ABOUT SPAIN

Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is a country known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Its capital, Madrid, is a bustling metropolis home to world-famous museums like the Prado and the Royal Palace. Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona, is renowned for its unique architecture, including Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia.

The country’s coastline stretches along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, offering beautiful beaches and popular holiday destinations like Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands. Spain is also famous for its regional cultures, from the flamenco traditions of Andalusia to the Basque Country’s distinct language and customs. Its diverse cuisine includes internationally celebrated dishes such as paella, tapas, and Iberian ham.

Spain has a strong sporting culture, being home to top football clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and hosting major events like La Liga and the F1 Spanish Grand Prix. Spain also hosts several MotoGP races - not just in Aragón, but also in Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona!

The country boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Alhambra in Granada and the historic cities of Toledo and Salamanca. With its warm climate, dynamic festivals like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls, and welcoming locals, Spain remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Entry into Spain

For citizens of European Union member states, travelling to Spain is straightforward. As part of the Schengen Area, the Spain does not impose visa requirements or significant travel restrictions. You can enter the country with your national ID card, eliminating the need for a passport.

For travellers from outside the EU/EEA, entry regulations vary. If you're from a visa-exempt country such as the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you can stay in Spain without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits. A valid passport is necessary for entry. If you're from a country that requires a visa, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before travelling, which permits stays of up to 90 days within 180 days for short visits.

Currency

In Spain, you pay in euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, carry a credit card. Regular debit cards are usually not accepted for this purpose. There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you will likely be charged a withdrawal fee of up to €10, or 10% of the transaction.

Electricity

In Spain, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is standard, as it is throughout continental Europe.

Mobile services

Spain has four main mobile network providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo. Among these, Movistar offers the most extensive coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas, ensuring a reliable connection across the country. It's especially known for its strong 4G and growing 5G networks. Vodafone and Orange also provide excellent coverage, especially in urban areas and along major transportation routes, with both companies expanding their 5G networks to offer faster speeds in more locations.

Yoigo, the smallest of the four, has decent coverage in cities and towns, though it relies on roaming agreements with other networks, such as Movistar, to fill gaps in its service in less populated areas. In terms of network quality, all four providers generally offer fast and stable mobile internet in most parts of Spain, especially in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, where 4G and 5G connectivity is widely available. For rural or mountainous regions, Movistar is often the most reliable, followed by Vodafone and Orange, while Yoigo might be more limited in those areas.

SIM cards are widely available, and EU residents benefit from no additional roaming charges, while non-EU visitors can easily access local prepaid options.

However, if you don't have an EU number and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers in Spain and for Aragon MotoGP fans

The international dialling code for Spain: +34
Emergency (police, ambulance and fire brigade): 112
Police (general): 062
Ambulance (general): 061
Fire brigade (general): 080
Alcañiz Hospital: +34 978 830 100
Health Center (when you are at the circuit): +34 978 831 718
City Police (when you are at the circuit): +34 978 870 333
Fire brigade (when you are at the circuit): +34 978 870 761
Tourism Office: +34 978 831 213

Interesting facts about Spain

Home of many World Heritage Sites
Spain is home to the world’s third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Alhambra in Granada and Gaudí’s works in Barcelona.

Widely spread language
Spanish is the second most spoken language globally, with over 460 million native speakers.

Coastline
The country boasts more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline, offering stunning beaches along both the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Festivals
Spain is known for its vibrant festivals, including La Tomatina, where participants engage in a massive tomato fight, and the famous Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.

Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona has been under construction since 1882 and is still not complete, despite being one of the most visited landmarks in the country.

Home of olive oil
Spain produces nearly half of the world’s olive oil, particularly from the region of Andalusia.

Flamenco
Flamenco, a passionate and rhythmic form of music and dance, originated in the southern region of Andalusia and is a significant part of Spain’s cultural heritage.

Capital
Madrid is the highest capital city in Europe, sitting at an elevation of 650 metres above sea level.

Bullfighting
Spain is the birthplace of the sport of bullfighting, which has a long, controversial history and continues to be a traditional part of Spanish culture.