Things to do in Spain

Must-see Spain sights

First-time visitors be warned: Spain is addictive. You might book a city break or hiking trip, but also find yourself enjoying salsa performances, being hooked on the local cuisine, or stunned by Barcelona’s otherworldly architecture.

See the delights of Toledo
Stroll the beautiful streets of Seville
Discover Moorish culture in Granada
Visit one of Spain’s most popular cities - Barcelona
Enjoy all that buzzing Ibiza has to offer
Indulge in the tasty cuisine of Madrid
Take a hike in Spain

All over Spain there are superb attractions at every turn, whether that be cool restaurants, its wild landscapes or terrific bars.

1. See the delights of Toledo

The imposing fortress of the Alcazar dominates Toledo. Originally the site of a Roman palace, Emperor Carlos V ordered the construction of the current fortress in the sixteenth century. Following a tortuous relocation and refurbishment programme lasting the best part of a decade, the Alcázar is now home to an impressive state-of-the-art Army Museum (Museo del Ejército). Encompassing a new building constructed over the archeological remains of the original fortress, the museum offers two fascinating routes which navigate visitors through its vast collections - one historic and one thematic. Spain’s military history, the organisation of its armed forces and its major conflicts are all covered, while exhibits include everything from medieval swords and suits of armour, to toy soldiers and Civil War memorabilia. If you’re looking for Spain holiday packages we’ve certainly got you covered!

Best for: Impressive architecture

While you’re there: After all that exploring, enjoy a bite to eat in the city. Toledo is known for its suckling pig.

Holidays to Toledo

2. Stroll the beautiful streets of Seville

Seville is a charming city in Spain. The old city - where you’ll want to spend most of your time - is sited along the east bank of the Guadalquivir. At its heart stands many great monuments: the Giralda tower, the Cathedral and the Alcazar with the cramped alleyways of the Barrio Santa Cruz, the medieval Jewish quarter and now the heart of tourist life, extending east of them. You can also find the Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes) in Seville, it’s second in importance in Spain only to the Prado in Madrid (another must-see sight). Across the river is the earthier, traditionally working-class district of Triana which is full of ceramic shops, cafés and a vibrant food market.

Best for: Photogenic spots

While you’re there: Make sure you catch a flamenco show. The Flamenco Dance Museum hosts nightly concerts.

Plan your Seville Holidays

3. Discover Moorish culture in Granada

When planning your Spain itinerary, be sure to make time for Granada. For here, remarkably well preserved and in a tremendous natural setting, stands the Alhambra - one of Europe’s most exciting, sensual and romantic monuments. Built on the slopes of three hills, the rest of the city basks in the Alhambra’s reflected glory. The hilltop Albaicín, the former Moorish town, is a fascinating quarter full of narrow alleyways and small squares, and a great place for a stroll. Close by is the Cathedral with the gem of the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) attached to it. Throw in some Moorish baths and fine churches, including the fine La Cartuja monastery, and you have more than enough to explore.

Best for: Exploring history

While you’re there: Visit grand Generalife, a superb summer palace.

Cheap holidays to Granada

4. Visit one of Spain’s most popular cities - Barcelona

A trip to Barcelona has to be top of your list of things to do in Spain. Encountering the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia for the first time has a visceral impact. The interior of the Basilica is a peaceful space. Every bit as “luminous” as Gaudi dreamed, the light that streams through its stained-glass windows make it so glorious. The striking church of the “Sacred Family” is now more than ever a symbol for Barcelona. The surrounding neighbourhood of Eixample is also a great place to start exploring this multi-faceted city. Wander along bustling streets with striking architecture and a range of attractions, shops and restaurants to please wide-ranging tastes.

Best for: Memorable experiences

While you’re there: Bar hop around El Raval, the city’s coolest neighbourhood.

Holidays to Barcleona

5. Enjoy all that buzzing Ibiza has to offer

Looking for some fun in the sun? Time to head to Ibiza! There are some exquisite coves to be found near Sant Antoni. Sheltered Cala Bassa is immensely popular while the exposed beach of Cala Comte is less crowded, and is a beautiful spot to while away an afternoon. The most beguiling beach in the Balearics, Cala d’Hort has an unspoiled, quiet sand-and-pebble shoreline plus three good, moderately priced seafood restaurants. From the shore there are mesmeric vistas of Es Vedra, which is an incisor-shaped 378-metre-high islet revered by islanders and the subject of various myths and legends. It is believed that this is the birthplace of Tanit, the Phoenician goddess. Who could forget Ibiza’s fantastic nightlife? Some of the globe’s most spectacular clubs are spread across the southern half of Ibiza. Pikes Hotel is a legendary hotel/party venue famous for its (in)famous guests (George Michael, Grace Jones, Freddie Mercury, among others).

Best for: Beaches & nightlife

While you’re there: Note that there can be hefty entry charges for clubs in Ibiza, so make sure to factor that into your budget!

Holidays to Ibiza

6. Indulge in the tasty cuisine of Madrid

One of the most rewarding things to do in Spain is to simply eat - and Madrid is a great option for foodies! As the Spanish capital, Madrid has long provided a home to almost every regional style of Spanish cooking. Think Castilian roasts, Galician seafood and Andalusian fried fish, Asturian stews, Valencian paellas and Basque nueva cocina. The city also has its own range of home-spun dishes with cocido madrileño, a three-course stew of various cuts of meat, chorizo, chickpea and vegetables, topping the list. Other traditional favourites include callos (tripe in a spicy tomato sauce), oreja (pig’s ears) and caracoles (snails) if you want to try something new!

Best for: Foodie discoveries

While you're there: There are also good Peruvian, Argentinian, Middle Eastern and Italian restaurants across the city.

Holidays to Madrid

7. Take a hike in Spain

The Picos de Europa mountain range in northern Spain is a firm favourite for many walkers, trekkers and climbers. Designated national park, the range is like a painting: a mere 40km across in either direction, shoehorned in between three great river gorges, and straddling the provinces of Asturias, Leon and Cantabria. Hikes in the Picos are amazingly diverse, with trails to suit all levels, from a casual morning’s stroll to two- or three-day treks. Base yourself in picturesque villages within the mountains, or travel from the nearest main cities: Santander and León.

Best for: Adventure

While you're there: Make sure to pack all the appropriate gear and plenty of water.

Spain Holidays

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