Interesting Facts About Spain
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Top Things to Do in Spain
1. See a Flamenco Show
If you’re traveling to Spain, you may be interested in seeing a Flamenco Show. This traditional dance form is known for its simple accompaniments and intense emotion. Its dances are at times soul-stirring, tragic, or joyful, depending on the mood and style of the performance. Flamenco dancers’ sinuous movements are sure to seduce your senses. And, as the name suggests, they dance to Spanish folklore music.
Seville is home to a number of Flamenco shows, including the Tablao Flamenco Los Gallos. This is one of the oldest and most well-known shows in the world. This show lasts around an hour and a half, and tickets cost about EUR35, including a drink.
2. Travel Through Time in Toledo
Travel through time in Toledo, Spain by exploring the city’s historical monuments. The city has a rich history dating back to the Roman and Visigothic periods. It was also a key center of power for Christian kingdoms fighting the Moors. In fact, Toledo was the temporary seat of supreme power under Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Despite Toledo’s decline during the Spanish Reconquista, it still retains a rich cultural history.
Toledo is one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, and it has plenty of historical and cultural attractions to offer. This beautiful city is compact, and you can see a lot of it in one day. There are museums, markets, and cafes to visit, and it is particularly beautiful at night.
3. Explore Beautiful Spanish Beaches
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach in Spain, make a point to visit Platja de Ses Illetes, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The pure white sand and crystal clear water of this Spanish beach make it a favorite for visitors. There are plenty of good restaurants and bars here as well.
4. Walk the Camino
The Camino de Santiago was a pilgrimage route during the medieval era, with pilgrims from all over Europe making their way to Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. Starting in the Pyrenees, this route takes in the towns of Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, and Galicia. While the Camino de Santiago is a challenging walk, it can also provide you with a rich pilgrimage experience.
5. Eat Gourmet Cuisine in San Sebastián
In San Sebastián, you can indulge in local delicacies from the local markets. The Ebro valley, surrounded by the sea and mountains, is a fertile place where you can find a wide variety of seasonal produce. Local producers sell their products outside every day, except for Sunday. You can pick up artichokes, asparagus, and guindilla peppers from these markets.
6. Experience La Tomatina
La Tomatina is a fun and exciting Spanish food festival that draws people from around the world. It’s one of the world’s largest food fights, and it has become a bucket list item for many travelers. If you’ve never experienced this event, you’re in for a treat!
7. Eat paella
Whether you’re visiting Spain on holiday or just passing through, don’t miss the chance to try Spanish paella. A common Sunday meal in Barcelona and the beach towns near the city is a traditional paella. You can also find cheaper versions of this traditional dish on set menus every day.
8. Balearic Islands
If you are planning a vacation in Spain, one of the best things to do is to visit the Balearic Islands. The Balearic Islands are made up of four main islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera. You can easily reach the islands by plane, which has daily flights from all over the world. The flights are typically less than two hours long.
9. Granada: The Alhambra
The Alhambra is an extraordinary palace complex in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. It is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Islamic monuments. It is also a notable example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Its complex of rooms and courtyards has been home to a variety of notable people throughout the centuries.
10. Valencia: City of the Arts and Sciences
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural and architectural complex that is worth visiting if you’re ever in Valencia, Spain. It is considered one of Spain’s 12 treasures and one of the best modern tourist attractions in the country. The complex contains museums, theaters, and galleries that are sure to make your trip memorable.
11. Córdoba: Great Cathedral and Mosque
The Great Cathedral and Mosque in Cordoba represent a unique artistic achievement and an irreplaceable testimony to the Caliphate of Cordoba. The Great Mosque is considered to be the most famous example of Islamic religious architecture. It is the second largest mosque in the world in surface area, after the Holy Mosque in Mecca. It was built in the 8th century and was influenced by the Islamic art of the West. Its influence extended until the neo-Moorish style was developed in the 19th century.
12. Provincia de Málaga: Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is a region of southern Spain. It is also called the Costa del Sol Occidental. This part of Spain is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. The area is also home to many international resorts. It is a popular destination for tourists seeking a warm and sunny climate.
13. Barcelona: Church of the Sacred Family
Barcelona is home to a unique Roman Catholic church. La Sagrada Familia, or the Church of the Sacred Family, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed in 1882, it’s unique in its industrial setting and features bold flying buttresses and towers.
Designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia is the largest Gothic church in the world. It’s a stunning structure, and many critics have said that it’s the only one like it in the world. While the building is under construction today, Gaudi himself has said that there is no rush to finish it. The current projected completion date for the church is 2026.
14. Ronda: Ciudad de Ronda
The Andalusian city of Ronda is situated high in the Sierra and is an excellent day trip from Malaga or Seville. The city has retained a high degree of historic charm, and the old quarter is the primary tourist attraction. Set across a gorge, the old quarter is linked to the rest of the city by a bridge and structure. In this way, you can see the old quarter and its cobblestoned streets, which are full of history and folklore.
15. Marvel at Gaudí Architecture in Barcelona
In Barcelona, you can marvel at Gaudi Architecture, such as the Sagrada Familia. This Roman Catholic basilica, currently under construction, is one of the most famous works of Gaudi architecture. Gaudi started building the basilica in 1882, but he knew he would not live to see it completed. Once completed, it will have three high-rise facades, 18 spires, and architectural details that speak to Christian faith.
The Park Guell in Barcelona is another place to marvel at Gaudi Architecture. This area was originally designed for a gated residential community, but wealthy industrialist Eusebi Guell commissioned the legendary architect Antoni Gaudi to complete it. The architect worked on the project for 14 years before his death, but his heirs decided to end it in 1914. In 1922, the city of Barcelona purchased the half-built residential complex and converted it into a public park. The park has grown in popularity since, and it is currently divided into two zones, one for the monumental zone, and one for the rest of the park.
16. Eat Tapas
Tapas, or small plates, are a popular food in Spain. They are usually served with a drink and are meant to be shared. They are typically made from simple ingredients and are meant to be eaten between main meals. Many places serve tapas free of charge. If you plan to eat tapas in Spain, learn how to order them properly.
17. Attend a Music Festival
If you love music, attending a music festival in Spain is a great way to get in touch with the local music scene. The country is home to almost 900 different festivals. Whether you’re an electronic music enthusiast or a rock fanatic, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you.
18. See the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
The Running of the Bulls is an iconic festival that takes place over the course of eight days in Pamplona, Spain. During the festival, daredevils take to the streets of the Old Town to run alongside or in front of six bulls. The old town is cordoned off for the event. The bulls are some of the largest in Spain and are accompanied by six oxen with bells on their necks. The event typically takes less than four minutes.
19. Go Wine Tasting in Rioja
One of the most enjoyable things to do while in Rioja is gone wine tasting. Many wineries have tours so you can learn more about the wines you’re drinking. You can even get a tour of the vineyards or underground cellars and learn about the grape harvesting process. Typically, you’ll have the opportunity to try three different wines. However, some wineries offer more wine than this.
20. Barcelona: Guell Park
For the most incredible view of Barcelona, head to Park Guell. This park is filled with breathtaking architecture and plant life. It is planted with olive trees, agave, and vines. The park was laid out during the Pleistocene era, and it has a very rich ecosystem. To reach the park, take a metro line or bus number 24.
21. Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are not the typical package holiday hub you might expect, but a trip to the islands can bring you much more than cheap booze and dolphin-spotting. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling, and enjoy the landscapes, beaches, and local culture.
22. Picos de Europa
For a truly stunning outdoor experience, you must head to the mountain range of Picos de Europa. It’s known for its dramatic landscape and rocky trails. While you’re there, be sure to check out Covadonga, the gateway to the glacial lake Enol, and the cave sanctuary Santa Cueva de Covadonga. You can also take a cable car up Fuente Dé, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range.
23. Santiago de Compostela
The Cathedral is the most popular attraction in Santiago de Compostela. This beautiful cathedral is the final destination of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. It has a golden statue of Saint James that pilgrims line up to kiss. The cathedral’s crypt is home to the remains of the original church.
24. Ávila de los Caballeros: The Walls of Avila
If you’ve ever wanted to see a medieval city wall, the Walls of Avila are the perfect place for you. These walls were built in the 12th century and are 2.5 kilometers long with an average height of 12 meters. They’re a fascinating way to experience the history of this town.
25. Madrid: Golden Triangle of Art
If you have a passion for art, Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is the place to go. It features three world-class museums, the Reina Sofia, Thyssen, and El Prado. These museums showcase some of the greatest works of European and Spanish art. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned art lover, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
26. Provincia de León: Las Médulas
The archaeological zone of Las Medulas is protected as a Cultural Area and a National Monument. Both these designations are based on the laws of Castile and León regarding cultural heritage, and the protection is intended to safeguard the archaeological, cultural and natural values of the site.
27. Salamanca: Old City of Salamanca
Salamanca is a city full of cultural attractions. It is also home to Spain’s oldest university, Universidad de la Salamanca, which was established in the 15th century. The university’s facade is filled with carvings of religious and mythical creatures. You may see a frog on a skull to bring good luck! It was also home to a famous Spanish poet, Fray Luis de Leon.
28. Go hiking in the Sierra Nevada National Park
The Sierra Nevada National Park in Spain is a great place to go hiking. It is located in the provinces of Granada and Almera. It was declared a national park on 14 January 1999. Hiking in the park will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
29. Visit Museo del Prado
Visit Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, and you’ll be treated to a world of art and culture. This museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is located in central Madrid. It is home to an astounding collection of artworks that have been carefully preserved for generations.
30. Discover El Caminito del Rey
For an exciting and rewarding hiking experience, take the time to discover El Caminito del Rey in southern Spain. This ancient railway line runs through a gorge and offers a variety of tunnels and bridges. You can hike the entire length of the gorge in less than two hours.
31. Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a modern art museum in the Basque Country, Spain. It was designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997. King Juan Carlos I of Spain inaugurated it on 18 October, featuring 250 contemporary works of art.
32. Seville: Alcázar
The Royal Alcázars of Seville, historically called al-Qasr al-Muriq, was built for the Christian king Peter of Castile. Today, these historic buildings are still a great place to visit. They feature beautiful, intricately designed interiors and exteriors.
You can tour this regal palace on your Seville vacation. The Alcázar has been featured in a number of movies. In the Game of Thrones series, it appeared as the kingdom of Dorne. The Alcázar was also used for the filming of the acclaimed 2016 fantasy movie Emerald City.
33. Mérida: Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
The Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida is one of the largest archaeological sites in Spain. It includes remains dating back to the first century. These structures include religious buildings, private houses, and entertainment buildings. The city has also served as an important political location for centuries.
34. Madrid: Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escor
El Escorial or the Royal Monastery of San Lorenz de El Escor is located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, about 45 km northwest of Madrid. It’s a great place to meditate, learn about history, and see stunning views.
35. Sevilla: Plaza de España
The Plaza de Espaa is a landmark plaza in Parque de Mara Luisa in Seville, Spain. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition. The plaza represents a distinctive mix of Renaissance Revival, Baroque Revival, and Moorish Revival styles.
36. Barcelona: Palace of Catalan Music
The Palace of Catalan Music is one of the most important monuments of Catalan Art Nouveau and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a homage to the music scene in Barcelona and is a special place in the city. Designed by Lluis Domenech and Montaner, the building features a beautiful facade with stained-glass windows and traditional Spanish and Arabic architecture. Inside, there are busts of famous composers such as Beethoven.
37. Barcelona: Nou Camp
When in Barcelona, be sure to check out the iconic Camp Nou, the stadium where FC Barcelona plays. This football club has a long and rich history. You can even see the personal memorabilia of its legendary players. The museum also features interactive walls that explain the history of the club. While you are there, you can even take a tour of the pitch and the stands. The FC Barcelona Experience is one of the most popular museums in Catalonia.
38. Granada: El Eshavira
In Granada, Spain, you should try eating at the El Eshavira Café. It’s located near the Plaza Mayor. Famous people who have visited the cafe include Hemingway and Goya. The café’s name is a tribute to its creator, Jean Botin.
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