10 Incredible Reasons to Visit Spain
- Anju Chandna
- Jun 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Spain is the kind of country that refuses to be experienced in a hurry. From the vibrant energy of Madrid and Barcelona to the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, Spain offers a perfect mix of culture, food, architecture, and unforgettable experiences.
Why Visit Spain?
If you are planning your first trip to Spain, whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer journey across different regions, Spain has something for every kind of traveller.
Here are 10 incredible reasons why this country deserves a place on your bucket list.
Spain is Warm, Vibrant and Full of Life
Spain has a rustic Mediterranean charm that is different from other European countries. The typical Spanish vibe is hard to miss and even harder to describe!
From bustling city squares and lively cafes or Tapas bars, to colourful festivals, historic lanes filled with amazing architecture like the iconic Sagrada Familia, and the busy beaches of Barcelona, there is always something to look forward to.
What adds a zing to this warm country is its culture and music. Flamenco, football, and social gatherings are deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Spaniards are Friendly and 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.
Spain is Rich in History and Heritage
Spain was one of the most powerful empires till the 18th century. The entire country has 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. From ancient Roman ruins and grand cathedrals to Moorish palaces and medieval towns, one almost feels like having stepped into a museum, where history blends with modern life.
Spain has Stunning Architecture
Spain is home to some of Europe's most breathtaking architecture. From Antoni Gaudí's unique creations like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona to the majestic Alhambra in Granada.
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.
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!
Spain has an Incredible Food Culture with Seriously Finger-Licking Food
Food in Spain is much more than just a meal; it is a way of life. Dining in Spain entails long lunches, lively tapas bars, outdoor cafes, and an abundance of late-night dinners, even on weekdays.
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.
Spain offers Beautiful Beaches and Coastlines
Whether you're looking for adventure, nightlife, or just a relaxing seaside escape, Spain has it all.
Spectacular beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed coastal towns make Spain a coveted destination.
Spain is a paradise for Football Fans
Spain is home to the World's most legendary football clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
We visited Spain with our two boys, and seeing their excitement about visiting these football clubs was unbelievable. There is an entire tourism ecosystem around Spanish football clubs that adds another unique layer to this destination.
Spain's Streets are Full of Art and Performances
Spain is lively, and that one can sense throughout the country, in its streets and public squares. From talented musicians to flamenco performers to human statues doing gravity-defying stunts, entertainment feels like a natural part of everyday life. A simple walk around the city can be as entertaining as sightseeing.
Spain has some of Europe's Most Beautiful Cities
Spain is filled with cities that offer such varied cultures and experiences. Madrid is grand, Barcelona is artistic, Seville is romantic, and Granada is historical and charming in its own way.
Madrid has the famous Paseo del Prado Boulevard and El Retiro Park, both 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.
Barcelona has lots to offer tourists through architecture, scenic locales, the famous football club FCB, beaches and the Sagrada Familia.
Seville, with 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.
Cultural Traditions like Flamenco and Bullfighting are Unique to Spain
Spain is famous for its dramatic and passionate cultural traditions that are deep-rooted in their culture. A flamenco performance is mesmerising, to say the least. Flamenco shows are held in many cities across Spain.
Watching a Flamenco show in Seville was the highlight of our trip to Spain.
And watching the bullfighting in Madrid was equally unforgettable. Although it is admired for its artistry and debated for its ethics, it remains an important part of Spain's cultural identity.
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.
6 Helpful Things to Know Before Visiting Spain
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.
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.
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.
Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Spain. But in Barcelona, we noticed a slightly unusual taste in the water because of the city's coastal location and mineral content. It did not make us ill, but we decided to rely on bottled water for the remaining days.
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.
Be prepared for late meal times in restaurants compared to other European countries. Lunch is often around 2 PM, and dinner around 8 PM is considered normal.
Use trains for intercity travel. Spain's high-speed train network is very efficient and reliable, making it the best way to travel between cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and so on.
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