Reviews of Spain

For the last few years I have spent New Year in Spain, and although the celebrations are much more low key than Edinburgh or central London, the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. My first experience was a disaster; a New Year's Eve to forget. This was in one of Spain's most vibrant and largest cities where I assumed that the casual visitor would be well catered for. But virtually everywhere was closed and I have seldom seen the streets so quiet. I finally gave up at 11pm, went to bed only to be awoken an hour later by a fantastic firework display (mind you by the time I was fully conscious it was all over!)

Although virtually every town will put on a firework display and some live music, the British visitor has to do a bit of planning. For the Spanish this is a very family orientated festival, and the vast majority will spend New Year's Eve enjoying a large family gathering at home or in a restaurant. Herein lies the first problem. Virtually every restaurant, café and bar will be either fully booked, holding private parties or closed. You may find that the only ones open offer a 'special' menu (needless to say, one that is aimed at tourists) and at two or three times the normal price. Secondly any street celebrations are not likely to start until just before midnight and will often go continue until late! Finally you may well find that bars close just before midnight, but don't panic many will often re-open shortly after!

So my tips are ….