Spain’s magnetic pull for travellers is well known and visitors have flocked to the country for years, attracted by the gorgeous year-round sun and the Mediterranean relaxed lifestyle.
The enduring appeal of the Spanish way of life extends to every traveller, from solo explorers to families or couples looking for the relaxed, healthy and desirable Spanish culture that is known the world over.
So, let’s explore Spain’s time-honoured traditions, annual festivals and amazing food and drink that give Spain such timeless appeal.
Cultural diversity
From the Celtic influences in Galicia to the Moorish heritage of Andalusia, Spain’s different regions all have their own distinct culture, cuisine and customs. If your travels take you along the coastal stretch of the Costa del Sol, or to rural mountain villages in the north, each region still retains its own dialect and distinct personality.
However, it’s exploring these local traditions that makes Spain such an interesting place to discover whether you’re there for a long weekend or relocating on a permanent basis.
Slow living
Arguably, when you think of Spanish culture, you immediately might think of flamenco dancers, bullfighting arenas, and mañana (meaning tomorrow). Where else can you enjoy an extended lunch hour on a working day, perhaps postponing chores with a smile on your face. Beyond the iconic, you’d also be right to point out the renowned family-led culture with sharing tapas and paella.
As well as being well known as child-friendly, Spain has a welcoming culture to accompany its healthy, widely adopted Mediterranean lifestyle. Along with the world-famous mañana culture, the art of living slowly will not be lost on you if you enjoy slow travel. Spanish concepts like sobremesa (lingering at the table and enjoying each other’s company after meals) together with the afternoon siesta, reflect a fundamentally different relationship with time that you might find enviable.
This relaxed approach to living reflects their family-loving values. Spanish people appreciate savouring the present and this way of life extends to their daily routine, from shop opening times to local experiences that are unique to the country.
Typically, in the summer and especially in larger cities, shops open later in the morning (around 10am) and then remain open until 10pm in the evening. Many smaller, traditional businesses, however, also still observe the “siesta”, closing for a couple of hours in the early afternoon (between 2pm-5pm) for lunch and rest before reopening in the late afternoon. Sundays are generally considered a family day, so most shops are closed except in prime tourist areas.
Magical Málaga
It is possible to get a real sense of Spain even in some of the most popular parts of Andalusia. For example, Málaga has attracted Brits and European travellers for years and many love it so much, they now live here permanently, having set up a business or choosing to buy a holiday home.
While there are many parts of the Costa del Sol that attract tourists, according to local estate agents, Promas Estates, Málaga is a genuine cultural gem, rich with its own traditions and historic treasures.
Today, you’ll find it easy to discover the authentic side of this city if you head to Malagueños and its busy promenade for a traditional paseo, or walk across Paseo Marítimo to La Malagueta beach. For a contemporary slice of Málaga, stroll down Calle Larios, an elegant shopping street named after a 19th-century industrialist family.
Top Tip: Along the promenade, visit one of the beach bars, or “chiringuitos,” for fresh seafood, including the famed espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines).
Spain’s Urban Treasures
There are plenty of further cultural gems to choose from, across Spain’s well known cities, including:
- Seville: Immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of flamenco, explore the majestic Alcázar palace with its stunning gardens, and marvel at the colossal Seville Cathedral and its iconic Giralda tower.
- Granada: Discover the breathtaking Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, wander through the historic Albaicín quarter, and experience the vibrant tapas culture.
- Barcelona: Admire Gaudí’s architectural marvels like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, stroll along the bustling Las Ramblas, and explore the Gothic Quarter’s narrow medieval streets.
- Madrid: Delve into world-class art at the Prado Museum and Reina Sofía Museum, experience the lively nightlife in neighborhoods like La Latina, and relax in the beautiful Retiro Park.
- Valencia: Explore the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, discover the historic central market, and enjoy the city’s signature dish, paella, in its birthplace.
Art, festivals and saints
A major part of Spanish culture is its deep appreciation for art and festive celebrations. In fact, this is a country with an evolutionary stake in art history. From the surreal dreamscapes of Salvador Dalí, the groundbreaking Cubist innovations of Pablo Picasso, and the emotional intensity of Francisco Goya, Spain has its fair share of masters. Plus, El Greco, highlights an artistic heritage that spans centuries and encompasses diverse movements.
Spain’s rich heritage and blend of culture and religious practices means that it’s a great place to come to if you enjoy festivals or learning the background of bullfights. It’s also customary to mark Saints’ Days throughout the year with thriving street festivals. Elsewhere, special events continue to celebrate the significance Spain places on its traditional agricultural calendar, a tradition that timelessly connects specific localities to their natural wonders and produce.
So, for a truly authentic trip, you can’t go far wrong with Spain. Its enduring appeal stems from the unique value locals, visitors, and new residents place on family ties, historic traditions, and the simple pleasure of prioritising living in the moment.