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There are many tempting destinations when it comes to considering a European trip, not least to sunny Spain.
Cities like Barcelona, Seville and Madrid are tempting enough before you even start thinking about beach destinations like the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands or even the Canary Islands – Spain really has everything.
And the fact is, American travelers have been used to that I’ve been loving Spain this past year.
The latest data from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism shows that more than 3.5 million Americans have visited Spain in 2023, which is more than 17% more than in the last year before the pandemic, 2019.
And the 2024 forecast shows that figure could continue to grow – so why is one of Europe’s cultural gems so popular with American travelers right now?
Universal appeal
As mentioned above, Spain has something for everyone.
Iconic attractions such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or Plaza Mayor in Madrid will always attract the crowds eager to experience the archetypal European city break.
Then there is the region of Andalusia in the south of Spain with intriguing cities that showcase the country’s Moorish history, such as Seville, Cordoba and Malaga.
From Malaga, head east along the coast to find some of Spain’s best resorts, perfect for families and couples.
There are even many idyllic island destinations to choose from, such as the Balearic Islands, which recently broke their tourism record, and the volcanic Canary Islands, which lie off the coast of northwest Africa.
For those who prefer to stray off the beaten track, Spain has some lesser-known destinations such as Galicia that are ideal for discovering other, more rustic sides of the country.
Flights are plentiful and affordable
The choice of flights from the US to Spain has increased along with the country’s popularity.
Americans can fly non-stop to a wide range of destinations in Spain, including Mallorca.
According to travel booking website Kayak, round-trip flights from New York to Spain can cost as little as $400, and from Los Angeles around $500.
However, flight prices vary greatly depending on the time of year. Be flexible with your dates and you are sure to find a good deal.
Digital nomads are welcome
The Spanish digital nomad visa has been very popular since it was first launched in May 2023 as part of the country’s StartUp Act.
To qualify, you must prove that you earn double the Spanish minimum wage (about $2,700 per month), are from outside the European Economic Area, and have not been a resident of Spain in the past five years.
You can stay on the visa for up to a year and then apply for an extension. You can also bring a spouse or partner, but the amount you need to earn increases by about 25% if you do so.
The visa even allows you to work for Spanish companies, provided the money does not exceed 20% of your total income.
Cities like Seville and Valencia have proven to be very popular meeting places for digital nomads thanks to their beautiful weather, interesting culture and excellent transport links.
Spanish life is great
Immersing yourself in the culture of Spain for a few weeks is good for the soul.
Life is slower here than in America, with time spent enjoying coffee with friends being an essential part of life (as is the afternoon siesta).
Evening plans tend to happen much later in Spain than in America – if you’re going out to eat, realistically don’t think about them until 8pm (and even that’s a bit early for Spain).
People in Spain also know how to throw a party, with a rich calendar of celebrations throughout the year that are often a great way to see some of the traditions in action, such as flamenco dancing and great music.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
