Take a trip to Spain in summer and experience this great country for yourself. With a selection of places to visit, from museums to mountains, Spain caters for the masses. Ideal for kids, couples and friends, everyone is welcome.
Visit Spain in summer: cities
When you’re in Spain in the summer, heading to its great cities is a must. From the inland metropolis, Madrid, to coastal hotspots like Valencia, there’s something for everyone.
Madrid
Madrid has it all, from architecture and museums to parks and restaurants, so it’s a great place to visit in Spain in summer. Check out the famous Gran Via, which boasts iconic buildings and high-end shopping. Then take a look at one of the most popular museums in the city, the Museo Nacional del Prado, which has a collection of national art. After a stroll around El Retiro Park, where you can go rowing on the lake, head for some food in Lavapies, where you’ll find a great array of cuisines.
Madrid can get very hot in July and August, so visiting in May, June or September is ideal for warm temperatures. There are also slightly fewer tourists during these months, so you will be able to beat the crowds.
Valencia
Valencia is another great city to visit in Spain in summer, with there being awesome architecture and a cracking coastline. Start your trip by exploring the top sights such as La Lonja de la Seda, a medieval building in the centre, or the Natural Science Museum of Valencia, which has a spectacular modern design. Then, you can head to Playa de las Arenas to escape the summer’s heat. There is a range of food and drink options on the promenade of the beach, so you’ll have everything you need.
Similar to Madrid, Valencia can get very hot during July and August, with humidity levels only adding to the warmth. If you want to make the most out of your trip to Valencia, visit from May to June or September to October, when temperatures are still pleasant.
Spain in summer: active holidays
For anyone wanting to make the most of the Spanish countryside, there are some great options for you to consider. We’ve picked two locations which are close to major cities, so you’ll be able to reach them with ease.
Manzanares El Real, Madrid
A roughly 50-minute bus journey from the metro stop Plaza de Castilla, in Madrid, is Manzanares El Real. Located in the Guadarrama Mountains, it’s a great place to enjoy hikes, go swimming in the alpine waters and stop off at some little bars. A perfect destination to spend the day if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, this hidden gem never gets too busy.
During July and August, the temperatures can soar, so remember to take lots of sun cream with you. The bus stops next to a supermarket, too, where you can get food and drinks to keep you fuelled up for your adventure. There are also lots of places to park in Manzanares El Real, which is great if you want to incorporate it into a road trip.
Caminito del Rey, Malaga
For those that are seeking a bit of an adrenaline hit, Caminito del Rey is a must-visit. A walkway that’s 100 metres off the ground along a gorge in El Chorro, you’ll need a head for heights to enjoy this one. The path was built in the early 20th century for materials to be transported to a local dam. Nowadays, it is much safer than it was over 100 years ago, so you can have peace of mind when you’re walking along the path.
This activity is great for any month during the summer, but be careful during July and August, when extra drinking water and sun cream is a must. Don’t forget to take your camera, either – you’ll want to remember the views forever.
Spain in summer: beautiful beaches
Spain is known for its beautiful coastline, being popular with tourists from all over the world. We’ve picked a couple of our favourite beaches to give you a helping hand.
Beach of La Concha, San Sebastian
The Beach of La Concha, in San Sebastian, is one of Europe’s top beaches, having won many awards over the years. Ideal for families, you can take to the waters in confidence with lifeguards patrolling in kayaks during the busy season. With glorious sand and clear waters, plus a beautiful setting, this is an ideal place for a beach break. If you’re after a little more action from the beach, a 5-minute walk away is Zurriola Beach, where you can enjoy surfing and other water sports.
San Sebastian is normally pretty hot during the summer and there’s often rain due to its geographic position. If the rain does fall, you can nip off the beach and visit one of the many cafes and bars just a stone’s throw away.
Barcelona Beach
One of the most famous cities in Europe, Barcelona gives you the chance to combine amazing architecture with beautiful beaches. Barcelona Beach is a great place to go in Spain in summer, as it’s located right next to the iconic city – you can go from La Rambla to the beach in only a few minutes. It also has lots of facilities on the promenade, which makes it convenient for anyone who doesn’t want to go too far for food or drink. The sea itself is great for swimmers of all levels, with lifeguards also patrolling regularly for additional peace of mind.
Barcelona tends to get very hot and humid during the summer, so if you want to go when the heat is less intense, try visiting between May and June or September and October. For those that want a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere, heading up the coast will take you to an array of small beaches, such as Platja de Llevant.
Spain in summer: islands
A great thing to do in Spain in summer is visit some of the islands. Mallorca and Tenerife are two popular locations and are great for families. Whether you want to explore nature, relax on a beach or walk around the towns, there’s something for all ages.
Mallorca
Mallorca is an island which has so much to offer, including awesome architecture, beautiful beaches and charming countryside. Start your trip in Palma de Mallorca, where you can visit the iconic Cathedral de Mallorca. Located on the seafront in the capital, the Gothic design will take your breath away. For beaches, try out Alcudia Beach (in the north of the island) or Calo des Pou (in the east), where you’ll enjoy golden sand and turquoise waters.
If you fancy taking a trip into the countryside, Inca (in the centre of the island) is a traditional Spanish town, whilst Soller offers great mountain views. Similar to the rest of Spain, Mallorca gets very hot in July and August, so visiting within a couple of months on either side is ideal for optimum temperatures.
Tenerife
Another island in Spain which is great during the summer is Tenerife. Part of the Canary Islands, it’s very popular with tourists from across the world. With some great nature to see, such as Mount Teide, an active volcano, it’s perfect for hikers. Beach-goers will also love the wide selection of stunning sandy beaches, with Playa de la Tejita being one of the largest natural beaches on the island.
Families have an array of options, too, such as Siam Park water park and Loro Park Zoo, which will keep kids (and you!) occupied for hours. As Tenerife is located just off the Moroccan coast, it gets very hot in July and August. An ideal time to visit is between April and June or September and October.
