Spain, along with Portugal, is on the Iberian Peninsula and separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees. The population of Spain is about 7 million and there are four official languages, which are Spanish, Catalan, Galician and Basque.

Whether you are looking for a tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid or the Guggenheim in Bilbao; flamenco dancing in Seville or the cultural attractions of Gaudi's Barcelona - the pleasurable experiences in Spain are sure to please and bring you back for more.

Along with Malaga and the Costa del Sol the beaches along the entire southern coastline from Marbella to Alicante are hugely popular with tourists who return year after year to enjoy the relaxed living and sunshine.

The 'Costa del Sol' and other southern coastal areas are pleasant throughout the year with the days being usually sunny and warm. In Andalucia summer months are frequently hot and humid, but manageable. For those seeking summer heat relief, the mountains are always a good choice, as well as the northern coastal areas from La Coruna to San Sabastian.

In addition, the eastern Mediterranean coastal cities - from Barcelona south to Cartagena - and the Balearic Islands, are much more temperate.

The central plateau (or Meseta) has a Semiarid climate with dry, freezing conditions December - February, while summer temps regularly reach into the high 80's, with low 90's common in July and early August. The northern mountain areas - especially the Cantabrica and Pyrenees - are much colder in winter with heavy snowfall in the upper elevations.

Bus
There are many bus companies throughout Spain that offer good service with an extensive route system. Buses are usually reliable and comfortable enough for long distances, with prices pretty standard at around €10 per 100km. There are also services to Spain from all major cities in Europe.
 
Barcelona offers an extensive bus network, but during rush hour it is not the quickest way of getting around the city. It does provide the best view of the city. Tourists can get special tours on buses, which will bring you around the city stopping at several tourist sites. Valencia also has a modern and efficient subway and bus system.

Train
Spanish trains are the most inexpensive in Europe. All Spanish cities are very well connected by the train system. The National Railways in Spain is called RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles). If you plan on taking a longer journey then it is advisable to use the TALGO (Tren Articulado Ligero Goicoechea Oriol). It is fast, comfortable and efficient. Train tickets can be purchased in advance from main stations, ticket agents and authorised travel agents

Spain has a high speed train which links Madrid and Seville in about three hours, The most outstanding is the "Expreso Al.Andalus" which departs from Seville each week and for 5 days tours Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. The ticket price includes a meal at the finest restaurants in each of these cities, "fiestas" and typical shows plus dinner and lodging on a truly special train that includes a discotheque, video room, bars and the luxury and comfort of the finest hotel.

Another tourist train with similar characteristics is called the "Transcantabrico" which tours the north of Spain.

Car
Spain has a good road network. This country also has modern highways, connecting the main cities. Most of the highways are free, though some are toll highways especially in the north, which are calculated on the type of vehicle you drive and the distance you are travelling.

Car rental companies are abundant in Spain, particularly around coastal areas. If you plan to rent a car along the coastal areas it is advised to booked ahead especially during the holiday periods. To hire a car you will need your passport and a full driving licence. Most European driving licences are now accepted in Spain. The minimum age to hire a car for most companies is 21 years old or 25 years old. You must drive on the right hand side in Spain.

Plane
Iberia Airlines operate an extensive network of internal flights from the major airports. Also, its subsidiary, Aviaco covers solely Spanish domestic routes. Iberia provides 200 reservation outlets. There are also 4,000 sales outlets in authorised travel agencies.