18 Best Things to do in Spain 

Looking for a list of the can’t-miss activities in Spain? You’ve come to the right place!

We love Spain because it truly has it all. We’ve had so much fun admiring the world-famous architecture in its historic cities, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, and of course, eating as much of the incredible food as we possibly can! The culture here feels vibrant wherever you go, but with so many amazing places and experiences to choose from, narrowing down what to do can feel overwhelming.

After exploring different parts of the country, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Spain. These are our tried-and-true favorites, and we’ve got all the need-to-know details to make planning your trip much easier. Let’s get into it!

Things to do in Spain

1. Taste tapas, pintxos, and Spanish classics on a food tour 

One of our favorite things about traveling in Spain is the food. We’re big food lovers, and there’s no better way to get a feel for a place than through what’s on the plate. From tapas in Barcelona to pintxos in San Sebastián, every region has its own specialties, and we couldn’t get enough! 

What makes Spain stand out is just how different the food feels from one city to the next, with strong local traditions and flavors everywhere you go. We’ve found that joining a food tour is easily the best way to experience it all, especially if you want to skip the tourist traps and find the spots locals actually love.

Barcelona

If you want a proper introduction to Barcelona’s food scene, this wine and tapas tour is the perfect place to start! Instead of guessing where to eat, you’ll follow a local guide through the Gothic Quarter and El Born, stopping at some of the city’s best, authentic tapas spots along the way. Our guide, Angelique, was so awesome and gave us an insider look at how locals here really eat – we felt like we were a world away from the tourist hotspots of La Rambla! 

We love that this tour feels like a full evening out rather than just a few tastings. We ate a wide mix of classic Catalan dishes, from jamón and cheeses with pan con tomate to croquetas, patatas bravas, and even fresh sardines. Everything was paired with regional drinks, including wine, cava, and vermouth, so we really got a feel for how locals eat and drink here. There’s a reason it has over 5,500 5-star reviews!

Madrid

Unsurprisingly, Madrid is a really fun city to eat your way around. However, it’s a very big city, so we think that this tapas and wine tour offers the perfect starting point. Otherwise, you might get lost among all of the tourist traps in the center and miss out on the good stuff! 

We think this tour has a fantastic itinerary. You’ll visit four local bars around the Literary Quarter and Plaza Mayor and try more than 10 different tapas dishes along the way, so definitely come hungry!

What we love about this tour is that it takes you to the kind of old-school spots you’d probably never find on your own, and it might just push you to try something new! There’s a real mix of dishes, from Iberian ham and salted cod to garlic shrimp, plus a drink at each stop, including wine, vermouth, beer, or cava. It’s such a fun and easy way to get a proper taste of Madrid.

San Sebastian 

San Sebastián is famous for its pintxos scene, but knowing where to begin in the Old Town can be a little overwhelming! That’s why we think this small-group pintxos and wine tour is such a smart choice, especially if it’s your first night in the city.

We really like the itinerary here. You’ll explore the Parte Vieja with a local guide, stopping at several bars and gourmet spots along the way to try classic pintxos, with drinks included throughout. There’s a really nice mix on offer, from Iberian ham and mussels to marinated anchovies, Basque cider, and local wines, so it gives you a broad taste of the region rather than just one style of bar.

Another thing that stands out is the group size. With a maximum of nine people, it feels much more personal, and you’re far more likely to get those insider tips that help for the rest of your stay.

2. Visit Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Barcelona’s highlights 

Barcelona is packed with incredible sights, but if you’re short on time, seeing them all without feeling rushed can be tricky. That’s why we think this full-day tour is such a great option. It covers Barcelona’s biggest highlights in one go, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, and panoramic viewpoints from Montjuïc, so it’s ideal for first-time visitors.

One thing that really stands out here is how easy the whole day feels. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you travel between sights in an air-conditioned vehicle, which saves a lot of energy in a city as spread out as Barcelona. We also love the mix of walking and driving, because it means you get a proper feel for the city without exhausting yourself.

Of course, the real stars of the day are Gaudí’s masterpieces. Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most whimsical spots, while the Sagrada Familia is the kind of place that genuinely leaves a lasting impression. Alongside those, you’ll also explore the Old Town, pass along Passeig de Gràcia, and take in some of the city’s most famous streets and viewpoints.

If you want a well-rounded introduction to Barcelona, this itinerary is hard to beat. Just note that Sagrada Familia and Park Güell tickets are paid separately on the standard option, so it’s worth checking that when booking.

3. Wander the Alhambra & Generalife Gardens 

If there’s one place in Granada you absolutely can’t miss, it’s the Alhambra. However, visiting can be tricky because it’s super popular, so tickets sell out way in advance, and the queues can get really long. 

Fortunately, this guided tour makes visiting it feel a lot more manageable because it includes skip-the-line access, which means you won’t be standing in line for hours. You don’t need to book it months in advance, either, although to be honest, I would still strongly suggest grabbing your spot at least a few weeks ahead of time during spring and fall, which are the busiest seasons. 

The tour takes you through the full complex, including the stunning Generalife Gardens, the historic fortress, and the famous Nasrid Palaces. What we like most here is how much context you get along the way. The Alhambra isn’t just beautiful, it’s layered with history, and having a knowledgeable guide really brings it to life, from Islamic architecture to the stories of the Nasrid dynasty!

This is a fairly active experience, with a good amount of walking, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll move through courtyards, intricate palace rooms, and peaceful gardens, with incredible views over Granada at almost every turn. The whole thing takes around three hours, which feels like the right balance. It’s thorough, but it doesn’t drag on.

One thing to keep in mind is that “small group” can still mean around 20 people, so don’t expect a private feel. Also, you’ll need to bring ID, as it’s required for entry.

Related Read: Want the perfect base for visiting the Alhambra? Check out our detailed guide on where to stay in Granada for the top neighborhoods and hotels.

4. See a Flamenco show

Watching flamenco live is a must while you’re in Spain! It’s hard to understand how intense and emotional it can be until you experience it for yourself. We love watching flamenco in smaller venues because it feels even more exciting and authentic. 

I’ll be honest, the first time we went to a flamenco show, we were really just ticking it off because we felt like we should. However, within a few minutes of the first performance, we were hooked! Since then, we’ve made a point of seeing shows in different cities, because it’s fun to see the regional variations and discover how the venue makes such a difference. 

Madrid

If you’re looking for a really intimate flamenco experience in Madrid, this show is the clear choice. We loved how stripped back it was – no dinner, and no distractions! This allowed the performance itself to take center stage and really shine.

The venue is tiny, with just three rows of seating, so you’re super close to the stage. In fact, you’re not really watching flamenco here so much as feeling it! Every stomp and clap hits harder when you’re only a few feet away. It’s intense, but in a good way, as this experience really hammers home how emotional and expressive this art form is meant to be.

You do get a complimentary drink, but the focus stays firmly on the music and dancing. There are a few different showtimes too, which makes it easy to fit into your evening plans.

Seville

If you’re visiting Seville, we highly recommend this show because it delivers the full flamenco experience! If you’re looking for a full evening that includes food and wine alongside an electrifying show, this is the one to beat.

Our night started at a traditional tavern, where we tried classic Spanish bites like cured meats and vermouth while our guide shared a bit of background on flamenco and its roots in Andalusia. It’s a nice, relaxed way to kick things off, and it’s an awesome way for first-timers to learn more about the culture of flamenco.

From there, we headed to a historic venue in the Santa Cruz district for the flamenco performance, and this is where Seville really shines. The setting was intimate, and the performance felt very passionate and raw. 

After the show, our group wrapped up the night with even more tapas and wine at a modern spot, where we had time to chat about the performance. If you’re only going to do flamenco once, this is a great way to do it properly!

Barcelona 

In Barcelona, flamenco has a slightly different feel, so we were keen to check out a performance here and see how it compared to elsewhere in Spain. It often feels a bit more modern and curated, with some fun creative twists. 

And that’s definitely true of this flamenco show, which takes place at Casa Sors. It’s a small, family-run venue where all of the seats are close to the stage, which really does make a difference! We felt completely pulled into the performance.

The performance itself lasts about an hour and is focused purely on the music and dance, with the option to add drinks and tapas. But don’t rush out once the show has finished, because another thing that makes this show stand out is that you can visit the on-site guitar museum afterward. It’s an awesome way to get a closer look at the instruments that are at the heart of flamenco.

5. Discover the Guggenheim Museum

If there’s one place that put Bilbao on the map, it’s the Guggenheim Museum! Even if you’re not big into art, you definitely need to come and stop by the iconic building. 

Designed by Frank Gehry, the exterior is very impressive. The curved titanium panels catch the light in different ways throughout the day, so it looks different from every angle! We’d definitely recommend taking a bit of time to walk around outside first. The giant floral dog “Puppy” is right out front, and it’s just as iconic as the museum itself.

However, we really do think that this guided tour is worth it to appreciate the depth and complexity of this museum. I’ll be honest, I sometimes find modern and contemporary art quite hard to fully appreciate on my own, and it can be easy to walk straight past pieces without understanding what makes them important. Having a private guide makes a world of difference! 

We loved having clear, engaging explanations of the standout works, plus insights into the artists and the architecture. But for me, what was most interesting was learning how the museum helped reshape Bilbao into a cultural hotspot – it’s a really cool story. 

This tour also made our visit so smooth. With pre-booked entry, there was no waiting around, and the private setup meant that it was just our group, so we were able to move at our own pace and ask questions.

6. Go beach hopping in Ibiza

Ibiza feels very different from mainland Spain, and one of the best ways to experience this beautiful Balearic island is to get out on the water. We had the best time on this beach-hopping cruise, and arriving at the beaches via the water meant we got to skip all of the traffic on the roads  – win! 

The water in Ibiza is an almost unreal shade of blue, so cruising around on a boat all day is a really dreamy experience. We loved how much time we had to swim in between exploring some of the iconic beaches and coves, and in true Ibiza style, the drinks were flowing.

One thing that really sets this tour apart is that they only book the boat up to 50% capacity, so it didn’t feel cramped at all. We also loved the glass-bottomed section as it meant we could check out marine life without having to gear up in the water, although of course, when the time came, we donned the provided masks and jumped in! There were also bodyboards and donut rings on board, which were perfect for relaxing in the ocean.

We did the daytime version of this tour, but there’s also a sunset option if you want something a bit more romantic. Either way, it’s a really fun all-inclusive experience, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. We’re not the only ones who loved it, either – this tour has a whopping 5,000+ 5-star reviews!

Related Read: Planning more time on the island? Check out our full 3 Days in Ibiza itinerary for the perfect mix of beaches, boat trips, nightlife, and hidden gems.

7. See the Royal Palace in Madrid 

If you’re spending time in Madrid, you can’t skip the Royal Palace! It’s huge and packed with history, but admittedly, it can also feel a bit overwhelming if you go in without any context. For that reason, we recommend this skip-the-line guided tour. The palace is one of the most visited spots in the city, so being able to walk straight in without queuing is a big win, especially in peak season.

Once inside, the scale of the place really hits you. We’re talking over 3,000 rooms, with grand staircases and ornate ceilings that feel like they belong in a movie! The Throne Room and Banquet Hall are definite highlights, but to be honest, there’s a lot you’d probably miss or not fully appreciate without a guide.

That’s where this tour really stands out. Instead of just wandering through, we got to hear the stories behind what we were seeing, from royal traditions to the history of the Spanish monarchy. It made the whole experience feel much more engaging. I definitely don’t think I would have enjoyed visiting by myself half as much.

We also liked that the tour moved at a good pace. We never felt rushed, but it didn’t drag either – there’s nothing worse when you have a packed itinerary, am I right? So if you’re short on time or just want to make sure you don’t miss anything important, we think that this is the best way to experience the palace fully.

8. Learn how to cook Spanish food 

If you love Spanish food, then a cooking class is a must while you’re here! While we love eating in local restaurants, a cooking lesson is a chance to go deeper and learn about all of the little details behind Spain’s most beloved dishes.

We’ll be honest, the first time we booked a cooking class, we weren’t sure if it would feel a bit touristy, but it actually ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the trip! There’s something so satisfying about cooking a proper Spanish meal from scratch, especially when you get to sit down and enjoy it afterward with a glass of wine.

Since then, we’ve tried classes in a few different cities, and each one feels a little different depending on the local specialties. It’s also a great way to break up sightseeing and do something more interactive.

Barcelona

If there’s one dish you have to try in Spain, it’s paella, and this class takes it a step further by teaching you how to make it yourself. We loved how hands-on it was, because we were actually cooking alongside a professional chef rather than just watching.

The class kicked off with a glass of cava, then we dove into prepping and cooking our own paella in a small group. It was easy to follow along with the chef’s instructions, so it doesn’t matter if you’re not confident in the kitchen! 

After the cooking, we sat down as a group to enjoy everything we made, which amounted to a full 5-course meal. The wine was flowing throughout, so it felt like one big Spanish dinner party. We had such a great time, and we’re clearly not the only ones because this class has over a thousand 5-star reviews.

Madrid

If you want a proper introduction to Spanish cooking, this class in Madrid is such a fun way to do it. Instead of focusing on just one dish, you’ll learn how to make a full spread, from tapas to paella, so it feels like a real deep dive into the cuisine! 

What we love about this one is how hands-on it is. Some sessions include a visit to a local market first to give you a better understanding of the ingredients you’re using. Then, you’ll sip sangria as you follow along with the class. It’s super relaxed, so it feels more like cooking with friends than a formal class.

Once everything’s ready, you’ll sit down together to enjoy the meal you’ve made, and you’ll also get a recipe booklet to take home, which is perfect if you want to recreate the dishes later. Trust me, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family! 

Valencia

Did you know that Valencia is the birthplace of paella? Yup, that’s right, so if you’re going to learn how to make this iconic Spanish dish anywhere, it should be here! 

We chose this cooking class because of the amazing reviews and the fact that it includes several wine pairings, and we’re so glad that we did! It felt so traditional from start to finish, and we even learned how to master socarrat, the delicious crispy bottom layer of paella. It’s the trickiest part of the dish, so we left feeling very accomplished. 

The tour kicked off with a visit to a market, where we shopped for produce like true Valencians, and then we headed to the kitchen, where we had our own cooking station. We had so much fun creating our paella, and then after the cooking, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labors with tapas and wine. It really was the perfect evening! 

9. Visit the medieval cities of Ávila and Segovia

If you’ve got a bit of extra time in Madrid, we highly recommend using a day to visit Ávila and Segovia. This tour makes it so easy to visit both cities in one day, without the need for rushing or worrying about logistics. 

Ávila is known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval walls, which look like something straight out of a film set! Walking through the old town feels like stepping back in time, with Romanesque churches and atmospheric streets that are brimming with history. You’ll also get to visit key spots like the Basilica of San Vicente and learn more about the city’s religious significance.

Then it’s on to Segovia, which feels completely different but just as impressive. The Roman aqueduct is the first thing that catches your eye, and it’s even more striking in person than it looks in photos. From there, you’ll explore the cathedral and the famous Alcázar, which was the inspiration for the evil queen’s castle in Disney’s Snow White! 

What we really like about this tour is how smooth everything is. Transport, entry tickets, and guided visits are all included, so you don’t have to think about logistics at all. Plus, with over 10,000 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite for a reason.

10. Explore the “City of Three Cultures”

If you want to take a proper deep dive into Spanish history, a day trip to Toledo is a must! Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” this is where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived side by side for centuries, and you can still see that mix everywhere you look. For us, it’s one of the most fascinating places in Spain.

The streets here are winding and full of character. There’s something to catch your eye around every corner! You’ll see synagogues and mosques-turned-churches, and you can’t miss the massive Primate Cathedral, which is just as impressive inside as it is from the outside!

You can absolutely visit Toledo independently, but we really think this guided tour from Madrid is the best way to do it.  Having a guide made a huge difference for us because instead of just wandering, we actually got to understand what we were seeing and dove into the significance behind each landmark.

Everything was organized for us, including transport and entry to key sites, so the whole day was stress-free. There’s a lot to take in around Toledo, but the tour is really well-paced and doesn’t feel rushed. If you want to make the most of your time and really get under the surface of Toledo, this is 100% the way to do it.

11. Visit the Royal Alcazar 

The Royal Alcázar of Seville is hands down one of the most beautiful palace complexes in Spain. It’s right in the heart of the city, and it blends Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture in the most impressive way possible. It’s also still used by the Spanish royal family today, which makes it the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use!

We definitely recommend visiting with a guide, especially as part of this skip-the-line tour that also includes Seville Cathedral. Both sites are incredibly popular, and tickets often sell out, so being able to walk straight in saves you a lot of time and hassle. We really didn’t want to queue for hours in the baking hot sun! 

The palace is so beautiful, with complex tilework, ornate ceilings, peaceful courtyards, and long reflecting pools lined with palm trees. But visiting with a guide made it even better for us, as we learned about the Alcazar’s unique history and the intricacies of Mudéjar design. 

After the guided portion of the tour, we then had some time to explore the gardens at our own pace, which we really appreciated. The gardens are incredible in their own right, but they were also used as the Gardens of Dorne in seasons 5 and 6 of Game of Thrones. As big fans of the series, we definitely got an extra thrill out of that! 

12. Sip wine in La Rioja

If you love wine, visiting La Rioja should be at the top of your list of things to do in Spain! This region is famous for producing some of Spain’s best wines, but it’s also incredibly beautiful, with rolling vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. However, it’s also quite spread out, so since wine and driving don’t mix, we highly recommend this small group wine tour!

What we love about this tour is that it goes far beyond a standard tasting. Instead of just trying a few wines, you get a full introduction to Rioja’s winemaking traditions. You’ll visit family-run wineries and meet the people behind the wines so that they can teach about the grape-to-glass process.

Plus, you get to explore both Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, two of the region’s most important wine areas. There’s a great balance between traditional and modern winemaking, too, so you’ll see everything from older techniques that have been passed down for generations to more contemporary approaches.

Lunch is also a big highlight. Instead of a few tapas snacks, you get a traditional sit-down meal with wine pairings. We also love how small and personal this tour is. With a limited group size, there’s plenty of time to ask questions and chat with the winemakers. If you’re looking to do more than just drink wine and want to really understand it, this tour is 100% worth it.

13. Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, the Museo del Prado is one place you really shouldn’t miss. It’s one of the most important art museums in the world, but we’ll be honest, it can feel pretty overwhelming if you just walk in without a plan.

The museum is large, and I wouldn’t recommend trying to see everything in one go because that’s a one-way ticket to overwhelm. That’s exactly why we recommend this small-group, skip-the-line tour. The Prado is hugely popular, so being able to walk straight in saves you a lot of time. More importantly, having a guide completely changes the experience. Instead of wandering through endless galleries, you’re taken straight to the highlights, with context that actually makes the art make sense.

You’ll see works by some of Spain’s most famous artists, including Velázquez and Goya, along with pieces from masters like Bosch and Titian. What we loved most was how the guide brought everything to life, pointing out details we never would have noticed and sharing stories behind the paintings.

The small group size also makes a big difference. It feels personal, easy to follow, and you can actually hear everything thanks to the audio setup. It’s the perfect introduction to the Prado, and a great way to figure out what you want to come back and explore in more depth afterward.

14. Wander Old Town Girona and visit Costa Brava

If you want to see a completely different side of Catalonia, this day trip from Barcelona definitely delivers! It takes you beyond the city to places like Girona and the stunning Costa Brava, without having to worry about transport or planning.

Girona is the first stop, and we love it because it feels like it hasn’t changed in centuries. It’s so much fun to wander through the atmospheric Old Town, and it’s even better when you have a guide to teach you the history behind sites like the well-preserved Jewish Quarter and the impressive cathedral. Oh, and the colorful houses along the river were used as a filming location for Game of Thrones!

From there, the tour heads towards the coast, stopping in smaller places like Pals before reaching Calella de Palafrugell. This former fishing village is all whitewashed houses and sea views, so it feels totally different from Girona. You’ll have free time here to explore, so you can grab lunch at a tapas bar or seafood restaurant, and even go for a swim if the weather’s on side.

We think that this tour delivers the ideal balance between guided exploration and free time. There’s a great mix of learning and leisure, and we’re not the only ones who think so. Read the thousands of glowing reviews here!

15. Hike the world’s most dangerous trail, Caminito del Rey

If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, hiking the Caminito del Rey is a must! We’d strongly recommend booking a guided tour from Malaga for this one, as it makes life so much easier. It takes care of transport and logistics, but most importantly, it means you don’t have to try and secure tickets yourself, which is notoriously tricky. 

Caminito del Rey was once known as one of the most dangerous walkways in the world due to its deteriorating state. Nowadays, though, the cliffside path has been fully restored and is completely safe to explore. 

The trail winds through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, where narrow wooden walkways are pinned directly to the rock face high above the canyon floor.  You’ll cross suspended sections, and the final hanging bridge will really get your heart racing! It sounds intense (and it is!), but you’ll have a guide there to offer encouragement and support. 

Another benefit of doing Caminito del Rey as a tour is that you’ll get to hear all of the stories around it, which are super interesting. You’ll hear the story behind the original path and how it fell into disrepair, as well as what went into rebuilding it into the safe route you see today. 

There’s also a short stop in a traditional white Andalusian village on the way, which gives you a chance to grab a coffee and see a quieter side of the region. Overall, it’s a brilliant mix of scenery and history, plus a little bit of adrenaline… Okay, a lot of adrenaline! 

Related Read: Want the perfect base for exploring Málaga and beyond? See our full guide on where to stay in Málaga here for the best areas and hotels.

16. Explore Tenerife’s Natural Wonders 

Tenerife feels completely different from mainland Spain. It boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes and rugged scenery that’s a lot of fun to explore, as well as some of the best nature experiences in the country! For us, this island is all about unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Whale and dolphin watching in Tenerife

If you want to do something really special while you’re in Tenerife, this whale and dolphin watching tour is it! I mean, spotting marine life is always special, but this tour does it so well. It’s a small-group catamaran instead of a crowded boat, and it’s a licensed, eco-conscious tour. Unfortunately, tours like this aren’t very well-regulated in Tenerife, and irresponsible operators can have devastating effects on the whales and dolphins, so choosing a top-quality tour like this one is extra important.

Plus, this tour includes tapas, snorkeling, and an open bar, so it’s good news for humans as well as dolphins! You have a great chance of spotting dolphins and pilot whales, and we recommend choosing a morning tour if possible, as that’s the optimum time for sightings. 

Stargaze in Teide National Park Sunset Stargazing with Dinner 

This sunset and stargazing tour in Teide National Park is such an incredible experience. The park is known for having some of the clearest skies in the world, so it’s the ultimate stargazing spot. 

You can go to the park by yourself, but unless you’ve got a professional-quality telescope of your own, we highly recommend going with a guide! Looking at the stars through a powerful telescope is the best way to admire the constellations and planets, and your guides will be able to explain what you’re seeing. 

Plus, this tour really makes a night of the whole experience. The evening starts with a sunset over Mount Teide, which is pretty special on its own, followed by a traditional Canarian dinner with drinks. Then once it gets properly dark, that’s when the real magic happens, with a sky full of stars that you just don’t see from the coast or in cities!

17. Marvel at the Mezquita in Córdoba

If you’re visiting Córdoba, we highly recommend booking this guided tour of the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba! It’s such a unique place, and having a guide really helps you understand what you’re looking at from the moment you walk in. Plus, skip-the-line access means you can head straight inside without wasting time queuing.

From the outside, the building feels quite understated, but once you step in, it completely changes. The endless rows of red and white arches stretch out in every direction, creating this almost hypnotic effect. It’s huge, and you’ll probably need a second just to take it all in! Then, right in the middle, you’ll find a full cathedral rising up from within the mosque, which creates a really striking contrast between Islamic and Christian architecture.

This is exactly why the guided tour makes such a difference. Although the Mezquita is undeniably beautiful, unless you’re a Spanish history buff, you might miss out on a lot of historical context – and trust me, that makes this building even more special. With a guide, you get the full story, from its origins as a mosque in the 9th century to how it was transformed after the Christian reconquest. It’s so interesting and really adds a lot of depth to the experience! 

Related Read: Want to stay close to the Mezquita? Check out our detailed where to stay in Córdoba guide for top areas and hotels.

18. Take a day trip to the Montserrat Monastery

If you have time for a day trip from Barcelona, this half-day tour of the Montserrat Monastery is a strong contender. It really does have it all, from incredible scenery to local wine, so what more could you want?

We like this tour because it ensures you’ll make the most of your time. It leaves fairly early from the bus station, and the journey up to Montserrat Monastery is definitely part of the experience. The mountain itself is unlike anywhere else you’ll see in Spain, with these jagged rock formations that almost don’t look real. Then once you arrive, you’ll explore the monastery with a guide and visit the famous Black Madonna, which is a big part of Catalan culture and history.

What we really like about this tour is the balance. You get a guided introduction so you understand what you’re seeing, but there’s also free time to wander and take in the views, or grab something local from the market stalls. 

And if you choose the wine option, the day gets even better. You’ll head to a beautiful winery set in a historic estate, where you can try a selection of local wines paired with tapas. It’s a great way to experience another side of the region, and you don’t have to worry about a sober driver. Bliss! 

Thanks for reading!

Spain is one of those destinations that keeps you coming back for more. One minute you’re exploring historic cities and iconic landmarks, and the next you’re eating your way through local markets or relaxing by the coast. It’s that mix of culture, food, and scenery that makes traveling here so much fun. Hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down your must-do experiences and made planning your trip a whole lot easier.

If you’re still piecing together your itinerary, be sure to check out our other Spain guides here for more tips on where to go, what to do, and where to stay next. Or take a look at some of our favorites below for even more travel inspiration!

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