Spain - things to do. For owners of Spanish property and tourists visiting coastal and inland Spain
Whether you are living permanently in your own Spanish property or taking a well-earned break in this vibrant nation, you will find there is always plenty to amuse, inform and enthral. In such an energetic country as Spain, the things to do list will always be changing and evolving but there are a few uniquely Spanish diversions which are pretty similar across the land, from the coast to the remotest parts of inland Spain.
Discover nature in Spain: things to do in the National Parks
Few other countries in Western Europe have such unspoiled wildernesses as Spain. More than 200 of these areas are protected as nature reserves where rare and endangered species such as the Golden Eagle, brown bear, the lynx and the Pyrenean mountain goat can live freely. The most important of these reserves are the country´s eleven national parks.
Two are in inland Spain. The others sweep down to the coastal areas of either the mainland or the islands. The range of habitat includes mountains, forests, wetlands and volcanic landscapes and most are criss-crossed by dramatic trails that take in some exceptionally dramatic scenery. Most of them have visitor centres that help you put into context the landscape and its wildlife and fauna before you strike out on your own adventure on foot, on cycle or by car.
Coastal, city or inland Spain: join in the fiesta
In Spain, things to do don´t come much better than the chance to experience a fiesta. Most, but certainly not all, local fiestas are religious in nature, but they are far from sombre affairs. Instead, Spaniards demonstrate their gregarious natures with colourful processions and parties that go on into the small hours. Everyone is invited, so pick a village or city festival - the scale of the event does not really matter - and join in the fun! For a list of some of the best festivals in coastal, island and inland Spain, see our Culture in Spain page
Nightlife in Spain: things to do as the sun goes down
Spaniards are famously nocturnal and most foreigners who buy Spanish property will, at some point, want to test their own stamina against the locals. You may well find yourself lacking!
The siesta - the traditional afternoon rest (but not necessarily sleep) - may be part of the reason they seem to thrive on so short a night´s kip. Whether or not the siesta survives the Government´s determination to phase it out of the working day, it is hard to imagine a night in Spain ever winding down on the innocent side of midnight!
El paseo, a leisurely stroll through the streets or the beach promenade, kicks off the evening. This custom is the same in all parts of the country from the most sophisticated coastal resorts to the most remote villages in inland Spain. A few tapas are eaten to keep you going until a leisurely dinner is eaten at about 10pm. Around midnight it is time to meet up with friends and family at a bar perhaps to listen to some live guitar music or jazz. In a city location, some will then choose to go to a nightclub, while other might prefer to find a flamenco bar and watch rather than participate in the dancing.
Experience flamenco
Flamenco is an Andalusian art form that lays every emotion from sorrow to joy before its audience. It is not just a tourist attraction for foreign buyers of Spanish property and visitors on holiday. It is very much a part of modern Spanish culture and you may be surprised that the locals often become very emotional during a good performance from the dancer, guitarist and singer. Indeed, a night of flamenco rhythm, with its accompanying hand clapping and heel stamping, can leave you quite drained! It is a strange and wonderful experience, and distinctly Spanish.
A couple of decades ago, flamenco had fallen from grace, but it has recently enjoyed a great surge in popularity in coastal, urban and rural inland Spain. However, it is at its best in Madrid and in the south.
Shopping in Spain: things to do don´t get much better than retail therapy
It is not just Spanish property that foreigners are buying up with enthusiasm! Ordinary shopping in Spain is a pleasure, too, because quality goods are available at reasonable prices. The word ´reasonable´ is important. Prices are not necessarily cheap but quality is nearly always very high.
The high fashion houses of Madrid and Barcelona are flourishing but if your savings cannot stretch to the top designer names, you will still be able to find well-made, trendy clothing. Of particularly good value are Spanish leather products, from suede coats and jackets to leather handbags and shoes. If you are looking for fine, handcrafted wooden furniture for your new Spanish property, you will not need to look too far, because this one of Spain´s specialist markets. So, too, are rugs and carpets, ceramics and textiles. Of course, there is also good wine and sherry to be considered!
El Corte Ingles is the department store chain of Spain where many more items for your Spanish property can be bought. Most towns have a branch, even those in rural inland Spain. For a completely different shopping experience, you could try a flea market. The most famous is El Rastro in Madrid which is well worth a detour if you are in the capital on a Sunday.
Shopping hours are usually 09.30 -13.30 and 16.30 - 20.00. Some department and large specialist stores stay open a little later, as do shopping centres.
Coastal, city or inland Spain: join in the fiesta
Most, but certainly not all, local fiestas are religious in nature, but they are far from sombre affairs. Instead, Spaniards demonstrate their gregarious natures with colourful processions and parties that go on into the small hours. Everyone is invited, so pick a village or city festival near your Spanish property or hotel - the scale of the event does not really matter - and join in the fun! For a list of some of the best festivals in coastal, island and inland Spain, see our Culture in Spain page.
