15 interesting facts about Spain.
Unusual facts and distinctive features

Interesting facts about Spain prove what an extraordinary and diverse country it is. From culinary secrets and impressive historical facts to a culture you won't find anywhere else, here are some facts about Spain you never knew!

Did you know that Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and that instead of tooth fairies, children are visited by Ratón Pérez, the tooth mouse? These are just two examples from a long list that will surprise you. After all, this country in south-western Europe boasts a rich history, culture and numerous customs, accompanied by various official languages and traditions of varying degrees of fame. Discover 15 interesting facts about Spain – historical, gastronomic, cultural, geographical and everyday.

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What are some interesting historical facts about Spain?

In Madrid, you will find the Egyptian temple of Debod (Templo de Debod), which was built in the 2nd century BC. The building is... a gift! The land of the pharaohs gave it to Spain as a token of gratitude for helping to save ancient monuments from flooding.

During the Spanish Empire, the territory was so vast that until 1898, the sun always shone there. The words ‘el imperio en el que nunca se pone el sol’ (the empire where the sun never sets) were first used by Charles V of Habsburg. Interestingly, Spain was not the only empire to be described in this way. The British Empire was also referred to in this manner.

The Altamira Cave has yielded the oldest traces of rock art, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, which ended 10,000 years BC. In this case, it was not archaeologists who made the discovery, but, according to sources, a little girl. Today, the art is accessible to anyone who visits the Altamira Museum, where a replica of the famous cave is located.

The Altamira Cave has yielded the oldest traces of rock art, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, which ended 10,000 years BC. In this case, it was not archaeologists who made the discovery, but, according to sources, a little girl. Today, the art is accessible to anyone who visits the Altamira Museum, where a replica of the famous cave is located.

The Altamira Cave has yielded the oldest traces of rock art, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic period, which ended 10,000 years BC. In this case, it was not archaeologists who made the discovery, but, according to sources, a little girl. Today, the art is accessible to anyone who visits the Altamira Museum, where a replica of the famous cave is located.

In Madrid, you can visit the oldest operating restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botín, which has been welcoming guests since 1725. Founded by a married couple, it not only made it into the Guinness Book of Records, but also appeared in the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

In Madrid, you can visit the oldest operating restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botín, which has been welcoming guests since 1725. Founded by a married couple, it not only made it into the Guinness Book of Records, but also appeared in the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

In Madrid, you can visit the oldest operating restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botín, which has been welcoming guests since 1725. Founded by a married couple, it not only made it into the Guinness Book of Records, but also appeared in the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

In Madrid, you can visit the oldest operating restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botín, which has been welcoming guests since 1725. Founded by a married couple, it not only made it into the Guinness Book of Records, but also appeared in the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

In Madrid, you can visit the oldest operating restaurant in the world – Sobrino de Botín, which has been welcoming guests since 1725. Founded by a married couple, it not only made it into the Guinness Book of Records, but also appeared in the works of Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene.

Saffron, because that is what we are talking about, arrived in Spain with the Moors. From that moment on, it became such an important part of the local culture and cuisine that it was given its own holiday: the Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafrán, which takes place on the last weekend of October.

Did you know that Chupa Chups lollipops do not come from the United States? These iconic sweets are Spanish! The brand was founded in 1958 by Enric Bernat, who wanted to create sweets that would not stain children's lips. Originally, the lollipops were available under the name Gol, then Chups, and finally Chupa Chups (from the Spanish word chupar).

Did you know that Chupa Chups lollipops do not come from the United States? These iconic sweets are Spanish! The brand was founded in 1958 by Enric Bernat, who wanted to create sweets that would not stain children's lips. Originally, the lollipops were available under the name Gol, then Chups, and finally Chupa Chups (from the Spanish word chupar).

Did you know that Chupa Chups lollipops do not come from the United States? These iconic sweets are Spanish! The brand was founded in 1958 by Enric Bernat, who wanted to create sweets that would not stain children's lips. Originally, the lollipops were available under the name Gol, then Chups, and finally Chupa Chups (from the Spanish word chupar).

If you love culinary travel, these tasty facts about Spain are sure to surprise you.

A popular Spanish saying is camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. In English, it means: a shrimp that falls asleep will be carried away by the current. What does this proverb mean? It is simply a warning against laziness and carelessness, which can cause you to miss an opportunity. Sometimes people also say camarón que se duerme se despierta en el cóctel, which means a shrimp that falls asleep will wake up in a cocktail.

A popular Spanish saying is camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. In English, it means: a shrimp that falls asleep will be carried away by the current. What does this proverb mean? It is simply a warning against laziness and carelessness, which can cause you to miss an opportunity. Sometimes people also say camarón que se duerme se despierta en el cóctel, which means a shrimp that falls asleep will wake up in a cocktail.

A popular Spanish saying is camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente. In English, it means: a shrimp that falls asleep will be carried away by the current. What does this proverb mean? It is simply a warning against laziness and carelessness, which can cause you to miss an opportunity. Sometimes people also say camarón que se duerme se despierta en el cóctel, which means a shrimp that falls asleep will wake up in a cocktail.

Although Spanish is the official language of Spain, autonomous communities have their own official languages. In Valencia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, it is Catalan, in Galicia – Galician, and in the Basque Country – Basque. In the Canary Islands, there is also... a whistled language. Silbo Gomero is a local dialect that was added to the UNESCO list in 2009.

Although Spanish is the official language of Spain, autonomous communities have their own official languages. In Valencia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, it is Catalan, in Galicia – Galician, and in the Basque Country – Basque. In the Canary Islands, there is also... a whistled language. Silbo Gomero is a local dialect that was added to the UNESCO list in 2009.

Although Spanish is the official language of Spain, autonomous communities have their own official languages. In Valencia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, it is Catalan, in Galicia – Galician, and in the Basque Country – Basque. In the Canary Islands, there is also... a whistled language. Silbo Gomero is a local dialect that was added to the UNESCO list in 2009.

Over 400 million people worldwide speak Spanish. This is hardly surprising, given that it is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain, Mexico, Chile and Paraguay.

What secrets does Spain hold? Its distinctive features will surprise you. Discover them for yourself!

What secrets does Spain hold? Its distinctive features will surprise you. Discover them for yourself!

What secrets does Spain hold? Its distinctive features will surprise you. Discover them for yourself!

What secrets does Spain hold? Its distinctive features will surprise you. Discover them for yourself!

What secrets does Spain hold? Its distinctive features will surprise you. Discover them for yourself!

The Sagrada Familia and the castle in Madrid are not all that this country on the Iberian Peninsula has to offer. What is there in Spain that you had no idea about?

Spain is not only the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The country also has overseas territories located in North Africa. These are Melilla and Ceuta, which are strategic points not only for Spain but also for the European Union.

Spain is not only the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The country also has overseas territories located in North Africa. These are Melilla and Ceuta, which are strategic points not only for Spain but also for the European Union.

Spain is not only the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. The country also has overseas territories located in North Africa. These are Melilla and Ceuta, which are strategic points not only for Spain but also for the European Union.

Spain has approximately 4,000 km of coastline (not including its islands), which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is home to popular tourist destinations such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Dorada.

Spain has approximately 4,000 km of coastline (not including its islands), which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is home to popular tourist destinations such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Dorada.

Spain has approximately 4,000 km of coastline (not including its islands), which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The coast is home to popular tourist destinations such as the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Dorada.

Spain is one of the countries with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is surpassed only by Italy, China, Germany and France. Currently, there are as many as 50 sites, including the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Teide National Park and the Mystery Play of Elche.

Spain is one of the countries with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is surpassed only by Italy, China, Germany and France. Currently, there are as many as 50 sites, including the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Teide National Park and the Mystery Play of Elche.

Spain is one of the countries with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is surpassed only by Italy, China, Germany and France. Currently, there are as many as 50 sites, including the famous Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Teide National Park and the Mystery Play of Elche.

What is everyday life like in a country as diverse as Spain? You may be surprised by some of the interesting facts!

In Spain, as in Italy, there is a siesta. It is an afternoon nap or break during which life comes to a standstill. Shops and restaurants close, offices shut down, and residents simply relax, drink coffee or go to the beach. It is believed that the tradition was introduced in the 11th century by the Benedictine order.

Football is unrivalled in Spain. For many residents, football culture is linked to local patriotism. In addition, the rivalry between clubs, especially Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, is not only about sporting emotions, but also an expression of national independence.

Football is unrivalled in Spain. For many residents, football culture is linked to local patriotism. In addition, the rivalry between clubs, especially Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, is not only about sporting emotions, but also an expression of national independence.

Football is unrivalled in Spain. For many residents, football culture is linked to local patriotism. In addition, the rivalry between clubs, especially Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, is not only about sporting emotions, but also an expression of national independence.

Football is unrivalled in Spain. For many residents, football culture is linked to local patriotism. In addition, the rivalry between clubs, especially Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, is not only about sporting emotions, but also an expression of national independence.

If you've ever wanted to throw a tomato at someone, you can do so in Spain. All you have to do is take part in La Tomatina. This famous festival celebrated in Buñol is also the largest tomato fight in the world. Interestingly, the tradition began completely by accident when young people started throwing vegetables at each other during a parade in 1945.

If you've ever wanted to throw a tomato at someone, you can do so in Spain. All you have to do is take part in La Tomatina. This famous festival celebrated in Buñol is also the largest tomato fight in the world. Interestingly, the tradition began completely by accident when young people started throwing vegetables at each other during a parade in 1945.

If you've ever wanted to throw a tomato at someone, you can do so in Spain. All you have to do is take part in La Tomatina. This famous festival celebrated in Buñol is also the largest tomato fight in the world. Interestingly, the tradition began completely by accident when young people started throwing vegetables at each other during a parade in 1945.

If you've ever wanted to throw a tomato at someone, you can do so in Spain. All you have to do is take part in La Tomatina. This famous festival celebrated in Buñol is also the largest tomato fight in the world. Interestingly, the tradition began completely by accident when young people started throwing vegetables at each other during a parade in 1945.

If you've ever wanted to throw a tomato at someone, you can do so in Spain. All you have to do is take part in La Tomatina. This famous festival celebrated in Buñol is also the largest tomato fight in the world. Interestingly, the tradition began completely by accident when young people started throwing vegetables at each other during a parade in 1945.

Read also: How much does it cost to live in Spain? Prices and living costs

Interesting facts about Spain prove that it is a unique country with a long and rich history and diversity in every respect – linguistic, geographical and cultural. Let the facts presented here encourage you to discover the country through travel, cuisine and participation in traditions that could become part of your everyday life if you decide to move to Spain with the help of Elite World Estates.

Read also: How much does it cost to live in Spain? Prices and living costs

Interesting facts about Spain prove that it is a unique country with a long and rich history and diversity in every respect – linguistic, geographical and cultural. Let the facts presented here encourage you to discover the country through travel, cuisine and participation in traditions that could become part of your everyday life if you decide to move to Spain with the help of Elite World Estates.

Read also: How much does it cost to live in Spain? Prices and living costs

Interesting facts about Spain prove that it is a unique country with a long and rich history and diversity in every respect – linguistic, geographical and cultural. Let the facts presented here encourage you to discover the country through travel, cuisine and participation in traditions that could become part of your everyday life if you decide to move to Spain with the help of Elite World Estates.

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