What to do in Spain

Madrid is brilliant, but the size, noise and constant movement can feel like a lot after a while. One of the big perks of living here or spending time in the city is how easy it is to step away for a day.

Tenerife Carnival 2026 in Santa Cruz is the island at full volume: live bands on every corner, outrageous costumes, and barely any sleep for about ten days. It’s one of the best carnivals in Spain and one of the biggest in Europe.

If you’re in Spain in February 2026, Madrid's carnival is one of those weeks where the city drops its usual serious face and leans into costumes, brass bands and slightly chaotic street parties.What is Madrid carnival 2026 and why it matters in Spain’s carnival seasonMadrid carnival 2026 dates and k

Carnival in Spain is the moment winter finally loosens up a bit. Streets fill with parades, sequins and brass bands, and kids march through town in costumes their parents cobbled together.

Big‑budget franchises use Spain for palaces and desert chases, but some of the most interesting screen moments happen in quieter corners and smaller productions.

Tenerife’s famous for its black‑sand beaches and year‑round sun, but some of the island’s most memorable swims are in its wild lava pools along the coast.

Spain keeps popping up in blockbusters and binge‑worthy series, and half the time people don’t realise they’re looking at Bilbao, Madrid or Jerez rather than London, California or a distant galaxy.

2026 is shaping up to be one of those summers where Spain’s nightscape properly comes into its own. The Perseid meteor shower in Spain lands in the middle of warm August nights, village fiestas and late‑night terraces.

El Hierro is the tiny western outpost of Spain’s Canary Islands, a place of lava cliffs, laurel forests and natural rock pools. When it comes to things to do on El Hierro, the focus here is on simple pleasures.

Spain is packed with remarkable museums, from world‑class art galleries to cutting‑edge science spaces and archaeological centres in smaller cities.

During the Christmas holidays, many towns in Spain transform into enchanting fairytale settings, where lights, nativity scenes and local traditions create a truly magical atmosphere.In this guide, compiled from sources including National Geographic Travel, Time Out Madrid and Condé Nast Traveler Esp

Wine tourism in Spain has grown up a lot in the last few years. People are now planning whole weekends to Spain's best wineries, featuring design hotels and long lunches in the vineyards.

Seville has that dangerous combination of being both wildly beautiful and very easy to wander on foot. Most of the best things to do in Seville sit within a small radius around the cathedral and the river.

New Year’s Eve events in Spain come thick and fast, so if you still don’t have a plan, there’s plenty to jump on at short notice.

Bérchules, tucked into the Alpujarra, is a Spanish town that celebrates New Year’s Eve in summer.

If you’ve already ticked off churros and flan, it’s time to go regional. Across Spain, you’ll find festival pastries, creamy classics and delicate almond sweets that locals adore but many visitors never spot.

This city on the North African coast has been getting attention lately, thanks to recently being voted the most underrated city in Spain. If you’re plotting things to do in Melilla, picture a compact seaside hub where modernist facades meet a walled old town and sandy beaches.

Spain now counts 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a spread that runs from prehistoric stone architecture to enlightened urban planning.

The Christmas lights in Vigo 2025 are a full‑blown national talking point, the kind people travel for just to see the city glow. A lot of that fame rests on the mayor's showman streak, turning the switch‑on into a headline moment.

Are you looking for the best lakes in Spain to explore this autumn? Spain, famous for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes, is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

The 10 places to celebrate Christmas in Spain span giant illuminations, edible Christmas displays, life-size nativity scenes, and sweet‑tooth pilgrimages.

Christmas in Málaga has become a real highlight in the calendar, thanks to the city's impressive light display that floods the streets with twinkling festive colours.Málaga Christmas lights 2025: switch‑on, season, and what’s newCalle Larios light show 2025: times and viewing tipsWhen are the Christ

Valencia isn’t just a summer destination – in autumn, the city comes alive with a vibrant mix of cultural, gastronomic, and leisure activities.

As autumn deepens, Barcelona comes alive with events, cultural activities, and seasonal experiences. November is the perfect month to explore the city’s quieter corners, enjoy its culinary delights, and immerse yourself in local traditions.

With the arrival of autumn, Spain’s towns are painted in shades of gold, red and copper.