Spain, together with Portugal, forms the westernmost of the three major peninsulas of southern Europe, an enormous octagonal promontory, at the extreme southwest of the continent. It is situated in a temperate area, between latitudes 43 47' 24''N. (Estaca de Bares) and 36 00' '3'' S. (Punta de Tarifa) and between longitudes 7 00' 29'' E. (Cabo de Creus) and 5 36' 40'' W. (Cabo Tourinan). Out of a total of 580,825 square kilometres, Spain occupies four fifths of the Peninsula. It borders to the North on the Bay of Biscay, France and Andorra; to the East, on the Mediterranean; to the South, on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and to the West on the Atlantic and Portugal. Practical Info Climate: Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate, with dry summers, and pretty constant temperatures during the winter. In Spain, you will enjoy more than three thousand hours of sunlight. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that this region is one of the warmest in Europe. In this sense, we should mention the Canary Islands. Because of its peculiar location, in front of the African coastline, these islands enjoy a mild climate, with generous temperatures (the annual average on the coasts being 22ºC), without a major difference in weather between daytime and night time. Public Holidays: The Spanish calendar is dotted with holidays of many different kinds. Whether local or national, most of these holidays include an interesting calendar of events, with concerts, fairs, open-air dances, religious celebrations, and popular festivities. Many of them have been declared to be of Tourist Interest, both nationally and internationally. Visiting Spain during these festivities is, without a doubt, a great idea. The following days are Spanish national public holidays for 2006: January 6. Epiphany. 14 April, Good Friday. 1 May, May (Workers') Day. August 15. Assumption of the Virgin. October 12. El Pilar. November 1. All Saint's Day. December 6. Spanish Constitution Day. December 8. Immaculate Conception. 25 December, Christmas Day. What documentation do I need in order to travel to Spain?  Travelling to Spain is easy. The documents you need vary depending on where you are from. If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein: all you need is your Identification Card, or a valid passport. Minors travelling with their ID card must have a document that shows parental authorisation. If you are from any of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela: all you need is a valid passport to enter Spain, where you can stay for a maximum of 90 days. If you are from any other country, according to the criteria of the EU: you must request a visa at the Spanish Consulate of your country of residence. You will also need a valid passport. For these cases, the Spanish authorities may ask documents showing where you will stay, confirmation of an organised tour, return air tickets, tourist circuit, or a personal invitation letter. You may also be asked to show proof of having enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain. Since conditions may vary, we recommend you contact your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy for more information on these requirements. Here is a list of Spanish Consulates and Embassies in your place of residence. Canary Islands The Happy Islands - This paradisiac group of islands, with a preferred climate and constant temperature through all the year, and splendid beaches of fine sand, consists of 7 larger islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro) and a few smaller ones (Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste und Lobos). Surprisingly, the landscape of each island is radically different to the others. Already Greeks and Romans reported on this archipelago of volcanic origins, and called it the Happy Islands, Garden of the Hesperides, Atlantida, ... Some historians suppose that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here. The islands' original population, called Guanches, is tall and of white skin. In 1496 the islands became part of the Spanish kingdom, and the ships of Christopher Columbus stopped here on their travel to discover the New World. Malaga Málaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time. The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum. These days, Málaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. Garden lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga either. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside on the way to Antequera one finds the extensive Jardines de la Concepcion.