Spain travel guide : explore culture, history and top destinations

Essential travel information about Spain

• Official name: Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España)
• Capital: Madrid
• Population: About 47 million people
• Official language: Spanish (Castilian), with co-official regional languages including Catalan, Basque, and Galician
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Government: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Spain's rich history: From Roman empire to modern Europe

Spain's past is a colorful mosaic of civilizations that have shaped its identity. Here's how the story unfolds:

Ancient Spain: Iberians, Celts and Roman influence

The Iberian Peninsula was home to various cultures, including the Iberians and Celts. In 218 BCE, the Romans began conquering the region and ruled for nearly 600 years.

Medieval Spain: Moorish heritage and Al-Andalus

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control until the arrival of the Moors in 711. The Muslim presence lasted nearly eight centuries, creating a rich culture known as Al-Andalus. The Christian Reconquista was completed in 1492 with the fall of Granada.

The Spanish empire

Under the reign of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, and later their grandson Charles V, Spain became a world power. The exploration of the New World by Christopher Columbus marked the beginning of a vast colonial empire that made Spain one of the most powerful nations in the world for over three centuries.

Modern Spain

After the decline of its empire, Spain experienced many upheavals, including the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) followed by Franco's dictatorship until 1975. After Franco's death, the democratic transition allowed Spain to become a modern democracy and join the European Union in 1986.

Spanish culture, language and traditions

The Language of Cervantes

Spanish is the world's second-most spoken native language with about 580 million speakers worldwide. The country also has rich linguistic diversity with several officially recognized regional languages.

Spanish art masters: From Velázquez to Picasso

Spain has given the world some of the greatest artists and writers. Painters like Diego Velázquez, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí revolutionized Western art. Writers like Miguel de Cervantes, Federico García Lorca, and Antonio Machado enriched world literature.

Spanish cuisine guide: Tapas, paella and regional specialties

Spanish gastronomy tantalizes the taste buds with its bold flavors and regional diversity. Must-try specialties include:

• Paella (rice dish with seafood or meats)
• Tapas (small portions of various dishes)
• Jamón ibérico (cured ham)
• Gazpacho (cold tomato soup)
• Tortilla española (Spanish omelet with potatoes)

Spain is also known for its wines, with regions like Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Jerez producing some of the world's finest wines and sherries.

Flamenco and bullfighting

Flamenco, a passionate art form that combines singing, dancing, and guitar playing, is one of Spain's most distinctive cultural expressions. Bullfighting, though controversial today, has been part of Spanish culture for centuries and is considered by some as an art form rather than a sport.

Top 5 must-visit destinations in Spain

Madrid: Complete Guide to Spain's Capital City

The capital city offers an incredible mix of art, culture, and nightlife:

• Prado Museum: One of the world's greatest art museums, housing masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and many others.
• Royal Palace: The official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, it's one of the largest palaces in Europe.
• Puerta del Sol: The central square and heart of the city.
• Retiro Park: A beautiful green oasis in the center of Madrid.
• Gran Vía: Madrid's most famous street, lined with theaters, shops, and architectural landmarks.

Barcelona: Gaudí's architecture and Catalan culture

Spain's second-largest city is known for its unique Modernist architecture, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí, including the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.

Seville

The capital of Andalusia captivates visitors with its rich Moorish heritage, including the Alcázar Palace, the Cathedral (the largest Gothic cathedral in the world), and the iconic Giralda tower.

Granada

Home to the majestic Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex that represents the pinnacle of Moorish art and architecture in Spain.

Valencia

This coastal city beautifully blends traditional and futuristic architecture, with the stunning City of Arts and Sciences complex and a charming old town.

Spain's most beautiful natural landscapes and parks

• The Pyrenees: A magnificent mountain range perfect for hiking and skiing.
• Costa del Sol: Famous for its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine.
• La Doñana National Park: One of Europe's most important wetland reserves.
• Teide National Park: Home to Spain's highest peak on the island of Tenerife.
• Picos de Europa: Dramatic limestone peaks forming one of Spain's oldest national parks.

Fascinating facts about Spain: What makes it unique

Spain is the second most visited country in the world, welcoming about 80 million tourists annually.

It has the third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and China.

The Spanish national anthem, "Marcha Real," has no official lyrics.

La Tomatina, the famous tomato fight festival, takes place annually in the town of Buñol.

Spain produces nearly half of the world's olive oil, more than any other country.

Spain's global contributions and cultural impact

• The modern novel (Don Quixote is often considered the first modern novel)
• The first round-the-world voyage (led by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano)
• The mop (patented by Manuel Jalón)
• The modern guitar
• Chupa Chups lollipops (with logo designed by Salvador Dalí)