Many people believe they understand what Spain is all about: siestas, paella, and sangria, right? However, given the country’s diversity and complexity, this is far from the case. Here are ten things you should know before visiting Spain to help you get to know the real Spain and separate reality from fantasy.
People eat at extremely late hours
Spaniards in general eat quite late; lunch is about 2 p.m., and supper is around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. When you visit, you’ll need to adapt your meal timings because most restaurants don’t open or begin serving meals until at least 8 p.m. or later. But don’t worry; tapas is generally available all day, so you won’t go hungry.
The majority of individuals do not sleep at siesta time
The siesta has long been seen as a feature of Spanish culture that the rest of the world envies; however, this is not the case. Yes, most stores and companies close between 2 and 4 p.m., but this does not imply that people sleep. They usually just go home to eat lunch and spend time with their families. If you’re a kid or an old person, you might only sleep. When the stores reopen, the Spanish are back at work until 8 or 9 p.m., so most people here also work considerably longer hours.
The public transit system is great
Although many things in Spain are late, public transit is not. Trains and buses nearly never run late. In comparison to other nations, such as the United Kingdom, public transit is quite reasonable, and you may travel large distances without breaking the bank. The AVE, Spain’s fast rail, allows you to travel throughout the nation at breakneck speed. A high-speed train from Valencia to Madrid takes only one hour and 40 minutes, or two and a half hours, from Madrid to Malaga.
Spanish is not Spain’s only official language
The Spanish speak a variety of languages and will appreciate it if you learn a few words of the local language before you travel. Catalan is widely used in Catalonia, and it may be seen on most signs and restaurants. Various varieties of Catalan are also declared official languages in Valencia and the Balearic Islands. Basque is spoken in northern Spain’s Basque Country, whereas Galician, which shares many characteristics with Portuguese, is spoken throughout Galicia.
Paella and Sangria are not widely accessible
Paella is a Valencian meal, and while you can find it all across Andalusia and in many touristic restaurants in Barcelona, it’s not a food that everyone eats. In the Basque Country and Galicia, for example, pintxos, fish, or octopus are more likely to be on the menu than paella. Sangria is mostly a tourist drink (sorry); you won’t see many locals enjoying it. If you want something more traditional, try a tinto de verano (summer wine).
Flamenco is not the traditional dance of Spain
Flamenco is not exactly Spain’s traditional dance; it is the traditional dance of Andalusia. While there are numerous locations to see flamenco in Granada, Seville, and Cordoba, there isn’t much of it in Galicia, Cantabria, or the Basque Country. While there are sites in Barcelona where tourists may witness it, it is not part of Catalan culture.
In Spain, there are so many festivals that you could probably go to one every day of the year
Some may argue that Spain is the world’s festival capital; there are so many here that it’s difficult to keep track of them all. There’s a good chance that at least one event will overlap with your vacation to Spain. Las Fallas in Valencia, La Mercè in Barcelona, and Seville’s Feria de Abril are among the greatest Spanish festivals.
The Moors inspired much of Spanish culture
The Moors controlled Spain for about 800 years, from around 711 to 1492, so it’s no surprise that they influenced much of Spanish culture. Moorish architecture may still be seen across Spain, notably in Andalusia, such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Real Alcazar in Seville. The Moors also had an impact on the Spanish language; terms like almohada (pillow), azcar (sugar), and almendra (almond) are derived straight from Arabic. The Moors also influenced Spanish food, such as the chickpea and spinach dish prevalent in Andalusia.
The month of August is not the ideal time to visit
Despite the fact that August is in the midst of the summer vacation season and most families take their vacations at this time, August is not a good month to visit Spain. In August, the majority of Spain travels on vacation to the beach or to summer houses in the countryside, so many businesses, including restaurants and cafés, close for the month. Major tourist destinations will remain open, but if you want to experience a more local aspect of the country, visit in a different month. Of course, August is also the warmest month in Spain. Temperatures in cities like Granada, Seville, and Cordoba routinely exceed 40 degrees Celsius, making walking and touring difficult.
Where we recommend visiting
Llafranc is a picturesque coastal town on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain. Here are some reasons why Llafranc, in general, is considered a great place to visit:
Scenic Beauty: Llafranc is known for its stunning coastal scenery, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged cliffs. The natural beauty of the area makes it a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing seaside retreat.
Cultural Heritage: The town has a rich cultural heritage, with charming streets, traditional Catalan architecture, and historical landmarks. The lighthouse at Sant Sebastià is a notable site that offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Outdoor Activities: Llafranc and its surroundings provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking along the coastal paths, water sports like snorkelling and diving, or simply enjoying the sun on the beach.
Gastronomy: Catalonia is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and Llafranc is no exception. Visitors can savour fresh seafood, traditional Catalan dishes, and the local culinary scene in the town’s restaurants and cafes.
Proximity to Other Attractions: Llafranc is well-located, making it easy to explore other charming towns on the Costa Brava, such as Calella de Palafrugell and Begur. The Dali Museum in Figueres and the city of Girona are also within a reasonable driving distance.
Before planning a visit, we recommend checking for any updates or changes in the local attractions and amenities. It’s always a good idea to verify current information to ensure an enjoyable and smooth trip.