From colorful festivals to distinctive culinary delights, Spain's unique culture is full of intriguing surprises. Learning about these fascinating aspects will enrich your understanding and perhaps inspire your next travel adventure. Explore 10 fun facts about Spain that you probably didn’t know!
Madrid hosts "Sobrino de Botín," the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant, founded in 1725. Located near Plaza Mayor, Botín offers a classic menu featuring traditional dishes such as roast suckling pig and lamb.
Its cozy dining rooms retain historic charm, complete with original wood-fired ovens dating back centuries. Ernest Hemingway even praised the restaurant's atmosphere and cuisine in his famous novel, "The Sun Also Rises."
Spain has more bars per inhabitant than any other country in the European Union, with approximately one bar for every 169 residents.
According to Viva, the region of Andalucía alone has more bars than Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Ireland combined, and the entire country boasts over 290,000 licensed establishments.
Spaniards frequently meet friends or family at their favorite neighborhood bars, reinforcing the importance of these establishments in daily life. This widespread accessibility to bars fosters a lively social culture that's deeply embedded in the Spanish way of living.
Every August, the small town of Buñol hosts "La Tomatina," a massive tomato-throwing festival attracting thousands of visitors from around the globe.
Participants throw approximately 150,000 tomatoes, creating an unforgettable and messy spectacle. Originating from a spontaneous local food fight in 1945, the event has grown into a world-famous tradition that symbolizes fun, freedom, and friendship.
Despite the chaos, La Tomatina is highly organized, and local authorities ensure the tomatoes used are specially grown and unsuitable for regular consumption.
Spanish is the official language nationwide, but Catalan, Galician, and Basque also hold co-official status in their respective regions.
Each language has a unique history and cultural significance, reflecting Spain's diverse regional identities. These languages are actively promoted within their communities, and visitors often encounter bilingual signage and vibrant local traditions influenced by these distinct cultures.
"Marcha Real," Spain's national anthem, is entirely instrumental, making it one of only four anthems worldwide without official lyrics.
The other countries whose anthems lack official lyrics are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino. Spaniards often proudly hum along to the anthem during national celebrations and sporting events.
Spain dominates global olive oil production, providing approximately 40% of the world's supply. Jaén, in Andalusia, is famously known as the world's olive oil capital.
Spain produces an average of 1.4 million tons of olive oil annually, with this region alone outproducing Italy, Greece, and Portugal combined. Spanish olive oil is prized internationally for its exceptional quality and is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.
Europe’s only true desert, the Tabernas Desert, is in Spain. Located in Almería, it’s famous for Western movie filming, including classics featuring Clint Eastwood.
The landscape closely resembles the American Wild West, making it an ideal location for filmmakers. Visitors today can explore film sets and experience live cowboy shows, adding a unique charm to the Spanish travel experience.
Spain ranks fifth globally for the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, boasting 50 recognized locations.
These include architectural marvels like the Alhambra in Granada, Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona, and the historic center of Córdoba. Spain's extensive heritage sites highlight its diverse cultural history, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Every July, the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona attracts thrill-seekers who sprint through city streets alongside charging bulls during the San Fermín festival. The tradition began centuries ago as a practical way to transport bulls from outside the city into the bullring.
Although controversial for its risks, it continues to draw global attention and participants eager to experience this adrenaline-pumping event firsthand.
A widespread New Year's Eve tradition in Spain involves eating 12 grapes, one for each chime of the midnight bell, believed to bring good luck for the coming year. This tradition started in the early 20th century and has since become deeply rooted in Spanish culture. Families and friends gather around their televisions or town squares, carefully timing each grape to ensure prosperity and happiness in the year ahead.
If you're planning a trip to Spain, staying connected is essential.
A traditional SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) is a physical card inserted into your phone to connect to a cellular network. In contrast, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version built directly into your device, allowing you to activate cellular service without needing a physical card.
eSIMs are especially convenient for travelers—they're easy to set up, don’t require shipping or physical handling, and let you switch plans or providers instantly. Because of these benefits, many travelers now prefer eSIMs over physical SIMs.
Below are eSIM providers you can consider for your trip to Spain:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price | |
| Holafly |  | Customizable plan, WhatsApp support for calls and messages | No support for traditional SMS or voice calls, slightly higher prices compared to some competitors | $2.50 unlimited data for 30 days |
| Orange |  | Seamless installation, excellent customer service | No unlimited plans, coverage can vary in rural areas | $9.99 5GB data for 30 days |
| Maya |  | Customizable plans, affordable | Occasional connectivity issues in remote areas, limited compatibility with certain devices | $2.70 unlimited data for up to 180 days |
Spain is famous for its rich history, delicious cuisine (especially tapas), diverse culture, flamenco music, and vibrant festivals such as La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls.
Spain hosts Europe's only true desert, the Tabernas Desert, which is famous for its Western movie sets and striking resemblance to the American Wild West.
Most travelers visit Spain during spring (March to June) and fall (September to October), when the temperatures are pleasant, tourist crowds are smaller, and cultural festivals are in full swing.
Our mission is simple: to make sure you never have to ask, “What’s the WiFi password?” again. All our tips come straight from personal experience — because we’d never recommend something we haven’t put to the test ourselves.
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