Fiestas and siestas define Spain – visitors can lounge on golden beaches, and live the high life in its proud, passionate cities. The country’s Mediterranean charm shouldn’t be underestimated, with historical Moorish settlements and quaint terracotta towns overlooking the ocean around the coast.
With so many diverse landmarks packed into a country that can be crossed in under ten hours by car, it’s possible to experience more of the Iberian Peninsula’s delights than you might think. Here are some of the best things to do in sunny Spain, so you can start planning a great getaway.
Visit the Sagrada Familia
Spain is a nation of diverse regions, each with its own distinctive cultural identity. Barcelona is the main city of Catalonia, a region where the Pyrenees Mountains shield a unique language and luscious beach resorts on Costa Brava. Nonetheless, Barcelona is perhaps best associated with for two main things: its passionate soccer scene, and Sagrada Familia - the monumental Gothic church that crowns the skyline.
Designed in the 19th century by legendary architect Antoni Gaudi, the incomplete nature of this wonder doesn’t stop thousands of visitors flocking to the extraordinary landmark every year.
Completion is forecast for 2026, but in the meantime you can still plan a tour of this structural wonder. For a fee, it’s even possible to scale the 65-metre towers for spectacular views - and some of the best photos of the city you can get.
The third-largest city in Spain is also located on the sea, with top cultural highlights sitting beside leading museums, medieval cathedrals and bustling central markets. The City of Arts and Sciences is the primary modern attraction, with an IMAX cinema screen and its very own aquarium. You can buy tickets online for individual attractions or access to the entire complex.
Valencia
For a taste of the unique Valencian cuisine, either sample the aromatic local paella at Mercado Central, or take your rental car and venture out of town to try fragrant eel stews by the Lake of the Albufera.
Out of the cities, southern Spain hides a world of historical secrets. Through centuries of Roman, Moorish and Arabic conquest, the landscape has been transformed thanks to battles and layers of exotic architecture.
Alhambra is a medieval palace fortress set in the hills above Granada. This Moorish complex is the perfect place to be transported into a bygone era. You can gain access to the entire mystical setting, or simply to the glamourous Nazard Palaces.
Ibiza
Although there is enough wonder packed into mainland Spain to keep you occupied for weeks, the Balearic Islands are also well worth a visit. And Ibiza is the liveliest of the bunch.
Playa d’en Bossa is the most raucous beach, where vacationers come to revel and relax. Away from the crowds, however, you’ll find a number of tranquil coves, such as Cala d’en Serra, Cala d’Hort and Cala Gracio. Ibiza car rental is the best way to reach them all.
Mallorca and Menorca also attract sun worshippers searching for idyllic beaches.
Costa del Sol
Of course, you don’t have to leave the mainland to find golden sands and therapeutic salty air. Spain’s sun coast is brimming with life – home to charming ports, nature reserves and, of course, vast, beautiful beaches.
Puerto Banus is one of the calmer beaches on this sizzling 159-kilometre stretch. Here a protected marina sits between the bright lights and casinos of neighbouring beach resorts.
South of Malaga, the resort at Arroyo de la Miel is home to traditional and unusual attractions. Tivoli World is a theme park that’s great for a family outing, and every December the annual urban turkey race sees locals scrambling through the town centre, with the winner rewarded with a bird for their Christmas dinner.
Madrid
The Spanish coast is so alluring it can be difficult to step away, but the capital city is also packed with premier attractions. From the Royal Palace of Madrid to the Museo Nacional Del Prado, world-class art and regal wonders are hiding around every corner.
Matadero Madrid is a modern cultural centre with 48 buildings showcasing fine art exhibitions, a recording studio and a reader’s house for literature lovers. If you’re looking for some fine and fancy dining, meanwhile, Diver XO is the city’s only restaurant with three Michelin stars, located a short walk north of the central museum district at Castellana.
Fiesta is a central aspect of Spanish life; each town has its own tradition, history and party personality. There are two main types of fiesta – celebrations based around agriculture or the winemaking vintage, and those with religious roots.
Summer is awash with endless festivities all across Spain, while winter is renowned for the San Sebastian Tamborrada or drum festival. At the dawn of spring, the Fiestas of Murcia celebrate Easter with vibrant processions and traditional flamenco dancers.
Say ‘olé’ to tradition, song and even tomato fights at La Tomatina, or journey to Tenerife during carnival season to join in the fun. Choose your festival or plan a route between multiple celebrations when you rent a car in Spain.
The Basque Country
Bilbao and San Sebastian are just the beginning. Northern Spain is packed with delights, including the stunning Picos de Europa mountain range. The Basque Country is certainly a highlight though, enjoying its own unique cuisine and culture in the autonomous region east of Santander.
Basque is the oldest language in Europe, and the hills and historical towns in its native land are suitably intriguing. Tour Bilbao to see the bright lights of the Guggenheim Museum and the winding Old Town, or step into San Sebastian to taste local delicacies with ocean views.
Pintxos are the Basque Country’s answer to tapas, typically enjoyed as delicious parcels of flavour in bars throughout the region. This part of Spain is also home to many remote sanctuaries. The church at Gaztelugatxe is a coastal treasure, set above 200 stone steps on the northern frontier.
Whether you’re touring the entire country or selecting a dream destination for the next big vacation, arental car can help you secure an odyssey to remember.
Unlock more of this fascinating Iberian country when you cruise the autopistas across rich lands packed with history, fiestas and glorious sunshine, which will keep you coming back for more.