Spain’s national tourism board has offered some practical advice to people travelling to Spain for the first time. The eight tips cover key aspects such as transport, accommodation, opening hours and tourist discounts “that you’ll definitely find useful”.
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Tourist Passes
For those planning to be in a city such as Alicante or Elche for several days, Spain Tourism suggests obtaining a tourist pass (for unlimited travel on different modes of transport) or a tourist card which – in addition to transport – includes access to various museums, restaurants and shows. “You can buy any type of ticket at authorised sales points only and take advantage of the discounts offered for purchases online.”
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Discounted Rates
Tourists heading to see a monument or visit a museum are advised to check the types of rates that apply, as many attractions and establishments offer discounts for certain groups or individuals – or even free admission for European Union or Ibero-American citizens in certain periods (National Heritage monuments, for example). “Don’t buy admission tickets from anyone if they don’t have an ID.”
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Transport in Cities
With the bigger cities having extensive metro, train and bus networks, to avoid surprises it is always recommended that you carefully study transport timetables beforehand. The metro, for example, is only open all night in certain cities and on certain days. Night bus services are available but taxis are generally the best option for getting around at night. “In any case, in most cities the main tourist attractions are concentrated in the ‘historic centre‘, which is relatively easy to walk around. Another interesting option is to sign up for a tourist bus tour.”
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Getting Around by Taxi
When taking a taxi, be sure you select an authorised one with distinctive markings. “Make sure you can pay by card, keep in mind special surcharges like those for journeys at night and, above all, if you don’t speak much of the language, always have the address of your destination at hand.”
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Visiting Other Parts of Spain
Alicante is an excellent base for exploring other parts of Spain, including across the Mediterranean Sea to the Balearic islands. “In order to get around the country (there could be distances over 1,200 kilometres between the furthest points), you can take advantage of the good flight connections available – there are airports in all major Spanish cities.” Spain also offers travellers extensive bus and train networks, and the country is well-connected through high-speed trains. Car hire is convenient and well-priced for those who prefer more independence and have time for stopovers along the way.
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Where to Stay
Alicante and other popular tourist areas on the Costa Blanca have an extensive range of hotels, both good-value budget options and more luxurious resort complexes. They are generally rated using a star system (from 1 to 5), although it depends on the area and the type of establishment. “Furthermore, if you dream about staying in a unique place like a monastery or a castle, you will be able to live out this dream in Spain with its impressive Parador Hotels (including Jávea). We recommend booking accommodation well in advance when visiting during an important event or celebration (Easter week, etc.).”
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Dining Out
The usual time to eat lunch in Spain is from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, but there are always establishments and shops open at just about any time of day, especially in big cities such as Alicante and towns with significant tourist populations. “Another option is to do it the Spanish way with an ‘aperitivo‘, a light snack before the main meal to awaken your appetite.”
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Events Calendar
To help you plan your trip, the search function in Tourism Spain’s Calendar section provides up-to-date information about celebrations, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events.