25 Things to Do in Spain
Sunny Spain is a very popular holiday destination in Europe and it’s a country you can easily return to multiple times since there are so many different parts of it to explore. Figuring out where to go, in fact, is the biggest problem with visiting Spain! We’ve put together 25 travel tips on what to do in Spain, spread across the country, to give you plenty of ideas for your next trip.
Climb the Maspalomas Dunes
You can have fun climbing and then sliding down the Maspalomas Dunes on the island of Gran Canaria. Karen has more tips on beautiful Gran Canaria beaches.
Maspalomas Dunes in Gran Canaria
Go back in time at the Alcazaba, Malaga
The Alcazaba (a Moorish fort) in Malaga was Karen’s favourite attraction on her trip there. It dates back to the 11th century and is built on a hill in the centre of Malaga so you also get great views over the city. Take a look at Karen’s photo tour of the Alcazaba for some great pictures.
Rose garden at the Alcazaba in Malaga
Spectate at a bullfight in Seville
Bullfighting is such a typical Spanish idea and even though I don’t like the idea of watching it, so many people do and it is certainly one way to appreciate a part of Spanish culture. Jeremy recommends watching a bullfight in Seville at the historical Plaza de Toros, where weekly fights are held during summer.
Plaza de Toros, Seville by nachof
Wall in the Mallorcan Mountains
If you want to head to an island like Mallorca but don’t fancy just sitting on the beach or heading to clubs the entire time, try something Karen enjoyed – a walking holiday on Mallorca based in Soller in the northwest of the island.
Walking near Soller in Mallorca
Admire the Gaudi Buildings in Barcelona
If (like me) you’re intrigued by unusual architecture then you will love the Gaudi influence in Barcelona. Antoni Gaudi has left a legacy of amazing places in Barcelona, including the (still unfinished) La Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell, both fantastic places to visit.
View from La Sagrada Familia by Amanda Kendle
Relax in Retiro Park, Madrid
In central Madrid, one of the loveliest places is the Retiro Park, spanning 350 acres and including a lake, fountains, old buildings and, sadly, a memorial to the victims of the 2004 terrorist attacks in Madrid. It’s a great place to relax and stroll within the city.
Watch the Dolphins L’Oceanographic, Valencia
In Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences complex is a fascinating (and architecturally beautiful) place to visit, and in particular the L’Oceanographic aquarium is a great spot, especially for families.
Dolphin show by Heather on her travels
Visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao
Around a million visitors a year head to the incredible Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – it has certainly received many compliments since it was opened in 1997. Bilbao is actually Spain’s fourth largest city and Andy reported after is trip there that there is more to it than just the Guggenheim, which suggests to me it really is worth a visit.
Guggenheim Museum by aherrero
Hike in Ronda
The historic town of Ronda in Andalucia is well-known for its old city wall and gates and its dramatic setting on the cliffs of a gorge. Karen has written an inviting summary of Ronda in her photo tour post and Jeremy offered a different perspective on hiking in Ronda.
The New Bridge in Ronda
Dance the Flamenco in Seville
Who can visit Spain without enjoying some flamenco dancing? Flamenco is native to Andalucia so what better place to explore it than Andalucia’s capital, Seville. Check out Jeremy’s post on Flamenco in Seville where he has many very convincing reasons for seeing a flamenco show in Seville.
Flamenco dancing by Jeremy Branham
Admire the Dali Sculptures in Marbella
As a day trip from Malaga, the town of Marbella is a popular outing. I’m most intrigued by their collection of bronze Salvador Dali sculptures, which follow a pedestrian walkway down to the sea front from the old town.
Dali sculpture in Marbella
Visit the Reina Sofia Art Centre, Madrid
In Madrid, one of the most impressive sightseeing spots is the Reina Sofia Art Centre. It’s home to an amazing collection of modern art including a large collection of Picasso, plus paintings from Dali, Kandinsky, Miro, Yves Klein and Francis Bacon, to name but a few.
Have Fun at Tibidabo Park
For something a little different in Barcelona, I’m going with a tip my sister provided after her recent trip – she said her favourite Barcelona outing was to Tibidabo Park. It’s an amusement park that’s over a century old and features rides dating back to its beginnings, and you reach it by a great funicular railway.
Tibidabo Park by Sarah Ackerman
Hike on Ibiza
The island of Ibiza may be best known for trendy nightclubs but there is actually numerous other activities, and one of these is hiking. There are several great hiking trails, both along the coast and up to the highest points, and all feature spectacular views.
Walk the Walls of Girona
Girona in the Catalan region is a very pretty city, and Karen’s post on walking the Girona city walls includes some great videos to show you just why it’s worth the trip.
View over Girona from the city walls
Visit the Valencia Bioparc
This rather special zoo experience in Valencia certainly isn’t a typically Spanish experience, but it might be one of the few places you get to see (particularly) African animals in reasonably natural surroundings. It moved to this location as recently as 2008 and has been very well designed with the “zoo immersion” concept in mind.
Valencia Bioparc by Tolao
Shop at La Boqueria Market, Barcelona
The La Boqueria Market in Barcelona are not just popular with tourists, but also with Europe a la Carte writers, because between us we’ve posted about these fantastic food markets three times! Reason enough to visit, I say. Have a look at my post on the fruit, veg and sweets, Lindsay’s post on eating great meals at the markets, and Karen’s photo tour of the fish stalls.
La Boqueria Market by Amanda Kendle
Explore La Coruna
The second largest city in Galicia, La Coruna, has a bunch of interesting tourist sights to explore. As well as landmarks like the Tower of Hercules, La Coruna is big on music and culture and it’s easy to find a concert or performance happening during your stay.
Visit the Costa Verde
The Spanish Costa Verde or Green Coast is on the north of the country on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s cooler than other parts of Spain which makes it a good summer destination and it’s also popular with surfers. Check Karen’s post on Costa Verde attractions for of things to see and do.
Costa Verde beach by Todo-Juanjo
Run with the Bulls
Running with the bulls may not be for everyone (and certainly not for me!) but it is a very typical Spanish experience. The running of the bulls takes place during the San Fermin festival in July each year.
Running from the bulls by klmcmahon
Trace Arabic Culture in Granada
Granada’s a lovely city and our guest post from Nellie Huang highlights the many Arabic influences in Granada. In particular the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace and fortress is something quite different to see.
The Alhambra by RaMaOrLi
Visit the Dali Museum in Figueres
The town of Figueres in Catalonia was Salvador Dali’s hometown and today it’s home to the Dali Theatre and Museum. The largest collection of Dali’s works in the world can be found here and there are plenty of historically significant sites from Dali’s life as well.
Soak up the winter sun on Fuerteventura
If you’re looking for a winter getaway to a spot of sunshine then try what Karen did, escaping to Fuerteventura on the Canary Islands. They have plenty of daylight hours and even the winter temperature averages around the low 20s (Celsius).
Sunset at Costa Calma
Visit the Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote
Another of the Canary Islands, Lanzarote, is also well-known for its mild climate, but it has another bonus – it has incredible natural beauty which has remained largely undeveloped. In particular, being volcanic has given Lanzarote some amazing landscapes and they haven’t been overrun with golf courses or resorts.
Lanzarote by LisArt
Ski in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Spain is not the first destination you think of when you’re planning a skiing holiday but an interesting alternative to the usual spots is to ski in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia.
Your Own Highlights of Spain
Spain is a vast country with so many amazing things to see and do – so this list is merely a taste. Please feel free to add your favourite Spanish suggestions in the comments below.
25 Things to Do in Spain
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