Helpful Hints
SPAIN
PLANNING AHEAD
Visas and Passports
All U.S. Citizens traveling in Europe must have a valid passport good for the duration of their visit. If you do not have a passport, apply for one at your local passport office, clerk of the federal state court, or designated post office. Allow several weeks for the government to process your application. You do not need a visa for Spain and Portugal.
Your passport will be inspected in your home city airport and again in Europe upon your arrival.
As a safety measure, we would suggest that you photocopy the front pages of your passport, your traveler’s check agreement (with check numbers), airline tickets and everything you will be carrying in your wallet. Leave one copy at home and carry one copy separate from your passport. This will be of immense help to you if your documents are lost or stolen. It is also a good idea to have two extra copies of your passport pictures made for use in case your passport must be replaced because of loss.
GOLF EQUIPMENT
Golf Bag
Take a small Sunday bag in case you have to carry or pull your own bag. We would also recommend you do not leave your golf bag unattended at any time, either at the golf course or in your car, as even in Spain and Portugal things can be stolen.
Caddies
Caddies are a rare commodity in Spain, therefore it is more likely to have a trolley, if buggies are not available. Where a caddy has been reserved, they are independent from the course and are paid directly. The fee ranges from 30.00 to 40.00 euros, the amount of tip is at your discretion. Pull trolleys are approximately 4.00 to 5.00 euros for an electric one.
Golf Balls
Bring enough for the trip, unless money is no object, as you will pay premium for golf balls in Spain and Portugal.
Pencils & Wooden Tees
Courses overseas do not provide pencils, so bring 3 or 4 of your own. The tees in Europe are much shorter than ours, and sometimes plastic, so bring your own.
Band-Aids & Sun Block
You should also bring Band-Aids for blisters and sun block to prevent an uncomfortable burn.
Towel
Ball washers are very uncommon overseas, so bring a small towel for your clubs and golf balls.
Rain Suit and Umbrella
Although you will be traveling during the dry season, there is always the possibility of rain. The umbrella can also come in handy in case of hot sun.
Golf Shoes
Two pairs should be plenty. Make sure they are well broken in before you travel. New shoes that cause blisters could be a disaster, as you are walking each day. Soft spikes are used at all courses.
WHAT TO TAKE
Two words say it best.... TRAVEL LIGHT. You will enjoy your vacation more with a suitcase which isn’t too heavy.
Travel Documents
Don’t forget to take your AIRLINE TICKETS AND PASSPORT!! Always be sure to check your airline tickets as soon as you receive them to be sure that they are accurate and complete. DO NOT pack your airline tickets or passport in your suitcase and DO NOT carry your airline tickets around with you. It is a good idea to use the hotel safe for valuables, there will be a safe in your room for which some hotels will charge a small fee.
Money
We suggest that you do not take large amounts of cash, but instead take a widely recognized brand of traveler’s cheques and a well known credit card. Be sure to make a list of your credit card and cheque numbers and keep it in a place separate from your wallet, purse or passport.
Clothing
Pack lightly, since it will simplify your travel. Laundry and dry cleaning is very expensive, so drip dry clothes might come in handy.
Acceptable attire for golf courses in Europe is equivalent to many places in the US. T-shirts must have collar and sleeves, golf shoes should have SOFT SPIKES and Bermuda shorts are allowed. Strictly no denim.
Packing Suggestions
For the men: Sports Coat (Jackets can be required for dinner in some hotels, and jackets are required in the clubhouse at Valderrama). Two or three pairs of slacks, light weight sports jacket, two sweaters – one for golf and one multipurpose, dark shoes and a pair of walking shoes, eight golf shirts (unless you want to do laundry), dress shirts and ties.
For the ladies: dress code for dinner at hotels can be described as smart. Slacks are acceptable attire. Walking shoes are essential, as is a light weight raincoat or jacket (just in case!).
Appliance Converters
You should ensure that all electrical appliances, such as shavers and hairdryers, can be used on European voltage, which is 115 or 220. Some hotels will supply adapters upon request, although we recommend that you carry one.
Hotel Extras
Try to pay your extras (laundry, bar, bill etc) the evening before departure. You will have much more time to check your bill. Some hotels can’t accommodate this, but try to do it wherever you can.
Baggage Allowance
Your international baggage allowance is two pieces checked, of which a golf bag counts as one, plus one carry-on. These pieces should not exceed 107 linear inches, ie. length plus height, and should, if possible, be restricted to less than 44 lbs per bag. The airlines require that your full name and address is on the outside of your bag. It is also a good idea to put your name and address somewhere on the inside of your bag.
We suggest you bring a golf bag, one suitcase and one carry-on flight bag. Use your flight bag for toiletries and last minute articles because, when leaving hotels in the morning, the luggage is often called for before toilet articles can be packed. It can be useful to pack an extra shirt and change of underwear in your flight bag in the unexpected event that for some reason your suitcase is misrouted.
A golf bag should be contained in a secured bag rather than a hard carry case (hard carry cases can be a problem in terms of the space in a rental car or mini bus). It is much safer for your golf equipment if you put a belt (canvas, plastic or leather) around the middle of the golf bag to keep the handle in its proper position. Bag covers are easily torn and clubs damaged when the bag handlers can’t find the grip and carry (or toss) the bag by the cover. We would recommend that you lock the zipper on the bag cover.
Customs
Check at the airport your duty free allowances for Europe. On your return you can bring up to $400 worth of duty and tax free purchases. Purchases up to $1,000 over your exemption will be assessed at a flat rate of 10%. Also unsolicited gifts with a limit of $50 may be sent, duty free, to the U.S. – no more than one to the same address, and none to your home address.
Travelers entering Spain may bring in a series of personal items (such as personal jewellery, still and movie cameras, musical instruments, portable video and sound equipment, athletic gear, etc) without having to pay customs charges.
Upon request, Spanish customs officials will issue receipts to justify the entry into the country of any item.
For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and liquor, maximum limits have been established, with customs duties leviable on amounts exceeding these limits.
There is no limit to the amount of euros (Bank of Spain notes) tourists may bring into Spain. Also permitted is the entry of cheques or vouchers issued against foreign accounts in convertible euros, as are traveler’s cheques, with no limits. Likewise, there is no limit on the amount of foreign currency which may be brought into Spain, whether in the form of banknotes or coin, always provided that same is legal tender.
Check In
You should check in for your international flight at least 2 hours before departure.
Currency Exchange
The Spanish currency is the Euro. The best place to change money is in the bank. These are open:
Monday - Friday: 10.00 hrs - 13.00 hrs
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed
If you need money outside these hours, you can obtain it from many travel agents or in the hotel. Be sure, however, to check in advance the rate of exchange and commission charged, as this can be expensive. Most hotels, restaurants and shops also accept credit cards and traveler’s cheques.
Telephone Calls
Please note that telephone calls from your hotel room are charged at a higher rate than normal and can be expensive. Please check charges before calling especially long distance. Local calls in Europe are NOT free. Most of the US long distance carriers now have 0-800 numbers in Europe that connect directly to a US operator. You can then charge the call to your phone or credit card. To get the 0-800 number contact your service prior to departure. This is the most cost effective way to call home.
Value Added Tax
VAT is a sales tax which is levied at a uniform rate of 7% on most goods and services a visitor buys. Some larger stores participate in a VAT refund scheme. When buying something, ask if the store operates this scheme. If a participant, you will get a form to fill out listing your goods and costs, you keep a copy of this with the address of the store on the form. After going through customs on your return you will post this back to the store, ie. before leaving Europe.
Please note: you should pack all VAT refund items in one bag in case customs asks to see them. The customs official at the airport will sign your form, then you post it back to the appropriate stores. Further details can be obtained from leaflet 701/1/85.
Tipping
Tipping is a longstanding tradition in Spain. While practically all establishments currently include a surcharge for service it is still common to leave something of a tip. This custom, common in bars and restaurants, has extended to hotel porters and taxi drivers, though in none of these cases is it obligatory nor will anyone recriminate a client for not tipping. It is customary to leave a tip in the room for the chambermaid.
Social Customs
Perhaps because of the benign climate and the long hours of sunshine in Spain, Spaniards tend to get up later in the morning and stay out later at night than the rest of their European neighbors.
Shops and businesses are usually opened from 9 or 9.30 am to 1.30 pm and from 4.30 or 5 pm to 8 or 8.30 pm, though it has become more and more common for businesses to stay open through the "siesta" hours. Business establishments are usually closed for a day-and-a-half per week, most often Saturday afternoon and Sunday, while many shops close only on Sunday. In tourist areas, in summer, business hours are often extended to 10 or 11 pm with stores open 7 days a week.
Restaurant hours are quite varied, with the norm being from 1.30 to 3.30 pm for lunch and from 8.30 to 11 or 11.30 pm for dinner. In summer, these hours are extended, with many establishments offering continuous service and still others serving food into the small hours of the night. Bars are usually open all day and close late at night. In general, the nightlife in Spain is quite intense, and the bars and discotheques stay open long past midnight. In summer, they often stay open past 3 or 4 am. In big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, for example, there are many places that stay open until dawn, even in winter.
Average Temperatures
January: 61, February: 63, March: 64, April: 70, May: 73, June: 80, July - August: 84, September: 80, October: 73, November: 66, December: 63
Driving
You will see many signs along the CN340 Costa de Sol road saying ‘Campo de golf’ : do not automatically think that these will take you to the course you are looking for. Please use our guidelines and look out for the relevant exit number.
‘Cambio de sentido’ ? gives you notice that there is a junction coming up at which you can change direction.
When traveling from Málaga to Marbella, ensure you follow the signs for N340.
When traveling from Málaga to Sotogrande region follow signs for N340 until you come to the junction for the toll road E17 which cuts out a lot of time to reach the other end of the coast - but is not as scenic as the CN340.
GAS - make sure that you use the right type. Most hire cars use ‘95’ UNLEADED - ‘Sin Plomo’.
SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION
ANDALUSIA
When we first mention Andalusia and Andalusians, many people, especially foreigners, immediately think of the pounding of tambourines, the clapping of hands, the cries of Flamenco songs and the lively spirit of the people. They don’t have a complete picture of this region.
Andualusia has its own historical character, and the Arab influence, best-known to Europeans, only plays a secondary role in the formation of the region. Andalusia is one of the seventeen regions of the Spanish State and is also one of the biggest with eight provinces under an autonomous government, the Andalusian Council. For the Spanish people, it is one of the so-called historical nationalities, that is to say, a region which has fought for its unification and identity for centuries.
This region, which was initially inhabited by thriving kings, mentioned in the Bible, was later invaded by a flow of races who found themselves immersed in its character; the Phoenician dealers with their cargo ships; the intrepid and curious Greeks; a great number of organized and rational Romans who set up the province of Betica; the Barbarians of the North who crossed the Straits; the Arabs who later invaded the peninsula turning Andalusia into one of the most thriving and cultured regions in the civilized world of the Middle Ages.
Famous for its sun, poets, its beautiful traditions, original folklore, age-old history and the magnificent heritage left behind by the Moors, Andalusia is one of the most attractive regions in Spain.
COSTA DEL SOL
When on speaks to tourists and travelers about Málaga and its world famous Costa del Sol, an image of a stereotyped holiday resort immediately comes to mind. However, the mention of Málaga also conjures up one of the most enchantingly beautiful holiday resorts which Spain can offer the hordes of faithful and enthusiastic tourists that visit its shores every year.
The city of Málaga is the capital town of the Province of Andalusia and looks out over a picturesque coastline, which lies between the Punta de Tarifa (to the west) and the cabo de Gata (to the east). Behind the sweeping expanses of the costline, lie the mountainous reaches of the Cordillera Penibética.
To the south of the town, the Guadalhore river, - the largest river in the province of Andalusia – has, over the centuries, created the so-called Hoya de Málaga, which is, without doubt, the largest in a succession of small coastal plains which lie along this stretch of the shore.
The highly singular features common to all coastal resorts are yet further enhanced by typically Mediterranean characteristics such as an exceptionally mild climate throughout the year (winter temperatures rarely drop to lower than 14° C while summer temperatures seldom go above 30° C), clear blue skies and bright abundant sunshine. All these factors serve to enhance the natural features of a landscape and an environment that is in itself both attractive and captivating.
The Costa del Sol is generally divided into two sections; the western part stretches from Málaga to Estepona; the eastern half stretches from Málaga to Nerja. Along this expanse of coastline (which has a decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere, thanks to the succession of beautiful riverside towns looks out over wide, long sea-fronts which are characterized by beautiful beaches of fine golden sands, gently sloping down towards the extraordinarily transparent waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
MÁLAGA
The fifth most populated city in Spain, Málaga is situated along the flood plain formed, over the centuries, by the sediments of the Guadalhorce and Guadalmedina rivers. The city looks out over the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is on the whole a modern city, it still retains considerable traces of its glorious past and numerous important landmarks of great historical and artistic importance. The Guadalmedina river cuts the city into two: the more recently constructed districts are situated on the right side of the river, while the historical centre and more ancient quarters are located on the opposite bank.
Together with its flourishing port and shipbuilding yards, Málaga draws its wealth from its iron, steel and metalwork industries. These are able to exploit the considerable amount of raw materials extracted by the area’s thriving mining industry, which is located inland. An important contribution to the city’s economy is also made by the food industry, while the surrounding vineyards produce high quality local wines (sweet wine, - Maestro - wine, red wine, - Arrope - wine - a concentrated grape syrup and - Vino de color) all made from the highly prozed Pedro Ximemes grapes.
TRADITIONAL FIESTAS
The wealth and historical longevity of Spanish cultural traditions, together with the many different cultural influences and the variety of regions, are responsible for the beauty and originality of the fiestas held each year in the towns and villages of Spain. Over 200 have been classified as «of interest to tourists» while others have gained international fame. In February, carnival celebrations, akin to «mardi gras», are held all over the country. The most interesting are those in Cádiz and Tenerife, where music, humour and the local colour are enjoyed with such great intensity that every facet of the cities is affected. March is the month of the Fallas in Valencia, when the city is invaded by immense papier mache sculptures, frequently humorous satires of personalities in the news, that are set ablaze on the 19th, the feast day of San José, much to the delight of revellers.
Holy Week, or Semana Santa (Easter Week), is celebrated in the spring with religious processions of great beauty and tradition.
The Seville Spring Fair, or Feria de Sevilla, is held in April. The fairgrounds, which are set up each year, become a small version of Seville with a life of its own. In the different pavilions, drinking, singing and dancing go on around the clock. In May, the «Rocío» is held. This is a traditional Andalusian procession on horseback or in wagons to the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Rocío in Almonte, near the Doñana National Park in the province of Huelva.
In Pamplona, from the 6th to the 14th of July, is the famous «Sanfermines», or running of the bulls, when those who dare risk their lives go racing through the streets of the city with the charging beasts at their heels.
MARBELLA ‘the town of the beautiful sea’
The motto of Marbella is "A Way of Life", and certainly this luxurious resort seems to have it all. It is once again rising to the fore as a favourite location with the rich and famous (Antonio Banderas just bought a house here) as well as more ordinary folk who are willing to pay just a little bit extra for southern Spain’s answer to St. Tropez.
The urban lay-out of Marbella blends the typical characteristics of Andalusian towns (ie. Narrow streets lined with small white houses in the town centre) with the salient features of tourist facilities built here during the 1970s and the 1980s, such as the holiday villages, luxury hotels and apartment blocks. This mixture of architectural styles produces a pleasing effect upon the eye - a magical setting whose effect is heightened by the turquoise waters of the sea, its green gardens, an abundance of palm trees and the stern and yet protective outline of the Sierra Blanca.
But Marbella has a down to earth side to it as well - an individuality full of character which can be best appreciated by exploring the back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled ‘Orange Square’ which is located just off the main street in the older district. It is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and any additional information.
The plaza is lined with stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity day and night. Depending on the time of year, of course, the colours here are truly dramatic and vibrant with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky. Be sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village rather than a cosmopolitan town. There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging from those specializing in the predictably pricey exclusive Cordon Bleau to the gritty individuality of a back street Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas cost 100 pts each and are both tasty and filling.
Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where you can book your personal horse and carriage to travel in style or, if you prefer, stroll towards the sea along the Avenida del Mar. Flanked by classy restaurants and bars and mercifully free of concrete skyscrapers, this is arguably one of the most delightful promenades on the Costa.
There are also two large parks in Marbella which provide some welcome shade. The amphitheatre at Constitution Park (once the garden of a private residence) is frequently used for concerts and plays in the summer. Marbella is rich with casinos, clubs and just about every sporting activity under the sun (few places can match Marbella for world class tennis, sailing and golf!). There are also three harbours for pleasure boats.
Halfway between the very Spanish city of Malaga and the highly British Rock of Gibraltar, it is little wonder that Marbella is one of the most truly cosmopolitan resorts on the entire Costa Del Sol.
Places of Interest in Marbella:
Bonsai Museum
Museum of Contemporary Engravings
Old town
Orange Square
Parque de la Constitution
City Walls
Seafront Promenade
El Fuerte Beach
Marbella Mosque
PUERTO BANUS
Possibly the ultimate in coastal charisma! Puerto Banus is located just west of Marbella before you reach the small town of San Pedro de Alcantera.
This is the place to be pampered yacht-side and ogle at those fabulous luxury yachts while sipping a drink at one of the many open air restaurants and bars. The setting is close to ideal with its impressive mountain backdrop and ocean views. The beach adjacent to Puerto Banus holds a European “blue flag”, a distinction as one of the best beaches.
Since its inception some forty years ago, the Port has steadily grown and now features a casino, commercial shopping centre, el Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory and a multi-cinema with films shown in their original soundtrack.
Nightlife buzzes at Puerto Banus with your choice of alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos. During the day, it is a window shopper’s dream featuring several world renowned fashion houses in addition to small interesting shops and boutiques. Every Saturday morning at Puerto Banus by the bullring is a very popular street market where you can pick up all sorts of bargains.
If you really want to have a bird’s eye view of the port’s magnificent position, then boat trips are the ideal solution and available on a regular basis from the central promenade.
MIJAS PUEBLO
Mijas is a typical Andaluz village perched high above Fuengirola like so many sugar cubes with spectacular views of the coast and surrounding heavily wooded mountains.
There are no main thoroughfares here, instead there is a web of narrow cobblestone complete with terraces overflowing with geraniums, red tile roofs, archways and the occasional chirruping canary.
Since this village was first discovered in the sixties, close to 60 nationalities have made the pueblo their home. The impact can be agreeably appreciated via the international cuisine and associations and the influence of foreign culture and the arts.
The village has still retained some of its quaint traditions. One of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis which line the central plaza. Like Ronda just over the mountaintop, the village dates back to distant time. There are two Mudejar churches here to prove it as well as the sanctuary of the patron saint of Mijas from the year 850.
One of the most interesting buildings in Mijas is the hermitage of El Puerto which can be spied just about everywhere in the village, appropriately enough, halfway up a mountain! Keep looking and you may just catch a glimpse of a hang-glider wafting over the peak. Also, keep a lookout for the mineral water spring at the entrance to the village.
MIJAS COSTA
While Mijas village has serenity, tradition and culture, the Mijas Costa equals that magic combination of sun, sand and sea sports. The beaches at La Cala have been awarded the “Blue Flag” as among the best in the province and are geared to provide action… jet skis, water skiing and parasailing are all on the go. Be sure to check out the chiringuito charm where you can sample a variety of Spanish red wine topped with casera (lemonade).
NERJA
Nerja is situated 50 kilometers from Malaga on the national costal highway N340 on the eastern most part of the Malaguenan Costa del Sol. Once a sleepy fishing village, at last count the town boasted some 12,000 inhabitants with the municipal boundaries covering an area of more than 84 kilometers. The coast alone is 16 kilometers with beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters. All the major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba driving and sailing.
RONDA
A beautiful drive and only one hour from Marbella through the impressive Serrania de Ronda where lots of wildlife species and plants can be found. Worth mentioning are the “Pinsapo”, Spanish fir unique in its kind, and the “Capra Hispanica” or “Montess”, the Hispanic Goat. It is a real paradise for Nature lovers.
Ronda is a beautiful Andalusian town and one of the oldest cities in Spain where Celts, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs have left a great historical and cultural heritage. Walking is the best way to see Ronda through the typical streets and beautiful views over the incredible gorge, Tajo of Ronda, and the interesting lovely old Cathedral built on the site of a former Mosque.
You will be able to visit the very famous Bullring of Ronda. In fact, it’s one of the oldest bullrings in Spain built in 1785 totally of stone with a very interesting bullfight museum inside the building.
SEVILLA
From Marbella, the drive to Sevilla is approximately 2 hours through very scenic and fascinating countryside along the way. Seville is the Andalusian capital and the third largest Spanish city. Bathed by the Guadalquivir River, Seville has a strong identity all its own, while its popular quarters, such as Santa Cruz, are as interesting as its many monuments and old buildings. There is the Alcázar, or Moorish fortress, La Giralda, the turret of the old 12th century Moorish mosque that was incorporated as a belltower into the grandiose Gothic cathedral three centuries later, and the Torre del Oro (Golden Tower), an old bastion in the Moorish walls of the city. The Cathedral was built in the 15th century with its magnificent chancel, the carvings by Martinex Montanes and paintings by Murillo, Zurbaran and Goya.
Lunch could be in one of the restaurants located in the old section of the town called Meson Don Raimundo built on the site of a former Monastery.
GRANADA
The drive from Marbella to Granada (including a short stop en route) takes about 2½ hours through fascinating and very variable countryside from mountains to plains to vast properties of olive groves.
Upon arrival in Granada, you should visit the Royal Chapel built by order of the Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel, who are buried in this chapel. The Royal Chapel has a beautiful iron grill, interesting main altar and in the Sacristy, an incredible collection of Flemish paintings by masters such as Bouts Van der Weyen.
After the visit to the Royal Chapel, a visit to the Alhambra hill is suggested. The Alhambra (Palace, fortress, citadel) is an outstanding example of Hispano-Arab art and architecture. Visiting the Hall of the Two Sisters or the famous Patio de los Leones (Lion’s Courtyard) is like returning to the 14th century. This entire ensemble of palaces and fortresses fully confirms the famous saying: "It’s a shame to be blind in Granada".
After the Alhambra and Charles V palace, you should continue on to the famous gardens called, “Generalife”, the summer palace of the Nazarite Kings, are gardens between pools and fountains.
GIBRALTAR
(Be sure to remember your passport). Enjoy a nice drive along the coastal road until you reach La Linea de las Concepcion, the last Spanish town before the border of Gibraltar.
Some of the most interesting sites and views of Gibraltar are Europa Point, Sandy Bay, the Apes Den, and the St. Michael’s Caves with its magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, which date back to before Christ. You will also come across the Governor’s Palace, commonly known as the “Convent”, and Trafalgar Cemetery where many who fought in the Battle of Trafalgar are buried.
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