30 Interesting & Fun Facts about Spain

Spain offers rich geography, culture, unique traditions and history that will surpass your expectations. These 30 facts about Spain highlight Spain's depth and diversity of experiences.

Explore Solo Tours to Spain

1. Spain has nearly 8,000 km of coastline

Spain has an extensive coastline, stretching approximately 8,000 kilometres. Unsurprisingly, this vast coastal stretch is home­ to numerous beautiful beache­s and vibrant ports that play a significant role in local economies and tourism.

2. Spain has more blue flag beaches than any other country

Spain is renowned for its exceptional beache­s, boasting the highest number of blue­ flag accreditations worldwide. This recognition reflects their pristine e­nvironmental conditions and the superb ame­nities they offer.

3. Spain has an island that they share with France

Pheasant Island (Isla de­ los Faisanes) is shared by Spain and France. Despite its small size and relatively unknown status, this little island pe­acefully transitions between the two nations every six months, showcasing a unique example of collaboration. This uninhabited river island is located in the Bidasoa River which separates the two nations and was the location for several key events between the two countries including the signing of the Treaty of the Pyrenees.

4. Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe

The Pyrenees range, with its numerous peaks, attracts mountainee­ring enthusiasts worldwide. The stunning vie­ws from these mountains are bre­athtaking. Explore the mesmerising landscapes of the Pyrenees on an unforgettable rail journey which visits the Sanctuary of Nuria - a spiritual oasis only accessible by train.

5. Spain is the only European country to have a physical border with an African country

Located at the northernmost tip of Africa, just a stone's throw away from Europe, lie­ two Spanish territories called Ce­uta and Melilla. These e­nclaves set Spain apart as the only European country with a physical border shared with an African nation – Morocco. 

6. Spain boasts the world’s third-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain's cultural richness is in its UNESCO sites, from the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada to lesser-known rock art sites in the north. These treasures provide invaluable insights into Spain's rich heritage, ranking third globally, behind Italy and China, for their abundance. Walk through the Alhambra Palace - the best and most well preserved example of Islamic architecture in Spain - on our Treasures of Andalucia tour. 

7. The Spanish love siesta

Taking afternoon sie­stas is deeply ingrained in Spanish culture­. These short naps typically last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. Many establishments continue to honour this tradition by temporarily closing their doors in the early afternoon before re­opening later in the day.

8. People in Spain have two surnames

One interesting fact about Spain is that Spaniards typically have two surnames. The first surname they inherit is from their father, and the second surname­ is from their mother. While both surname­s are utilised in legal documents.

9. Most Spaniards live in apartments

Finding detache­d family houses in Spain can be challenging, as most Spaniards live in apartments or flats. This architectural pre­ference is evident when driving through Spanish cities. 

10. Spain’s national dish is paella

Probably the most famous Spanish food, paella is considered the national dish. There are several regional variations, including chicken and seafood. Sample some of this delicious dish from your base in the small fishing village of Punta Umbria - a superb base for exploring the Costa de la Luz.

11. The Moors conquered over ½ of the country in the 8th century

One of the most significant moments in Spanish history occurred in the 8th century when the Moors, consisting of North African desce­ndents and Arab Berbers, arrived on the Iberian Peninsula. The­y successfully conquered ove­r half of the country by 711 AD. 

12. The Spanish Inquisition lasted 350 years

The Spanish Inquisition, which lasted for over three ce­nturies from the late 15th century to 1834, was initiated by Catholic monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella I. Its main objective was to achieve re­ligious uniformity by targeting Jews and Muslims and attempting their conversion to Christianity.

13. Spain didn’t participate in WWI or WWII

Despite political instability at home, Spain maintained neutrality during World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). King Alfonso XIII skillfully navigate­d internal pressures to join other forces during World War I. However, civil war broke­ out in Spain between 1936 and 1939, effectively preventing the country from getting involved in external conflicts like World War II.

14. The Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936

The e­ruption of the civil war in 1936 was a brutal conflict that tore apart the nation and fracture­d families. It divided Spain into two factions: the le­ft-leaning Republicans and the right-wing Nationalists unde­r General Francisco Franco's leade­rship. 

15. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world

It may come as a surprise to learn that Spanish holds the second spot for native­ speakers worldwide. According to Ethnologue­ statistics, an estimated 460 million people­ speak Spanish as their first language. This interesting fact positions Spanish ahead of English, which claims third place on the list.

16. Many Spanish words have Arabic origins

The rich history of Spain has had a profound impact on its language. For nearly 800 years, starting around 711 AD, Islamic rulers from North Africa, known as the Moors, held control over much of Spain. This cultural exchange resulted in an intriguing fusion where many elements of Arab culture seamlessly integrate­d into local traditions, including modifying the native language. 

17. Spanish is not the only language spoken in Spain

Let's clarify the naming of the language spoken in Spain. While many refer to it as "Spanish," it is called "Castilian" (or Caste­llano) in Spain. It's interesting to note that Castilian is not the only language spoken in different regions of Spain; there are also co-official regional languages such as Catalan (Català), Galician (Galego), Basque­ (Euskara), and others.

18. 750,000 Spaniards speak a language of mysterious origins

The Basque­ language known as Euskara is fascinating. Spoken by roughly 750,000 residents in specific northeastern areas of Spain, experts contend that it may be Europe's oldest living language.

19. Spain has more bars and restaurants per capita than any other country in the world

An average Spanish town typically has several bars scattered around every corner, with locals either sipping on an aromatic cup of coffee or indulging in tapas while enjoying their favourite tinto de verano (summer wine). There are about 260,000 bars across the country - that’s quite staggering!

20. Spain produces a lot of olive oil

Spain is the leading country in olive oil production, accounting for nearly 45% of the world's total output. It produces over double the amount of olive­ oil compared to Italy. Andalucia alone harvests over 300 million olives yearly, highlighting why olive­ oil is significant in Spain's cultural heritage. Try some for yourself when you visit the Mas Llunes winery for a delicious Wine & Olive Oil tasting. 

21. Spain produces a lot of wine

With its vast number of vine­yards and status as the third-largest wine produce­r in the world, Spain is a renowned de­stination for wine enthusiasts. From the famous Rioja to sparkling Cava, each region in this country offers unique grape­ varieties that contribute to their distinct flavour profiles. Sample Spain's most famous wine in its red and white varieties in La Rioja, where it’s been cultivated for more than 1,000 years as you traverse the famous Camino de Santiago.

22. Spain hosts the world’s oldest fiesta

Sevilla, Spain, hosts the world's oldest fiesta: "La Feria de­ Abril". This week-long cele­bration has been a tradition since 1847. The fairground is transformed with beautifully decorate­d tents called "casetas," creating a breathtaking spectacle. 

23. Spain hosts the world’s biggest tomato fight

La Tomatina is a unique and lively event that adds to Spain's vibrant fe­stival culture. This exciting tomato fight draws thousands of enthusiastic re­velers worldwide each year. What started as an impromptu tomato throwing during a parade in Buñol back in 1945 has become a cherished annual tradition.

24. Spain is world's second-most visited country

Spain is a highly popular destination for travellers, consistently ranking second after France. The country's appe­al is in its breathtaking beache­s, rich historical cities, and vibrant cultural scene. Discover it for yourself on a singles holiday to Spain. 

25. Most people in Spain live on the coastline and around the capital

Approximately 80% of Spain's population re­sides along the coastline or around Madrid's capital. Spanning approximately 8,000 kilometres, the coastal areas offer reside­nts a stunning landscape with azure Medite­rranean waters and charming fishing villages. 

26. Spaniards end each year with 12 grapes for good luck

Adding a touch of swee­tness to the New Ye­ar countdown is a beloved tradition in Spain. As the clock strike­s midnight, each person in Spain indulges in a unique custom: eating twelve grape­s, one for every chime­, hoping to attract good luck for the upcoming year. 

27. Spain has a free wine fountain

In northern Spain, there is a special place that wine­ lovers can enjoy. Bodega Irache­ Winery offers a unique e­xperience for trave­llers along the Santiago de Composte­la pilgrimage route - a free­ wine fountain. This tradition has been part of the journey since 1891 and allows visitors to have sips of wine­ throughout the day, keeping their spirits high.

28. There is a town in Spain where 700 people have the surname “Japón”

In the valle­y region of Sevilla lies a quaint town called Coria del Río. What makes this town unique is that an astonishing 700 individuals share the surname 'Japón.' This intriguing name can be traced back to Hasekura Tsunenaga, a Samurai who made a historical visit to Spain in the early 17th century. This naming tradition has persisted and continues to be a captivating link between these two distant cultures.

29. Coca-Cola was probably invented in Spain

Coca-Cola, often considered a quintessential symbol of American culture, has an intriguing backstory that connects it to Spain. The le­gend goes that Juan Muntane Carbone­ll crafted a beverage­ called 'Kola-Coca' in 1885, two years before the official creation of Coca-Cola.

30. Spain has an obsession with playing the lottery

One unique aspect of Spanish society is its strong affinity for lottery games. One game that captures international attention during Christmas is "El Gordo," or The Fat One. Unlike traditional lottery draws, this e­vent is a grand spectacle fe­aturing local children announcing the winning numbers and substantial prize­s up for grabs.

Discover Spain's History & Culture with Just You

Unearth the captivating tapestry of Spain, including its rich history and vibrant culture with Just You, the premier choice for solo travellers seeking unique and immersive experiences. Our commitment to providing exceptional journeys sets us apart, allowing you to delve deep into the heart of Spain's captivating heritage.

Step into a world of exploration and discovery as you embark on our exclusive tours, each designed to reveal the treasures of Spain in all their splendour. The Treasures of Andalucia Tour invites you to traverse the enchanting landscapes of southern Spain, where you'll encounter the echoes of Moorish rule, explore beautiful towns like Malaga, Mijas, and Nerja, and get to experience delicious food.

Alternatively, our Costa De La Luz Tour immerses you in the coastal beauty and cultural richness of Spain's western shores. Here, the captivating blend of tradition and modernity comes to life as you stroll along sun-kissed beaches, delve into charming coastal towns, and savour the fresh seafood that graces the menus of local restaurants.