Among British holidaymakers, few holiday destinations are quite as popular as Spain. In 2022, Brits made around 16.5 million trips to Spain. This is on top of the 300,000 expats that reside in the country permanently.
So, what is it about this part of Europe that makes it so appealing? There are a few things to consider.
What makes Spain so special?
The most obvious thing to mention is that Spain enjoys plenty of sunshine. If you’re looking for a seaside (or poolside) break, then this is the place to find it. Venture to the Canary Islands, and it gets even sunnier.
Spain is also a land that’s witnessed a lot of history. There are fifty UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, which puts it just behind France and Germany. If you’d like to inspect some truly remarkable structures, this is a great place to do it. One striking example is the Sagrada Família, in Barcelona, which draws millions of tourists every year, despite not being complete.
Spain also holds the distinction of being a home for modern literature, with Don Quixote having been written by a Spaniard (Cervantes) more than four centuries ago. The Spanish language has spread across the world since then, with around forty-five million people now speaking it.
Things to think about before you go to Spain
So, if you’re planning a trip to Spain, what factors should you consider before setting out? There are a few to bear in mind.
The cost of accomodation is comparatively reasonable, if you weigh it against the costs you’re likely to incur in other major European countries. You can expect to pay more during peak season. If you want to pick up a villa in Spain, then you can often do so without spending too much.
The food culture is a big reason to visit Spain – but you should expect to eat fairly late in the evening, and to spend a long time sitting down. Tapas is obviously a favourite, but other staples, like gazpacho, paella and tortilla can be enjoyed as complete meals. In some cases, you’ll be served complementary tapas, which means you can eat for free by simply crawling the bars. Just don’t expect a full, satisfying meal!
In most major cities, you can save considerably by opting for a city pass. This will allow you entry into many of the major attractions with a single one-off investment. If you’re in a large city like Barcelona, then you’ll need to be wary of pickpockets and scams. An unattended bag will often be scooped up in seconds. Phones are also regularly snatched mid-call, especially if you’re on a subway. Take precautions, and you’ll be less likely to suffer problems.
