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Practical Information

Practical Information

Spain

Communication

Connectivity Options

Language & Assistance

Navigating language barriers and access to postal services.

Support & Services

  • Spanish (Castellano) is the official language. English proficiency is limited, especially in smaller villages.
  • Translation resources like Google Translate (offline pack) or DeepL are valuable. Rosetta Stone can aid in language learning.
  • Correos (Spanish postal service) offices are present in most towns for stamps and sending postcards.

Spanish Phrases

A few essential phrases to assist with daily interactions.

Greetings & Politeness

  • ¡Hola! (OH-lah) - Hello!
  • Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
  • Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you

Asking for Essentials

Phrases for dining and seeking information.

Dining & Directions

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?) - How much is it?
  • La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEN-tah, por fah-VOR) - The bill, please
  • Cerveza (ther-VEH-thah) - Beer

General Business Hours

Shop Hours non-supermarket

  • Typically 9:30 AM/10:00 AM to 1:30 PM/2:00 PM.
  • Close for siesta, reopening 4:30 PM/5:00 PM to 8:00 PM/8:30 PM.
  • Operate Monday-Saturday, with strict adherence to siesta in smaller towns.
  • Lunch from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, Dinner from 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM onwards.

Other Services & Closures

  • Supermarkets: Generally open continuously 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM (Mon-Sat).
  • Banks: Usually open weekdays 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM/2:30 PM. ATMs are available 24/7.
  • Pharmacies: Similar hours to shops, with an afternoon siesta closure. Designated Farmacia de guardia available.
  • Public Holidays & Seasonal Closures: Businesses may operate on reduced schedules or close entirely. Low season (late Oct-April) sees many closures.

Plan for Local Rhythms

Always confirm operating times, especially for activities and dining in smaller communities.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

A simple "¡Hola!" for casual interactions. Use "Buenos días" until early afternoon, then "Buenas tardes," and "Buenas noches" at night.

Appropriate Attire

Generally casual for outdoor activities. Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is respectful when visiting churches or religious sites.

Dining Practices

Spaniards eat lunch and dinner later than many other nationalities. Dining often comprises a social and leisurely event. Tipping is common but typically smaller than in some other countries.

Photography Ethics

Generally acceptable to photograph landscapes and public spaces. Permission is advisable before photographing individuals, especially in rural communities or children.

Guidelines for Photography

  • Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
  • Be discreet and respectful of privacy.
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife for photographs.

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting churches or the Sanctuary of Covadonga, respectful conduct is essential, especially during services.

Conduct at Sacred Sites

  • Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
  • Maintain quiet and respectful demeanor, especially during services or prayers.
  • Adhere to any posted "no photography" signs within the premises.

General Social Norms

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

  • Avoid initiating discussions about politically sensitive topics like Catalan independence or the Spanish Civil War.
  • Bullfighting is a divisive topic, generally best avoided in conversation.
  • Public displays of affection are generally fine but excessive displays should be avoided.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

  • Spain is a progressive and accepting country.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers are unlikely to face issues in the Picos de Europa.
  • Gender equality is legally protected, reflecting broad societal acceptance.

Embrace Local Courtesy

A little effort to speak Spanish receives great appreciation. Respect for local norms and traditions significantly enriches your travel experience.

Accessibility Information

Picos de Europa's rugged terrain presents inherent challenges for travelers with mobility needs. Careful planning facilitates an accessible trip.

Infrastructure & Challenges

The mountainous terrain is inherently challenging for mobility-impaired travelers. Most hiking trails are unpaved, steep, and uneven.

Terrain Considerations

  • Hiking trails are difficult or impossible for wheelchairs or those with significant limitations.
  • Town centers often feature cobblestones, narrow streets, and steps that can present navigation difficulty.
  • Traditional rural houses (Casas rurales) are generally not adapted for wheelchair access due to historic architecture.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

A limited number of sites offer some degree of accessibility, providing access to park features.

Accessible Points

  • Some visitor centers within the National Park may be accessible with ramps and adapted facilities.
  • The Fuente Dé Cable Car features ramps and adapted cabins, making the ascent accessible.
  • The underground Funicular de Bulnes is accessible, providing access to Bulnes village.

Services for Impairments

Currently, no widespread specific services exist for travelers with visual or hearing impairments within Picos de Europa.

Self-Reliance & Support

  • Travelers rely on personal assistance, guide dogs (with adherence to local regulations), or assistive technologies.
  • No specific widespread services are available for hearing impairments.
  • Check local regulations for guide dog access in certain areas within the park.

Resources & Information

For the most accurate and current accessibility information, direct consultation with specific providers or organizations is advisable.

Where to Find Details

  • Consult specific hotel websites directly for their accessibility offerings.
  • Contact the Picos de Europa National Park directly (official website or visitor centers) to inquire about specific sites.
  • Organizations like Predif (Plataforma Representativa Estatal de Personas con Discapacidad Física) may offer broader guidance.

Important Accessibility Note

Terrain Limitations

  • Picos de Europa is a rugged mountain environment.
  • Many trails are unpaved, steep, and uneven.
  • Independent exploration can be very limited without specific equipment or assistance.

Planning is

  • Thorough research into specific sites is critical.
  • Direct contact with venues or tourism offices is advisable.
  • Travel with companions who can offer assistance if needed.

Accessibility Organizations

General Accessibility in Spain

  • Predif (Plataforma Representativa Estatal de Personas con Discapacidad Física) focuses on physical disability.
  • The organization offers broader guidance for accessible tourism within Spain.
  • Specific Picos de Europa accessibility information might be limited through general sources.

Airport Assistance

  • Airports offer services for passengers with reduced mobility.
  • Pre-booking assistance with your airline is strongly advised.
  • This ensures appropriate support upon arrival and departure.

Informed Travel

Adapt your itinerary to match accessibility levels.