Spain - Get Around

Ride on the fast Renfe trains or take a ferry to Morocco.

Of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain, Madrid is at the centre, surrounded by "old Spain" (Castille y Leon, La Rioja, Aragon and Castille La Mancha). On the south coast Andalusia is the largest region, full of sunshine and passion. The Canary Islands bask off the East African coast.

Spain's eastern seaboard is dominated by Valencia and Catalunya with the Balearic Islands nestling off the coast. In the north the Pyrenees provide a natural border with France, while the Basque Country, Galicia and lesser-known Asturias and Cantabria edge up to the Bay of Biscay.

Hop on Renfe (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles)'s reliable and efficient trains from high-speed long-distance intercity services such as AVE, Talgo 200 and Trenhotel to medium-distance trains and cercanías, local services operating from major cities. Advance bookings on intercity trains are not necessary but it is advisable during peak periods to reserve your seat.

Drive on the right. Take the autopistas peajes (toll-paying motorways) marked A for speed between major cities. You can opt for the autovías (main roads) marked N instead, but most people do this so they can get clogged up. Main roads radiate from Madrid in the centre to the rest of the country, but explore the local vicinity on the minor roads to take in the scenery.

Ferries run to the Balearic Islands from the mainland, as well as Sète (France) and Genova (Italy). In the south there are ferries to Melilla, Céuta and Tanger in Morocco.

With varied terrain, Spain suits both road cycling and mountain biking. Bicycle hire is available in many cities and resorts and cycle lanes are increasing, including in San Sebastian and Córdoba. In the Sierra Nevada and Picos de Europa there is plenty of single-track for mountain bikers and road cycling is big here – come for the Vuelta de España race or ride the Mediterranean route from Alicante to Málaga.

Long-distance bus services can be a good option to avoid driving on Spanish roads. There are useful airport buses into nearby cities.

The minimum driving age is 18 years. Carry your driving licence, insurance and proof of ownership at all times when driving as police can demand on-the-spot fines if you don't.

Spanish Rail (Renfa) website

Enjoy classical theatre in Mérida's Roman amphitheatre and visit Zaragoza's baroque Basilica of El Pilar rising from the banks of the River Ebro. Sail into Barcelona's Olympic Port, which provided the city with its renaissance.