting, flamenco, Antonio Banderas, fluffy skirts with frills and passionate songs with a guitar.
Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco, a traditional Spanish dance. Costa del Sol is a strip of coastal resort towns stretching along the entire southern Mediterranean coast of Andalusia. The center of resort life here is the city of Malaga. Costa del Sol is considered the most expensive and prestigious resort in Spain; the most famous and wealthy politicians, artists and athletes like to stay here. Despite the fact that the Costa del Sol is the southernmost coast of Spain, the water here can be quite cool and only warms up in July due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. You can read more about holidays on the Costa del Sol.
Bullfighting is a traditional entertainment in Spain Basque Country
Of all the regions of Spain, the Basque Country stands out most of all for its “foreignness”. If residents of other regions can trace common roots at least in distant history, then the Basques look like absolute aliens on the Iberian Peninsula. Their language is not similar to any local dialect, their culture and customs are closer to the peoples of the North Caucasus than to neighboring Castile or Aragon.
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain Holidays in the Basque Country are also not similar to holidays in other resort regions of Spain. The coast of the Basque Country is washed by the waters of the Atlantic - this is not a quiet southern sea, this is an entire ocean with all its inherent attributes: strong currents, frequent waves, cloudy weather and rocky shores. The resorts of the Basque region do not have such sweltering heat as on the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca. But here are the most optimal conditions for active recreation: surfing, paragliding, cycling, ecological trails, etc. You can read more about holidays in the Basque Country.
Coast of the Bay of Biscay, Basque Country Spain Canary Islands: Tenerife and Gran Canaria
In addition to the mainland, Spain also includes several archipelagos. The Canaries are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean south of mainland Spain. The most famous resorts among the Canary Islands are Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Holidays in the Canaries are noticeably different from holidays on the mainland. The islands of the archipelago are also noticeably different from each other. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are considered the greenest and most comfortable. Fuerteventura is located too close to the African continent (only 100 km), and the hot breath of the Sahara literally burns out all the vegetation on the island. Lanzarote is completely bare, like a lunar crater due to petrified lava, which spread throughout the island in prehistoric times.
Lanzarote, Canaries, Spain The local population is also not like their mainland compatriots. The Canaritans are distinguished by their own special culture, their own mentality and temperament. The inhabitants of the Canaries resemble Latin Americans rather than Southern Europeans. They don’t eat jamon, don’t like bullfighting, and don’t particularly like fishing and seafood, but they enjoy raising goats and sheep, playing dominoes and petanque, and organizing colorful carnivals.
Carnival in the Canaries Spain Hotels in Spain: what to look for when choosing?
When choosing a hotel in Spain, it is important to understand several common points that are typical for all regions of Spain. Often tourists (especially after holidays in Egypt and Turkey) evaluate European hotels by Turkish standards, and this is completely in vain, because hotels here are focused on a completely different type of vacation. The main advantage of a hotel in Spain is its proximity to public transport stops, grocery stores, and distance to the beach.
The choice of hotels can be made on the website booking.com. Here you will find almost all hotels in Spain to suit every taste.
Standard room for hotels in Spain (hotel GUITART ROSA 3*, Costa Brava) So, what can you expect when choosing a standard room in a standard 3*-4* hotel in a small resort town:
- The room area is small, on average 16-18 sq.m., 99% of the rooms in the hotel are standard double rooms
- The maximum number of guests in a standard room is 3 people, while the sleeping places will occupy almost the entire area of the room. If your family has 4 or more people, you will have to order several rooms
- All rooms have a safe, air conditioning and TV. A safe is available for an extra charge. For the TV and air conditioner remote control they may ask for a cash deposit (10-15 euros, will be returned upon check-out from the hotel)
Hotel “Best Negresco” 4*, Salou, Spain - There are no refrigerators or minibars in the rooms. You can rent a refrigerator for an additional fee (you need to order it at the reception). They often bring antediluvian units, but you still don’t have to choose, the main thing is that they freeze
- Audibility in all hotels is very decent. The country is southern, hot, and building thick walls is not customary here.
Cleaning in most hotels is very mediocre. - The maids are friendly and smiling ladies, but they don’t know how to wipe away dust at all. If you are not happy with something, point with your finger where you need to remove it - it will be done without any problems
Hotel "Sol Don Marco" 4*, Costa del Sol - If you book a city hotel, don't expect beautiful views from the window. Most likely, your balcony will abut the windows of a neighboring building or overlook the roadway (development in resort towns is quite dense).
- The hotel territory is most often equal to the perimeter of the building. As for entertainment, the standard set: a small swimming pool, a bar and a platform for evening shows - all this will be squeezed into the courtyard between the hotel buildings
- It is assumed that in Spain tourists spend most of their time outside the hotel, on excursions or at sea. Therefore, hotel services are kept to a minimum
- The food (most often tourists book accommodation with breakfast or breakfast + dinner) in Spanish hotels is not very varied, but it is good and tasty. Coffee and tea are only available for breakfast. There is a small queue at most hotels for dinner. Food cannot be taken out of the restaurant
Restaurant at the Blaumar 3* hotel in Salou, Spain - A very small number of hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. This type of food is more common in the Canaries, where tourists spend more time at the hotel. In general, “all inclusive” in Spain does not justify itself due to the large number of daytime excursions. In addition, lunch in Spanish hotels is more reminiscent of a menu in a student canteen than a full buffet (such a service is not in demand among guests)
- The most common hotels in Spanish beach resorts are 3*, less often 4*, and extremely rarely 5*
- In the Canaries there is more choice of 4* and 5* hotels than on the mainland; many premium hotels can be found on the Costa del Sol
Hotel “Hostal de La Gavina” 5*, Costa Brava, Spain. In addition to standard hotels, there are other accommodation options:
- Camping – found in rural areas and near cities. This is a fenced area where you can spend the night in a tent or in a car (sometimes campsites rent out separate rooms or sleeping places in equipped vans or houses). On the campsite there are usually paid toilets and showers, small shops with food and household items. One of the cheapest accommodation methods
Camping on the Costa Blanca, Spain - 1-2* hotels are more common in large cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia) and are suitable for accommodation for a couple of nights. Such options are very popular among budget tourists, since 3-4* hotels in large cities are expensive. Most often, 1-2* hotels offer only accommodation as a service; sometimes the price includes a modest breakfast (tea/coffee and croissant).
Hotel “Call”, 1*, Barcelona, Spain - Also in large cities, hostels are very popular - guest houses, where you can rent not a room, but a bed in a room. The rooms come in different capacities (up to 10-12 beds), women's, men's or mixed. The hostels have a shared kitchen equipped with everything you need. The toilet and shower are also often shared (but can also be in the room). Large groups like to stay in hostels (you can take a separate room just for your own), or young people for whom the cost of living is more important than comfort
Javea Hostel, Costa Blanca, Spain - Apartments are separate apartments with an equipped kitchen. Often a separate building is allocated for apartments, on the territory of which there may be a swimming pool, a small restaurant and a store of all sorts. The apartments are convenient for large families, since the cost of living is approximately the same as in a hotel, and the room area is two to three times larger. For the lazy, the apartments offer meals and room cleaning for an additional fee.
Apartment "Salou Suite", Costa Dorada, Spain - Boarding houses - this option is found in small towns and rural areas. The boarding house involves accommodation in a separate room in a private house, where other guests and the owners themselves can live besides you. Guests are usually served personally by the owner and members of his family. In a guesthouse, the level of service directly depends on the hospitality and cordiality of the owners. If you're lucky, you'll relax like at your grandmother's in the village
Guesthouse Ronda, Valencia, Spain - Casa ("Casa" in Spanish - house) is a detached villa, rented as a whole. Sometimes casas are rented out in parts to several families, but in this case each family will have a separate entrance to their half of the house. It is convenient to rent villas for large groups for a long time: in terms of one guest, this option is always cheaper than a hotel
Casa in Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain - A parador is a historical building (medieval castle, monastery or palace) converted into a premium hotel. Can be rented out as a whole or in separate rooms. Such accommodation costs a lot of money, it is sold out a year in advance, but it fully justifies the price. If possible, stay in the parador for at least a couple of nights; you will remember it for the rest of your life.
Hotel Parador in Santiago de Compostella, Spain Transport in Spain
Transport links in Spain are developed simply “excellently”. Whatever way you decide to move around the country, it will be comfortable in every sense.
Transport in Spain runs strictly on schedule. At any kiosk or ticket office you can purchase traffic maps, booklets with tables of traffic intervals and much other useful information.
Metro in Barcelona, Spain In large cities, the most convenient way to travel is the metro. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or special machines at the entrance. Subway maps are sold there. Each metro line has its own color, which is used to mark the names of stations, signs at the entrance, trains, and so on.
Doors in subway cars are not always automatic; sometimes you need to press a special lever or button for the door to open. In general, the Spanish metro is not much different from the Moscow or St. Petersburg, so any tourist can figure it out.
Metro in Madrid, Spain The most popular type of urban transport is the bus. Even small towns have their own network of routes. For city buses, tickets must be purchased from ticket machines, at Tabacco kiosks, or directly from the driver. You can enter the salon only through the front door; the ticket is considered used if it is validated in the bus.
Tickets can be one-time or multi-day passes (the second option is always cheaper). There are also special offers for tourists, where the ticket price includes the use of several types of transport and visits to the most famous museums within a certain period of time.
City bus in Cambrils, Costa Dorada, Spain Usually buses operate only during the daytime (from 7 am to 10-11 pm). At the height of the tourist season, some cities operate night routes. The fare for them is slightly higher than for the day, and the ticket can only be used at night; it will not be valid during the day.
Intercity buses are divided into two types: local (to neighboring towns and villages) and long-distance (when you spend 3 hours or more on the road). It is easier to buy tickets for local buses from the driver.
For long distances it is better to buy tickets at the bus station or online. The most popular carrier in Spain is ALSA; you can see possible routes and prices.
Please note that buses that make long journeys have day and night buses (the latter are painted in dark colors and travel on them is cheaper), and seats on the bus may vary in price depending on the degree of comfort. All long-distance buses are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seats, and often dry toilets.
Intercity bus on the Costa Dorada To travel between cities you can use the train. There are three types of trains: high-speed (for traveling very long distances), fast (they are convenient to use if you move within neighboring regions, for example from Barcelona to Valencia) and local electric trains, which make stops every 7-15 minutes.
Train tickets can be purchased online, for example, or at the ticket office at the station. The ticket price depends on the carriage class (luxury, compartment, reserved seat), on the time of day (there are night and day trains). Discounts are provided for children, students and pensioners. There are often sales and promotions on popular destinations. If you buy a round-trip ticket right away, the trip will cost less than one-way tickets.
Renfe high speed train, Spain Spain has very well developed air traffic. Most large and medium-sized cities have their own airport. Several local airlines offer domestic flights, and sometimes the cost of a ticket can be lower than for a train or even a bus.
The cheapest prices come from low-cost airline companies that specialize specifically in low-cost transportation. The price of such a ticket usually includes only the flight itself; all additional services (meals on board, baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.) must be paid separately. You can find out more about Spanish airports, flights and ticket prices.
Low-cost airline plane at Girona airport, Costa Brava, Spain A taxi in Spain can be ordered by phone, picked up at a special stand, or stopped on a city street with a wave of your hand. All cars are equipped with a meter and a green indicator on the glass or on the roof of the car (if the indicator is on, the car is free).
At night, weekends and holidays, fares are more expensive. There is also an additional charge for luggage. In Spanish taxis it is not customary to pay to the penny; usually the passenger rounds the amount on the meter to a whole number and leaves the change as a tip to the driver.
Taxi in Barcelona, Spain Where and how to eat in Spain?
Food in Spain is not cheap, but there is always a way to save money. A common feature of all national catering establishments is that they work strictly according to hours and close for siesta. Only fast food restaurants, Chinese cuisine and sushi bars do not follow this rule.
In the most popular tourist places, establishments also do not close for siesta, but it is completely unprofitable to eat there, because prices are skyrocketed. It is better to dine where there are more locals and few tourists - a sure sign of moderate prices and excellent cuisine.
What you need to know about food in Spain?
- The cheapest food is at hot food kiosks and fast food restaurants (McDonald's, KFC, BurgerKing, Subway, etc.). The quality is about the same as ours
- You can have an inexpensive meal in self-service restaurants (something like IKEA restaurants and roadside cafes), where there is a buffet of ready-made salads, first and second courses, desserts and drinks. Such restaurants belong to the “economy” category, but the quality of food in them is quite acceptable. They can often be found in train stations, large amusement parks and shopping malls, college towns and residential areas
- In Italian restaurants, prices are also usually very reasonable, unless the restaurant positions itself as a “fine dining establishment.” Their standard selection of dishes is pizza, pasta and spaghetti. The quality of food can vary, but is usually quite good
La Boqueria food market, Barcelona, Spain - Many restaurants have a “menu del dia” at lunchtime – in Russian “business lunch”. This is a set lunch of two or three courses, the cost of which is significantly lower than ordering from the menu. True, this option can only be found from 12 to 13 hours, then the siesta comes, and everything is buried for 3-4 hours
- Some drinking establishments serve tapas as a compliment to the drink - a kind of snack in the form of sandwiches, mixed vegetables, seafood or mini-kebabs. More often, such a service is found in small cities (you are unlikely to find such a thing in Barcelona or Madrid). Considering that tapas can be large and very filling, a glass of beer and a couple of tapas can replace a regular lunch
- The cheapest food option is to cook yourself. It is cheaper to buy food at the market (in small towns) or in grocery supermarkets. In large stores you can buy semi-finished or ready-to-cook foods; they often sell ready-made food that just needs to be heated in the microwave
Grocery supermarket in Tarragona, Costa Dorada, Spain Excursions in Spain
In terms of excursions, Spain is limitless. In every region, in every major city you will find a lot of attractions; you can write a separate article for each locality. Tour bureaus and street agencies in Spain most often offer excursions in English; in Barcelona and Tenerife you can find Russian-speaking groups.
Private guides in Spain In any region of Spain you will find an individual guide who is ready to organize and conduct an excursion of any complexity. The services of private guides are more expensive than group excursions, but the quality will be many times higher, so the prices are quite justified. You can find a suitable guide in Spain on the “Best Private Guides” website. There you will also find prices, excursion options, reviews of the guides’ work, you can communicate with the guide directly through the website and discuss individual conditions.
If you are not ready to pay for the services of guides, buy a ticket for a special excursion bus - there are such in all major cities of Spain. All buses are equipped with audio guides, although there is not always an option in Russian. Museums display signs explaining the exhibition in different languages. In extreme cases, there is the Internet and Google, so finding the necessary information in our time is not a problem.
Audio guide at the Museum of Spain Sights of Madrid
Arena Las Ventas- the most famous bullfighting venue in Spain. The building in the Moorish style was built at the beginning of the last century and today is the largest spectator area in the country. In addition to the bullfight, other performances take place in the arena. There is a bullfighting museum in the arena building, and opposite the main entrance there are sculptures of matadors who died during the show. Address: Calle de Alcala, 237.
Arena Arena Las Ventas, Madrid, Spain Prado Museum- is one of the top five in the world along with the Hermitage, Louvre and Vatican, and has a rich collection of art objects. It makes no sense to list the masterpieces that are kept within the walls of the museum - everyone who has visited Madrid simply must visit here. You will find all the necessary information about the opening hours, ticket prices and additional services on the official website of the museum.
Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain Plaza Mayor- the central square of Madrid. Over its history, Plaza Mayor has seen bullfights, royal celebrations, public executions, football matches and much more. During the Christmas holidays, a huge fair opens in the Plaza Mayor. In the summer, street performers and musicians often perform on the square.
Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain Royal Palace– former official residence of the Spanish monarchs. Nowadays, it is open to tourists, and the royal family uses it only for official receptions on special occasions. For more information about the palace exhibition and opening hours, see. Palace address: Madrid, Calle Bailen, Palacio Real.
Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain Puerta del Sol– the second central square of Madrid, located on the site of the former main medieval gate of the city (“Gate of the Sun”, hence the name of the square). In the center of the square there is a statue of a bronze bear with a strawberry tree - the official symbol of Madrid.
Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain Atocha Station– the building of the old railway station, which is currently used as a winter garden and shopping and entertainment area. Next to the old building there is a modern railway terminal, which now serves passengers.
Atocha train station in Madrid, Spain Reina Sofia Museum– an exhibition of artistic paintings by avant-garde artists of the early 20th century and contemporary art objects. As a joke, residents of Madrid call this museum “Sofida” (by analogy with the famous Parisian Pompidou Museum of Modern Art). The address of the museum is Calle de Santa Isabel, 52, you can see the official version of the site in English.
Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, Spain Madrid Zoo is a whole huge zoological garden, on the territory of which representatives of the animal world of all climatic zones of the planet live, including the rarest representatives of South America and Southeast Asia. On the territory of the zoo there is an aquarium, a serpentarium, a terrarium, and even an aviary with microorganisms. Zoo address: Address: Madrid, Casa de Campo. You can view additional information and order tickets.
Pandas at the Madrid Zoo, Spain Museum of America- this is the most complete exhibition in Europe, telling about the life and way of life of the indigenous peoples of America, the history of the discovery of the New World by the Spaniards, the terrible colonial and aggressive wars, and much more. The museum has very interesting exhibits from the times of the first conquistadors, personal belongings and household items of the first settlers, real Indian weapons and jewelry. Museum address: Madrid, Avenida de los Reyes Catolicos, 6, see the official website
Even Spanish journalists, reading police reports, are surprised - law enforcement officers especially zealously this year began to fine tourists even for such minor violations that they would not have even paid attention to before. At the same time, the amount of fines has increased significantly compared to previous years.
The most popular resort in Spain among Russian tourists is Barcelona. Every day, dozens of planes from Russia fly into this city, bringing thousands of travelers, for whom it is important to remember that you cannot walk around Barcelona as if it were a beach. A tourist walking around the city in a swimsuit or swimming trunks will be fined 120-300 euros. If a vacationer completely confuses Barcelona with a nudist beach and shows up in the city wearing what his mother gave birth to, the amount of the fine will double.
No less strict rules await tourists on another popular resort - the island of Mallorca. In mid-July, the island's authorities released a new set of rules of behavior at resorts, which shocked not only vacationers, but also locals.
So, for example, if you use a beach shower for other purposes, that is, for example, to wash dishes or fruit, this can cost tourists 750 euros.
The authorities also do not encourage noisy companies relaxing on the beach and disturbing other tourists with their fun. On the beaches from Alcudia to Ca'n Picafort, musicians playing any musical instrument will have to fork out 300 euros.
But it will be especially hard for tourists in the city of Alcudia - a large fine has been introduced there for “violating the rules of hygiene in water.” Now anyone who wants to relieve themselves at sea must think about whether they have an extra fifteen hundred euros. However, the main question that worries everyone now is how will the police catch violators?
New rules began to apply on the beaches of Valencia. There, all offenses were divided into “very serious”, “serious” and “minor”. As a result, for the first there is a fine up to 3000 euros, for “heavy” - from 750 to 1500 euros and up to 750 euros for “minor” offenses.
In order for tourists coming on holiday to know what not to do, special information boards were installed on Valencian beaches. For example, on the beaches of Valencia you cannot throw garbage into the sea, trade, walk animals, swim with the red flag raised, light fires, sail on a yacht close to the shore, and much more.
Minor offenses included, for example, washing in the sea with soap or shower gel. Fines of up to 1,500 euros are provided for fishing in the wrong place. And “very serious” offenses are, for example, litter that can lead to environmental pollution or cause an accident.
Even in Spain, pedestrians are better off following traffic rules. For example, jaywalking will cost 80 euros. Moreover, in Spain there is also a fine for “crossing the roadway, including a zebra crossing, too slowly, without any special reason for it” - for this you can also lose 80 euros.
But if you cross the road at a red traffic light, it will cost you 200 euros.
Drivers also face no less “terrible” fines. Throwing rubbish out of a car window will result in a fine of 200 euros. A discarded cigarette butt will cost less - 90 euros.
Fines for speeding range from 100 to 600 euros. Parking in places where the curbs are painted yellow and blue is punishable by a fine of 200 euros. In case of non-payment, the car is subject to seizure. Penalty for “simple” illegal parking - 48 euros, plus tow truck services 60 euros and by 1.5 euro for every hour that the car spends in the parking lot.
And Russians’ favorite parking on the sidewalk will cost 200 euros. It costs the same to drive with a flat tire and park your car in the second row of the road.
Another interesting rule in force in Spain is that sudden braking for no reason, for example in front of a traffic radar, is worth 200 euros. But if the police believe that emergency braking could lead to an accident, then the punishment will increase to 500 Euro.
For talking on the phone while driving - 300 euros. In addition, in Spain, on motorways it is prohibited to leave the car in case of an unexpected stop without a special orange jacket. Failure to comply with this rule will cost 90 euros.
An unfastened seat belt will cost 500 Euro, the same amount - driving a car without a license. Moreover, if the driver is deprived of his license, he still faces prison from 3 to 6 months. If the rights are simply forgotten at home, then you will have to give everything 10 euros and go get them.
Previously EUROMAG I’ve already talked about why tourists are fined in, and. The next country whose fines we will write about is Germany.
Spain is a wonderful land where the sun shines almost all year round, and all people do is dance flamenco, drink wine, eat jamon, take a siesta, celebrate fiestas, smile and do not recognize any rules and prohibitions. Is everything so rosy? Is there anything you can't do in Spain? What questions most often interest our compatriots when it comes to Spain? Here are the answers to the 11 most common Google user queries.
Is it possible to swim in Spain in September and October?
Can! In some places this is possible even in November. Let's start with the fact that autumn officially begins in Spain on September 22 and lasts until December 21. In September, the air temperature on most of the Mediterranean coast of the country differs from August by only a few degrees. In some regions, the so-called “tropical nights” continue, when the thermometer at night does not fall below 20 °C. The sea temperature in areas such as Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja (Alicante, Costa Blanca) reaches 27 °C at the beginning of September, and 24–25 °C at the end. In October, the nights usually become colder, but during the day the summer heat still reigns, and the water in the sea does not have time to cool down. Depending on the year and the region, you can safely swim until the middle, and sometimes until the end of October.
Where in Spain can you smoke and where not?
By law in Spain you cannot smoke:
- in all closed public spaces: restaurants, bars, pubs, discos, shopping centers, educational centers, social centers, libraries, museums, airports, etc.;
- in and around hospital premises;
- on playgrounds and other areas equipped for children;
- in elevators;
- in areas where food is prepared or sold;
- in public transport and taxis.
You can smoke:
- on the terraces of bars and restaurants;
- in areas specially equipped for smokers (and separated from non-smoking areas) in prisons, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals and other similar institutions;
- Smoking is not prohibited in outdoor public places, but each Spanish autonomy has its own rules in this regard. For example, some provinces of Galicia, the Spanish Levant and the Canary Islands prohibit smoking on beaches. The fine for violating this prohibition can be up to €450;
- Smoking while driving in Spain is also not an offense, but traffic rules are not recommended. In addition, if a traffic police agent decides that a cigarette caused the driver to be distracted from the road, he can issue a fine of up to €100.
Fines for smoking in unauthorized areas range from €30 to €600 for minor offences, €601–10,000 for serious offences, €10,001–600,000 for very serious offences.
Is it possible to use marijuana in Spain?
Spain is one of the countries in Europe with a very liberal attitude towards marijuana. Different autonomies set their own rules for the use and even cultivation of cannabis. For example, Barcelona has earned the status of one of the world's marijuana capitals due to the hundreds of clubs that exist here for users of this substance.
Marijuana is one of the most used drugs in Spain, and the country's legislation still does not differentiate between medical and recreational use. The country's criminal code does not prohibit the use of cannabis, but this can only be done within personal space and never in public places. Simply put, at home (as well as in special clubs) it is possible, but on the street it is not allowed (fine from €300). It is not prohibited to grow cannabis at home for your own use, but it is also impossible to call this activity safe from the point of view of the law. If the police suspect that the plant is being grown for sale, you may face criminal prosecution.
Is it possible to buy prescription drugs without a prescription in Spain?
According to Spanish law, medicines for free sale (ETF class - over-the-counter medicines that are allowed to be advertised) can be purchased both in a regular pharmacy and in an online pharmacy that has the appropriate license and has a physical presence. It is logical to assume that prescription drugs (antibiotics, sedatives, hormonal drugs, etc.) will not be sold to you without a prescription, but consumer associations conducted an experiment during which it turned out that many pharmacies do not comply with this rule and can dispense an antibiotic or cough medicine without a prescription with codeine. However, you definitely won’t be able to buy sedatives or psychotropic medications.
Is it possible to enter Spain with a Finnish or any other Schengen visa?
Although people can move freely within the European Union, there are rules for foreigners entering the EU on a visa.
- The first country of entry into Schengen must be the one that issued the visa. If the visa is single-entry, this means that you must spend most of the period in the country that issued the visa, and stay in all other countries (1-5 days) will be considered transit. In the case of a multiple visa, if the length of stay in all countries is approximately the same, the order of visiting them is crucial: for the first entry you should choose the country whose visa is in your passport in order to avoid problems in the future.
- The largest number of trips must be to the country that issued the visa. That is, you can go to Spain, for example, with a Finnish multiple entry visa, but before or after that you must visit Finland at least once, and these should be targeted, not transit visits. In this case, it is the number of entries that is counted, not the days: you can go to Finland twice for a couple of days, and then go to Spain for two weeks, and this will be considered the correct use of the visa. If you violate this rule, the country that issued the visa may refuse to reissue it to you. However, other consulates will most likely issue you a visa.
Where can and where can you not drink alcohol in Spain?
Is it possible to drink alcohol on the street or on a picnic in the park in Spain? In 2002, the country's interior minister proposed the so-called "ley antibotellón" - a law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the street and regulating the hours of their advertising and sale. The norm was not adopted, but some autonomies began to develop regional legislation in this area and took the measures described above. For example, in Madrid, Castile and Leon, the Canary Islands, the Valencian Community and the Basque Country, drinking alcohol on the street can result in a fine of €600. In general, the concept of “botellón” has a very important meaning in the culture of the Spaniards and means “party” with the consumption of a fair amount of alcohol. "Hacer botellón" means getting together with friends to drink and chat.
Each region (and some cities) has its own rules regarding drinking on the streets, so before you enjoy a can of cool beer on a bench in the park, it’s best to check with the locals to see if this will result in a fine. By the way, if the drinker is under 18 years old, his parents will pay the fine for him. A new law in 2017 makes it illegal for minors to drink on the street throughout Spain.
As for alcohol while driving, according to Spanish traffic rules, the alcohol content in the driver’s blood should not exceed 0.5 g/l, and in the exhaled air - 0.25 mg/l. If your driving experience does not exceed two years, the numbers are even stricter: 0.3 g/l and 0.15 mg/l, respectively. Fines for exceeding these limits start from €500, in addition, you can lose several points on your driver's license.
A logical question: how much can you drink without exceeding these indicators? The Civil Guard carefully posted on its Twitter page a sign that will help you navigate this issue. Here you will find another interesting sign. You can also use this handy calculator.
Is it possible to export shells, jamon, wine, etc. from Spain?
Customs rules for exporting items in Spain are not very strict. You cannot export weapons, ammunition, drugs and antiques, as well as things of artistic or historical value. Goods for personal use can be exported with virtually no restrictions. However, there are limits for cigarettes (no more than 8 blocks) and alcoholic beverages (no more than 10 liters of strong alcohol and no more than 90 liters of wine). Without a declaration, you can export currency in the amount of no more than €2,500. For amounts over €8,400, customs will require documents authorizing its export.
Is it possible to go fishing, including underwater fishing, in Spain?
Yes, you can, but to do this you need to obtain a fishing license or permit issued in Spain by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. This document establishes what fish, where, when and in what quantities you can catch. The prices for the license, the documents required to obtain it, as well as the rights that it gives to its owner, vary in different autonomies. In some of them, even a minor can receive such a document.
Generally, all you need to obtain a permit is an identification document (DNI, NIF, NIE or passport) and a receipt for the license fee. In the case of underwater fishing, you will also need a doctor's certificate and an insurance policy that covers the risks of those practicing underwater fishing.
Is it possible to pay in dollars in Spain?
Spain is part of the European Union, and its territory uses the single European currency - the euro. You won't be able to pay in dollars here. If you come to Spain with dollars, they will need to be exchanged for euros. It is best to do this at a bank, but such an exchange will still be less profitable than if you bought euros in your country.
If you have a dollar plastic card (Visa or MasterCard), you can pay with it without problems, but losses on conversion are inevitable.
Is it possible to use a DVR in Spain?
Can. Spanish law does not regulate the use of dash cams in cars. While there is some national controversy over the fact that these cameras record information belonging to third parties without their knowledge, some traffic police agents may use these recordings as evidence. However, the court will not consider them as such.
Is it possible to drive in Spain with a Russian license?
Can. But only if you come on vacation on a tourist visa: your license is valid in Spain as long as the visa is valid. However, in order to feel more confident (when checking on the roads or renting a car), it is best to obtain an international license before the trip or have your Russian license translated into Spanish.
If you have received a residence permit, you have six months to obtain a Spanish driving license. During this time you can drive with a Russian driver's license. Unfortunately, there is no agreement between Russia and Spain on the exchange of rights, and you will have to go through the standard procedure for obtaining a Spanish driving license: training at a driving school and exams (theory and practice). Citizens of Ukraine simply exchange their rights for Spanish ones.
Is it possible to drink tap water in Spain?
Yes, 99.5% of tap water in Spain is drinkable and meets all EU quality standards. The Spanish system of filtration, purification and supply of water is considered one of the best in the world. Although many Spaniards have switched to bottled water in recent years because it is supposedly better than what comes from the tap, experts say this is a myth. The only problem may be the slight chemical taste of this water, which, again, according to experts, does not pose any danger. To get rid of it, you can install a special filter.
There are many reasons to go to Spain. For some reason, Hemingway kept wandering there all the time. He found something Spanish there. In our understanding, it is completely Russian. It is no coincidence that Hemingway, among other “foreign” writers, was considered one of our own. It’s no coincidence that the Soviet hit was “Carmen”, it’s no coincidence that Bizet-Shchedrin...
And in general, Spain is one of the rare truly “masculine” countries in the world. Well, even if you try very hard, can anyone name a more masculine occupation than bullfighting? And who hasn’t dreamed of being on a land that gives birth to such men?
You encounter Spain as if it were inevitable. We need to go. The question of where exactly is quite difficult to resolve: there are no bad resorts in Spain. Nevertheless, you have to choose.
Costa Brava. Considered a cheap resort. An ideal place for those who go to the sea for the sake of the sea. There are many bays here, which means the waves are small and the water is never cold. The child will really like it. There are many family-friendly guesthouses. Not far from Barcelona, where a dad eager for a cultural program can visit numerous museums. In addition, nearby is the town of Figueres with its main attraction - the Salvador Dali Museum. The museum is for all moms and dads.
Between the Costa Brava and the neighboring Costa Dorada there is a unique place in which the Spaniards have placed everything interesting that, from their point of view, can be seen in other countries. Here, on an area of 115 hectares, attractions scattered across five continents are collected. Mother Earth is divided here into the Mediterranean, Polynesia, China, Mexico and the Wild West. And what’s great is that you see here exactly what you’re supposed to see in these areas, that is, the Great Wall of China, the Mayan temple, the jungle, and so on.
Costa Dorada. Famous for its many bays and beaches. The beaches here are completely wild. The resort is not one of the most expensive. Europeans come here with families. Non-family youth also come here. One of the reasons is that there are many cheap three-star hotels here.
Costa del Azahar. Residents of Madrid come here to relax. This means that the Spaniards themselves recognize it as a quite worthy place to spend their holidays (it is unlikely that they are so economical that they choose this coast solely because of its proximity to the capital). The Costa del Azahar is almost inaccessible for Russian tourists, since domestic travel agencies ignore it. But the neighboring resort of Costa Blanca is very popular in Russia.
Costa Blanca. This is where the Russian nouveau riche realize their dream of a luxury villa abroad. Despite the abundance of “new” ones, you can relax here inexpensively and in style. The places here are exceptionally beautiful - the nouveau riche, after all, don’t buy anything in vain.
Costa de Almeria. Quite an expensive resort. In addition, from Russia you have to get to it entirely on stage. Therefore, it is not in great demand in our market.
Costa del Sol. It is considered the most picturesque Spanish coast. In any case, most of the photographs reflecting the extraordinary beauty of Spain were taken here. This is the birthplace of flamenco (so there is a chance to see real, not tourist flamenco). And if you ask a Spaniard where is the best place to watch bullfighting, he will tell you that you have already arrived. Here, according to Spanish standards, she is the most beautiful (if this epithet is generally applicable to bullfighting).
Here is the city of Rondo with the Bullfighting Museum - the oldest bullring. Here are the real Andalusian courtyards that any tourist can see. The descendants of those who built Andalusian houses still live in them. And by agreement with the municipalities, they allow foreign tourists into their house who dream of touching the antiquity. The municipality, naturally, pays the hospitable hosts extra for their cordiality.
The two resorts on this coast that are in greatest demand are Torremolinos and Marbella.
Torremolinos. A place for middle-income people, although there are also very expensive hotels. Historically, European pensioners and European youth come here. Both of them are precisely because of their low prices. For retirees there are quiet courtyards of coastal hotels, for young people there are discos, bars and an international party scene.
Here you can "do some good shopping." It's just a stone's throw from Malaga and Granada, where there are plenty of cheap and high-quality clothes. Yes, and you can get silver (advice from “i”: the Triton Hotel sells the best silver items at the best prices).
Retreat. If you don’t have a lot of money and you live in a three-star hotel that doesn’t have its own beach, know that you’ve saved money. Because in Spain there is no private ownership of beaches. And you can go to the beach of a five-star hotel with a clear conscience. You have the same right to it as that fat-bellied Scandinavian.
Marbella. The most expensive Spanish resort, Marbella, is located near the Costa del Sol. It is also one of the world's most prestigious resorts. The hotels here do not fall below four stars. Every summer and autumn, “money bags” from all over the world come to Marbella. In the port of the town of Puerto Banus adjacent to the resort there are their yachts, on board of which these bourgeoisie like to spend their weekends. And once a year take a promenade along the Mediterranean. In general, everything here is not cheap. And it is organized to such a high standard that cars are allowed to enter the city streets only with a special pass. Even limousines. Ladies who come here have a habit of strolling along the embankment. And it would be nice if they were just walking, so they walk around in cleavage and diamonds. But the worst thing is that the men look exactly the way men who accompany ladies in low necklines and diamonds should look.
There are many luxury villas around Marbella. We have already noted here: the Spaniards know that the demand for these expensive homes is especially great among Russians.
Naturally, Marbella, as a holiday destination for the wealthy, has plenty of golf courses nearby (27 to be exact). And if golf is boring to hell, then you can rent a yacht. And unwind a little in the fresh air.
And in the evening you can go out to the same embankment. And sparkle with Russian diamonds so that the Yankees (not to mention the Germans) will become depressed for a long time. And in the five-star Torrequebrada hotel (only 22 kilometers from Marbella), where the most reputable Spanish casino is located, “ours” will definitely get even with their Western competitors.
The next morning you can go to the old town - of course, if you are interested in walking along the cobblestone streets and, as if by chance, wandering into the orange grove located right on Town Hall Square. And then, ignoring the paid dinner in one of the most luxurious hotels on the coast, eat in a tavern, the walls of which are hung with portraits of bullfighters who visited this establishment. And be sure to eat “jamonserrano” - smoked pork leg (if you do not try this dish, so sweet to the stomach of every Spaniard, then this same Spaniard will never believe you that you were actually in Spain). No matter where you are lucky enough to visit in Spain, you should definitely try (in addition to jamonserrano) gazpacho - cold tomato soup, as well as fried sardines with olives and boquerones en vinagre (small fish with vinegar).
Costa de la Luz. famous for its beaches. They are so huge that even the Rabinovich family (including all the uncles and aunties with their children who left for America, great-aunts and uncles who left with their grandchildren for Israel, and Aunt Khasya, who remained in Odessa out of spite for everyone) will not be able to occupy even a hundredth of the part adjacent to the hotel stripes.
Galicien and Kantabrien. Well, what can I say. The cuisine here is the best. Therefore, these resorts were chosen by the Germans. But not the best weather. Therefore, our compatriots are not very fond of the Spanish north.
Mallorca. The last and most tempting place. The largest of the Balearic Islands. Spain, about which they say that this is not Spain. The Spaniards themselves do not entirely agree with this statement. They know better. The Germans, the first foreigners to recognize Mallorca as an ideal holiday destination, were once dismissive of it. And they even nicknamed it “the island of cleaners,” hinting that even servants can afford a vacation at such a cheap resort. Over time, the Germans changed their attitude towards Mallorca, calling it the “island of surprises”. An unprestigious resort in Germany has become fashionable again. And not only the Germans. Hollywood celebrities buy villas here. Sean Connery was one of the first wealthy Americans to settle here.
The first Mallorcan tourists are recognized as Frederic Chopin and George Sand, who spent the winter of 1838-1839 here. On this occasion, every September in the town of Valldemosa, where these world celebrities spent the winter, the Chopin Festival is held, at which current world celebrities perform. Among other Chopin works, they perform what was written by the Polish composer during his Spanish period. It is clear that there was nothing to do except compose mazurkas - in the 19th century, in Mallorca, in winter. No entertainment. However, in winter you won’t find many of them even now. You need to go to Mallorca in the summer, and even better in September - early October, when it is not so hot, but not yet cold, and the Mediterranean waters washing the island are already clear of the bodies of tourists of different tribes. What is there to argue about - winter time by the sea is for especially romantic natures. But in the summer, those who have not noticed any impulses in themselves for a long time should go to Mallorca.
You are a very serious person. But, despite the seriousness, they had children. So: children, if they find themselves in Mallorca, will remember this vacation until their gray hairs. Here you (or rather, they) have a water park, a dolphinarium, a Jurassic park, and all sorts of completely modern water entertainment.
If you are a very serious person and you have much more money than children, then you should stop at Cape Formentor. Here is the hotel of the same name - one of the most fashionable in Spain. The sea sand here is so fine that it looks like dust. Your friend will definitely like it here.
There is plenty to do in Mallorca for those who have not yet lost their romantic view of the world. And even if you still managed to give birth to a couple of children, then know that in Spain children are not a hindrance to romance. 4-5 star hotels have special programs for children. It is better to find out in advance whether autonomous entertainment for your child is included in the price of the tour. In Spain, they can provide an individual nanny for a child, or they can offer leisure time among their peers. Typically, children have Spanish lessons and sports programs. Since it is much more appropriate for any normal child to hit his “groupmate” in the face with a spatula than his father or mother (and even more so a foreign nanny), it would still be better to place him in a peer group. In the end, in twenty years it will be easier for him to conclude a commercial agreement with a German, whose reliability he once determined with the help of a spatula. It is better to make connections in childhood.
Yes, one more thing for the romantics. If you go a little deeper into the island, you can see “real Spanish life.” But if you decide to talk to the villagers, keep in mind that, as befits true Spaniards, they speak exclusively Spanish. In Mallorca, Spanish is Mallorcan (a dialect of Catalan). In general, there are four Spanish languages in Spain. In addition to Catalan and Castilian, which was recognized as the state language under Franco, there are also Gallic and Basque. And if, while checking the road map, you suddenly discover that on the road there is a completely different village from the one indicated on the map, do not be alarmed: the locality on the sign is simply indicated in the language spoken in this area. It's okay: a real Spaniard in the depths of the island will always tell you where to go.
And to get started correctly, it’s better to rent a car. And not be chained to your hotel and beach. Then you can get to a glass factory where products are blown using 17th-century technology (a vase with a coating that makes it impossible to distinguish it from a product created three centuries ago - and your mother-in-law will love you like her own son). You can also stop by a fair where leather goods are sold. A seventeen-year-old son is unlikely to be happy with the design of a jacket purchased there, but a forty-year-old father will appreciate its quality.
You can only get around all the wonderful caves on the coast by car. And tired of the natural beauty (the coast of Mallorca is so beautiful that you can actually be a little stunned by this beauty), it’s worth joining the spectators of a knight’s tournament in some village. It is even possible that one of the knights will choose your companion as his Beautiful Lady. And then another - the "bleeding" winner - will give her a rose. And he will look at you expressively. Maybe after this the story of Carmen will not seem so literary to you. It is not necessary to go to a bullfight in mainland Spain - it is enough to visit Mallorca to understand that bullfighting is not so much a profession as a national character.
