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Spain consists of the 17 ''Comunidades Autónomas''.
<gallery>File:2002_Dec_Hitch_hiking_in_Catalonia_SPAINSpain consists of 17 administrative units called ''Comunidades Autónomas''.jpgFile:CommunidadValencianaSome of these administrative units also represent historical nations that vary in traditions, culture, gastronomy and even language.JPGFile:GranadaAlthough all citizens of Spain speak Spanish and are politically recognised as Spaniards, you will be more liked by locals – especially in the nationalistic Basque country and Catalunya – if you learn the basic distinctive features of each region (i.jpgFile:HhPICT1975e don't expect sevillanas and bullfighting in Girona, and don't be surprised if you see bagpipes and celtic-like stuff in Santiago de Compostela!).jpg</gallery>
== Language ==The Comunidades are not only administrative destricts; many of In Spain, hitching isn’t a very common concept and mostly done by foreigners. But It's really different depending on the regions have their own cultureautonomous community : it's easy in Galicia, language Asturia and some even don’t consider themselves as Extrémadura. In these communities it works like in France. It's better to stand with a part of Spaincardboard. For example the dominating language in [[In Euskadi and Catalonia]] is Catalan, so you will wait a long time just stand with a cardboard. However, the thumb will be understood. An effective best method can be aware of thatask people directly whenever possible, e.g. Neverthelessin service stations, everyone speaks even if your Spanish is very poor. The Spanish phrase ''castellanovas a... ?'' (Spanish)‘are you going to...?’ is a good starting point.English Because Spain is taught a touristic country, at school, but due some droll shynesslarge service stations you can find drivers from all over Europe, lots of Spaniards refuse who are more likely to speak ittake you than the local people. For However, this reason, most travellers learn at least ''un poquito'' strategy is not advised in the far south of Spain (a little bitAndalucia) , as service stations there tend to be deserted and sometimes off of the Spanish language during their staymain road. Generally, there are petrol stations every 20-30 km, often in a so-called "via de servicio", along with a hotel or a restaurant. This means that each and every one of those petrol stations has less traffic. The phrase ''Vas Most people who travel certain roads regularly will know (or pretend to know!) the good spots where alot of traffic passes through (e.g.truck stops, or nice restaurants). ?'' Try not to get stuck in places off the main road (are in a village, or an industrial zone), but ask your driver if s/he knows a place with lots of people. __TOC__Even if you going hitchhike alone or in groups of two, be prepared tomake much fewer kilometres per day than in e.g.Germany or France. ?) is Waiting times of over an excellent starting pointhour are common, and 500–700 km a day may prove a real challenge.In The first time you hitchhike in Spain, hitching isn’t it might be a good idea to only plan for 300 km a very common concept day. If you do master some Spanish, however, and mostly done by foreigners. Thoughif you carefully stick to service stations asking people, the thumb will hitching can be understoodeasy and fun - even in Spain.
== Hitchhiking, ''Autostop'' ==You will find a lot of foreigners in cars During the "the siesta" (from countries where the hitchhiking culture is more developed. You usually have 14:00 to wait for some time – but those who pick you up at least tend 17:00), there tends to be really niceless traffic. Unfortunately they also seem to In the summer, the sun can be very powerful at this time of day, so it may be somewhat clueless about distances (best to walk) and what is a good spot and what is not (since no one knows much about hitchhiking). Another complication is avoid standing on the paid highways and road during the unpaid highwayssiesta hours.
Sometimes As hitch-hiking is not a very common concept in Spain, many Spanish people travel via blablacar. If you will have want to be patient possibly waiting for over an hour! Onceget out of big cities (Madrid, [[User:Latindane|Latindane]] had Barcelona) you might have to wait 4 hours pay 3-5 Euros to get to a hitch-hiking spot. In this case, consider finding a 300 kilometers short ride just out of the city to a nearby small town, with lunch included towards [[Madrid]]blablacar. The driver can drop you directly on a service station on the motorway, and you might not have to walk around in the Spanish summer heat.
When entering the country from <gallery perrow="3" style="float:right; width:200px; margin-left:20px;">File:CommunidadValenciana.JPG|thumb|right|Hilde hitchhiking to [[FranceValencia]] you should try to get a lift as close to your destination as possible. On the mediteranean side, a good place for this is La Jonquera, one of the biggest truck stops File:2002_Dec_Hitch_hiking_in_Catalonia_SPAIN.jpg|Hitch-hiking in EuropeCatalonia. You’ll find plenty of international truck drivers all over the country, because Spain is a centre of the fruit industry, exporting their oranges and tomatoesDecember 2002. On the Atlantic side, there is another huge truck stop near IrunFile:Granada. If you arrive by the ferry jpg|Robino hitching from [[Africa]] you should try Valencia to get a ride on the ferry or at the port. There are lots of people from [[MoroccoGranada]], who went to visit their families and now return. You’ll see number plates from many other European states. == Road network ==The north of Spain has a well developed system of ''autopistas'' and hitching is pretty similar to France or [[Germany]]File:HhPICT1975. These motorways have three lanes in both directions, ''peajes'' (tollgates) and huge rest stops directly jpg|Stop at the road. HoweverValencia, waiting at the peajes, isn't allowed and you’ll be sent away by the police. So when hitching between France and trip from [[MurciaGermany]] or [[Barcelona]], to [[ZaragozaPortugal]] and Madrid for example it is a good idea to stick to the rest stops and ask the drivers there. Bring water and food, since these ''áreas de servicio'' are really(!) expensive. However File:2002-03 Trying to hitchhike in the more southern regions, the motorways are smaller and the petrol stations usually a bit off the roadMurcia to Sevilla. But don’t worry and be patientjpg|2002 trip from Berlin to Cádiz. == Carpooling ==Carpooling (''compartir coche'') is an alternative. The website [http://www.viajamosjuntos.com/ ¿viajamosjuntos.com?] gives the opportunity It took only one day from Berlin to Barcelona but three days to the driver get from Murcia to post their journey in search Cádiz. South of passenger Spain: Very difficult to share hitchhike. But the cost of the rideflowers did help!File:P1000787.JPG| Night hithhiking in [[Murcia]] == Squatting ==Despite many houses have been shut down lately, Spain has a very active squatting scene. It’s quite easy to find a place to crash by asking around for a ''casa okupada''.</gallery>
[[wikipedia:Spain]]
[[trash:Spain]]
no edit summary
__NOTOC__
{{infobox Country
|country = of Spain|language = Spanish, Catalan, Basque, Galician
|capital = [[Madrid]]
|map =<map lat='40' lng='-1.8' zoom='6' view='0'/>|pop = 4647.000.000
|currency = Euro
|hitch = {{average}}<rating country='es' />
|hitchbase = 177
|BW = ES
}}
'''Spain''' is a member state of the European Union as well as the Schengen Agreement.
== Maps License Plate IDs ==From any tourist-info around countryPro tip: Under the old licensing system, you can find good roadmap of license plates got identifying letters showing the city/region and/or where the autonomous area car is registered. This is great for free quickly identifying (at least on old cars) if the car is heading your way. i.e. lots of chargeold "B" plates out there going to and from Barcelona. Read more: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Spain#Old_provincial_codes]
== Cities ==
* [[Alicante]]
* [[Badajoz]]
* [[Barcelona]], the capital of [[Catalonia|Catalunya]]
* [[Bilbao]]
* [[Burgos]]
* [[Ceuta]]
* [[Cordoba]]
* [[Donostia-San Sebastián]]
* [[Granada]]
* [[Madrid]], the capital
* [[Málaga|Malaga]]* [[Oviedo]]
* [[Salamanca (Spain)|Salamanca]]
* [[Santander]]
* [[Santiago de Compostela]]
* [[Sevilla]]
* [[Vigo]]
* [[Zaragoza]]
== Road network ==
The north of Spain has a well developed system of ''Autopistas''. Autopistas are very similar to French ''autoroutes'', and so similar rules can be applied when hitchhiking. ''Autopistas'' have two or more lanes in each direction, accessed after passing through a ''peaje'' (tollgate) and have large rest stops along the way.
When hitching at ''peajes'', usually people have great success, and can obtain long distance rides, even at night time. Usually the police and motorway staff do not interfere, but some stricter police may request that you leave. It is important to note that large ''peaje'' sections are usually split by a concrete wall; 2 or 3 lanes for cars, on the inside, and another 2 or 3 lanes for buses and trucks on the outside. The concrete walls usually carry on some distance after the peaje, and end once the vehicles are travelling too fast to stop. It is up to the hitchhiker to decide which lanes to take, however sticking to the outside and waiting for a truck may attract less attention from the authorities than standing further inside waiting for a car.
When hitching long distances it is a good idea to stick to large ''peaje'' sections or rest stops. Bring water and food, since these ''áreas de servicio'' are expensive. It should be noted that hitching at small ''peaje'' sections, on motorway exits, is not recommended, as often there is one peaje for both directions, automatically ruling out many vehicles as possible rides.
In the south of Spain, and parts of the center and the North, the motorways are smaller and the petrol stations are usually further away from the road; this system is called ''autovia''. [http://motorways-exitlists.com/europe/e/spain.htm This website] shows exits and also service areas for some ''autovias'', as well as ''autopistas.'' It is best to be patient at these places. Be careful when people promise you to drop you off at a "very busy" petrol station, as it might turn out to be deserted. It is better in these cases to find direct lifts from one town to another (use a sign when thumbing).
== Border crossing ==
When entering the country from [[France]] you should try to get a lift as close to your destination as possible. On the Mediterranean side, a good place for this is La Jonquera, one of the biggest truck stops in Europe. You’ll find plenty of international truck drivers all over the country, because Spain is a centre of the fruit industry, exporting their oranges and tomatoes. On the Atlantic side, there is another huge truck stop near Irun called Oyarzun (accessible in both directions).
If you arrive by the ferry from [[Africa]] you should try to get a ride on the ferry or at the port. There are lots of people from [[Morocco]], who went to visit their families and now return. You’ll see number plates from many other European states.
=== Crossing Spain to get to Portugal ===
If you just want to get to Portugal, you'll want to to keep your hitch journey in Spain as short and quick as possible. This will happen by sticking to the the main road (AP-1, A-62, mostly "autovia") from Bayonne/San Sebastian to Salamanca / Vilar Formoso (the portuguese border near Guarda). Even if you come from, say, Montpellier, it's recommended to hitch up to Bayonne and cross the basque country.
A good technique is to stay in one of the last service stations on the A63 in France before the spanish border, and wait for someone who can take you all to way to Portugal. Portuguese plates (1/3 of portuguese nationals live outside Portugal) or tourists (20 million invaded Portugal in 2016) will pass there.
Otherwise, don't let your drivers drop you at just any gas station along the way - try your best to stick to busy ones (on the right side and near the highway, Repsol and Galp).
If your ride is only taking you to somewhere near Vilar Formoso border and you want to go further in Portugal, you can stay at the last Cepsa gas station on the right side of the road, 5kms before the border. Gas is cheaper in Spain.
== Myths and truths about hitchhiking in Spain ==
# '''It is illegal to hitchhike in Spain.'''<br>''Truth'': This assertion that you will hear from both the locals and the travellers is a result of a wrong understanding of the Spanish law that forbids pedestrians walking on a private motorway. Therefore, '''it is absolutely ''legal'' to hitchhike in Spain'''.
# '''It is ''impossible'' to travel hitchhiking in Spain'''.<br>''Truth'': While it is definitely harder to catch a ride in Spain than in Germany, it is not impossible if done smartly. Actually, in many areas in the countryside or the north of Spain where there are very few means of public transportation, hitchhiking is done frequently by locals who need to take rides from town to town (Galicia and its messy bus network is a great example of this). However, many old Spaniards believe that hitchhiking culture died in the 70s, and there is a lot of fear around, because of some cases of theft or rape when hitching. To get a ride in Spain you will need to put more effort and think tactical: '''hide the hippy clothes in your backpack and look clean, smile, know a few Spanish words, be polite, be familiar with the Spanish hours and always try to hitch from a service station.'''
# '''Spanish people will rob you'''.<br>''Truth'': Indeed, Barcelona and Madrid score very high in the pickpocketing league, but this is something all locals are very embarrassed about. They will often advise you to keep an eye on your belongings and never put your wallet in the rear pocket. The best advice is to avoid as much as possible the touristy areas.
== Language(s) ==
As mentioned above, the Comunidades are not only administrative districts; many of the regions have their own culture, language and some even are reluctant about considering themselves as a part of Spain. For example the dominating language in [[Catalonia]] is Catalan, so be aware of that. Nevertheless, everyone speaks ''castellano'' (Spanish).
Aside from Spanish, other recognised spoken languages are Galician, Basque, Catalan, Aranese, Astur-leonese and Aragonese. Only the first three are legally official and have a considerable number of speakers. But don't panic! Everybody speaks perfect Spanish and won't feel uncomfortable talking to you. Younger Spaniards will easily understand you in English as well. Obviously, big co-official languages like Basque, Catalan and Galician are widely used in their respective regions, and learning a handful of words or at least showing your interest in local languages may make the driver loosen up.
Also, you will find that some Catalan, Basque and Galician cities can appear in signs and maps with two names: one in its local language form and the other in Spanish. For instance: Donostia (in Basque) is also known as San Sebastián (in Spanish), Lleida (in Catalan) is Lérida (in Spanish), Rianxo (in Galician) is Rianjo (in Spanish) etc. Whatever your map says and whichever language you are speaking —even if you are speaking in Spanish— , hitchwiki encourages you to use the local language form better than the Spanish one if possible, also in your sign, in order to not mess with politics. Spaniards all across Spain understand both forms.
Note: Although the signs on the road and other kinds of key information (i.e: restaurant menus) are translated into Spanish in bilingual territories, you will definitely need help in small towns and non-touristy places in the Basque Country and Catalonia, especially because Basque is an isolated language that does not resemble anything you have heard before. In case of doubt, ask the locals. In Spanish ''Disculpe, ¿qué signfica...'' (Excuse me, what does ... mean?) works fine everywhere. [[User:Mariam|Mariam]] , who does not speak Basque, walked from a small town following a sign in Basque that she thought would guide her to the next town and ended up in a recycling plant.
=== Spanish for the Hitchhiker ===
The Spanish phrase ''¡Hola! Vas a... ?'' (Hello, are you going to... ?) with a wide smile is an excellent starting point. Remember most Spaniards actually meet the stereotype of being loud and friendly, but aren't used to see hitchhikers on the road. Therefore, you'd better be extra familiar and polite by saying things like "¡Gracias, buen viaje!" (Thank you, have a nice trip!) after your driver drops you off or when they make excuses to not pick you up (this way they will think twice the next time they bump into a hitchhiker). Check the Spanish section in the [[Western Europe phrasebook|phrasebook]] for more basic words.
In Spanish there are only five vowel sounds and, conversely to French or English, you should pronounce all the letters that you read as an independent sound. So say phonetically with a clear distinction of each sound "autopista" [ aw to 'pis ta ] (motorway), not ''ottopista'', or ''otpist'' . Other difficulties that foreigners usually face:
The letter ''Ñ'' as in ''España'' and "mañana" (''morning'' or ''tomorrow''), which is the equivalent of the Portuguese digraph ''NH'' and Catalan ''NY''. If you struggle with it just pronounce it as an ''N'' and an ''I'' like when you say "Esto[[ni]]a" — it is not the actual sound, but it will work for a tourist. The digraph "LL" as in "calle" (¨street) and "valle" (valley) is pronounced in most places as a strong "y". You would say "ka-yeh" and "ba-yeh". The digraph "CH" is always pronounced as in ''church'' in English.
There are other tricky sounds like the ''Z'' and ''C'', the double ''RR''... but you can get away with these brief tips pretty well. Spanish is easy!
== Resources ==
{{nomadwiki}}
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/174166089591892/ Facebook group for hitchhiking in Spain]
* [https://warmroads.de/hitchhiking-in-2-spain/ Short anlyses of hitchhiking in Spain - warmroads.]
{{wikipedia-link|Spain}}
=== Maps ===
From any tourist-info around country, you can find good roadmap of the region and/or the autonomous area for free of charge.
{{hitchbase_country|177}}
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{{IsIn|Southern Europe}}
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