12 interesting facts about Spain for international travellers
Spain is a large country, the fourth largest in Europe, and isn’t all just beaches and tourists. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, it’s a good idea to learn a few fun facts about Spain before you visit.
In Spain you’ll find a rich history spanning back to the Romans, as well as amazing architecture and art. And of course don’t forget the food, music and fiestas!
If you’d like to learn a little bit more about Spain before you visit, here are 12 cool facts about Spain to get you started…
Some of the links below are affiliate links meaning we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase via one of these links.
12 interesting facts about Spain
1. Spain is located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by France, Andorra, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Spain is known for its diverse culture and history, which includes influences from the Romans and Moors, among other civilizations, resulting in a rich heritage of art, architecture, and cuisine. You will see examples of these influences in many towns and cities across the country, with some great examples in Alicante and Granada especially.
3. The country’s official language is Spanish, but there are also several regional languages such as Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Valencian. You may hear people speaking these languages rather than Castellano (Spanish), especially in smaller towns and villages.
4. Spain is famous for its fun, and sometimes weird, fiestas, including the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, La Tomatina in Buñol, and the lively Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. Do some research on what fiestas are being held during your visit, if you get chance to attend a Spanish fiesta you must.
5. The country offers a wide range of landscapes, from beautiful beaches along the Costa Blanca to the mountainous regions of the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. In the north of Spain, places like Galicia look more like Ireland than Spain, while in the south you can find Europe’s only desert.
6. Spain is home to an amazing 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the historic city of Toledo, the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, and the Palm Groves in Elche. So if you like history, art, and beautiful surroundings then you’re in luck.
7. Spanish cuisine is renowned for its tapas, paella, churros, and a variety of delicious regional dishes, all best enjoyed with a glass of sangria or Spanish wine. In the Valencian Community you can try the most authentic paella, while in the Basque region you need to sample as many pintxos as possible!
8. Football is a huge part of Spanish culture, with passionate support (and rivalry!) for world-renowned clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, as well as the national team, La Roja. If you’re not lucky enough to watch a match during your visit to Spain, you can still take a tour around some of the biggest stadiums such as Camp Nou in Barcelona and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.
Ready to book your holiday to Spain?
If you’re ready to book trip to Spain, these links may help…
Find great value flights and accommodation at Expedia
– Rent a car with RentalCars.com
– Check hotel reviews at TripAdvisor
– Book your tours and excursions at GetYourGuide
– Book your Travel Insurance at Civitatis
9. Bullfighting in Spain dates back to 711 AD with the first official bullfight held in honor of the coronation of King Alfonso VIII. Although legal in Spain, some Spanish cities, such as Calonge, Tossa de Mar, Vilamacolum and La Vajol, have outlawed bullfighting.
10. Looking to party? Spain boasts a vibrant nightlife, especially in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and on the island of Ibiza, where you can experience lively clubs, bars, and flamenco performances. This is also important to know if you don’t want to party, so you’re aware of which areas to avoid if you want a peaceful night!
11. With so much beautiful coastline it’s not surprising that Spain has the most Blue Flags in the world, with 627 beaches, 97 in marinas and 5 in tourist boats. Andalucía alone has 128 Blue Flags, and there are 88 on the Costa Blanca.
12. Art lovers won’t be short of museums and galleries to visit in Spain. Spain has a rich artistic legacy, with famous painters like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miró having left a lasting impact on the art world. The best museums in Spain to see famous works of art are Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Guggenheim in Bilbao, and the Picasso museums in Malaga and Barcelona. You can also see Dalí’s house in Figueras and the house where Picasso was born in Malaga.
As you can see, Spain is such an interesting country with diverse cultures, landscapes and histories, and plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy your trip to Spain!
