Many Spanish traditions have become legendary around the globe. But a lot of tourists only have a hazy idea of what flamenco is, how to spot a good paella, how to go about eating tapas, etc. These tips should help you.

Going for Tapas

A 'tapa' is not a type of food, it's a way of eating it. Tapas are small portions, but they can be of anything. And to 'go for tapas' (tapear in Spanish) does not mean ordering a lot of dishes in one restaurant (though, of course, you can), but to bar-hop, eating a different tapa in each bar.

Flamenco in Spain

Firstly, flamenco is not a dance. It sometimes has dancing in it. What flamenco actually is is a musical style, with far more emphasis on the guitar, vocals and rhythm than the dancing. In fact, the whole idea of flamenco dancing is a little paradoxical. True flamenco is spontaneous; true flamenco dancingrequires the pretty dress: but if you're being spontaneous, you won't have the pretty dress on!

The Siesta

One of the puzzling aspects of Spain to outsiders is the siesta. Why do all the stores close in the afternoon. Do people really go to sleep? How long should your siesta be? The idea of the siesta is evolving and with everyone's busier lifestyles, it's not so easy to catch 40 winks anymore - but people still do.

Bullfighting in Spain

Bullfighting, the most controversial of Spanish traditions, is a mixed blessing for Spain. Many tourists are very curious to see it and view it as a fascinating insight into Spanish culture, but it is also a stain on the country's reputation for others. Bullfighting is nowhere near as popular as it used to be, but it still features prominently in the country's self-image.

Festivals in Spain

The Spanish eating, drinking and dancing culture steps up a gear (if that's possible), when there's a festival on. Every town or village has a local fiesta, at which point the locals don't just eat and drink because it's fun, they do so because it would be un-Spanish not to.

Sangria and Paella

Most tourists who visit Spain want to eat paella and drink sangria - what could be more Spanish? But crafty bars and restaurants know how much tourists want to sample these symbols of Spanish life and will exploit you accordingly.