Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination, and it’s easy to see why.
This diverse country has one of the longest coastlines in Europe, covering both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
On top of that, the interior features stunning forests, some untouched ski slopes, and beautiful landscapes.
We’re going to give you a rundown of some of the best spots for active holidays in this beautiful country.
There’s a lot more on offer than you may think. And one of the greatest things about active holidays in this country is the fact that you can generally do it alone.
Whether you’re keen on skiing, hiking or mountaineering, Spain has everything you could wish for, with:
- Stunning Pyrenees mountains
- Surfing in Cantabria
- The Picos National Park
Cádiz Offers Some Truly Unique Cycling Tours
Jerez is the home of sherry, giving this much loved fortified wine its name, via translation. The town itself offers far more than just sherry production. Friendly locals, beautiful architecture, and great cuisine make this one of the stars of the Andalucian coast. Definitely not one to miss. And if you make a bike trip to Cádiz, you’ll be able to take in a selection of flora and fauna that distinguish this spot from many other places in Europe.
A variety of towns and villages that you pass by on the way have some truly exceptional architecture on offer. And while on the way through, you can cycle past almond orchards, sunflower fields, and olive groves. All in all, a truly exceptional path to take through one of Spain’s most beautiful areas.
Cruise and Walk Around the Whole of the Canary Islands for Some Unique Scenery
They may not generally make the cut, but the Canary Islands are still part of Spain. This small collection of spots just off the coast of West Africa are dazzling in their variety. There’s no shortage of amazing beaches and landscapes on offer. And on top of that, Lanzarote and Tenerife are famed as party spots. You can happily trek through untouched natural wonder by day and relax by the beach by night. There’s a good reason why these islands are top of any tour of Spanish property.
Volcano Walking Is a Unique Way to See Lanzarote
And speaking of Lanzarote, there’s a real one of a kind experience on offer on this small island. Intrepid explorers can enjoy a one of a kind experience, walking around the volcano that defines this location. The volcano is currently inactive, but eruptions in the 18th Century decimated this small island. If you choose to take a tour around the centre of this landmark, you’re guaranteed an exciting and varied walking experience, as well as some truly unique local history regarding the eruption itself and the impact it had on the island. A number of tour companies provide their services for visitors, and you can pick the difficulty that is right for you.
Menorca Walking Tours Let You See Every Side of the Island
Menorca has long been overshadowed by its far more touristy neighbour, Majorca. Thankfully, that means that this beautiful spot is free for active travellers from all over the globe to enjoy themselves. There’s an abundance of amazing walking tours on offer that give travellers the chance to savour their beautiful surroundings. The emphasis is more on enjoyment than pushing your stamina to the limit. The tours are of good length and comfortably broken up with meals and refreshments at some of the best spots the region has to offer. Ideal for single travellers, we can’t recommend these excursions enough.
Chill Out with Yoga in Europe’s Party Capital
Most people know Ibiza as Europe’s clubbing hub. With its reputation stretching back to the Nineties, the island has long been a favourite choice for people around the world looking for somewhere to party. But this Balearic hotspot has a lot more to offer. Company 38 Degrees North provides some fantastic yoga classes that are guaranteed to give you a change from the usual party circuit. With sessions held on rooftops overlooking the beautiful vistas the island has to offer, this is a great choice for someone looking to take advantage of a wonderful island atmosphere.
Cycling Tours Are the Ideal Way to See Majorca
And Majorca has a whole lot for active travellers to enjoy as well. The island has more than its fair share of natural beauty on offer, with a very varied selection of plains, mountains, and hills. The ideal way to get to see them all has to be on a cycling tour. A number of self-guided tours are provided by hotels and cycling rental shops across the island. There’s something to suit just about every level of cyclist, and with an incredible array of terrain on offer, this island should keep you fit and entertained for a while.
The Annual Walking Festival Is a Great Way to See All of Tenerife
Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, is home to Spain’s highest mountains, as well as a selection of the most stunning beaches and untouched rainforests in Europe. It’s long been a unique area of natural beauty, and there’s a whole lot for active travellers to enjoy. One of the best options if you want to get the most out of the island is to take part in the annual walking festival. This great event provides visitors with a whole selection of ways to explore the island, combining beautiful tours with star gazing and visits to wine cellars.
Get the Run of the Costa Brava
Catalonia has long been a highlight of Spain for visitors, with Barcelona bringing in a huge number of tourists every year. But there’s just as much to be enjoyed in other parts of the region. The Costa Brava features some really beautiful scenery, and a selection of self-guided walking tours let you get the maximum out of it. The area was once renowned for smugglers and their secret routes, but today you can weave your way in and out of beaches and pinewoods in complete seclusion. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to take a walk along one of Spain’s lesser-explored areas.
Don’t Miss Spain’s Most Dramatic Scenery in the Picos
The Picos are surely Spain’s most dramatic scenery. With emerald green expanses and huge stone massifs, it’s easy to see why this area draws a huge number of walkers every year. As a result, the trails can sometimes be overrun with hikers. The self-guided Picos Inn to Inn walking tour lets you step off the beaten track and find out about a few of the lesser known hostels and inns along the route. You’ll be able to get the very best out of the region, while taking a few lesser travelled paths for a one of a kind experience.
Santander Has Some of the Best Surfing in Spain
Surfing in Europe is generally heavily underrated, and Santander is a great example of a hidden surf spot with a lot to offer any active traveller. The region has some pristine beaches with the ideal conditions for surfing. A number of companies offer classes for anyone less familiar with the sport, and competitive rates make it easy for anyone to get to grips with the sport.
If you’re looking for an active holiday in Spain, there’s no shortage of great options on offer. This diverse country has something for everyone, and with a great selection of scenery and backdrops, it’s an unmissable experience. Spain’s charm comes in its vast variety. If the wonderful selection of nature and scenery on the mainland weren’t enough, the Canary Islands offer tourists a unique setting for some exceptional holiday experiences. And there’s more to Spain than just active travelling. There’s a big industry in self-guided tours, whether on bicycles or on foot. And there’s a lot more on offer than that, including one of Europe’s biggest bike races, the Vuelta. The country has a wonderful range of food on offer and is home to some of the best wines in Europe. Their viticulture has been the basis for many of the New World wines, and you’ll have ample opportunities to sample the originals on your travels. And with some of Europe’s most dynamic, exciting cities, you’ll have no shortage of options when getting downtime from your active holiday. We hope you enjoy your next holiday in this unique country.
Bio — Nika Goddard
Independent travel writer seeking for inspiration in every trip. Active rest and biking — two main passions because just this way you can discover every country in it’s best. Motto in life — there are a lot of places in the world worth seeing and the best time to do this — now.
