You will always want an authentic experience when you go abroad, but this is not always easy, especially in popular tourist destinations like Spain.
Despite its popularity with tourists, the country has a rich culture, diverse landscapes, and authentic experiences when you know how to find them. Keep reading to uncover top tips on how to have an authentic Spanish experience.
Authentic Accommodation
Instead of choosing a hotel in a busy resort, consider hiring a villa in a charming Spanish village or coastal town. This will give you a much more authentic experience and the ability to live like the locals do, while also benefiting from greater privacy and more space than you would get at a hotel.
Explore Local Markets
Local markets are always one of the best ways to see how the locals live, and it can be a fascinating experience in Spain. Visiting a local market is great for people-watching, but it also gives you the opportunity to buy fresh ingredients and prepare a traditional Spanish dish back at your villa.
Living in a villa with a kitchen allows for a more authentic culinary experience and can save you a huge amount of money as you will not have to eat at restaurants each night.
Participate in Local Traditions
No matter where you are in the world, you should try to participate in local traditions as a way to immerse yourself in the culture and have an authentic experience.
Fortunately, Spain is a fantastic place for this, with many fun and interesting traditions to partake in. Keep in mind that Spain has a late-night culture, which means that it is common for people to not eat dinner until 10PM. Be sure to research any local festivals happening during your stay, such as Feria de Abril or La Tomatina as festivals will always be a great way to have an authentic Spanish experience.
Beyond Tourist Hotspots
There is a lot more to Spain than the tourist hotspots of places like Barcelona and Madrid. Spain is a large and incredibly beautiful and diverse country to explore, so try to find places that are slightly off the beaten path for a more authentic (and quieter) experience. There are small towns and villages, nature parks, and coastal areas to discover here. A few hidden gems worth checking out include:
- Calella de Palafrugell (Costa Brava)
- Aguero (Aragon)
- Mijas (Andalusia)
- San Andres (Tenerife)
- Cudillero (Asturias)
Spain is an incredible country with a huge amount of heart and culture, but people often do not get to experience this as they visit the major tourist spots. By following this guide, you will get to see how the locals live and discover the joys of the Spanish lifestyle.
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