Madrid Vacations

For a truly Spanish experience try the Tascas, bars that serve wine and platters of tempting, hot and cold hors d'oeuvres known as tapas. Although tapas are prepared and eaten around the world now. It originated from Spain. To fully experience tapas does not mean finding a Tacas and settling in for the evening. Each bar will be known for a dish. To get the full flavour of the evening traveling around to different bars is the best way to go, the Spanish version of a pub crawl!

Try starting your tapas crawl around Plaza Santa Ana or Cava Baja in the La Latina neighborhood and see what tastes tempts your palate.

If you are looking for a couple more upscale restaurants try Santceloni or Zalacain for some very tasty eats.

Madrileños stay up late and manage to be coherent the next day. Most evening start late and go until 3 in the morning. Nightlife centres on three major districts - Chueca (Madrid's gay district with the trendy restaurants), Calle Huertas (here you will find traditional Spanish music, jazz clubs and bars) and Malasaña (mainly bars and clubs which caters to the younger crowd)

Shopping
Madrid has three main shopping areas. The first area stretches from Callao to Puerta del Sol includes the major department stores and popular brands. The second area is more expensive and has all the high fashion designer name and is east of Salamanca district. And finally, Chueca caters to the trendy younger generations and has all the international and local brands.

Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 13hrs.
Montreal: Approximately 11hrs.
Calgary: Approximately 15hrs.
Vancouver: Approximately 18hrs.

Languages: Spanish but most people in the tourist industry will speak English.
Currency: Euros.
Climate: Mediterranean Climate - characterized by hot, dry summers (sometimes in excess of 35C) and cool, wet winters.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.

Documents
A passport is mandatory for Canadian Citizens, although no visa is required. For other countries, please check the Spanish Tourist Office to get a complete list and other details.

Note:
Hellenic Tourism Organisation website - http://www.spain.info/ca/tourspain

Spanish Tourist Office
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 3402
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 3E2
Tel: (416) 961-3131 / (416) 961-4079
Fax: (416) 961-1992
E-mail : grnto.tor@on.aibn.com