Consider a road trip.

Spain is so diverse in every way, and the best way to see the whole country is to drive through it. It’s small enough that you could tackle it in a few weeks, but large enough that you’ll see a wealth of different things.

EXPLORE THE BASQUE COUNTRYSIDE.

Trek or bike through the Basque countryside, end in San Sebastian, and replenish your energy with a pintxos crawl.

CATALUNYA FORAGING.

Go mushroom hunting during the fall in Catalunya. Explore more itineraries for the foodie in our "Spain By Interest" guide.

SPANISH BULLFIGHT.

If you can stomach it, go to a bullfight. Deep Spain is on full display at these events, and the fights themselves can be strangely mesmerizing. Seats in the shade are more comfortable, but the sun is where the real old school characters hang out. Sevilla is the best city to take in the tradition, but Madrid is good too.

GO HIKING.

  • If you’re a hiker, considering skipping the border to the Catalan principality of Andorra. The city doesn’t have much to show for itself, but the hiking in the Pyrenees is unparalleled.

  • The Camino de Santiago is another famous trek that’s well worth it. To get off the main (read: crowded) track, head west on the northern route, which is much more rugged, isolated, and will bring you to the sea.

VISIT WINE COUNTRY.

You can visit the beautiful and famous Rioja wine region, but consider going to smaller, less visited regions instead. Our favorite is the rugged, high-altitude Priorat in Catalunya. It’s close to the beach, too.

TRADE "LA RAMBLA" FOR "THAT OTHER RAMBLA".

Rather than cruising famous La Rambla in the center of Barcelona, check out the Rambla in the Poblenou neighborhood, just a few metro stops to the east. It’s just as old, just as beautiful, 100% more local and less crowded with tourists, and has a glut of incredible restaurants. Explore our Travel More. Guide to Barcelona for more things to do in our favorite Spanish cit.

GO SURFING.

Do you surf? Go to Asturias, and afterwards wind down with a glass of local sidra. Check out our "Best of Spain: Beaches" Itinerary for more ideas.

SKIP MARBELLA & HEAD TO NERJA.

Do not go to Marbella. Almost any other city on the Costa del Sol can be worth it, but do not go to the over-developed playground of Saudi oil magnates. The Costa del Sol, in general, is pretty overdeveloped and can represent the ugliest of Spain’s rapid modernization. The weather is consistently the best in the country, though. Try the whitewashed, smaller city of Nerja instead.

DON'T OVERLOOK GRANADA.

Granada, its tapas crawls, and the Alhambra are famous for a reason. If you like history, food, and stunning views, this is a must-do.

MADRID'S MUSEUMS.

If you’re into museums, Madrid is the place to go. The Prado and the Reina Sofia are musts for any art buffs.

THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY.

For hardcore nightlife, Madrid edges out Barcelona. Barcelona has a reputation as a party city that’s completely undeserved - in a good way. There are plenty of options to go out, but really, Catalans are more about hanging out at neighborhood bars and avant garde parties. The clubs are for tourists and abroad students. If you’re into clubbing, local style, Madrid is a better option.

Explore our "Best of Spain: Nightlife" Itinerary for more suggestions to stay social in España.