SPAIN: 15 FAST FACTS FOR THE CURIOUS TRAVELLER

From its vibrant festivals to its architectural marvels, Spain offers a plethora of experiences. Dive into this collection of interesting and fun facts about Spain to uncover the many facets that make this country unique.

1. Siesta Tradition

Spain is famous for its siesta culture, where many shops and businesses close in the early afternoon for a few hours, allowing people to rest and escape the heat. 

2. Flamenco Origins

Flamenco, a passionate and expressive art form, originated in the Andalusian region of Spain. Its roots trace back to the Romani people, known as Gypsies. 

3. Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces

The iconic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is expected to be completed around 2030. The site draws in tens of thousands of tourists every week. Tip: Get your ticket in advance to secure your entry time.

4. Ibiza's UNESCO Status

Ibiza is not just a party island; it's also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its biodiversity and cultural significance. It can be a surprise to visit the island to discover there’s a lot more to discover than the nightclubs.

5.Running of the Bulls

The famous Running of the Bulls, or "Encierro," takes place during the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. It's a heart-pounding tradition where participants run alongside bulls through the city streets. Now, a more controversial event, with tradition questioned due to real issues around animal cruelty.  

6. La Tomatina Festival

Buñol, about a 40 minute drive from the city of Valencia, hosts the world's largest food fight, La Tomatina. Thousands of people gather annually to pelt each other with overripe tomatoes in a friendly and messy battle. 

7. Paella's Valencian Origin

The authentic paella, a traditional Spanish dish, originally included rabbit, chicken, and snails. These days you’ll find other versions including a seafood Paella.

8. Famous Surrealist

The renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dalí was born in Figueres, Catalonia. The Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres showcases many of his works. 

9. Pablo Picasso's Birthplace

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, was born in Málaga, Spain. The city now houses the Picasso Museum showcasing his early works.

10. Spanish Armada Defeat

In 1588, the Spanish Armada suffered a significant defeat by the English navy, marking a turning point in naval warfare and European history.

11. The Royal Alcázar of Seville

Another recognised sight from the popular TV series, The Game of Thrones is The Royal Alcázar of Seville.

12. Sangria Origins

Sangria, a popular Spanish beverage, has its roots in the Middle Ages when water wasn't safe to drink. People would mix wine with water and add fruits to mask the taste.

13. Tapas Culture

Embrace Spain's social culinary tradition with tapas, small plates that turn dining into a shared experience. The word "tapas" comes from the Spanish verb "tapar," meaning to cover, as these delectable bites were originally served with a small plate acting as a lid to keep flies away. Uncover the joy of sharing and indulging in these bite-sized delights, each telling a delicious story of Spain's rich culinary tapestry.

14. World's Second-Largest Producer of Wine

Spain is in the top three countries globally for wine production. Known for its diverse selection of wines, including Rioja, Tempranillo, and Cava. Enjoying wine in Spain is also a joy given prices to enjoy wine while out dining can be amazing value.

15. Alhambra's Architectural Marvel

The Alhambra in Granada is a breathtaking palace and fortress complex with intricate Islamic architecture, reflecting Spain's diverse cultural history.

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