10 simple reasons to visit Spain.....and some tips if you do!
- Anju Chandna
- Jun 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Why visit Spain?
Spain has a whopping 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it the third country in the world with so many heritage sites! So, while planning your Spain vacation, remember to look them up.
Let me enumerate 10 solid reasons for anyone with a bent for travel to visit Spain...
1. Spain is warm, vibrant and lively
The country has a rustic charm that is different from other European countries. The typical Spanish vibe is hard to miss and even harder to describe!
2. Spaniards are warm, relaxed people
On our first day in Madrid, which was a working day, I didn't see people hustling to work. Everyone seemed to be a bit laid back and walking merrily to work or wherever they were headed. I found this very different from most cosmopolitan cities, where morning rush hour can be maddening with people practically stomping on each other to get to work on time.
They are friendly towards tourists too, and most can speak basic English. If they can't, they still attempt to help you. Our landlady in Madrid could not speak English, so she went to great lengths to ensure that we understood what she was trying to convey via a Translator App on her phone. She could not use the App properly. My son helped her with the App, and she, in turn, helped us with the instructions in English.
3. Amazing architecture
Spain was one of the most powerful empires till the 18th century. The entire country has some interesting architecture that is an amalgamation of many historical periods, combined with modern contemporary structures. Just travelling around the country, one can see a mix of Gothic-style*, Renaissance and modern structures, all co-existing together beautifully.
How can one forget the awe-inspiring Real Alcazar and Alhambra?
Even in cities, alongside modern structures, there are a lot of colonial homes. It can be an interesting stay if you plan to live in a rented colonial home. All such houses have windows opening into a central courtyard. One can easily peep into the house on the opposite side. Although that should not be your reason to travel to Spain!
Our house in Seville, with the window opening into the courtyard
4. Spain offers some seriously finger-licking food
There are Tapas Bars everywhere; these bars serve small portions of food as a snack with a drink. The best thing about Tapas is that you get to taste a large variety of dishes owing to the small portion size.
Spaniards 'Tapear', which means they do tapas bar-hopping and try various dishes. This is so integral to the culture of Spain.
And Spaniards love their eating time; they are boisterous around food. And Spanish cuisine grows on you. It's made with simple ingredients with very bold flavours. Much like my native Indian cuisine.
5. Spaniards are not just warm, they're entertaining too!
Throughout the country, especially in Madrid, roads are full of street performers and a whole lot of human statues dressed as interesting characters to get tips from local passersby. I have seen this in many places, but not as much as here in Spain.
They do all sorts of gravity-defying stunts that are a delight to watch. A walk around the city can be as entertaining as sightseeing.
6. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a traveller's delight
Paseo del Prado Boulevard and El Retiro Park are beautiful green spaces in the heart of a very modern metropolis.
The entire area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 and is called The Landscape of Light.
El Rastro, one of the world's oldest flea markets, is a shopper's paradise. It has wares ranging from clothes, leather goods, and books to memorabilia and so much more. Hordes of locals and tourists throng the market that is set up every Sunday and on public holidays.
If you like exploring artworks and visiting museums, then Madrid has the Golden Triangle, comprising 3 main museums: the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofía.
Want to visit Madrid? Learn more by clicking on the link below -
7. Not to forget Barcelona with its beaches and the famous football clubs, and of course, Sagrada Familia
It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to travel from Madrid by train.
The city has lots to offer tourists through architecture, scenic locales, the famous football club FCB, beaches and the Sagrada Familia.
If you have an extra day or two, then PortAventura World Parks, the amusement park 85 km away from Barcelona, offers unparalleled adventure and amusement.
8. And while in Spain, how can you miss out on Seville, the capital of the Spanish Autonomous Community of Andalusia?
Its cobbled streets and the famous Real Alcazar, which is steeped in history and preserved in sync with some awe-inspiring modern structures like the Metropol Parasol, are stunning.
And not to forget the riveting Plaza de España. There is a historical anecdote at every nook and corner of this picturesque city.
Remember, the beautiful Alhambra Palace in Granada is just a 3-hour drive from Seville. So, if you have time, then this palace is not to miss.
9. Spain is synonymous with Flamenco, the foot-tapping dance recital performances at Tablao
A flamenco performance is mesmerising, to say the least.
While in Spain, this is one attraction that you should not miss. Flamenco shows are held in many cities across Spain.
Watching a Flamenco show in Seville was the highlight of our trip to Spain.
Read more about Flamenco in the link below -
10. And lastly, Spain has the infamous bullfight arenas
Not everyone has the stomach to watch the Bullfight!
But if you have the guts to see this gory spectacle, then Madrid is the place for it!
The most popular one is in Madrid, called Las Ventas. Apart from that, it is held in Tordesillas, Ronda and Seville. In some places, it has been banned or is in the process of being toned down to make it less gory.
Read on for our bullfight experience in the link below -
I will give you the 5 important tips for your Spain vacation...
1. If you want to start your vacation in the capital of Madrid, then the best time to visit this landlocked city is in spring and fall. Winters and summers can be extreme for outdoor activities.
Spain is warmer than the rest of Europe, but even if you're going in summer, carry some very light woollens. It can get a bit windy and cold at night, especially in Madrid.
We went to Spain in May, which is considered very pleasant, but we had to buy light sweaters the day we landed in Madrid.
2. Beware of pickpockets, especially in tourist-heavy areas in Madrid and Barcelona. More so, when travelling in metros and buses. Pickpockets normally travel in gangs on crowded trains and try to surround you from all sides, creating some confusion before flicking your wallet.
We had a rough encounter in Barcelona on the train. A woman passenger, standing right next to my husband, would deliberately push herself forward toward him every time the train jolted to start or stop. We were saved by the timely intervention of a local traveller who signalled to us to watch out for this woman. When she realised that we knew, she quickly got off the train; otherwise, my husband would have lost his wallet.
3. Despite the menace of pickpockets, you should still carry some cash, especially if you're planning to go outside of main urban touristy areas or anywhere off the beaten track to make payments at small restaurants and kiosks.
4. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Spain. But in Barcelona, owing to its coastal location, the water tasted really odd. It did not make us ill, but we decided to rely on bottled water for the remaining days.
5. Barcelona is expensive compared to other Spanish cities, so plan your vacation judiciously. 3 days would be ideal for exploring the city. You might have to add an extra day if you want to explore its many water sports in the calm Mediterranean waters. Also, as I mentioned earlier, if you want to go to Port Aventura, then an extra day would be needed.
Only about 3 hours away from Seville is the city of Granada, known for the beautiful Alhambra Palace. It would be a shame to miss seeing this stunning palace and fortress. So, you should plan a day trip from Seville to visit Granada.
So, gear up and plan an enthralling vacation to Spain!
There are many reasons to visit Spain. Click on the links below to find out more about Spain and things to do in Spain
Want to see the Spanish capital? Find out about 3 days in Madrid
Interested in bullfighting?
Take a trip to Barcelona, Spain's most visited city. Read more about Barcelona
I have written about our experience at Port Aventura in the link below
The absolutely not-to-miss city of Seville, Spain
Watching a Flamenco show in Seville
* Gothic architecture is characterised by grandeur in the form of tall structures with flying buttresses and pointed arches. The ceilings are decorated with ornate designs.
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