8 Unique Things to do in Spain you shouldn’t miss!

non touristy things to do in Spain

If you are looking for the best things to do in Spain, you have come to the right place!

Spain is an amazing destination with many unique things to do, from visiting top cities like Madrid or Barcelona, enjoying the best beaches in the country to tasting one of the best cuisines in the world.

Here I have a list of some of the best activities in Spain that you definitely cannot miss out on!

8 Cool & Unique Things to do in Spain

Spain has long been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, and for many good reasons. From the coast to the mountains, gorgeous sceneries blend seamlessly with delicious food and lively fiestas.

The Iberic peninsula might be more diverse than any other country on the continent! Here are some best places to visit in Spain and must-dos that visitors should not miss when they’re planning a trip to Spain.

Travel Tip: If you’re traveling to Spain and want to be connected to the internet, you can buy a SIM card that is easily activated with which you will have data to be connected during your trip. Also, Orange Travel has the best prices with 8GB and 20GB SIM cards.

1. Decrypt the code of Flamenco

You can’t say you visited Spain without having fallen in love with Flamenco.

Although some people think this is all about dancing, they guessed wrong! Flamenco is pure art. It’s singing, it’s guitar playing, and it’s very dramatic.

Did you know that the fan used by the flamenco ballerinas serves as an encrypted love language?

There are more than 50 secret movements and each one of them with a very specific meaning.

For example, if the dancer opens the fan over her lips, she means, “I want to kiss you.”  Or if she shuts the fan very slowly, she is saying, “I promise to marry you.” Just make sure she doesn’t shade herself from sunlight with the fan cause, in this case, what she’s trying to say is “you are ugly”!

2. Eat paella like a local

An undoubtedly must-do is to eat paella or Valencian rice but do it like a local.

So first of all, Spanish people have paella for lunch. Almost never for dinner. They usually have it on the weekends, especially on Sundays, when gathering with family and friends and enjoying some time off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

unique experiences in Spain

Bear in mind that it’s a dish that comes from Valencia, so hopefully, you can visit this marvelous city and enjoy a delicious paella on a sunny Sunday in the Albufera.

But if you’re not planning to go there, then maybe try to find a Valencian restaurant. Spanish cuisine has such a long tradition that it will not be hard to find pleasure for your taste buds!

3. Museums and exhibitions in Barcelona

“Even the moon was embarrassed by the beauty of Barcelona” – Andrew Barger

Barcelona is charming, especially its Gothic quarter.

One of the best cities to visit in Spain, Barcelona is also where the most famous artists of the world, such as Pablo Picasso, spent their years projecting masterpieces, and you can literally check out where Pablo Picasso grew up.

Barcelona is a great city for the arts, with art exhibitions and museums blooming all over the city.

One of the best ones is the massive Joan Miro Museum. Named after the famous Spanish artist, it now has over 225 works from the surrealist painter as well as many more from his contemporary fellow artists.

Not only is Barcelona home to some of the best museums, but it is also on the beach, so this means two things: you can take a dip in the sea, and the seafood is excellent!

4. Beach resorts

Speaking of the sea, Spain is a peninsula. There are so many beach resorts around Spain that it is hard to pick just one.

However, you can’t miss tourists’ favorite beach spots like San Sebastian in the Bay of Biscay, an earthy and seductive coast town.

Make sure you also add Marbella and Malaga to your buckle list!

The truth is that no matter which beach resort you pick, the Spanish coast has plenty of tapas spots, pristine beaches, and stunning views where you can relax with a glass of sangria overlooking turquoise waters.

This is what life is all about!

5. La Tomatina Festival

The tomato festival is held every year in Buñol, a little village near Valencia, on the last Wednesday in August.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Spain, you absolutely must attend this insane tomato-throwing tradition, which is part of the wider Buñol festival.

things to do in Spain with family

So basically, everyone throws tomatoes at each other for a whole hour, causing the whole town to turn into a living gazpacho which then needs to be removed by the fire brigades.

The tradition has been going on since 1945, and it’s the oldest and biggest worldwide food fight ever. It looks messy, but it’s so much fun!

6. Party in Ibiza

Spain is the party capital of Europe. Now, for those of you that don’t know, Ibiza is an island off the coast of Spain, and it is literally where the party is.

Many young people would flock to Ibiza for a huge party. Clubs like Pachá, Eden, Ushuaia, and Amnesia are open till the wee hours of the morning, and there are loads of beach parties during the day too.

But Ibiza has much more than party, so don’t forget to visit its beautiful towns, its beaches, try its typical dishes, and enjoy its incredible sunsets. You will fall in love with this island!

7. Visit Madrid

Madrid is the capital of Spain, so you can’t miss it.

The majestic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is in Madrid, but that isn’t even the main attraction in this city.

There are so many unique places to visit in Madrid and it’s one of the best places to visit in Spain.

You have the Royal Palace with its beautiful Baroque architecture. You have the Plaza de Armeria. You’ve got the Basilica Francisco El Grande. You’ve got loads of parks, including El Retiro Park where you can take a cute boat on a man-made lake.

Also, there are loads of excellent tapas spots, the amazing El Rastro market, The Bear And The Strawberry Tree sculpture, and literally so much more.

It’s not a secret that Madrid is one of the preferred tourist destinations worldwide, and it will definitely not disappoint you.

8. Unwind and indulge in Islas Baleares

A few magic islands of blue, green, and white with a Mediterranean flavor await you to escort you on white sandy beaches and turquoise waters between the sky and the sea.

The Balearic islands are Spain’s second most visited region after the Catalonian province, and the islands welcome more than 9.8 million tourists every year.

unique places to visit in Spain

However, it is much more than pristine beaches and crystal-clear water.

The Islas Bonitas will impress you with the beauty of their coastline and the overwhelming landscape and beautiful countryside where agriculture is preserved as a tradition.

Make sure you don’t miss the incredible beaches of Sol d’en Serra in Ibiza, Cala Turqueta in Menorca, and Ses Illetes in Formentera.

But the joyful, cosmopolitan, and stylish ambiance that defines the islands’ spirit will truly make you fall in love with the Balearic islands.

Spain is home to some of the world’s best beaches, natural sceneries, and cultural and historical heritages of this planet.

The truth is that there’s plenty to draw you to Spain: world-class art and architecture, fabulous food, and an easygoing vibe that will enlighten your soul.

If you’re wondering whether a trip to Spain is worth it, think no further! And make sure you read my Spain hidden gems guide!

Sara Rodríguez

A passionate traveler with a mission: Help you plan your next trip easily and enjoy it to the fullest.

In this travel blog you will find everything you need to get inspired and organize your next adventure. Read more about my story here.

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