19 Best Things To Do in Spain

Spain has scorching heat, diverse landscapes and unique collaborations between the past and future. One moment you will be taken by the saffron hues of the countryside, the next you will be tipsy by the all-consuming cities. One’s thing for certain, Spain will always guarantee a great time. Here are some of the best things to do in Spain.

1. See La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia is one of the most unique churches you will ever see. The gothic Church has influences of Art Nouveau and Catalan modernism and has captivated visitors for decades. The structure is the brainchild of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, whose masterpiece remains unfinished in Barcelona.

The La Sagrada Familia is just one example of Gaudi’s brilliant mind. Seven eye-catching buildings exist in total across Barcelona and are immediately recognisable due to his unique style.

2. Taste authentic Spanish paella

Taste authentic Spanish paella

Paella is widely regarded as Spain’s national dish. However, according to Spaniards the dish is a staple of Valencia from where it originates. Paella is a divine fusion of steaming risotto rice, vibrant turmeric, sweet tomato and fresh seafood or chorizo and prosciutto. The hearty meal is the perfect way to finish a day exploring Spain.

3. Watch Flamenco dancing

Watch Flamenco dancing

Flamenco dancing is more than just an style of dancing. It is also an art form. Every performance involves a stage, elaborate costumes, a fan as a prop and poetic orchestra framing the story line. The sultry art of flamenco dancing originates from the 17th Century and the Romani people who brought it over to Spain. A flamenco show is an absolute must see in Spain and perhaps you can even learn a step or two!

4. Sit under the Tenerife night sky

 Sit under the Tenerife night sky

Tenerife is one of the best places to go star gazing due to the mild climate and limited light pollution. Up in the Tenerife peaks, the gleaming white strip of the Milky Way Galaxy becomes available above your head.

5. Climb the Giralda tower in the Cathedral of St Mary

Climb the Giralda tower in the Cathedral of St Mary

Seville is truly one of a kind. In moments, you will be immersed in modern life and the next you will feel like an extra in a medieval film. In fact, walking through the streets of Seville’s city centre offer recognisable locations from Game of Thrones and Star Wars. We always recommend climbing the Giralda tower for fantastic panoramic views of the city that can’t be missed.

6. Enjoy a glass of sangria

Enjoy a glass of sangria

This sweet and punchy citrus drink naturally compliments the sultry night life of Spain. The boozy beverage is a stellar combination of red wine, rum, orange juice and  finished off with various fruit wedges. ¡Salud!

7. Embrace La Tomatina

Embrace La Tomatina

This is your chance to paint the town red. La Tomatina is a food fight festival that takes place in the town Bunol near Valencia. On the last Wednesday of August every year, locals come together in a tomato throwing extravaganza purely for the fun of it. Tourists are also welcome every year for a fee.

8. Visit the Alcazar Fortress

Visit the Alcazar Fortress

Alcazar is a stone fortress that crowns the city of Toledo. Originally built in the 3rd Century, it had gone through various stages of revival before becoming a stage for the Spanish Civil war. Scars of conflict remain today within Alcazar Fortress in the form of bullet holes embedded into the architecture.

It was rebuilt in the mid 20th century and acts today as a military history museum. This is the perfect place for any history devotees or anyone who appreciates outstanding sights.

9. Try Madrid’s speciality churros

Try Madrid’s speciality churros

When visiting Madrid, you will have a chance to try an elite combination of chocolate and churros. Otherwise known as churros con chocolate, Madrid’s speciality churros are just as they sound; crispy, golden churros and creamy dipping chocolate. The highly recommended Chocolateria San Gines is popular amongst both tourists and locals. The restaurant has been open since 1894 and offers their classic and affordable chocolate and churros.

10. Check out Madrid’s best shopping locations

Check out Madrid’s best shopping locations

Madrid has a wealth of districts catered for the keen shopper and for all budgets. Some of the city’s most popular shopping areas include: Calle Gran Via, El Rastro and Calle de Preciados.

11. Take a hike

Take a hike

Spain’s diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, earthy pastures and vistas, attract cyclists and hikers around the world. The Mulhacen in the Sierra Nevada has the highest peak in continental Spain and is a popular location for climbers. Camino de Santiago is famed for excellent pilgrim routes that collectively join to the tomb of St James.

12. Try horse riding in the idyllic Spanish countryside

Try horse riding in the idyllic Spanish countryside

Horse riding has been a part of Spanish life for centuries and can be a relaxing way to enjoy the breath taking countryside. There are a range of equestrian activities available for all abilities and age ranges. Here you have a chance to gallop across rural Spain with the setting sun and transforming valleys. What more could you need?

13. Eat at the oldest restaurant in the world

Eat at the oldest restaurant in the world

Two minutes from Plaza Mayor in Madrid, you will find a restaurant with a classic sign and a wood panelled front by the name of Sobrino de Botin. This establishment was founded in 1725 and is regarded as the oldest restaurant in the world. It still in operation today, so make sure to give it a visit for classic Spanish cuisine.

14. See Alhambra and Generalife gardens

See Alhambra and Generalife gardens

The Moorish Alhambra palace and fortress complex can be found in Granada. The palace’s hilltop location once provided an advantage for incoming conflict. Today, we instead appreciate it for picturesque views. Including the sublime Sierra Nevada mountain complex that backgrounds the complex and gardens.

15. Enjoy the Mediterranean sea breeze in Valencia

Enjoy the Mediterranean sea breeze in Valencia

Valencia offer many beautiful beaches in the area for pure relaxation. Our favourites include El Saler beach, Patacona beach and Malvarrosa Beach.

16. Share tapas with friends

Share tapas with friends

Tapas are small plates of food that act as an appetizer prior to dinner. They are the perfect complement to an evening of bar hopping with friends. Tapas can be hot or cold and anything between a serving of olives or battered calamari. Tapas is a great way to experiment with Spanish cuisine and can be shared in groups.

17. Music festivals

Music festivals

There is nothing better than experiencing music with warm weather and good vibes. Spain is well known for hosting fantastic music festivals all year round.  Some of the most popular ones have been Primavera Sound in Barcelona for Indie music lovers and Bilbao Live in Bilbao for pop and rock enthusiasts.

18. Safari in Donana Dunes

Safari in Donana Dunes

Yes, you can in fact experience a safari in sunny Spain. Donana National Park is the place to visit for desert like dunes and 110,000 hectares of protected land for wildlife to thrive. You will get to see the famed lynx and deer as well as a range of wild birds unique to the wetlands.

19.  Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

The City of Arts and Sciences is nothing you have ever seen before. In a city as classical as Valencia, the futuristic complex stands out as a real space age gem. It’s the place to celebrate the arts and science and has many areas to discover. It holds Europe’s largest aquarium, a stunning tropical garden and a science museum to explore.

Top experiences with Travel Talk Tours

A group tour in Spain can open you up to a world of unique opportunities. Travel Talk Tours helps to make the world your oyster with a variety of tours on offer to suit every taste. Make sure to check out our exciting small group tours in Spain here.

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