1. Walk the St James Trail (Camino de Santiago)
Embark on the pilgrimage of a lifetime! The revered Camino de Santiago, replete with a network of trails, is an ancient route that has carried pilgrims for thousands of years. You can choose from various hiking routes stretching across France, Portugal, England, and Spain.
There's the 835 km Camino del Norte, which winds through four regions in northern Spain. As you walk among jagged cliffs, countryside meadows, and pristine beaches, get lost in your thoughts. This long route begins in Irun in France before taking you through Spain.
Not into taking a super long route? We get it. The 321-km Camino Primitivo dubbed the Original Way, may suit your timeline better! Most walkers complete this section in 12-14 days.
The web of trails leads to the same endpoint: Santiago de Compostela, where St. James was buried.
Get the lowdown on what to pack, details on the various routes, and other essential information to help inspire your epic long-distance walking journey via this extensive guide to Camino de Santiago!
2. Swimming in San Sebastian
San Sebastian's seaside setting paints a picture of a timeless summer. The beach resort town is where fragrant salty air intertwines with wafts of incredible culinary concoctions, and the glistening water flirts with the golden shoreline.
When you're here, skipping out to the Playa de la Concha is impossible, the long beach that grants sun-soaked days and refreshing swims.
Meanwhile, surfers will find their groove at the nearby Playa de la Zurriola, where roaring waves provide a high-class thrill.
3. Multi-sport adventures in the Pyrenees
The intimidating Pyrenees divide Spain and France; this powerful mountain range is the ultimate adventure hub. You may not think it a worthy destination, considering the multitude of other outdoor experiences peppering Spain. Still, if you want a fusion of unlimited adventures, the Pyrenees is your spot.
When snow blankets the land, skiers and snowboards can head to the ski slopes of Spain, where world-class conditions and jagged peaks stretching across the horizon create one remarkable outdoorsy experience.
But that's not all! In spring, when the snow melts and cascades from the mountain peaks, the river morphs into roaring waters, providing thrilling rafting experiences for those craving an unreal adrenaline rush.
And there's more.
Tucked into the rugged scenery, you'll find the Lanuza Reservoir, where gentle kayaking meanders await. Or, hike from Astún and cross the French side by foot—the Astún walking trail winds by postcard-painted lakes cradled by greenery and jagged peaks.
4. Scuba Diving in the Canary Islands
There's nothing like floating directly above vibrant coral reefs and watching marine life swim in and out of their natural habitat!
Scuba diving is truly a remarkable experience, no matter where you go. Still, if you find yourself bored in Spain (yeah, right) or are an avid scuba diver, you might as well rent some gear, get off land, and start exploring the shimmering waters flanking this remarkable country.
We suggest visiting the Canary Islands, where bright and clear blue water offers a fantastic diving experience. The volcanic activity from the past has resulted in some jaw-dropping scenery.
You'll find remarkable rock formations dotting the seabed! Some even jet up to around 10 feet tall, making it cool to see the abundance of fish swimming in and out of the formations. Some species in this area are Parrot Fish, Cow Breams, Barracuda, Sting Rays, and more.
Those who can't get enough of swimming with fish can find more striking underwater scenery on the Balearic Islands.
5. Hiking in Picos de Europa
Lace up your hiking boots and head to the iconic Picos de Europa. Suppose you want to immerse in nature after exploring the vibrant, famous cities and quaint villages in Spain. In that case, Picos de Europa has your name written all over its carved-out trails, jagged peaks layered with verdancy, and lush green pastures.
The supernatural views etched across the 64,660-hectare area will keep you as entertained as the bustling villages and cities outside of this natural phenomenon.
Here are some hikes to consider in Picos de Europa:
- The 12-km Cares Route, where paths are laced with thick greenery.
- The Covadonga Lakes will have you feeling like you're starring in an old-time musical, thanks to the greenery fused with shimmering lakes fronting layers of peaks.
- The Ordiales Scenic Balcony Trail winds to a viewpoint that offers a bird's eye view of mountains, cloaked in green, stretching across the horizon.
But Picos de Europa isn't the only destination with a network of hiking trails! You'll find a collection of trails snaking across the epic Sierra Nevada.
6. Hiking in the Sierra Nevada
The dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains line the south of Spain. While this range provides a stunning backdrop from afar, there's nothing like exploring the surrounding scenery up close! And what better way to do this than to go hiking?
The Sierra Nevada offers a range of hikes tailored for all skill levels; you'll find a surplus of self-guided walks that range in distance, spread across the area.
Some must-do hiking tracks include the demanding The Vereda de Estrella, the intimidating Capileira-Mulhacén, and the slightly less challenging and intimidating Hoya de la Mora-Veleta.
7. Rock Climbing in Andalucía
Have you ever thought of rock climbing in Spain? We feel that most of you answered "nope" to that question!
But the handful of you who want to climb vertical faces in the Andalucía region are in for a treat. You'll find a fantastic blend of single-pitch routes and multi-pitch climbs.
Just head to El Chorro, Cordoba, Granada, and Malaga for some unbelievably epic scenic climbs!
8. Canyoning in Costa del Sol
Experience something different in Spain—something you've likely never experienced: canyoning. Canyoning blends exciting adventure sports to form one great activity. Expect to experience hiking, climbing, mountaineering, swimming, and caving as you navigate through moody caves and up cliffs!
You'll find unreal canyoning opportunities in Costa del Sol, which sits along the coast in the province of Málaga within the region of Andalucía. If you end up here, do yourself a favour and try canyoning—you won't be disappointed!
9. Cycling in Spain
Avid cyclists flock to all parts of Southern Spain between January and March to make the most of quality, quiet roads under the blissful rays of winter sunshine.
The best part is that after you work up an appetite, you'll find a surplus of restaurants awaiting you.
For quieter roads, head to Costa Almeria, Murcia, Granada and the Costa de la Luz, where longer rides will keep you moving for a while.
For hardcore cyclists who appreciate the intense, higher-altitude climb,s head to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Granada.
Northern Spain also boasts of a smattering of cycling hotspots. The first one worth noting is Girona—some argue that it's the cycling capital of Europe. Several professional cyclists even call this place home. Girona is a great place to cycle for those seeking a fusion of culture and leisurely rides with the occasional burst of exertion.
Other towns worth adding to this list of great spots for cycling country bike tours in the north are Costa Dorada and San Sebastián.
10. Water sports in Tarifa
Don't want to leave the shimmering, summer-perfect water but wouldn't mind getting your adrenaline pumping? Just head to Tarifa, located on the Southern shoreline of Andalucía, where kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding will guarantee a worthwhile, unforgettable experience.
Tarifa is known as the wind capital of Spain and is fast becoming one of Europe's go-to places for wind and kite surfing.
11. Canoeing the Sella River
On the first Saturday of August every year, canoe enthusiasts place their boats in the river and paddle the Sella River.
But it's not just any canoe trip; it's a race down the river and a significant event, much like a yearly marathon. It's only a 20-km course, but thousands of canoeists flock to the river to try and come out on top.
However, it's not only the canoeists participating in this yearly event—spectators get to create a party out of it, too. The spectators, adorned in fun costumes, travel with the canoeists.
When the canoers finish the race, everyone dances and enjoys a picnic before turning into a full extravaganza when night falls.
