7 reasons why Spain is the second most visited country in the world
It’s official! Spain is the second most visited country in the world, which makes it a true international tourist power above the United States, but why? The reality is that it has a perfect combination of cultural, historic and natural richness that attracts tourists who wish to live new experiences.
If you’re tempted to travel to Spain but can’t make up your mind, read these reasons as to why it’s the second most visited country in the world. Start packing your bags and get ready to enjoy this unique experience!
Exquisite gastronomy
Spain’s gastronomy is usually considered 100% Mediterranean, but the reality is that it is a combination of different cultures. Throughout their history they have been invaded and, at the same time, have colonized diverse towns, leaving behind the features of their cultures that are reflected in the cuisine. This is what has really allowed Spanish cuisine to become one of the culinary arts with some of the most delicious dishes waiting to be tasted.
As if that weren’t enough, the Spanish have a unique taste for excellent cuisine, especially in cities like Seville, Barcelona and Madrid, where there are dozens of restaurants decorated with the prestigious Michelin Star. In fact, Spain was voted by TripAdvisor users as one of the best culinary destinations in the world. As you know, with great food and excellent wine, you can get anywhere.
Varied architecture
Cities like Barcelona or Madrid are authentic urban museums where some of the oldest buildings in the country’s history are well-maintained, thereby preserving the essence of one of the best and most forgotten architectures in Europe. The capital of Catalonia, for example, is a place where you can see loads of Gothic architecture, glorified in the mega cathedral of the Sagrada Familia, a work that is still unfinished and considered one of the greatest architectural achievements ever built by man.
In its main historical monuments you can also appreciate architectural features of other cultures, such as the legendary Roman circus of Tarraco, a huge complex in which structures of classical Roman architecture are preserved. Let´s not forget the Egyptian temples in the centre of Madrid and the Roman Theatre in Mérida.
Varied popular culture
Spain is a country united by the diverse cultures of each of the communities that make it up. The most important cultures include the Andalusian, Galician or Catalans, though throughout the country there are different beliefs and customs characteristic of the Autonomous Communities, therefore making this one of the most culturally varied countries in the world.
Paradisiacal beaches on the shores of the Mediterranean
Spanish beaches are beautiful paradises of crystal-clear waters that have nothing to envy of those of Latin America or other parts of the world. Not for nothing are they visited year-round by millions of tourists from all parts of the world.
Best of all, there are beaches of all types in Spain, where people from all walks of life can go. Places like Ibiza or the Canary Islands are the favorite destinations for hundreds of artists and millionaires. On the other side, the Costa del Sol, Mallorca or Barcelona all have countless beaches where people with less purchasing power can go and still enjoy this heavenly paradise.
This makes the country one of the most complete in terms of beaches, with incredible places where you can live the most unforgettable experiences.
Its first-class ski resorts
After Switzerland, Spain is the country with the highest number of Alps and mountains in Europe, making it an excellent place to practice winter sports at the ski resorts. Throughout the national territory, there are several places where you can ski or snowboard.
Catalonia is one of the communities with the highest number of ski resorts in the whole Pyrenees area, with places like La Mesella or La Molina, two resorts that connect to create a 140km skiable area and more than 120 slopes of different levels of difficulty.
In Aragon you can also find excellent ski resorts such as Fornigal, the largest of the Pyrenees with slopes that are only suitable for high level skiers because the difficulty level is so high and demanding.
Throughout the Spanish Pyrenees there are hundreds of top-level ski slopes suitable for every type of skier, be they beginner, intermediate or advanced. Some slopes have an international reputation such as the Sierra Nevada Resort, which hosted the World Alpine Ski Championship in 1996, or Cerler, winner of the World Ski Awards as the best Spanish ski resort.
Its beautiful villages
Spain is possibly the only country in Europe that boasts and cares for its architectural relics as a heritage of its nation. The towns of Spain are known for being ideal for romantic tourism, which is why they are visited all year round by tourists from all over.
The most beautiful villages in Spain are located throughout the country; some in the Andalusian Community, others in Catalonia and others in the surroundings of Madrid, but each one of them retains a unique cultural richness and architectural beauty.
Leisure options are everywhere
Leisure and entertainment options in Spain are practically everywhere. Both its capital Madrid and the other cities of its communities offer a wide array of activities to its inhabitants and visitors. Whether you want to go shopping in a mall or take a break in nature, in Spain you’ll find an ideal place to do it all.
These are the 7 reasons why Spain is the second most visited country in the world, if any of them caught your attention, it is time to start planning your itinerary and go and experience each of the things we have suggested. Surely you will find places that will remain in your memory forever as some of the best moments of your life. Do not miss out. Join the millions of people around the world that have experienced the rich culture, history and all Spain offers whether it be short term or long, the experience is one of a kind.