The Ultimate Spain Bucket List: 40 Things to See and Do in Spain

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Now that I’ve been to nearly every part of Spain, including the Islands, can I officially start referring to myself a Spain Blogger?

I mean, my entire blog focuses around Spain, whether that’s things to do in Spain, places to go in Spain, life in Benidorm and Spain or connecting the rest of the world to Spain.

I thought it was high time I posted the Ultimate Spain Bucket List.

One of my favourite things about Spain is the history. You can drive for a little while and you feel like you’ve gone so much further. Each area has its own history, culture and way of life. It truly is amazing to see.

Spain has also had such an interesting history. This means different areas have different influences. This has massively affected their architecture, way of life and landscape.

We’ve seen our fair share of Spain now and let me tell you, it’s all beautiful so this list was difficult! If you’re looking for the best of Spain or you’re here to see how many you’ve already ticked off, then stick around because here is my Ultimate Spain Bucket List.

1. Take the Gaudi Trail in Barcelona

Barcelona is renowned for its incredible Gaudi architecture. Make sure you see all of his beautiful pieces in Barcelona.

Recommended: Lonely Planet Guide to Barcelona

2. Take Part in La Feria de Abril in Seville

The April Fair in Seville is held two weeks after Easter. It runs for six days and is filled with gorgeous flamenco shows and heaps of culture.

Recommended: Lonely Planet Andalucia Guide

3. Enter the Alhambra in Granada

Standing proudly in Granada, this palace is one of the most iconic monuments in not on Granada, but in Spain. Its design, mosaics and views are all breathtaking, to say the least.

4. Witness the Bonfires of San Juan

The Hogueras of San Juan is something not to be missed in the Alicante region. It begins on the 20th of June and lasts until 29th June.

5. Marvel at The Cathedral Pilar in Zaragoza

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The Catedral-basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza is so beautiful. Stand on the bridge to get the best view of it.

Recommended: Spain Guide

6. Go to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

The Guggenheim Museum is so unique and a true icon of Bilbao. We loved seeing the Guggenheim in Bilbao, it’s really a unique piece of architecture. The best view is from the bridge!

Recommended: Guide to Bilbao

7. See the Arts and Science Museum in Valencia

Where life and science come to life. It’s an interactive museum with plenty of things to do and see inside. You can also do some zorbing and kayaking on the water surrounding it!

Recommended: Lonely Planet Valencia

8. Hike the Camino de Santiago

To complete the popular route of the Camino de Santiago, the walk will take around 30 – 40 days. You’ll need to walk around 25 kilometres a day. It’s popular for many reasons, it’s easy to do as it’s well marked, it’s a sociable event, you can walk side-by-side and it’s flat, easy walking.

Recommended: Hiking BackpackHiking Water BottleAnker Power Bank

9. Walk the Bull Run in Pamplona

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Not recommended to do whilst the bull run is happening. Pamplona is a beautiful city and it’s well worth walking the path of the bull run, to say you’ve done it!

10. Throw Tomatoes in La Tomatina

La Tomatina is a Valencian celebration that happens in Buñol in August. It’s the world’s biggest tomato fight and it’s guaranteed to get messy!

11. Visit Mount Teide in Tenerife

Standing tall at 12,198 feet above sea level, it’s the highest peak in all of Spain!

12. Eat Pintxos in San Sebastián

Renowned for its world famous tapas, make sure you eat your way through the Spanish culinary capital. The pricey Michelin starred restaurants such as Akelare and Arzak are the best!

13. Ride a Rollercoaster at PortAventura

Located in Salou, Spain, just one hour away from Barcelona. It is one of Europe’s most iconic theme parks.

14. Drink Rioja in Rioja

Who can go to Rioja and not drink some Rioja wine?! The wine region of Spain is located in the North of Spain with its capital being Logroño.

15. Sunbathe in Malaga

With cheap flights from the UK, Malaga is a great place to soak up some sun. Make sure you visit the most beautiful port of Puerto Banús.

16. Party in Ibiza

Ibiza, where the party never stops. Make sure you head to the beach and watch the most beautiful of sunsets too!

17. See the Toledo Alcazar

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The Alcazar of Toledo is a beautiful building, but to get the best of it, head just out of the city and on to the bridge where you can get some stunning photos of the Alcazar looming in the background.

18. See the Legends of Segovia

By popular demand, I’ve added Segovia to my Spain Bucket List. No visit to Segovia is complete without visiting the famous Aqueduct which towers over the city. It defies the law of gravity with a staggering 166 arches spanning a massive 17km. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful cathedral and Alcazar too!

19. Visit the Pink Lakes of Torrevieja

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The Pink Lake of Torrevieja is the most Instagrammable spot on the Costa Blanca. Go at the right time and you’ll also see it is home to thousands of flamingos.

20. Enter the Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official home of the Spanish Royal Family, however, it is only used for ceremonies. Inside it is truly incredible, but photos are prohibited!

21. Visit the Mezquita of Cordoba

The mosque in Cordoba is the best part of the city and visiting it is your reason to go! Whilst you’re there, also visit the flower street. Just don’t go in summer when the flowers have all died off!

22. Have a Drink in Plaza Mayor, Madrid

This bustling square in Madrid is a gorgeous place to sit and relax with a glass of wine and a selection of tapas.

23. Walk the Narrow Streets of Albaicín

This world heritage district of Granada has some of the most narrow and winding streets in Spain. It’s a great neighbourhood to walk around and get a feel for the Medieval Moorish past.

24. Eat from La Boqueria, Barcelona

Fruit smoothies? Chorizo? You can get it all at La Boqueria. Located on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, it’s worth a visit to stock up on some foodie goodness.

25. Shop on Gran Via, Madrid

Gran Via is the busiest and most popular street in Madrid. It’s lined with some of the best retail shops. You’ll find an enormous Primark, which I spent way too long in…

26. Visit the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela

Pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral marks the end of the Camino de Santiago. It’s a Roman structure building with Gothic and Baroque influences.

27. Watch the Magic Fountain of Montjuic Show

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Watch the lights and the water dance around in Barcelona at the free show at Montjuic. Make sure you check the times, during summer it’s Wednesdays to Sundays.

28. See the Views from the Ferris Wheel of Tibidabo

Did you hear the story from Friends of Tibidabo? Well, no visit is complete without soaring up in the skies of Barcelona in the Ferris Wheel and marvelling at the views below.

29. Surf at San Sebastián

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Get your surfboard at the ready and try out some of the best waves in the beautiful city of San Sebastian.

30. Visit the Olympic Park in La Seu

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A technical course used by the National Selection Team of Spain. It was built in 1990 for the use during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Parc Olímpic del Segre is a great canoeing and kayaking facility in La Seu d’Urgell.

31. Have Paella Valenciana in Valencia

Fancy a traditional paella unique to the Valencia region? Head to the beach and try a traditional Valencian paella. But don’t park your car there! It’s where we had everything stolen!

32. Visit Devil’s Bridge

The Devil’s Bridge located near to Tarragona is part of the Roman Aqueduct. Entrance to the park to visit the bridge is free. For its surprising architectural design, it is actually very stable!

33. Eat at the World’s Best Restaurant

Get your fancy pants on and have dinner at the best restaurant in the world. Girona’s El Celler de Can Roca has been listed as the World’s 50 Best Restaurants twice now, in 2013 and 2015. You’ll have to book massively in advance, reservations are released on the first day of each month at midnight. They are snapped up usually within the hour!

34. See a Tribute Act in Benidorm

Have you really been to Benidorm if you haven’t headed to the strip and danced the night away with Little Mix and Queen? Head to my post about the Cabaret bars in Benidorm to know where to find them: Cabaret Bars

35. Ski in the Sierra Nevada

Ready for something more action-packed near the city of Granada? Stay in the Costa del Sol and you can combine sun and snow, by spending the morning on the beach and the afternoon skiing at the Sierra Nevada.

36. Visit the Tomb of Christopher Colombus

Located in the Cathedral of Seville, supposedly! His brother is definitely laid to rest there, but there is speculation around whether Christopher Colombus is buried in Seville or Santo Domingo. In 2006, Spain did DNA testing which proved the remains they have matches his brothers. However, Santo Domingo claimed he was never returned to Spain after he was laid to rest in the cathedral of Santo Domingo. It’s entirely possible that part of him is rested in both locations! Gruesome. Who said you can’t be in two places at once?!

37. Walk the Metropol Parasol

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Another fantastic element of Seville is the Metropol Parasol. Head below ground level and go up in the lift to see Seville from a whole new perspective. The “mushroom” design has brought some debate to the city of Seville, love it or hate it, it’s a great viewpoint.

38. Visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Cartagena

This historical element of the city is a small but well kept Roman amphitheatre. Entrance is 7€.

39. Take a Look at Intempo in Benidorm

This 47 story building in Benidorm currently remains uninhabited. The Intempo building is a great building to take a look at. Walk up from Poniente beach or take the tourist train that passes by.

40. See the Puppy in Bilbao

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Standing at the puppy in Bilbao, Alex and I were debating what it actually was. Alex thought it was a cat. In its permanent position, sitting near the Guggenheim Museum, the puppy has been guarding the doors of the museum since 1997. It is made up of tens of thousands of flowers and it’s a marvel to see.

There are plenty of things to keep you busy! Isn’t Spain wonderful?!

Hasta luego,

laurensignature-final

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14 responses to “The Ultimate Spain Bucket List: 40 Things to See and Do in Spain”

  1. You forgot visit the 2,000 year old Roman Aqueduct in Segovia, and the Alcazar where Queen Isabella was crowned and where they filmed the Spanish series Isabel. Love Spain

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    1. Ive added the alcázar that many times that I wanted something different so put la Feria de abril instead – assuming that people would visit while they’re there haha. In terms of the aqueduct. It was originally in but I didn’t think it made top 40 so I took it out 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lol not top 40 haha. I lived on the Plaza Mayor on calle Infanta Isabel. Dated a girl on Calle Via Roma – used to be called Boceguillas but few know. I was there during the waning years of Franco in 1973. Always ate at a cafe right in la plaza de azoquejo where the aqueduct is. So I may be a little biased

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Nice story. People’s lists will differ – this is just my opinion lol

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  2. The old Military shipyard in Cartagena is a good place to visit.The worlds first submarine is in there plus loads of other things to see.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haven’t been there! Will have to add it to my list! I did like Cartagena so gives a good excuse to go back!

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  3. Amazing and comprehensive list! Great post! You should definitely add to see the Temps de Flors in Girona! A great flower exhibition known worldwide! I’ve been there several times and never stopped to amaze me!!!

    Marta & Max | https://www.connectedhorizons.co.uk

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sounds incredible! I’ll have to look it up!

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  4. Cool list! We still have to do a lot of those , great ideas! We did visit Christopher Columbus grave, which was cool!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Fantastic! The cathedral is stunning isn’t it!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to do some of these already 🙂 And Mount Teide is next on my Spanish to-do list when I return Tenerife in November. Thanks for making me realise how long I really could spend exploring every corner of Spain.. it’s an awesome list!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Spain is so gorgeous! You’ll love mount Teide so surreal! Enjoy it glad you liked the post!!

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  6. That is a pretty impressive list! Have you still got a list of more places you’d like to visit!?

    I am planning to visit Spain later this year, but we’ll probably just stick to the Mountains in Catalonia. I cannot *wait* to get hiking. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. so many more places! that will be so lovely! the mountains in catalonia are gorgeous!

      Liked by 1 person

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