Things to do in Spain. Responsible travel guide to things to do in Spain

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Catalonia Andalucia Picos de Europa Activities Top 10 walks Cycling Families Advice Responsible tourism

Things to do in Spain

Walk the far south – or the far north

Walking in Spain’s southernmost region combines exotic landscapes and romantic culture with superb food and a warm Andalucian welcome. Stay in friendly fincas along the way – many guesthouses produce their own organic olive oil, wine or fruit; food is fresh and has travelled metres rather than miles.

Las Alpujarras boasts the imposing backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. There are lakes fed by mountain streams, lush valleys, roman ruins and tiny pueblos. Stay in a whitewashed village in Almeria, shopping at the local market and trekking the surreal landscape of the Sierra de los Filabres. Come in spring for wildflower carpets and bird watching. Nearby, the coastal desert of Cabo de Gata has several walking trails through the Nijar National Park, beloved of botanists and photographers.

Trail notes make self-guided holidays easy, and many routes start from the front door of your guesthouse – driving is not essential. If you do hire a car, however, you can also enjoy a day at the beach – or at the Alhambra Palace.

At the other end of the country, the 2,650m high Picos de Europa has popped up on surprisingly few hikers’ compasses. The limestone massif is frequently snow-draped, and shelters chamois goats, bearded vultures, wolves and even bears. And you’re still just 10km from the craggy Costa Verde.

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Cycle where the cars can’t go

Many professional teams base themselves in Spain, training across a variety of terrains. Novices shouldn’t be put off by the mountains; these offer some of the most relaxing rides as you start at the top and freewheel all the way down. Catalonia has some of the best cycling holidays; the region’s Greenways (Vias Verdes) are only open to cyclist, walkers and horse riders, allowing you to explore sights and scenery out of reach from drivers.

Europe's land of sunshine is a perfect cycling destination, from the tiniest pedallers and inexperienced adults, up to true two-wheel aficionados.

Trek the Camino de Santiago

This humble trail draws pilgrims from across the globe to share in the lush landscapes, hearty dishes and the very Spanish sense of “solidarity” that comes with the collective highs and lows of a lengthy trek. The “Way of St James” is a traditional pilgrimage to Santiago in Galicia, with various starting points and routes. The most popular crosses the interior of northern Spain, via Burgos, Leon and dozens of rural villages. A coastal route traverses Bilbao and Santander, and there are also routes that begin in Seville, Portugal and France.

Once the preserve of budget travellers staying in dorm rooms along the way, the Camino de Santiago has opened up to those who like a little more comfort after a long day’s trek, with guesthouses, luggage drop-offs and even transfers to and from the trail. Rouets are well-marked and you’ll be accompanied by many other walkers. The Camino may have lost its religious significance for many, but this is still something of a Holy Grail for hikers, and it seems that most return home feeling enlightened in their own way. Pick up your Camino passport and get it stamped along the way as a personal souvenir.

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01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Get your tongue around Spanish

Combined language and activity holidays mean you can make the most of Spain’s language and culture – horse riding, walking the Camino de Santiago, rock climbing or dancing flamenco – learning the language as you go. Daily classes help you get by with more than just the basics, and learning in situ means you’re taking the language outside the classroom each day. Perfect for those with an aversion to textbooks and verb tables!

Many visitors to Spain come away wishing they'd been able to communicate more; to join their hosts over a glass of wine, participate in a local festival - or just ask for directions.

More about Spain

Best time to visit Spain

Spain holds a rich variety of landscapes which will no doubt have an effect on the best time to visit Spain where personal interests are concerned.

Spain travel guide

Our Spain travel guide includes everything from a brief history of Spain to food, shopping & people to help you travel like a local on your Spain holiday.

Places to visit in Spain

Check out our interactive highlights map detailing our favourite places to visit in Spain as well as information on travel times between larger cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.

Activity holidays in Spain

Areas like the Altiplano de Granada and Sierra de Castril mountains will make you forget days by the pool, offering everything from hiking and biking to canyoning.

Top 10 walks in Spain

Unlock the secrets of Spain as you walk the country’s mountainous interior and wonderfully wild coastlines, discovering an authentic slice of Spanish life, with not a parasol in sight.

Things to see & do in Catalonia

Catalonia packs a world of landscapes into one region, from 3,000m snow-capped Pyrenean peaks, to the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Things to see & do in Andalucia

Rich with influences from Moorish, Roman, Greek, Phoenician and Byzantine civilisations, Andalucía is one of the most diverse and fascinating regions of Spain.

Things to see & do in the Picos de Europa

You’ll have a wild and wonderful walking holiday in the Picos de Europa, where small group and tailor made trips get your adrenalin pumping against the most bucolic of backdrops.

Yoga holidays in Spain

Yoga holidays in Spain rejuvenate the senses with a combination of Pilates, language lessons and guided meditation adding to the joys of year round warmth and sensational Spanish cuisine.

Cycling holidays in Spain

Leave the tourist trails on two wheels and see a side of the country far removed from the costas and the big smoke.

Spain with kids

From the sites of spaghetti westerns to whitewater rafting, we know what to do with little ones so all you have to do is pack and go.

Spain travel advice

We value tips from our friends in Spain really highly so read on for recommendations from the experts and from travellers who have been there.

Responsible tourism in Spain

Travel right in Spain and you’ll quickly discover why the brain drain, dolphinaria, bull fighting and corruption in the construction industry are all worth researching.

All our Spain guides

Find all of our Spain guides in one place, from guides to Andalucia, Valencia or the Canary Islands to advice on activity holidays including walking and cycling.