Spain offers a wealth of adventure activities from north to south. You can enjoy an unforgettable cycling experience along the Camino de Santiago, a historic route that crosses Spain and ends in the Galician city of Santiago de Compostela. Its a journey of selfdiscovery, where youll meet people from all over the world, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and sample the best of Spanish gastronomy. The coastline of Spain is the perfect place for water sports like surfing, scuba diving, and sailing. There are dozens of schools and companies offering water sports services and facilities in the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia, Costa Brava, Costa del Sol, Costa Daurada, Costa de la Luz, Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. The Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias are ideal for surfing, with beaches like Mundaka, Zarautz, Rodiles, and Salinas. The Canary Islands, with their eternal springtime temperatures, are great for surfing all year round on beaches like Las Americas and Famara. Scuba diving is also very popular, with the Cabo de GataNíjar Nature Reserve in Almeria and Cabo de Palos in Murcia offering ideal conditions for exploring the ocean depths. You could take a boat trip along the Costa Daurada or the Catalan coast and explore the Medes Islands, a marine nature reserve with exceptional sea beds and underwater caves. Another fantastic option is to visit the Canary Islands and explore the many interesting diving spots. If you like to mix sport with culture, we recommend a hot air balloon trip to see some of Spains most iconic places from the air. You could take a balloon trip over the city of Segovia, an unforgettable experience where youll see its Roman aqueduct and the surrounding countryside from above. Another option is to fly over the volcanic landscape of La Garrotxa Nature Reserve in Girona, or the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains and the Picos de Europa in Cantabria. You can go paragliding and hanggliding over the Sierra de Gredos mountains and enjoy the spectacular views at sunset. Spain has numerous other places where you can enjoy these activities. For example, the Sierra Nevada National Park, in the province of Granada, is an ideal place for paragliding because of its mild temperatures and the areas meteorological conditions. In the Pyrenees, between Catalonia and Navarre, and in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains in Madrid, there are dozens of mountain climbing routes and mountain refuges. The Sierra de Guadarrama is also great for hiking and mountain biking, with numerous paths and trails for different levels. If you prefer to exercise on the snow, there are numerous ski resorts in Spain, from the Pyrenees and the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains to the Sistema Central, Sistema Ibérico, and Sistema Penibético mountains. The Sierra Nevada resort, just 32 kilometres from Granada, is the furthest south in Europe and offers the chance to ski with the sun shining and the sea in the distance. You could spend the morning skiing and then visit the city of Granada in the afternoon and explore the Alhambra, one of the worlds most beautiful monuments.
For an unforgettable adventure in Spain, consider exploring its breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of a luxury train. The Transcantábrico Gran Lujo offers a journey along the northern coast, from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, combining exquisite cuisine with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. This elegant train harks back to the golden age of travel, with beautifully appointed cabins, gourmet dining, and guided excursions to historical sites. It’s an ideal way to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of regions like Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. For those who prefer a more active adventure, the Pyrenees offer a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. With towering peaks, lush valleys, and crystalclear lakes, this mountain range is perfect for trekking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the serene alpine scenery. In winter, the Pyrenees become a haven for skiers, with worldclass resorts offering everything from downhill skiing to snowboarding and snowshoeing. The region is also home to charming mountain villages where you can relax in cosy lodges and sample hearty local cuisine. Further south, the Andalusian desert of Tabernas offers a unique landscape for adventure seekers. Known as the only desert in Europe, it’s a stark, dramatic setting that has served as the backdrop for many famous Western films. Here, you can explore the rugged terrain on horseback or take a guided 4×4 tour to discover hidden canyons and remote vistas. The area is also rich in wildlife, with opportunities for birdwatching and photography. In the evening, the clear desert skies provide a perfect canvas for stargazing, far from the lights of the city. For water sports enthusiasts, the Costa Brava is a mustvisit destination. This rugged coastline, with its hidden coves and clear blue waters, is ideal for kayaking, snorkelling, and sailing. You can explore the Cap de Creus Natural Park, where rocky cliffs plunge into the sea, creating a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities. The region is also home to charming seaside towns like Cadaqués, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and stroll along picturesque streets lined with whitewashed houses. Finally, for a truly unique experience, consider a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of La Rioja. This renowned wine region is famous for its rolling hills and centuriesold wineries. From the air, you’ll have a bird’seye view of the vineyards stretching out in every direction, with the majestic Sierra de Cantabria mountains in the background. After your flight, you can visit a local bodega to sample some of Spain’s finest wines and learn about the winemaking process. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence, making it a highlight of any trip to Spain.
