Season: September to early May, no winter break

Kick off times: La Liga, Sunday 5pm main kick off time with further TV fixtures at 7pm and 9pm on Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Fixtures announced 1-2 weeks in advance, Real and Barcelona fixtures always televised. Segunda Division fixtures usually 3pm on Saturday.

Top leagues:
La Liga (UEFA co-efficient 2)
Average attendance 2010/11: 28,211
20 teams.
Top 4 into Champions League, 5th, 6th and cup winners in Europa League. Bottom 3 relegated.
League website: http://www.lfp.es

Segunda Division:
Average attendance 2010/11 : 8,267
22 teams. Top two promoted, 3-6 play off for final promotion place (reserve teams not eligible for promotion). Bottom four relegated to Segunda Division B



We all knew Spanish football was good. It was technically wonderful, stylish, passionate, had the best players, and, unlike the Italian version, wasn't at times just plain boring.

Then a few short years ago the man they call Becks turned up and the British nation became even more hooked.

Well, he's headed off to a galaxy far, far away in LA, and the rest of the Galacticos have followed out of the door. But Spain continues to hold our attention and remains a firm favourite on Sky Sports with followers throughout the world.

La Liga is dominated by two clubs and has been for decades. But unlike, say Scotland, the mighty Real Madrid and Barcelona don't occupying first and second spot in the league as a matter of course. Indeed, frequently one or the other is not in the top two and they have been pipped to La Liga title by numerous other teams, most recently Valencia.

Real Madrid are one of those clubs that can claim to be the most successful in the world, and they have the silverware to back that up. Barcelona have the biggest ground in Europe, and one of of the world's biggest fanbases. Take your pick on who to support.

But there is much more to Spanish football than just the big two. Each city and region has a club it can call its own who, as mentioned above, can have their moment in the limelight. The skill level throughout La Liga puts the Premiership to shame at times.  It has to be seen close up to be truly appreciated.

Taking in a football match in Spain is a different experience to home. The climate means most games take place at night - and it doesn't revolve around a pie and beer culture as much as it does in England and Germany. But I'm sure you'll do your best. And you might even be just a stone's throw from the beach.

Each club has its passionate home support but by and large trouble is rare. Seats remain very competitively priced, even at the bigger clubs, and you can usually pick up a ticket for all bar the big games.

The budget airline routes have really opened up Spain as a weekend option over the past decade so check out this guide and plan your trip.