10 Interesting Facts About Spain Every Expat Should Know

Spain is one of the most exciting destinations for expats, offering vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and a relaxed lifestyle. There are many interesting facts about Spain that make it a unique and captivating place to live. No matter what draws you in, there’s always something new to discover.

In this blog, our expert lawyers will share 10 interesting facts about Spain that every expat should know. Gain a deeper understanding of what makes this country truly special and get to know your new home better!

10 Facts About Spain

There are so many interesting things about Spain, but we have narrowed down our 10 most interesting facts about this country steeped in tradition.

1. Spain Has One of the Longest Life Expectancies in the World

For many years, Spain has ranked among the top countries for life expectancy, with an average of around 83 years. Another interesting fact about Spain is that this longevity is largely due to the Mediterranean diet—rich in olive oil, fresh vegetables, fish, and nuts—along with a strong emphasis on social life and family bonds.

Additionally, Spain’s high-quality healthcare system plays a crucial role in ensuring a long and healthy life for its residents. Some studies even suggest that by 2050, Spain could have the highest life expectancy in the world.

2. Spain is Home to the Second Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Spain is famous for its cultural and historical legacy and is home to 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This makes it the country with the second most in the world, just behind Italy. These sites range from architectural masterpieces such as Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada to natural landscapes like Doñana National Park. 

Spain is a country rich in historical significance, with influences from the Romans, Moors, and Catholic Monarchs. This unique blend of influences has resulted in a diverse and stunning range of heritage sites. These sites attract millions of visitors each year.

3. Spain is a Linguistic Wonderland

One of the interesting facts about Spain is its rich linguistic diversity. While Spanish is the official language, many regional languages are commonly spoken across the country. In different parts of Spain, you’ll hear local dialects. For example, Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, Basque in the Basque Country, and Valencian in Valencia. All of these languages are recognized as co-official alongside Spanish.

These languages are deeply tied to the history and identity of their respective regions. Basque is one of the oldest languages in Europe, with no known relation to any other language in the world. While Spanish is widely spoken, expats moving to Spain should try to learn a few words of the local language. This is important if you are settling in an autonomous region where regional languages are commonly used in daily life.

4. The World’s First ‘Modern’ Novel Was Written in Spain

Don Quixote was written in Spain and is widely considered the world’s first modern novel. It was written by Miguel de Cervantes and published in two parts (1605 and 1615). The novel tells the story of a nobleman who, after reading too many tales of chivalry, sets out on a misguided quest to become a knight. 

Today, Don Quixote remains one of the most translated and published books in history. It shaped countless literary works around the world. If you’re moving to Spain, you’ll find his influence everywhere, with statues and street names at cultural festivals celebrating his legacy.

5. La Tomatina is the World’s Largest Food Fight

Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, a small town in Valencia called Buñol becomes the stage for La Tomatina – the world’s largest food fight. Thousands of participants from around the globe gather to hurl ripe tomatoes at each other in a spectacular and messy celebration. Typically, participants go over 100 metric tons of tomatoes during the festival. 

This tradition dates back to 1945 and is believed to have started as an impromptu street fight among locals. Today, it is a highly organized festival, complete with rules, official start and end times, and even protective eyewear recommendations! While it only lasts about an hour, the event attracts over 20,000 visitors each year, making it one of Spain’s most famous and unusual cultural experiences.

6. The Spanish National Anthem Has No Official Lyrics

Unlike most national anthems around the world, Spain’s national anthem, La Marcha Real (The Royal March), has no official lyrics. This makes it one of the few wordless national anthems, alongside countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and San Marino.

La Marcha Real was first used as a military march and went on to become Spain’s official anthem. Various attempts have been made to add lyrics to the anthem, but none have ever been officially adopted. Despite this, Spaniards proudly hum or play the tune at major national and sporting events, with many improvising gestures or chants.

7. Spain’s Coastline Stretches over 4,900km

One of the most interesting facts about Spain is its impressive 4,964 km of coastline, making it a top destination in Europe for beach lovers, surfers, and sun-seekers. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and south, offering a diverse range of coastal landscapes.

Spain’s coastline has 17 distinct coastal regions. On the Mediterranian side, The Costa Brava in Catalonia is famous for its rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, while the Costa del Sol in Andalusia is known for its golden beaches and lively atmosphere. On the Atlantic side, the Costa Verde in northern Spain is lush and green, offering a stunning contrast to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coasts.

Spain’s islands also contribute to its coastline, with the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands offering some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Whether you’re looking for hidden coves, beach towns, or surfing spots, Spain’s coastline has something for everyone.

8. Spain is One of the Largest Wine Producers in the World

Spain is a global powerhouse when it comes to wine production. It has the largest vineyard surface area in the world, covering over 960,000 hectares. Despite this, Spain often ranks behind Italy and France in total wine production. This is because its drier climate leads to lower grape yields.

Spain is home to over 70 official wine regions, or Denominaciones de Origen, with La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat among the most famous. Spanish wines are famous for their high quality and affordability, making them popular among both locals and international buyers.

One of Spain’s most iconic wines is Tempranillo, a bold red grape variety that thrives in the country’s hot climate. If you prefer some bubbles, Spain is the birthplace of Cava, a sparkling wine often compared to French Champagne but produced primarily in Catalonia.

Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a serious collector, Spain offers an incredible variety of wines to explore.

9. Many Spaniards Celebrate Christmas with a Lottery

El Gordo (The Fat One) is one of Spain’s most cherished Christmas traditions and also one of the interesting facts about Spain that surprises many expats. As the world’s largest and oldest lottery, it has been a beloved part of Spanish holiday celebrations since 1812. The lottery is held every year on December 22 and is unique in that, instead of a single massive jackpot, the winnings are spread among thousands of participants.

What makes El Gordo even more special is the way families, friends, and even entire towns come together to buy tickets. A full ticket costs €200, but it’s common for people to purchase a decimo (one-tenth of a ticket) for €20. This means that if a ticket wins, the prize is split among all the holders of that number. Every year, schoolchildren from Madrid’s San Ildefonso School sing the winning numbers, a tradition that has been followed for over a century.

The total prize money often exceeds €2 billion. El Gordo is not just a lottery—it’s a national event that marks the beginning of Spain’s Christmas celebrations. Whether you win or not, participating in the lottery is considered an essential part of the festive season in Spain!

10. Spain Has More Bars Per Capita Than Any Other EU Country

Spain is famous for its vibrant social scene, and nothing reflects this better than the sheer number of bars and cafés scattered throughout the country. What you may not know is that Spain has the highest number of bars per capita in the European Union, with an estimated 260,000 bars and restaurants. That’s roughly one bar for every 175 people!

From traditional tapas bars serving delicious small plates to modern cocktail lounges and cozy neighborhood cafés, bars play a central role in Spanish culture. In Spain, bars are not just places to grab a drink; they serve as social hubs where people gather with friends, family, and colleagues to chat, unwind, and enjoy Spain’s relaxed way of life. Locals often sit around a table at a bar for hours chatting with friends and family.

Different regions of Spain also have their own unique bar cultures. In Andalusia, you’ll find lively tabernas offering sherry as you watch flamenco performances. The Basque Country, on the other hand, is known for pintxos bars, where bite-sized delicacies are served on skewers. 

Whether you’re sipping a café con leche in the morning, enjoying a caña with some tapas in the afternoon, or having a gin and tonic in a swanky cocktail bar, Spain’s bar culture is an essential part of experiencing the country’s lifestyle.

Immigration Recommendations for Moving to Spain

Now that you’ve discovered our most interesting facts about Spain, you might be wondering how to make the move. Understanding your visa and residence permit options is key. Whether you’re looking to work, retire, or invest, Spain offers several pathways to residency for expats.

Some of the most common options include:

• Non-Lucrative Visa – Ideal for retirees or those with passive income who don’t need to work in Spain.
• Digital Nomad Visa – A great choice for remote workers employed by companies outside of Spain.
• Work and Business Visas – Options for those employed by Spanish companies or looking to start their own business.
• Family Reunification Visas – For individuals joining family members who are legal residents in Spain.

Navigating Spanish immigration laws and paperwork can be complex, and the right visa depends on your specific situation. Want to learn more about your immigration options? Visit our Spanish Immigration service page for a full list plus answers to your common questions.

At Lexidy, our team of legal professionals specializes in immigration law and can assist you in finding the best visa option for your move to Spain. Get in touch today to start your journey with expert support!

Ready to Make the Move to Spain?

Spain is a country full of rich history, vibrant traditions, and unique cultural quirks that make it an incredible place to live. From its world-renowned cuisine to its lively festivals, there’s so much to discover about this fascinating country. Whatever your reason for moving to Spain, understanding its culture and way of life will help make your transition smoother.

Whether you’re ready to move forward or just exploring your options, you’ll find everything you need on our Spanish Immigration service page — or simply fill out the form below to speak with our team.