11 Things You MUST DO In Spain!

[@spainrevealed]

What else would you recommend people visiting Spain should do to have a truly rich and local experience? Let us know below!

[@gaulpereira2924]

Great Videos, perhaps one for Yoli, Sevillanas. It is a beautiful dance and full of history.

[@LiborSupcik]

Ferry to Las Palmas

[@meredithmcduffie9049]

Visiting Barcelona and San Sebastian in Sept. This might seem silly, but would love your and Yoli's tips on what to wear to not look like a tourist :). Both beach and city attire? Thanks!

[@EsperanzaBarcoAlonso]

@@meredithmcduffie9049 Do not wear white sport socks and sandals, as this is typical of "guiris" (foreign tourists). Jeans and polo shirts are O.K. 😉😉😉😉

[@meredithmcduffie9049]

Agustina Saragossa i Domènech Oh my, I wouldn’t wear white socks with sandals anywhere 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrJimbo327]

I've traveled extensively in the US and I look for the same experiences when in Spain. Stay out of the tourist traps, visit the local bars and try to go "native." Last year, in Cadiz, I wandered into a pub where several patrons were playing guitar and singing Flamenca. Just hanging out, drinking, and having fun. Made some friends from Ireland and met an old man who talked about being expatriated during the Franco Era. History, culture, and friendship in a bar that could seat 40 people at most. One of the highlights of my trip.

[@3indignada]

It is always better to be a traveler than a tourist. You learn more from the sites you visit

[@mistreated]

7. Eat a menú del día in an old man bar! Oh, yeah! Love doing this. Old dudes playing cards at the back table, slot machine in the corner and simple, honest food coming off the grill. After lunch, we sit around, read the paper and plan our evenings. Highly recommend this. Great advice.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you! Glad you agree!

[@amparoalvarez9001]

When I was little I used to watch the old men play "Bolos" I would stay there for hours while my mother would be looking for me for dinner...I was only 6 or 7...Yes children were very safe...All adults would be watching after all the children...

[@kennielsen3896]

Beware, I had a 75-80 year old ask if he could sit at my table on a bar patio. Absolutely as I hadn’t practiced speaking Spanish all day. Well, he gave me an hour long Spanish history lesson. Understood about 1/2 of what he said. Great fun.

[@draculakickyourass]

@@kennielsen3896 Allow me to share my experience. I came to visit Spain 20 years ago,got to a village and i entered in a bar for a beer. 6 hours later i came out having an apartment rented and a job starting the next day,ha ha ha Now i'm maried, i have a 18 years old son and i still live in the same apartment.

[@RicardoElCorrazonDeLeon]

Boy, is your advice correct! My first time in Barcelona I began interacting with others by stating, "Lo siento pero no puedo hablar catalan." From that moment on, people were falling over themselves to help me and make sure I was going to enjoy Catalonia and had somebody with whom to talk. Although I am an American, people in the U.S. always tell me that I am slow and pokey. I learned in Spain that what I prefer to do - enjoy the surroundings and the people, is not a negative quality. Needless to say, travel in Spain has been one of the greatest travel experiences of my life.

[@andrewmoore8480]

When you are travelling through Spain, leave the car behind and take a long train journey.It's a fantastic way to see rural Spain! An eiht or nine hour train journey from Costa Blanca to northerm Spain costs about 150€. The traons are clean punctual and seats have lots of legroom. It's truly a wonderful journey and it adds an extra dimension to your holiday....it's not about getting from A to B...

[@luluq01]

You guys are so cute! I am watching you more and more. I live in the US but I am Cuban born from grandparents who emigrated to Cuba. I was forced to leave Cuba at 10 years old, but while growing up there, I was immersed in Spanish culture. Our food, our customs,everything that revolves around my grandparents was like living in Spain. You bring back so many memories. Thank you.

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you for watching! I'm glad you're enjoying!

[@josealvarez2470]

Great Video. I am a native that has lived in the USA for 40 years. My wife and children are all american. I love my country and I am in the process of trying to convince my wife to retire in Spain. My family is from Asturias, although I was born and grew up in Madrid. Asturias has a special place in my heart, and that is where I would love to retire.

[@turbobrick09]

I agree 💯 and would add: road trip through the countryside. Last summer we drove Barçelona, Toledo, Sevilla, Madrid, Castelldefels and you can't help but to fall in love with Spain. The windmills, the olive groves, the sunflower fields, the shadow bulls, then the el Tío Pepe statue that greets you. Traveling from Sevilla to Madrid we drove through the Extremadura and absolutely loved the villages along the way. Take the time to be a local! You're spot on with this list!

[@helenvwalker7919]

Thank you for mentioning Murcia. I live there. Many guidebooks ignore this authentic part of Spain. Why are people so afraid to chat with the locals? For me this has been the best bit of advice you have ever given. Just a tiny effort to do this can prove SO rewarding!!!! P.s. loved the dress you wore for the wedding Yoli .

[@El_Nombre-e3x]

Not Murcia...

[@jimmurihiku8009]

I recommend as a green Kiwi,the (Camino de Santiago) I did this and had the most memorable life experience visiting and exploring local villages and meeting a wide variety of people. Sometimes I woke up and thought I was in New Zealand with the different landscapes, in some areas just like New Zealand. I have to say ,visit the cathedrals. Absolutely magnificent.

[@spainrevealed]

great tip Jim!

[@campurriana]

I love when James says "we had a fascinating history, we had civil war" and he says "we" including himself as a Spaniard!!! It's very funny to me but I love that you feel that way. You are more than welcome here!!

[@perrasintheghetto]

Es que James no lo sabe todavía pero es español. Al menos yo lo creo. Es nuestro embajador en Nueva Zelanda.

[@campurriana]

@@perrasintheghetto Jajaja, yo creo que sí, embajador de España online... (eso debería de existir de verdad)

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!

[@ahmadabdul-ghaffar4540]

@@spainrevealed you have integrated into spain but you have kept your kiwi heart (kiwis are very kind) I live in new zealand

[@jankowalsky7325]

In Colombia was a youtuber from northeamerica...a "gringo." He did many videos from Colombia landscapes and culture (Zack Morris) and believe or not...maybe with help of some contacts in the govern.but he achieve the nationallity oficial from Colombia as a kind of honour!! I promise James did a lot much for prommoting the spanish culture...than this guy for Colombia..

[@supertren]

Tienes un amor por nuestro país que de verdad nos honras. Yo soy español y quiero decirte de corazón: Muchas gracias James de parte de los españoles!. Te puedo preguntar: te sientes medio español?, piensas que un poquito de tu corazón es español?.

[@spainrevealed]

No me siento medio español, pero me siento muy integrado - gracias!!

[@edupapers8691]

a mi me encanta ver estos videos y la vision de alguien que no es de aquí. Creía que las pipas se comían en todo el mundo y el paseo era una cosa normal!

[@yiolaalexiou6826]

i cant believe it ! The moment i was waching your video i was eating (snacking ) sunflower seeds !!! And i live in Greece ! Imagine that! My daughter is a student in Spain though so your videos are a MUST

[@spainrevealed]

That's hilarious!

[@lchen3788]

Chinese are pros at snacking on all sorts of seeds: beside sunflower seeds, watermelon and pumpkin seeds are popular

[@DulceN]

L Chen - Spaniards love those seeds as well.

[@rachael_grey]

"Ghosts of Spain" is brilliant. A wonderful recommendation! I adore Cervantes. What a great sense of humour that man had.

[@bernardeta31]

That was a great list. I have been going from US to Spain/Galicia all of my life and here is my list (what do you think? :) ) Would love to see you both experiencing Galicia. My Top 12 To Do In Spain : 1) Tapeando with friends (bar hopping and eating tapas) 2) During mercado days in Galicia you can eat octopus made in a large caldron outside 3) Experience a procession during Semana Santa (a shock to most Americans) 4) Go to La Boqueria in Barcelona (or an indoor market). Seeing fish and pig heads is an experience 5) Got to the beach and eat pipas (sunflowers seeds) 6) Visit a cathedral like Sagrada Familia 7) Get invited to a big event to experience the 5+ hours eating at a table with at least 5 courses 8) Take a boat trip to eat recently caught mussels in O Grove, Galicia 9) Have breakfast at a pasteleria. Must have the thick chocolate with the pastries 10) Go for a nature walk 11) Visit a Carefour (huge grocery store) 12) Experience the day-to-day life of a farmer in Galicia

[@arianam9977]

7) I am Spanish and I've never experienced that. The usual thing is to go to a restaurant with family if you're young or friends if you're an adult and stay there from like 15:00 (lunch time) to 17:00 or 18:00 (coffee time). And after the coffee then we leave. So it's like 2 or 3 hours at most, never 5, we have more things to do in the day 🙃 9) That's not common for breakfast. For breakfast we usually go to a cafetería and have healthy things like toast with olive oil, tomato, Spanish ham, etc. The sweet things (chocolate things) are common in the afternoon, between 17:00 and 19:00, which is the merienda time (or coffee/snack time in English). 11) Carrefour is a common supermarket in Spain. But it's actually French. A popular Spanish supermarket is Mercadona (I recommend you to look for Mercadona's song on youtube, it's the best XD)

[@bernardeta31]

Ariana M Everyone has different experiences. When I went to my cousins wedding anniversary it was at a restaurant and we were setted for 6 hours...from 1 to 7. As to the breakfast, my friends in Galicia go and get pastel mill hojas and canas....delicious. I have never seen my family, friends and neighbors eat ham for breakfast...tostadas definetly. Carefour blows my mind...love seeing so much better food than stores in US

[@arianam9977]

@@bernardeta31 7) Okay, I hadn't read "a big event". 9) But that's not common at all. I am not saying you can't do that, of course. As you say, your friends do it. Just wanted to say what is the typical thing here. 11) Agree with Carrefour. It's where my parents go to the most. But as I said it's not Spanish. So I understand that for you it's different, but for a French person or another European who is also used to Carrefour, it's nothing new.

[@88KeysIdaho]

@@arianam9977 Does the chain of stores called "El Corte Ingles" still exist? Or did Carrefour buy them out? How about Galerias Preciados?

[@1957DLT]

Honestly? Treat yourself to a Devour food tour. We did the Tapas and History tour in Old Madrid with the amazing Jake last week, and are still raving about it. It gave us the confidence to head out and tapas on our own after that, and wow did we love it. We also spent an afternoon just wandering around the amazing Buen Retiro Park, we even cheered on the final runners of the Madrid marathon. First time to Madrid, won't be our last.

[@spainrevealed]

So glad Deborah - will pass that onto Jake!

[@marcgarrigosmane166]

If you visit Barcelona you should come to Gràcia! it is an old village that was incorporated into the city, and today still has the village atmosphere. There are not many cars, the streets are full of historical sites and it is perfect for walking with the family or the couple.

[@Chahlie]

I had no idea that paella was not a supper dish. You learn something new every day :)

[@monicawilliams7350]

I used to live in Spain when I was little and loved eating pipas and used to live in a small village !! I am so excited to come back to Spain next week! Long haul from NZ but well worth it!!

[@redheadguy1951]

We went to Barcelona in 2012, our trip to Spain, and I would say definitely get out of the city if you can. Our focus seemed to be discovering, of course, the great Gaudi architecture all over Barcelona, but also of Dali, so we rented a car and headed for Figueres, his home town, and then on to Port Ligat to his studio and home - what a great trip that was, and the roads and scenery in that part of Spain were fantastic. Along the way at some point, we also stayed overnight in a Parador at Cardona (Spain has a wonderful system hotel stays in historic castles called paradores). Wandering the streets around that little town was great - had a great little local lunch and were able to get into a hardware and appliance store just to check out what was available. We also TRIED to drive up the back side of Montserrat which didn't quite go as planned....:) "One" of us doesn't like heights..lol. Let me say that when we travel, we do not go in groups - we're seniors but still enjoy planning on our own and taking what comes. One of the most memorable things we saw in Barcelona was during a walk in the old part of town, on the weekend. We did see a flamenco show and glad we did but we also encountered a local orchestra performing an outdoor concert in a square and people were just dropping jackets, grocery bags and whatever it was they were carrying in the course of their day to join a big circle folk dance..totally impromptu. There were so many who wanted to dance that several circles were formed. That was absolutely joyful to see! Great job on the video...you give great solid advise!

[@noanet8074]

The big circle folk dance is the most typical dance in Catalonia and the name of the dance is "sardanas". Very happy to know that you enjoyed our country!💗

[@spainrevealed]

Fantastic story!!! So happy to had a good time!!

[@jaimegonzaloelices3346]

I know a little village in near Burgos, it's called Covarrubias and it's a wonderful place

[@michaelthatcher3825]

Last year I walked the Camino del Norte from Irun to Santiago and I can honestly say the very best food I enjoyed was in the Basque Country. The Menu da Dias were amazing, usually about 10 euros but that INCLUDED a whole bottle of the great local wine (usually Branco) with something like baked merluza.

[@mistacarva]

We eat sunflower seeds in the Southern US, never considered it wasn’t popular worldwide

[@DulceN]

Will Carver - I’m a Spaniard living in Virginia and eat ‘David’ sunflower seeds all the time. I was so happy to find them!

[@EquuleusPictor]

They are popular in the Balkans as well. But they are considering low class (especially when spitting the skin on the floor) ...

[@meghankreger4672]

Yes, I'm from Tennessee and grew up eating sunflowers seed. Maybe BBQ flavor is only in the southern US 🤣

[@Eli-ou8sq]

Yeah we have them in gas stations in Canada + California. I only really eat them in school or on roadtrips

[@Jorgejtrdr]

@@meghankreger4672 in Spain most popular flavours are Tijuana (spicy), BBQ or just with salt

[@James-ig1vp]

sobremesa , wish we did this in Ireland. I love when im in the house of girlfriend in Valencia we eat a huge meal with her family, Then we stay put eat nuts and piles of fruit :L:L its brilliant hahahaha

[@honestguy7764]

Explore the neighbourhoods as well! Best advice ever but not only for Spain. I like to see how people live so I avoid crowded downtowns...

[@EsmaTabak55]

We eat seeds while people watching in Bosnia too :) and at home while watching TV or just socializing with friends/family.

[@rchoi27]

My BFF and I have sunflower seeds eating contests. She always wins.

[@ozgeercandurukan963]

Hola amigos! In Turkey we do the same too, love eating seeds (çıt çıt çıt)

[@elysandraAli]

Jasmina X its in all East European countries and the Middle East. It’s a tradition coming from the Ottoman Empire and Caliphates. There is actually a history behind it (history nerd yeee😅)

[@alexigualadaortiz3867]

Both of you make me love my damn country a bit more... And you know how complex is the relation of spaniards with Spain itself...

[@Frank-wo3qm]

I would recommend Asturias for a less travelled area. We drove through it a few years back and I was really shocked at how different the scenery was as well as the culture. For example, the local drink is not wine, it's a type of cider, and they have an interesting way of pouring it. The culture in general has a much more Celtic feel to it, they even play a type of bag pipe.

[@fermontesino]

Soy de Argentina y pronto estaré por España! Sus consejos me resultaron muy útiles para disfrutar al máximo!! Hay muchas costumbres de Argentina que heredamos de España e Italia!!

[@santwanadas187]

España es mejor

[@vilmerenstrom1550]

Igual a mi. Soy sueco, y fui a vivir en España. Era bastante difícil cambiar país. Pero en mi opinión si te mueves a un país nuevo tienes que aprender la lengua y la cultura por respeto a ese país. Y estos videos me han ayudado mucho, la verdad.

[@jyfromcq]

LOVE all your tips! Totally agree with #1 recommendation. I was on a train from Madrid to Barcelona last year and had a wonderful conversation the whole way with a local. I learned so much about Spain just through him and I'm sure he did as well about where I live and where I'm from. The Spanish people are so hospitable. I have to say that was one of my best travel experiences ever.

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome - so glad it went well!

[@jonbodnar2826]

Love learning from your videos as someone relatively new to Spain. I think one thing many visitors overlook when visiting Valencia is el Cabanyal. As one of your tips regarding visiting neighbourhoods out of the historic center, it seems like many visitors go to visit the beach for the day but don't plan to stay for late lunch or dinner. Wandering the streets of cabanyal away from the beach, visitors will find amazing local bar/restaurants with a strong seafood focus. A most wonderful tapa for after the beach with a refreshing beer or wine or sparkling water is titaina. Essentially a delicious tuna and tomato based spread for fresh bread that originated in the tiny beach "town" just a few minutes outside of Valencia city.

[@gabrieleangelocalvillo3364]

Each time i see one of your videos, I'm more sure that Spainiards and us Italians are brother nations...Not twins, but sure bros!

[@dioramandiecast185]

Mediterranean countries are all maybe not brothers but cousins for sure!!

[@AlexanderRivera23]

That’s without a doubt!

[@nit11]

All the mediterranean. I'm from Ibiza, once i went to Greek and... I was like home, the houses, the vegetation... Except the ruins and Athenas (fuking big and caotic). When i saw that white square house with a buganvilia and the sea behind... "I'm in the other side of the sea snd this house is like mine" Tunez is the same. Italia is more like Catalunya... The only exotic place is Menorca (i've never been in Istambul or Venecia, they seem exotic too). Is a problem with that? No! I love our mediterranean culture!

[@davidhidalgofernandez1299]

In fact, for many years much of Italy and Spain have been the same country. Not only when the Romans dominated the Mediterranean but the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily belonged to the Spanish crown for a long time. So it is normal that we have many similarities.

[@ibelieve2779]

@@nit11 I love ibiza it's a magical island

[@xaviermartinezcanamero5152]

Soy de Barcelona y me encanta este canal porque me gusta saber lo que piensa

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias Xavier!

[@xaviermartinezcanamero5152]

Gracias a ti también

[@santwanadas187]

Las cosas buenas están en España

[@colleensmith3638]

Years ago we visited Ronda in the south of Spain. We stayed in a parador overlooking a deep canyon. The food was amazing. It was quiet and the countryside was beautiful.

[@peter_bazinet]

I LOVE it when Yoly is on camera with you!!!!!

[@mattf1035]

Great Video! I would say that as an American, I grew up playing baseball and that is a culture rich in consumption of sunflower seeds. I learned at an early age to pop one in my mouth and get that seed out. We often have flavored sunflower seeds for the specific reason or savoring the moments of getting the seed out in our mouths. Then we typically spit them out all over the baseball field or in the dug-out mostly.

[@fionafloreswatson]

Great video, full of excellent tips, and I say that as someone who’s lived here in Spain, and been writing about it, for 16 years! I would add, greeting people when you go into any office, shop, or any room with people in it - “Buenos días/tardes/noches” depending on the time of day. This is considered polite, and not doing it comes across as a bit off-hand. I always try remember, though sometimes forget and then feel bad!

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you Fiona! I’m glad you approve. That means a lot :)

[@spainrevealed]

And good point on the greeting entry. I came to Spain post France and in France it’s even more intense!

[@alastairjohnson4038]

Strongly recommend the green, rainy north, looks like Ireland or New Zealand, so Cantabria, Asturias & Galicia, great food too. Then some smaller provincial capitals that even Spaniards tend not to visit very much, like Teruel (amazing Mudéjar architecture), Soria, Burgos, Palencia, Plasencia, Cuenca, Cáceres, etc. Then last, but not least, the literally thousands of beautiful, historic ‘pueblos’ often surrounded by medieval walls, with castles, churches, monasteries, cobbled streets, etc. My personal highlights would be Pedraza (Segovia), Albarracín (Teruel), El Escorial (Madrid), Almagro (Ciudad Real), La Alberca (Salamanca), LaGuardia (Álava), Santo Domingo de La Calzada (Rioja), Covarrubias (Burgos), Zahara de La Sierra (Cádiz), Setenil De Las Bodegas (Cádiz- truly surreal place) and, perhaps the most impressive of all, Ronda (Málaga). But there are countless more in every corner of the country. Enjoy!

[@texuztweety]

I really can't thank you two enough for this video, my day was a bit stressful and I immediately thought to watch your new video as a fun distraction. It did the trick and lifted my spirits, a million thanks! 😃😃

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad it helped!

[@celiamayo8997]

La paella recien hecha la puedes encontrar en muchisimos restaurantes de toda España los fines de semana, especialmente los domingos.

[@santwanadas187]

Visité Francia y Alemania. Pero, España es mi patria, Madrid no es mejor que París, porque París es la ciudad más hermosa que he visto, pero Madrid y Valencia son mejores que cualquier ciudad europea.

[@eynat4642]

The sunflower seeds issue cracks me up. I lived in the former USSR and other countries where people eat them all the time. I don't get why you can't break them lol. Love both of you guys.

[@Sylphadora]

You forgot “rent a car and get lost in the M-30” 😛 I mean, it’s a rite of passage for all new drivers

[@someinteresting]

Please, elaborate.

[@AIgorythm]

@@someinteresting it's a tricky highway that we have in Madrid what we use to joke about it because it's easy for foreigners to get lost in it. Sorry for answering late I hope it'll help you. Greetings from Spain!

[@someinteresting]

@@AIgorythm Thank you, it is very nice to explain it.

[@knighttimeanimation]

I'm moving to Madrid in a few months for my new job. I'm feeling many different emotions but I am so excited to make this huge change. :D Your videos have been helping me.

[@ThePsychicStylist]

Madrid is so much easier than the rest of Spain. Beauty and museums. You'll be fine, my friend.

[@bryankenney3421]

I lived in Madrid for 1yr back in the mid-80s. I lived in a really nice suburban neighborhood (Calle Monteverde)off of the Alameda de Osuna area. Going towards Barajas Airport. Yes, all the people, including children, would be out playing/socializing @ midnight or later. The great thing about it is I'm a hard core night owl myself. So this worked out perfect for me. I made the decision to move back to Spain to live, after being away from it for almost 40yrs. I'm fed up with living here in the States. Even though it's my "home". I have many reasons why I want to move to Espana. I wouldn't make such a huge decision just for one reason. It's a bit too early for me to attend your Masterclass ZOOM session you're having on Tuesday. But I am now starting to relearn Spanish in different ways. Babbel app, taking out Spanish learning books @ public library, watching Mexican television channels. I'll hook up with your Masterclass soon, James. However, I just made the decision to move to Spain a couple weeks ago. Even with me doing everything I should do(going on ALL your advice), it will probably be another 4-5 years before I set my feet on to Spanish soil. A LOT of things have to happen for me before I can move there. I'll try to be patient. I❤🇪🇦 VIVA ESPANA!!

[@jgrainger8056]

I just returned from a 7 City/10 Day trip (Barcelona, Granada, Ronda, Gibraltar, Jerez, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid) - and your videos were very helpful! Thanks for all of the tips that helped make this the trip of a lifetime! I kept my hands from under the table, placed my bread on the table, went to an olive oil tasting and a sherry tasting. I had conversations with strangers, looked people directly in the eye, and ate scary things. I tried not to say please and thank you too much, and wandered into some neighborhood pubs several times. What a journey! I don't suppose you have any tips for someone wishing to live in Spain, do you?

[@ChrisSavenSH]

I love how you say we about anything Spain, James, I think that is a marker of how one feels about ones adopted nation.

[@Maxworld1982]

14:39 Talking to strangers was the most beutiful part during my journey. I never felt alone.

[@j.n.sloane]

Great suggestions, as usual. We've been to Spain 6 times and we are moving there. The very best experiences we've had are talking to strangers, having the menu del dia (although we haven't had the sobremesa so we need to do that), wandering through the mountains and small towns where there were only cows, goats and horses, grocery shopping in the little local markets and talking to the grocer about local delicacies (the cheeses, membrillo, different types of chorizo, dulces, etc.), observing the Good Friday procession in Pamplona (everyone was so quiet, solemn and respectful). We usually rent an apartment where we have a kitchen and I try cooking with the local spices and produce. I love to buy local cookbooks. Spain is wonderful.

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Julie! Good luck with the move!

[@johnlightfoot9967]

My house purchase in Alcaucin is nearly complete, then I will be out there permanently. I love Spain, been a dream for years.

[@latinaalma1947]

I first saw flamenco at the NY Worlds FAIR in 1964. They had a giant screen and showed a black and white film of a very famous flamenco dancer....she was amazing. Then everyday on the hour they had a folkloric group from Spain doing different regional SPANISH DANCES...I didntmstray far from the Spanish pavilion thatmfirst daymat the fair...I was young, just a teenager but it.was the best pavilion at the fair and I have never forgotten it. i got to go to Spain several times but I always have envied friends who got semesters abroad in Spain. I live as an expat in Guatemala.....another wonderful Spanish speaking country...it is paradise.

[@MySerena94]

Seguramente habréis estado, pero hacer un vídeo para mostrar lo precioso que es Albarracín y su entorno estaría genial! Para mí, el pueblo mas bonito de España . Un saludo :D

[@amparoalvarez9001]

No lo he visto pero mi familia ha estado allí pués conocen a alguien y quedaron con deseos de comprar terreno...Les encantó...Vivimos en EE.UU.. Yo soy española...

[@kasimsultonfan]

Great video. The books , Cervantes -absolutely. Tremlett maybe not so much , for reasons we won't go into here. The paseo... fantastic! Love it , although I recall one evening wading through what seemed like an ankle-deep carpet of pipas shells on the seafront at Castro Urdiales. Also , the "cardigan/jacket draped over the shoulders look" seemed like a paseo uniform for middle aged ladies and gentlemen. I miss Asturias !

[@clinterz]

Super informative. I'll really be prepared for my next visit to Spain...can't wait!

[@spainrevealed]

Have a great trip!

[@rawnsley]

One morning shortly after I moved here (Málaga) I was putting out the rubbish in the recycling bins. Lying on top of a box next to the paper bin was a pristine copy of Ghosts of Spain! What a find and a great read. I'd endorse all on your list many of which I do frequently. Scary food? I'm still not convinced about callos but I now love mejillas de cerdo and many other local dishes. As for a local experience none can surpass los Verdiales de Málaga.

[@spainrevealed]

Callos will get you one day!

[@Sethsm1]

Really helpful and awesome video, thanks a bunch! It's hard to find tips like this that go beyond the obvious touristy recommendations.

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Seth!

[@thadicktater6832]

Scour the wine section at carrefour for vintage bottles of tempranillo at barebones prices. Two years ago I found like 6 smaller bottles of Marques de Riscal 2010 for walmart prices.

[@Emy53]

I absolutely love to go where ALL the locals go. I love to blend in. My heritage is Portuguese and Spaniard so I am thrilled to have that experience.

[@miriamwatson303]

People watching on The Alameda de Hercules in Sevilla....perfect way to spend an evening....all life is there to see!!

[@KettleCamping]

Great video! I’m from Canada and Grew up watching baseball where eating sunflower seeds is part of the culture so I ate and still eat a lot of pipas. I put the seeds in my mouth (right side) extract the seed from the shell one at a time and store the shells on the left side. When done with the batch, I spit the all the shells out and go for more 😊 thank you!👍

[@dougkeirnes4540]

You guys are amazing. Four of us will be cruising from Rome to Ft Lauderdale in November with stops in Alicante, Malaga, and Cadiz. We're using your videos to prepare. Keep up the good work.

[@keneckert1119]

Yolanda and James, First, thank you for your Spain videos. I moved here to Barcelona in December 2022 and have learned and put into practice much of what you shared in this video (11 things you must do) and the 11 things to avoid in Spain. Your comments on the languages and specifically Catalan was spot on. I also refer to "Espanol" as Catellano. I have two questions for you: first, which small villages would you recommend near Barcelona? I don't have a car so villages accessable by train or bus would be useful. I've been to Sitges, Girona, Montserrat, Tarragona, Zaragoza, Torre Vieja and Alicante. Do y?ou have any favorites near Barcelona? Second, Yolanda mentioned Flemenco dancing. Which shows in Barcelona would you recommend? I am very interested in seeing a good one. Thanks much for your videos and the valuable information.

[@dbpike]

Awesome! I agree with all and have done most. Reflecting on Tip #2, I recall a year ago when my Spanish wife pushed me to go alone into the bar without her and try to order tapas and cervesas while she stayed on the terrace. As I approached the counter feeling a little intimidated, I kept reminding myself "you can do this!". I sized up the offering of tapas and with my broken Spanish, picked a few of the familiar ones, Tortilla de Patata, Patas Bravas, the ones you see in every bar in Spain There were a few different ones also, including the blood sausage, which I was already familiar with and a very interesting one that looked a little like a child or stew. Being brave, as you suggested, I order the blood sausage (later to learn it is called Morcilla) and the tomato stew stuff. Cañas also... of course. I returned to the table outside followed shortly by our order. My esposa, laughed and smiled as I "licked" into the wonderful food. She asked if I knew what I order. Shaking my head in the negative while I soaked up the delicious red liquids with my freshly baked bread, she told me it was called "Callos". Not familiar with the interesting texture, I popped a spoonful into my mouth just as she told me it was "intestinos" or intestines. I did all I could not to throw up and was unable to finish the meal. However, it is a good example of "mind over matter". I later learned it was probably "tripe" or the edible inner lining of a stomach which didn't help much. However, I strongly advise your readers to try this wonderful dish as their scary food. Just be prepared.

[@projectmidlife]

As to scary things, I didn't find many very scary things in Galicia, probably one of the strangest were percebes and arròs negre. And I agree about trying local alcohols, not only wines, in Galicia I'd always get licor café, cause very often it's not only locally made, but many restaurants or bars make their own. :) And I didn't have problem with pipas, cause here in Poland sunflower seeds are rather popular, though we probably most often get not toasted, but fresh. As to number one, that was kinda hard for me, cause I don't talk to people. LOL But also, I do have to admit, that it was in some sense easier in Spain, than anywhere else, something about people I guess, kind of warm openness.

[@winkyelverton676]

Great, great, great video! Probably one of my favorite. Going to do all of these starting end of the week!

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks Wink!!

[@fjchainv]

I was so transported to my childhood whenI heard you talk about eating "sesos". So yummy! I think after that "vacas locas" issue in the late 90s, sesos disappeared from many spanish homes. I miss them...

[@Pewtah]

I think the last point in your video is an important one for travellers which culture is not so open to strangers. I'm from Germany where talking to strangers in public spaces is unusual. Your last point was eye-opening for me. Thanks!

[@Povedat]

To step 4: Each family have there own way on how to make a delicious paella. One such paella is made by some one that I know and it is called "Paella Marisca". Once you see it you'll say: WOW!!!

[@Vinesy68]

I have just found this now. In regards to trying something new I just went to València and had some lovely fried sea anemones! They were a bit bizarre but totally delicious. I have just found your site I love your videos. It was also great to people watch in the evenings in Valencia especially just hanging about in the old Turia riverbed. We watched locals just get up and do an impromptu salsa class for anyone who walked by etc! I love Spain! I love to go to places I have never been so thanks for the recommendations!

[@amandadavies6751]

Love the video. Ya que mencionáis menús del día, sería genial que hicierais un vídeo de los mejores de Madrid. Mi marido y yo hemos ido a todos los bares que recomendáis y hasta el momento han sido todo un acierto. Visitar uno de ellos suele empezar con: "vamos a algún bar del guiri que sabe comer". Jeje Saludos!

[@spainrevealed]

haha!!! me encanta!

[@mateusquasetuga]

Thank you for all of your videos. I’m planning to move to Granada next year and they are very valuable. I will be revisiting your videos over and over.

[@rayvogensen2983]

The problem with the pipas is that most people throw the shells on the ground or on the floor of the cafés. Whenever we cross the "raya" from Portugal we are shocked when we go into a café or cheaper restaurant. In Estremadura I would recommend Las Hurdes and Sierra de Gata if you want to see out of the way picturesque villages. One of my most interesting visits was to Madrigal de las Altas Torres, province of Ávila, to see the convent where Isabel la Católica was born. I discovered Madrigal (isn't the name fascinating,? ) reading a rather old book called Iberia (1968) by the American author James Michener. He visited the convent and described the old nun who took him around. Believe it or not, in 2012, the nuns are still there (not the same one of course) and they take you around to show you where the baby Isabel was kept. Your discussion about paella was interesting. A lot of the menus del dia have it as a starter and it can often be pretty bad. Not the Valencian homemade variety at all. To finish up, it is interesting how the Spanish rarely eat just rice with their meals, but most often cook it in the form of paella. The Brazilians can't eat without white rice and the Portuguese are not far behind. Once in Almadén, Ciudad Real, my Brazilian wife asked for white rice and the poor cook had no idea how to prepare it. Apparently, no one had ordered it in quite a long time. Oh, well, but that is what makes travel so interesting. If all the countries were the same as back home, then travel would be pretty boring.

[@MrSmith1O1]

You know, Spain is a country associated with the culture of wheat, so they eat bread to accompany the dishes. Other countries do that with corn or rice. In Spain, white rice, alone, with nothing else, is only eaten when you have stomach problems.

[@bertieb9510]

All great advise. 👍 Just absorb the culture. Ultimately you will have much more durable memories than by joining a crowd of other tourists visiting an over commercialized site.

[@boubalitsa]

You two are lovely together!!!Yol's smile is breathtakingly heartwarming!!And I love it when you speak Spanish, your accent is on spot!!!Great job guys!!!

[@spainrevealed]

Gracias!!

[@javierdelvalle4975]

Me encantan sus vídeos. Son súper simpáticos los dos. Por favor, visiten mi tierra natal, León, y hagan un vídeo. Les va a encantar!!! Un fortísimo abrazo desde los Estados Unidos.

[@u2santi]

Hi guys, thanks for your videos. I bumped into them a few months back and I check them regularly. I’m a Spaniard (Lanzarote) and my partner is from Australia and we are thinking of moving to Madrid for a couple of years and your videos give me an idea of what he’ll go face when moving to España. You guys are 8 years ahead of us! Thanks again. Saludos!

[@jm7701]

James, have been watching your videos for months, took the tapas and history tour in Barcelona, gone to many of the places you and Yoly reccomend. I just want to say, THANKS! We go back to Miami tomorrow, thank you for helping us make this a better trip for us. Cheers to you and Yolanda 😁😁😁

[@spainrevealed]

Thank you Joseph!

[@josephmchugh4719]

I completely agree with recommendation #1. It will be the best part of your trip!

[@pablo061297]

In Málaga I would go to Pedregalejo, Huelin or El Palo definitely. The historical centre is a bit small, so you can spend a lot more time in the Paseo Marítimo (promenade) of those neighborhoods :)

[@youngspiritsinging]

I watched this again. I so enjoy your videos and we love Spain.

[@shortbloke72]

I love your channel... I've spent quite a bit of time in Spain and yet every video I learn something new. .. And your enthusiasm is infectious! I agree about the "talk to a stranger" - Lavanderias are the best for this! Muchas gracias!

[@daynhoy9600]

Just seeing this now. I love your channel. I grew up eating sunflower seeds in Canada. We called them spits because we actually spit the shells out and then ate the seed.

[@spainrevealed]

Interesting!! Welcome to the channel

[@RockyTopRetreat]

The two of you are so charming and informative. Great work!

[@paulhowlett8151]

The most important tip is correct, but I think at least an "A2" level in Spanish would make this experience way more interesting. (I am working on my Spanish!)

[@syredu10]

might be necessary as well

[@travelcrip715]

True, I travelled for 7 months in spain and I didn't have much Spanish at the time but was great. Started in Madrid so easy to get away no Spanish. Then burgos, leon and galicia and many people don't speak English so was great for learning. Plus get free drinks and food when you chat in Spanish with bar staff on good days. If you have that option do it, best time of my life. Volunteering with workaway saves a lot of cash.

[@Cubannerd]

Talking to strangers is one of my favorite things to do and I don't get to do it as often here in the US. I'm going to Spain next year. I'm looking forward to do that the most over there.

[@sihame2839]

You guys are amazing, your youtube channel helped me a lot to discover Spain. please keep doing that. and I'm going back to Spain to do things I didn't do last time like seeing a Flamenco show ;)

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome! I'm so glad :)

[@alandillon968]

Before coming to Spain I bought 3 books Amazon to give me an insight to Spain and its culture because I wanted to fit in, but also know the do's and don't of Spain. I bought 'The Xenophobes guide to the Spanish' by Nick Lawson and Drew Launay at £4.99. Small, funny, snippets of information. 'The Ato Z of Spanish Culture, beyond Toros and Flamenco' by Pilar Ortiabout £6.00. Again very informative with more detail. From Spanish proverbs to Spanish swearwords and everything else between. Finally 'The New Spaniards' by John Hooper £10.99. This is a proper readers book but informative of the history of Spain and its culture. What snippets did I learn that helped me! That Spanish hardly ever say please or thank you its in tge tone of voice. That the older women Collectively are called 'Maries' because years ago first names where passed down from mother to daughters and the same with Fathers and sons. As a catholic country they honered Mary more than other saints so' Maria' was the most common name for girls in spain. As a result most girls had Maria in there names and mose boys Jose in his. That wives dont change there surnames and all Spaniards have 2 surnames. Children are given the fathers 1st surname and the 2nd surname is of the mothers 1st surname. Thus wife will have a different surname to husband and the children have the same surnames but they are different to their parents. Wow! If buying a present for a Spaniard say for doing a favour it should be wrapped as a gift with wrapping paper, bows the works to show you took time to prepare it. Never unwrapped! I did this with my Spanish neighbours when they cut my hedge for me just after moving in. They really appreciated it and we are now friends! Learnt soo much from these books.

[@spainrevealed]

Thanks for the tips Alan. I also really like The New Spaniards

[@kozzak80]

Thank u, guys! Your videos always full of useful and relevant info. Bless you!

[@TheAnactoria]

Camino de Santiago. Done it twice, and it's how I found this channel! :) I hope you do something about the Camino sometime! By the way, there is a Camino de Madrid!

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome!!

[@peregrinak]

Same.. have walked twice and left me obsessed with Spain.. such a wonderful experiences

[@jankowalsky7325]

As spanish guy I must to say that was very good tips and recomendations. I enjoy your videos and now I am living in southamerica. Your videos are nostalgic fir me.. I feel "morriña"of Spain. Just one thing: When you order LOCAL wine in nany parts of north and center Spain you vsn say: ¿Tienen vino DE LA CASA? (home wine) because in the past almost every "taberna" produced their own wine... Like my grandparents in Galicia (Santiago de Compostela) Today in north Spain you have "vino de la casa" in every corner. Sometimes the wine is not in a bottle.... they brings to you in a clay jar..like in many places of Galicia. Too in this parts of borth Spain you can ask like: VINO DEL PAIS...*wine of the country.. Because word "pais" was used not just as a COUNTRY ..too was used as local region in yerms of gastronomy, culture, politics, etc.. Ahhhhh just 2 more things : 1- Guys...why on the hell you are forgetting Balearic islands!! Majorca,Menorca, Ibiza... I lived many years in this wonderful place.. and I can tell you the islands have a lot to offer from the classical tourist point of view.. and too on the natural and wild way to explore this places. A lot of nature, beaches,mountains, wonderful food ,wine, cheese,almonds, oranges,desserts, pork., lamb, licqueurs, many many history of gsstronomy..did you know Mayonesa(mahonesa) is originary from menorca (mahon)?? Did you know in majorca you have ROMAN cities (*Alcudia, Pollensa...)..Did you know all those arabic culture.....and the influence of France and england in Napoleon times? Did you know menorca produce excellent GIN ???? Balaric Island are one of the better places to visit In the world because is a combination of paradisiac mediterranean islands...mixed with the ancient culture of the mediterranean culture (Greece,Roma, Islam,Cartago, pirates of Argel, Turkey, etc) Please go to visit BALEARES. You can visit first Barcelona or Valencia and then; from the port of these cities you have FERRIES.from "Balearia" and "Transmediterranea"..... In the classical big ship you sprend 8 hours and the fast one about 4. Very nice tryp in the mediterranean sea in the way to Africa...because Balearic Islands are between Europe and Africa!! ....and 2nd tip is about CAVA.... in Barcelona region. Near city of Barcelona about 30 km on the south you have the region of wine Penedes and cava(spanish champaigne) In VILAFRANCA DEL PENEDES surrounded od vinyards you can visit the museum of wine (museo del vino) a fantastic place to see how this culture was from thousands of years. And of course in the end of the tour they bring to you degustations to taste a lot of wines for free. Very near to this village you have the other place..the CATHEDRAL of spanish champaigne CAVA. This place is called SANT SADURNI DE NOIA... and there are ALL of the bodegas of cava. You csn visit a lot of them.. I reccomend CODORNIU and Freixenet... The visit is amazing and there are many kilometers of galleries under the ground.They show you all the process to make cava from the grapes to the bottle. Of course in the end you can taste some nice cavas. These visit of museum of wine and bodegas de cava is a MUST if you visit Barcelona region and like the culture of wine.

[@JessieJellybeans]

We leave this Friday for Madrid so excited!

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome!

[@minkmink2410]

just ordered both books - thanks for the tips , gracias :)

[@spainrevealed]

Awesome!!

[@giraffe2630]

Me too

[@peteandpuy]

I'm heading to the Costa Del Sole in October for the month. I'm binge-watching you guys. You're excellent!

[@bencarter6947]

I’ve tried Callos twice now and I find it a very strong flavour that I’m not keen on. But I’ll keep trying as it’s different everywhere!

[@spainrevealed]

keep trying!

[@bencarter6947]

Spain Revealed - James Blick Absolutely! Food is a big part of life out here and I love trying new things or, in the case, trying to get used to certain delicacies! Caracoles are amazing for sure, and I’m lucky to have a fiancé from Córdoba in that respect!

[@joeyroane5748]

we rented a car from Oviedo and drove to San Sebastian. it was a wonderful way to see the Picos and northern coastal country

[@LuisTheFilmHack]

Here's what I recommend: visit one of the "Museo de Jamon" restaurants. It's a chain of restaurants throughout Madrid that specialize in different types of ham and chorizo. The prices are surprisingly low (or at least they were when I was in Madrid in 2015). I looooooooooooooved it!

[@ThickCurlyHairGoddess]

Love the "venga, lets go" :) its adorable!

[@KELEER8]

¡Fantástico vídeo! He visto algunos vídeos vuestros y son claramente divertidos y ciertos. Añadiría: comprar un abanico para los días de calor. El abanico no es un complemento que se use mucho fuera de España (en realidad puede que fuera de Andalucía se vea raro pero en Andalucia es muy normal) y creo que es una de las grandes aportaciones de nuestro país

[@spainrevealed]

Good idea!

[@mar_csbu7503]

En la comunidad Valenciana también es común, muchas chicas jóvenes también lo llevan.

[@pplectro]

En la edición de 2018 de Big Brother UK (Gran Hermano Reino Unido) un concursante usaba mucho el abanico, además tenía una colección de ellos jeje (Tomasz es su nombre)

[@stevene1194]

100% correct on the Flamenco. I stayed at an AIRBNB in Seville and the host said "Its absolutely the most touristy thing you can do in Seville, and I know you don't want to do touristy things, but you must go to the Flamenco Dance Museum. Just agunatete and go you'll be glad you did" . He was correct it was a great show as Flamenco should be done a small room, close to the performers with a limited audience. If you travel alone the Paella can be tough. First you have to find a restaurant that will serve Paella for one, (I ended up needing my hotels help in Valencia). You will need a reservation made well ahead of time to get authentic Paella. Then it takes at least 40 minutes for the Paella to be prepared, (if its less then that its just rice with seafood not Paella). So you'll be sitting in a nice restaurant on a Sunday afternoon surrounded by happy families at a table meant for two, all alone. Lastly visit the churches, they represent a huge part of the cultural history of Spain and most churches have beautiful art work. They are also great place to cool off in the heat of the afternoon. Oh one more thing, watch a soccer match in a bar while stuffing your face with Tapas. Only make sure you know which team to root for :).

[@jan-toreegge9252]

Lamb brains are wonderful. Never tried in Spain, but it's one of those things to try on any trip to Rome.

[@CarmenMendozaescritora]

Thank you for mentioning Asturias. I lived there and loved it. They sure need the tourism.

[@roseFairy601]

Austria is the place my mom wants to go, which me and my sisters will try to make that dream come true for her

[@bifftannen4560]

si quereis ver cielos lleno de estrellas, recomiendo sierra del segura y sus pueblos en albacete 👍👍👍