Home of world-famous food, legendary artists, diverse coastline and an impressive 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s not easy to narrow down the best things to do in Spain. That’s why we’ve done it for you – get your calendar out and plan your next trip using these 25 best things to do in Spain in 2026.
Book your next vacation in our 2026 sale – secure limited time offers and our Price Drop Promise now.
1. Madrid 2026 F1
2026 will be Madrid’s first year hosting the Spanish Grand Prix, with Formula 1 announcing that the race will be held in the Spanish capital from 2026 to 2035. Travel to Madrid on race weekend between September 11-13 to see the all-new circuit, incorporating both street and non-street sections.
2. Córdoba Patio Festival
In Andalusia, the city of Córdoba is famous for its patios; since 1921 the city has held the annual Córdoba Patio Festival, with the patios declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2012. Head to Córdoba in May when the city’s patios are adorned by their owners with a colorful array of hanging flowers and plants, pots, antique furniture or even kitchen utensils.
3. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Instantly recognizable, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of Spain’s finest institutions. The architectural landmark is an art piece in itself, but holds famous works like Jeff Koons’ 1992 ‘Puppy’, a 43-foot-tall steel puppy covered in real flowers (watered by an internal irrigation system). A must-visit for sculpture lovers.
4. Taste Tapas in Old Seville
Discover the history of tapas during an evening in Seville’s Old Town. When you travel with Trafalgar, you’ll enjoy a dinner of mouth-watering tapas specialties, with the chance to taste different flavors and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter.
5. Explore the Christmas Markets
Though Spain is often associated with sun, its Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Some of the most famous markets include the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, known for its nativity scenes and Catalan traditions, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia Christmas Market with an incredible backdrop, and the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market in Madrid with over 100 stalls selling nativity figurines, gifts and traditional food.
6. Witness the Running of the Bulls
Pamplona’s yearly Running of the Bulls is a highly anticipated event throughout Spain, held during the San Fermin festival between the 7th and the 14th of July. The tradition of the Running of the Bulls dates back over 400 years, and people line the streets and balconies throughout the city to watch the bulls and bull runners take on the 875-meter course.
7. Celebrate Semana Santa
Semana Santa runs from April 2-9 in 2026, with the Holy Week commemorating the seven days leading up to Easter. It’s a captivating time for both locals and visitors, with Spaniards marking the deeply religious event with grand processions throughout cities like Seville, Málaga and Valladolid. The most dramatic processions take place on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, when mourners dressed in black lace carry candles through the streets.
8. Stamp your feet at Tablao Flamenco 1911
One of the best (and oldest) flamenco venues in the world is in Tablao Flamenco 1911 in Madrid. Known as the “Cathedral of Flamenco” it offers three shows each day, with some of the dance world’s most famous artists having performed there. Masters of the Spanish guitar and percussion, prestigious artists of flamenco singing and dancing give their body and soul to the public in a unique live show.
9. Seville’s Feria de Abril
After Easter, Seville holds its April Fair – in 2026, running from April 21-26th. It’s one of the liveliest times to visit, with food stands, flamenco, horse parades and live music. From the lighting of the exhibition known as the ‘Alumbrao’ at midnight on the first day to the closing ceremony with fireworks on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, there’s always something to see.
10. Try Horchata in Valenica
Taste authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor when you travel with Trafalgar. This beloved local nut-based drink is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice.
11. Fallas de Valencia
Step into the wonder world of Fallas de Valenica, taking place between March 15-19th in 2026. This spectacular tradition sees artistic sculptures big and small placed throughout the city for everyone to admire, before they are set on fire in an incredible display. Many of the pieces are caricatures created by local artists and craftspeople, providing a commentary on current social issues. The festival was declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016.
12. Sant Jordi’s Day
Each year on April 23rd, Catalonia celebrated St. George’s Day, also known as the Day of Books and Roses. Traditionally, couples exchanged gifts; the men received books while women received roses. However, now either partner can give either gift. Book and flower stalls are set up along the streets, so it’s a magical time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
13. Aste Nagusia
Over in the Basque Country, Bilbao’s largest festival takes place for nine days each August, starting on the Saturday following August 15th (running from August 22–30 in 2026). Aste Nagusia (also known as Semana Grande in Spanish) is a celebration of Basque Culture and traditions with concerts, fireworks, sports events, and a rocket launched every day of the festival.
14. Relax at Jardines de Alfabia
For a green island escape, head to the Gardens of Alfabia on Mallorca. In the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range, the house, gardens and orchard is an oasis; the lower garden is distinctly tropical, with protected species native to Mallorca, while the house has Roman-Andalusian roots along with Arabic, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences throughout.
15. Barcelona Pride
The largest Pride event in the Mediterranean is in Barcelona, held in June each year. From concerts and workshops to conferences and the famous Barcelona Pride Parade, it’s a fun, vibrant affair – as well as one of resistance and protest. In 2025, Pride Barcelona shone a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ culture, selecting 12 universal representatives of LGBTQIA+ culture from Chappel Roan to Leonardo da Vinci, one for each color of the inclusive flag.
16. San Sebastián International Film Festival
The prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival takes place in September each year (September 19-27th in 2026). Film buffs will want to keep it in their diary, with over 200 films selected across seven competitive sections and six non-competitive. Big names in both directing and acting attend to present their films, while there are also film talks across the festival to discover more at.
17. Madrid Fashion Week
Madrid Fashion Week (officially known as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFWMadrid)) is held twice a year, in February and September. It will celebrate its 83rd edition in February 2026, featuring runway shows by both fresh-faced newcomers and renowned favorites.
18. Stroll through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
One of Barcelona’s most iconic areas is completely free to visit – the Gothic Quarter is the historic center of the city, with unique architecture, narrow streets and rich cultural heritage to discover, as well as incredible restaurants. When you travel with Trafalgar, spend an evening working up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter with your Local Specialist before dinner at the Port Vell Waterfront, now a vibrant marina in the old harbour.
19. Throw tomatoes at La Tomatina
Spain is home to the world’s largest food fight: La Tomatina. Taking place on Wednesday 26th August in 2026, this event is now ticketed as of 2013 with 20,000 tickets released costing €15. La Tomatina has been a strong tradition in Buñol since the 1940s – there are countless legends as to how it began. One of the best things to do in Spain for the adventurous!
20. Explore Gaudi’s masterpieces
Step into the world of Antoni Gaudí throughout Barcelona. Exploe his colorful combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles at the Sagrada Familia, a magnificent – and still unfinished – Roman Catholic basilica which has become iconic to the city’s skyline. Take a few hours to wander around the building and admire the whimsical maze-like landscaping surrounding the church, before heading up to Park Guell for a weird and wonderful walk through Gaudi’s art.
21. Alhambra Palace at golden hour
Alhambra Palace in Granada is set against a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, and while it’s beautiful at any time of day, golden hour here is partcularly special. Climb to the top of its 82-foot-high watchtower for exceptional views over the city center as the sun sets.
22. Eat Pintxos in San Sebastián
One of the best things to do in Spain for food lovers is San Sebastián, known as the food capital of Spain known for having more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world. But its standout food isn’t Michelin starred – its the city’s famous pintxos. Similar to tapas but smaller and typically eaten without cutlery, pintxos are bitesized bar snacks to go with your sangria or vermouth – it could be tortilla, gambas, fritters or cheese, generally on a small slice of bread.
23. Savor Churros in Madrid
The oldest churros spot in Madrid is Chocolatería San Ginés, which opened in 1894. It is famous for its churros and hot chocolate
Madrid’s oldest ‘churrería’,
Churros are a quintessential Spanish treat, beloved by Madrid’s locals and tourists alike. What stands out most about the churros in Madrid is the luxuriously rich hot chocolate and other cocoa-based dipping sauces they’re typically served with
24. See the castle that inspired Walt Disney
Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
25. See Spain’s Most Spectacular Beach
Seeing nature’s cathedral carved out of rock has to be one of the best things to do in Spain. Playa de las Catedrales in Galicia is a wonder world of natural rock structures, caves and tide pools, with dramatic rock formations that mimic the gothic-style architecture of European Cathedrals.
You can only visit the beach during the time leading up to low tide, with access only available for a few hours throughout the day – so plan carefully and check the tide times. Entry permits and guided tours are free, but reservations are required to access the beach in Easter and between July 1 and September 30 (the beach is protected and visitors numbers are limited to aid conservation).
Why travel to Spain with us in 2026?
Lowest Price Guarantee on 2026 Tours
Plus, other early booking benefits
Book your 2026 tour now and get early access to trending destinations with the best availability and limited-time savings. Plus, with our Lowest Price Guarantee**, you can relax knowing that you don’t need to wait for a better travel deal.
Why Book Now?
Best Selection
Book early to choose from our full selection of worldwide tours and get the right itinerary for you.
Limited-time Savings
Lock in today’s rate and enjoy 10%* off select departures. Ends July 31.
Lowest Price Guarantee
Pay in full now and if the price goes down before you travel, we’ll refund the difference.**
Want to tick off some of the best things to do in Spain? Discover Spain with Trafalgar.