Costa Del Sol Destination Guide
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Costa del Sol Destination Guide Overview of Costa del Sol The densely populated coast of Andalusia, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, is Europe's favoured, all-year-round holiday destination and is commonly known as the Costa del Sol. It consists of a string of fine sandy beaches, where the average water temperature is 64ºF (18ºC). Picturesque towns have abundant tourist amenities, resorts, and high-rise hotels. Attractions include zoos, bullfights, water parks, casinos, and amusement parks, like the renowned Parque de Attracciones Tivoli,or Tivoli World. A huge beach resort itself and the birthplace of Picasso, the energetic city of Malaga is the capital of Andalusia and the gateway to the Costa del Sol. The most popular resort town on the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos, which retains some elements of traditional Spain, although most main streets are now pedestrian thoroughfares filled with souvenir shops and ice-cream parlours. Torremolinos is a popular party resort, perfect for all kinds of hedonistic fun in the sun. Marbella is another favourite, although it is a more elegant, upmarket resort, something of a playground for the elite. Those in the Costa del Sol yearning for some cultural sightseeing should venture to nearby Granada and its iconic Alhambra fortress. Tourists can also visit the quaint and scenic villages of Nerja and Mijas to experience some authentic local flavour. Ronda also offers holidaymakers some respite from the revelry of the resort towns thanks to its beautiful natural scenery and wealth of cultural attractions. The airport is situated between Malaga and the large resort of Torremolinos on the national road N340, which connects all towns and resorts along the coast. Trains can be caught from the airport into Malaga City and to Fuengirola. Bus services link the coastal towns as well as the inland towns of Ronda and Granada to each other, and there is also a train between Malaga and Fuengirola and a train connecting Ronda to Malaga. Key Facts Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas. Passport/Visa: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, allowing the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Non-EU nationals must hold a return or onward ticket, all necessary documents for onward travel and sufficient funds. For travel to Spain, sufficient funds is defined as EUR 62.40 per day of stay, with a minimum of EUR 561.60 or equivalent in other freely convertible currency. Visitors to Spain also require an invitation letter or confirmation of accommodation. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Spain. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard. Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Page 1/9 Costa del Sol Destination Guide Travel to Costa del Sol Climate for Costa del Sol The Costa del Sol enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny, hot summer weather and mild winters, which make it a great holiday destination year-round. As the name suggests, the coastline receives more than 320 days of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures reach an average high of 86°F (30°C), and the winter temperatures seldom drop below 50°F (10°C) on the coast. Inland temperatures have greater extremes, with scorching summers and cold winters. Rainfall is sporadic and pretty much limited to the winter months, with the majority falling in November and December; the rain usually comes in the form of intermittent, light showers which give way quickly to sun and blue skies. The temperature of the ocean seldom falls below 68°F (20°C) meaning that swimming is almost always a possibility and is enjoyed in spring and autumn as well as summer. Summer, between June and August, when the heat is tempered by frequent sea breezes, is by far the most popular time to visit the Costa del Sol. Spring, especially late April and May, when temperatures average between 73°F and 80°F (23°C and 27°C), is also a glorious time to visit. Health Notes when travelling to Spain There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Medical facilities are good in Spain, but comprehensive travel insurance is always advised. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care for EU travellers on the same terms as Spanish nationals. EU travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is still advised. Travellers should take any medication they require along with them, in its original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what it is and why it is needed. Safety Notes when travelling to Spain Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for occasional street crime, which is common in the big cities; travellers are advised to take precautions to avoid theft of passports, credit cards, travel documents and money. Crime is usually petty and violent assault is rare. Be wary of strangers offering or asking for help of any kind, as it is often a distraction for accomplices. There are also scams involving letters for outstanding traffic fines or Spanish lottery winnings. If travellers exercise all the normal precautions they should have a trouble-free holiday in Spain. Customs in Spain Smoking in public places is banned and stiff fines will be imposed for smoking in areas such as enclosed public spaces, areas where food is prepared and sold, public transport, non-smoking areas of bars and restaurants, and any places that cater for children. Drinking alcohol in the streets of Madrid and the streets of the Canary and Balearic Islands is illegal. Duty Free in Spain If tax was included in the purchase price, travellers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: €300 (by land) or €430 (by air) gifts/souvenirs; 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg tobacco; 110 litres beer; 90 litres wine; and 10 litres spirit. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine, and 16 litres beer. Page 2/9 Costa del Sol Destination Guide Doing Business in Spain The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting. But for now, it's entrenched in tradition and it can take some time for you to gain a foothold in the Spanish working world. It is important never to undermine authority, with hierarchy central to Spain's business world. Managers often tend to make decisions without considering input from their colleagues. A strong emphasis is placed on social status, character attributes, and personal pride. Success is often hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable, and dignified, while also exhibiting great social skills. Business meetings are generally conducted face-to-face and can go on for long periods, as Spaniards prefer long deliberations in order to avoid uncertainty in corporate dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend to tread a fine line being personal and formal. Conducting business in Spain can entail navigation through a lot of red tape and bureaucracy. Spanish is the language of business, but some of the larger multinationals conduct meetings in both English and Spanish. Business hours are often quite varied, but generally open by 9am and close in the mid-evening with a two-hour lunch break during the early afternoon. Business attire is quite conservative with dark or linen suits, with shirts and silk ties for men. Women should wear modest dresses or tailored suits. Brand names or labels attract affirmation from colleagues and associates. After the conclusion of successful negotiations, gifts are appropriate. Gifts should be of high quality and when receiving a gift, open it in front of the giver. Business cards are important and should be bilingual. Meetings are best scheduled for mid-morning, in which establishing a formal yet personable environment is important before beginning. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several speakers.