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SPAIN

  • Capital: Madrid
  • State form: Parliamentary monarchy
  • Area: 505 990 km2
  • Religon: Catholics 72%
  • Phonenumber: +34
  • Language: Spanish 100%, Catalan 17%, Galicia 7%, Basque 2%
  • Time-Zone: UTC + 1
  • Population: 47,450,795 (2020)
  • Currency: Euro (Eur)

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Airports

The airports are mainly located on the Costa del Sol (Málaga, Mallorca), in the Canary Islands or near major cities (Madrid, Barcelona). Finnair has direct flights from Helsinki to Madrid and Barcelona, as well as several leisure flights to the Costa del Sol and the Canary Islands. Norwegian has flights from Helsinki to Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga, and from Turku to Alicante. Several flights are available during the summer. Ryanair has trips from Tampere to Málaga.

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Travel in Spain

Spain has train connections to all major cities. RENFE is the Spanish equivalent of the State Railways. AVE is a Spanish high-speed train capable of 300 km / h. The AVE network covers the main destinations (Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, Seville, Córdoba, Toledo, Segovia…).

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Embassy of Finland, Madrid

Address: Paseo de la Castellana 15, 28046 Madrid – Tel. +34 91 319 6172 Email: sanomat.mad@formin.fi – Website: www.finlandia.es

  • Travel bulletin from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Generally safe. Follow official instructions. Beware of pickpockets and traffic. Demonstrations possible.” Read more
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public square in the city of Madrid, Spain. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.

Madrid (Capital)

 

Madrid, Spain’s central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.

Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol – the ‘Sunny Coast’ – lives up to its name. Here, the Mediterranean sparkles under the sun nearly all year round, and life flows effortlessly along seaside promenades, charming villages, and lively resort towns. This region is known for its relaxed vibe, but it also offers culture, golf, gastronomy, and adventure – something for every type of traveler. For decades, Costa del Sol has been a favorite holiday destination for Europeans, and more travelers are now rediscovering it as a modern, high-quality, and surprisingly diverse destination.

Why Visit Costa del Sol?

  • Over 300 days of sunshine per year
  • Dozens of well-maintained sandy beaches
  • Fresh seafood, tapas, and Andalusian wines
  • More than 70 golf courses and plenty of padel courts
  • Historic old towns, museums, and local events

Top Destinations

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Málaga

Málaga is the cultural heart of Costa del Sol. Birthplace of Picasso, the city has transformed into a trendy hub for art and gastronomy. The Picasso Museum, Alcazaba Fortress, and modern Muelle Uno harbor showcase both history and modern life. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a sunset cocktail on one of the city’s many rooftop terraces.

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Marbella

Marbella shines with glamour. In Puerto Banús, luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and stylish restaurants line the harbor. But the city also has a softer side: the Old Town’s orange tree-lined squares and cobbled streets are postcard-perfect. With over 30 golf courses nearby, it’s also a dream destination for golfers.

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Fuengirola

Fuengirola is perfect for families and travelers looking for a laid-back holiday. With 8 kilometers of beachfront, easy transport, and a welcoming atmosphere, the city is popular year-round. Visitors enjoy beach cafés, shopping, and Bioparc – a modern, eco-friendly zoo.

Barcelona & Catalonia

Barcelona and the surrounding region of Catalonia are like the vibrant soul of Spain reimagined. The city pulses with Gaudí’s dreamlike architecture, buzzing markets, and coastal elegance. Beyond it, Catalonia offers a stunning contrast of rocky coastlines, vineyard valleys, and mountain monasteries.

Why Visit Barcelona & Catalonia ?

  • Gaudí’s masterworks – Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Park Güell
  • Urban beaches & Costa Brava coves
  • Catalan cuisine – tapas, seafood, cava
  • Museums, art and street life
  • Nature escapes – Montserrat, Pyrenees, vineyards

Top Destinations

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Barcelona

A city that’s a gallery, a beach town, and a cultural capital in one. Explore Gaudí’s iconic landmarks, wander the Gothic Quarter, shop on Passeig de Gràcia, or unwind on Barceloneta Beach

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Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a breathtaking region of hidden coves, turquoise waters, and peaceful fishing villages. Great for hiking, snorkeling or just relaxing.

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Penedes & Priorat

Beautiful wine regions  just an hour from Barcelona lies the homeland of cava. Take a wine-tasting tour by bike or car through Penedès vineyards, or explore the red wines of the mountainous Priorat.

Valencia & Costa Blanca

On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Valencia and the Costa Blanca region blend modern urban culture with stunning beach landscapes. It’s more than just a holiday destination – it’s a place for food lovers, city explorers, sun-seekers, and families.

Why Visit Valencia & Costa Blanca?

  • Futuristic Architecture – Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Hemisfèric, Oceanogràfic
  • Sandy Beaches and Mediterranean Coastal Towns – Valencia, Alicante, Altea, Calpe
  • Mediterranean Culinary Culture – Paella, Seafood, Wines
  • Historic Towns and Hilltop Fortresses – Santa Bárbara, Villajoyosa, Old Towns
  • Nature Destinations and Coastal Hikes – Serra Gelada, Tabarca Island, Nature Parks

Top Destinations

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Altea

Altea enchants with its whitewashed houses, blue-domed church, and artistic atmosphere. The old town is like a postcard: narrow cobblestone alleys wind through the hills, offering stunning views of the sea. Altea is a peaceful alternative to busier holiday destinations – a perfect place to enjoy culture, crafts, and the Mediterranean vibe.

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Valencia

A city of contrasts, where ancient streets meet science-fiction architecture. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, stroll in the Turia Gardens, and end your day on the beach or in a bustling local market.

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Alicante

A vibrant seaside city with the Santa Bárbara Castle towering above the port. Palm-lined promenades, seafood restaurants, and laid-back vibes define this sunny coastal hub.

Andalusia

Andalusia is where Spain’s spirit shines the brightest. The sounds of flamenco, the grandeur of Moorish palaces, and the warmth of the Mediterranean sun come together in this deeply cultural region.

Why Visit Andalusia?

  • Historical palace & mosque tours
  • Flamenco performances and dance classes
  • Wine & sherry tastings
  • Hiking in national parks and Sierra Nevada
  • Day trips to Ronda, Cádiz, or Jerez

Top Destinations

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Seville

A city full of energy, music, and monumental beauty. Visit the Royal Alcázar, Seville Cathedral & La Giralda, and relax in the Plaza de España.

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Córdoba

Home to the magnificent Mezquita, Córdoba also invites you to stroll through its Jewish Quarter, discover hidden patios, and cross the Roman bridge into a world of calm and beauty.

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Granada

The Alhambra Palace is Andalusia’s crown jewel. Explore Albaicín, the Moorish old town, and enjoy flamenco in the Sacromonte caves with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.

Other interesting locations in Spain

Barcelona, Spain - December 17th, 2011: Tourists at backside of famous church and cathedral Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. Seen from subway station Sagrada Familia. Church also called Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família - famous basilica built by Antoni Gaudi in year 1882 and til today not finished. Church is located in district Eixample in North of town. Some parts of church are UNESCO World Heritage.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Address: Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

 

The Basílica de la Sagrada Família, also known as the Sagrada Família, is a large unfinished Roman Catholic minor basilica in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Madrid, Spain - January 2, 2011: Prado museum. People entering Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.

Prado National Museum

Address: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain

 

The Prado has one of the largest art collections in the world and is best known for its diverse assortment of works by Velasquez, Goya and El Greco.

One of the main courtyards of the Alhambra, the palace of the Sultan in Southern Spain.

The Alhambra

Address: Calle Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain

 

The Alhambra was so called because of its reddish walls (in Arabic, («qa’lat al-Hamra’» means Red Castle). It is located on top of the hill al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, to the west of the city of Granada and in front of the neighbourhoods of the Albaicin and of the Alcazaba.

Barcelona Cathedral. Spain.

Gothic Quarter

Location: Ciutat Vella district, Barcelona

 

This majestic district lies in the oldest part of Barcelona. Its architecture really catches one’s eye, while its labyrinthine street plan offers exotic experiences for a pedestrian. Some of its buildings date back to the Roman era, but most of the notable ones are medieval. The heart of the nightlife it’s the Plaça Reial square with its clubs. Other landmarks are the Temple of Augustus and The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia.

Seville, Spain - November 7, 2014: The Royal Alcazar of Seville at the Courtyard of the Maidens. It is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe.

Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla)

Address: Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

 

Sights across the entire Spanish south have been shaped by centuries of Moorish and Catholic influence, and in few places is this more evident and captivating than at the Royal Alcázar of Seville (Real Alcázar de Sevilla). This UNESCO World Heritage Sites sprawling complex is made up of several features; the most picturesque is arguably the Patio de las Doncellas, with its tranquil ponds that reflect the intricate mudéjar plasterwork for which the palace is especially noted.

The historic facade of the Palacio Real reflecting in the still waters of the ornamental pond set amongst the green trees of the Sabatini Gardens in the heart of Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital city. ProPhoto RGB profile for maximum color fidelity and gamut.

Royal Palace of Madrid

Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain

 

This magnificent castle is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, but it is only used for state ceremonies. With a 135,000 m2 floor area and containing 3,148 rooms, it is the largest palace in Europe and has plenty of space to explore. The palace is well-known for its gorgeous art collection, containing works from artists like Caravaggio and de Goya. Another important collection is housed by the Royal Armoury of Madrid, where it is the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet. Guided tours are available.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Galicia, Spain in the morning

Santiago De Compostela

Location: A Coruña Province

 

Santiago de Compostela is the idyllic capital of Galicia and has approx. 95,000 residents. It is famous for housing the shrine of Saint James the Great, in the city’s cathedral, and being the final destination of the Way of St. James Catholic pilgrimage route. In addition to the cathedral, other important attractions are the 16th century Baroque Church of San Martín Pinario, the City of Culture of Galicia and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Roman Amphitheater, Costa Daurada, Catalunya. Copy space for text

Tarragona

Location: Tarragona Province, Catalonia

 

The Catalan city of Tarragona is a port and a vivid university town with 132,000 residents. It is well-known for its Roman ruins and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Its main sights are e.g. the archaeological museum, the cathedral and the Roman walls.

More information about Spain

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  • Costa del Sol
    Málaga and Costa del Sol

    Costa del Sol is the coastline of the Málaga province. It is over 150km long and one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. The area’s sunny climate is the main attraction, and most visitors come to Malaga to enjoy the sun, the sea and the......