13 things you can be sure of on your next holiday to Spain
The holiday hotspot might just be back on the menu.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s the news sun-seekers were waiting for: Spain’s tourism minister has stated the country will start accepting tourists, Brits included, from June.
Two months is a long time in Covid-land but if the stars align we might just be back in Barcelona and Benidorm sooner rather than later. And there are a few things you can pretty much guarantee when you land…
1. There will be sun. That is assuming you don’t wait nine months, and manage to avoid the 300-odd days of sun the country enjoys each year. It’s practically obligatory to don a silly sunhat you would never wear at home.
Spain GIF by CGTraveler - Carlos Garrido - Adventrgram - Find & Share on GIPHY" srcset="https://media3.giphy.com/media/rqOiClv3a10xAW3oJY/giphy.gif 480w, https://media3.giphy.com/media/rqOiClv3a10xAW3oJY/giphy.gif?w=320 320w, https://media3.giphy.com/media/rqOiClv3a10xAW3oJY/giphy.gif?w=480 480w" sizes="(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px">
2. You will be able to understand some of the language. Sporty types will have a particularly easy time, choosing from golf, tenis, and basquetbol. Let’s hope you don’t end up in el hospital with un problema though.
3. You can learn a lot of the rest. Ranked the world’s easiest major language for English speakers by almost everybody, a few weeks on Duolingo and you’ll likely be able to master even big words like epidemiologia.
Spanish Drama GIF by MOODMAN - Find & Share on GIPHY" srcset="https://media1.giphy.com/media/RfSRwEN7odWOjZtZMR/giphy.gif 466w, https://media1.giphy.com/media/RfSRwEN7odWOjZtZMR/giphy.gif?w=320 320w, https://media1.giphy.com/media/RfSRwEN7odWOjZtZMR/giphy.gif?w=466 466w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px">
4. There will be other Brits. There were more than 18 million in 2019, to be exact, many experiencing extreme sunburn in the resorts of the Costa del Sol.
5. You will eat vast quantities of tapas. Tapas is as integral to the restaurants of Madrid as it is the wine bars of New York. And it’s great.
6. You will get sleepy because everything starts late. A short break might not be long enough for you to fully embrace the siesta, but you can certainly enjoy the flipside – that Spanish evenings regularly start late and reach into the early hours.
7. You’ll have to compromise to avoid crowds. Slightly uncomfortable stony beach, or a square foot of sand you had to fight for tooth and nail? You could go and see the Sagrada Familia… if you’re willing to queue for hours.
8. The architecture is incredible. From dreamy hilltop farmhouses to the soaring spires of Seville, at any level Spanish masonry is gorgeous and distinct.
9. The alcohol is too tasty. Sangria is dangerous. A summery cocktail that tastes like sugared fruit juice and can be sold off the shelf at 12%. Have fun in the morning.
10. It’s surprisingly cheap. When there’s loads of tourism, there’s loads of competition. Which happily means a fairly wallet-friendly holiday.
11. The flights are pretty quick. At around two-and-a-half to three hours, depending on your airport of choice, trips to Spain are so speedy you needn’t stomach so much as a mouthful of plane food.
12. You will have options. From skiing in the Pyrenees to surfing in Marbella, from southern Moorish fortresses to the ultra-modern Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
13. You will consider retiring there. It’s such a trope. There’s a reason for that.