If you ask the average British holidaymaker to picture Spain, they’ll probably picture endless beaches on the Costa Del Sol and package holidays full of kids and all-inclusive drinks packages. Look beyond the Spain sold to you by the big travel agencies, however, and you’ll find a country brimming with adventure, culture and excitement.
With that in mind, today we’ll be looking at three things besides the beach that Spain has to offer for your summer holiday thrills this or any other year.
Culture and History
Spain’s culture and history are a testament to its diverse influences and rich past. The country is a melting pot of civilizations, having been shaped by the Romans, Moors, and Christians over the centuries. This cultural tapestry is evident in Spain’s breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, and historic landmarks.
In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, showcase his unique modernist vision. Madrid, meanwhile, boasts the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, where art lovers can marvel at works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The Alhambra in Granada and the Mezquita in Córdoba are also incredibly popular tourist attractions, reflecting the profound influence of Islamic architecture in Spain.
If the city life is too busy for you, exploring Spain’s historic smaller towns is like stepping back in time. Seville, with its Moorish Alcázar palace and Gothic cathedral, and Toledo, known as the “City of Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage, are perfect examples of Spain’s deep-rooted history. These cultural and historical treasures make Spain a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the legacy of ancient civilizations and their lasting impact on modern society.
Festivals
Spain is synonymous with lively and colourful festivals that reflect its rich cultural traditions and zest for life. These celebrations, held throughout the year, offer a glimpse into the country’s vibrant spirit and communal joy.
Held in the town of Buñol, La Tomatina is the world’s largest food fight, where participants throw ripe tomatoes at each other in a spectacle of fun and chaos. This unique festival draws visitors from all over the world eager to partake in this messy, yet exhilarating, tradition. In Pamplona, meanwhile, the San Fermín festival features the iconic Running of the Bulls, where brave participants run alongside bulls through the city’s streets. This event, while controversial, is a thrilling highlight of Spain’s festival calendar.
These represent only a handful of the fascinating festivals provide an unforgettable experience, showcasing Spain’s ability to blend tradition, community, and exuberance into celebrations that captivate both locals and visitors alike.
Cuisine
Spanish cuisine is a celebration of flavours, textures, and aromas that reflect the country’s diverse regions and culinary traditions. From tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, Spain’s gastronomic landscape is a feast for the senses.
The tradition of tapas, or “small plates”, is one of Spain’s most beloved culinary customs. In cities like Madrid and Seville, tapas bars offer a wide variety of these bite-sized delights, including classics like patatas bravas, garlic shrimp and Iberian ham. While tapas are indeed everywhere in Spain, paella is arguably Spain’s most famous dish. Originating from Valencia and made with rice, saffron, and a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Spain is also, of course, famous for its wines, from the robust reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the sparkling Cava of Catalonia. Visiting local wineries and vineyards provides an opportunity to taste these exceptional wines and learn about Spain’s winemaking traditions.
Final Thoughts
For those planning a European holiday, Spain is in a league of its own and it’s a surprisingly easy country to traverse too, with plenty of Malaga transfers from the southern tip that allow you easy access to everything the south coast has to offer. So, whether you’re captivated by the grandeur of the Alhambra, thrilled by the energy of La Tomatina, or savouring the exotic spicy flavours of tapas and paella, Spain promises a memorable adventure that goes way beyond the ordinary.
