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Life In Spain: Reasons To Live Here



Life in Spain can be great. This is why we are among the top 3 most visited countries every year. We are also one of the most welcoming one; 12% of the population is from abroad. To give you an example, around 375,000 British, almost 200,000 Germans and 175,000 Italians live in Spain.

There are many reasons why our visitors think Spain is one of the best places to live. I have summarized some of them. If you live in Spain and can think of additional reasons, let me know.

Life In Spain: Climate

One reason why holidays in Spain are so popular is because of the country’s spectacular weather. It is very probable that during your holiday to Spain you will enjoy a spring climate. Actually, the Spanish Mediterranean and the South have the best climate in Europe.

Life In Spain: Spanish Diet

You have surely heard of the benefits of the Spanish diet (also known as Mediterranean diet). If you’re figure cautious person, you might not need your waist trainer during your stay here. It is based on olive oil, fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and even wine. You read it right, experts recommend drinking a glass of wine every day.

While you are here, enjoy our popular tapas as you refresh yourself with some sangria. Or you might try some jamon and a delicious gazpacho in a bar off the beaten track.

Life In Spain: Diversity

Spain is incredibly diverse. We like to say that we have several countries in one as we have beautiful beaches to relax and amazing mountains to practice trekking and ski. We even have 3 national languages apart from Spanish (Catalan, Gallego and Basque).

This diversity is not only visible in the landscape and the weather, people are also quite different too. You’ll notice that the accent is softer in the south. In the north people are a little bit shyer and they speak less (well, less compared to the Spanish average!).

Life In Spain: Life Outside

We spend a lot more time outside than at home. We are lucky enough to have a great climate that allows us to spend most of our free time outdoors. We love to socialize in a bar or a restaurant and yes, food is very important in our culture!

And even if the weather is not so good, you should go to the north. People go out no matter if it rains, there is a storm or wind… I’ve experienced it myself…

Life In Spain: Language

Did you know that Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in the world as a mother tongue (first being Chinese Mandarin)? And that it is the 2nd most studied language after English? In fact, it is spoken by around 500 million people.

If you are looking to learn Spanish, living here will give you the chance to interact with native speakers and sign up for a Spanish language course. Of course, you can always try to study it online but coming over will be much more fun. You will discover a unique country with a very special culture.

Life In Spain: Spanish Culture

Spain has been conquered by Romans, Barbarian tribes, Moors (almost 8 centuries!) and even French. Our culture is the result of a curious mixture between all of them. You will see the influence of these cultures in our language, mainly based on ancient Latin but with many Arab words
architecture, as you can see it in Italica or the Alcazar in Seville
food in which our most important ingredient is olive oil
You can visit museums, castles, palaces and enjoy the amazing legacy we have inherited during centuries.

There is something that makes Spaniards unique: our schedule. We tend to live our normal life a little bit later than in the rest of Europe. Especially when it comes to meals, do not expect to have lunch before 14:00 and dinner before 21:00 (sometimes even 22:00 in summer).

Life In Spain: Spaniards

We are generally described as nice and funny. Warm and welcoming, we have a very strong sense of family and we tend to gather often to share a meal. We also have an incredible sense of humor and we tend to laugh (too much) at ourselves.

Of course, the stereotype is that Spain is a laid-back place where no one works very hard and the pace is slow. As it happens, you’ll find all kinds of people.

And knowing that during the summer temperatures can reach up to 40ºC (104ºF), it seems pretty normal that your body rhythm slows down. Siestas are common (especially for children) or stay in bed just to avoid the hottest part of the day. Anyway, I have always worked during the summer (I like to take my holidays during the low season) and a lot of people don’t take a siesta!