Spain is a feast for the 60-year-old senses

Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe, and we don’t just mean in land size, the people are larger than life and so is everything about the country’s food, music and culture.

No matter what stage of life you’re at, the country has something special that seems to win people over, but it is especially appealing for travellers over 60 who are looking for a memorable holiday experiences with little to fuss over.

If you’re thinking about travelling to Spain, then be warned, because you can’t just visit the country once. After your first trip, you’ll no doubt want to return over and over again. Take a look at why Spain is an exciting feast for 60-year-old senses.

Culture

While Paella, sangria and flamenco dance is a great part of Spain’s culture, it is such a small part of what makes this country truly great. There is a great sense of national pride in Spain, but that pride changes depending on what area of the country you visit. Because the country is divided into multiple regions, which have their own governments and even their own languages and dialects, there is a strong sense of regional pride. The culture, the food, the accents and even the way of being for people in Basque Country, for example, is much different to the people and the culture in the capital of Madrid. By paying attention to these regional differences, it allows you to see that the country is much more diverse than you might first think.

History

Image: Jose Ignacio Soto/Shutterstock.com

The history of Spain is a colourful one, with architecture being the most obvious legacy of previous kingdoms, invasions and long lasting political rule. A trip through Andalucía will introduce you to the Moorish history in Spain and the palaces that were created during this time. Granada’s Alhambra is one of the most famous palaces and fortresses, and was built in 889AD then renovated in the mid-13th century.

There are also medieval castles, royal palaces and fortresses that are impressive architectural features in Spain’s cities and towns. The Alcazar of Segovia is around an hour and a half north of Madrid, and is said to be the inspiration behind Cinderella’s Castle at Disneyland. It sits at the top of a hill in the town and is a beautiful backdrop for your holiday snaps.

The food

There’s no point in visiting Spain if you’re not going to delve into the culture through the food. And while the sangria and paella are fantastic options, there are other dishes to take your pick from, too.

1. Fabada Asturiana

A delicious mix of beans, chorizo, sausage and, of course, paprika. Spanish cuisine just wouldn’t be the same without paprika.

2. Pulpo estilo feira

There is nothing quite like freshly seared baby octopus, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. The Spanish love their seafood and don’t be afraid to try the octopus. It’s delicious!

3. Bocadillos

An absolute staple in Spanish cuisine, although this is more of your lunchtime meal than for a fancy dinner. Bocadillos are basically sandwiches in thick crusty bread. You’ll never look at a ham and cheese sandwich again once you’ve tried one of these.

4. Tortilla Española

Another absolute must try meal while you’re travelling through Spain has got to be the Tortilla Espanola. It’s the simplicity of this dish that makes it so darned yummy. It’s basically a layered potato and egg cake, that is traditionally served cold.

5. Crema Catalana

This is the one for the sweet tooth. It is Spain’s answer to a Crème brûlée.

6. Paella

Of course we couldn’t forget the paella. It’s most commonly served with seafood, but other varieties are available including chicken and rabbit. And a tip for people on the hunt for the perfect paella, make sure the rice is crusty on the bottom. That’s the key!

7. Jamón Ibérico

Jamon Iberico is more than just a ham, it’s a religion for the people in Spain. Ok, that might be going too far, but the Spanish are serious about their cured meats.

Getting around Spain

Spain is a relatively easy country to travel around, and there are a lot of transport options including buses, high-speed trains and domestic flights to help you get around. There is also the option to hire a car, but be sure to factor in the toll roads, which can put you back €45 on a 3.5-hour drive.

Public toilet, on the other hand, can be a little bit harder to navigate, if you can even find them! Some restaurants will allow you to their their bathrooms, even if you’re not a patron, while others are very strict about who can and cannot use their bathrooms. Fast food chains and larger hotels are a great option if you find yourself need a bathroom while travelling.

Have you travelled through Spain? What were your favourite things to see and do while you were there? Add Spain to your bucket list here.