“Has there ever been a country better than Spain?”
In the previous article, we explored the three essentials of travel—money, time, and health—and discussed the many motivations behind traveling. Regardless of the reason, travel is an exciting and delightful gift! Once you’ve decided to take a trip, the next step is choosing your destination. As a platform that knows Spain inside and out, SpainAgain presents the top reasons why Spain stands out as the best travel destination.
1. A Country Where Happiness Comes at a Low Cost
Many say happiness can’t be bought with money. But in Spain, you can buy the kind of leisure that brings happiness. Enjoying a cool drink or an ice cream on a sunny terrace in the street offers simple yet powerful joy. Watching the relaxed pace of Spaniards makes even short-term visitors feel like they, too, can savor the pleasure of life.
2. Spain’s Weather Is Among the Best in the World
Spain boasts clear skies throughout the year. Of course, there are rainy days, but they only serve to refresh the air rather than dampen spirits. Unlike other European countries like the UK or Germany, where sunshine is rare, Spain’s skies are a source of envy.
3. Top-Tier Wine and Olive Oil
With its bright sun, clear skies, clean air, fresh water, and fertile land, Spain has the ideal environment for producing world-class wine and olive oil. While Spanish wines are said to surpass French and Italian wines in quality, they’re not as globally recognized. There’s even a joke that Spaniards don’t like exporting wine because there isn’t enough for themselves!
One thing that surprises us is how many Spaniards smoke—men and women of all ages, even elderly people and mothers with children in hand. Yet, many of them live long and healthy lives. Along with their relaxed lifestyle, one major reason is their liberal use of high-quality, locally produced olive oil. It’s enough to make you wonder whether stress is more harmful than smoking—at least in Spain!
4. One of the Safest Countries in Europe
While threats like terrorism exist everywhere, Spain generally offers one of the safest environments among European nations. Well-dressed, friendly police are often seen around city centers, protecting both citizens and tourists. It’s perfectly fine to walk around late at night exploring restaurants and attractions. Just be aware—Spain, like Italy, is notorious for pickpocketing, so stay cautious.
5. Spanish Cuisine
Food is one of the most important aspects of travel—perhaps the most important. Spaniards know how to enjoy life, and great food is a huge part of that. Spain offers a wide variety of dishes made with fresh seafood, top-grade beef, pork, lamb, and chicken. It’s hard to find frozen meat in Spain; everything is fresh and refrigerated.
Did you know the world’s oldest restaurant is in Spain? Sobrino de Botín, opened in 1725 and located in Madrid, is recognized by the Guinness World Records. It has served countless historic figures, including Hemingway, and remains a must-visit spot for many travelers.
Also, El Celler de Can Roca, located near Girona (close to Barcelona), was named the world’s best restaurant in 2013 by Restaurant Magazine. Since opening in 1986 and receiving a Michelin Star in 1995, it has been widely praised as one of the finest culinary establishments in the world.
6. Spain: A Pillar of World History
You can’t talk about world history without mentioning Spain. It was Queen Isabella of Spain who supported Columbus’s discovery of the Americas. Spanish influence still echoes across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Cultural heritage sites abound throughout the country: Madrid’s royal palace, cathedrals, and grand plazas remain well-preserved. Nearby Segovia boasts a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, while Toledo is rich with evidence of Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic coexistence. Granada’s Alhambra and Cordoba, once the capital of Islamic Spain, are other powerful reminders of its historical significance.
7. Spanish Festivals
If visiting historical sites seems a bit dull, Spain’s world-renowned festivals will change your mind. These include:
La Tomatina in Buñol, Valencia (held every August)
San Fermín in Pamplona, known for the Running of the Bulls (every July)
Las Fallas in Valencia (March), where massive papier-mâché figures are burned in a spectacular ceremony
And don’t forget the national Christmas celebrations and Three Kings Day (Leyes de Mago) held in early January.
8. World-Class Art
Spain is home to the Prado Museum—one of the world’s top three museums—as well as masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, Goya, and Velázquez, housed in the Prado and Reina Sofía museums. In Barcelona, Gaudí’s Sagrada Família cathedral continues to impress visitors with its grandeur. Flamenco and classical guitar are also integral to Spain’s rich artistic culture.
9. Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona
Two of the most prestigious football clubs—Real Madrid and FC Barcelona—are based in Spain. For fans of legends like Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi, Spain is nothing short of a football mecca. Many travel to Spain just to witness a match in person and experience the thrill firsthand.
10. Spain’s Beaches
Like Korea, Spain is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the sea. Except for the border with France and neighboring Portugal, Spain touches water on all fronts. Each coastal region has its unique charm:
Marbella in the south dazzles with luxury yachts
Sitges, near Barcelona, is famous for its nude beaches
Galicia in the north offers pristine waters and fresh seafood
Ready to go? Your Spanish adventure awaits!