If you plan to visit Spain, then you’ll no doubt be on the look out for some fun outdoor activities you can enjoy – either by yourself or with your friends and family. To learn more about some of the best outdoor activities in Spain, read on.
Spain is known for its great weather, especially the sunshine. Enjoy soaking it up on holiday. That said, for those who might be staying in the country for longer, there may be more opportunity to explore things further.
Perhaps you’re coming and going from Spain due to business reasons, or maybe you’re navigating Spanish inheritance law due to an unexpected inheritance. Whatever it may be, you’ll want to make the most of your time in Spain. So, it’s a good idea to get out and enjoy the countless outdoor activities on offer.
If you’ve got some free time on your hands, why not make the most of what Spain has to offer? Here are just some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in Spain.
8 outdoor activities to enjoy in Spain
Hiking
There is an abundance of breath-taking mountain trails and national parks that offer stunning scenery for you to enjoy while hiking.
Take the Sierra Nevada mountain range and national park for instance. While the highest peaks won’t be suitable for hiking novices, there are less challenging hikes in the foothills that offer a more accessible walk.
There are also plenty of signposted routes in the Pyrenees, including the more famous Camino de Santiago and GR11.
The fact you won’t have to pack a raincoat should be reason enough to pop on your walking boots.
Watersports
If you are visiting one of Spain’s many celebrated coastlines, you’d be daft not to consider taking up one of the many water sports on offer to help pass the time. Almost every tourist beach will offer pedalo or canoe rental services. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, jet-skis are readily available.
The fun doesn’t stop there either. In some regions along the Atlantic coast, you might even be lucky enough to ride a few waves, either on a bodyboard or a surfboard. Just make sure you have a wetsuit, as the Atlantic Ocean can be rather unforgiving.
Other popular watersports including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving.
Rafting
The fact that Spain has plenty of rivers running right across the country means that are several spots that are perfect for rafting. The fast-flowing Noguera Pallaresa in the Eastern Pyrenees is a good choice for anyone looking for an aquatic adrenaline rush.
As you might imagine, rafting is more fun when there’s plenty of you to occupy a raft, so bring your friends and family along. And don’t worry – there will always be a guide to help you if you haven’t got any prior experience.
Canyoning
If you’re anywhere near the Pyrenees, you may want to consider taking on some canyoning. Canyoning involves navigating down a mountain stream using a variety of techniques like climbing, sliding and jumping. It’s great fun and there are plenty of different trails to suit different skill levels.
The Sierra de Guara and Ordesa National Park are two of the most popular destinations for canyoneers and can also be visited with children.
Skiing and snowboarding
You read that right – very few people immediately think of winter sports when they think of spending time outdoors in Spain, but it is more than possible to strap on a pair of skis. There is a decent range of slopes available, often at lower prices than some of Spain’s more mountainous neighbours.
Of course, if you want to go skiing or snowboarding, you’ll only really be able to do so when the season is right. There isn’t going to be an awful lot going on in the peak of summer.
Cycling
There are plenty of cycling options on offer in Spain. It’s a great place for cycling in sunshine when the UK is heading into winter, too. There are several spectacular cycling routes to enjoy in Spain, all of which have their own quirks that make them stand out from the rest.
If you’re really serious about cycling, then you can always visit some of the locations that feature on the Vuelta a España. Others to check out include Vía Verde de Ojos Negros (from Teruel to Valencia); the Transpirenaica (from Cabo de Higuer to Cabo de Creus) and the TransAndalus.
Paragliding
If you want a serious rush that throws in a chance to see Spain from the skies, give paragliding a go.
Paragliding isn’t just limited to the countryside either. If you’re living it up on a city break in Madrid, you just have to take short trip outside the city limits to find an instructor who can take you 600 metres above the ground, giving you an unparalleled view.
Are you planning to visit Spain?
As you can see, there is an outdoor activity in Spain for just about everyone, whether you’re just visiting, or are looking at staying permanently due to an unexpected inheritance. No matter what your skills are, or what you’ve done in the past, you are bound to be able to find something that you and your loved ones will be able to enjoy.
