If you're planning a trip to Spain, you’ve probably packed your sunscreen and bookmarked tapas bars on Google Maps. But beyond the sangria and siestas, Spain hides a treasure trove of fascinating surprises that many travellers don’t know before landing.
Let’s learn these quirky and historical facts about Spain and fall in love with this country before you even arrive.
Explore the real side of Spain that is fun, fiery, and full of stories.
1. Iberia’s Hidden UNESCO Treasure
Spain ranks second globally for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With 49 declared treasures, spanning Moorish palaces, Gothic cathedrals, and ancient pilgrimage routes, Spain welcomes you. If you are a historian or want to be one, Spain is your next travel destination.
2. A Language That Speaks Volumes
Spanish isn’t just popular, it’s native to over 580 million people across 21 countries, making it one of the most spoken languages in the world. It is considered a Romance language and is the third most spoken language on the Internet. You dont know! Arabic heavily influences the Spanish language.
3. Olive Oil Capital of the World
Spain produces around 44% of global olive oil, and nearly half the world’s supply comes from Andalusia’s 300 million olive trees. Besides any Olive oil in the world, famous Spanish oil is sweeter and robustly savoury. People dont know because they only know about Italian Olive oil.
4. Rooftop of Spain
Couch potatoes love high altitude too! Madrid is Europe’s second-highest capital, at 667 m above sea level. If you are ready for crisp mornings and clear skies, Madrid is your next stop. Dont forget to buy Defy Mobile eSIM for Spain.
5. Wine, Wine, Everywhere
Ranking among the top three global wine producers, Spain brings us Rioja, Tempranillo, Cava and incredible value with every glass. Spain has some 600 grape varieties, but only 20 are used to make wines.
6. Home to the Oldest Restaurant
Madrid hosts Botín, the oldest restaurant still running since 1725, where Hemingway once savoured roast suckling pig. Another restaurant, Casa Pedro, claims that it's older than Botín and has been serving since 1702.
7. The Siesta Tradition Still Lives
Mid-afternoon siestas aren’t fantasy. They're woven into local life, with shops often closing from around 2 to 5 pm to beat the heat. It's a short nap of 20-30 minutes to avoid the hot climate.
8. Bars for Days
Spain has around 300,000 bars. Nearly one on every street corner. Sharing a caña and tapas? It’s the heart of social life. Spanish people dont just visit bars for a drink, they usually visit to be socialize and enjoy games together.
9. Fastest Rails in Europe
The AVE high-speed train hits 310 mph, making it Spain’s express route between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and beyond. AVE in Spanish means Bird. A 628-kilometre journey from Madrid to Barcelona takes only 3 hours.
10. A Mosaic of Languages
Spain celebrates four official languages: Castilian, Catalan, Galician and Basque country. It’s a linguistic tapestry tied to its regional heritage. It represents ancient history and the cultural exchange of Spain.
11. La Tomatina’s Tomato Throwdown
Most travellers are astonished and interested in this fact about Spain. Every August in Buñol, thousands take part in a massive tomato fight. Yes, Spain hosts the world’s biggest food fight. It uses 120 to 150 metric tons of tomatoes and lasts almost 1 hour from 10 am to 11 am. A better tip is to squeeze the tomato before throwing it, so it will not hurt anyone.
12. Running With Bulls
Pamplona’s San Fermín festival, featuring the famous bull run, goes back to the 14th century. It’s an adrenaline-fueled slice of tradition. It's not a one-day event. You will witness this event from 7 July to 14th July. The event is celebrated to honour the first bishop and patron saint
13. Debt to the Moors
Spain was shaped by 800 years of Moorish culture, leaving behind architectural marvels like the Alhambra and the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Moors provide advancements in agriculture, mathematics, and science.
14. Flamenco’s Fiery Roots
Originating in Andalucía, flamenco, a blend of Romani, Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish traditions Itis Spain’s proud UNESCO-listed music form. It's an astonishing combination of song, dance, and guitar playing. It’s different from Spanish culture folk dance.
15. A Spanish Melody Without Words
Spain’s national anthem, “la marcha real the royal march”, is one of the few in the world with no official lyrics. It was first composed as a military march in 1761 but became the national anthem in 1770.
16. Europe’s Only African Border
Want to witness a blend of continents? Ceuta and Melilla connect Spain to Morocco across Africa, the only land link between the EU and Africa.
17. Where Don Quixote Was Born
"Cervantes's Don Quixote", Written by Miguel de Cervantes isn't fiction; it put La Mancha on the map with its windmills, knights, and timeless wit. He was a Spanish novelist and playwright. It's like Shakespeare of Spain.
18. Spain’s Desert: Not Just Beaches
Yes, Spain has the only desert in Europe. Tabernas Desert in Almería, home to spaghetti westerns and lunar landscapes. It resembles American wild west sites with unique plants and animal species.
19. Safe and Welcoming
Spain welcomes 94 million visitors in 2024, more than its own population. Because it ranks among the 10% of the world's safest countries stats. If you ever have a chance, you must travel to Spain.
20. From Sea to Summit
Spain covers over 500,000 km², with 8,000 km of coastline, snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and volatile volcanoes. Explore it all with Defy Mobile eSIM because we provide cheap, reliable, and seamless connectivity at every inch of Spain.
Why These Fun Facts about Spain Matter for Travellers?
Whether you're a foodie, art lover, culture seeker or beach bum, Spain delivers on every front. From hidden UNESCO gems to local siestas, these insights give you insider knowledge to travel smarter and connect deeper with locals. Who doesn't want to visit a country that is rich in history and fun events that are unforgettable?
Stay Connected in Spain with the Right eSIM
After reading these fun facts about Spain, if you are planning to travel now, then it's really exciting. Choose Defy Mobile Local Spain eSIM for unlimited data without wandering into roaming surprises.
If you are on an exploring trip to Europe? Go for our Regional eSIM. Or go big with the Global eSIM, connecting you across over 200+ countries. Easy setup, instant coverage—no need to hunt for physical SIMs after landing.
Defy Mobile eSIM Plans for Spain!
Depending on travellers' needs, Defy Mobile has introduced eSIM plans for Spain into the Standard and Unlimited categories. You can buy from the multiple options available as per your duration and usage. For example:
- 1GB eSIM Data for 7 Days in Spain at $2.75
- 2GB eSIM Data for 15 Days in Spain at $4.48.
- Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day in Spain at $3.07.
- Unlimited eSIM Data for 5 Days in Spain at $12.05.
Conclusion
Spain packs so much more than sun and tapas. It’s a tapestry of traditions, languages, and landscapes. These fun facts are just the beginning of your journey. Stay curious, enjoy every hidden gem, and stay connected with Defy Mobile eSIM from the moment your plane wheels hit Spanish soil. Olé!!
FAQs
Is Spain safe for solo travellers, especially if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes, Spain is safe and tourist-friendly. Major cities have good public transport, and many locals speak basic English. But it's good to learn Spanish as it's the most widely spoken language.
When is the best time to visit Spain for festivals?
Spring and fall are great for weather and culture. Big festivals like Semana Santa and La Mercè happen during these seasons.
How do I avoid roaming charges in Spain?
Use a local or regional eSIM like Defy Mobile. It gives you instant data access without physical SIM cards or hidden fees.
