Once away from the cosmopolitan holiday costas, you realise the 'real' Spain.
In the cities, narrow twisting old streets suddenly open out to views of daring
modern architecture, while spit-and-sawdust bars serving wine from the barrel
rub shoulders with blaring, glaring discos. Spain is the third largest country in
Europe and ranks seventh in terms of population size, with just over 40 million
people mostly inhabiting the major cities and coastal areas.
Travel is easy, accommodation plentiful, the climate benign, the people
relaxed, the beaches long and sandy, the food and drink easy to come by and
full of regional variety. More than 60 million foreigners a year visit Spain, yet you
can also travel for days and hear nothing but Spanish.
Spain's Geography:
Spain's diversity is immense. There are endless tracts of wild and crinkled
sierra to explore, as well as some spectacularly rugged stretches of coast
between the mainstream beaches.
Spanish Culture:
Spain is littered with superb old buildings - from Roman aqueducts and
Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals. Almost every second village has a
medieval castle. Spain has been the home of some of the world's great
artists - El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Dalí, Picasso - and has museums and
galleries to match.
Spain's Economy:
Spain has a thriving economy, mostly dependent upon
the production and export of cereals, wine, fruit, olives and vegetables.
Major industries include textiles and apparel, food, chemicals, metals and
shipbuilding. In the more recent years, Spain has built more and more
of it's economy around tourism and has seen migratory population
increases from people property searching and relocating from elsewhere
in Europe.
Spanish Housing:
The majority of housing in Spain is provided in apartment blocks, villas
and bungalows. These are widely available for rent or purchase, with a
greater selection being available in the suburbs and along the coastal
regions.
Driving and Travel in Spain:
Air Travel to and from Spain is generally good. Spanish airline Iberia
operates an extensive domestic network, whilst there are numerous
scheduled and low cost airlines operating from the UK to most major
Spanish cities and popular holiday airports. Independent bus
companies offer frequent and inexpensive travel options for local and
inter-city journeys. Other forms of travel include: Ferries, Rail and of
course the car. UK driving licence's are valid, however it is advisable
to carry a legalised translation.
Employment in Spain:
EU passport holders and EEC Nationals no longer require a visa or work
permit to commence employment in Spain.
Spanish Education:
Education in Spain is compulsory and free from the ages of 3 years,
although parents and carers are mostly expected to pay for textbooks.
There are many British schools - details can be obtained from the local
British Consulate (or the internet - NABSS, National Association of
British Schools in Spain).
Spanish Utilities:
The Spanish electrical system is 220 volts with 50 cycles AC and is
operated mainly on 2 pin plugs. It is advisable to contact the manufacturers
of your electrical goods to ascertain if they require adaptation. There is little
natural gas in Spain - most gas operated appliances use bottled gas.
We strongly advise that you check any existing appliances that you own are
fully compatible.
Shopping in Spain:
1700 to 2000 Monday to Friday and 0900 to 1400 on Saturdays. Most stores
are closed on Sundays.
Spanish Currency
The national currency for Spain is now the Euro – formerly the peseta.
Banking hours are normally 0900- 1400 Monday to Saturday.
Spanish Import Requirements
All household goods and personal effects may be imported free of duty and
taxes providing that they have been owned and used for at least three months
and they will continue to be used in Spain. Goods cannot be sold within 12
months of importation (if transfer of residence) or 2 years (if secondary
residence). Further information on importation will be available from your
Removal Company or local Consulate.
Motor Vehicles and import to Spain:
Procedures and duties to import a motor vehicle to Spain vary in accordance
with the year of manufacture, EEC technical requirements, purchase value etc.
You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months and it must
carry the original registration plates. It is advisable to contact a Spanish
Gestoria for further details (an agent who deals with administration
requirements for a fee).
Animals and Pets in Spain
Animals and pets can be imported freely if accompanied by either a
‘Pet Passport’ / valid certificate of good health and rabies inoculation.
Quarantine is not now required.
Note: The information set out above is our interpretation of various laws and regulations.
The detailed information has been checked by us, so that as far as possible, all
information is correct at the time of publish. However Charterhouse Homes cannot
accept liability for any inaccuracies or change to the information provided.
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