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Europe seems to be the place for cultural immersion for everyone, no matter the season, and we can’t say we’re surprised.
The continent has millennia upon millennia of history and is home to some of the oldest and best preserved ancient cities built by humanity. From Roman ruins in Italy to Viking Age villages in the Scandinavian wilderness, Europe’s cultural diversity is unparalleled.
Although the options are far from limited, if you’ve been dreaming of cobbled old towns and medieval castles and are trying to take a transatlantic trip this winter, this European country is the place to go:
Spain is the new cultural capital of Europe
Spanning much of Europe’s southwestern peninsula known as Iberia, Spain needs no introduction.
It has always been a hugely popular tourist destination and a soft power whose cultural influence precedes it. Spanish culture is all around us, from the most widely used language in Latin America to the music on the radio and tapa bars in your favorite city.
In a way, we are all familiar with Spanish culture, even those who may have never been to Spain.
Yet it is largely portrayed in the media as one sunny outing and somewhere you go in the summer, or at the latest in the fall, when it’s warm enough to wear shorts and swim and live your best tropical life.
As you are about to learn, Spain indeed is so much more than that and the crowded party islands full of reggaeton clubs – it can be an incredible cultural destination all year round.
More tourists are flying to Spain with cultural trips in mind
Cultural tourism in Spain could have surpassed pre-pandemic levels as a growing number of foreign visitors choose the destination precisely for its cultural value, according to new research from the National Institute of Statistics.
As the data shows, 19.3 percent of international Spanish visitors have culture as their main interest when holidaying in Spain. one fifth of all trips in 2022.
This year, the numbers are likely to be even higher as demand among Americans for cultural expeditions has increased shot up since the wider reopening of the world to tourism in late 2022.
We now also know where tourists go for culture, now that it is known which cities and autonomous provinces are home to the most culture seekers.
Which destinations in Spain are taking the lead?
As expected, Andalusia came out on top 2.7 million rides.
It is not only the hottest region in Spain, but in all of Europe. Until November, maximum temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius are reached daily, especially in the capital Seville and coastal towns such as Malaga and Sanlucar. The region is best known for its Arabic heritage.
In case you didn’t know, this part of Spain remained under Arab control for hundreds of years, and much of the local culture has been influenced by North Africa, including its architecture (think Granada’s monumental Alhambra) and cuisine .
If you want to escape the biting cold this winter but still want to visit Europe, Andalusia is likely where you’ll find the highest temperatures.
It is followed by Madrid and the wider capital region, elected by 1.2 million tourists as their cultural destination. A major European city, Madrid is known for its wide, leafy boulevards, stately public buildings and world-class museums.
The Prado Museum is one of the most visited in the world and houses iconic works by Diego Velazques, Francisco Goya, Caravaggio, Raphael and others.
Castile and Leon comes in third place with 1.1 million rides. The cultural heart of the former Castilian kingdom, where the modern Spanish language originated. This province is also called the ‘Land of Castles’, as more than 300 fortifications have been built there.
Three of the most important cultural destinations in Castile and León are Salamanca, an ocher city with a monumental cathedral, Segovia, where tourists can admire a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, and Burgos, a walled city and one of the best in Europe. preserved medieval gemstones.
It’s at number four Catalonia has passed the milestone of one millionth cultural visitor.
Home to Barcelona, a major port on the Mediterranean and a global destination known for its Gothic Quarter, La Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi monuments, the scenic Costa Brava and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Catalan homeland is a culture seeker’s dream come true.
Are you visiting Spain this winter and not sure where to go? Read more about the country here and be inspired.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
