Top 10 things to do in Spain

Spain is a hugely popular destination attracting millions of visitors every year with the promise of great weather, fantastic beaches, tasty cuisine and lively festivals that continue well into the early hours. Spain offers something for everyone and this coming summer is the perfect time to visit. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are our top 10 things to do in Spain.

1. La Tomatina
This incredible festival has been taking place the last Wednesday of August since 1945 and attracts thousands of participants every year. If you like food fights then you’re just going to love La Tomatina, a tomato fight like no other. The festival is located in the small village of Buñol and within easy reach from our hostels in Valencia.

3. El Camino de Santiago (The Way)
El Camino or ‘Way of St. James’ is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia where tradition has it the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. There are many routes to the cathedral, one of the most popular being Camino del Norte along the north coast of Spain. You’ll see some beautiful cities along the way and if you’re looking to find yourself, then this is a great place to start! Check out our Hostels in Spain for places to stay along your route.

4. Relax along the Costa de la Luz
The Costa de la Luz is the western coast of Andalucia overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches are incredible along this idyllic coastline untouched by mass-tourism: coves of fine white sand over-looked by cliffs and pine tree forests. Wind-surfing and water sports are hugely popular around the town of Tarifa (Tarifa Hostel) and don’t forget to visit the majestic cities of Cádiz and Jerez de la Frontera – famous for its sherry!

5. Hiking in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees Mountains to the north of Spain offer wonderful dramatic scenery and beautiful secluded valleys which remain virtually unspoilt due to their inaccessibility. The regions of Aragon, Catalonia and Navarra all offer wild, untouched landscapes – huge summits with massive drops of up to 2km and majestic lakes of crystal clear waters. The Pyrenees offer the perfect destination for activity holidays for walkers, climbers, trekkers and mountain climbers. For places to stay, check out Hostel Nuria and Hostel Planoles.

6. Feria de Malaga
If you missed Spain’s Feria de Abril in Seville, then here is the chance to experience a real Spanish festival! The Feria de Malaga brings the whole city to life as locals take to the street in traditional costume with live music, flamenco dance, decorated food stalls, traditional Andalucia cuisine and explosive firework displays. Let yourself go and party like a local for the best night of your life followed by the best night’s sleep of your life at Malaga Hostel.

7. Cabo de Gata- Níjar Natural Park
Cabo de Gata is Andalucia’s largest coastal protected area and a sheer delight to visit. Conveniently close to the city of Almeria, it is the largest terrestrial-maritime reserve in the European Western Mediterranean Sea. Awaiting you are volcanic rocks, salt flats, coral reefs, marine life and an abundance of incredible flora and fauna. Check out Hostel Almeria for a great place to stay.

8. Semana Grande
If you’re visiting Bilbao or San Sebastian in the Basque Country this summer and find yourself overtaken by 100,000 people marching, dancing and singing through the streets, then you know you’re in the middle of Semana Grande! Strongman games, live music, folk dancing, endless parties and incredible firework displays all make Semana Grande 48 hours of pure mad and chaotic fun, Basque style! Be sure to book early if you want to stay in one of our Bilbao hostel.

9. Visit Gaudi’s Barcelona
Gaudi is synonymous with Barcelona, and you’ll see his work everywhere – Park Guell, Casa Batllo and of course La Sagrada Familia Basilica. Elegant buildings with organic curves and twisted iron sculptures, influenced by nature and incredible imagination await your discovery. La Sagrada Familia is a work in progress a truly incredible sight to behold - a must see for anyone visiting Barcelona. We have 7 hostels in Barcelona and all of them are bookable online.

10. Experience the Moors
Spain offers many examples of exquisite Moorish architecture and no more so than in Andalucia. The three cities of Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla are easily within reach of each other and each offers an incredible experience. Granada offers the mysterious Alhambra built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain; The Mezquita dating back to the 10th century is in Córdoba, one of the most prosperous cities in Europe at that time; and the Alcazar Palace in Sevilla, built for the Moor Royalty in exquisite Mudajar craftsmanship. Great places to stay? Just take a look at our hostels in Granada, Córdoba and Sevilla.