Spain is home to great food, picturesque scenery and stunning coastlines. This country is so diverse that every town has its own uniqueness to it, meaning it is a destination where no one can be bored. Barcelona and Madrid are some of the best cities to visit in Spain for a city break holiday. The Spanish islands, such as Ibiza, Tenerife and Lanzarote are perfect for sun holidays, with white sand beaches and clear waters.

Madrid, the capital of Spain is full of life and culture. Walk along the Gran Vía to absorb in the atmosphere of this vast city. The cities main shopping street is full of popular clothing stores and high street shops. As well as this, Gran Vía has its very own Broadway! After a long day of exploring this exciting city, take a stroll in El Retiro Park, filled with monuments and gardens, including a rose garden. In the heart of this park, lies a large lake where people go to sunbathe and hire boats.

Barcelona, another major city in Spain is known for its incredible architecture. Stroll along the Las Ramblas, the 2km long boulevard and enjoy Spanish cuisine in the many restaurant along here. Barcelona has beautiful beaches, which attract many tourists and residents. However, these beaches are man made and there were no beaches here until 1992. The Plaça Reial is a historic square in the middle of Barcelona, with lively atmospheres this square is a great place to spend an evening.

If you want to go on a sunny beach holiday, then a trip to one of the Spanish islands is a must. Most of the Balearic Islands are great spots for sunbathing all day and partying until dawn, like Majorca and Ibiza. However, there are also quieter areas such as La Palma, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, if you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday.

• There are a few different languages that are spoken throughout Spain. The official language is Spanish (Castilian). In the Balearic Islands and Catalonia, Catalan is spoken here, and most menus are also written in this co-official language. Most locals of Valencia speak Valencian. However, English is also widely spoken in Spain.
• Spain’s currency is the Euro (abbreviated €).
• There are many airports in Spain: Valencia Airport (VLC), Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Barcelona International Airport (BCN), Lanzarote Airport (ACE) and Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
• Around between 14:00 and 17:00 everyday shops around Spain close for siesta and restaurants and bars close from 16:00 until 20:30. So, expect to be having late dinners!
• There are different climates in Spain, the climate of the Atlantic coast, Mediterranean, mountainous climate of the Pyrenees and the African climate.
• Places situated on the Mediterranean Sea such as Barcelona, Ibiza and Mallorca have temperatures in summer months that average at daily highs of 28°C/82°F and lows of 20°C/68°F. In colder months, these destinations experience daily averages highs of 14°C/57°F and lows of 5°C/41°F.
• In Madrid, the temperature in summer months averages at daily highs of 32°C/90°F and lows of 18°C/64°F. In colder months Madrid has daily averages highs of 10°C/50°F and lows of 1°C/34°F.
• Beware of pickpockets! It can happen in most major cities so it’s not specific to Spain. Take extra care on public transport when spaces can get cramped.
• Tipping is not a big thing in Spain as waiters do not rely on tips, so do not feel pressured to leaving anything.
• Spain drives on the right side of the road.
• Drinking water is safe to drink throughout Spain.
• Spain uses two plug types; types C and F. Voltage is 230 V and frequency is 50 Hz.

The Chocolate Museum of Barcelona

The Chocolate Museum of Barcelona is not quite Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but it is close enough!

This museum shows the story of how chocolate became the chocolate we all know today. From the discovery of the cocoa bean, how it became important and how countries fought to have control over it.

As well as this, there are tonnes of chocolate sculptures around this museum and you get a free chocolate bar which is acts as your entrance into here!

Address: Comerç, 36 Barcelona, 08003 Spain

Coordinates: 41.387753, 2.181528