Spain is famous for it’s incredible sun kissed beaches, it’s majestic flamenco dancers and the intense spectacle of the bullfight. You probably associate it with the smell of huge pans of colourful paella, and the taste of ice cold, ruby red sangria.

While enjoyable, there is more to Spain than this well worn path. In the north, you will find beautiful mountains, well preserved historical sights, and medieval towns. In the picturesque villages of Andalucía you’ll find white houses with red clay roofs that row the hills like yellowing teeth.

The landscape in Spain is truly breathtaking, not just the crystal clear Mediterranean lined by bright white beaches, but also the incredible mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada. In these mountains you can ski just as easily as you can sunbathe in the south.

Whatever your inclinations, you will find satisfaction in Spain. From the throbbing, pulsing buzz of the giant nightclubs in Ibiza to the understated beauty of the Muslim palaces and Baroque cathedrals dotted throughout the country, Spain has something to engage every interest.

Wherever you go on holidays in Spain, you will find a culture of hedonism and joy. No nation on earth has quite so many vibrant “fiestas”. It seems like the Spanish will find almost any excuse to party and have fun. It’s this spirit of happiness and hunger for enjoyment in the Spanish psyche that makes Spain one of the world’s premier holiday destinations. Whether you are planning a weekend in Barcelona or two weeks n the Balearics, you’ll find your time in Spain an incredible treat for the mind, body and soul.

Things to do while on holidays in Spain

Spain is one of the most incredibly varied countries on earth, and you will find enjoyable activities whatever your character. Here are just a few of the incredible and unique activities you can do in Spain while on holidays.

If you like to soak up the local culture, you’ll love Spain’s vibrant art scene. Some of the greatest artists of the 20th century came from Spain, and the country boasts a world-class art collection. The bigger cities are the best place to see art, with an extensive collection of Joan Miro paintings in Barcelona, and dozens of Picassos and Goyas in Madrid.

If art isn’t your thing, perhaps you will be more interested in football? If you’re a football fan you won’t need to be reminded that some of the best teams in the entire world are in Spain. Real Madrid needs no introduction, and Barcelona, Deportivo and Valencia are no slouches either.

Spain has a unique and somewhat unusual culture, and there is no better display of this than the running of the bulls in Pamplona. This is one of Spain’s most famous fiestas, where angry bulls are let loose and chase brave young men down the streets, all the way to the town’s bullring. The bulls then battle matadors later in the day. Although the brave among you may be tempted to join in with the running of the bulls, it is far wiser to consider it a spectator sport. Every year hundreds of people are injured, and it can even on occasion prove fatal. However, watching the spectacle is almost as exciting as taking part.

Of course many people flock to Spain every year simply to enjoy the sunshine, relax and laze on the beach. If that’s the type of holiday that you enjoy then you certainly won’t be disappointed. Spain’s entire Mediterranean coastline is lined with beautiful sandy beaches, and whether you head for the Balearic Islands or the Costa del Sol, you’ll find the perfect place to chill out, work on your suntan and lazily sip cocktails under the bright, hot sun.

Weather in Spain

Spain has a fantastic climate that is a perennial draw for holidaymakers. From April to November you’ll find sunny, pleasant and temperate days all over the country.

The North and Central part of Spain can get quite chilly in the depths of winter, and Madrid is sometimes freezing cold during December and January. However, if you go further south to Andalucía then you’ll find sunny and pleasant days all the way through winter. If you like really scorching weather in summer then Andalucía is the place for you, with temperatures in Seville reaching the absolutely boiling temperature of 35 degrees Celsius in high summer.

Nightlife in Spain

Spain has a real late night culture, with many residents eating dinner as late as 9pm. You’ll find restaurants and bars busy until 11pm right through the week all over the country.

If you are keen to try some of the local cuisine, you can’t do better than a few plates of tapas. This is a very social way of eating, with small plates of delicious food shared between everyone at the table. Tapas is best enjoyed with a glass or two of Rioja, a famous local wine.

Those of you who are interested in a more hectic nightlife experience would do well to explore the “superclubs” of Ibiza. On the white isle, famous nightclubs like Amnesia, Pascha and DC-10 showcase cutting edge dance music, with world famous DJs playing every night throughout the summer. The nights are long, the music is loud, and the dancing is intense. One for the young, or young at heart!

If you’re a bit old for all that racket, perhaps you’d prefer the more sedate nightlife of Madrid. You’ll find low key and chilled out bars in the La Latina and Huertas district, where all ages are welcome and catered for. If wine is your thing, some of the coolest and most enjoyable wine bars in the world are on Cava Baja and the surrounding areas.

If you’re in Barcelona, you should head for La Ramblas. This world famous boulevard is lined with friendly little bars and delicious restaurants. Do as the locals do, and parade up and down the street in your nicest clothes.

Wherever you go in Spain for your holidays, you will find Flamenco music and dancing. It has recently become much more popular, even with the locals, and it can be a most enjoyable spectacle. If you are brave or nimble footed, you could even have a go at learning it yourself in most large towns and cities.