Wondering what to add to your Spain bucket list? There are so many epic things to do in Spain, but some of them are truly bucket list worthy.
I’ve traveled all around Spain and explored a lot of fun activities as I’ve lived in the country for 12+ years. There are some bucket list items that are must-dos for first-timers and others that are great for anyone looking for something out of the usual.
Read on to build your own Spain bucket list with these incredible activities!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
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Spain Bucket List
Climb the highest mountain in the Iberian Peninsula
Mulhacén (3479 masl) is the highest peak in the Iberian Peninsula and the second highest in Spain after Teide in Tenerife.
It’s possible to hike as a day hike in the summer when you can take advantage of the national park’s shuttle bus and walk the rest which is a moderate hike of 4-5 hours.
If you’re up for more of an adventure, you can hike Mulhacen in two days sleeping in a refuge or wild camping.
I’ve done both, and I can say without hesitation that this is among the best hikes in Spain!
Visit the Gaudí sites in Barcelona
Whether you spend one day in Barcelona or visit for a longer period of time, Gaudí’s UNESCO sites are a must-visit.
The architect left an incredible heritage including the unfinished Sagrada Familia rising above Barcelona’s skyline like a giant sand castle.
Together with Park Güell, it’s by far my favorite attraction in Barcelona and I highly recommend taking this guided tour of Sagrada Familia and Park Güell to get the most out of your visit.
I also loved visiting Casa Battló and Casa Milá (also known as La Pedrera.) Make sure you book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly!
This tour is excellent as it covers all the mentioned sites and gives you a better understanding of Gaudí’s incredible work.
In all of Gaudí’s creations, you’ll experience how he used natural light and rounded, natural shapes in his work. Besides, he loved colorful mosaics, especially dragons or lizards which you will recognize in places like Park Güell and Casa Batlló.
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Take a bike tour of Valencia
One of the best ways to explore a new city is by bike and Valencia is the perfect place for it as the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences are about half an hour’s walk apart.
It’s a great way to cover as much as possible of the city, especially if you’re in Valencia for one day. But even in a Valencia 2-day itinerary, it’s a fun way of introducing the city.
There are several bike tours in Valencia covering different places, but I highly recommend taking one that includes the City of Arts and Sciences as it’s a bit further out of the city.
A bike tour will typically last 2-3 hours and the guide will tell you about the city’s history and culture and the places you see on the way. I highly recommend this guided cycling tour as it covers the city’s most iconic sites.
Visit the Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra in Granada is one of the most visited tourist sites in Spain and not without a reason. It’s a fantastic example of Moorish heritage in Andalucia and should be on any Spain bucket list.
It usually takes about half a day to visit the entire Alhambra complex including the Generalife gardens, the Alcazaba, and the palace.
Make sure you book tickets in advance including the Nasrid Palaces (not included in the general ticket) as it sells out early! If you want to go on a guided tour to learn more about the site, I highly recommend this tour.
Hike El Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey used to be the most dangerous hike in the world. Now, it’s one of the most popular walks in Spain, but you must book in advance to get a ticket.
The entire trail was revamped with new wooden walkways pinned just about a meter above the old broken path, both hundred meters above the gorge floor.
It’s a thrilling experience, so anyone with extreme vertigo might rethink whether it’s worth adding to your Spain bucket list or if it feels safer to do other things on this list.
Safety is taken seriously and even if you don’t go on a guided tour you’ll get a mandatory helmet and a security brief at the entrance.
Visit the Roman ruins in Mérida
Mérida is hand on one of the most underrated places to visit in Spain. While there are many fantastic things to do in Mérida Spain, exploring the Roman ruins is the absolute highlight.
The city of Mérida has the most and best preserved Roman remains in the country and as a half-Italian from Rome, I was stupefied.
As the most impressive, visit the archaeological site of the Roman Amphitheater and the Roman Theater. There is also an old Roman villa on the site. Book your entry ticket including an audio guide before you go!
But what impressed me the most are all the Roman sites you stumble across just walking around the city, like the Temple of Diana, the Roman Bridge, and the impressive Aqueduct.
To ensure you don’t miss out of any of the highlights, I highly recommend you join this walking tour taking you to the most important Roman remains in Mérida.
Explore the UNESCO sites in Seville
Seville is another highlight in Spain. When I visited the first time, it was still a hidden gem in Spain, but now it’s turned into one of the most popular cities to visit.
And with all its right! Seville’s UNESCO sites are definitely worth your bucket list when visiting Spain. The Real Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower can easily be visited with a joint ticket, but I highly recommend taking this guided tour to learn more about the sites.
After all, we’re talking about the biggest Gothic church in the world and one of the most important Moorish remains in Spain.
Go kayaking and snorkeling in Nerja
If you’re looking for the perfect place to go snorkeling and kayaking in Spain with crystal clear water and a beautiful rugged coastline, look no further than Nerja.
There are several secluded beaches and a wild natural beauty along the Maro Coast in Nerja which is completely unmatched.
Usually, you can witness a splendid waterfall cascading into the sea too, but the last couple of years it’s been dry due to drought on Costa del Sol.
Nevertheless, it’s one of the best kayaking experiences I’ve had in Spain (and I’ve returned year after year!)
I highly recommend joining this kayaking tour if it’s your first time as the guide will make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights along the way. You also get pictures and video of the adventure and snorkeling gear is included. If you prefer going solo, you can rent a kayak on the beach.
Walk the medieval city walls in Tossa de Mar
One of my favorite beach towns in Spain is Tossa de Mar which is located just north of Barcelona. The medieval city walls enclose the oldest part of the town which is one of the few medieval walled cities in Spain that are still inhabited.
There’s no secret walking the castle walls gives you the best views of the town making it one of the best things to do in Tossa de Mar.
Cross Spain’s first suspension bridge crossing the Mediterranean
This is a true hidden gem that opened in 2022! We visited for the first time just a year after opening and there were hardly any people there, making it easy to take pictures and videos for our YouTube channel.
Located in Torrenueva Costa in Costa Tropical in southern Spain, it’s just a short drive from popular tourist resorts like Almuñecar and Salobreña.
The suspension bridge is 60 meters long and hangs a whopping 35 meters above the crystal-clear water!
Party like a local at Feria de Malaga
If you’re looking for a Spanish fiesta where you truly can party with the locals in the streets, make sure you make it to Feria de Malaga in August!
This is one of my favorite fiestas in Spain because the entire city comes to life. Every street, bar, and restaurant is jam-packed with happy people – locals and tourists alike.
Every square is occupied by a band playing music and an energetic audience where there’s no need to be shy – just join in and dance to the beats!
Hike across a 1st. century Roman Aqueduct
Now, this is one of the Spain highlights for active travelers! Hiking across the 1st. century aqueduct, Aqueducto de la Peña Cortada in the charming town of Chelva is one of the most epic things I’ve done this year.
There’s no doubt, this is one of the best hikes in Valencia and even if you don’t want to do the entire hike like we did, you can cross the aqueduct and walk through a section with tunnels taking you through the cliff wall which is just so cool, you have to do it yourself.
Join this guided tour from Valencia if you don’t have a car. Here is a video of our adventure so you can see what the entire hike looks like.
Visit the Smurf village of Juzcar
Looking for a unique little town in Andalucia? There are plenty! But a blue Smurf village, only one!
The tiny village of Juzcar is completely Smurf-themed with blue houses, Smurf paintings on the walls, a Smurf playground, and even a little Smurf market.
On the weekends you find plenty of Smurf activities for the kids including face painting.
Learn how to surf in Cadiz
Cadiz in southern Spain is locally known as Cadizfornia because of its excellent surf and beautiful beaches.
If you’re looking for a place to learn how to surf in Spain, I can highly recommend Cadiz. The city has a local and laidback vibe and there are plenty of things to do besides surfing too.
In fact, Cadiz is western Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city with plenty of historical attractions.
Get lost in medieval Toledo
Toledo is one of those places that had me spellbound from the first moment I set foot there. Most travelers visit Toledo on a day trip but in all honesty, this town deserves so much more time!
The medieval town is jam-packed with historical buildings like the Alcazar, Catedral Primada, and Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes.
Besides, Toledo is famous for its marzipan which is the perfect snack while getting lost in the city’s medieval streets.
Go skiing in Sierra Nevada
Skiing in the Sierra Nevada in Granada is a true bucket list experience. It’s the southernmost ski resort in Europe and it also has one of the longest skiing seasons.
There are plenty of slopes for seasoned skiers and newbies alike so even if you’re new to skiing and want to take lessons, you can enjoy the sweeping views of the mountains. On a clear day, you can even see Africa!
Stay in a cave house in Guadix
The Granada province is famous for its ancient cave houses where people still live today. The first time I stayed in one was back in 2005 and it’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Guadix is one of the most unique cities in Spain and is home to several cave houses, among them several cave house hotels where you can book a cave for the night.
I highly recommend spending at least 2 days in Guadix, but if you enjoy hiking, make it a little longer.
Eat your weight in tapas in Madrid
One of the main reasons to visit Madrid is the incredible tapas scene you find there, even for vegans. On my first solo visit to Madrid, I went crazy eating out. I’ve never been a big foodie traveler before Madrid.
One day in Madrid isn’t enough, so make sure you plan a 2-day Madrid itinerary minimum or even 3-4 days to see all the attractions and have plenty of time to enjoy the food.
See a red river
You read that right! There is a hidden red river in southern Spain. The underrated
Huelva province has been under the radar of NASA for several years due to the similarity of Mars in the red river of Rio Tinto.
I was completely in awe the first time I visited, and I couldn’t believe how red/orange the color actually is without any color editing on photos.
This hidden gem is located under an hour from Seville.
Experience the Patio Festival in Cordoba
One of the most unique cultural experiences in Spain is to visit Cordoba during the UNESCO-protected Patio Festival which takes place the first two weeks of May.
While it’s very crowded and there are long queues to enter the patios, they are all free to enter at this time of the year and you can see a lot of beautiful courtyards that are closed to the public the rest of the year.
With local groups dancing Sevillanas and the streets full of happy people, there is no better time to visit Cordoba!
Learn how to kite surf in Tarifa
If you’ve been curious about learning how to kite surf, Tarifa is the perfect place to do so. The charming beach town in southern Spain has a laidback vibe and is home to some of the best kite surfing conditions Spain.
There are several kite surfing schools and even hostels that organize kite surfing lessons together with like-minded people.
Experience Semana Santa in Seville
Semana Santa is one of the most unique religious festivities in Spain and Sevilla has the biggest celebration.
Throughout Easter Week there are several processions at daytime and nighttime filling the streets of the city. Large floats are carried around depicting happenings from the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.
In the processions, you see groups dressed in fully covering capes and pointy hats only leaving openings for the eyes, they will typically carry large candles and crosses. In the night processions, the candles are lit.
There are also music bands playing moody music. What I love about the Semana Santa in Sevilla (and other places in Spain) is how old and young all join in. The silence when the floats walk by, the clapping when the float is shaken up and down, and the respect of all the spectators.
Go on an Andalucia road trip
Going on an Andalucia road trip is one of the best things to do in Spain. While you easily can explore the cities by public transport, it’s harder to reach the white villages making a road trip the best option.
Explore places like Mijas Pueblo and Frigiliana on the coast and picturesque villages like Casares and Gaucín further inland. For lesser visited villages venture out to the Sierras Subbeticas where you’ll find some of the prettiest Pueblos Blancos, in my opinion anyway, like Zuheros and Iznajar.
Visit the Roman Theater in Tarragona
One of the best-preserved Roman Theaters in Spain is located in the coastal city of Tarragona south of Barcelona and has sea views.
It dates back to the 2nd century and has been used as a religious site in the times after the Romans. What I love is how you can see the remains of the church in the middle of the theater in the shape of a cross.
Enjoy the walled town of Peñiscola
Peñiscola is one of the best day trips from Valencia with its enchanting walled town overlooking the sea. Several scenes from the popular series Game of Thrones were filmed there.
Inside the city walls, you find the castle and its gardens. But you should also make time for wandering the narrow streets to soak in the atmosphere. Make sure you don’t miss out on the shell house!
Visit the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba
Among Spain’s best things to see, don’t miss out on the Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba. The unique UNESCO-listed structure is a fabulous blend of Muslim and Christian architecture and is one-of-its-kind.
Make sure you book tickets in advance so you can plan your itinerary as best as possible. I highly recommend taking this guided tour to get the most out of your experience!
Experience a flamenco show in Seville
Andalucia is famous for its spectacular Flamenco shows and there’s no better place to experience this passionate art form than in the place where the best dancers are trained; in Triana neighborhood in Seville.
I highly recommend this flamenco show in the Triana Theater. It has a more local feel to it than in other flamenco joints in the city and there’s no better place to go out for tapas and drinks with locals afterward.
Reflections on this Spain bucket list
Summing up, this Spain bucket list includes the most popular tourist attractions in the country as well as lesser-known places and activities.
This way, you should be able to add something to your bucket list whether you’ve visited Spain before or not. I love how diverse Spain is and I really hope you enjoy this fantastic country as much as I do.
Happy travels!