Discover what to do in Spain that captures its passion, vast diversity, storied history and cherished culture. Spain invites you to experience traditions carried forward over the generations. You can explore the country’s scenic beach-laden coastlines, immerse in the renowned arts and cuisine scene in Madrid and Barcelona, and follow in the ancient historic footsteps left behind by Iberians, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Moors and Christians.
In this beautifully diverse country, there’s something to do and experience for everyone. If food and wine are your passion, indulge in the foodie scene in Madrid and Barcelona and in Rioja for wine. If a romantic, head to Marbella on the Costa del Sol in the south and San Sebastian in the north and stay in an Andalusian Parador. For culture enthusiasts, don’t miss Seville and Granada. And, if a history buff, venture to Girona for famous Game of Thrones filming locations.
After years of living in, and touring Spain, it’s a challenge to feature only 8 top things to do in Spain when there are 100’s to choose from. Indeed, due to the treasure trove of experiences found in beautiful Spain, many visitors often return to enjoy the good life since, as they say in Spain, “In Spain, one lives very well.”
Eat Your Way through Spain – Food Markets
Tucked in at the packed tapas counter, hanging out at Barcelona’s buzzing Boqueria food market, was always a fun and tasty experience. Squeezed in, shoulder to shoulder with locals, I easily whiled away hours sampling market-sourced tapas and small plates, accompanied by a glass of Rioja. Meanwhile, the lively market-goers always provided ample people-watching material for the day’s entertainment.
Spain’s colorful bustling mercados (markets) are top foodie destinations and an essential part of the Spanish lifestyle. Most large cities in Spain have daily markets, Madrid and Barcelona are largely considered to have the best, offering the freshest seasonal vegetables and fruit, seafood, artisan cheeses, serrano ham and a smorgasbord of other specialty cuisine ingredients.
Escape to Costa del Sol
Escape to the Costa del Sol (coast of the sun) to bask in almost non-stop glorious sunshine and to adventure along almost 100 miles of Mediterranean coastal bliss. Costa del Sol is one of the best known coasts, boasting the sunniest spot in Spain with more than 320 days of sunshine.
Each beach paradise has its own distinct charms, ambiance, and attractions. For those seeking resort luxury and relaxation, Puerto Banus with its fashionable jetsetter marina may appeal. Other spots like Marbella and Estepona may better suit those looking for a mix of coastal attractions like watersports and beaches coupled with inland adventure like that found in former fishing villages dotting the coast, and in hilltop perched Moorish white towns (pueblos blancos) tucked in Andalucia’s countryside.
Just about anywhere along the coast (particularly towards the western part of the coast), you can find a blend of beach attractions and authentic historical and cultural experiences in the coastal and mountain towns. My three favorite Costa del Sol destinations are Marbella, Malaga, and Estepona.
Do the Tapas Crawl in Madrid
For generations, Madrilenos have been wild about tapas – known as small bites, tidbits, small plates, appetizers – you name it. In certain areas of Madrid, a perpetual ‘happy hour’ atmosphere reigns with throngs of locals and visitors gathering to munch on delicious traditional mouth-watering tapas and engage in friendly comradery.
La Latina, a personal favorite tapas destination, shines as one of the most locals-frequented and authentic neighborhoods in Madrid. Lining narrow pedestrianized streets winding through the lively area, are brightly colored tapas bars, each with distinct vibes and traditional tastes. Calle Cava Baja is particularly beloved by the locals since you can easily while away the evening, tapas-hopping from one fun and tasty tavern to the next.
Tapas variety seems infinite, with each tavern proudly serving specialties such as lentils with duck confit, foie gras, tostas topped with grilled shrimp or steak, olive-oil fried eggs atop a bed of crisp French fries, patatas bravas, and so much more.
Brave the Girona of ‘Game of Thrones’
Strolling Old Town Girona, I mused about the wildly popular series, Game of Thrones, which filmed some episodes right here. I was excited to discover what all the fuss was about, and wondered why the film-makers chose this mysterious ancient city? I was about to find out.
Although not a Game of Thrones (GOT) fan, I figured that GOT locations were probably amazing, so I advanced deeper into the city’s oldest quarter where it began to feel like a fantasy adventure, filled with well-preserved wall and watch-tower fortifications and religious buildings from medieval times.
Tracing GOT locations turned out to be an intriguing way to explore Girona’s famed icons such as the dramatic ancient cathedral, hidden passageways, narrow footpaths, cascading stone steps, and an imposing round monastery.
Favorite Old Town attractions include the ancient site of the dramatic Basilica of Sant Feliu dominating the city’s skyline. Perched atop the hillside with some 90 steps tumbling down the Basilica’s front, the views overlooking Old Town’s maze of narrow and twisting stone lanes, are quite spectacular. Also enthralling, is the 11th c. Benedictine Monastery Sant Pere Galligants, an unusual massive circular structure flanked by peaceful gardens, which today is an archeological museum.
For a panoramic way to experience Girona’s top spots, you can climb up a few stairs to the elevated walkway atop the ancient walls, ringing the Old City. Views over the city (old and new) are breathtaking.
Get Your Gaudi On, in Barcelona
It took the third time I visited Barcelona to finally visit the wildly famous Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) and other Gaudi architectural wonders. After that initial Gaudi experience, I became a true Gaudi aficionada, loving “everything Gaudi”.
The drop-dead gorgeous Basilica Sagrada Familia gifts otherworldly experiences, particularly once inside where bountiful sunshine gloriously pours through brilliant rainbow-colored glass, creating an unbelievable celestial shower of colliding color bursts.
Other jaw-dropping Gaudi architectural masterpieces dot the city’s landscape, each offering an almost surreal experience and an intriguing window into the Gaudi genius exhibited at the Casa Batilo, La Pedrera, Parc Guell, and other Gaudi masterworks.
Sip Some Rioja in Rioja
Spain is one of the world’s biggest wine-producing countries, with local specialties found in just about every region. Particularly popular are the Rioja reds which you can sip anywhere in Spain. But, you can go to the source, visit the Rioja vineyards and bodegas and sip oak-aged reds in the valley. While there you can visit notable attractions like the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada (one of the sights along the Camino de Santiago (St. James Way).
Go on a Pilgrimage
Santiago de Compostela is the end destination (shrine of the apostle St. James who is said to be buried in the cathedral there) of Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago (also known as St. James Way) traversing northern Spain. For more than 1,000 years the challenging pilgrimage road has been well trodden by adventurers and devotees from around the world. You can choose one of seven routes to complete the 500 miles or choose to walk just a segment of the road. Along the way are rest stops to refresh and move on, as well as hostels and small hotels offering food and lodging.
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful urban settings, the beautifully authentic Old Town is my favorite part of Santiago de Compestela, a World Heritage UNESCO site. Historic squares and incredibly narrow cobblestone lanes weave around renowned ancient landmarks dating from Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque times, accenting the well-preserved enclave. If you’re lucky, you can sometimes see fresh-catch eels, a popular food item in the Galicia part of Spain, to the market.
Santiago de Compestela boasts famous attractions such as Cape Finisterre, believed by Romans to be the end of the world, the storied Cathedral of Santiago de Compestela, Plaza de las Platerias. Once arrived in Santiago de Compestela.
Treat Yourself to a Parador Stay in Andalucia
Want to stay in a restored castle, monastery, convent or palace while in Spain? Then treat yourself to a Parador experience and get a taste of Spain’s pervasive charm, colorful history, romantic culture, and traditional cuisine.
Owned by the Spanish Government, there are some 94 Paradores, converted historic buildings, throughout Spain. Half of them date back to the 12th to 18th century. They are similar to a luxury hotel – furnished according to era and regional style, set in beautiful natural settings of historic or cultural importance, and boast fine cuisine including local specialties.
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