Your Journey To Spain Starts Here
Tomato Fight Festival (La Tomatina):
Every year, the small town of Buñol hosts the world's biggest food fight. Thousands of people gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other in a chaotic and colourful festival that lasts just an hour.
Spanish Siesta:
Although it's often associated with Spain, the traditional midday nap, or siesta, is less common today. However, many small businesses and shops still close for a few hours in the afternoon, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
Invention of the Modern Stapler:
The first known stapler was created in the 18th century for the French King Louis XV, but it was invented in the Basque region of Spain. Each staple was inscribed with the royal emblem!
Legal Nudity:
Spain has no laws against public nudity. While you might not see many people walking around nude, it’s completely legal across the country. This has made some Spanish beaches popular for naturists.
Spanish Siesta:
Although it's often associated with Spain, the traditional midday nap, or siesta, is less common today. However, many small businesses and shops still close for a few hours in the afternoon, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.
World's Oldest Restaurant:
Madrid is home to Restaurante Botín, which has been serving customers since 1725. It's recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's oldest continuously operating restaurant.
First Stop : Madrid
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The Bear and the Strawberry Tree:
The symbol of Madrid is a bear standing against a strawberry tree, known as "El Oso y El Madroño." You’ll see this iconic statue in Puerta del Sol. Oddly enough, the tree isn't exactly a strawberry tree but rather an arbutus, a tree that produces small red berries.
Ancient Egyptian Temple:
In the heart of Madrid, you'll find the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain in 1968 as a thank-you for helping Egypt save its historic sites during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It's one of the few ancient Egyptian architectural structures that can be seen outside Egypt and is over 2,000 years old.
Oldest Working Lighthouse:
The Torre de Madrid, built in 1957, was the tallest concrete structure in the world at the time of its completion. While it's now a residential and office building, it was also designed to function as a lighthouse, making it the highest inland lighthouse ever built.
Underground Bunker:
Beneath Madrid's Parque del Capricho lies an underground bunker built during the Spanish Civil War. Known as the Bunker of the Jaca Position, it was designed to withstand bombings and could hold up to 200 people. It’s now open for public tours.
Bear Sightings in the Past:
Madrid's name is believed to come from the Arabic word "Magerit," meaning "place of abundant water," but the bear in the city’s emblem reflects the fact that bears once roamed the surrounding forests.
Flamenco’s Surprising History:
Although Flamenco is more commonly associated with Andalusia, Madrid is one of the key cities for this passionate art form. The city has more tablaos (Flamenco venues) than any other in Spain, and it’s considered one of the best places to experience authentic Flamenco performances.
Barcelona
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Beaches Were Man-Made:
While Barcelona is known for its beautiful beaches, they didn’t exist before 1992. The city's coastline was industrial and not suitable for leisure until it was transformed in preparation for the Barcelona Olympics. Sand was imported from Egypt to create the now-famous beaches.
Barcelona’s Original Name:
The city's original name was Barcino, given by the Romans when they founded the city as a military camp around the 1st century BC. You can still see remnants of this ancient Roman city in the Gothic Quarter.
No Skyscrapers:
Despite being a major global city, Barcelona has strict regulations on building heights. The city’s skyline is characterized by a lack of towering skyscrapers, in contrast to many other major cities. The tallest building is the 38-story Hotel Arts, which stands at 154 meters (505 feet).
Mysterious Street Grid:
Barcelona's famous Eixample district was designed by the visionary architect Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century. Its unique grid pattern with chamfered corners (known as "illes") allows for better airflow and light. Interestingly, this design was initially criticized for being too modern and now is one of the city's defining features.
FC Barcelona’s Fan-Owned Status:
Unlike many major football clubs, FC Barcelona is owned by its supporters. Over 140,000 members, called "socios," collectively own the club, which means major decisions are made democratically. This structure is rare in the world of professional sports.
Largest Metropolitan Park: Parc de Collserola
is one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world, covering over 8,000 hectares. It’s 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park and offers a natural escape with hiking trails, wildlife, and stunning views of the city.
Seville
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World's Largest Gothic Cathedral:
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See in Seville is recognized as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, showcasing stunning architecture and a rich history dating back to the 15th century
Birthplace of Tapas:
Seville is often credited as the birthplace of tapas, the small savoury dishes that are integral to Spanish cuisine. The city is renowned for its tapas bars, offering a wide variety of traditional and modern dishes
Abundance of Orange Trees:
Seville is famous for its orange trees, with approximately 25,000 scattered throughout the city. The trees bloom in late winter and fill the air with a sweet fragrance
Flamenco Origin:
Flamenco music and dance originated in Seville during the 18th century, evolving from a blend of various cultural influences. The city is home to numerous venues that host flamenco performances
Metropol Parasol:
Known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms), this modern wooden structure is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and is a striking contrast to Seville's historical architecture
Capital of Andalusia:
Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region, making it a central hub of culture and history in southern Spain. It is also the fourth largest city in Spain
Bilbao
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Cultural Renaissance:
Bilbao is renowned for its stunning transformation from an industrial city to a thriving cultural hub, largely thanks to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Basque Heartbeat:
As the de facto capital of the Basque Country, Bilbao embodies the region's unique culture, language (Euskera), and traditions.
Foodie's Paradise:
Bilbao offers a delightful culinary experience with fresh seafood, world-class pintxos (Basque tapas), and a vibrant restaurant scene.
Green Surroundings:
Despite its urban character, Bilbao is surrounded by breathtaking green mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
Athletic Passion:
The city is home to Athletic Bilbao, one of Spain's most beloved football clubs, known for its unique policy of only fielding Basque-born players.
Architectural Marvel:
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a major tourist attraction.
Valencia
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Birthplace of Paella
Valencia is widely considered the authentic home of paella, a flavourful rice dish typically cooked in a large, shallow pan.
The city offers countless restaurants and paella-making experiences for visitors to savour this iconic cuisine
Fallas Festival
Fallas is a week-long extravaganza celebrated with colourful parades, fireworks, and the burning of elaborate sculptures called fallas.
The festival culminates on March 19th with the "Nit del Foc" (Night of Fire), a spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
Valencia comes alive with music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere during Fallas.
Orange Paradise
Valencia's fertile lands produce abundant orange crops, earning the city its nickname, "the orange capital of Spain."
Orange trees line the streets, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
Visitors can enjoy fresh orange juice and other citrus-based delicacies throughout the city.
Beach Lover's Dream
Valencia's beautiful sandy beaches, such as Malvarrosa and Las Arenas, are easily accessible from the city centre.
Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, water sports, and delicious seafood at beachfront restaurants.
The coastal promenade offers a pleasant walking and cycling path.
Turia Gardens
Created after the Turia River was diverted to prevent flooding, the Turia Gardens offer a vast green space with bike paths, playgrounds, and botanical gardens.
The gardens are a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxing amidst nature.
Numerous bridges connect different sections of the gardens, offering picturesque views of the city.
Mild Climate
Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
The city's pleasant weather makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and exploring the region.