Spain's most curious and absurd laws

14 bizarre laws in Spain you won’t believe exist in 2026

Spain is famous for flamenco, tapas, and sunny beaches—but did you know it’s also home to some of the strangest laws in the world? From fines for sleeping in your car to banning certain baby names, these rules are as bizarre as they are real.
Cervantes, the Spanish town of Australia

Cervantes: Australia’s "Spanish" village with city-named streets

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 most surprising borders

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.
Gothic

How did Barcelona get its name?

Barcelona is a city that captivates many with its architecture, culture and cuisine. Yet beyond its famous attractions, the city’s very name carries a fascinating history that few know. Why is it called Barcelona?
Why is Madrid called that?

How did Madrid get its name?

The name Madrid, familiar worldwide, has a fascinating origin often unknown even to locals. Over the centuries, the Spanish capital has seen many cultures and transformations, and its current name reflects this rich history.
The most peculiar objects found on the banks of the River Thames

The most peculiar objects found on the banks of the River Thames

Finding a box of old junk in the attic has always excited me. When I was little, we used to go on holiday to my parents' summer house in Las Hurdes, which had an attic space in the roof. I would hide a trunk full of clutter up there. I loved looking at that pointless collection of things.