Fast facts:

Capital: Madrid.

Language spoken: Spanish and Catalan.

Currency: Euro: Rate £1 = 1.34 Euros    $1 = 0.68 Euros.

Time zone: GMT +1

Approx flight time: London to Barcelona: 2 hours 10 minutes. New York to Barcelona: 8 hours.

Country dialling code: 0034

Overview Spain:

Spain is rightfully regarded as one of the top travel destinations in the world. Situated in Mediterranean Europe, it is Spain’s diversity that sets it apart from many other pretenders. Sometimes unfairly thought of as ‘just a beach holiday’ there certainly is more to Spain than that.

Spain is steeped in history and this is reflected in its historic castles, gothic cathedrals and Roman remains. Spain is also home to some of Europe’s grandest cities from the cosmopolitan coastal city of Barcelona to the thriving inland capital of Madrid.

If you want to get away from the city life head north to the Pyrenees, where depending on the time of year, you will find either excellent skiing or trekking. In stark comparison travelling south east you will be able to explore the desert region.

In addition to all this, Spain has two hugely popular groups of islands. The Balearic Islands comprising of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are hugely popular with tourists due to their great weather and miles of golden beaches. Lying just a 115kms off North West Africa, The Canary islands offer year round sun and are a great place to relax.

As a medical tourism destination: Spain

Well known as a top holiday destination, Spain is now gaining a reputation as medical travel centre. Doctors in Spain are as highly trained as any countries in the E.U and due to the large expat community many of them speak English fluently.

The Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo is the institution in charge of the Spanish healthcare and as such is responsible for checking all relevant paper work and qualifications of doctors. Doctors must be registered with the relevant medical association in their area in order to practice.

Cosmetic surgery is the reason most people choose Spain for medical travel combining it with a holiday in a country they trust. The standard of cosmetic surgeons in Spain in first class and if your country of origin is from either the US or UK then expect to find prices much lower than you are used to.

There is no dental care provided by the state in Spain and consequently there are a large number of private dental practices. Expect the latest equipment and dental procedures should Spain be you chosen destination for treatment.

Vaccinations: Spain

Malaria: There is no risk of Malaria in Spain.

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to enter Spain but make sure you are up to date with your own countries vaccination programme. Please contact a medical practitioner if you are in any doubt.

Cost of Living:

Accommodation: Euros 25 – 150 per night.

Average Meal Prices: Euros 10 – 35.

Transport: The bus network gives better coverage and is less expensive than compared with the train. Spain’s large cities have excellent transport facilities and are generally inexpensive.

Spain Weather:

The climate in Spain varies greatly throughout the country due to its vast size.

Central inland Spain has very hot dry summers and cold winters.

On the Mediterranean coast the summers are hot with rain in spring and autumn and mild winters.

On the Atlantic coast the summers are cooler with heavy rainfall in the winter.

Spring: (March to June) mild.

Summer: (June to August) Temperatures regularly over 30 deg c

Autumn: (Sept to Nov) mild and can be wet.

Winter: (Nov to March) Northern and Inland areas tend to be cold where as winters are mild on the Mediterranean coast.

Visa:

Not required for US or UK passport holders.