Unmissable experiences to try in Spain

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular countries for a sun-soaked vacation. Visitors are quickly seduced by its bountiful beaches, characterful cities and vibrant cuisine. This is a land of punchy rioja wines, passionate music and dance, and a joie de vivre that’s infectious. Choosing where to go in this sizeable country can be tricky, which is why to help you plan your Spain vacation, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Spain.

Experience world-class architecture in Barcelona

This alluring city by the sea really does have it all. Soft sandy beaches bathed in sunshine, enchanting architecture, plentiful culture, and a red-hot dining and bar scene. There’s so much to see and do here that you could happily fill your time in Spain solely with a Barcelona vacation.

Begin with a stroll along Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s central boulevard that cuts right through the Gothic Quarter to the Port. This pedestrianized street is lively, to say the least, with street performers, markets, al fresco cafes, and a cast of locals and visitors from all over the world promenading past.

Gaudi’s marvelous architectural creations are without a doubt one of the best things to experience in Spain. The most famous is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, along with the fantastical Park Güell and several other sites across the city. There are also museums aplenty celebrating art from centuries past to cutting-edge contemporary. Pop into the Picasso Museum, the Dali Museum Barcelona, or the Joan Miro Foundation, among many more. 

Take the train to Montserrat

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Barcelona, consider jumping aboard the train to Montserrat. Located just outside of Barcelona, Montserrat is a stunning mountain range and home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, a monastery that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries due to its statue of the Black Madonna, a revered icon in Catalonia. Here you can enjoy the cooler mountain climate and expansive views.

Venture outdoors in Picos de Europa National Park

Located in northern Spain, this mountainous national park is spread across 11 villages. Packed with oak and beech groves, the park takes its name from the impressive rock formations. It’s also home to two of the most emblematic animals to live in Spain: the critically endangered Cantabrian brown bear and the Iberian wolf…

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, here you’ll find endless opportunities for hiking, with trails criss-crossing the national park. With incredible mountain scenery, deep river gorges, high flower meadows, and craggy peaks, visiting the park is one of the best things to do in Spain.

Sample the culinary scene of the Basque Country

Spain’s northern coast offers a very different experience to the south. Here you will find a more rugged coastline of high cliffs and small coves battered by Atlantic swell. There are many more points of difference, too – the culture, cuisine, and language are all distinct.

The Basque Country in Spain is a culinary paradise, celebrated for its rich food culture, innovative cuisine, and deep-rooted culinary traditions. Food in this area is much more than just food, it is a way of life. For foodies, the seaside city of San Sebastian will tick all the boxes. More than anywhere else in Spain, life here revolves around eating. You’ll find an inordinate number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita as well as thriving local bars, restaurants, and cafes on every corner. The region is famous for its pintxos, inventive snacks that pair perfectly with drinks. Taking a food tour through this region is one of the best things to do in Spain.

The Basque Country doesn’t fall behind on art either, and is home to one of the country’s most distinctive contemporary art galleries. The Guggenheim in Bilbao is one of the top things to see in Spain, both for the remarkable chrome curves of its exterior, and its excellent collections.

Visit Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art

In search of artistic masterpieces? Then Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is a must to add to your things to do in Spain! Stretching out in the sun-baked plains of central Spain, Madrid is a high-energy city with an abundance of culture. In Spain’s capital, find the Golden Triangle of Art, a group of three world-class art museums that are located in the Paseo del Prado: the Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional. Together, these three landmarks offer a rich collection of high-brow art that spans the past 500 years; they are also considered some of the most representative museums in Madrid.

Nearby, don’t miss the grand architecture and impressive scale of the capital’s main square, Plaza Mayor. To fuel your explorations, indulge in a Madrid classic – churros dipped in warm chocolate, or move straight on to drinks and tapas bar-hopping in the historic La Latina neighborhood. If you’re a night owl, then those with stamina should partake in Madrid’s exuberant nightlife, which keeps on jumping well into the early hours. 

Go island-hopping on Spain’s far-flung Canary Islands

Way down south, the Canary Islands are a rugged volcanic archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa. This is where to come for year-round sun and beaches galore (black and gold). Each of the seven islands has its particular character, so take your time choosing the one or two that are right for you!

Each island has its own unique charm: from the lush, green landscapes of La Gomera to the volcanic terrain of Lanzarote, and the golden beaches of Fuerteventura. Hop between islands to explore everything from the dramatic cliffs of Tenerife’s Masca Valley to the lunar-like landscapes of Timanfaya National Park.

Tenerife is a firm favorite with lush mountain scenery, gorgeous beaches, and a thriving foodie scene. Gran Canaria, the most populous island in the archipelago, enjoys a year-round temperate climate, whilst breezy Fuerteventura is best known for its water sports, tranquil La Palma, and tiny rugged Gomera.

Discover the tranquility of the Balearic Islands

Escape to the Balearic Islands and discover a side of Spain where tranquility reigns supreme. While these Mediterranean gems are often known for their vibrant nightlife, there’s another world waiting for those who seek peace and quiet.

In Ibiza, the north is far less developed than the south. There you’ll find white sandy bays gently lapped by turquoise waters, along with a collection of laid-back towns and villages such as Santa Gertrudis, where life moves at a leisurely pace. The other Balearic Islands offer similar opportunities for idyllic beach vacations. Mallorca is the largest and most developed, while Menorca and Formentera offer calmer stretches of sand for all-out relaxation.

Visit the palace of Alhambra in the heart of Andalusia

Spending time in the pretty towns and welcoming small cities of Andalusia is one of the top things to do in Spain. From sultry Seville to breezy Cadiz and the white towns of the Alpujarras, there are many fascinating places to linger and get to know the culture!

In the heart of Andalusia, the Alhambra Palace is a must-visit that transports you back to the splendor of Moorish Spain. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city of Granada, this breathtaking fortress and palace complex is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alhambra isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a journey through history, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Nasrid sultans who once called it home. With the Sierra Nevada mountains providing a dramatic backdrop, a visit to the Alhambra is an unforgettable experience.

Make it happen

Spain is a country that offers a little bit of everything, whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, a foodie, or an adventurer. If our list of the top things to do in Spain has got you feeling inspired, get in touch with one of our local experts today!