Train information

The national railway company is RENFE: www.renfe.es
Train types: Alvia, AVE (HS train), Trainhotel, long distance trains, reservations
required; Avant (HS train), TRD, regional trains, reservations required; regional,
Andalucia Expres, Catalunya Expres, etc., reservations not required; Cercanias
(commuter trains), reservations not required.
Many stations have check-in desks for certain trains, similar to airports. This may also include X-ray screening of your luggage.

Ferries, ships, buses… everything but train

Most of the main cities and places of interest are connected by a full range of Renfe
(www.renfe.com) trains. Next to that the company Feve (www.feve.es) offers railway
services between several cities in the north of Spain and FGC (www.fgc.net) in
Catalonia. Check other services from the local tourist offices or visit www.spain.info.

Food and drink

Eat Tortilla (potato and onion omelette); Paella (seafood and meat risotto); Calamares (deep fried squid rings); Gazpacho (cold vegetable soup); Jamon Serrano (smoked ham); calcotada (grilled green onions).
Drink the famous Cava (similar to champagne), red wine from the Ribera del Duero region, Brandy de Jerez (Sherry wine); Anis (aniseed); Carajillo (coffee with brandy or rum); Sidra (cider – especially in the north).

Accommodation

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts (usually known as pensiones or hospederias) are everywhere. There is also a very popular style of accommodation called Hostal, which are usually equivalent to a 1-2 star hotel.
The Local Hostel Association is the Red Espanola de Albergues Juveniles (www.reaj.com). There are
plenty of private hostels all over the country.
For something different, the Parador is a kind of luxury inn that is usually situated inside a historical building, many of them are national monuments: www.parador.es
Camping: www.campinguia.com – free camping is forbidden.

Travel information

• Local Tourism Board: www.spain.info and www.esmadrid.com is the dedicated website for Madrid
• National Parks: reddeparquesnacionales.mma.es/parques/index.htm
• Mountain Association: www.aegm.org (Spanish only).