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Wanting to spend your summer in Spain? Here is my essential Spain travel guide with all the juicy deets you need for your summer in Spain!
Spain is one of the best countries to visit in the summer. Fantastic weather, gorgeous beaches, Sangria, siestas, and more!
So, if you’re planning to spend your summer holidays in Spain, I’ve got you covered with the best things to do in Spain.
In my Spain travel guide, you’ll learn all about what to expect, the best cities to visit, and more.
After reading this post, you’ll be well-prepared for your summer in Spain.
This post is all about summer in Spain.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
The Best Summer in Spain
What to Expect During Summer in Spain
First things first, you can expect hot summers in Spain, with the hottest month being July. Luckily, Spain has GORGEOUS beaches to cool you off during the hot, sunny days.
However, on the flip side, major cities like Barcelona get extremely busy during the summer, so you can expect huge crowds. Therefore, I recommend visiting in early May or late summer to skip the crowds. But if you don’t mind some extra people, the entire summer is open!
Besides, the crowds aren’t just full of tourists; the locals also come out to play!
Top Cities in Spain to Visit this Summer
While Spain is one of the smaller countries, there are several cities to explore, which means more fun for you. You can visit one city in Spain or hop around to multiple. (If you can, I highly suggest visiting multiple cities as you get a different experience in each.)
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Check out these incredible Spanish cities:
Barcelona
One of my favorites is Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region. Barcelona has so much to offer. Plenty of shopping opportunities, historic neighborhoods, museums, and more!
Not to mention, the city has beautiful beaches AND mountains. So, you get the best of both worlds.
Madrid
Next is the actual capital of Spain, Madrid. Well known for its elegant streets, stunning art, and fashion influence, Madrid is one place you don’t want to miss. Plus, the city is full of famous museums & historical monuments, so there’s plenty to do.
Valencia
Valencia is next up on the best places for summer in Spain. This port city is well known for architecture and arts and sciences. So you can expect to see futuristic structures like the aquarium or the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Also, as the city sits on the water, you can find beautiful beaches to soak up the sun.
Seville
Unlike the other places on the list, Seville is not near the water, but be sure it is no less exciting than the other spots. As the birthplace of flamenco and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Seville is a must-stop during your vacation in Spain.
Some of the popular show, Game of Thrones, was filmed in Seville.
Granada
The last place I recommend visiting is located in Southern Spain, Granada. This Spanish city is a delight, especially for history buffs. You can see the medieval architecture that dates back from the Moorish period all over the town.
And if that’s not exciting enough, Granada is one of the few places in Spain that offers free tapas with drinks! Who doesn’t love free food, especially when it tastes as good as Spanish food?!
Best Things to do in Spain
Walking Tours
Walking tours are an excellent (and free!) way to explore the city. Besides seeing all the ins & outs of the city, the tour guides know lots of interesting facts about the town’s history, the best neighborhoods, and where to grab the most delicious eats.
I recommend finding a walking tour or two you would enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to get those daily steps in.
Quick note: While these tours are often free, gratuities are encouraged at the end of them.
Hop on, Hop off Bus Tours
While these hop-on, hop-off bus tours are seemingly touristy, they are an excellent way to see the city and learn more about its history.
In addition, these tours allow you to hop on and off throughout the day. So when you get tired of walking, these make for an excellent break. Plus, these tours are great to incorporate into your sightseeing days.
And a one-day pass should suffice.
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Watch professional Flamenco Dancers.
If you visit Seville, you MUST check out the flamenco dancers. It is quite an experience and a great way to experience Spanish culture.
Visit Historical Sites
Spain is an ancient country, so naturally, traces of the past still stand. So, you can’t skip visiting these beautiful spots. Here are some of the best historical places to visit in each city:
- Barcelona: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, Cathedral of Barcelona, Arco de Triunfo de Barcelona, Casa Batlló, Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, and the Gothic Quarter.
- Madrid: Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, El Retiro Park, Temple of Debod, Catedral de la Almudena, and Puerta de Alcalá
- Granada: The Alhambra, Generalife, Mirador de San Nicolas, Royal Chapel of Granada, and Basílica de San Juan de Dios.
- Seville: Royal Alcázar of Seville, Plaza de España, Catedral de Sevilla, Torre del Oro, Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla and La Giralda.
- Valencia: La Lonja de la Seda, Torres de Serranos, Valencia Cathedral, Quart Towers, and Plaça de l’Ajuntament.
*Remember, there are several towns in Spain with historical sites. These are just the larger, more popular cities to visit.*
Shopping in local markets
Shopping in local markets in Spain is one of the highlights of visiting. You can find all kinds of things like fresh food, art, and various trinkets that make great souvenirs.
Enjoy a beach day
Much of Spain has gorgeous beaches that you can’t pass up if you’re spending the summer holidays in Spain. There are public beaches, smaller, locally known beaches, and even nude beaches!
So many to choose from. Take your pick & enjoy!
Eat Tapas & Sip on some Sangria
Tapas, tapas, tapas. Tapas are a wonderful way to spend time with friends & family. And they’re delicious, so take as many opportunities to enjoy them as possible.
Regardless of what city you spend your summer in Spain or what you do, you are in for a super fun adventure!
Wishing you safe & happy travels.
This post is all about summer in Spain.
Remember to subscribe to the newsletter to keep up-to-date on the latest travel tips and inspiration!
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