Car driving

The level of alcohol allowed in Spain (25mg) is lower than in  another european countries. Fines levied in Galicia for driving offences are reported to be by far the highest per capita in Spain. There are regular random checks on all main roads and the fines are draconian. You will also get done if any of your documentation is not in order or if you are not carrying two triangles and a ‘luminous jacket’.

Don’t risk parking your car on the streets of Pontevedra, unless you really know what you are doing or unless there are meters and clear parking bays (possibly marked in blue). ‘Safe places’ include those parts of town where unofficial (and unprepossessing) attendants try to guide you into a vacant spot. Of course, they expect to be paid for this (unneeded) service and, unless you don’t care about the car’s paintwork, you are best advised to cough up a little something.