As the temperatures rarely go below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can visit absolutely any time, as long as you’re prepared to bear the summer heat. If you’d prefer a more temperate experience, aim to visit between March and May, or September and November. This way, you’ll get warm weather without the heat waves and tourists.
So, if you’ve got your passport prepared and are ready to go on an amazing adventure, here are the best things to do, see, and eat in Spain.
Get Cultural in Madrid
The country’s capital, Madrid, is a definite must. Not only does it mix the feel of a European metropolitan with Spanish flair, but it also offers a wide variety of things to do for all tastes.
In addition to having a café con leche in Plaza Mayor, make time for a visit to one of the city’s famous museums. The Museo Nacional del Prado is a definite must-see with works by Velazquez, Rubens, and Goya. While at the Teatro Real, you can watch some of the world’s finest opera stars take to the stage.
If you’re more into sports, then tickets to a Real Madrid match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium are sure to get you fired up.
Take a Gaudi Tour in Barcelona
Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis on Unsplash.
You don’t have to be a hardcore architecture fan to appreciate the breathtaking structures designed by Antoni Gaudí. And Barcelona is the ideal place to do just that.
Marvel at the magnificence of the Sagrada Família, spend a lazy afternoon at Park Güell, or learn about Spanish modernism at La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Once you’re done with sightseeing, take a quick walk or train ride to one of Barcelona’s relaxed beaches, and soak up the sun.
Release Your Inner Game of Thrones Fan
No matter how you feel about the show’s final season, you must admit it had some pretty impressive production value. And in addition to Croatia, a great number of episodes were filmed in Spain.
To see the real-life versions of Westeros’ breathtaking locations, pay a visit to the gardens of Real Alcazar in Seville, the Roman Bridge in Cordoba, the Placa dels Jurats in Girona, the old town of Caceres, or Gaztelugatxe and Itzurun Beach in the Basque country.
Taste Some of the World’s Most Impressive Food
Paella Valencia seafood. Image by EstudioWebDoce from Pixabay
The one thing in common for all of Spain is that you won’t go wrong with any of the local foods. Pulpo a la Gallega in Galicia, Paella in Valencia, Pescado Frito in Cadiz, or Gazpacho in Andalusia all make for excellent choices.
Of course, don’t miss out on a chance to try the real Jamon Iberico. You can get it anywhere in the country, but it’s particularly good at Barcelona’s La Boqueria market.
Pro tip: you’ll get better service if you make an effort to order in Spanish, so learn a few basic phrases you can use to impress your servers.
Party the Nights Away in Ibiza
Sunset on the beach in Ibiza. Image by dickiebird from Pixabay
Want to have an unforgettable time? Why not head to Ibiza, Spain’s famous party island?
This destination comes to life between May and October and attracts young tourists from all over the world. It’s the ideal vacation choice for those who like music, sangria, and lounging on the beach at sunrise after a night of clubbing.
Have a Hiking Adventure
Hiking Camino de Santiago. Image by Ulli Paege from Pixabay
If you’re less interested in partying and more into spiritual experiences, don’t miss your chance to take a 500-mile journey through some of Spain’s most impressive landscapes.
Camino de Santiago has seven routes in total, with Camino Francés being the most popular, and taking around 30 days to finish for experienced hikers. Of course, if you don’t have a full month (or more) to spend in the country, you could also opt for Camino Inglés, but know that you won’t receive a Compostela certificate, as it’s only 46 miles long.
Enjoy the Fire of Flamenco
Flamenco dance in Seville, Spain. Image by byungjei Lim from Pixabay.
Finally, a visit to Spain can’t be considered complete without at least seeing a flamenco show. Two of the most famous places include the Corral de Moreira tablao in Madrid and El Arenal in Seville, but you would also do well to catch a show by Ballet Nacional de España that combines several Spanish dance styles into stylized programs.
Or, if you’re ready to take things a step further, you can enroll in a class and learn a few basic moves for yourself. For the beginner-friendly versions, opt for a Sevillanas course in Seville. Later, you can dance at the Feria de Abril for an authentic Andalusian experience.
Final words
Spain is a magnificent country that you’re sure to fall in love with. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or if you’ve already been but are hungry to experience more, you’ll find that there are lots of amazing opportunities to enjoy yourself.