Lifestyle in Spain

Spain received 9,7 million international tourists in June 2026, a 2.9% increase compared with the same month in 2025. This figure is on track to help break the record of nearly 97 million visitors in 2025.

A red day in Spain is the everyday name for a public holiday, usually printed in red on calendars. It can affect a viewing, school plans, deliveries, train timetables and the slightly heroic task of getting paperwork done.Spain does not operate on one single holiday calendar.

Spain’s gender pay gap in hourly earnings was substantially wider for part-time employees than for full-time staff in 2023, according to figures published by the National Statistics Institute, INE.The data also show that women were more concentrated in lower salary brackets.

Near the town of Osuna in Seville lies Coto de las Canteras, a quarry that the Turdetani people began exploiting more than 2,000 years ago and which has now become the largest natural amphitheater in Spain after being restored in 1999 following centuries of neglect. Local sculptor Francisco Valdivia played a key role in shaping the landscape we see today. Between 2004 and 2006, he created a series of sculptures and reliefs modeled after Iberian works.

Spain has topped InterNations’ 2026 Quality of Life Index for the fifth consecutive year.

With the arrival of summer, beaches become an obsession for many travelers, topping the wish lists of those who dream of unwinding by the sea. To help identify these truly special spots, the international platform ‘The World’s 50 Best Beaches’ publishes an annual ranking of the 50 best beaches in the world. The 2026 edition once again brings together the world’s best beaches, including two Spanish ones: Cala Macarella in Menorca and Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura.

Spain’s population stood at a record 49.8 million residents on 1 July 2026, after increasing by 104,178 people in the second quarter.The provisional figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the INE, show that growth came from an increase in the foreign-born population, while the number of

Pedro Porro is enjoying the standout period of his career. The Tottenham full-back, a key figure in the Spanish national team’s set-up, played a decisive part in the 2026 World Cup semi-final against France, scoring one of the goals that secured Spain’s place in the final.

There is a stretch of northern Spain where the sea has carved arches into the cliffs, small harbours still organise the day, and green hills meet the shoreline.

When people think of camping, they often picture tents and caravans. However, some destinations have transformed the concept into a luxury holiday experience. One such example is La Ballena Alegre on the Costa Brava, recently named Spain’s best campsite for 2026 and the fourth best in Europe. Combining a beachfront location with designer accommodation, premium facilities and resort-style services, it proves how outdoor tourism can successfully combine nature, comfort and high-end hospitality.

Mallorca can be a brilliant place to settle into island life, particularly for people who want reliable sunshine, easy access to the sea and a proper year-round city in Palma de Mallorca. There is a sizeable international community, but day-to-day life still runs more smoothly with some Spanish or Catalan, especially beyond Palma and the resort areas. The big trade-off when living in Mallorca is housing: prices have climbed sharply, and summer traffic, seasonal crowds and limited long-term rentals can test even the most patient resident.

Black volcanic rock drops into clear Atlantic water, pine-scented paths lead towards cloud-covered ridges, and the coast is dotted with seawater pools rather than long rows of sun loungers.

Coastal developments built on sloping sites present a significant architectural challenge, requiring designers to decide not only how homes should sit within the terrain but also how they can be integrated into the surrounding landscape.

Following his goal in the World Cup final, Ferran Torres is currently one of the most talked-about figures in Spanish football, also due to the attention he generates off the pitch.

David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia is closely associated with the desert landscapes of Jordan, but Spain also played an important part in the 1962 film. Spanish locations were used to create Aqaba, Cairo, Damascus and other settings in T. E.

The province of Valencia will once again boast more than 30 Blue Flag beaches along its coastline in 2026. The Valencian coast combines well-established urban beaches with quieter stretches away from the main tourist centres.

The total solar eclipse of August 2026 will be one of the most significant astronomical events visible in Spain in recent decades. For a few minutes, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, plunging part of the afternoon into darkness.

Spain has a fairly relaxed approach to naturism, particularly on beaches where nudity has long been customary.

Nico Williams, who plays for Athletic Club and the Spanish national team, is enjoying one of the standout periods of his career.

The 2026 International Descent of the Sella River now has a date. The 88th edition is here to once again bring together sport, tradition, and celebration in Asturias for one of Spain's most renowned canoeing competitions.

Few managers have managed to keep their private lives as protected as Pep Guardiola has over the years.

This summer, the Costa del Sol offers the chance to step back in time without leaving the Mediterranean. Set around a historic fortress overlooking the sea, this popular event brings together artisan stalls, street entertainment, costumed performers and traditional food until the start of August.

There is a sizeable Spanish city where a baroque cathedral faces a distinctly modern town hall, students fill the terraces after class, and a long lunch centred on local seafood need not cost a small fortune.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade takes viewers from Venice to the fictional Turkish city of İskenderun, but several of its most recognisable action and desert scenes were filmed in southern Spain.Some opening desert shots were filmed in Utah, USA.

The Tarragona coastline continues to rank among the Mediterranean’s leading beach destinations. In 2026, the province boasts more than 30 Blue Flag beaches, a distinction awarded for water quality, safety, environmental management and visitor services.