Spain

Spain is gateway to Europe and Africa depending on where you enter. There are plenty of Spain travel blogs you can consult to decide where you want to cross the Straits of Gibraltar which separates the Iberian Peninsula from North Africa by less than 9 miles of seawater, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. On the cultural front, Spain embodies fiery passion; one look at ‘flamenco’ dancers and red-caped ‘matadors’ (bullfighters) and you feel blood coursing through your veins. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed, too. This is the land of melt-in-the-mouth ‘jamon Iberico,’ unbelievably expensive black truffles, and the more ubiquitous ‘tapas.’ Read up on the Spain travel blog to find out which restaurants serve the best of each kind.

If Spain’s architecture is a banquet, you will definitely leave the table full. There’s the yet-to-be-completed La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi, and Pablo Picasso’s cubist but voluptuous ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.’ Bordered by the Mediterranean to the east, the Spanish Riviera Costa del Sol and Costa Daurada, and offshore islands like the Canaries and the Balearic, attract sun-seekers and party-lovers of all types. A plethora of Spain travel blog should help you decide where to stay to get the best deals and the most sunshine. While not as touristy, the Spanish Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa demand only the fittest of hikers, as El Camino de Santiago demands only the most determined of pilgrims.

Spain Travel Blog Tips and Hints:

  • Siesta: The Spanish usually take as long as two-hour breaks to sleep off the heat. This afternoon naps or ‘siesta’ usually take place before 3PM until 5PM, which means that shops and offices are closed around this time, unless you do business with Chinese immigrants. This actually works quite well with the Spanish as their breakfasts are the American equivalent of brunch; their lunch can be as late as 2:30PM and their dinner at 10PM.
  • Language: The official language of Spain is Castilian as this is the dominant language of Castile, one of the kingdoms which laid the foundation for modern Spain by personal union to the kingdom of Aragon. While that is widely spoken in Madrid, Barcelona is partial to Catalan, the northeast to Basque, Asturias to Asturian. Read some Spain travel blogs to learn helpful phrases that will break the ice.
  • Transport: Spain’s public transport is centralized so you can easily connect from Madrid to Catalonia, Galicia, West Andalusia, Extremadura, Valencia and the Basque Country. If you wish to go the coastal route, Spain’s Atlantic and Mediterranean routes are also well-serviced. In fact, Spain has one of the most developed and extensive rail network in Europe, and fastest too. Check Spain travel blogs for schedules and intermodal itineraries.
  • Safety: Spain is generally very safe to travel, although standard precautions – do not walk an unlit street alone, do not leave valuables unattended – apply. It is also frowned upon to be drunk and rowdy, so try to avoid getting dragged into an argument when you are high in ‘spirits.’