Things to Do in Spain

Construction of this breathtaking cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Family, first began in 1882 and still continues to this day. Legend has it that if Gaudi’s masterpiece of design is ever completed, the world will end, which is perhaps why it’s taking so long to finish! No trip to Spain is complete without a visit here. The cathedral is open daily, though restrictions apply during mass times. Be sure to dress appropriately and remember that some parts of the cathedral could be closed as construction continues.

Recommended activities:

• Take time to admire the intricate facades of the Sagrada Familia. Each facade tells a different part of the story of Christ's life.
• Climb the towers or take an elevator for breathtaking views of Barcelona. The Nativity and Passion facades have towers that are open to the public.
• Visit the museum inside the basilica to learn about the history and construction of La Sagrada Familia.

Best time to visit: Visit La Sagrada Familia in any season, But we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Good to know: You can buy tickets for the cathedral online. A basic ticket costs around USD 26*, with more expensive options for audio guides, and the chance to go to the top of one of the cathedral’s towers, also available.

Insider's tip: Purchase skip-the-line tickets as the normal queue can get very long and better purchase in advance (around 3 to 5 days before your trip) so you can reserve a spot. It's good to visit this famous attraction when the sun is not so high up (around mid-morning or before sunset) so you can see its rays pass through the stained glass windows. You will be in awe of the beautiful colors glow inside the basilica because of the natural light. To learn more about its history, you can purchase an audio guide for a self-guided tour. — by Ed from Dubai Travel Blog

El Caminito del Rey, also known as ‘the King’s little pathway’ is a walkway straddling the side of the El Chorro gorge near Ardales in the province of Malaga. This is not an experience for the faint-hearted! Adrenaline junkies can traverse the 3-kilometre walk along a 1-meter wide path, 100 meters above the gorge floor below. Originally built as a route for workers at the hydroelectric power plant nearby, it now attracts thrill seekers from around the world. The path was closed for four years, reopening in 2015, following several deaths. Now though, it is possible to traverse the Caminito far more safely, but the excitement remains. As far as points of interest in Spain go this must be amongst the most hair-raising!

Recommended activities:

• Learn about Caminito del Rey’s history. The trails have information boards that provide insight into its construction and significance.
• Keep an eye out for local birdlife. The natural surroundings of Caminito del Rey are home to a variety of bird species including the Griffon vulture, golden eagle, and alpine swift.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Caminito del Rey is during the spring season (March to June) when the flowers are in full bloom and the weather is pleasant.

Good to know: Tickets for the walk can be reserved online and cost around USD 12*. Guided walks are available, and you will need to be physically fit with a good head for heights!

Insider's tip: Book a few days in advance to secure the desired time-slot. Best go early to avoid the midday Mediterranean sun and bring plenty of water! Watch videos of daredevils taking old pathway on YouTube to understand why this was one of the most dangerous paths in the world. If time permits, be sure to take a detour to the quaint town of Ronda that’s only an hour’s drive away. It has an 18th-century bridge spanning over a 120M deep gorge that could take anyone’s breath away! — by Winny Wu from Travel with Winny

Find out more things to do in Malaga.

For those with an appetite for adventure, a hike along one of the numerous Camino pilgrimage trails to the city of Santiago de Compostela is a must. These ancient routes have been traversed by pilgrims for centuries. However, you don’t need to be religious to enjoy the sense of achievement and adventure that comes from following these long-distance footpaths across Northern Spain. Whether you walk for weeks and cover the entire route, or just take a few days to hike along some of the trails, you’ll find the challenge a rewarding one; after all, you will be following in the footsteps of thousands who have gone before. Just follow the white shells which mark the route!

Recommended activities:

• Visit the numerous churches, monasteries, cathedrals, and religious sites along the route. They feature beautiful artwork and many have historic value.
• Try the local dishes and specialties of the areas you pass through. Each region has its own culinary traditions for wines, cheeses, and dishes, like pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus).

Best time to visit: The best months to visit the Camino Trail are May, June and September. The weather is pleasant during these months and rainfalls are less likely.

Good to know: There are numerous ways to walk the Camino. The most popular is the ‘Camino Frances’ which begins at St. Jean Pied de Port just across the border into France. It’s a good option for first-timers being well signposted, with plenty of accommodation en route.

Insider's tip: One of the best tips I can give before taking on the challenge that is the Camino, is to train. It's obviously difficult to train yourself to walk over a half marathon everyday for a month, but the more walking you can do before hand, the better position you'll find yourself in for success on the trail. That said, the Camino is a very 'come as you are' experience, and you can take as much time as you need; it's not a race, and no-one on the trail treats it as one. So even if you're not overly fit, if you've got time, you'll be fine. The only expectations you should travel with is that it will be challenging ... and that it will rain (so pack wet weather gear accordingly). — by Megan Jerrard from Mapping Megan

If a guided tour is your cup of tea, then our all-arranged Camino tours are for you!

Of all the things to do in Valencia, the annual Las Fallas celebration remains among the most legendary. Get ready for a fun-filled week of next-level fireworks, colorful (and loud) gunpowder spectacles, and enchanting towering statues in nearly every charming street corner. Take your pictures by the whimsical monuments before the final day, though, when the detailed art pieces get burned to the ground in a dramatic and fun-filled closing ceremony that fills the city with sky-high bonfires around every block.

Recommended activities:

• Stop by the Plaza de la Virgen after the two-day Flower Ofrenda for a fabulous photo-op of a 15-meter flower-filled statue of the Virgin Mary.
• Catch the award-giving ceremony on March 17. With over 750 sculptures across Valencia, it’s an interesting, competitive, and culturally significant event.
• Don’t miss the ultimate firework display on the Nit del Foc, which is among the most sophisticated and carefully curated across the globe.

Best time to visit: Las Fallas occurs annually from March 15–19th, so be sure to book your tickets between those dates. If you can’t make it in time, no worries, you can still catch the mascletà, a dynamic pyrotechnic performance, in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento each afternoon starting March 1st.