Spain
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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Spanish landscapes, architecture and culture, which offer a rich diversity and unparalleled beauty. From the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to impressive monuments such as the Sagrada Família in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, Spain offers a wealth of photo opportunities that will delight any photography enthusiast.

Madrid

Capital city

48.590.000

Population

Spanish

Language

506.030 km²

Surface area

☀️ Pure sunshine. From Andalusia to Mallorca.

Photo spots in Spain

Welcome to the land of sun and passion – Spain, where photo spots invite you on a journey through the many facets of culture, history and breathtaking landscapes. From the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol to the vibrant city life of Madrid and Barcelona to the impressive buildings such as the Sagrada Família and the Alhambra – the architecture in Spain reflects a fascinating diversity that inspires every photographer.

Explore the charming white villages in Andalusia, the magnificent castles in Castile and the idyllic vineyards in La Rioja. Spain is a country full of contrasts, characterized by its rich history and cultural diversity, which enchants its visitors with every photo spot. From the small hidden gems to the vibrant metropolises, Spain offers an almost infinite range of photo opportunities just waiting to be discovered. Get ready to be captured by the beauty of this country and start your photo journey through Spain.

Good to know

Here you will find important information for your visit to Spain or for your trip through this fascinating country on the Iberian Peninsula. We’ll give you everything you need to get the most out of your stay in Spain. Let’s go on a journey of discovery together and experience the best photo spots with Fotogoals.

Regions

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities and two autonomous cities: Andalusia, Aragon, Asturias, Balearic Islands, Basque Country, Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, Valencia and Ceuta and Melilla. These regions each offer their own unique sights and cultural highlights. From historic cities such as Barcelona and Madrid to the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol and the impressive landscapes of the Pyrenees, Spain offers a wealth of diversity to explore.

Currency

The official currency in Spain is the euro (€), which is accepted as a means of payment throughout the country. The country’s largest banks include Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell. ATMs can be found in banks as well as in many public places such as shopping centers, train stations and airports, making access to cash convenient and easy.

Mobile radio

Spain has the country code +34 and the leading mobile providers are Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. Other providers (e.g. supermarket chains) offer tariffs. For example, Carrefour Móvil) use one of the networks of the three major providers. The mobile network is generally well developed and offers extensive network coverage, even in rural areas. In general, 4G LTE is readily available. 5G is largely available in urban areas.

Grocery

In Spain, most supermarkets and discount stores are open from Monday to Saturday from around 9 am to 9 or 10 pm. Some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. The most popular retailers include Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi and Dia. They offer a wide selection of food and other products at affordable prices.

Transportation

There are a variety of transportation options in Spain. RENFE offers an extensive train network for national and international travel, including high-speed trains (AVE). Cities have public transportation such as subways, streetcars and buses. Alsa offers inexpensive long-distance bus connections. There are also ride-sharing services such as Uber, traditional cabs and car rental companies such as Europcar and Sixt for flexible transportation options.

Restaurant

Spain has a diverse restaurant scene that offers something for every taste and budget. In addition to traditional restaurants serving Spanish cuisine, you will also find a large number of international chains and tapas bars offering a wide range of dishes, from paella to tapas. Prices for main meals average between 10 and 25 euros. It is customary to tip around 5-10%.

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Spain - FAQ: Travel

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Spain

If you want to visit Spain, the best time to travel depends on your personal preferences and the activities you are planning. Summer (June to August) offers hot weather and is ideal for beach vacations on the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands. Autumn (September to November) offers mild weather and fewer tourists, which is perfect for sightseeing and wine tasting. Winter (December to February) is ideal for city trips to Madrid and Barcelona as well as winter sports in the Pyrenees. In spring (March to May), nature awakens and temperatures are pleasant for traveling throughout Spain. When planning your trip, consider your personal preferences and interests to find the best time to visit Spain.

If you wish to enter Spain, the need for a visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your stay and the intended duration. Nationals of many countries do not require a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. However, a visa may be required for longer stays or other purposes. It is important to check the current entry requirements and apply for a visa in good time if necessary.

If you are planning a vacation trip to Spain, the choice of airport depends on your destination and personal preferences. Most international flights land at major airports such as Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), Málaga (AGP) or Palma de Mallorca (PMI). Madrid and Barcelona are the largest and busiest airports and offer a wide range of connections. All airports are well connected to the public transport network. If you have a specific destination in Spain in mind, it may make sense to choose the nearest regional airport. Find out about the various options in advance and choose the airport that best suits your travel plans.

If you are traveling to Spain, no special vaccinations are usually required. However, it is recommended that you keep your standard vaccinations up to date according to your home country's vaccination calendar. If you are traveling from countries with yellow fever infection areas, you may need to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. It is advisable to find out about current health and entry regulations before you travel and to seek medical advice if necessary.

Yes, many people in Spain speak English, especially in urban areas, tourist centers and among the younger generation. English is a widely spoken foreign language and is often learned as a second language at school. In hotels, restaurants, stores and tourist attractions, it is common for staff to speak English or at least have a basic knowledge of English in order to communicate with international visitors. If you don't speak Spanish, you can usually communicate in English to find your way around and get help.

Spain - FAQ: Daily life

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about daily life in Spain

In Spain, the voltage is 230 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz. The sockets correspond to the European type C and type F. If you come from a country that uses other plug types, you may need an adapter to connect your electronic devices. These adapters are available in most electronics stores, airports and hotels. It is recommended that you check whether you need an adapter before your trip to ensure that your electronic devices can be used without any problems.

Yes, the tap water in Spain is generally of high quality and can be drunk without hesitation. Most cities and municipalities have strict water treatment regulations to ensure that drinking water meets legal standards. However, it is common in some regions to buy bottled water, as the taste of tap water can vary. Drinking tap water is environmentally friendly and saves money during your stay in Spain.

Payment by card, especially by credit card, is widespread in Spain. In larger stores, restaurants and bars in cities or tourist regions, payment by credit card is generally accepted. However, some smaller stores or rural areas may only accept cash. It is therefore advisable to find out in advance whether payment with your credit card is possible.

American Express credit cards can sometimes cause problems as they are not accepted everywhere. Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, work almost everywhere. All cards are usually accepted in supermarkets, as are Apple Pay and Google Pay. It is always a good idea to have both cash and a credit card with you to be prepared for all eventualities.

In Spain, you can buy alcohol in supermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations and kiosks. You can get a standard selection of alcoholic drinks almost everywhere, while a larger selection is usually only available in specialty drinks markets or in large supermarkets. The sale of alcohol is generally not limited in time, but it is advisable to find out about local regulations. The minimum age for the purchase of alcohol is 18 years.

In Spain, you can buy cigarettes and tobacco in special tobacco stores, the so-called "Estancos". These stores are usually easy to find and offer a wide selection of tobacco products. Cigarette vending machines are also available in bars and restaurants, but are only accessible to people over the age of 18. It is important to note that the sale of tobacco products is strictly regulated and the minimum age for buying tobacco is 18. A pack of cigarettes costs around 5-6 euros on average.

In Spain, you can buy drugstore and hygiene products in supermarkets such as Mercadona and Carrefour as well as in specialized drugstores such as Druni and Primor. These stores offer a wide range of products, including body care, cosmetics, household cleaners and baby care. Drugstore items are also available in pharmacies, which are widespread in most towns and communities.

Right-hand traffic prevails in Spain. The speed limits vary depending on the type of road: the limit is usually 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on freeways. Seat belts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. The use of cell phones without hands-free equipment while driving is prohibited. It is important to obey traffic signs and traffic lights and to give priority to pedestrians at crosswalks.

When visiting Spain, there are a few important things to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay:

  • Dress: Spain has a relaxed dress code, but it is advisable to dress appropriately in urban areas and for formal occasions. Conservative clothing should be worn in religious sites.

  • Siesta: In many parts of Spain, it is customary to have a siesta, when stores and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon. It is advisable to adapt to this tradition and check the opening hours.

  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, restaurants, bars and many public places. There are designated smoking areas which should be used.

  • Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol is permitted in Spain from the age of 18. However, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public, except in designated areas such as licensed bars and restaurants.

  • Emergency number: The emergency number in Spain is 112. This number can be used for the police, fire department and ambulance.

  • Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Spain, but is appreciated in restaurants and for good service. It is customary to tip around 5-10% of the bill.

Spain - FAQ: Photo

Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about photography in Spain

In Spain there are some important rules and regulations regarding photography:

  • Respect privacy: Do not photograph people without their express permission, especially in private or sensitive situations.
  • Military and government buildings: Photography of military facilities and government buildings is often restricted or prohibited.
  • Religious sites: Special care should be taken when taking photographs in churches and cathedrals. Find out in advance whether photography is permitted.
  • Commercial photography: Permission is required for commercial photography. Find out about the necessary permits in advance.