Luxury Link Lifestyle Spring 2014 | Page 9

AT A GLANCE LOCATION: Far southwest corner of Europe, sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal TIME ZONE: Central European Time (One hour ahead of London, six ahead of New York) CURRENCY: Euro (€ ) AIR TRANSPORTATION: Transcontinental flights typically arrive in either Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN), with Malaga (AGP) on the Costa del Sol an emerging international gateway. The national carrier of Spain is Iberia, while a dizzying array of European low-cost airlines fly to Spain. Visit kayak.com. ON THE GROUND: Renfe (renfe.es) is Spain’s national rail service, with connections to nearly every corner of the country. Trains designated as “AVE” are high-speed lines. BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late spring and early fall are ideal to ensure pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds. The southern Costa del Sol and Andalucia stay warm much of the year (very hot in summer), while the northern coast – including Basque Country – sees cooler climes and more rain. Madrid and Barcelona have chilly winters and hot summers, particularly so in the capital. Note that Spaniards and other Europeans descend upon the country’s beaches en masse in July and August. LUXURY LINK IN SPAIN: At press time, Luxury Link offers vacation experiences at 21 five-star and boutique properties across the country. EXPLORE THE COLLECTION HERE. LUXURY LINK LIFESTYLE 9