Brits and Spain seemingly have an unbreakable bond.
Year after year, flights are booked, bags are packed, and an army of pasty tourists descends on Spanish beaches like clockwork. However, it’s not just about the sunshine (though that certainly helps). There’s something about Spain that keeps us coming back, or in some cases, moving there entirely. These are just some of the reasons we can’t get enough of the likes of Ibiza, Mallorca, Tenerife, Alicante, and the list goes on and on…
1. The weather actually feels like summer.
Let’s be honest — the British summer is an unreliable mess. In fact, it’s basically nonexistent at times. One minute, you’re basking in glorious sunshine, the next, you’re running for cover from a sudden downpour. Spain, on the other hand, delivers proper summer weather. Hot days, warm nights, and zero need to pack a ‘just in case’ jacket. For sun-starved Brits who’ve spent months under grey skies, stepping off the plane into that first wave of heat is pure bliss. No wondering if you’ll need an umbrella — just guaranteed warmth from sunrise to sunset.
2. The beaches are actually worth visiting.
A day at the beach in the UK often involves braving freezing winds, dodging seagulls, and hoping your ice cream doesn’t get covered in sand. Spain, however, has beaches that actually feel like a holiday. Golden sands, warm water, and sunbeds that don’t require you to fight off a determined pensioner. Whether it’s the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, or a quiet little cove, the beaches in Spain make you feel like you’re living your best life. And best of all? No one’s trying to sell you a disappointing 99p Flake.
3. Spanish food is actually good.
British holiday food usually consists of whatever’s cheapest, easiest, or most familiar, but in Spain, you actually want to eat the local stuff. Tapas, fresh seafood, proper paella — Spain knows how to do food properly. Even the simple things, like a plate of jamón ibérico or a perfectly cooked tortilla, taste like something special. And for those who refuse to branch out? Even the chips taste better in Spain.
4. Wine doesn’t cost a fortune.
Here, drinking wine at a restaurant can feel like a financial risk. In Spain, you can get a fantastic bottle for the price of a sad glass back home. Whether it’s a crisp white, a full-bodied red, or a dangerously good sangria, drinking in Spain feels like a bargain. Even at supermarkets, the wine selection is ridiculous — good quality, affordable, and no overpriced nonsense. No wonder Brits spend half our time in Spain sipping on something delicious.
5. The laid-back lifestyle actually makes sense.
Spain has mastered the art of slowing down, and we’re all too happy to join in. Long lunches, siestas, and a general attitude of “mañana, mañana” make a refreshing change from the rush of everyday British life. At first, it’s confusing — why is nothing open between 2 and 5 p.m.? But once you get used to it, it’s a game-changer. Life doesn’t have to be a constant rush, and Spain proves it.
6. Eating dinner late actually feels normal.
Back at home, dinner at 9 p.m. feels like a mistake. In Spain, it’s just the start of the night. Restaurants don’t even get busy until late, and somehow, it all just makes sense. Who wants to eat at 6 p.m. when the sun’s still blazing? Sitting outside with a cold drink, watching the world go by as plates of tapas keep arriving — it’s the kind of relaxed evening that we quickly get used to. The only problem? Adjusting back to early dinner times back home.
7. The cost of living is a dream compared to the UK.
Food, rent, wine, meals out — it’s all noticeably cheaper in Spain. While we’re used to paying through the nose for the basics back home, a trip to Spain makes it clear just how much further your money can go. Even simple things like a cup of coffee or a round of drinks feel like a bargain. No wonder so many of us start doing the mental calculations on how we could afford to move there permanently.
8. The cities are full of character.
From Barcelona’s incredible architecture to Madrid’s buzzing nightlife and Seville’s old-world charm, Spanish cities have something for everyone. There’s history, culture, and a sense of life being properly lived. Even smaller towns and villages have their own magic, thanks to their whitewashed buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and little squares where life just slows down. A quick city break somehow always turns into wanting to stay longer.
9. Spanish markets put British supermarkets to shame.
Forget overpriced, plastic-wrapped fruit — Spanish markets are the real deal. Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour, the produce is next level. Even something as simple as a tomato tastes completely different. And it’s not just the fruit and veg! The meats, cheeses, olives, and seafood stalls make you realise how average supermarket shopping feels back home. There’s just something satisfying about buying fresh ingredients from a proper market.
10. The festivals are next-level.
Spain doesn’t just do festivals; it does them properly. Whether it’s the crazy energy of La Tomatina, the fire-filled madness of Las Fallas, or the colourful chaos of Feria de Abril, the Spanish know how to throw a party. Even smaller local fiestas feel like something out of a movie — live music, dancing in the streets, and an atmosphere that’s impossible not to get swept up in. We love a good knees-up, but Spain takes it to another level.
11. Supermarkets sell alcohol like it’s no big deal.
Walking into a Spanish supermarket and seeing entire aisles dedicated to wine, beer, and spirits never gets old. There’s none of the over-the-top pricing or restrictions, just shelves stacked with affordable, quality booze. And the best part is that no one treats it like a forbidden luxury. Want a bottle of wine with your weekly shop? No judgement, just good prices and plenty of choice. Absolute bliss.
12. The pace of life just feels better.
In the UK, everything is rushed — work, commuting, eating, even relaxing feels like it’s on a schedule. Spain does things differently. There’s time to breathe, enjoy a meal properly, and actually take life at a more reasonable pace. Even in big cities, there’s a sense that no one is in a desperate hurry all the time. It’s a lifestyle shift that we tend to get attached to and struggle to let go of when we have to come back home.
13. It’s ridiculously easy to get to.
One of the biggest reasons Brits keep returning to Spain? It’s just so easy. A short flight, plenty of routes, and cheap deals make it one of the simplest holiday destinations to reach. And once you get there, everything feels familiar. Whether it’s the expat communities, the English menus, or just the sheer number of fellow Brits, Spain is like a second home. No wonder so many people never want to leave.
