Spain is famous for flamenco, tapas, and sunshine, but there's a lot more to the country than paella and siestas. From a national anthem with no words to the world's oldest restaurant, here are 20 fun facts about Spain to read before your trip.
Fun Facts About Spanish Culture
1. Spain has around 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spain has one of the highest numbers of World Heritage Sites in the world, from the Alhambra and the Sagrada Família to the old towns of Toledo, Segovia, and Salamanca.
2. Spanish is one of the world's most spoken languages
Spanish is spoken by around 500 million native speakers, more than any language except Mandarin Chinese.
3. Spain has several official languages
Spanish (Castilian) is official everywhere, while Catalan, Galician, and Basque are co-official in their regions. Aranese, a variety of Occitan, is also official in part of Catalonia.
4. Flamenco was born in Andalusia
This passionate art of song, guitar, and dance developed in Andalusia from Roma, Moorish, Jewish, and Andalusian influences. It's on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
5. The national anthem has no words
The Marcha Real is one of the few national anthems in the world with no official lyrics.
6. The siesta is changing
The traditional afternoon break is still common in small towns and in the hot south, especially in summer, but many people in big cities now work through the day. Shops in many places still close in the afternoon.
7. Football is a national obsession
Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and has some of the world's most famous clubs, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Their matches, known as El Clásico, are watched by millions.
Fun Facts About Spanish Food
8. Spain produces nearly half the world's olive oil
Spain is by far the world's largest olive oil producer, with vast olive groves covering Andalusia.
9. Tapas started in Spain
One popular story says tapas began as a slice of bread or ham placed on top of a glass to keep the flies out. "Tapa" means lid.
10. The world's oldest restaurant is in Madrid
Sobrino de Botín, founded in 1725, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest restaurant in the world still operating.
11. Spain hosts the world's biggest food fight
On the last Wednesday of August, thousands of people throw tomatoes at each other in the town of Buñol, near Valencia, during La Tomatina.
Fun Facts About Spanish History
12. Muslim rulers governed parts of Spain for nearly 800 years
From 711 to 1492, much of the Iberian Peninsula, known as Al-Andalus, was under Muslim rule. Its legacy lives on in the Alhambra, the Mezquita of Córdoba, and many Spanish words.
13. The first modern novel is Spanish
Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, is widely considered the first modern novel.
14. The Running of the Bulls has medieval roots
The San Fermín festival in Pamplona, with its famous bull runs from 7 to 14 July, has roots in the Middle Ages and was made famous worldwide by Ernest Hemingway.
15. The Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882
Gaudí's basilica in Barcelona has been under construction for more than 140 years. Gaudí died in 1926, when less than a quarter of it was complete.
Fun Facts About Spanish Geography
16. Kilometer Zero is in Madrid
A plaque in the Puerta del Sol marks Kilometer Zero, the point from which Spain's national roads are measured.
17. Madrid is the highest capital in the EU
At about 650 meters (2,130 feet) above sea level, Madrid is the highest capital city in the European Union.
18. Spain is in the "wrong" time zone
Geographically, most of Spain lines up with the UK and Portugal, but since 1940 it has followed Central European Time. That's one reason Spaniards eat so late.
19. Spain has the most Blue Flag beaches
Spain regularly tops the world rankings for Blue Flag beaches, awarded for clean water and good facilities.
20. Spain has hundreds of islands
From the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean to the volcanic Canary Islands off Africa, Spain has hundreds of islands and islets. Mount Teide on Tenerife is the country's highest peak.
Plan Your Trip to Spain
Ready to see it all for yourself? Start with our Spain travel guide, the best places to visit in Spain, and the best time to visit Spain. Stay connected with an egoViet Spain eSIM, and compare options in our Spain eSIM guide and our Southern Europe travel guide.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Spain
What is Spain famous for?
Spain is famous for its food, especially tapas and paella, flamenco, festivals, beaches, and architecture, from the Alhambra to the Sagrada Família.
What is the oldest restaurant in the world?
Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, founded in 1725.
Why do Spaniards eat dinner so late?
Partly because Spain uses Central European Time, so the sun sets later than its geography suggests, and partly because of tradition.
How many languages are spoken in Spain?
Spanish is official nationwide, and Catalan, Galician, and Basque are co-official in their regions.