Spain Guide

With its many sea ports like Barcelona, Santander or Bilbao, and Balearic Islands too, then taking a ferry to Spain is an ideal way to enjoy the sun, superb food, local wine and hospitality.

In Northern Spain there are splendid beaches, historic ports along the Bay of Biscay, lush green valleys and the Picos de Europa, which are among Spain`s highest peaks, rising abruptly from the sea, and dotted with quaint mountain villages. Spain's climate varies from variable in the north to dry and hot in the south. The best months are from April to October, although July and August can be very hot.

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Travelling in Spain

There are Spain ferry sailings from Algeciras to Tangier and Ceuta (North African enclave); Málaga and Almeria to Melilla (North African enclave); Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante to the Balearic Islands; and Cádiz to the Canary Islands. By train, the AVE rail service connects Madrid and Seville in 2hr: 15m, with several services each way via Córdoba.

Trains also stop at Ciudad Real and Puerto Llano. By car, motorways are well-maintained and connect Spain north and south - many of these are toll roads. Main roads between major cities are generally fast and well-maintained. Be careful, however as rural roads can be of poor quality.

Things to see

As well as spending time in the magnificent cities of Barcelona and Madrid, you should visit the ancient Spanish capital of Toledo. The city is dominated by the magnificent cathedral and Alcazar and is proud of its collection of paintings by El Greco, who lived and painted in Toledo.