Things to Do in Spain: Unforgettable Experiences

Spain’s diversity of landscapes, cultures and traditions means there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re drawn to medieval palaces, coastal paradises or culinary adventures, these ten “things to do in Spain” will help you craft memories that last a lifetime.

1. Greet the Dawn at the Alhambra (Granada)

Visiting Granada’s Alhambra at sunrise transforms the experience. As the first rays of light hit the Nasrid palaces, filigreed arches and reflecting pools glow golden. Book a Palacios Nazaríes ticket for the earliest slot (around 8:00 AM) and wander the Court of Lions before the crowds arrive. Afterward, explore the quiet Generalife gardens where fountains murmur amid cypress groves. Finish with a coffee on the Mirador de San Nicolás, overlooking the Alhambra framed by the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Early booking (2–3 months in advance) is essential for this unforgettable historical immersion.

2. Embark on a Tapas Crawl in Madrid’s La Latina

One of the best things to do in Spain is joining Madrileños for a late-evening tapas crawl. Begin around 20:00 in La Latina, hopping between classic bars on Cava Baja and Cava Alta. Sample patatas bravas, croquetas and soldaditos de Pavía (fried cod strips) paired with a caña (small draft beer). Locals move every 20–30 minutes—so follow suit, keeping the pace casual and social. Look for crowded bars (an indicator of quality) and practice your “una cerveza, por favor”. This communal ritual combines food, friendship and the lively pulse of Madrid’s nightlife.

3. Experience an Authentic Flamenco Show (Seville)

Flamenco is Andalusia’s soul, and Seville’s intimate tablaos capture its raw emotion. Reserve a seat at La Casa del Flamenco in the Barrio Santa Cruz or El Palacio Andaluz near Plaza de España. Over 90 minutes, singers (cantaores), guitarists (tocaores) and dancers (bailaoras) weave a performance of duende—deep, untranslatable emotion. Arrive early to enjoy a glass of fino sherry or rebujito. Avoid tourist traps by seeking venues with locals in attendance and genuine reviews. A flamenco evening is essential among things to do in Spain for a true taste of regional culture.

4. Walk a Section of the Camino de Santiago

You don’t need to trek 800 km to experience the Camino de Santiago—shorter segments deliver camaraderie and scenery in just 3–5 days. Popular options include the 115 km Camino Français from Sarria to Santiago, or the 75 km Camino Portugués from Tui. Each morning, follow the scallop-shell waymarks, passing Romanesque churches, rural albergues (pilgrim refuges) and rolling Galician hills. The shared pilgrim’s dinner (menú del peregrino) and the wooden Compostela certificate upon arrival make this a fulfilling cultural pilgrimage, even if you only walk a fraction of the route.

5. Float Above La Mancha in a Hot-Air Balloon

See Don Quixote’s windmills from the sky on a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Castilla-La Mancha. Launch near Consuegra or Tembleque, drifting 300–500 m above patchwork fields and iconic molinos. After landing, toast with cava and enjoy a rustic breakfast of migas manchegas (fried breadcrumbs) and local cheese. Flights run year-round—autumn’s harvest colors and spring’s wildflowers are especially stunning. At roughly €150 per person, this dreamy aerostatic adventure ranks among the most magical things to do in Spain.

6. Cruise the Guadalquivir River (Seville)

Seville’s historic heart comes alive from the water. Board a late-afternoon river cruise to glide beneath Triana Bridge, past the Torre del Oro and alongside the golden Alcázar walls. Many operators offer tapas-and-wine options on board, turning a scenic tour into a floating cena (dinner). Timing your cruise for sunset adds a warm glow to Seville’s whitewashed façades and ornate tilework. This leisurely experience showcases urban highlights from a fresh perspective—perfect for unwinding before an evening flamenco show or tapas crawl.

7. Drive the White-Village Route (Andalusia)

Rent a car and explore the Pueblos Blancos of Cádiz and Málaga provinces—Andalusia’s iconic network of whitewashed hilltop villages. Start in Ronda, marveling at its dramatic gorge bridge, then wind through Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra and Arcos de la Frontera. Each village offers charming plazas, rustic taverns serving local stews, and panoramic viewpoints. Early spring wildflowers and autumn olive-harvest festivals (Zafra) add seasonal flair. This self-drive itinerary immerses you in rural Spain, revealing traditions and vistas few travelers see.

8. Sip World-Class Wines in La Rioja

La Rioja’s rolling vineyards produce some of Spain’s most celebrated reds. Book a guided winery tour near Haro or Logroño, visiting bodegas such as Marqués de Riscal or Ysios. Learn the art of fermentation and barrel aging, then taste tempranillo blends alongside local chorizo al vino and txakoli ice-cream. For a deeper dive, cycle the Vía Verde del Oja, stopping at roadside cellars (casas de vino) for impromptu tastings. Autumn’s vendimia (harvest) season brings grape-stomping events and harvest-fest dinners—a vibrant addition to any wine lover’s itinerary.

9. Discover Gaudí’s Wonders (Barcelona)

No list of things to do in Spain is complete without Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces. Purchase tickets for Sagrada Familia online months ahead to avoid queues. Wander the twisted balconies of Casa Batlló and the undulating façade of La Pedrera, then ascend to Park Güell’s mosaic-clad terraces for panoramic city views. For an off-beat perspective, join a guided rooftop tour of Casa Vicens—Gaudí’s colorful debut work. Barcelona’s modernisme heritage fuses art, engineering and nature into an urban landscape unlike any other.

10. Snorkel the Med at the Medes Islands (Costa Brava)

Beneath the waves off L’Estartit, the Medes Islands Marine Reserve shelters abundant fish, octopus and seagrass meadows. Join a half-day snorkeling excursion or PADI dive (from €60) to explore underwater caves and walls. Visibility often exceeds 20 m in summer, revealing parrot fish, groupers and moray eels. The rocky coves and clear waters make this one of Spain’s top marine experiences. Afterward, relax at a beachfront chiringuito, ordering pa amb oli and a chilled rosat (rosé) wine.

Conclusion

From the medieval alleys of Granada to the volcanic shores of the Costa Brava, these ten unforgettable things to do in Spain cover culture, cuisine, adventure and pure relaxation. Use this list as your starting point—then dive deeper into our Spain Travel Guide for detailed tips on accommodation, transport, festivals and sustainable tourism. ¡Buen viaje!