Spain, a lively and beautiful country, with unique cultural and geographical diversity, has always been known as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The attention of the government of this country to the educational, health, tourism and economic infrastructure has led to the fact that today we see high-quality universities, advanced hospitals and medical centers and luxury residences to attract more and more tourists. Today, in this article, we are going to fully introduce and review Spain. So don’t miss this article and follow us till the end.
Spain - the southern gate of Europe
Spain, a vast country in the southwest of Europe, with its beautiful beaches and stunning historical monuments, is an attractive destination for tourists and expats from all over the world. The capital of this beautiful country is the modern city of Madrid, which is the third largest city in Europe after London and Paris. According to the latest census in 2022, the population of Spain is estimated at 48 million people. The people of Spain speak Spanish, which belongs to the Indo-European language family, and today it is a global language with nearly 500 million native speakers (mostly in Spain and the Americas). Football, music and dance are the most popular pastimes of the Spanish people. According to the experiences of people who have traveled to Spain, Spanish people are known as warm and hospitable people.
Besides all these things, it is necessary to explain that Spain is also the thirteenth largest economy in the world. Tourism, agriculture and various services including transportation and communication lines are among the most important economic sectors of this country. Spain is an ideal country for those looking to experience rich culture, rich history, strong economy, good job opportunities, beautiful nature and warm and hospitable people.
Geography of Spain
Spain is a vast and multi-climatic country with about 46 million people located in the southwest of Europe. This country is bounded in the form of a peninsula to the west by the Mediterranean Sea and to the north by the Atlantic Ocean. The geography of Spain generally consists of four main regions. Stay with us to continue to examine these 4 areas.
In the northern regions are the Pyrenees, one of the largest mountain systems in Europe. This area is known for its stunning nature and numerous tourist attractions such as mountain villages and unique hiking trails. The central part of Spain consists of plains and desert areas that include cities such as Madrid as the capital and other important metropolises such as Valencia and Zaragoza. If you travel to the east of Spain, the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, which is a good place for tourists, will attract your attention. But in the south of Spain, the situation is different. The region of Andalusia is located in the south of Spain and is famous for its warm climate and stunning nature, along with the valuable Islamic and cultural heritage that exists in this region.
In the meantime, it is not bad to examine Spain’s neighbors as well. Spain is bordered by France and Andorra from the north and northeast. In its western borders, Spain sees Portugal, which forms the widest land border among European countries with about 1214 kilometers. In the south, Spain borders Morocco in Africa and Gibraltar in the Mediterranean Sea.
Spain weather
The climate of Spain is highly diverse due to its large size and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike many European countries, Spanish winters are one of the best seasons for travel and recreation. This country has very mild and pleasant winters, especially in the areas near the Mediterranean Sea.
It is interesting to know that northern Spain is the rainiest region in this country. At the same time, this region, like many other parts of Spain, has a warm climate, but it has a lower average temperature than other regions of the country.
The western regions of this country are very similar to the northern regions. In these areas, we can witness numerous rains along with mild winters. The air temperature is slightly higher than in the northern regions.
But in the east of Spain, the situation is slightly different. This geographical area has a hot and dry climate, so that the average temperature in the summer season is around 30-35 degrees Celsius. It is worth noting that in these areas we can witness milder winters.
Southern Spain, which is considered one of the most touristic areas of this country, has one of the hottest and driest weather conditions. In these areas, the average summer temperature is more than 35 degrees Celsius. It is interesting to know that the situation is not so good in winter and warm winters with little rain prevail in these areas. But the existence of beautiful and unique seas and beaches has made this area an excellent area for water sports.
The most important cities in Spain
Like any other country, Spain also has important cities that can be the economic, tourism, political and cultural poles of this country. Join us as we continue to review 5 important cities of this country.
Madrid
First, let’s talk about the most important city and capital of Spain, Madrid. Madrid is the largest city in this country, which is the third largest city among European countries after London and Berlin. According to the latest census, the population of Madrid is estimated at 3.5 million people, which is the most crowded city in the country. Madrid is a city in the center of Spain, which is also known as the capital of the state of Madrid. The population of Madrid, including the suburbs, exceeds 7 million people, which is a large population in Spain. Many tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, Archaeological Museum, Del Prado Museum, etc. are located in this city. One of the most important issues that has made the city of Madrid famous and popular is the existence of the Real Madrid football team and the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in this city.
Barcelona
But let’s introduce the most important port of Spain. In addition to being the second largest city in Spain, the port of Barcelona is also the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia. The population of Barcelona is around 1,700,000 people who live in a city with an area of approximately 101 thousand square kilometers. In addition to all the things that have been said, the port of Barcelona is the sixth largest city in the member states of the European Union and is also known as the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea. This city is one of the most important places in the country in terms of transportation, because it is a transportation route to France and Portugal. Today, Barcelona is known as the 14th richest city in Europe and many famous and rich people dream of living in this city.
Seville
Now it’s time to introduce the most important city in Andalusia and the third largest city in Spain. A city with a long and beautiful history, with Islamic and Christian architecture, located in the southwest of Spain. This city has wonderful attractions such as Alcazar Palace, Maria del Si Church, and Alcazar Gardens. The population of this metropolis reaches more than 1.5 million people, which makes it one of the busiest cities in Spain. This city has warm weather throughout the year and is a suitable travel destination for a group of people. The city of Seville is almost 2200 years old. The passage of different civilizations which has been effective in its growth and has preserved this city with a distinct personality and a large and well-preserved historical center.
Valencia
Valencia is located in the east of Spain. The center of this city has a historical and attractive texture, among which you can see the integration of modernity in its architecture. With a population of about 2 million people, this city is one of the largest and busiest cities in Spain. From an economic point of view, the city of Valencia is very important for the government, because it is the fifth largest port in Europe in terms of container transportation and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. The presence of beautiful and clean beaches in the city of Valencia has made this city an attractive and lovely destination for tourists who are very interested in water sports.
Valencia is one of the oldest cities in Spain and it is interesting to know that this city is more than 1000 years old according to the historical monuments in it. The Spanish Cathedral, Serrano Towers and Lonja della Sed are among the most important sights of this city.
Granada
But let’s introduce one of the small but important cities in Spain. Granada, known as Alhambra, is a city with ancient history and strong Islamic culture located in Spain. It is interesting to know that this city has a valuable place in the architectural history of this country and has attractions such as Al Hambra Castle and Al Kabir Mosque. According to the latest census, the population of Granada is estimated to be around 300,000 people, which is a small number compared to other Spanish cities. This city is located in the autonomous region of Andalusia and in the province of Granada, which is also the capital of this province. The city of Granada owes its popularity among tourists to its turbulent history and the presence of Muslims in this region. In this city, you can see beautiful combinations of Islamic and medieval architecture
Economy of Spain
Spain’s economy is one of the largest economies in Europe and the world, ranked 14th among countries in the world, and it is also the fifth largest economy in Europe. This country has a mixed economy that includes both private and public sectors. Contrary to issues such as the 2008 financial crisis, the Spanish economy has experienced significant growth in recent decades. The presence of millions of tourists in this country every year has made Spain pay a lot of attention to tourism infrastructure in order to attract good capital. In other words, today the tourism industry is the most important source of income in Spain.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to tourism, this country has a lot to say about agriculture, shipbuilding, drug and chemical production, and car production. In the meantime, the important geographical position of this country as one of the gateways to the European markets has also helped to strengthen the Spanish economy. It is interesting to know that this country injects good income into its coffers from the export of agricultural products such as olives, cucumbers and saffron. But one thing that should be noted is that Spain exports all its saffron using Iranian saffron. In other words, Spain has become the largest exporter of saffron in Europe by buying the bulk of saffron grown in Iran.
Study in Spain
Studying in high-level educational institutions in Spain can be a good opportunity to expand people’s knowledge and expertise in different fields. Spain has many universities with excellent history and facilities that attract international students. Studying in Spain can be in Spanish or English, and depending on the desired study program, the duration of study can be different. The top three Spanish universities include:
The best universities in Spain
This educational institution has excellent facilities and extensive educational programs in various fields including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. The high quality of education in this university has made it known as the best university in Spain today. In recent years, according to the QS ranking, this university has been among the top 100 universities in the world. Complutense University of Madrid has relations with many foreign universities from Italy, France, England, America, etc., which has caused the level of education in this university to increase to a great extent.
As its name suggests, this university is located in Barcelona and has good quality and services. The establishment of this university dates back to November 3, 1450, and for this reason it is considered one of the oldest universities in Europe. In general, the main popularity of this university is related to the study and research programs in various fields including natural sciences, aesthetic techniques and art, social sciences and law. This university is the second best university in Spain and is ranked 164th in the QS ranking.
Autónoma University, located in Barcelona, is a public and prestigious university, which has a high reputation among the Spanish people in terms of educational facilities and quality. The high level of education in this university has made the University of Autonoma rank among the top 100 universities in Europe and 170th among the top universities in the world. The top fields of study in this educational institution include social sciences, chemical industries, economics, language, information technology, and sports and physical education, which are offered by 220 professors in more than 16 faculties.
Healthcare in Spain
Spain is one of the leading countries in the field of medical infrastructure and has a complete and advanced health system. Spain has advanced hospitals and medical centers equipped with modern equipment. These hospitals and medical centers operate in a public or private manner throughout the country. This country has a highly skilled medical community that helps in achieving the best ways of medical care to keep the patients healthy. These doctors and specialists are trained from prominent universities and educational centers. It is worth noting that this country has an advanced medical industry and modern medical technology that uses advanced equipment and technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. Due to this advanced medical infrastructure, Spain is known as a top medical destination in the world and many patients from all over the world travel to this country for treatment.
Top places to visit in Spain
Spain has many tourist attractions due to its rich nature and valuable history. Join us to review some of them.
Royal Palace, Madrid
If you travel to the capital of Spain, it is unlikely that you will miss seeing the Royal Palace of Madrid. The masterpiece of Spanish architecture that created the largest and most massive royal palace in Europe. It is interesting to know that all the stones used in the interior design of this palace are marble. Also, in the grandeur of this building, it is enough that it has more than two thousand luxurious and decorated rooms, of which only 50 rooms can be seen by tourists.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The Sagrada Familia is one of Antoni Gaudí’s unique architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, which is still under construction. The reason for not finishing the construction of this church is that its costs are covered by the people, which is why the construction process is slow and it is expected that its construction will be completed by 2026. It is worth noting that the Sagrada Familia church was officially opened in 2010, but it has not yet been fully operational. This church has a unique design with brick towers and a beautiful exterior that is decorated with sculptures and religious elements.
Park Guell, Barcelona
Park Güell is one of the largest attractive urban parks in Spain, which was built on the hill of El Carmel in the Gracia district of Barcelona by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi between 1900 and 1914. This park has beautiful natural scenery, a combination of modern works of art and special architecture, which hosts many tourists from all over the world every year.
Pueblos Blancos
Pueblos Blancos, or white towns, is a region located in Andalusia, Spain, which is famous for having a large number of white houses in small towns and villages. It is noteworthy that these houses all have white walls and their roofs are red and brown in color. Besides watching these special houses, tourists can enjoy the sunset, architectural design and style, mountain climbing, cave climbing, horse riding and local cuisine in this area.
Canary Islands
Contrary to the belief of many people who think that the Canary Islands are a separate country, this archipelago is under the dominion of Spain and is located in the southwest of this country. You should know that the Canary Islands include seven islands in the Atlantic Ocean under the control of Spain and have an African climate. The most attractive island in the Canary Islands is the island of Tenerife, which is considered one of the popular tourist destinations.
Ibiza
The island of Ibiza has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain in recent years. It is located on the eastern coast of Spain. Covered with palm trees, this island is the best place for water sports, partying and dancing at night, watching local dances and other fun activities. This island includes restaurants where you can enjoy traditional and authentic Spanish food. It is worth mentioning that this island also has private beaches that are offered to people.
Great Mosque of Cordoba
We said earlier that in the past, Islam played a big role in Spain. The Cordoba Mosque is one of the most important historical and Islamic monuments in Spain, which is still standing after 12 centuries, with the same glory as its past, in the city of Cordoba. The architectural style of this mosque is a combination of Islamic and Gothic architectural styles, which has caused a special effect to be reflected in this magnificent mosque. Today, many people who visit the city of Córdoba do not miss the opportunity to see this building.
National ceremonies of Spain
Fiesta de San Fermín
Pamplona is a ceremony that takes place every year on July 14 in the city of Pamplona and is called “San Fermin” in the local dialect. The most important part of this ceremony is the migration of cows through the streets of the city, which makes people from all over the world travel to Pamplona to participate in this ceremony. The event is accompanied by parades, music, dance, and parades of horses and is an important part of Spanish culture and identity.
La Tamborrada
If you like music and drama, you will definitely have a good time at the Spanish Drama Festival. This music festival is held every year in early winter in January. The Spanish Drum Festival is not limited to a few hours and people play music and dance in local costumes 24 hours a day. This festival is held in San Sebastián, Spain, and it creates happy hours for the people of Spain.
The Feria del Caballo
Feria del Cabayo is one of the most popular Spanish events, which means horse fair. This festival is held every year in the small town of Jerez de la Frontera, during which the town is filled with horses of different breeds and people travel from all over Spain to watch them. This festival is generally held in the spring season and it lasts for about a week from the 4th to the 11th of May. During this festival, the people who came to watch it perform historical and local dances and traditions and enjoy this space together. During this festival, more than 250 horses and riders participate in these competitions and display their special abilities.
La Tomatina
This interesting and fun event is held in the city of Buñuel, located near Valencia. In this ceremony, people throw tomatoes to each other and make the streets redder and cheer each other. This event is held every year on the last Wednesday of August and is one of the most attractive and famous national events in Spain. The beautiful thing about this ceremony is that the people who participate in this happy festival, after the end of their fun, start cleaning the place from the pollution created.
Semana Santa
Holy Week or Christmas Week is an important event in Spain’s religious and cultural calendar that takes place during the week before Easter. In this ceremony, people come to the streets wearing religious clothes and carrying holy images and hold various ceremonies that include parades, religious rituals, and retelling of religious stories.
Get Spain residency
Many people immigrate to foreign countries to find new job opportunities. People who have the ability to work in Spain or are employed by a Spanish company can use a work visa. This visa is usually requested by employers for foreign employees.
In the previous sections, we said that studying in Spain can lead to receiving valid university degrees. If you also intend to study at a university or educational institution in Spain, you can use a study visa. This visa allows students to stay in Spain for the duration of their studies.
Another way to get residency from many foreign countries is to invest in that country. Usually, this investment can be made in the field of buying real estate, depositing in banking institutions, buying shares, etc. In Spain, usually this investment should be made with a value of 500 thousand euros. If you want to invest in Spain, you can benefit from the advice of Nobility Institute.
People can travel to Spain for a limited time by applying for a tourist visa. This visa is usually issued for recreation and sightseeing and is valid for a short period of time. As a result, a tourist visa is not a good option for obtaining permanent residence in Spain.
Golden Visa (Golden Visa) Spain
The golden visa is one of the best residence visas that you can apply for in Spain. This visa allows you to stay in Spain for a longer period of time (5 to 10 years) and also gives you the right to work and access social services. A golden visa is a very suitable option for people who intend to invest in Spain or who want to acquire permanent residence in Spain through the purchase of property in this country. The procedures for obtaining a golden visa for Spain are as follows.
First, you choose your desired option from investing in creating a business or buying a property. After choosing the type of investment, you must make your valid investment or buy the property you want in Spain. After making an investment or buying a property, you must submit a golden visa application to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. For this purpose, you usually need to provide relevant documents, financial information, and other required documents. After submitting your application, you may be invited to an interview to provide more details about your goals and investments. After this step and if approved, your golden visa will be issued. In all these steps, you can benefit from the guidance of Nobility Institute consultants.
Finally, Spain is one of the most popular study and living destinations in the world with its advanced medical infrastructure, top universities and diverse career opportunities. This country is known as one of the best tourist destinations in the world with its dynamic and attractive culture, active city life and stunning natural scenery. Hoping for a day when everyone can be surprised by the beauty of this country and enjoy life in it. While thanking you for your cooperation, we hope that the content presented in this article has been useful for you. Nobility Immigration Institute is specialized in the field of visa consultation for European Schengen countries through investment. You can contact the experts of our collection for more information.