Important as they are ­ especially to us ­ there's far more to Spanish culture than food and wine. Spain is, after all, a nation that shapes its workday around its social life and squeezes countless fiestas into every year. Follow the links below for an idea of what makes the Spanish... well, Spanish ­ and how you can feel a little more Spanish to.

Siestas

Virtually any trip to Spain reveals that great Spanish institution: the siesta. It’s long been at the heart of a working day, a reminder of Spain’s rustic roots, when many toiled on the land and the heat of the midday sun was simply too intense. Although ‘standard’ nine-to-five business hours have slowly been adopted in Spain’s bigger cities, working days still tend to begin and end later than in the UK. And those who don’t have a long commute to the office may still return home for a two-hour lunch break, enjoying a lighter evening meal, such as tapas.