Did you know that Spain is full of surprises? It is indeed packed with astonishing facts you would never suspect. Between preconceptions and unbelievable information, we are going to share a few things about Spain that you probably never imagined.
Surprising fact no. 1: Spanish cuisine is not just about paella
People often think that Spain's signature dish is paella, and that you can find it all over the country and in every restaurant.
Well, no! Paella is the emblematic dish of one particular region: the Valencian Community. So you certainly won't find paella everywhere.
Spanish cuisine is very varied and draws on both Mediterranean and Atlantic diets. Influences from Morocco can also be felt.
Each region has its own culinary specialities. And they are all just as delicious as one another!
Ultimately, what unites all Spaniards is the "tortilla de patata" more than paella. This dish, which resembles a thick potato omelette, is indeed prepared throughout the country.
Discover some of the Spanish specialities worth discovering.
Surprising fact no. 2: there are more festivals in Spain than there are days in the year
Whatever time of year you visit Spain, there will always be a festival somewhere. Indeed, every town honours a patron saint who must be paid tribute through festivities that can even last several days.
Generally speaking, this involves drinking, eating and dancing, but some traditions are more unusual than that.
There is, for instance, the "baby-jumping": a person dressed as a devil in yellow and red leaps over babies under one year old, laid out on mattresses! This tradition celebrates the feast of Corpus Christi.
Surprising fact no. 3: Spain has the largest number of "Blue Flag of Europe" certified beaches in the world
The Blue Flag is an eco-label that symbolises exemplary environmental quality. In total, Spain boasts no fewer than 713 Blue Flags across the country: 615 certified beaches (26 more than last year), 96 marinas (2 more than last year) and 2 tourist boats.
Surprising fact no. 4: Spain has been the setting for many films
With its magnificent and varied landscapes, Spain is highly sought after by film directors. Andalusia is one of the most popular locations for feature films. For example, the most famous western in history, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly", as well as "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)" were filmed there.
Surprising fact no. 5: Spain is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe
Hard to believe when you think of Spain and its miles of sun-drenched beaches, but Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe, after Switzerland!
Indeed, the Pyrenees, the Picos de Europa, the Sierra Nevada, the Iberian System and many others adorn its landscapes with relief that is more surprising at every turn.
Surprising fact no. 6: Spain produces 41% of the world's olive oil
While the Mediterranean countries are the world's biggest producers of olive oil, Spain holds the record! Indeed, it produces more than 1.5 million tonnes each year, most of it coming from Andalusia.
Surprising fact no. 7: the oldest restaurant in the world is in Madrid
Sobrino de Botín opened in 1725 and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. This makes it a genuine attraction for tourists.
Surprising fact no. 8: Spain is the second-largest European producer of artichokes
Grown in 16 autonomous communities at different times of the year, the artichoke can be enjoyed in every season.
With more than 200,000 tonnes produced, or around 4,000 kilos per person, there is no risk of running short of them on the Iberian Peninsula!
Surprising fact no. 9: Spain is the country with the largest number of biosphere reserves in the world
There are 52 in total, including 3 cross-border ones shared with Portugal and the first transcontinental one, shared with Morocco.
These reserves are brought together through the Spanish Network of Biosphere Reserves (RERB), run by the Autonomous Body for National Parks (OAPN), which itself falls under the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge.
Surprising fact no. 10: Spain has more than 3,200 kilometres of former railway lines converted into cycle-touring and trekking routes
The distances to be covered range from 1 to almost 200 km and there are more than 120 available routes, known as "Greenways".
Plenty there to stretch your legs!
Spain is therefore full of surprises! All that's left is to go there and discover plenty more.
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