Spain Just Became The 2Nd Most Visited Country In The World!
But Why?
Spain has fast become one of the hottest tourist destinations on the planet. Overtaking the US as the second-most visited country in the world, behind France, in 2017 and attracting over 82 million visitors in the year alone, but we’re asking the question – why?
Is it…
The Climate
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With an average of 300 sunny days per year, it’s no wonder the most popular nationality among tourists in Spain are British (followed closely by German)! Spain provides endless opportunities to top-up on that Summer glow almost anytime of the year, thanks to its mostly-sunny climate. During Summer, temperatures rise to perfect conditions for a day on the beach, and let’s face it, even a “cold” Winter can be bearable with a little (or a lot) sunshine!
The Beaches
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Spain is surrounded by a 5,000 mile coastline boasting a variety of white sandy beaches, pristine waters and even isolated coves. Not to mention the islands… Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Gran Canaria – just to name a few, are spectacular sights to behold and absolutely worth a visit. Tourists are drawn to these islands for many different reasons; the picture-perfect water, world-renowned nightlife, incredible dive spots and the vast array of hiking opportunities.
Couple endless beaches with an average of 300 sunny days per year and I think you’ve got the perfect holiday destination!? But, if that still doesn’t cover it. . .
The Food
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Ok foodies, gather ‘round, this one’s for you! As if it isn’t enough that Tapas were invented in Spain, or that the legendary Paella originated in Valencia, Spain is home to some of the most stunning foods. Grab yourself a locally brewed Spanish beer or a rich-to-the-senses wine, head for a food market and marvel at the beautiful chaos.
Be it a delicate slice of Jamon Serrano, ocean-to-plate fresh seafood, outstanding olive oils or vegetables bursting with flavoursome spices, you will be transported through rich history and cultural diversity with every bite. Spaniards do food; and they do it well!
The Cities
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Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada; the list goes on. The cities in Spain boast magnificent architecture, picturesque side-streets, incredible nightlife and richly embedded history making for some of the most-visited, and photographed cities in the world! The unique diversity between each city make visiting each one a new and refreshing experience. From historic monuments, to magical museums, to the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, each city offers something incredible to see, to feel and to do.
The Fiestas
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A festival dedicated to throwing tomatoes at your fellow people, a festival where artists build giant structures in city streets, just to burn them to the ground on the final night, a wine-throwing festival. . . Flamenco festivals, running with the bulls, fireworks festivals, art festivals. We could go on, but we would soon run out of space! Spain is in a passionate love-affair with parties, traditional celebrations and excuses to decorate the streets with colour and flair. A fiesta in Spain is never too hard to find and joining the celebrations is a must-do at least once in your lifetime. Delve into the rich history and culture, get amongst the locals and you will soon see what the word ‘Fiesta’ is all about!
The Culture
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Spain is widely known for Flamenco music, sunshine, siestas and bullfighting, but is that all Spanish culture is really about? Absolutely not! With history making it the most powerful empire in the world upon the conquering of America, blessing the world with Picasso and Salvador Dali (only to name a recent few) to incredible architecture spanning from prehistoric monuments to Gaudi’s unique buildings in Barcelona and futuristic modern architecture feats such as the City of Sciences and Arts complex in Valencia. The true culture and history behind Spain, which we know and love today, is something that sets writing my paper apart from the rest of the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Believe it or not, Spain is home to the third largest designation of UNESCO World Heritage sites. What does this mean? To put it simply, they are some of the best, most culturally important places in the world. So important to history and mankind that they have been granted protection and given the prestige title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are 46 UNESCO sites throughout Spain, ranging from buildings and Cathedrals to entire towns and even national parks, making it a land of remarkable culture.
Affordability!
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OK – so this one got your attention, right? The price of beer in Spain can be as little as 1€, a three course meal in a restaurant can cost as little as 13€ (that includes a drink) and accommodation is incredibly affordable compared to many other countries.
Need we say more, really?
Article by Rebecca Jenkins