What is Spain known for? From food to flamenco, here are 8 things to love
Spain is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful coastlines, and historic cities that inspire art. Here are some of the things Spain is most famous for.
From the moment you land in Spain, you feel it: a shift in culture and energy. Each part of the country is bursting with its own unique identity and flavors, from Andalusia’s cured ham and Moorish architecture to Basque Country’s skewered pintxos and iconic surf spots. And we haven’t even touched on the beauty of Spain’s Balearic Islands yet.
From the bustling capital city of Madrid to laid-back Barcelona and its time-trapped Gothic Quarter, there’s truly something for everyone in this stunning country. If you’re wondering, “What is Spain known for?” you’ll come back from one of our tours practically an expert. But for a bit of what to expect, here are eight reasons Spain should top your list of where to travel next.
1. Food
Most trips to Europe center around food, but Spain’s world-famous cuisine and wine (this is the land of Cava, after all!) deserve a spotlight of their own—which is why we even have a 12-day Food & Wine: A Taste of Spain tour dedicated to it. In San Sebastián, get ready to sip slightly effervescent white wine, called txakoli, and Basque Country cider and to sample marmitako, a tuna stew once eaten on fishing boats in the Cantabrian Sea. “In Spain, I ate and drank very well,” said first-time traveler Kristen after our Food & Wine: A Taste of Spain tour. “Given the chance, I would gladly repeat the whole tour again just to enjoy Spanish hospitality, food, and wine.”
If you’re wondering what is Spain famous for in terms of cuisine, here are some other favorites:
- Paella. Originally from Valencia, this classic dish combines rice, saffron, vegetables, and typically chicken and seafood all cooked together and served in one pan—which it was traditionally eaten out of with wooden spoons.
- Pintxos (or pinchos). These famous small, tapas-like snacks of fish, meat, or vegetables on bread is typically served in bars in northern Spain, particularly in Basque Country. It’s named after “spikes” because of the toothpick that keeps it together.
- Tapas. This isn’t just one food, but a variety of small, savory dishes, like Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, Iberian ham-topped toast, and croquettes. People eat tapas as shared appetizers, snacks, or even full meals.
- Churros. This Spanish pastry hits the sweet spot between donuts and choux pastry. These long, sugar-doused sticks of fried dough are even more delicious when dipped in thick, melted chocolate.
Savor more of the country’s cuisine with our ultimate food and wine guide to Spain →
2. Markets
One of the best ways to understand a country’s culture is through its markets, and this is especially true in Spain. In Madrid, the Mercado de San Miguel is a great spot for solo travelers to mingle with people at different stalls and sample a variety of tapas, since you’re not stuck sitting at a table like you would be at a restaurant. “My favorite part of Spain was trying all kinds of foods and meeting all kinds of people at the incredible markets,” said staffer Lauren. “Every city in Spain has one, and they’re all perfect in their own way. If you’re ever in Spain, try to go to at least one. You’ll thank me later.”
While each market is memorable, La Boquería in Barcelona—which you can access from iconic La Rambla—is a classic stop that staffer Steph loved exploring during free time on a tour like our nine-day A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour. “This indoor market is wonderfully hectic and the perfect spot to pick up any sort of produce, meat, or prepared food if you’re hungry and looking for a snack to fuel a day of sightseeing,” she said.
Explore Spain’s market of San Miguel with our insider tips →
3. Architecture
One of the most interesting things about Spain is its architecture. It varies drastically, with highlights ranging from Seville’s Plaza de España, a feat of Spanish Renaissance and Moorish Revival covered with more than 7,000 colorful ceramic tiles, to Catalan Modernist architect Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, to more modern marvels, like Frank Gehry’s silver, sculptural Guggenheim Bilbao Museum—a highlight on our 12-day Northern Spain: Basque Country to Madrid tour.
Here are a few other well-known, artfully designed sites worth seeking out:
- The Alhambra. This palace and fortress in Granada, Andalusia, was the Moorish sultans’ last stronghold in Spain.
- Valencia Cathedral. This Roman Catholic parish church is the epitome of Gothic and Baroque architecture.
- The Royal Alcázar. This gorgeous, ancient UNESCO-protected building is also the oldest royal palace in use in Europe.
- Zaragoza Bridge Pavilion. The Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning structure was designed by Zaha Hadid and is a symbol of modernity for the capital of Spain’s Aragon region.
“If you love architecture, Barcelona will not disappoint!” said first-time traveler Felicia after our A Week in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville tour. “I absolutely enjoyed visiting Gaudí's work! Highly recommend visiting Casa Batlló!” Fourth-time traveler Angi took our Food & Wine Tour of Spain and also fell in love with the diverse architectural details. “One of my favorite parts was Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia (Cathedral) for the uniqueness and architectural marvel that it is,” she said. “Gaudí’s Casa Mila/La Pedrera was amazing! Like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Beautiful and odd—awe-inspiring.”
4. Beaches
Mainland Spain is surrounded by the Mediterranean, Cantabrian Sea, and Atlantic Ocean. The country is also home to two archipelagos: the Balearic Islands, situated off the coast between Valencia and Barcelona, and farther southwest, the Canary Islands, which are situated offshore near the border between Morocco and Western Sahara. When travelers ask, “What is Spain known for?” beaches is one of the top answers. The country’s sandy shorelines are some of the best in Europe—and are located right near city centers like Barcelona and San Sebastián.
Our 10-day Spain’s Balearic Islands: Menorca & Mallorca tour explores some of the country’s off-the-beaten-path beaches and coastal villages that third-time traveler Brianna called “a perfect mix of city and island paradise.” She added: “Would highly recommend this tour if someone wants to experience the islands in a way beyond sitting on the beach. The history and experiences we were able to enjoy on this tour were fabulous. We did many things that I probably never would have done/known to do had it not been for EF’s organization and guidance.”
5. Flamenco
On our 11-day Journey through Andalusia: Seville, Granada & Málaga tour, you’ll discover one of the region’s most unique and colorful art forms: flamenco. Flamenco is more than a dance—it’s a UNESCO-declared artistic expression based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain. Dancers showcase emotions and tell stories through body movements and facial expressions, which you can experience at a show or performance while dining at a restaurant in the region’s capital, Seville.
Watch flamenco in its birthplace—plus other free things to do in Seville →
6. Football
Football (what we know as soccer and what locals call “futbol”) is a huge part of Spanish culture, and Spain has some of the biggest club teams, like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and a very talented FIFA national team. Stop by any bar or cafe while a game is going on and let the sport and excitement entrance you. “I don’t even like sports, and I couldn’t help but feel invested while I watched the game and cheered with the rest of the crowd. It’s just... fun!” staffer Lauren explained. If you’re visiting during an important game, join the crowds gathering in front of giant screens in city centers or around Real Madrid’s stadium, Santiago Bernabéu. The main phrase to know: “¡A por ellos, oé!” Translation: Let’s beat them!
7. Siestas
Now that we’ve tired ourselves from answering “What is Spain is famous for?” it’s time for a pause. A siesta is a short nap or rest that takes place in the early afternoon, often after lunch, and it’s a tradition many believe dates to the height of the Spanish Civil War. Nearly the whole country shuts down—including popular tours, shops, and restaurants.
If you really want to experience Spanish culture on tour in Spain, try taking a siesta yourself. “I think if you open yourself up to the culture, Spain can make you feel incredibly free!” added staffer Steph. “When I think of Spain, I remember midday sangria breaks that led beautifully into siestas. I remember eating some of the most sensational, wonderfully seasoned foods I’ve ever tasted, but never feeling too over-indulged, as taking long strolls through Spanish cities makes getting your daily steps in thrilling.”
8. Nighttime adventures
Speaking of staying up, one commonly known characteristic about Spain is how late people stay up—and out. Prime lunchtime is between 2 and 4 p.m. and restaurants don’t open for dinner until at least 8 p.m. (although locals start streaming in much later). Take it from Tour Director and Spanish native Leonor. “Spain is different from the rest of Europe because we love to go out in the evenings,” she said. “Whether it’s summer or winter, after 6:30 p.m. you find that families come out for walks, shopping, sitting at outside cafeterias or bars, dinner, and in general, hanging out in a relaxed and cheerful way.”
Staying out late isn’t just for partying—it’s “sometimes just walking around and running into friends,” Leonor added. “And this goes on until quite late. There’s this joyful feeling of enjoying life everywhere, no matter how hard times could be.”
As you can see, there are so many things to do on tour in Spain, no matter what you’re interested in. So, get out there! Once you immerse yourself in the Spanish culture, you’re guaranteed an experience you’ll never forget.
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