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Finding Culture on your Spanish Vacation

4 min read
Published on Dec 23, 2016
Globetrotting
Nadya Phelan
By Nadya PhelanTraining Director

Spain has so much to offer - food, architecture, and history. The hardest part about any Spain vacation is trying to figure out when you can arrange to come back next and immerse yourself in all its culture.

The Food

The Spanish have life and cuisine down to a beautiful art form - from the beautiful flavours that combine to create Paella, to the tiny tapas dishes that are the perfect size for sharing and snacking. When in Spain become like a local, head to dinner late, drink wine, and socialize. If you are someone who likes to cook, consider taking a cooking and tasting class. Enjoy the pace at which everything runs. The specialty dishes change as you move around the country. Spain is known for its seafood along the coast, and also tasty cured meats, but did you know about their delicious desserts like churros? After enjoying all of these magnificent dishes, take the time to go for a stroll to digest and enjoy the scenery.

Spanish Tapas of cured meats, cheese, and wine, Barcelona, Spain.
Spanish tapas of cured meats, cheese, and wine

The Architecture

Spain is famous for its traditional architecture that you would see in Madrid and the Royal Palace. If time permits, take a day tour to Toledo to see this UNESCO World Heritage site. These are just two of the many styles of architecture that can be seen in this area of Spain. Famous for its various sprinklings of Gaudi's architectural genius, Barcelona is a city that will help you understand the interesting history of this area. The Sagrada Familia is a must see on a first time or fourth time visit to Barcelona, as this building is continually being finished. It is expected to be completed in 2026, almost 150 years after it started being built.

Puente de San Martín (St Martins Bridge) Over the Tagus River, Toledo, Spain
Puente de San Martín (St Martins Bridge) crossing the Tagus River in Toledo
Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain
Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain

The History

Head to the south of Spain to explore the Andalusia region. There is so much to see and enjoy, from beautiful beaches around Malaga to the stunning Seville Cathedral, with its beautiful orange trees in its garden to the amazing interior which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. One of the most famous cities to explore on your Spain vacation is Granada. If visiting the south of Spain, make sure there is enough time to enjoy this beautiful city, and spend a whole day exploring the Alhambra. This Moorish castle sits on a hill above town, and the intricate details of the stone work is amazing. If time or the stress of driving is a factor, consider a group tour to ensure you don't miss the history and highlights of this regions.

Cathedral of Saint Mary in Seville, Spain
Cathedral of Saint Mary (Seville Cathedral)
Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
Alhambra Palace in Granada

The People

Aside from all of Spain's culture, it is truly the people that make this country a magical destination to visit. The diversity of landscape is just a small demonstration of the diversity of the people. On your Spain vacation, you will discover Spanish natives with various accents and cultural differences depending on the country's region, whether it be the North West Coast, Basque country, or the Catalonia region of the Northern Mediterranean. This is just a glimpse of what the Spanish have to offer in terms of culture and topography. There is, however, a common tie that brings them all together - their kind, open, and friendly manner in which they make you feel welcomed.

With so much on offer on a Spain vacation, you can see why this leaves the traveller wondering when they can come back to visit again.

Related Topics
History & Culture
Spain
Europe
Nadya Phelan
Nadya Phelan
Goway - Training Director

Although born in Canada, Nadya has spent much of her life globetrotting, as her parents believed that travelling was a form of education. At 20, she packed her backpack and set off to Australia for a work holiday, where she would later return to earn her degree in Tourism Management. She has also lived and worked in Ireland. 

Having extensively explored Europe and South America, Nadya has since been to all 7 continents and is always looking to see and experience more.

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