Spain
Scarlett Johansson was in Spain just last month doing the whole the touristy thing.
The actress was in town for a photocall launch as the new face of high-street shop Mango, but managed to squeeze in a few of the sights too, looking great even in geeky glasses in a bid to go undercover.
Most of us don't have quite the same budgets as the Hollywood A-lister, so we offer up some cool capital options while helping to keep costs down.
According to the 'AA City Pack' for Madrid, there are often free concerts at Retiro Park. Plus Spain is big on processing. Check the religious calendar or with the local tourist office for up-coming festivals.
It's best to plan ahead too. Madrid's museums open their doors to the public for free one day a week. Plus there's a free sculpture museum if that's your bent.
Look out for playgrounds such as Plaza de Santa Ana for free amusement for the kids.
If you fancy a dance, Flamenco is the activity that best symbolises the country's cultural history. Enjoy a session at clubs, such as Casa Patas.
Member offers
If you hold an AA Membership Card, you're in luck. We've put together some French discounts you can take advantage of during your trip.
AA Member benefits around Spain.
(PDF document opens in a new window)
Cheap eats
Spain is perfect for cheap food, great if you have to feed the hungry hoards.
Take tapas. The whole concept is ideal for picky children, quite literally. If they don't buy the idea of finger food as a novelty, you can always fall back on very safe favourites such as patatas bravas and tortilla – a potato omelette – as well as salads.
Of course you can help keep children sweet with the popular breakfast there – churros con chocolate. That's a staple over in Spain – it's similar to a doughnut, which you dip into a syrupy hot chocolate. It doubles as street food too.
According to AA Getaways, here's an idea of prices so you can gauge costs:
- One-litre bottle of mineral water: 60p
- 33cl bottle of beer: £1.45
- 36-exposure colour film: £5.15
- City-centre bus ticket: 75p
- Adult football ticket: From £13.75
- Three-course meal with wine/beer: From £10.30
Accommodation
Most budgets won't stretch to the five star Santo Mauro Hotel in Madrid, where Ms Johansson (AKA Mrs Reynolds) kicked off her stint as the face of Mango.
But thankfully there are campsites aplenty in this central part of Spain. Indeed, the Alpha Campsite is said to be 'roughly the geographical centre of Spain' according to 'AA Camping & Caravanning Europe 2009'. It's even on bus routes into the capital. But there are others in driving distance too.
Getting there
Ferries sail from the south coats to Santander, such as Portsmouth and Plymouth. Once you've docked it's roughly 15 minutes shy of a 5-hour drive from Santander to the capital.
Breaking down in Spain
The main language is Spanish of course, so if your language skills don't stretch to drive shaft, it's worth considering AA European Breakdown Cover. We offer 24-hour English-speaking assistance. So if you break down, just give us a call and we'll arrange for a local mechanic to come out to you.
If the car can't be fixed, we get you, your family and the car home again. Cover starts from just £9.05 for a day.
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Last updated: 30 July 2009
Prices correct at time of going to press.
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