23 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Spain

Fun Facts About Spain

With its old-world cities and Mediterranean beaches, Spain boasts a rich cultural history. Originally settled by ancient Phoenicians, it now has a population of over 47 million residents. Covering almost 506,000 square kilometers, which includes the Canary Islands and its territories along the North African coastline, Spain is a massive country. To help you get acquainted with this remarkable nation, we’ve gathered a diverse range of interesting facts about Spain that highlight its incredible heritage.

Did you know that Spain is the fourth largest country in Europe and one of the most widely visited destinations in the world? Spain has incredible food and wine, historic cities, and fantastic beaches. It’s no surprise that many travelers have visited this vibrant country multiple times!

From the world’s largest tomato fight to the birthplace of Flamenco, this list covers it all. Keep reading for fun facts about Spain that will inspire you to hop on a plane and explore its remarkable cities.

1. Rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain is home to a breathtaking 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that attract visitors from all over the globe. Some of the most famous sites include The Alhambra, located in Granada, which is a stunning fortress complex built in the 13th century by the Moorish rulers of Andalusia. It offers some of the coolest views of the surrounding city.

Other notable UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the Historic City of Toledo, known for its medieval architecture and breathtaking views, as well as Garajonay National Park, The Roman Walls of Lugo, The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, the Camino de Santiago, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

2. Spain Hosts the World’s Biggest Food Fight

La Tomatina, an annual festival in Buñol, Spain, takes place every last Wednesday of August. During this tomato-throwing festival, participants engage in a fun and chaotic hour-long session of throwing ripe tomatoes at each other. Attracting thousands of people from around the globe, the streets of Buñol transform into a vibrant sea of tomato juice and pulp.

The festival’s origins are somewhat unclear but are believed to date back to the mid-20th century. Though it faced a ban in the 1950s, La Tomatina has since become an officially sanctioned event, celebrating the spirit of fun.

3. Spanish is the Second-Most Spoken Native Language

Another fascinating fact is that the Spanish language is the second-most spoken native language in the world, following Mandarin. It evolved from Vulgar Latin, spoken by Roman soldiers and settlers who colonized the Iberian Peninsula in 218 B.C. Over time, Spanish developed distinct regional dialects, including Castilian, Andalusian, Catalan, Basque, and Galician.

Standard Spanish, also known as Castilian, is the official language of Spain and widely used throughout Latin America, as well as in Equatorial Guinea and parts of the Philippines. The Spanish language has a rich literary tradition, with celebrated authors like Miguel de Cervantes and Federico Garcia Lorca. Its influence extends into many other languages.

4. First Modern Novel; Don Quixote

The first modern novel ever written, “Don Quixote,” was penned by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes and published in 1605. This literary milestone significantly influenced Western literature and inspired other great writers globally, including Alexandre Dumas and Mark Twain.

The novel features various locations throughout Spain and showcases elements of Spanish culture, such as flamenco music and traditional Spanish food. “Don Quixote” has had a profound impact on Spanish culture and is a symbol of the country’s literary heritage.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is an ancient ingredient and one of the world’s healthiest oils due to its rich composition of omega-3 fatty acids. Contrary to popular belief, Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world, contributing more than 40% of the total production.

Spanish olive oil is celebrated for its high quality, commonly used in traditional dishes like gazpacho, paella, and tortilla española. Its production is strictly regulated to ensure authenticity and quality, adhering to the Denomination of Origin (DO) system that guarantees geographical labeling and compliance with quality standards.

6. Birthplace of Flamenco

Flamenco, one of Spain’s most cherished art forms, originated in Andalusia among marginalized communities in the late 1700s. Initially performed in intimate settings, flamenco is now recognized worldwide, even earning a UNESCO designation as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Today, flamenco is celebrated as a vital expression of Spanish culture, enchanting audiences with its passionate dance, music, and storytelling.

7. Spain is Home to the World’s Oldest Restaurant

The world’s oldest continually operating restaurant is Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725. Recognized by the Guinness World Records, this historic eatery is famous for traditional Spanish cuisine, such as roast suckling pig and lamb. Botín has been frequented by notable figures, including Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned the venue in his literary works.

8. Spain has the Highest Number of Bars in the European Union

Spain boasts the highest bar-to-people ratio in Europe, with approximately 270,000 bars nationwide, translating to about one bar for every 175 residents. From clubs to tapas bars, these establishments hold a crucial role in Spain’s social scene, remaining open day and night in many cities.

9. The Spanish National Anthem has No Words

Interestingly, Spain’s national anthem, the Marcha Real, has no lyrics. This official anthem has been played since the 18th century, gaining official status in 1931, though it was formally recognized in 1997. Its lack of words symbolizes national unity, representing all of Spain without favoring any particular language or region.

10. The Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War took place from 1936 to 1939, pitting the Spanish Republic against Nationalist factions led by General Francisco Franco. Beginning with a military coup, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war, ultimately resulting in a Nationalist victory and Franco’s long-term political leadership until 1975.

11. Spain Has a Royal Family

Spain is a constitutional monarchy with King Felipe VI as the current monarch, having ascended to the throne in June 2014. The Spanish Royal Family has a deep historical lineage, significantly shaping the culture and political landscape of the nation.

12. Spain Has a Lot of Islands

Spain features over 60 inhabited islands among more than 1,000 total islands. The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean—including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—are among the most renowned. The Caribbean-like Canary Islands, situated off Northwest Africa, additionally include Tenerife and Gran Canaria, each offering stunning natural beauty.

13. Clothing is Optional

Spain’s idyllic beaches often witness the trend of topless sunbathing, with many clothing-optional beaches and resorts available. While this practice is accepted in tourist areas, public nudity regulations can vary, so visitors should familiarize themselves with local customs and laws.

14. Birthplace of Picasso

Spain has produced many influential artists, with Pablo Picasso being one of the most celebrated. Born in the city of Malaga in 1881, his revolutionary contributions to modern art have left a lasting legacy. One of his works even set an auction record in 2015, selling for $179.4 million.

15. They Don’t Have the Tooth Fairy but The Tooth Mouse

In Spain, children are visited by Ratoncito Pérez, a mouse who collects lost teeth in exchange for small gifts or coins. This charming tradition, popularized in the late 19th century, remains a beloved aspect of Spanish childhood.

16. Running With the Bulls

Running with the bulls, particularly during the Pamplona festival, is a revered yet controversial tradition in Spain since the 14th century. Up to 20,000 participants take part annually, despite the risks involved in this adrenaline-pumping event.

17. Most People are Roman Catholic

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Spain, heavily influenced by its historical context, including over five centuries of Moorish rule before 1492, which left a significant mark on the nation’s architecture, culture, and language.

18. Big Lottery

The Spanish Christmas lottery, held on December 22, is the largest in the world by total prize money, boasting payouts of 2.5 billion dollars in 2022. The top prize, referred to as “El Gordo” (the fat one), often awards millions of euros, with a significant percentage of ticket holders winning various prizes.

19. The Tower of Hercules

Spain is home to the world’s oldest known lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, located in Coruna, Galicia. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it stands as a testament to Spain’s rich historical legacy.

20. Getting Hitched

Marriage is taken seriously in Spain, resulting in the lowest marriage rates among EU nations (excluding Sweden). Unfortunately, the divorce rate stands around 57%, surpassing the U.S. rate, which has recently decreased.

21. Spanish People Live Longer

Spain enjoys one of the world’s highest life expectancy rates at 82 years, attributed in part to its healthy diet. Predictions suggest that by 2050, Spain could have the oldest population globally.

22. Beach Culture

With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Spain features over 8,000 beaches renowned for their beauty. Notable destinations include Bogatell in Barcelona, Platja de Ses Illetes, and the vibrant East Side Beaches in Marbella.

23. Wind Energy

While Spain could have focused on solar energy, it instead embraced wind power, becoming the nation that derives the most energy from this renewable source. Today, Spain ranks as the world’s fifth-leading producer of wind energy, trailing China, the United States, Germany, and India.

Spain’s rich culture and fascinating history, influenced by numerous civilizations, present compelling reasons to explore this dynamic country. From its picturesque landscapes to its vibrant gastronomy, Spain is a treasured destination, cherished for its art, culture, and festivals recognized worldwide.