There is no doubt that there are as many ways to move around the world as travellers. Some people like to explore new places by carrying a backpack and sleeping in remote locations, whereas others prefer to stay at elegant hotel rooms surrounded by city lights and skyscrapers. There are also those who enjoy both, since travelling can be an extremely diverse activity. Even the same trip can include dramatically different environments.

The keys to unlocking a pleasant hotel experience in Spain

When it comes to travelling around Spain, choosing the right accommodation can be the cherry on top of the cake. There are a number of things we can take into account to make sure that our stay there will be comfortable. For instance, a digital key will allow us to access our room without waiting queues at reception or dealing with any other unnecessary delays. This type of check-in technology is fast, handy and efficient, an interesting alternative to traditional check-ins.

Some hotels even offer a comprehensive self-check-in and out process that helps guests save time and avoid relying on reception hours. As an example, Mews’ check-in kiosk provides a customised experience with digital greetings and guidance. This way, the hotel gets to streamline operations and the guest gains control over the different steps of the process, including check-in, payment and adding new products and services to the reservation.

In any case, visiting different places in Spain is always a great opportunity to try the local cuisine. And, sometimes, we can do so without leaving the hotel facilities. Many accommodations include breakfast services, where we might taste a piece of local fruit, a traditional Spanish toast or some churros.  

Moreover, some hotels have their own restaurant, where they serve traditional dishes from the area. Indeed, many acclaimed Spanish chefs work at high-class hotels. Either way, it is never a bad idea to have a look at the menu.

In some cases, ordering a drink at the hotel bar can be interesting too. It might be a cosy indoor cafetería with a fireplace or a modern rooftop with amazing views, among other welcoming spaces where one can just spend time chatting or reading a good book.

Another aspect to consider while designing our travel experience is how the hotel fits into its environment. Is it a secluded cabin in the woods, a whitewashed house overlooking the Mediterranean or a luxurious room with glass walls in one of Madrid’s tallest buildings? We will probably pick a different answer depending on the type of vacation we plan to enjoy. In any case, the hotel we choose should match our travel expectations.

Of course, there are many other details regarding accommodation that will affect our hotel experience while travelling around Spain. Different amenities, room service, accessibility… It is vital that we examine the features of the hotel we are booking in order to avoid misunderstandings and simply enjoy the trip.

This article was written in collaboration with Mews.

Gifting and stealing hours twice a year is a decade-long tradition, but many people have raised their voices against this Western approach. However, in order to understand the current situation, we should take a look at the past first.

The history of daylight saving time: where, how and why it started

It was the North American politician, scientist and inventor Benjamin Franklin who suggested to change the clocks in order to adapt them to daylight hours in the late 18th century. Some figures like British builder William Willett would eventually support his idea, pointing to the fact that citizens slept when the sun was already out. Therefore, natural light was being wasted only because it was not “time to wake up”.

This proposal was not put into effect until World War I. More precisely, it happened in April 1916, when Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire decided to implement the theory of the daylight saving time. Soon after, most European countries joined in, but this measure was only applied inconsistently for decades. Spain is the perfect example of said inconsistency.

When Spain introduced the daylight saving time

Even though the daylight saving time was established in Spain in April 1918 as a response to the demands of other Western countries, the truth is that the time change was managed in a considerably irregular way. The clocks did not change once from 1920 to 1923, and neither did they in 1925. The Spanish Civil War aggravated the chaos even more. In fact, the Republican faction of the Civil War had their clocks in a different position to the Francoist side.

The following years were not better in this respect. From 1950 to 1973, the daylight saving time was not implemented. It was in 1973 that they decided not to ignore it anymore. Therefore, we could say that Spain definitely committed to changing the clocks in 1973.

Daylight saving time: advantages, disadvantages and possible outcomes

In favour of changing the clocks in March and October

The advocates of keeping the daylight saving time in Spain usually argue that adapting the clocks to natural daylight hours helps save a considerable amount of energy in winter. In the coldest months of the year, the time change aligns the sunrise with the rings of the alarm clocks all over Spain. This way, natural light usually stays until 6 pm. In addition, were we to discard the time change, it would not dawn in the north of Spain until ten in the morning.

Against changing the clocks: all for one and one for all

Being against the time change usually means defending a permanent state of daylight saving time. That is, rejecting the way we set our clocks the rest of the year. Those against changing the clocks twice a year question the veracity of the alleged energy saving, claiming that, although the daylight is made the most of in the morning, most people do not return home earlier than 6 pm, hence they consume more energy. Moreover, the heating cost always rises in winter. If the daylight lasted longer, it would make it possible for people to leave their jobs when there is still light outside, significantly reducing the number of people coming home at night. Besides, this would also benefit different fields like tourism.

Apart from the benefits any of these approaches might entail, another aspect to take into account on this matter is the health-related issues produced by time changes. Our sleep cycles get altered every time we change the clocks, and our bodies experience a small-scale jet lag. Some studies suggest that there is an increase of traffic accidents and heart attacks the days we shift the time. According to the University of Alabama, it could be avoided if we stuck to a permanent time arrangement.

How living in Spain would be in a permanent state of daylight saving time

Between March and October, everything would remain the same. The sun would rise between 6.30 am and 8 am, earlier in summer and later in autumn and spring. Nightfall would vary from 8.30 pm to 22 pm.

The most drastic changes would arrive in winter. From October to March, sunrise would not start till 8 am, and in some places the sun would not rise until 10 am. In exchange, we would gain daylight hours in the evening. It would never get dark before 6.30 pm.

How living in Spain would be in a permanent winter time

Nobody really considers sticking to the winter time, but it is still interesting to have a look at it. In this case, schedules would be similar to the ones we experience between October and March. The sun would rise between 7.30 am and 9 am, depending on the month, and the daylight would go out between 5 pm and 6.30 pm. However, in summer it would be like this: sunrise at 5.30 am in June and, eventually, at 7 am. Best case scenario, the sun would set at 9 pm.

The likeliest outcome: bye-bye time change

It seems like, in a few years, we might only talk about changing the clocks as an anecdote from the past. In 2018, after hearing the thoughts of five million citizens of Europe, the European Commission presented a draft project to remove this measure once and for all. They conducted a survey and the results were certainly revealing: eight out of ten people stood against the time change. The Western society is becoming increasingly more reluctant to embrace this decision that was made in more than a decade ago, during World War I. Times have changed, and it seems like time changes will soon be outdated.

Handmade products by España Fascinante

The shop offers wood and cotton hand fans inspired by ceramist Daniel Zuloaga’s artwork and fabricated in Aldaia, Valencia. Their harmonious colours and motifs embody a long tradition that feeds on Spanish art and landscapes.

Besides, the shop features a candle collection inspired by fascinating Spain. Each candle is a high-quality, ethically sourced, sustainable product―its ingredients are based on natural soy wax, and the handmade piece is crafted in Spain.

These candles celebrate the Spanish essence with fragrances that evoke the Mediterranean breeze through notes of pine trees and citric fruits, and the emblematic scent of Andalusian patios and their harmonious combination of jasmine, tuberose, and orange blossom.

By exploring the marketed products, the references to Spanish culture and geography can be clearly appreciated. Our love for traditional know-how and national products allows us to provide you with a fascinating experience.

Visit España Fascinante’s online shop at https://tienda.espanafascinante.com/en to explore all of our products.

Widely used between the 18th and 19th centuries, this series of gestures was used to communicate with suitors or friends. Painters such as Goya, Velázquez, Sorolla or Zuloaga, among many others, have captured in their paintings the connection between a woman and her hand fan. Nowadays, most of the artisans dedicated to the elaboration of fans are located in Aldaya, Valencia. Some of these workshops are over 300 years old. Far from what it might seem, the making of a fan requires time and there are many people involved in the manufacturing process: calador, painter, polisher, fondista... Of many colors and styles, the fans are a must for the summer and for the flamenco world. Expressing your feelings through a fan is an art. Do you dare to learn the language of the hand fan?

The language of the hand fan

• Keep a secret. If you cover your left ear with the open fan you are asking not to reveal a secret.
• Single. You can hint at it if you slowly fan yourself on your chest.
• Love passionately. If you place the hand fan near your heart, you are showing your love to another person.
• Engaged. This is demonstrated by fanning quickly, if you fan slowly you are married.
• Denial. If you want to show denial, you should place the fan on the left cheek.
• Affirmation. If on the contrary you want to say yes, you will keep it resting on the right cheek.
• Do you love me? You can ask discreetly if you give him the closed fan.
• I love you. Hide your eyes behind the open fan or move it around the cheek. It also means "they are watching us" if you look over it.
• Regret. If you pass the fan over your eyes it means "sorry" or "pardon".
• Kiss me. Keep the fan half open on your lips and you will be asking for a kiss.
• Hate. This is demonstrated if you move the fan from one hand to another.
• Friendship. You can prove your friendship to the other person by lowering the fan.
• Goodbye. If you keep the fan behind the head while extending your finger, you will want to say goodbye or end a relationship.
• Yes, I do. If the answer is yes to a marriage proposal, you will move the hand fan slowly.

Hand-made fan by España Fascinante

In Fascinating Spain and España Fascinante, we cherish local crafts through Aldaia’s fans. The village of Aldaia is known for its high-quality fans. As a result of our appreciation, we present you with a national product that combines wood and cotton, an item that brings Spanish heritage and art to our daily lives. You can learn more about it and get yours here. It is also the perfect gift.

This fan’s design is inspired by a ceramic medallion by Spanish artist Daniel Zuloaga, a hand-painted work that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its harmonious motives and colours offer us a glimpse into a long tradition that results from Spanish arts and landscapes: deep blue beaches and rivers merge with the mountains and deserts of ochre and reddish shades.

This highly-detailed product is made in Spain. It brings a unique touch of beauty and traditional craftsmanship to everyday life. España Fascinante’s elegant hand fan takes us to Valencia and decorates a simple action through a unique work that tells a long history. A canvas of infinite colours and shades unfolds with a simple hand movement.

Candles by España Fascinante, a sensory journey

Spain and its landscapes are contained in each detail of these candles, from the ingredients based on soy wax to the artisanal, proudly local manufacturing process. The result is a high-quality, ethical, sustainable product that constitutes a perfect gift or a special touch to your home.

Scented candle Mediterranean breeze

The candles by España Fascinante are more than just a decorative element. Just by lighting its wick, the first burning drop on the wax will transport you to a summer in Altea, that gem of white houses and sapphire vaults on the warm coast of Alicante.

The Mediterranean breeze candle perfectly captures the scent of those summer days filled with sea salt, with delicate touches of pine tree, orchid, and bergamot. The sensory experience is enhanced by these subtle citric and musk fragrances, paired with basil, bringing the sound of the waves and the surrounding vegetation to wherever you are.

Scented candle Andalusian patio

This breath of air is just as fresh as the previous one, but with a more intimate, cosier touch that will transport you to the emblematic patios of Córdoba with your eyes closed. The traditional Cordoban flowerpots stand out in the streets of whitewashed and vibrant tiled walls.

These colourful postcards are splattered with the fragrances of jasmine and orange blossom water, Andalucía’s flowers par excellence. The Andalusian patio scented candle recreates that delicate perfume of the land of fountains and Nasrid gardens, the sweet fragrance of its white flowers that invites to take a breath and just enjoy.

Bringing home a piece of the Spanish landscapes was never easier, but these souvenirs are more than that—the faithful, captivating portraits of the Mediterranean breeze and the picturesque Andalusian patios. Whether you have set foot in these spots or not, the best journeys are just a spark away with España Fascinante scented candles.

She is a labyrinth of personalities (and streets) whose heart is more difficult to reach than it seems. When surrounded by people, her personality is different from when it is its intimacy. Discovering the city is a mystery that the sections of this article will try to solve through a list of plans to experience the capital of Spain.

Its physical appearance

How would Madrid look like? The buildings along its streets and avenues are baroque, neoclassical, and eclectic in style. Wide avenues, such as the Castellana, combine with much shorter and narrower streets, such as those in Malasaña and Lavapiés. One can see all above mentioned on the most obvious sightseeing tour: a stroll through the centre.

The most significant scroll is a kind of triangle, which can be covered in a thousands ways. The essential points would be: the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor square, the Royal Palace, the San Miguel market, the Almudena cathedral, the Plaza de España square, Gran Vía street and the Banco de España.

Another key scroll is one that starts at Atocha and goes alone to the Paseo del Prado, where is the Prado National Museum, Reina Sofía National Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the squares of Neptuno and Cibeles. These spots are next to the Retiro Park and its Crystal Palace, others must-visits in Madrid. In fact, the last-mentioned places are part of the so-called Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its personality

Once its physical appearance is clear, it is necessary to know the personality of the capital of Spain. Let's take a closer look at the aspects that defines this city its personality.

A night out

Obviously, not everyone likes having a night out, but this city stands out for its parties. For this reason, at weekends, on public holidays and even during working days, the nightlife never stops. Madrid doesn't sleep, or hardly sleeps at all. Madrid has so many inhabitants and tourists, from so many cultures and tastes, that there is a wide range of things to choose from.

A night out could mean going out in some typical pubs of some the most significant areas of Madrid, such as Barrio de las Letras, Malasaña or Argüelles neighbourhoods. Besides, it is necessary to mention the most highlighted discos of the city, for example, Kapital, Teatro Barceló or Shoko. However, there are also many other little pubs to have an unforgettable night. Whatever the case, the fact is that one night out is a must. And if it ends with a breakfast of churros at Chocolatería San Ginés, so much the better.

Spending the hangover in El Rastro market and La Latina neighbourhood

According to the Spanish film director, Pablo Almodóvar, during the period of ‘La Movida Madrileña’: "it was important to go to the Rastro market every Sunday to show your friends who had survived Saturday night". This market took place in Embajadores neighbourhod since 1740. There, it is possible to find a wide range of different things, such as vintage objects, jewels, posters, second-hand books and clothes. The number of items in the Rastro flea market is almost infinite.

However, the best option to end any of these plans is to go for a drink in one of the bars of La Latina. So, why not ro recover from the hangover of the night before with more alcohol? Besides, there are many bars which offers a great variety of the most typical ‘tapas’ of Spain, such as Spanish omelette.

The triangle of Art: its most significant museums

Madrid is plenty of museums and Prado Museum could be considered one of the most relevant in Spain. This city has a specific area, known as the Triangle of Art, located in the surroundings of Atocha area, which consist of the three most popular museums: National Museum of Prado, National Museum Thyssen-Bornemisza and National Museum Reina Sofía.

These three museums are a compulsory visit, but if it is not possible, at least one is a must. The National Museum of Prado is one of the most important in the world, which includes works of many European and Spanish artists from the 15^th to the 19^th century. Reina Sofía museum stands out for its contemporary works and abstract art. In the Thyssen Museum, it is possible to visit the collection of this family, many works of different epochs and styles.

Madrid, a cultural city

Another unique feature of Madrid is its cultural character. Millions of people from different countries and cultures who come to the capital to study or start a new job, as well as the huge number of tourists. The capital is notable for its diversity.

A clear example is Usera, a neighbourhood where the population is mostly Chinese. In Lavapiés area, it is also common to find many people from Africa who gather in the squares and arcades. Street paintings, shops, restaurants, bars and cultural spaces are a good example of this multiculturalism, making it possible to travel almost anywhere in the world from the Spanish capital.

An outdoor break

Although Madrid does not stop, there are also places for rest. For this reason, it has several large and beautiful green areas where one can recharge their batteries. Obviously, the Retiro Park is the most common one. Two other very famous ones are the Templo del Debod and the Casa de Campo.

Templo del Debod is an ancient Egyptian building surrounded by a huge park on the heights of the Plaza de España, with views of the Royal Palace and the Casa de Campo. This last-mentioned place is also the largest: more than 1700 hectares spread over the Moncloa-Aravaca district where you can go jogging, cycling or just lie around. Less well known is the Cerro del Tío Pío (also known as the Siete Tetas park), located in the Vallecas district and from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the capital.

Discover its past

Although the capital had already been occupied by previous settlements, Madrid's history as an urban centre actually begins in the 9th century with the constitution of Mayrit by the emir Mohammed I. In fact, Madrid is the only European capital founded by Arabs. Since then, the Spanish capital has gone through many historical moments and several civilisations and kings have influenced its current layout. These are the places where you can learn more about the history of the capital.

A tour through Arab Madrid

Few remains of the old Mayrit have survived. Perhaps the most remarkable is the Emir Mohamed I park, located next to the Almudena church. In this spot there is still a part of what used to be the wall that protected Mayrit which is a tribute to the founder of the city. Likewise, in the area of La Latina there are still references to Muslim Madrid as seen in the toponymy of streets and squares such as the Morería (Moorish territory) or the Puerta de Moros (Moorish door). Finally, there are several buildings of Mudejar art that have survived the centuries, such as the churches of San Pedro and San Nicolás.

The Museum of History

A visit to this museum is essential to understand the history of the city. It was founded in 1929 and is located in the building of the Real Hospicio de San Fernando, whose façade is considered one of the most representative works of Spanish civil baroque. Inside, the museum's works and exhibits take visitors on a journey through the history of the capital since it was declared as such in the 16^th century.

A stroll through the 80s

Here, in the capital, a very important cultural movement was born that later spread to the rest of the country: the ‘Movida Madrileña’. Nowadays, there are still some bars of that period. The best moment to discover them is by going to party at night, for example, in ‘Madrid me mata’ (which is even a museum), ‘la Vía Láctea’ and ‘el Pentagrama’.

Its surroundings

A city is not just a city, it is the places that surround it, and Madrid stands out for its beautiful villages.

Villages of Madrid

According to the Community of Madrid, "the villages of Madrid are a group of destinations that have succeeded in preserving their rural essence and, in addition, have the tourist infrastructure necessary to ensure quality and satisfaction during your visit". There are 11 villages that combine nature with history: Manzanares El Real, Patones, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Torrelaguna, Villarejo de Salvanés, Buitrago de Lozoya, Chinchón, Colmenar de Oreja, Navalcarnero, Nuevo Baztán and Rascafría.

Skiing in the capital

Although Madrid seems to be a very cosmopolitan city, there are also some beautiful green areas in its surroundings. In the mountain range of the north of the community, there is a ski resort called Valdesquí, which belongs to one of the villages mentioned above: Rascafría. Located next to the Cotos pass, the Valdesquí resort have 22 kilometres of skiable slopes.

Swimming in the sea of Madrid

In the village of San Martín of Valdeiglesias there is a reservoir, a popular summer destination for locals who want to escape the heat or spend a nice day out with friends. In fact, the reservoir includes up to 14 kilometres of beaches. Furthermore, the area can also be used for hiking or climbing.

Madrid, nice to meet you

If you have already done all these special and interesting plans in the Spanish capital, you could claim that you have discovered and met the city, its pros and cons. However, this is not enough as this metropolis changes whether you live alone, as a couple or with friends, because it is not the same to live in it as to visit it, because it is not the same to live in Malasaña as in Vallecas. Madrid, a city that you never finish getting to know.

Documentation: a nightmare made simple

Are you terrified of someone asking you for a document you have never heard of? Airports are recurring nightmare sceneries, but do not panic: these are the documents you need to bring with you in order to travel to Spain.

A passport or a valid travel document

The citizens of any country of the European Union—as well as those coming from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein—will only need their ID or passport. The minors travelling with an ID will also need to bring a document with their parents’ consent.

A travel visa

A visa is required for some nationalities. Here you can find the list of the countries whose citizens need to carry a visa when travelling to Spain, which include India, Morocco and China. People from Australia, Canada and the United States are not on that list.

Other requirements

• The travellers must be able to prove they have the financial means to stay in Spain and pay for their return.
• It is required to have some kind of reservation or planned activity in Spain: proof of accommodation, tourist tickets, a letter of invitation, a contract, an internship…

The elephant in the room: COVID-19 measures

From 21 October 2022, the Spanish government has lifted all COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, this has changed in the past and it could happen again soon, hence we will go through the COVID-related requirements to enter Spain.

First of all, authorities suggest not to travel if you have COVID-19 symptoms, like fever, cough, tiredness, and so on. Most importantly, if the COVID-19 measures come into effect again, we will need to have a valid European Digital COVID Certificate or one of the following equivalents.

COVID-19 requirements: health certificates

There are three types of health certificates that will allow us to enter Spain when there are COVID-19 travel restrictions. First of all, we have the vaccination certificate, which should prove that one has been fully vaccinated. This document must be official, and issued at least 14 days after the last shot of the full vaccination process. The certificate must include the following information: name and surname, date, type of vaccine, dose number, country and institution.

The second certificate would be a document that demonstrates that its holder’s last test results are negative. There are two types of diagnostic tests that will be accepted: the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), taken the 72 hours prior to the departure; or a rapid antigen test that has been recognised by the EU Health Security Committee, taken at max 24 hours before the departure. The certificate must include the following information: name and surname, date, type of test and country.

Lastly, there is the certificate of recovery: a document that ensures that, after being tested positive, the holder has been fully recovered from COVID-19. We have to take this test at least 11 days after getting the positive result, and it can only be conducted under the supervision of a health professional. This certificate will only be effective 180 days after being tested positive, and it must include the following information: name and surname, date of the positive test result, type of test and country. If you still have any doubts regarding the entry requirements in Spain, you can check here the guidelines of the Spanish Ministry of Health.

Other European Union countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Greece will join Spain. Not Portugal, which for the time being is out of the picture. The aim is to reopen travel corridors with European leaders and let their citizens spend their holidays in their favourite Mediterranean destinations. This popularity factor, in fact, is among those cited by The Telegraph newspaper to justify the choice.

This first batch of announced air bridges will be followed by another one covering Scandinavia, except Sweden, and other northern European countries such as the Netherlands. Also more distant destinations, such as islands in the Caribbean or, if the stopovers are safe, Australia. The third batch, centred on Asian countries, will follow later. It is a series of bilateral agreements that must be confirmed by the governments concerned, but which would allow Spain to reactivate one of its three largest sources of foreigners. Germany is already sending tourists to the Balearic Islands, France is acting cautiously and the United Kingdom was a mystery until now. Only new outbreaks could stop the positive trend.

Control of the coronavirus has been key to Spain's entry into this list. A boost after the government's mismanagement of communication during the pandemic. The Levante and the Canary Islands are regions that will be especially grateful that this air bridge will surely come to a good end. In addition to having the COVID-19 tied up, the British executive has considered the possibility of carrying out tests at the destination, strict follow-ups or, as was said, popularity. Another important element was that the health system of the country to which its tourists went should be comparable to its own. Something that the Spanish health system fully meets.

Among her materials are silver, noble metals and many other pieces. She still lacks working with gold, since as she points out, ‘I have not dared to it yet’. This craftsman exhibits her works in a small boutique in the Letters Quarter, Valyrium, in her workshop and in some occasional pops up. ‘The next time will be on August 22^nd and 23^rd in the Pop-up Chich event in Guadalmina (Marbella)’.

The signature of the craftswoman

Her never-ending imagination makes wonder about the following collections to carry out. Her last projects were characterized by the variation of asymmetrical baroque pearls with very different designs, which vary depending on the artisan’s imagination –she even creates customized pieces suiting the customers’ needs and wants. We ask her about what she believes her works have that the other artisans’ works do not have. ‘I think I have my own style. You do not need to put a signature in your pieces of art because the style printed on them already fingers you. Definitely, the most important thing is the invisible signature we put in our works’, she concludes.