10 Best Things To Do Over The Summer Holidays In Spain - Updated 2024

James
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read

No country offers the tripartite pleasures of spicy food, hair-raising activities, and beautiful sights like one of Europe’s most famous nations: Spain. Summers will always come, but what makes one summer different from another is the decision you make regarding where you, your friends and loved ones get to spend yours. Talk of the nation widely known for its salsa and flamenco music, talk of the retina-perplexing and adrenaline-inducing arenas of the notorious bullfights. If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are luxury hotels that will provide you with world-class services. You can also look at cottages with a pool for a homier experience. These and more are the reasons why the country of matadors and paella should be the next destination for your summer holidays. Check out our list of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Spain.

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1. Celebrate Valencia’s festival of San Juan

summer holidays in spain | celebrate valencia’s festival of san juan
Source: instagram

There is a reason why Spain is known as a cultural capital in Europe. It is because of festivals like the one that is held annually in San Juan, Valencia. Hogueras de San Juan is held mostly in the third week of June. The Bonfires of Saint John is a night of barbecues, marshmallows and open campfires where people from all walks of life sit in groups and socialize. You can say a silent prayer as you watch the bonfires light up the San Juan skies and pray that your loved ones be protected from evil.

Hogueras de San Juan

Address: Valencia, España

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2. Enjoy Malaga’s August Fair

Malaga August Fair
Source: Photo by Flickr user Danny Thompson used under CC BY 2.0

Hotels and other forms of accommodation are always filled up every August as Spaniards, and other tourists throng the streets of Malaga on the occasion of the “feria Malaga” (Malaga’s fair). Enjoy the numerous live activities that occur on a regular basis in the company of your loved ones. Enjoy the dazzling display of fireworks, sing along to the best of European music at the concerts by the beach and get to mingle with different tourists from the rest of the world in a week of pure fun and Spanish culture.

Malaga Fair

Address: Malaga City Centre

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3. Visit the medieval city of Cordoba

You can’t claim to visit Spain and not visit this old shipping city famous for olive oil, wine, gold, wheat, and other substances which were once shipped from the ports of Córdoba in Spain to Rome and the rest of Europe. The medieval city of Cordoba is made up of familiar elements depicting its ancient history with most places filled with odd assortments of arches, columns, and pillars. Make your list of things to do in Spain in the summer more memorable by learning about the unique story of Cordoba’s civilization as you move from the cathedral to the mosque, from the synagogue to patios and courtyards littered with flowers.

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4. Witness a match at the infamous Camp Nou Stadium

The soccer-loving city of Barcelona is the top destination for football-loving fans. Watching the fancy footwork and skillful display of the best players of one of soccer’s most successful teams is a dream come true for a die-hard soccer fan. The Camp Nou, home of the Barcelona football club is a site to visit on days when football matches aren’t ongoing, to enjoy a tour of the expansive stadia and its environs.

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Spain Tour Guide

Asier Garmendia

Asier Garmendia

Hi! I’m Asier, welcome to Granada, the most wonderful and charming city in the world. I am a licensed tour guide, with a degree in Art History and specialized in the Alhambra. Let me show you as a local our traditions, food and heritage. The city of the Alhambra will not disappoint you !. Please don`t hesitate to contact me for private and flexible tours. My job is my passion!

Tours by Asier

5. Book a guided tour of Seville city

Seville is a city to visit at day and night because of its sights. The towering pillar of the cathedral in Seville is one monument that captures the imagination of every tourist. Tourists may hop off the tour bus or book a Segway tour for an hour-long excursion around the city. However, if you have some time to spare, visit some of its top landmarks, including the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring of the 18th century, the magnificent Alcazar Castle complex or experience flamenco dancing, for which the city is famous for.

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6. Explore Barcelona to enjoy summer at its best

explore barcelona to enjoy summer at its best

There is more to Barcelona for the fun-loving tourist than the impressive buildings of Antonio Gaudi. One way to complete your summer activities in Spain is to get your cameras ready to capture the scenic views of the Roman ruins, the Games Village of the 1992 Olympics, and what is left of the sights and scenes of the Spanish Inquisition. With over a hundred tour buses to ferry tourists from one point to the other around the Spanish footballing capital, explore the numerous historical spots in Barcelona from the Plaza Catalunya to the famous salamander-styled park, Park Guell.

Tip from Content Creator

Barcelona Barcelona Barcelona
In Barcelona, explore the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí, with must-visit sites like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Get lost in the medieval charm of the Gothic Quarter and wander through labyrinthine streets offering an authentic Barcelona experience.
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7. Watch a flamenco show in Madrid

watch a flamenco show in madrid

There is a saying in Spain that – every day is a flamenco day! If you love music, then the flamenco show is something you shouldn’t miss. Let the strings of the flamenco guitar tug on the strings of your heart as you get raptured by the sonorous rendition by Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo or any of the flamenco greats as they sing their hearts out. If you cannot understand the lyrics of the songs - just cheer your heart out as you watch the flamenco shows in Madrid.

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8. Visit the hidden beaches of Costa Brava

visit the hidden beaches of costa brava

Nothing completes a summer vacation in Spain like a day on the beach. The serene blue radiance of the sea and the brilliant white of the sands all combined with the brilliance of the shining sun present the finest and best of nature’s elements. These experiences are what visitors stand to enjoy in over 14 beaches that make up the Costa Brava area. Enjoy the sounds of chirping birds in Platja Treumal, relax and be rejuvenated in the fishermen’s cottage after a day of fishing in Platja de Santa Cristina.

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9. Experience Granada's rich culture and history

experience granada's rich culture and history

If you are yet to visit the city of the famous olive oil or dance with your loved one at the renowned flamenco shows or visited the glitzy halls of Alhambra palace, do so now! Muslims and Christians once lived together in Granada, leaving behind a trail of rich culture which tourists can view as they walk the streets of Granada filled with religious monuments, museums, theatres and art galleries. There is so much to culture and history to experience in Granada.

Tip from tour guide

Asier

Asier
Spain

 

When you're in Granada, visit El Partal, which is considered the oldest palace in Alhambra. However, it was recently incorporated into the monumental complex as it was privately owned until Arthur Von Gwinner donated it to the State in 1891. Despite significant modifications, its original Astronomical Observatory Tower's ceiling was preserved. Sadly, the palace's beauty was partially lost when it was dismantled and transported to the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. It's a rarely visited palace and the most modified within the Alhambra complex, with the pool being the recent addition. If you want to experience another side of the Alhambra, include this landmark on your list of places to see. Inside you'll also find The Oratory of the Partal Palace and Partal Alto de la Alhambra Garden.

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10. Marvel at Antoni Gaudi’s artwork in Barcelona

marvel at antoni gaudi’s artwork in barcelona
Source: www.viator.com

If you are a keen observer who is hell-bent on soaking in all the sights and sounds of Spain, there is a sight you should certainly not miss: an edgy style of architecture attributed to Antonio Gaudi. Barcelona alone houses close to a dozen structures designed by the award-winning architect. Littered all over the streets of Barcelona are awe-inspiring, breathtaking, and eye-popping architectural masterpieces that will make every viewer marvel and make any photographer reach for their cameras.

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Make the best of your Spanish getaway

There are so many ways to enjoy your summer holidays in Spain. There are thousands of activities to indulge in with your loved ones, if you decide to make the streets of Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Zaragoza your stomping ground for your summer trip. Take your time to enjoy your summer holidays in Spain because like some may say: “opportunities like this come but once!”

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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James Kure is an ardent writer from a very humble background. He loves writing about the world’s top travel destinations, especially the Scandinavian and Japanese regions. When not writing, James...Read more

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