Things to do in Spain? Well, we know that not everybody travels in the same way. Some of us enjoy small romantic restaurants. Some prefer noisy, bustling markets. Parents want to make sure their children enjoy. No matter how you travel and what you look for in Spain, our team of local experts has selected fantastic options and thigns to do in Spain for you.
You may have heard or read about the amazing sunsets in Granada. The Alhambra palace and gardens is one of the world´s wonders, and one of Spain´s top Moorish heritage site. But there are many more! The Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Barrio de Santa Cruz in Seville, or the white villages in Andalusia are all amazing places to enjoy Moorish heritage in Spain. Any vacation itinerary in Spain to should include 3 or 4 days in Andalusia. Spain or part of it was under Mulsim rule for almost seven centuries and this has left an outstanding legacy of Islamic architecture.
For many visitors to Spain, the white villages in Andalusia remain as an icon of what the country offers. The white villages are, with no doubt, one of Spain´s main tourist attractions and an icon. Secluded villages in the mountains and valleys of Andalusia, these villages offer an amazing road trip for any traveller in search for beauty, history and good vibrations!
Before the Arabs got to Spain, the country was known as Hispania. It was an important region in the Roman Empire and this left a huge legacy of theatres, aqueducts, and monuments spread all over the country. There are many places to enjoy Roman ruins in Spain. Our favorite is Merida, where you will be able to enjoy the Merida theatre, one of the best-preserved examples in the world. But there are many other incredible sites like Cartagena, the aqueduct of Segovia, Tarragona, Italica (close to Seville), and many others
The Roman Theater of Mérida is one of Spain´s most important tourist attractions. It is located in the community of Extremadura, about 3 hours southwest from Madrid, about 2 hours north of Seville, and about 3 hours from Córdoba. This spectacular piece of Roman history was constructed in the years 16 to 15 B.C. promoted by the consul Vipsanius Agrippa in what was at the time the Roman city of Emerita Augusta, capital of Lusitania,
Two of the world´s most important archeological sites in the world are located in Spain: Atapuerca, in the province of Burgos, and the Altamira caves in Cantabria, Northern Spain. The work undertaken in Atapuerca has brought new light to the evolution of Homo Sapiens. But there are many more sites of archeological interest spread throughout Spain: Santa Tecla fort in Galicia, the town of Azaila in Teruel, Numancia in Soria,the dolmens in Antequera or Ampurias in Girona are some of the most outstanding remains of old civilisations that populated Spain at prehistoric times. Lovers of the ancient days will find lots of things to visit in Spain!
The Altamira caves are located in Santillana del Mar, a small town in Cantabria. These caves are one of Spain´s most important tourist attractions and receive every year over 250,000 visitors. They are a Unesco heritage site. Santillana del Mar is known for 3 things. The first one are the caves of Altamira, the second thing is its beauty and the third one is kind of a joke since its name, it is widely said,
Horses and Flamenco music are fundamental pillars of Spanish culture. The Andalusian horse is a breed that has been recognized since the 15th century. Used as a warhorse in its origins, its beauty served also as a gift for Spanish diplomacy. Today the horses are best enjoyed in Jerez de la Frontera, where the Royal equestrian horse school is located. Jerez is also known for being one of the homes of Flamenco, and also for sherry wine. All three elements, horses, flamenco, and fortified wines, are present at the main festivals in Andalusia, including the April Fair, the Malaga Fair, or the horse fair in Jerez de la Frontera. The Rebujito drink is specially famous in Seville. Sherry wine is mixed with soda to prepare a more refreshing drink.
Flamenco shows in Seville – Guide to decide the best show for you This shows offers great value for money and it is a perfect way to be introduced to the passion and art of Flamenco in Spain. More than just a dance, flamenco was born as a state of mind ; a expression of deep emotions. Once you have enjoyed this show you will understand why Flamenco is regarded as an icon of andalusian
Easter is one of the most important events in Spain. The sacrifice of Jesus is celebrated in hundreds of towns and villages throughout the country. Semana Santa (holy week) as it is known in Spain, is a time when hundreds of thousands of people take the streets to watch (and participate) in religious processions. Most of these parades are sober, especially the ones in Castilla Leon, but on some occasions, they are more colorful, namely in Southern Spain. Easter is also the time for Torrijas (dried bread fried with milk or wine), and for La Mona de Pascua in Catalonia. La Semana Santa and the food is eaten at this time of the year are amongst the things Spain is famous for.
Semana Santa is the time of “La pasión” as locals refer to it. Seville Easter Festival or holy week is one of the busiest times of the year. Local sevillanos and Spaniards from other regions alike gather in the streets to encourage the different brotherhoods whilst they parade with heavy and beautiful art masterpieces through the narrow streets of Seville. Locals refer to this week as La Pasion!
If you like flowers the Patios of Cordoba festival in Cordoba is certainly for you. This festival is not as well-known as other festivals in Spain, but we believe it to be a must-do thing in Spain. The festival celebrates the passion of local Cordobeses for their patios or courtyards. Hundreds of courtyards are decorated with flowers and plants throughout the city. The Fiesta takes back to 1918 as a way to celebrate the love of Cordoba for this important architectural element of their traditional homes. You can find all sorts of Patios, from the luxury of the courtyards at the Palacio de Viana palace to the humbler version of family-owned houses which open their doors to the public during the celebration. A truly magical festival!
The festival of the patios de Cordoba takes place in May. It lasts a bit less than 2 weeks. The festival started as a public competition in 1921. That year, for the first time, the local authorities in Cordoba (the Town-hall) organized a competition. The owners of houses with patios were asked to decorate their patios for this special occasion. Prizes were put in place, besides, of course, the already distinguished honor of winning this prestigious award.
The city of Ibiza is an icon for sophisticated nightclubs and a true chill-out capital in Europe. One of our top plans in Spain consists of enjoying both the superb sandy beaches on Ibiza island and the nightlife of one of Europe´s top party destinations.
Ibiza is the ultimate fun destination. Party is present everywhere, including its beaches, but the most obvious and famous example of party and fun holidays are found at the best Nightclubs of Ibiza
Few cities in the world get known for something as the running of the bulls in its streets. This is the case of Pamplona in Navarra, Northern Spain. Pamplona, an important stop in El Camino, is above all famous thanks to this unique festival. Hemmingway wrote about it in its 1926 novel the Sun also rises Pamplona and its festival became immortal then. The city welcomes every year five or six times more visitors than its actual population. This is a fascinating and colorful Fiesta. It takes place in July and for two weeks, at 08:00 , six fighting bulls plus six trained cabestros (castrated male bulls) run for almost a kilometer along with thousands of highly-trained (and less trained on some occasions) runner. Adrenaline is felt everywhere during the few minutes of the “encierro” till the bulls make it to the bull-fighting ring.
The running of the Bulls of San Fermin, known as the San Fermin Festival, is celebrated each year in Pamplona from the 7th to the 14th of July.
The start of these bull runs at any town festival goes back to the necessity of transporting the animals from the holding pens outside the city to the plaza where they will engage in the San Fermin bull fights later in the evening.
There are thousands, yes, you heard it well, thousands of festivals celebrated in Spain every year. Most take place during summer, and some of them involve fire, fireworks, and explosions. Fiestas like Las Fallas in Valencia and the San Juan Festival in Alicante are truly noisy! Less-known than Las Fallas or San Juan is the Moors and Christian festivals. As it is the case for Las Fallas and San Juan in Alicante, the Moors and Christian festivals take place on the Eastern coast of Spain. These festivals celebrate the reconquering of the territory by Christian troops and they comprise mock battles and parades.
The Moors and Christians celebrations are religious festivals in Spain that are recreated each year in many villages of the east of Spain. During these three or four days of celebration, the end of the Christian Reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the XVI century is commemorated, after it was dominated for centuries by Muslim troops.
For tourists, the most spectacular thing of these festivals are the battles between Moors and Christians with colorful costumes and weapons of the time, scimitars, swords, cannons and muskets.
The Fairs are an important part of Spanish culture. They take place in many cities and involve parades, traditional dances and singing as well as local gastronomy. The most famous ones are the April Fair in Seville and the Malaga Fair which take place in August, but there are many more, including the famous San Isidro Fair in Madrid during May, or La Merce fair in Barcelona.
The Málaga Fair dates back to the fifteenth century when Málaga joined the Crown of Castilla in the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, who entered the city the 19th of August after the reconquest. Since then the City Council set this date to commemorate the fact, and the Malaga fair is established as the big summer fair every August 15th.
Malaga Fair has a reputation for being a very open and participatory festival, both national and international tourists, given the position of the city as the capital of tourism on the Costa del Sol
Paella is Spain´s most famous dish. It became popular throughout the country during the XIXth century. Till that time, paella was a pan and not a recipe!. Eating a quality paella by the sea is for sure one of the top things to do in Spain. The best place to enjoy paella is for sure its homeland, Valencia. It makes all sense paella was born here. Valencia is a land of rice, a fantastic vegetable, and right next to the sea… Today seafood paella is the most popular version, but the most traditional paellas include snails and pork. You can find here our favorite paella recipes.
Valencia´s Mediterranean climate makes it a great destination to be enjoyed throughout the year. There are few places in the world that are so connected to a dish as Valencia. Paella is almost a synonym for Valencia. Visitors flock to ensure they try the best paella in Valencia.
Our local team has put together a list with excellent options in different areas of Valencia, and for different budgets. including the amazing natural park of La Albufera. Locals refer to paella as rice and it comes in many different versions: seafood, vegetables, black rice…. No matter which one you try, this will for sure be a superb experience if you opt for one of the restaurants in this list.
Travellers want to see what is different at the country they visit. A global world can become boring and food markets have become so popular in recent years because they put local producers in the spotlight. Spaniards continue to shop at their local markets, for sure not as much as in the past, but small fruit or fish shops are scattered in different corners of most towns, and in all of them you will find a local food market. Some of them are colorful and boast beautiful architecture, whilst others are more humble and find it hard to survive. We are sure you will be able to find a market anywhere you travel in Spain, and in all cases it is worth paying a short visit and finding what is different there from what is found in the global, standard markets of this world.
La Boquería market is the most famous in Barcelona for purchasing fresh products. This emblematic market is located in La Rambla, the most commercial street of the city, so getting there is very easy. It is not surprising that this market is one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Officially known as the Sant Josep Market, La Boquería was built between 1840 and 1914. Nowadays it is a huge market which covers 2.583 m²
Iberico is the produce from the Iberico hog, a specific breed that is big, with little hair, almost black in color, and with slender legs that end in black hooves. It is the hooves that make it most distinctive: the famous “pata negra” Spaniards refer to. The main reason why Iberico is so tasty comes from the breed itself and also the way they are grown. The breed makes it possible for a larger accumulation of fat that allows for longer drying times. As for the way they are grown, most enjoy at least the last part of their lives in meadows where they can eat acorns and fresh grass. Acorns and fresh grass are packed with natural antioxidants, a key element to ensure the ham is cured a long time. If you are not so interested in why Iberico is so different, then you should go ahead and taste it. Most repeat. Iberico ham is for us one of the top things to enjoy in Spain.
Iberico ham is quite possibly one of the most delicious treats you can indulge in period. But, as much as you might love this Spanish delicacy, you probably don’t know these 10 facts on this magical style of ham.
A land of deep gastronomic contrasts amongst its many regions, food in Spain remained pretty much unchanged for centuries and we can argue that more changes happened in a few years of the late XXth century than in two centuries. Basque chefs Arzak and Subijana started the revolution with new ideas from France. Since then, it could be argued that chefs have adapted the genius of painters like Dali, Picasso or Miro, and brought a revolution in flavors and shapes. If genie Ferran Adria led the way, many soon followed and the result is a paradise for foodies. San Sebastian is the city where this food revolution is best felt, a must-do city for those who love fine dining
With an increasing number of tourists arriving to San Sebastian every year, and with so many bars and tours to choose from, finding the best options for you may sometimes be a daunting experience. But worry not! Our local team has put together a list with some of the top bars to enjoy pintxos
Wine was traded by the Phoenicians in their trips to Spain well before the arrival of the Romans, though Romans developed the extension of vineyard in the country. Throughout the reconquering process, monasteries established next to rivers and no matter where they settled, wine followed. Spain´s wine reality is rich and varied. Most visitors to the country believe Spain´s top contribution to wine is tempranillo. Tempranillo is a great grape, but there are so many other grape varietals worth trying! We recommend you ask for local wines during your vacation in Spain. We all love Rioja, but there is much more than Rioja in Spain´s wine reality.
Ribera del Duero in central Spain is one of the country’s most important wine-producing regions. 2 hours north by car from Madrid on the way to Burgos
Romanesque architecture was developed during two centuries. In the case of Spain, the reconquering process was a catalyst for its distribution. The Church followed the knights and warriors and settled there where a new border was established. Due to this process ancient mosques were reused and a mixture of styles soared. The number of temples in Spain can be overwhelming. Many visitors are surprised to find so many churches in sometimes very small towns. This is partially explained if we understand two different models of civilizations fought. The presence of temples supported the progress of catholicism, and it was important to build and be seen everywhere. This also explains the development of Gothic cathedrals, the most impressive amongst the catholic temples: size did not matter and beauty was outmost important to reflect on earth the power of God. What remains today is an amazing amount of heritage, one of the most impressive things to enjoy in Spain.
There are many reasons to visit Santiago in addition to it being the final destination of the pilgrimage. Besides its main tourist attractions of monuments and museums, the city has an incessant cultural agenda with arts, entertainment and leisure time activities offered throughout the year such as music, lectures, theater, cinema, concerts, exhibitions and festivals.
Museums are a great option on any rainy day… but there are not so many of those in Spain in spring, summer or early autumn. Museums are a great way to learn about the past and in these days they are inspire us with new perspectives and ideas thanks to what others did in the past. Spain boasts many impressive museums and some of them count amongst the most interesting things to do in Spain in nearly all travel guides. A good thing about the museums in Spain is that they are very diverse: there is a museum for everyone!
Art museums are amongst Spain´s top sights. Visitors to Spain will be able to enjoy museums that cover from Spain’s Golden Age and artists like Velazquez, El Greco or Ribera and their interpretation of religious topics to XXth century painters like Picasso, Juan Gris or Dali who combined an astonishing inventiveness with even the macabre.
In a complex world, a trek like El Camino is a unique experience that allows for self-reflection. The Camino offers a way to escape from our routine, in a deep way, especially if we consider it as a great opportunity to disconnect from digital habits. El Camino is a pilgrimage for many, but for many others provides a social experience, the opportunity to learn about culture, history, and even get fit!
The ultimate guide to the Camino de Santiago. Go in-depth into one of the most spiritual voyages a person can undertake that will take you through some of the most beautiful regions of Spain.
One of the most extraordinary experiences in Spain is provided by the feeling to get from sea level and, half an hour later, start a trek at 7,000 feet. The Canary islands are above all known thanks to their resorts and guaranteed sun all year round. But its most unique value is offered by the landscapes shaped by erosion in its volcanic soils. This is an adventure in Spain anyone can enjoy, and there is a trek in Tenerife and the other islands good for all.
Teide national park Teide National Park is one of Spain’s 15 national parks and stands out for several different reasons. It is home to the tallest peak in Spain, Mount Teide, that stands 3,718 meters and, its considered to be one of the 12 treasures of Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also Spain’s largest national park (over 19,000 hectares), it’s the most visited national park and one of the oldest
Birds are amongst the best ambassadors of nature due to their migrations. Besides, birds don´t live in isolation and they interact with flowers and other animals. Spain brings something special to this equation since it connects Europe and Africa. The network of National parks in Spain is a haven for birds that stop in them during their migrations. Doñana is probably the most famous and rich of these parks, but there are many others! Monfrague, las Tablas de Daimiel, Islas Cies, etc.
Doña Ana National Park is meant to be the best area to enjoy bird watching in Spain. The Park is spread out on three Andalusian provinces, Cadiz, Huelva and Sevilla in the birth of the Guadalquivir, and the usual accesses are made from Matalascañas
Whale watching, as an economic activity, and as many other leisure activities of today´s world, was born in California. Today this is a huge industry that pays great attention to the possible effects of its success. Few people think of Spain when the words wahle watching tour come to their mind. But whale and dolphins can be enjoyed at different locations of Spain and some even offer guaranteed views all year round due to the existence of groups of whales that live in the area all year round. Whilst the south of Spain specialises in offering tours to enjoy killers whales in Tarifa, an activity that takes place a few months every year, other regions offer as their top claim sights all year round. This is the case, for instance, of whale watching tours in Tenerife. All tour providers we have researched pay great attention to minimizing any possible negative impact during their tours.
Spain may not come at the top of your head when you think of whale watching. Off the coast of Tarifa from Algeciras until the Cabo de Gracia in Tarifa, you’ll find the “Estrecho y Reserva Intercontinental de la Biosfera” (natural park), a protected shoreline area that occupies the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, an area with exceptional biodiversity made of migratory birds and marine mammals.
Tenerife offers great beaches in the South, rich heritage and culture in the north and lots of paradise like landscapes… and the Teide. You could spend a few days in Tenerife and enjoy an activity both morning and evening… or you may also decide to split your time and relax next to the swimmingpool at some of its fantastic resorts. IT is you who decide!
Our expert local guides have selected the top 10 best all-inclusive hotels in Tenerife, to take all of the guess work out of planning your no-hassle getaway to the tropical island
Mallorca boasts one of the best airports in a touristic area in Europe. It connects to many cities in Europe and provides in a few hours with the dream of beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and tasty food inspired by the Mediterranean. The hotel network in Mallorca is varied and offers overall great value. Some of the hotels on the island specialize in all-included packages, a great way to relax and rest from our everyday life routines.
Planning a no-hassle visit to Mallorca? Just looking to kick back and relax and forget your worries? Check out our expert local guides top picks of the best all inclusive hotels you can find in Mallorca.
Gran Canaria is the island in the Canary Islands archipelago that best combines all the marvels of the different islands. It may not be the best in a given area but, as a whole, it provides all that the Canary islands promise to its visitors, including a complete network of hotels that specialize in all-included vacation packages. Some of the best all-included resorts in Spain are found in Gran Canaria!
It is not clear why humans enjoy theme parks so much. A very interesting article in Scientific America connects this with the size of our brain, which evolved in size to be able to entertain as a way to gain sexual attention. No matter if we agree with this theory or not, it is difficult to counterargue that theme parks provide with long-lasting memories. Sharing the experiences proposed by theme parks is a way to create bonds with your family. The experiences and memories last and the bonds they crate are deep. Those that do not enjoy theme parks should give it a thought, if only for this! There are many theme parks in Spain and some connect with the country´s history and culture, though you should not expect them to be truly educational.
Portaventura theme park Port Aventura is one of Spain’s most impressive amusement parks, located within the PortAventura World entertainment resort in Salou and Vila-Seca, Tarragona, on the Costa Daurada in Cataluña, Spain. One of the best things to enjoy in Spain with children! Port Aventura attracts around 3.5 million visitors per year, which means that it is the most visited theme park in Spain and the 6th most visited in all of Europe. making it
We agree zoos are controversial. Critics make it clear that animals are kept in unsuitable conditions and somehow exploited. Those in favor argue that zoos provide educational benefits that will create a lasting conscience that will eventually save the animals in their natural habitats. Zoos also fund lots of research projects. We know not all zoos or aquariums are set at the same standard of quality. Spain offers some excellent examples of top-quality zoos and aquariums and they make it for a perfect visit during a trip to the country. Our favorite zoo in Spain is probably The Loro park in Tenerife, though there are many others that provide a great experience for children.
A complete guide to the fauna of Spain by region. Spain has a very diverse collection of animals than inhabit its many forests, wetlands mountains and planes.
There might be not much relaxing about planning a family vacation. Probably the most difficult part starts at the beginning: where to go? The kind of experience that will be good for your family, your budget, and the interests of both parents and children all go together into the “vacation mixer”. Spain offers many advantages for families: it is safe, offers great weather almost all year round, has many beaches, many them parks, and cities that are kids` friendly and offer a lot of culture for those ready to enjoy it. There are many free activities and also tour companies that specialize in activities for children and teenagers. Top-quality hotels add to the equation and value for money is for sure above average. Could you ask for much more?
Tenerife is a fantastic family destination. Hotels with children´s swimming-pools and kids clubs, many activities to enjoy and great weather make of Tenerife an ideal island to enjoy a unique holiday for the whole family
Besides the social custom of giving gifts, we normally gift people due to appreciation. This underlying reason becomes obvious when we purchase gifts during a holiday. We show others that we thought of them during our vacation time. Due to the heritage and rich culture of Spain, it will be easy for you to find a gift that goes beyond the typical souvenir. It is true most things can be purchased today online, but even so we are sure you will find corners in our country with things locally produced, and that you would have never thought about unless you got there and saw it
A curated list of the best gifts from Spain, the perfect guide to authentic Spanish presents.
A curated list of the best and most authentic gifts to buy in Spain in each region of of the country.
A full guide with the best things to do in Spain during the month of May. Activities, ideas and festivals from North to South to be enjoyed no matter your travel style or budget. Recommendations on best way to combine the plans and enjoy the best plans as locals do
A full guide with the best things to do in Spain during the month of April. Mild temperatures and the opening of many terraces. April is almost the start of summer in Spain!
The San Juan Bonfires, the wine battle of Rioja, the music and dance festival of Granada, are just some of the best things to do in Spain in June. Check out our top picks!
The San Fermines in Pamplona, the Veranos de la Villa of Madrid and the Great Fair of Valencia are just some of the best things to do in Spain in July
The Malaga fair, La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, la Semana Grande, San Lorenzo – Lavapiés, Grácia festival are just some of the best things to do in Spain in August
September is one of our favorite months of the year in Spain. The end of August and the return to work and their daily routines of most Spaniards bring a change to all tourist attractions in Spain. Temperatures drop, but you will be able to enjoy a beach holiday. Prices and this is good news, also drop (except for some exceptions like San Sebastian due to the film festival). You will not find so many festivals in September compared to July or August (in those months most villages take advantage of summer holidays to enjoy their local festivals), but do not worry. There are some exciting things to do. In this section you will find the best things to do in Spain in September.
