What is Spain Famous for? Top 18 Popular Places & Things

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most visited Mediterranean countries offering cultures and geography. If you ask what Spain is famous for, you will find an endless list of places, cuisines, festivals and many more. 

From Flamenco Sangria to La Tomatina festival, Spain boasts all kinds of fun activities for every tourist.

Read more to learn about the famous things in Spain.

Besides being world famous for its football, Spain is also known because of its culinary art, bullfights, architecture, beaches, etc. If you are planning to visit here, you must carry some cash in their official currency, which is Euro. Moreover, as of November 2022, 1 Euro equals to INR 85.52.

Here is a list of iconic Spanish landmarks that you certainly need to visit:

1. Royal Palace, Madrid

Situated in the heart of the Spanish capital, the Royal Palace of Madrid is also known as Palacio Real de Madrid. Constructed in 1735, it is the official residence of the royal family of Spain. However, at present, it is mostly used for state ceremonies.

The palace holds 3,418 rooms, each with unique, awe-inspiring decor. Its beauty lies in the regal interior of rooms decorated with magnificent works of Goya and Velasquez.

2. Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid

There is a reason why Madrid is known as one of the most artistic cities in the world. The Golden Triangle of Art comprises three significant art museums: Reina Sofia museum, Prado Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

Its gallery includes the works of the two greatest Spanish masters, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, along with other artists such as Pablo Gargallo, Eduardo Chillida, and many more.

3. Prado Museum, Madrid

The Prado Museum, more famously known as Museo Nacional del Prado, houses the finest collections from 12th to early 20th-century European art. 

This is one of the greatest and most frequented museums of art and sculpture, consisting of the works of Francisco Goya (most represented), along with works by Peter Paul Rubens, El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Titian, etc. 

4. Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Madrid does not only embrace historical monuments and museums. It is also home to one of the most-visited places of both tourists and locals – Plaza Mayor. It is a large square first established in the 15th century during the reign of Philip III. 

However, the name of this place was not always the same. It was originally known as “Plaza del Arrabel", then changed over time to "Plaza de la Constitución", "Plaza Real", "Plaza de la República", and finally to Plaza Mayor.

5. Casa Batlló, Barcelona

Casa Batlló is believed to be one of the best works by Antoni Gaudi. Locally known as Casa dels ossos, this means a house of bones. 

It is a work of imagination and freedom that converted recycled objects into joyful art. In 2005, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site. Your trip to Barcelona will remain incomplete without visiting this bold, exquisite building. 

6. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Sagrada Familia is another UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site and a testament to Antoni Gaudí's extraordinary contribution to creative architectural development and building technology.

It is not only one of the greatest places in Spain but also in Europe. In Gaudi's signature style, you will find the perfect blend of natural elements and religious symbols in this structure. It is fascinating that this heritage building has been under construction for more than 135 years. 

7. Parc Guell, Barcelona

Another great creation by Antoni Gaudi, Parc Guel is one of the most significant parks in Spain. It has a unique Trencadis style filled with multiple visual camouflages. If you are a fan of modern art and architecture, you certainly need to visit this place. 

The debris-surfaced arches and ceramic palm-tree trunks rising from the ground make the place a ceramic utopia. Therefore, this place can certainly be among your weekend plans with your family. 

8. Ibiza

Ibiza, the third largest Balearic Island, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain. Its groovy nightlife and electronic music clubs that host popular artists from all over the world make Ibiza one of the most happening places of the world.

If you are into partying till dawn, Ibiza is the right place for you. But, it also offers you an offhand hippy air for a relaxing holiday. Thus, it is rightly cited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. El Alcázar de Segovia, Segovia

El Alcázar de Segovia is the ideal illustration of Mudéjar architecture and is the largest Gothic church in the world. It is one of the oldest constructions of Spain, which started in 712 and continued till the 1300s. 

Sited as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this royal palace is a must-visit for its neo-Moorish works. The castle including all four towers, sits grandly on top of a hill. Additionally, this fairy-tale resembling castle is also believed to be the inspiration behind the Disney castles. 

10. Alhambra Palace, Granda

If you want to learn about the rich history of Spain, you must make a stop at Alhambra Palace. It is situated in the Andalusia region of Granada in southern Spain. 

In 889 CE La Alhambra was constructed on ancient Roman fortifications. Later, in the 13th century, it was rebuilt during the reign of Muhammad Ibn al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty.

This royal residence preserves extraordinary examples of Andalusian and Moorish culture and the renaissance architecture of Spain.  

11. Costa del Sol Beaches, Andalusi

Andalusia is globally famous for its innumerable beaches within a stretch of 100 miles. Costa del Sol Beaches, which means "Coast of the Sun", is located in the southern part of Spain. It comprises coastal towns and communities offering the very best of the Mediterranean.

Among 125 beaches, the most popular is Puerto Banus. You can enjoy long beach walks along the clear turquoise water, on powdery white sands.

Besides, the best options for you to also explore include Playa de Burriana, Blu Flag Playa Malapesquera, and Del Faro Beach. Each of these offers a variety of water sports and fun-filled activities with tempting restaurants and bars at hand.

Spain is a country rich in culture and festivities. Alongside its popular tourist landmarks, you must also know about the other popular things in Spain. 

Here is a list of other famous things in Spain:

12. La Tomatina

La Tomatina is one of the most popular festivals in Spain, celebrated annually in Bunyol, Valencia, on the last Wednesday of August. It is considered to be the biggest food fight festival in the world. 

The festival starts with its first custom of "Palo Jabón", where people climb on an oily pole with a ham on top. Thousands of people gather around the town square to throw tomatoes at each other once the tomato-filled trucks are unloaded. 

13. La Siesta

The unique festivities of Spain never fail to amuse. Coming to another well-known tradition, La Siesta is a tradition that embraces a good mid-day nap. On this occasion, Spaniards take a rest of 2-3 hours on a hot summer afternoon after eating a heavy lunch. 

However, it was the Arabians who introduced La Siesta in Spain. The logic behind this tradition is to escape working in the scorching heat of summer afternoons.

14. La Fiesta

La fiesta refers to all the festivals that take place around the year. It is among the most popular things in Spain. Each region and community celebrates various kinds of festivals, creating a joyful atmosphere on the streets of Spain. 

During any fiesta, you will find people on the streets rejoicing with Spanish music, food, and drink. La Tomatina is also one of the fiestas in Spain. Some other notable ones include Bull Run in Pamplona, El Colacho, Las Fallas, San Fermi, and many more.

15. Paella

The Valencia dish Paella is one of the most famous foods in Spain. It is mainly prepared in a pan with rice, meat (chicken/rabbit/snails), vegetables and sometimes seafood. The term Paella comes from the French term “paelle”, meaning pan.

You will find this dish at any large family events or gatherings of the Spaniards. Along the coastal areas, you will find this cuisine made with seafood items instead of meat.

16. Football

A list of famous things in Spain will remain incomplete without the mention of its love for football. Moreover, it is also the national sport of the country. 

Spain is home to renowned international clubs such as – Barcelona, and Real Madrid, of the La Liga football league. It also boasts of one of the greatest international football teams on Earth. If you are a football fan, the country’s fanaticism will be one of the best experiences for you.

17. Sangria

Sangria is a Spanish drink prepared with a mix of red wine, fruits, herbs, water, and many more ingredients. 

If you are looking for this drink in Spain, you need to search for Zurra, its local name. Even though this drink has now gained a worldwide reputation, you must try it from its original birthplace. 

18. Spanish Wine

Apart from Sangria, another drink you should not miss while in Spain is its red wine. The country’s fascinating long wine-making history dates back to 1100 BC, during the reign of Phoenicians, making it among the famous things Spain is known for.

Spain ranks third among the world’s largest wine-manufacturing countries. A few of its most exemplary selections come from regions of Rioja, Penedés, Ribera Del Duero, Rueda, Cava, Baixas, etc.  

From the above list, you will have a clear idea of what Spain is famous for. If you plan to visit here for your next vacation, plan well in advance so that you do not miss out on its popular tourist attractions.