Days filled with endless sunshine, delicious food, and average-sized people are all the things that the Netherlands (usually) doesn’t have.
So it’s really no surprise that, when it comes to selecting a vacation destination, Spain is one of Dutchies’ top choices. In fact, it’s the third most popular destination for a vacation from the Netherlands.
But do the Dutch love to travel to Spain so much? Let’s dive into it.
The climate is superb
With more than 300 days of sunshine in a year in some parts of the country, escaping to Spain to beat the all-too-common Dutch winter blues seems like a no-brainer. After all, a little bit of vitamin D (and sea) can make life worth living again.
On top of that, Spain boasts an incredibly diverse landscape. You could be going for a sunset swim after work on a Friday night and heading to the mountains for a little weekend getaway on Saturday morning.
Spain is easily accessible from the Netherlands
Believe it or not, there are more than 40 airports across Spain that you could fly into directly from the Netherlands.
Whether you’re after some culture in the lively Madrid, keen to discover art in Bilbao, or want to party all night long in Ibiza, you can easily find affordable flights that will take you straight to your desired destination.
The more adventurous types could also opt for long road trips in their classic campervans, maybe even exploring France along the way.
There are endless beaches to enjoy
Spain has more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline. What does that mean? So. Many. Beaches.
There are the fine golden sand ones in the south of Spain, the black sand ones on the Canary Islands, and everything in between. So ja (of should we say “sí”?), the options for a fun vacation are practically endless.
The culture is fascinating
The afternoon siesta, the local fiesta, the delicious tapas, and flamenco dancing are just a few of the cultural aspects of Spain that the Dutch happily embrace. The Dutchies’ gezelligheid fits perfectly with the Spaniards’ love for social interactions and relaxed way of life.
Many also take the effort to learn the language and engage with locals to learn more about their culture. Not to mention there are hundreds of charming towns with amazing history and architecture to visit.
You get a lot of bang for your buck
Lekker zonnetje and cheap prices at the same time? The Dutch are in! Whether it’s food, activities, or real estate, a Dutch salary can take you a lot further in Spain than in the lowlands.
That’s why many Dutchies choose to not only visit the sunny Mediterranean country, but also create their second home base there by buying properties.
In the first half of 2022, more than 3,500 homes in Spain were bought by Dutch people, making them the seventh-biggest foreign buyer group in Spain. What’s better than vacation in a home away from home?
While the weather is one of the main reasons for Dutchies to flock to Spain, there are many other aspects of the sunny country that make it a great vacation destination for any Nederlander.
Do you enjoy a good vacation in Spain as much as the Dutch do? Let us know in the comments!
