Think you know Spain? Think again. This vibrant nation, known for its sun-drenched coasts and passionate culture, holds a treasure trove of surprises that go far deeper than its famous dishes. For travelers eager to discover them, it's wise to plan ahead and book hotels spain to ensure a comfortable base for your explorations. From ancient traditions to modern marvels, prepare to see Spain in a whole new light. Here are twenty-five essential facts you need to know.

The story of Spain is etched into its very stones. It boasts an impressive 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it third in the world. This collection includes the majestic Alhambra palace and the whimsical architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, like Barcelona's Park Güell. Perhaps the most famous of Gaudí's creations is La Sagrada Familia. This breathtaking basilica has been under construction since 1882. When its genius architect died in 1926, only a quarter of the project was finished. In a testament to long-term vision, it is finally scheduled for completion in 2026.

Spanish culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with unique threads. Imagine thousands of people gathered in the small town of Buñol each August for the world's largest food fight, La Tomatina. This chaotic tradition began quite spontaneously in the 1940s or 1950s. The language born here has traveled the globe; Spanish is now spoken by over 580 million people and is the official language of 21 countries. Yet, for all its global reach, the country's own national anthem, "La Marcha Real," is one of the few without any official lyrics. This passion extends to football, a near-religion where the rivalry between clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona captivates millions. Spain stands proudly as one of only two nations to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Daily life in Spain is an experience in itself. The beloved tradition of tapas, for instance, has a practical origin. The word comes from the verb ‘tapar’, meaning ‘to cover’, referring to the slice of ham or cheese bartenders would place on a glass to protect the drink. When it comes to literary prestige, Spain is the birthplace of the modern novel. Miguel de Cervantes published "Don Quixote" in two parts, in 1605 and 1615. And while you enjoy your tapas, remember that Spain is the world's olive oil powerhouse, producing a staggering 40% of the global supply, which amounts to about 1.2 million tons annually. The heart of this production lies in Jaén, Andalusia, which alone provides about 70% of the country's oil. This southern region is also the cradle of Flamenco, an art form so powerful it was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010.

To help visualize some of Spain's most striking features, here is a quick comparison of its diverse landscapes:

Spain's identity has been shaped by pivotal historical events. The Moors from North Africa occupied the Iberian Peninsula for 800 years, leaving an indelible mark on architecture, food, and language until their final defeat in Granada in 1492. Centuries later, the Spanish Civil War began with a military revolt in July 1936, leading to a brutal three-year conflict and the long rule of General Francisco Franco until his death in November 1975. This history influences modern quirks, like the time zone. Geographically, Spain should align with London, but during WWII, Franco moved the country to Central European Time, where it has remained.

The geographical diversity of Spain is astounding. Its landmass covers 505,000 square kilometers, which includes approximately 1,000 islands. These range from the Balearics in the Mediterranean to the volcanic Canary Islands off the African coast, each with its own distinct microclimate. This diversity is mirrored in its languages, with four officially recognized: Spanish, Catalan, Galician, and Basque. With such variety, it is no wonder Spain has the highest number of bars and restaurants per capita in the world, around 260,000 establishments.

Finally, the traditions are what truly bring the country to life. There is the adrenaline-fueled Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, a nine-day festival dating back over 400 years. For pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago, there is even a free wine fountain at the Bodega Irache Winery, a tradition since 1891. And as the year ends, Spaniards have a unique way to welcome it: eating twelve grapes at midnight, one on each chime of the clock, to secure good luck for the twelve months ahead. From its silent national anthem to its endlessly talking streets, Spain is a country that never ceases to amaze.

1. UNESCO Heritage: 45 World Heritage Sites.

2. La Sagrada Familia: Construction began in 1882; a quarter done at Gaudí's death in 1926; completion expected 2026.

3. La Tomatina: World's largest food fight in Buñol each August, started in the 1940s/50s.

4. Spanish Language: Over 580 million speakers, official in 21 countries.

5. National Anthem: "La Marcha Real" has no official lyrics.

6. Football: First professional league in the 1920s; one of two nations to win both men's and women's World Cups.

7. Tapas: From the verb 'tapar' (to cover), originally a cover for a drink.

8. Literature: "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes (1605, 1615) is the first modern novel.

9. Olive Oil: World's largest producer (40% global supply, 1.2M tons/year); 70% from Jaén.

10. Flamenco: Originated in 15th century Andalusia; UNESCO Intangible Heritage in 2010.

11. Spanish Civil War: Began July 1936; three-year conflict; Franco ruled until November 1975.

12. Madrid's Elevation: 667 meters (2,188 ft), Europe's second-highest capital.

13. Beaches: Most Blue Flag beaches in the world (over 600).

14. Oldest Restaurant: Sobrino de Botín in Madrid, established 1725, uses original stove.

15. Siesta: Tradition from avoiding midday heat; means 'sixth hour'.

16. Moorish History: Moors occupied Spain for 800 years until the fall of Granada in 1492.

17. Running of the Bulls: Pamplona's San Fermín festival, over 400 years old, lasts 9 days.

18. Time Zone: On CET, not GMT, since a WWII-era change by Franco.

19. Geography: Landmass of 505,000 km² with ~1,000 islands (12,500 km²).

20. Canary Islands: Seven main islands with distinct microclimates.

21. Languages: Four official languages: Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque.

22. Restaurant Culture: Highest number of bars/restaurants per capita (~260,000 bars).

23. Mountains: Second most mountainous country in Europe.

24. Wine Fountain: Free fountain for pilgrims at Bodega Irache Winery, tradition since 1891.

25. New Year's Tradition: Eating 12 grapes at midnight for luck.