Lifestyle in Spain

During the Christmas holidays, many towns in Spain transform into enchanting fairytale settings, where lights, nativity scenes and local traditions create a truly magical atmosphere.In this guide, compiled from sources including National Geographic Travel, Time Out Madrid and Condé Nast Traveler Esp

Modern Spain is built upon the remnants of many earlier peoples and cultures, whose traces are scattered across the country. Among them are the Celts, present from the late Bronze Age (13th century BC) until the Romanisation of Hispania in the 1st century BC.

If there’s one Spanish tradition that gets absolutely everyone talking in December, it’s the Spanish Christmas Lottery, Lotería de Navidad, better known as El Gordo.

The Region of Murcia is famed for its fertile orchards and hearty stews, but also for a range of simple yet delicious traditional desserts.

Zaragoza is a city that surprises with its vitality, deep history and welcoming spirit – traits that have shaped a distinctive local identity for centuries. Its name, too, is no accident, but a reflection of this past and of the civilisations that left their mark.

Barcelona being named European Capital of Christmas 2026 is a proper badge of honour.

Valencia has officially welcomed the festive season, and one of its biggest attractions each year is its warm and welcoming Christmas markets.

Wine tourism in Spain has grown up a lot in the last few years. People are now planning whole weekends to Spain's best wineries, featuring design hotels and long lunches in the vineyards.

Spain has secured another high‑profile success on the global wine stage, with a Spanish bodega named the third-best winery in the world by the International Wine & Spirit Competition.

For over a century, its silhouette has defined Barcelona's skyline, but now the Sagrada Familia has taken another step in the history of architecture: it has become the tallest church on the planet. The placement of the first element of the cross on the central tower of Jesus Christ has raised the total height of the temple designed by Antoni Gaudí to 162 meters, surpassing the dimensions of the famous Protestant cathedral in Ulm, Germany. The Sagrada Familia will measure over 170 meters when it is completed, presumably within the next decade.

Seville feels so sun‑soaked and open that it tricks a lot of people into assuming the sea must be just around the corner. Yet the city sits inland on the Guadalquivir River, surrounded by fields and olive groves.

Seville has that dangerous combination of being both wildly beautiful and very easy to wander on foot. Most of the best things to do in Seville sit within a small radius around the cathedral and the river.

Málaga at Christmas shines brighter than ever, with artistic illuminations, immersive shows, seaside markets, and seasonal events suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Marbella, famed for its golden beaches and lively social scene, also hides some of the Costa del Sol’s most breathtaking viewpoints, tucked among its hills and coastal paths.

How is Christmas celebrated in Spain? Spanish Christmas traditions are full of colour, culture, and quirky customs. From unique decorations to festive foods and New Year rituals, Spain’s celebrations are both traditional and delightfully unusual.

New Year’s Eve events in Spain come thick and fast, so if you still don’t have a plan, there’s plenty to jump on at short notice.

Bérchules, tucked into the Alpujarra, is a Spanish town that celebrates New Year’s Eve in summer.

New Year’s Eve traditions in Spain feel both homely and theatrical, with families glued to the same clock and strangers hugging in the street two minutes later. What is the Spanish tradition for New Year’s Eve?How to eat the 12 grapes at midnightWhy Spain eats 12 grapes on New Year’s EveWhere t

Valencia becomes a spectacular festive stage every December: sparkling Christmas lights, traditional markets, family-friendly plans and atmospheric streets perfect for strolling.

As 2026 approaches, the way we design and enjoy our second homes in Spain is evolving.

On Australia’s west coast, 14,000 kilometres from Spain, lies a small and unusual town whose name and streets pay homage to Spain. Walking along quiet roads named after places like Valencia, León and Barcelona feels almost surreal. Yet behind this lies a unique story and a misunderstanding that led to its streets being named this way. Discover the curious tale of Australia’s “Spanish” town.

Spain’s festive season doesn’t end on Christmas Day.

Spain is famed for its diverse borders. With over 1,900 km of land and nearly 8,000 km of coastline, it borders France, Portugal, Andorra, Morocco and the UK. Its boundaries stretch from the high Pyrenees to river islands and African enclaves, creating a unique map. One example is Llívia, in Girona, a Spanish town surrounded by France.

If you’ve already ticked off churros and flan, it’s time to go regional. Across Spain, you’ll find festival pastries, creamy classics and delicate almond sweets that locals adore but many visitors never spot.

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.