Spanish Culture I NOVASOL

Culture in Spain – What to see and do on your holiday

Spanish culture is an eclectic mixture of influences, reflecting ancient Roman, Celtic and Moorish influences, amongst others. Spain’s position also gives unique regional differences, where the blend of Spanish art, music, fashion and folklore blends with neighbouring countries. Culture vultures will discover an impressive array of things to do, often right on the doorstep of your villas, apartments or cottages in this beautiful and diverse country. Renting in Spain is your best bet for getting closer to authentic customs, local traditions and the very people that make each area so special.

Holidays in Spain with history

There is so much to discover about Spanish history, customs and ways of life whilst looking for villas to rent in Spain. Located at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Spain is widely known for Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, fantastic beaches and lots of sunshine but renting a well-located villa will also enable you to see much more of its rich history. Through exploration and conquest, Spain became a world power in the 16th century, and it maintained a vast overseas empire until the early 19th century. After Franco's death in 1975, Spain made the transition to a democratic state and built a successful economy. The country is divided into 17 regions which all have their own directly elected authorities.

Museums and sights to visit in Spain

Spain's sights range from prehistoric monuments in the Balearic Islands, to the Roman ruins of Merida and Tarragona, the decorative Lonja in Seville, Mudéjar buildings, Gothic cathedrals, castles and fantastic modernist monuments. Most sights are in easy reach of our villas in Spain, so why not discover them during your next family holidays. Whilst away on your holidays in Spain, be sure to visit one of the many museums, like the Prado museum in Madrid where you can see the famous Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or the Picasso collections in Malaga, great if you are staying in one of our villas on the Costa Del Sol.

Mesmerising architecture near your holiday home

Great examples of Romanesque art can be found in Spain, particularly, the monasteries of Sant Pere de Rodes and San Martín de Frómista. Magnificent Gothic buildings in Spain include the Cathedrals of Leon, Burgos and Toledo. The Renaissance came from Italy to Spain, leaving behind splendid architecture, mainly in Valencia, which was a centre for Italian art. Baroque art can also be found right by your villas or apartments in Spain, especially in the Cathedral of Murcia and in the Marquis de Dos Aguas Palace in Valencia. Of course, Gaudí's intricate fabulist sculptures and buildings are also a must if you are staying in Barcelona.

Languages, regions and festivals

There are several official languages in Spain, including Castilian which is the principal language of Spain, Catalan which is the official language of the Costa Del Sol, Andorra, Catalonia and Valencian regions, Basque spoken in Northern Spain and Galician spoken in North-Western Spain. So when you are staying in one of our villas in Spain, you will definitely have the chance for many unique cultural and regional experiences. Some of the most famous Spanish festivals and best things to do whilst self-catering in Spain are the Falles fiesta and Tomatina festival in Valencia, the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, Carnival celebrations in Cadiz and Tenerife and Holy Week festivities throughout the country.

Explore Spanish cuisine from your villas

Your Spanish holiday homes give you the wonderful opportunity not only to taste some of the world’s finest delicacies and most loved cuisine, but to try Spanish recipes yourself whilst self-catering. Browse local markets, restaurant and eateries to discover the varied and delicious cuisine in Spain. Enjoy influences from round the world and very distinctly Spanish dishes. Discover your favourite tapas dish – whether sizzling chorizo, patatas bravas or gambas a la plancha! There are many local specialities and delightful wines to discover whilst you rent in Spain. Spanish cuisine is well-known for its olive oil, garlic, peppers, seafood and herbs.

Spanish music and fashion

Flamenco music and dance, which originates in Southern Spain, are recognised and admired around the world and whichever Spanish villas you book, you will undoubtedly be able to see the alluring and beautiful Spanish guitar performed live! Children will love watching traditional music and dance performances, too, whether you book in the Canary Islands, the Balearics or on the mainland. See Flamenco costume's influence even on modern Spain, which is known around the world for its fashion, from top fashion labels to high street shops. Madrid fashion week and the Gaudi Catwalk in Barcelona are the main agents on the global fashion scene, but you can shop for the latest trends wherever you go.

History of Spanish art

Spanish art and architecture has been influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks and the Romans who left many viaducts, aqueducts and walled cities such as Lugo. Staying in one of our family villas in Spain will also give you the chance to take your children to learn the exciting history of Spanish art discovering the remains of Visigoth and early Christian art. Spanish-Arab art evolved from the 8th to the 15th centuries and can be seen in the magnificent palaces in Cordoba and Zaragoza. Why not stay in one of our villas to rent on the Spanish mainland near Granada and visit the Alhambra which is a superb Moorish fortress and palace for an unforgettable experience.

Modern Spanish Art

Catalonia was a fertile place for the development of Art Nouveau in the late 19th century. Perhaps book one of our apartments in Spain and see Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Church and Casa Mila – a visit is a must for all holidays to Spain. The Museu Picasso in Barcelona features many of Picasso’s early works and also in the Museu Picasso Malaga, you can see his other significant contributions. Salvador Dali and Jean Miro were two of the central artists in the surrealist movement, whose works you can also enjoy during your holiday. If you are interested in Balearic artists, don’t miss Es Baluard museum of modern and contemporary art whilst renting on the Balearic Island of Majorca.

Service – Why NOVASOL?

NOVASOL provides a personal and local service, offering professionals on the ground in each of our holiday destinations. This means more time spent enjoying the incredible cultural gifts that Spain has to offer, and less time worrying about maintenance or other rental queries. Our local professionals are there to help and this service is what puts NOVASOL at the forefront of holiday lettings in Spain and around the continent. Book your holiday rental today and see exactly why so many people love to stay with NOVASOL.