Passion is the word which most comes to mind when asked to describe Spain. Hence most of the must-do activities in Spain are passionate – moving tours around great works of art, running with the bulls in Pamplona and seeing, or participating in, the flamenco dance. Here’s a list of 15 things that everyone should do in this unique country.
1. Go see Pablo Picasso’s Guernica painting
Pablo Picasso’s Guernica - Photo: Carlos V
Modern day Spain is still very much defined by the civil war which tore it apart in the 1930s. Picasso’s huge and troubling artwork captures the anguish of that time when Spanish Nationalist Forces asked the Germans and Italians to bomb Guernica. If you ever wonder why the enmity between Madrid and Barcelona is so strong, it is all summed up in the writhing faces and tortured animals that Picasso has painted in his Cubist style.
2. Visit the Golden Triangle of Art
Madrid's Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía - Photo: raelala
Guernica is housed in the Museo Reina Sofia in the Madrid city centre, part of the Golden Triangle of art galleries and museums. Take time to visit them all as they contain some of the world’s foremost artworks.
3. Have fun at La Tomatina
La Tomatina in Buñol - Photo: manuesco1946
Never was a food fight so much fun. This annual festival is held in Buñol near Valencia and celebrates the ripening of the tomato harvest. Thousands of revellers get together in their worst clothes to throw tomatoes at each other. There is also music, fireworks and a paella cooking contest.
4. Attend the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
Running of the Bulls in Pamplona - Photo: int_aus
You would have to be crazy to want to participate, but equally crazy to miss the chance of seeing it. Brave Spanish men queue in the streets for a glorious chance to outrun huge wild bulls. The ‘encierro’ lasts nine days and with many injuries this is not for the weak of stomach.
5. Dance at the Sonar Music Festival
Sonar Music Festival in Barcelona - Photo: Fabio Mergulhao
Barcelona is one of the hippest cities in the world and the Sonar music festival is at the forefront of modern day electronic music production.
6. Explore Barcelona
Casa Batlló in Barcelona - Photo: MorBCN
When you are not getting down to the beats, take the time to wander around this incredible city. From the skeletal buildings of Art Nouveau architect Gaudí to the massive Camp Nou football stadium, Barcelona is unbelievably impressive.
7. Experience the Flamenco in Andalusia
A Spanish flamenco dancer - Photo: flamenco_cs
Probably the most hypnotic dance form in Spain, the Flamenco is comprised of the Cante (song), Toque (guitar) and Baile (dance). The singing is melancholy with a lot of wailing, foot stamping and clacking of castanets.
8. Party in the Balearic Island of Ibiza
Sunset at San Antonio, Ibiza - Photo: ST33VO
Pivotal in the creation of dance music over the last two decades, Ibiza puts on a show like nowhere else. Not only are their incredible clubs like Manumission, Space and Pacha but Ibiza has amazing beach-side scenery where you can watch the sunset with a glass of sangria.
9. Visit the Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra in Granada - Photo: La Vieja Sirena
Spain retains many beautiful buildings from the period of Moorish occupation and Alhambra is perhaps the finest of them. This old fortress has exquisite decoration, courtyards and gardens.
10. Enjoy the Costa Brava
Cliffs near Aigua Blava - Photo: SBA73
Who could resist visiting the Rugged Coast? The Costa Brava gives an alternative to the crowded beaches in the south. This is a place for walking rather than sunbathing and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
11. Walk the Way of St. James
One of the many routes of the Way of St. James - Photo: Nós da Montanha
After Italy, Spain has the second highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Among them is the Way of St. James pilgrim route in Santiago de Compostela. Among the most meaningful walks you will ever take.
12. Experience Cadiz
The beautiful city of Cadiz - Photo: Portiman!
Cadiz in the south west is the oldest city in Western Europe. The best time to go is for their world famous carnival in the spring when the streets are alive with all sorts of costumed groups.
13. Go to the Semana Santa Festival
A man wearing a capirote for the Semana Santa - Photo: ggmackem
The Semana Santa festival at Easter is also worth seeing with incredible candlelit processions. Málaga is one of the most exciting places to watch the festivities.
14. See Mount Teide
Mount Teide is the third largest volcano in the world - Photo: Axel
This towering volcano is Spain’s highest peak and is part of a large national park in Tenerife. At over 3,000 metres high you can even see the other Canary Islands in the distance.
15. Eat tapas and drink wine
A tapas bar in Barcelona - Photo: A@lbi
After all that you’ll need a breather so try Spain’s special tapas, small dishes of local delicacies like fried calamares, olives and cheeses. Best washed down with a good Spanish wine like Rioja.
Have you ever been to Spain? What would you recommend doing in this beautiful country? Make a comment and let everybody know!
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