Good to Know

Location

Climate

Spain has a predominantly warm Mediterranean climate, with dry summers and winters with balanced temperatures. Valencia enjoys a mild temperate Mediterranean climate. The average annual temperature is 17 ºC with warm summers and very mild winters, rarely below 10 ºC.

Currency

The currency in Spain is the Euro.

Language

Spanish is the official language.

Time

Central European Time = GMT + 1 hour

International Dialing code

Spain is +34

Public Transportation

Valencia is a relatively small city. However, if you are only visiting for a short period, public transport could be a convenient tool for seeing much of the city in a limited time. Most of Valencia’s monuments and important buildings are in the historic quarter, meaning that you can get about on foot if you wish. Another way to get to anywhere in the city is using the public transport system, which will take you to all the places of interest. The metro system runs from 5:30 am to midnight, and station entrances are marked with the letter ‘M’. Line no. 4 covers the main streets of the centre, the port and the popular beach of La Malvarrosa.
You can also use the city bus system. These run from 4:30 am to 10:30 pm (approx. – timetables vary according to the route). In summer there are extra services to the beach. To get around by night there are night buses which depart from the Town Hall square. They can be identified by an ‘N’ in front of their number, and run every day between 10:30 pm and 2 am (on Fridays and the eve of public holidays, until 3:30 am).However, many people prefer the convenience of taxis when travelling by night. They run all day, and are white with the city shield and their license number on the side. You can hail them in the street when the green light is on. Otherwise there are taxi ranks, or you can order them by phone using the radio taxi service. Rates are visible inside the cars, with the total price displayed on a meter, and include charges for flag-down, kilometres travelled and other special extras such as night service, public holidays, and train or airport services.

Where to Find Help?

In Spain, medications are obtained at pharmacies. They are all marked with a green cross. You will get your prescriptions from your doctor. If you come from a country in the European Union, or your country has health agreements with Spain, you will have the same prescription drug benefits as Spanish citizens. Dial 112 free of charge (valid throughout Spain). Service is provided in Spanish, and also in English, French and German in some tourist areas. If you come from an EU member state, you are entitled to free medical and hospital care. You will require your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). With the European Health Insurance Card you will receive the same temporary healthcare services as any other Spanish citizen. The expiry date can be found on the European Health Insurance Card and it is valid in EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Private doctors and hospitals in Spain do not accept the European Health Insurance Card. If you require private healthcare you must settle your own bills or take out an insurance policy that covers it. You do not need any vaccinations against illness to travel to Spain. As in any part of the world, it is advisable to have your anti-tetanus vaccination up to date if you are going to be in contact with nature and the countryside, as well as any other official vaccination programme.