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Spain has a perfect season for everyone. April to May and September to October are the best time to visit Spain as the weather is mild and the crowds are moderate. In summer, beach-goers will enjoy hot days in the south and east, and sight-seers might prefer Atlantic cities like Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela where temperatures are lower. Summer in Spain is packed with unforgettable events like Tomatina. Temperatures dip in October–November, and the possibility of rains is at its highest. Winter months are perfect for sightseeing in Madrid and Barcelona and celebrating Three Kings Days and February carnivals. Spring brings Easter celebrations (caution: crowded!) and revives all sorts of activities like Spain-to-Portugal Zip Line and hiking.

126 things to do in Spain

Las Turbas de Cuenca (Camino del Calvario)

March 24-31, 2024 Event

Las Turbas is the most popular traditional procession taking place during the Holy Week in Cuenca

Picos de Europa Hiking

March–November Activity

Conquer the most beautiful mountains in the Pyrenees known as "the Dolomites of Spain"

New Year's Eve

December 31–January 1 Event

Eating 12 grapes, wearing red coloured underwear and preparing a special cake is only a part of the incredible celebration in Spain

Tabernas, Europe's Only Desert

March–May | September–November Activity

Like the real Wild West, Spain has its own great desert, where the temperature has been known to reach 48 °C and where many Hollywood movies have been filmed

Villajoyosa Moors & Christians Festival

July 24–July 31 Event

For eight days, the whole city returns to the past by recreating a spectacular and brilliant battle that occurred in 1538

La Endiablada

February 2–February 3 Event

Enjoy a unique event called "the brotherhood of the devils", which is possibly the oldest tradition in Spain

Bullfighting Season

late March–early October Activity

Corrida is the most traditional, but also the most controversial of Spanish Fiestas

Ortigueira's Festival of Celtic World

July 11–14, 2024 Event

One of the most popular folk music festivals in the world takes place in the Spanish seaport of Ortigueira

Flamenco

all year round Activity

What is probably the most famous of Spanish traditions is so often misunderstood—flamenco is not a dance!

Carnival Los Indianos in La Palma

March 3, 2025 Event

Join one of the most exciting and popular acts of the Santa Cruz de La Palma Carnival

Fuente Dé Cable Car

all year round Activity

From climbing to the top of Spain to hanging in the air and watching the famous mountain, Picos de Europa, from a bird's eye view—everything is possible in Cantabria

Rio Tinto

all year round Nature

Discover the red river and cosmic landscapes of an ancient mining city in Andalusia

Anguiano Stilt Dance

July 22 Event

Eight men on stilts in ornate waistcoats and long skirts will hurtle down the cobbled alley in a unique dance

Los Escobazos in Jarandilla de la Vera

December 7 Event

In the city of Jarandilla de la Vera, locals celebrate an important holiday by hitting each other with brooms of fire

Fiesta de La Regalina in Cadavedo

August 25, 2024 Event

This big festival in Cadavedo is all about the dances that take place near a church on top of a cliff with a spectacular view

Luarca Maritime Procession of Virgen del Rosario

August 15 Event

A beautiful fishing village holds a unique procession to commemorate victims of the sea

Padrón Peppers (Pimientos de Padrón)

May–September Food

Some peppers in this dish are very spicy, while some are not. Spaniards dare you to try your luck and choose!

Fuente de Piedra Flamingos

February–September Activity

Some of the most beautiful birds on the planet gather in the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra where you will find yourself in the spectacular countryside away from the coast

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

March 24–April 1, 2024 Event

The most important holiday in Spain when every city holds amazing and emotional celebrations

Christmas or Navidad

early December a early January Event

Christmas in Spain is a special period when miracles can happen

El Torcal de Antequera National Park

March–May | September–November Nature

This place is great for catching the mountain breeze away from the crowded city and to observe an incredible scenery

Spain to Portugal Zip Line (Limite Zero)

late March–early December Activity

Take a ride on the world's only international zip line that will take you from Spain to Portugal and a one-time zone behind

As Catedrais (Cathedrals) Beach

October–June Nature

If you visit this beach in Galicia on Spain’s northern coast, you will understand why it has been designated as a national monument

Girona Flower Festival (Temps de Flors)

May 11-19, 2024 Event

Houses, decorated with amazing floral arrangements, transform the old city of Girona into an incredible bouquet of landscapes, colors, and beauty

Sanlúcar Horse Racing

August 10–12, 2023 | August 25–27, 2023 Event

Horses, water, sunset... What could be more picture perfect that a horse race on the Spanish Coast?

Volcano Grill on Lanzarote Island

all year round Food

Taste meat cooked over an active volcano in the middle of stunning Lanzarote surroundings

Sangria

June–August Food

The ultimate symbol of Spain tastes the best here

Kayaking in Galicia

March–August Activity

Galicia, in the northwest corner of Spain, is a real paradise for kayaking with beautiful views and soft blue water

Es Firo Sóller Festival

May 9-13, 2024 Event

One of the largest festivals on the Balearic Islands will surprise you with its amazing costumes and noisy parties

El Cipotegato Festival

August 27–September 1 Event

If you are overwhelmed by the number of Spanish festivals, simply choose the most colourful one

Hiking in Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park

September–May Activity

Take a day to make the exciting trip to Spain's largest volcanic rock formation with its sharp peaks and crags in red and ochre hues

Wine Fight (La Batalla del Vino)

June 29, 2025 Event

Red wine seems to be flowing in the veins of locals in Haro. Once a year it also fills up the streets of the town—at the exuberant battle of wine

Primavera Sound

May 29-June 2, 2024 Event

Barcelona's edition of Primavera Sound attracts more and more people from every corner of the world

Salmorejo Cordobés

May–September Food

Cold soup of Cordoba made of tomatoes and bread rivals the well-known Gazpacho

Andalusian Gazpacho

May–September Food

It may be a flavourful soup and a cool summer drink at the same time

Olives & Olive Oil

December–February Food

Olive oil is the best the moment it is pressed, and January is the best month to check the shop shelves for a variety of bottled extra virgin

Tinto de Verano (Spanish Summer Wine)

mid-May–mid-September Food

Tinto de verano is a refreshing red wine-based cocktail similar to sangria but not the same

Las Luminarias Festival

January 16 Event

A Spanish festival of fire and horses dedicated to St. Anthony

Noche de San Juan

June 20–June 24 Event

Bonfires and songs highlight the celebration of St. John's Eve and summer solstice in Spain

Las Fallas (Fire Festival)

March 1–March 19 Event

A loud week full of fireworks and processions that ends with impressive igniting of huge dolls

Els Enfarinats

December 28 Event

Every year the town of Ibi is seized by frantic soldiers who reestablish new justice with flour bombs, eggs, and firecrackers

Canyoning in Sierra de Guara

April–October Activity

Canyoning is the best way to experience Spain's beautiful nature and get a boost of adrenaline.

Orange Blossom (Azahar)

late February–early March Nature

See beautiful Seville when it's adorned with orange blossom and when aroma permeates the air

Las Médulas

March–September Nature

Las Médulas Cultural Landscape is one of the most beautiful natural spots in the country listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Duratón River Kayaking

March–November (all year round) Activity

Want something new? Try kayaking in a picturesque place

San Isidro Festival

May 3–May 15 Event

The holiday of the patron of the city has been celebrated in Madrid for centuries

Sales (Rebajas)

early January–February | July–August Activity

The most pleasant thing in the season of sales in Madrid is to have fun and save money at the same time

Skiing and Snowboarding around Madrid

early December–early April Activity

Although Madrid rarely sees snow, you can enjoy skiing just 52 km away from the capital atop some impressive mountains

Sonar Festival

June 13-15, 2024 Event

One of the best electronic music festivals in the world

La Merce

September 24, 2025 Event

A signature Barcelona street festival not to be missed

August Fiestas (Fiestas de Agosto)

August 2–17, 2024 Event

Do not miss the vibrant August holidays in the heart of Spain

Horchata Drink

April–October Food

A traditional Valentian drink, refreshing and exotic

Fiesta Dos de Mayo (Day of Madrid Festival)

April 26–May 2, 2024 Event

Fiesta Dos de Mayo is the holiday of the community of Madrid, commemorating a historical uprising

White Water Rafting

April–September Activity

Depending on the season, the river changes its mood, and therefore white water rafting can be more or less extreme

Corpus Christi

June 19, 2025 Event

Joining this colorful parade is a great way to get to know Spanish traditions and customs

Cascamorras

September 6–September 9 Event

Join local fun festival full of running and oil mess

La Bienal de Flamenco

September 11–October 5, 2024 Event

Don't miss the biggest flamenco event worldwide

Madrid Pride Week

late June–early July 2023 Event

The largest LGBT Pride Festival and LGTB Pride Parade in Europe

La Pedriza Climbing

March–June | September–November Activity

One of the best areas in Spain for granite rock climbing and hiking, just an hour drive from the capital

Festimad

April 24–May 9, 2020 Event

The most famous musical event in the capital, Festimad attracts big names and young talents

La Dansa de la Mort de Verges

March 28, 2024 Event

An ancient and unique Dance of the Death

Yachting Season​

May–October Activity

Barcelona is one of Europe's top sailing destinations

El Rocio Pilgrimage or Romería de El Rocío

May 17–20, 2024 Event

A small village of 1000 residents comes to life with a million of flamboyant pilgrims and their frantic celebration of the Virgin of el Rocío

La Tomatina

August 27, 2025 Event

Experience Valencia’s silliest and funniest event at the infamous tomato fight

San Silvestre Vallecana

December 31 Event

Participate in the exciting New Year's footrace in Madrid

Madrid Carnival

February 10-14, 2024 Event

Masks, wigs, and fancy dresses... This holiday without rules is celebrated on a large scale

Sardana

September 11–September 24 Activity

A traditional Catalan group dance that could be performed by all people of all ages

Mona de Pascua

March 31, 2024 Food

Delicious Easter cakes that are given by godparents to their godchildren

Bous a la Mar in Denia

July 6–14, 2024 Event

Are you brave enough to lure a bull into the sea?

Carnaval de Barcelona

February 8-14, 2024 Event

Catalan answer to the carnival season is more than fun. It's spectacular!

Three Kings Day

January 5–January 6 Event

Epiphany is a great holiday in Barcelona celebrated by La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos

Festival of Near-Death Experiences

July 29 Event

Spain is known all over the world for its crazy festivals, but this one takes the cake for being the most bizarre

Castells or Human Towers

February–July | September–November Activity

An amazing tradition of constructing human towers

Córdoba Patio Festival (Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba)

May 6-19, 2024 Event

Córdoba, with its beautiful patios, has created what is perhaps the most colourful and fragrant of festival

White Night Festival (La Noche en Blanco)

May 18, 2024 Event

What can you visit in Madrid in October for free? Of course, the festival "La Noche en Blanco!"

Ball de Bastons

April 23 | June 22 | September 11 | September 24 Event

An ancient Catalan tradition—stick dancing

Hiking in Cercedilla

all year round (best March–August) Activity

Fans of trekking in the mountains can choose several routes with different levels of difficulty

Tarragona Human Towers Competition

October 5–6, 2024 Event

A spectacular competition of building human towers - something to be seen only in Catalonia

Hogueras de San Juan

June 20–June 24 Event

Light up some bonfires, enjoy fireworks, and celebrate the shortest night of the year

Virgen de los Desamparados

March 17-18, 2024 Event

A vibrant religious festivity dedicated to the patron of the city of Valencia

Great Week in San Sebastián

August 10–17, 2024 Event

Join one of the biggest festivals with fireworks and music in San Sebastian

Cares River Route (Ruta del Cares)

March–November Activity

Take one of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Europe

The Wedding of Isabel de Segura

February 15-18, 2024 Event

An excellent alternative to the well-known Valentine's day, Bodas de Isabel de Segura represents a great love story

El Cielo Mountain Hiking

mid-September–mid-June Activity

An exciting adventure awaits hikers in the Nerja area

Aigüestortes National Park Winter Activities

November–April Activity

Great winter activities such as dog sledding and snow biking through pristine forests are available in the one and only national park of Catalonia

Birdwatching

September–June Nature

Spain is a paradise for birds, so if you are a bird lover, don't miss the chance to observe an incredible variety of species

Lagunas de Ruidera

March–May | September–November Nature

The miracle of water in La Mancha region includes magic waterfalls, lagoons, and beautiful streams

Surfing in Zarautz

September–May Activity

Enjoy the longest beach in the Spanish Basque Country

Fiestas de La Blanca & Celedón, Vitoria-Gasteiz

August 4–August 9 Event

If you see a figure with an umbrella coming down from a church on a rope—then you are in Basque Country!

Hiking in Sierra Nevada

mid-May–mid-November Activity

Spain has many incredible places for hiking, where the beauty of the mountains can be fully experienced

Cycling

September–June Activity

Spectacular landscapes, tasty food from different regions, and plenty of interaction with locals—this is why you should choose a bicycle as a main form of transport while in Spain

Sitges Carnival

February 25-March 5, 2025 Event

The Sitges Carnival attracts more than 250,000 people to see its bright show and colourful parties, making it one of the most popular carnivals in the world

Sailing around the Balearic Islands

April–October Activity

Think of coves lapped by the blue waters surrounded by forests where you just want time to stand still

Angulas (Baby Eels)

mid-November–December Food

A traditional dish that resembles spaghetti at first glance

Sierra Nevada Skiing

December–April Activity

Your best winter vacation awaits in a mountain range in Southern Spain

Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake National Park

May–October Activity

Explore the scenic mountains and lakes of the Pyrenees in the warm season

Rapa das Bestas, Sabucedo

July 5–8, 2024 Event

Come to Galicia to observe the unique wild mountain horses get rounded up, trimmed and marked

International Descent of River Sella

August 3, 2024 Event

A must-visit event in the canoeing world

Sagrada Familia

October–March (all year round) Activity

Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece is being incarnated by modern architectors and paralelly visited by millions of admirers

Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

all year round Activity

This architectural masterpiece is unlike anything else built in the 20th century, the total culmination of Gaudí's boundless imagination

El Caminito Del Rey (King's Path)

all year round Activity

Ready to experience one of the biggest attractions outside of Malaga?

Gaztelugatxe

March–October Activity

A small island connected to the mainland by a medieval bridge and 231 steps

Tower of Hercules

May–October Activity

The ancient but well-preserved lighthouse has operated since Roman times

Arenal Sound

July 30-August 4, 2024 Event

Open-air dance music festival by the Mediterranean sea

Puerto de Somport

all year round Activity

A beautiful and exciting ride in the Pyrenees

Cádiz Carnival

February 8-18, 2024 Event

A giant fiesta with thousands of satirical performing groups

Tamborrada of San Sebastián

January 20 Event

A drum parade and street party to honour San Sebastián

Whale Watching

March–October Nature

Don't miss your chance to get close to these marine mammals in their natural habitat in the Strait of Gibraltar

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

April–October Activity

Visit Tarifa, the kiting and windsurfing capital of Europe

Kitesurfing & Windsurfing

April–September | November–March Activity

Plenty of beaches with thermal winds to choose from

Halloween in Madrid: Events, Parties & Traditional Celebrations

October 2024 Event

Plenty of scary attractions and parties to choose from in Madrid

Running of the Nudes in Pamplona

July 4, 2024 Event

Partially or entirely nude animal rights activists expose the “naked truth” about animal cruelty before the Pamplona’s bull run

Christmas Markets in Spain

early November–early January Event

Colorful and cozy Christmas markets in Spain ignite a desire to come back to this country again and again

Torello Carnival (Carnaval de Terra Endins)

February 8–14, 2024 Event

One of the wildest festivals in Catalonia

Semana Santa in Granada

April 13-20, 2025 Event

A busy week packed with more than 30 emotional street processions

Barcelona Beer Festival

March 22-24, 2024 Event

Visit one of the biggest beer events in Europe

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October Activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

Saffron Harvest

October 20–November 15 Nature

The most expensive spice on Earth can cost up to $10,000 per pound

European Hot-Air Balloon Festival

July 10-14, 2024 Event

The best hot-air balloons in the region gather for one week of spectacular flights

Motril Air Show

June 9, 2024 Event

Witness more-than-impressive aerial acrobatics at the Motril waterfront

Festival Aereo Internacional Torre del Mar

September 6-8, 2024 Event

One of the best locations for airshows in Spain

Festival de Jazz de Vitoria-Gasteiz

July 15-20, 2024 Event

Don't miss this epic jazz festival!

Azkena Rock Festival

June 20–22, 2024 Event

Enjoy live music at the Azkena Rock Festival, the ultimate destination for rock and roll enthusiasts

Sitges Film Festival

October 3–13, 2024 Event

Visit one of the world's premier international festivals

Mad Cool Festival

July 10-13, 2025 Event

Join Mad Cool Festival for four unforgettable days of music and lively energy in Madrid

Concert Music Festival

June 28–August 18, 2024 Event

Join the Concert Music Festival for top-tier performances and magical nights under the Spanish sky

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