Budget airlines and affordable fares have turned Spain into a beach resort haven for northern Europeans wishing to escape their own (sometimes) damp and dreary climates. With sun-bleached beaches and a favourable rate of exchange for most travellers, it's easy to see why Spain is such a popular choice for an unforgettable beach holiday in Europe. An incredible 53 million people visit Spain each year (the second most in Europe after France), and the country has earned its formidable reputation as a tourist haven.

Some may feel that the Canary and Balearic Islands have been overrun by tourists, and this is true to some extent - Tenerife, Lanzarote and Mallorca have become synonymous with cheap package holidays and warm beer, and Ibiza's reputation has, for some, been tarnished by the revellers frequenting its famous dance clubs and beach parties. However even in these crowded resort areas you will find many magical, unspoilt corners awaiting discovery.

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering great variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colourful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveller. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.

Spain's Pamplona is a unique experience of thundering streets that vibrate to the rhythm of man and beast during the annual running of the bulls, and while the whole country celebrates each February with the Carnaval, no place does it better than Sitges. Barcelona is Spain's showcase of the unique architectural style of Gaudi's bizarre organic turrets and balconies. For a more provincial experience, the Valencian town of Buñol goes wild every year with the La Tomatina festival, a time when the region's surplus tomatoes - following the annual harvest - are dumped on the streets and pelted about in a friendly riot.

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Spain is extremely hot during mid-summer, in July and August. The rest of the year the climate is generally temperate in the north, but warm in the south. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, except for the Atlantic coast, which has heavy rains in October and November. August is the busiest month, while May and October are the best times for both ideal weather and fewer crowds. Madrid and the high central area can get very cold during winter.

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.

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 and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

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 that allows 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. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Ireland

Irish nationals require a valid passport, but a visa is not necessary.

Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093.

United Kingdom

British citizens must hold a passport, but no visa is required for a maximum stay of three months for those holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject. Other passport holders require a visa.

British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 714 6300.

Canada

Canadians require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250.

United States

United States citizens require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200.

New Zealand

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for the period of intended stay, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226.

South Africa

South Africans should apply in advance for a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond expiry date of visa. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780.

Australia

Australian citizens require a passport valid for at least period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months within a 6 month period. Those travelling to Spain for touristic purposes need to apply for a 'Carta de Invitacion' at a police station or a confirmation of hotel booking. Visitors to Spain need to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, this is usually calculated as EUR62.40 per day with a minimum of EUR561.60.

Australian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 353 6600.

There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Bird flu was detected in Spain in 2006, and although there is little risk to travellers, close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry products well cooked as a precaution (no human deaths or infections have been reported). Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing emergency health care 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 advised.

Generally safety is not too much of a problem for tourists in Spain. However, ETA has been responsible for numerous bomb explosions across Spain, and is blamed for the deaths of over 800 people in its fight for independence. There is a potential risk of international terrorism, as in other countries, although the risk to tourists is considered to be low. Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, except for 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. 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.

Electrical current is 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.

The business culture in Spain is slowly shifting, but for now it is entrenched in tradition and it can take some time to gain a foothold in the Spanish working world. Hierarchy is central to Spain's business world and managers tend to make decisions without considering input from their colleagues. It is important never to undermine authority. A strong emphasis is placed on social status, character attributes and personal pride. Business success is often hinged upon being well-dressed, honourable and dignified while also exhibiting great social and entertainment 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 business dealings. Business meetings in Spain tend to tread a fine line being both personal and formal.

Conducting business in Spain can entail a lot of 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, which 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 business meetings always establish a formal, yet personable, environment before beginning business. Meetings often occur over lunches and dinners and may be characterised by several speakers. A hierarchy is generally observed with respect.

The international access code for Spain is +34. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)93 for Barcelona and (0)91 for Madrid. Pay phones are either blue or green and accept either coins or phone cards, which are sold at post offices, tobacco shops and newsagents. Mobile phone operators provide thorough GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout the country and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafes in most towns and resorts.

If tax was included in the purchase price, travellers form EU countries are allowed the following items duty free: EUR300 (by land) or EUR430 (by air) gifts/souvenirs, 3200 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 3kg smoking tobacco, 110 litres beer, 90 litres wine or 10 litres spirits, 60ml perfume. Travellers from non-EU countries may have 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco, 1 litre spirits or 2 litres wine, 60ml perfume and EUR200 worth of gifts/souvenirs.