5 Reasons You Should Visit Spain

Takeaways from My Time in Spain

My recent trip to Spain was such an eye-opening experience that I left wondering why I hadn’t gone sooner. From medieval castles to modern cities, from world-class art to unforgettable food, Spain exceeded every expectation.

A Storied Past

Spain’s history is rich and layered, shaped by the Moors, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans before becoming a powerful Muslim state. In the 1600s, Catholic monarchs pushed south across the peninsula, leaving behind a legacy that still defines the country today.

Each group left its mark. I wandered through the Alhambra near Granada, the last great Muslim stronghold, with its intricate carvings and lush gardens. I stood before the tomb of Christopher Columbus, commissioned by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sail in search of a new route to India. In Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter, I reflected on the tragic choices people faced during the Spanish Inquisition. Everywhere, Spain’s history feels alive.

Art and Architecture That Inspires

The country’s shifting powers are etched in its architecture. Mosques became cathedrals, yet Moorish artistry like keyhole arches, tiled courtyards, and symmetrical fountains remain beautifully intact, layered with Catholic imagery.

In Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia stole the show. Tripadvisor recently named it the world’s top attraction, and I can see why. Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece looks like something out of a storybook: whimsical, colorful, almost like a Dr. Seuss creation. Yet one facade, the angular, dramatic “Last Supper” scene, feels haunting and powerful. Spain’s art and architecture constantly surprise, blending the playful with the profound.

Food Worth the Flight

Spain is a food lover’s paradise, and even picky eaters will find plenty to enjoy. Paella, Spain’s signature rice dish, comes in countless variations, often brimming with chorizo, prawns, and saffron. I joined a paella cooking class, which turned out to be very fun, even for this reluctant chef. Beyond being delicious, it gave me a deeper appreciation of how food connects to culture. And compared to much of Europe, dining in Spain is surprisingly affordable.

Vistas That Take Your Breath Away

From the air, the jagged Pyrenees rise dramatically against the sky, while Spain’s coastlines sparkle with palm trees and Mediterranean sun. But it was Montserrat that left me awestruck: a monastery carved into the mountains. Its secluded location protected it for centuries, though Napoleon’s forces famously ravaged it in 1808. Still, Montserrat endured, one of the few places the French army failed to conquer. Standing there, with sheer cliffs rising all around, I understood why.

People Who Welcome You In

What truly makes Spain unforgettable is its people. Warm, friendly, and proud of their heritage, they made every encounter feel special. Most spoke English, but their Spanish dialect felt familiar, especially to my husband, who had no trouble striking up conversations in Spanish.

I was lucky to visit during “Sant Jordi Day,” Catalonia’s version of Valentine’s Day, when people exchange roses and books in honor of St. George, the dragon-slaying patron saint.

Later, I found myself in the middle of an unexpected adventure: the first-ever Iberian Peninsula blackout. Our train ground to a halt between Madrid and Málaga, leaving us stranded for five hours. Yet the Spanish passengers stayed calm, patient, and even cheerful, turning an inconvenience into a shared memory.

I spent more than a week traveling through five Spanish cities before continuing on to Portugal, but Spain has stayed with me. Its deep history, stunning art, delicious food, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient, welcoming people left an impression I’ll never forget.

If Spain isn’t already on your list, it should be.