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 Coma Ruga 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

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Tips and photos on the best time to relax in Spain by the sea: reviews from tourists.

Distant Spain has always attracted Russian tourists. But high prices for flights and vacations, as well as tourists’ lack of awareness of the country’s climate, often turned vacations into a nightmare, which not everyone dared to repeat. To make sure your holiday in the country goes perfectly, let's look at photos and videos and find out reviews from tourists about the best time to relax in Spain at sea and where. Having learned useful information, you can organize your own trip and enjoy the luxurious resorts and beaches of Spain.

High tourist season in Spain.

Everyone knows that Spain is a warm and even hot country. Winter here passes with an average air temperature of +15 degrees. but in this weather you can’t go shopping, so in winter there are only tourists who love excursions and sights. But with the onset of summer, it becomes hot and crowded here.
Why is it summer, already in May at local resorts there is sometimes nowhere to fall. And when June comes, there is no place at all on the beach. The peak beach season is in July and August. The country's beaches are filled with tourists from Europe and local residents.

Here's what Elena says about holidays in Spain:
“My friend and I vacationed in Spain in August last year. The weather was great, sun and warm sea. But there were so many tourists that it seemed like one huge anthill! Tourists are everywhere: on beaches, in cafes, at exhibitions and in cities. Various foreign languages ​​are heard from all sides. Everywhere there is shouting, laughing and having fun. The only consolation is the warm sea and sunny weather. But we have already decided that next time we will fly to Spain in the fall or early spring.”

Yes, during peak season there are more tourists than locals. But it must be said that there are explanations for this. It's not just the weather that attracts tourists. Chic modern hotels, well-maintained beaches and incredible views of nature - this also plays a role.

The most favorite holiday destinations for Russians are the Canary Islands and Mallorca. Everyone wants to get here, although there are thousands of other equally luxurious resorts in the country. Recently, Russians have increasingly begun to pay attention to the Costa Brava resort. This is a great place for a family holiday and a holiday with children.
Barcelona is another city where any tourist wants to go. But not everyone knows that there are almost no resorts and beaches in the city itself. They are all located a short distance from the city.

When is the beach season in Spain?
As mentioned above, in May there is nowhere for an apple to fall at the resorts. But tourists begin to appear on the beaches in April. These days the sun shines brightly and warms quite well. The daytime air temperature rises to +27 degrees, but the sea is still cool, no more than +22 degrees. Few people dare to enter it. Mostly tourists prefer to bask and sunbathe in the sun.

The beach season officially opens in June. At the beginning of summer it immediately becomes hot, and the thermometers show a mark of plus 30 and above. The sea also warms up to optimal temperatures, up to +25 degrees.
July and August are the peak months for beach holidays. to get here these days you need to book a tour and a hotel six months in advance, otherwise you may not get on vacation or significantly overpay.

September and October are the two autumn months when tourists are in a hurry to leave the country and the beaches. These days the sun becomes smaller, but it is also warm and the sea is in no hurry to cool down.

Margo:
“I was in Tenerife in October. I thought it would be cool, but in fact the weather was great. Daylight lasts more than 10 hours, the sun shines for 7-8 hours. It only rained for two days. There is no heat, no stuffiness and you can calmly lie on the beach even at lunchtime. I was very pleased with the sea, which felt even warmer than the air. The evenings did not get any cooler; the weather was warm and comfortable for walking around the city and along the sea. And at this time of year there are many holidays and festivals, which is very pleasing.”

Velvet season in Spain: when?
There is a velvet season in all countries that have a sea and resorts. In Spain it begins in September, around the twentieth, and lasts until the end of October. The closer to the end of October, the cheaper it becomes to vacation in the country. But the weather can also bring its own surprises. Although, according to statistics, the weather in Spain in autumn is warm, it also rains here. They occur especially often in October, when calendar winter is already approaching.

And the Atlantic Ocean. We collected their pros, cons and pitfalls. Read it!

Spain has been synonymous with excellent holidays for several decades.

Among the popular summer destinations you can easily find the bustling Salou, luxurious Marbella, the Canary Islands in all their diversity or the Costa Dorada with its golden sands.

Spain is washed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. In order not to make a mistake with a resort, it is worth knowing the features of each of them.

Let's take a quick look at the key locations.


Resorts of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea

Alicante

Alicante is the center of the province of the same name and one of the main resort towns on the Costa Blanca. From an ordinary port, it has turned into a place with modern infrastructure, medieval and Moorish architectural monuments, long beaches and quality gastronomy.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

Pros of Alicante:

  • Proximity to the international airport - one of the largest in Spain;
  • The presence of a well-groomed embankment is an excellent place for walking at any time of the day;
  • Long beaches covered with clean sand;
  • Historical monuments of different eras;
  • Availability of shopping streets;
  • Lots of vibrant festivals during the summer season;
  • Opportunities for family recreation.

Cons of Alicante:

  • Mountainous terrain around and little greenery;
  • Violent nightlife in the center - the noise can be heard in neighboring hotels.

Climate in Alicante and best season for holiday:

Precipitation in Alicante occurs only in winter. In other seasons the climate is dry and mild. The temperature at the height of summer is about +30 ˚C, in winter - from +13 ˚C. You can swim from the end, but it is better to come in August-September, when the sea is warmed up to +24˚C.

Notable places near Alicante:

There are nearby attractions for families with children, such as the amusement park and aquarium of the neighboring town of Santa Pola. It's worth taking a trip to the nearby vibrant city of Benidorm, an hour's drive to Murcia to admire the architecture, or spending time in the Sierra Helada National Park.


Salou

Salou is the tourist center of Catalonia with a 7 km coastline. This is the gastronomic capital of the Costa Dorada, a favorite holiday destination for young people and families with children. Salou's calling card is the famous Port Aventura, which can only be rivaled in popularity by Disneyland.

Pros of Salou:

  • Clean beaches without jellyfish and sandy seabed;
  • Lots of budget apartments and hotels;
  • Restaurants of various categories: from family cafes to establishments from the Michelin guide;
  • A lively embankment with dozens of entertainment options;
  • Abundance of greenery;
  • Availability of hiking trails for long walks in nature.

Cons of Salou:

  • Few historical attractions;
  • Distance from Barcelona - travel time will be less than 1.5 hours.

Salou climate and best season for holiday:

Salou has a mild climate. There are warm winters (up to +20 ˚C) and hot, dry summers (on average +30 ˚C). You can relax comfortably on its coast when there are still few tourists, or when the sea is perfectly warm. and August is the time of maximum temperatures, which is when attendance peaks.

Notable places near Salou:

Barcelona is 112 km away. Despite this distance, it is rare that a tourist denies himself the pleasure of visiting the capital of Catalonia. From Salou it is convenient to travel to the neighboring, historical and to Reus - the homeland of Gaudi.


Marbella

For lovers of a sophisticated holiday, Marbella is a long-loved resort 58 km from Malaga. The best restaurants and hotels in Spain are located here, although a century ago, on the site of Marbella there was an ordinary fishing village. The local beaches are all perfect: with clear sea, fine clean sand and developed infrastructure, although there are secluded bays.

Pros of Marbella:

  • Proximity to Malaga airport;
  • High level of service;
  • Nice sandy beaches;
  • Availability of both luxurious and affordable hotels;
  • The picturesque Old Town with monuments from the 15th century;
  • Lowest crime rate in Spain - high level of security;

Cons of Marbella:

  • Prices in many shops and restaurants are higher than in other Spanish cities.

Marbella climate and best season for holiday:

Marbella has a mild climate without stuffy summers and cold winters - this is due to its proximity to the mountains, which protect the resort from sudden temperature changes. In summer the air warms up to +28 °C, in winter - up to +16 °C. You can swim from June to , and the best months for relaxation are August and early September, when the sea warms up to +24 °C.

Notable places near Marbella:

In Marbella itself and the surrounding area there are several botanical gardens with collections of rare trees for summer walks. You can also explore the neighboring cities of Estepona and Fuengirola, go to the Las Nieves Natural Park - a mountain range with exciting routes for lovers of canyoning, mountaineering and trekking, buy an excursion to Gibraltar or spend a day in Malaga - a large city with good beaches and historical monuments.


Resorts of Spain on the Atlantic Ocean

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is called by many the most beautiful Spanish resort on the Atlantic coast. If there are several reasons to agree with this statement: the city is famous for its sandy beaches, extraordinary nature and unique architecture, thanks to which San Sebastian is called “little Paris”.

Pros of San Sebastian:

  • There is an airport just 20 km from the city;
  • A less popular destination than the Mediterranean coast;
  • Local gastronomy (abundance of seafood, Basque cuisine);
  • Clean and calm sandy beaches;
  • There are suitable conditions for windsurfing;
  • Ancient architectural monuments and historical quarters;
  • Active cultural life - concerts, International Film Festival and jazz festivals are held.

Cons of San Sebastian:

  • Precipitation is more frequent than on the Mediterranean coast.

The climate of San Sebastian and the best season for vacation:

Weather conditions in San Sebastian are both an advantage and a disadvantage of this resort. On the one hand, the climate here is ideal for those who cannot stand the heat. In summer the air warms up to +25 °C, and the ideal wind for surfing often blows. On the other hand, the season here is shorter than in the resorts of Mediterranean Spain. Already in September, rains in San Sebastian are not uncommon, and with the beginning of October strong waves arrive.

Notable places near San Sebastian:

San Sebastian is just a stone's throw from France - tourists often travel to Biarritz, France. The trip to Spanish Bilbao will take about an hour. Here you can see a different Spain with examples of modern architecture. In 3.5 hours by train or bus you can reach Zaragoza, a city where Jewish, Spanish, Christian and Arab monuments are mixed.


Tenerife

When talking about resorts in Spain, we cannot limit ourselves only to those located on the mainland. Its islands are no less charming, and Tenerife is an example of this. It is the largest island of the Canary archipelago with unspoiled nature, volcanic beaches and opportunities for active recreation. Some tourists go to Tenerife for treatment - the island is rich in thermal springs. Others prefer hiking along special trails in National Parks, windsurfing or visiting ancient cities.

Pros of Tenerife:

  • The nature of the island and the abundance of greenery - the largest National Park of the Canary Islands is located here;
  • There are 2 airports on the island that serve international and domestic Spanish flights;
  • A wide choice of cities for relaxation: from the bustling Las Americas in the south to the calm northern Puerto de la Cruz;
  • Exotic beaches with volcanic sand, which has beneficial effects on health;
  • Stable wind for windsurfing;
  • Availability of health centers for those wishing to improve their health;
  • Authentic cuisine - you can try dishes of the indigenous population of the island;
  • A large selection of entertainment for children (Loro Park, Eagle Park, Siam Amusement Park, Monkey Park).

Cons of Tenerife:

  • Some sandy beaches are artificial;
  • You will have to carefully choose a place to relax: in the south the sea is warmer and the coast is less susceptible to waves than in the north, where ocean currents influence the water temperature.

Tenerife climate and best season for holiday:

Tenerife has stable weather throughout the year, which is why it is called the island of eternal spring. But in winter it rains more often and the wind gets stronger. The best month to travel to Tenerife is September, when it is warm like summer and the ocean warms up to +25 °C.

Notable places near Tenerife:

From Tenerife there are excursions to the majestic cliffs of Los Gigantes. While on a yacht, you have the opportunity to see whales. It is also convenient to visit the islands of Gran Canaria and La Gomera from Tenerife, which are not inferior to it in beauty.


Cadiz

Cadiz is the heart of Andalusia and a city recognized as one of the oldest in Europe. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that it has preserved historical monuments: a Roman theater, one of the largest Cathedrals in Spain, baroque churches and medieval fortresses. Cadiz is famous for its amazingly beautiful beaches, which belong to the Costa de la Luz. You don't need to go far: wide beaches with golden sand stretch along the entire city. Cadiz is suitable for tourists who want to combine an educational holiday with a carefree pastime on the coast.

Pros of Cadiz:

  • Luxurious and clean coastline;
  • Interesting Old Town, which can be explored in a couple of days;
  • A combination of traditional beauty, resort atmosphere and modern urban infrastructure;
  • Excellent fish restaurants, famous for their variety of dishes;
  • The oldest botanical garden in Spain is located here.

Cons of Cadiz:

  • Strong winds may blow;
  • Due to ocean currents, the water is cooler than in the Mediterranean Sea.

Cadiz climate and best holiday season:

Cadiz has a moderately warm climate (called Mediterranean-oceanic) with rare precipitation in the summer. In August, the air in Cadiz warms up to +29 °C, the water - up to +23 °C. This month, along with July and September, is the best time to visit. In winter, the air in Cadiz warms up to +15 °C.

Notable places near Cadiz:

From Cadiz it is convenient to travel to Seville - the journey time is 1.5 hours. This is a unique city that will give you an idea of ​​the real Spain. Seville is filled with shops, palaces, and ancient churches. The opportunity to attend a flamenco show is not to be missed.

You can explore the surrounding area by water - boat trips along the Strait of Gibraltar are organized from Cadiz. This is an opportunity to visit nearby port cities and see dolphins. In 20 minutes from Cadiz you can reach the Aqualand water park with dozens of calm and extreme attractions for guests of all ages. The water park has well-maintained green areas and places for a family picnic.

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This is why we fell in love with Spain so much - seaside holidays, the best places, many attractions and, of course, unforgettable landscapes and uniquely beautiful nature. Plus, for holidays 2018 Spain offers the best prices and at the same time comfortable living conditions. But there are so many good holiday destinations in this country that it can sometimes be difficult to choose.

Why Spain attracts Russian tourists

Where is the best place to relax with children in Spain? Safari in Mallorca, "Children's Sea", a hotel in the trees in Catalonia, excursions to caves, the healthiest aquarium in Europe, sandy beaches, attractions and water parks in the country's family-friendly resorts.

Spain is an excellent choice for a family holiday, because here you will find everything you need for a pleasant stay:

  • Not only adults, but also young children will be captivated by the rich history and amazing architecture of Spain;
  • The hotels offer guests a European level of service and reasonable prices for accommodation;
  • Local residents adore babies, so they treat them very kindly. The Spaniards know how to have fun and are cheerful; colorful holidays and carnivals with fireworks are often held in cities;
  • Spain has a warm, mild climate; in summer it is not very hot here, and the sea warms up to the optimal temperature;
  • You can relax on the islands - the Canary Islands or Mallorca, as well as on mainland Spain;
  • There is a lot of entertainment for little tourists, for example, Port Aventura is practically the largest amusement park in all of Europe;
  • Tourists with children are also attracted by hundreds of kilometers of sandy golden beaches and the unique nature of Spain.

And if you have already decided to go on vacation with your children, then you need to choose the right place and time, but also the hotel.

Hotels for small family members

It is impossible to imagine a complete vacation with your family without its smallest members. Most parents are just waiting for the moment when their baby grows up a little and reaches at least three years of age. However, even in this case, the trip will require preliminary and thorough preparation from the parents, where the most important thing is to choose a hotel complex that, even if only for a while, will become their home.

In Spain, it is difficult to choose hotels for holidays with children, because they number in the hundreds, are located in different areas and have different star ratings, but it is not at all necessary to rent a room in a 5-star all-inclusive hotel, but also to check into a hotel less than 3 stars not worth it. When preparing for your trip, be sure to check the following:

  • Is there any help from a nanny?
  • Is it possible to install a baby cot in the room;
  • There is a swimming pool for children;
  • Is there a children's menu available in the restaurant?
  • Availability of appropriate entertainment;
  • Spaciousness of the room;
  • The distance of the hotel from the coast and the city center;
  • Is there a doctor?

In some hotels in Spain, accommodation is not cheap, but as a free bonus they provide the help of a nanny and a crib. There are also children's clubs on their territory, and the list of services includes animation programs and discos, both daytime and evening. The cost of hotel accommodation depends on the list of services provided. For example, in a 4-star hotel in 2015, for 7 nights and 8 days, 2 people had to pay an average of 60,000 rubles without meals. It is still unknown how much accommodation will cost in 2018, but tour operators have not yet increased prices for tours; we’ll see what happens in the summer.

Relax on the best Spanish beaches

Once the place of residence has been chosen, we will decide on a resort area that would be ideal for your family. The coastline in Spain stretches for many kilometers and represents more than 400 beaches awarded the Blue Flag for environmental friendliness and high quality. But the best swimming areas are:

  1. Costa Blanca means “Rocky or White Coast” or “Wild”. The coast boasts a huge number of clean beaches and plenty of entertainment for children.
  2. Costa Dorada is translated into Russian as “Golden Coast”. Casta Dorada got its name thanks to its golden sandy beaches, which stretch over 200 km. The Mediterranean Sea here attracts tourists with its gentle entrance and tranquility, and therefore a beach holiday in this direction is the most comfortable. Most tourists seek to purchase tours to this region.
  3. Mallorca and the Canary Islands with the beaches of Playa de Bologna and Illetes. There are many rocky beaches, however, there is also a coast with volcanic dark sand. In Mallorca, choose the tranquil beaches of Santa Ponsa, Playa de Muro or Alcudia. Mallorca is famous for its cozy hotels and sandy beaches, and its clean and warm water makes for a pleasant holiday for children.
  4. The Costa del Maresme is located slightly south of the Costa Brava near Barcelona. The peculiarities of the beaches in this resort area include, first of all, a wide coastline with silvery clean sand. Many hotels here are located on the first line of the coast and offer low prices to their guests. This region is traditionally considered the most ideal option for a budget holiday. And the close location to Barcelona itself allows you to combine relaxation on the beach with educational excursions.
  5. Costa Tropical is in great demand among tourists, but especially among those who love water activities and water parks on the sandy coast. If you wish, you can go sailing, diving, or rent a boat or yacht.

And although all the beaches in Spain are municipal, that is, local residents and guests of the country can swim on any coast without any problems, even if there is a hotel on the coast itself, this does not mean that this is all there is to a family vacation. Many people come here for all kinds of entertainment.

Which resorts in Spain are best to visit with children?

It is best to choose quiet resorts for a family holiday, since in crowded places at the height of the season it will not be entirely comfortable with children. There are a lot of resorts in Spain, however, for a holiday with children it is better to live in the south of the country.

If you are going to see the sights on mainland Spain, it would be better to purchase tickets for a bus tour, because if you travel independently, you will not be able to enjoy all the beauty of this country.

While traveling through the south of Spain, stop by the city of Rondo and go in search of various attractions: the bullfighting and bullfighting museum, the palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra and the Moorish King, and the Church of St. Mary.

In Malaga, tourists will see the churches of St. Christ and John, the Episcopal Palace and the Gibralfaro Castle, and visit the Picasso and Interactive Music Museum. With children you can walk through the Botanical Garden, where subtropical and tropical plants grow, and the Malaga Park.

The islands of Spain will also surprise tourists

The Canary Islands are the most famous islands for Russian tourists, located in the Atlantic Ocean. You can relax here all year round thanks to the unique climate. There is no cool winter or sweltering heat here. Many beaches are sandy, but there is also a coastline with pebbles and volcanic ash. The Canary Islands have protected areas, water parks and medieval castles.

The island of Ibiza - probably everyone has heard about it; the spirit of entertainment and fun reigns here. Popular singers, excellent DJs and partygoers gather here. In all of Spain it is impossible to find such parties anymore, which is why it is especially popular among young people and newlyweds. Now add inexpensive hotel stays and you end up with the perfect vacation spot.

The island of Mallorca is the leader in visitation by Russian tourists, where it is better to go on an independent trip. This is an expensive resort, created specifically for luxury:

  • Shocking parties;
  • Visits to the Majorica pearl factory;
  • Excursions to Pollentia - an ancient Roman city;
  • Golf and yacht clubs.

A holiday in Mallorca will turn into a real kaleidoscope of pleasant surprises and exciting events. There are no industrial facilities on the island, so tourists are guaranteed clean and fresh air.

Spain offers both beach holidays and plenty of entertainment. You won't regret coming here!

Olga Stepanova


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Spain is a warm, sunny country that you want to return to again and again. There are sea and ocean beaches, as well as oases of club life and medieval excursions. But, among all the variety of Spanish resorts, there are several of the best, where you can fall in love at first sight - and always want to come back here again.

A popular resort, sung by Russian chansonniers. A cozy and friendly place for a luxurious holiday with the whole large family.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. One of its advantages is its mild climate, thanks to which you can relax here all year round. Mallorca is famous for its sandy beaches and cozy hotels located on the very seashore. And warm and clean water promotes relaxation with children.

Palma de Mallorca- the capital and main air port of the island. From Moscow you will have to fly here only 4 hours.

This resort has a lot to offer tourists. For example, a visit to the Pearl Factory, car safari, hot air balloon travel or excursions to the underwater world and the world of exotic animals.

The Canaries are another resort well known to Russians. This group of islands is located in the Atlantic Ocean. The unique climatic features of the archipelago allow you to relax here all year round. After all, there is no sweltering heat or cool winter here. At any time the air temperature is around +25⁰С. True, the water of the Atlantic is a little colder than at sea resorts and is approximately +22⁰С.

Most beaches in the Canary Islands are sandy, but there are also shores with volcanic ash and pebbles. There are many medieval castles, water parks and protected areas. And the latter contain numerous representatives of the flora and fauna of the islands, which will surprise residents of the northern countries.

Everyone has heard about this alluring island, where a spirit of fun and entertainment reigns. The best partygoers, excellent DJs and the most popular singers gather here. You won't find parties like this on this island anywhere else. That is why it is so popular among the entire population of the Earth.

Not everyone knows, but Ibiza also has beautiful beaches. By the way, there are 58 of them. All the shores are sandy, white and environmentally friendly. The beach season here opens from May to October.

    Costa Blanca or White Coast

This resort has the largest number of beaches. They are all very clean, the water here is transparent blue, and the sea is warm, like fresh milk. In summer, the temperature reaches +28⁰С, but the peak of the heat occurs in August, when the air heats up to +32⁰С.

Alicante is the capital of the province in which the Costa Blanca is located. This city has a developed infrastructure and a large airport. And in June, Alicante hosts a fire festival, which all tourists simply must visit.

The youth resort on the Costa Blanca is Benidorm. It is famous for its club parties, as well as its arena Bullfight Plaza de Toros, a large zoo and the Mitica theme park, where colorful costume shows are held.

    Costa Brava, or Wild Coast

This is the northernmost resort in Spain, and therefore it is best to relax here from July to September. It is at this time that there is no rain here, and the sky is illuminated by the warm sun.

Beaches of the Costa Brava- incredibly clean, and therefore are the subject of eco-tourism.

At this resort you can visit the Salvador Dali Museum and a beautiful botanical garden, as well as the nearby capital of Catalonia, Barcelona.

    Costa Dorada or Gold Coast

This resort is located in the southeastern part of Spain, on the very shore of the Balearic Sea. The mild climate with a summer temperature of +32⁰С and a shallow sandy bottom make this place suitable for family and active recreation.

Home landmark of the Costa Dorada is the Aventura Park: a water park and an amusement park in one. This entertainment place is divided into 5 thematic zones: Chinese, Mediterranean, Polynesian, Mexican and Wild West. Which makes visiting it simply unforgettable.

On the Costa Dorada, tourists are offered underwater and regular fishing, windsurfing, golf, horseback riding and tennis.

The capital of Spain cannot but be a favorite of tourists, because this city is the personification of passion, sun and romance. The streets covered with cobblestones and decorated with ancient buildings, the red roofs of houses and the main square of Puerto del Sol captivate many hearts. In this city you can look at the great paintings of world famous artists - Rubens, Bosch, Raphael and Caravaggio. Madrid is the center of European art.

The nightlife in Madrid continues unabated. The parties start on Wednesday and end only by the beginning of Sunday. It’s also worth trying national cuisine here, because Spanish dishes are a gourmet’s find.

Madrid is a city for youth holidays, life is in full swing here. And, of course, this city is loved by intellectuals all over the world.

Barcelona is another famous city in Spain. It is also illuminated by the hot sun and friendly smiles of the local residents. Even though they don’t speak English well here, they will always help you.

In Barcelona, ​​you should definitely visit the Gothic Quarter, the very place from the movie “Perfume”. As well as the Bokuer national goods market. There are Spanish sausages, wines, and all kinds of souvenirs.

But it is not recommended to walk around Barcelona at night, because twilight is the time for crime. It's better to enjoy dinner at your hotel's restaurant.

Spain - an amazing country of the southern sun. She captivates with her energy and passion. It is for this reason that many people return here every year.