Spain is officially known as the Kingdom of Spain. The mainland of this country is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea and to the north and northeast by France. To the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is the only European country to have a border with an African country, Morocco. The country has the third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

35,000 years ago, it was recorded that there was the first human arrived in the Iberian Peninsula. Then, the settlements of Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian were developed before the Rome took over during 200 BCE. It was then named Hispania, due to the earlier Phoenician name, Spania. In the early eighth century, there were many wars during a long reconquering period across the Iberian Peninsula. Consequently, the Kingdom of Leon, Kingdom of Castille, Kingdom of Aragon and Kingdom of Navarre were established. many advancements in the arts, with world-famous painters such as Diego Velázquez During the Golden Age. Meanwhile, in the early modern period, Spain became the most powerful country in the world. To this date, the country has left a vast cultural and linguistic legacy.

Nowadays, Spain is known as a developed and high-income country. It is a member of many international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The territories of Spanish include the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, two cities; Ceuta and Melilla as well as several small islands in the Alboran Sea. Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe as it spread over a total area of 505,990 km2. Major cities in Spain include Barcelona, Valencia and Seville while the capital is Madrid.

Malaysian visitors will need to present a Malaysian passport (valid for 90-days past intended date of departure), proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket upon arrival at the first point of entry in the country. The stay may not exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. Goods can be imported into Spanish territory following the mandatory limits regulated by the government. Like any other countries, Spanish custom regulates and blocks the importing of several dangerous items such as weapons and drugs. 

Spanish is the official language of the country. Therefore, it is the right and duty of every Spaniard to know the language. However, Spain is legally multilingual. The government also establishes all other Spanish languages include Basque, Catalan and Galician. These languages are spoken vastly in their respective territories. Since the country is extensive, there are three main climatic zones depending on the geographical situation and orographic conditions. In the peninsula area, the weather is characterized by the Mediterranean climate. It is warm and dry. The semi-arid climate is predominant in the southeastern quarter of the country while the oceanic climate is characterized in the northern quarter of the country, especially in the Atlantic region. Other than that, the alpine climate can be found in areas with very high altitude and in northeastern Spain, it is the humid subtropical climate.

The cuisine in Spain is heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country. It consists of a great variety of dishes due to the differences in geography, culture and climate. In the Mediterranean region, fried fish, cold soup as well as rice-based dishes like paella and arròs negre (black rice) are commonly served. In the inner part of the country such as Castile, garlic-based soup, salted ham as well as Manchego cheese are widely used. Meanwhile, the people in the Atlantic regions include Asturian, Basque, Cantabrian usually consume vegetable and fish-based stews and a variety of seafood dishes.

How to Get There?

By Flight

If you are flying from Kuala Lumpur, you may land in several beautiful cities in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville and Valencia. Since there is no direct flight, you may have to stop at one or two airports for transit. Airlines that provide a flight to Spain include Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways and Emirates.

By Train

If you are coming from France, you may take the high-speed track that is connecting to Barcelona and further to Madrid.  The trip from Paris to Barcelona takes around 6 hours.

By Boat

You can travel by boat if you are coming from the United Kingdom. Brittany Ferries offers services from Portsmouth and Plymouth to Santander and from Portsmouth to Bilbao. 

By Bus

For those travelling on a tight budget, you may opt for a bus ride to get around in the country. There are lots of private bus companies offering routes to all major Spanish cities. The estimated bus fare is approximately €8 per 100km.

What to Do There?

Alhambra

Hosts seven exhibition halls altogether, the Museum of Alhambra is located on the south side of the ground floor of the Palace of Charles V (Palacio de Carlos V). This museum was initially found in 1940. It was once called the National Museum of Spanish-Moorish Art. Under the management of the Council of the Alhambra and the Generalife, the name was changed to the Museum of Alhambra. The first hall houses thematic exhibitions and the other halls are located in chronological order. The Alhambra was surrounded by a wall that protected the enclosure from possible attacks. Some of the attractions here include; the Alcazaba, Tower of the Candle, the Golden Room and many more.

The Temple of Sagrada Familia

The magnificent temple was designed by Antoni Gaudi. He worked for 43 years on the temple until 1926. This temple is one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This place is the epitome of drive, determination and hard work. Five generations have already witnessed the temple’s rise. The construction continues today and could be finished in the first third of the 21st century. Tower of the Virgin Mary, Towers of the Evangelists, Tower of Jesus Christ and Passion façade are some of the attraction you could find here.

Ibiza

It is well known for the lively nightlife in the town. Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of Spain. It’s also home to quiet villages, yoga retreats and beautiful beaches. The streets in the town are lined with hotels, bars and shops. The largest settlements are Ibiza Town, Santa Eulària des Riu, and Sant Antoni de Portmany. The island is also one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage site.

Mosque of Cordoba

The building exhibits the complexity of the history thus created one of its most beautiful examples to be seen. The mosque integrates the historical layers of different cultures and civilisations. From Hellenism to the Baroque, not forgetting Caliphate splendour, this building offers us a complete and unique vision of the history of art, a rich dialogue between cultures. The construction of the building started in the middle of the 6th century and had survived and preserved up until today. You could enjoy the breathtaking masterpieces created by prestigious artists back then. The evolution of architecture could be seen through the Mosque of Abd Rahman, Al-Hakam, Mihrab, Almanzor, the Royal Chapel and Parroquia del Sagrario.

Where to Stay?

Gran Melia Fenix- The Leading Hotels of the World

This 5-star hotel combines timeless luxury with an avant-garde flair. Ideal for business and leisure clients, it is a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”. It is located next to Serrano Street, the most exclusive shopping district in Madrid. There are fourteen types of room to choose from. The Restaurant Caray and the Dry Martini Bar by Javier de las Muelas offer two unique and innovative experiences in the centre of Madrid that will continue to live in your memory.

Hotel Sofia

The hotel offers elegant luxury rooms and suites in Barcelona, brimming with history, which invites you to discover each of its spaces and explore its surrounding area. Hotel Sofia is located 12KM away from Barcelona Airport. It offers an excellent location in the upper area of Barcelona in the Pedralbes district, specifically in the middle of Avinguda Diagonal, the city’s main financial and commercial artery: The football stadium and exclusive shopping centres just a few minutes walking distance from the hotel. There is a wide variety of room to choose from including; harmony, infinity, sphere and so suite.

Hospes Palau de la Mar

Located on one of the most beautiful and central streets of Valencia, Hospes Palau de la Mara majestic house of the 19th Century, that responds to the marine spirit and symbolises the great values of its city. The hotel is equipped with a modern and spectacular patio, similar to a boat deck, which contrasts with the majestic architecture of the building. The restaurant here serves a signature cuisine based on natural and local ingredients that allow our guests to discover the essence of Valencia. All rooms are excellently equipped with materials and finishes that bring together all the pieces. There is Bodyna Spa Natural Care where you can pamper your body and soul.