A Spanish fisherman protests the construction of an artificial reef near the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F08%2F05%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Fuk-spain-gibraltar%2Findex.html">disputed British territory of Gibraltar</a> in August. The area is not the only territorial issue in Spain. <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F09%2F11%2Fworld%2Feurope%2Fspain-human-chain%2F">Catalonia is gunning for independence</a>, with a referendum in the cards for 2014.
What to know before you go —
A Spanish fisherman protests the construction of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar in August. The area is not the only territorial issue in Spain. Catalonia is gunning for independence, with a referendum in the cards for 2014.
MARCOS MORENO/AFP/Getty Images/File
Spain has at least one common thread: bulls. In bars, aficionados might be glued to a televised bullfight and later scan a review of the fight in the arts, not sports, section of the newspaper. However, the popularity of the sport may be waning among the younger generation. Catalonia has banned it completely.
Bullfighting a (mostly) unifying force —
Spain has at least one common thread: bulls. In bars, aficionados might be glued to a televised bullfight and later scan a review of the fight in the arts, not sports, section of the newspaper. However, the popularity of the sport may be waning among the younger generation. Catalonia has banned it completely.
Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images/File
The bull is Spain's iconic animal, and you won't miss seeing at least one -- alive, dead or fake. Bullfights such as this one in Granada still attract enthusiastic crowds.
The bull remains an icon —
The bull is Spain's iconic animal, and you won't miss seeing at least one -- alive, dead or fake. Bullfights such as this one in Granada still attract enthusiastic crowds.
JOSE LUIS ROCA/AFP/Getty Images/File
Spain is the world's third-largest exporter of wine, fruits and vegetables.
Spain is a big producer and exporter —
Spain is the world's third-largest exporter of wine, fruits and vegetables.
CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images/File
For many, religion remains a powerful part of everyday life in Spain. These women are dressed in traditional mantillas during Holy Week in Granada.
Strong religious traditions —
For many, religion remains a powerful part of everyday life in Spain. These women are dressed in traditional mantillas during Holy Week in Granada.
JOSE LUIS ROCA/AFP/Getty Images/File
Music, food, drink, dance and dressing up make saints' festivals a highlight of the year in Spain, even in the tiniest of villages. These revelers are taking part in la Fiesta de los Rondeles in Casarabonela.
Life is often about celebration —
Music, food, drink, dance and dressing up make saints' festivals a highlight of the year in Spain, even in the tiniest of villages. These revelers are taking part in la Fiesta de los Rondeles in Casarabonela.
Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images/File
Spain is Western Europe's second-largest country (after France) in terms of area.
There's room to roam —
Spain is Western Europe's second-largest country (after France) in terms of area.
Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images/AFP
Spain is home to what many believe is the greatest club football team ever assembled -- FC Barcelona. But other teams also have their fans. Here Sevilla FC supporters cheer their team during a match against Real Betis in Seville in November.
Futbol among the world's best —
Spain is home to what many believe is the greatest club football team ever assembled -- FC Barcelona. But other teams also have their fans. Here Sevilla FC supporters cheer their team during a match against Real Betis in Seville in November.
CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images/File
Flamenco shows remain popular. Here one takes place in a Granada neighborhood.
Flamenco still matters —
Flamenco shows remain popular. Here one takes place in a Granada neighborhood.
Aurora Fierro/Getty Images
Jamón is a gastro-passion throughout Spain that inspires fierce rivalry between producers.
Ham has many layers —
Jamón is a gastro-passion throughout Spain that inspires fierce rivalry between producers.
Pepe Franco/Getty Images/File
Spain is known for its tradition of cutting-edge art. Here, Jose Freixanes' "Looking for Chantal" is made with mud, river sand and kolan.
Artistry reigns —
Spain is known for its tradition of cutting-edge art. Here, Jose Freixanes' "Looking for Chantal" is made with mud, river sand and kolan.
Xulio Villarino/Getty Images/File
In winter, snows falls at higher elevations in Andalucia, sometimes bringing a surreal vision of olive groves blanketed in white. The peninsula's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, is almost permanently snow-capped.
Andalucia isn't all shorts and T-shirts —
In winter, snows falls at higher elevations in Andalucia, sometimes bringing a surreal vision of olive groves blanketed in white. The peninsula's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, is almost permanently snow-capped.
Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images/File
The reflecting pool in the Court of the Myrtles in the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra in Granada is a popular attraction.
Grace and elegance in abundance —
The reflecting pool in the Court of the Myrtles in the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra in Granada is a popular attraction.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images/File