Sure, you’ve come to Spain to see the big sights such as Madrid’s Royal Palace, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, and Granada’s Alhambra. But sometimes we all crave just a little more adventure – and perhaps a more exhilarating and unique way to experience a place like Spain. From taking to the skies in a hot-air balloon, to scaling the country’s tallest peek, and rowing in some of the nation’s most beloved waters, here are seven adventurous things to do in Spain.
1. Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Seeing Spain from the ground is so conventional: take to the air instead in a hot-air balloon, offered in places across the country. Heading to Barcelona? Drift into the skies over Catalonia, soaking up views of the spectacular regional landscape, including the Pyrenees, Mediterranean and Montserrat. Or, if you’re heading down south, see a different side of Seville as you watch the sun rise over the Andalusian mountains. Meanwhile, you can get a better view of the Balearic archipelago on a Mallorca hot-air balloon ride, during which you can check out the beaches, sea and islands from up above. All of these high-altitude adventures also come with brunch or tapas, a glass of sparkling wine, and a fancy flight certificate sealing the deal on your epic excursion.
2. Parasailing and Paragliding
Hot-air ballooning isn’t the only way to see the Spanish landscape from up above: you can also do so while hovering in the sky above the sea on one of Spain’s parasailing or paragliding excursions. While in Barcelona, you’ll float above the coastline near the famous Barceloneta Beach, from where you can spy some of the city’s most popular sights. Or, if you’re heading to Ibiza, scope out the bay, island and beyond from way up high off the coast near the city of San Antonio, then finish off the adventure with an after-flight drink.
3. Trekking
Though city sightseeing is a must, there’s more to discover of the country’s regions than just the urban hot spots — and a great way to do so is by hiking in Spain. At the top of that list, quite literally, is a visit to the summit of El Teide, Spain’s highest point, which is located on the Canarian island of Tenerife. A journey to the top includes a cable car ride up to 3,555 feet, along with views of the island’s incredible landscape, and ultimately a hike to the summit.
Another particularly famous — or make that, infamous — Spanish trek is the recently reopened and safety-upgraded Caminito del Rey. Located in the southern region of Andalucia, this cliff-hugging passageway is not for those that are afraid of heights. Note that those keen to go on the excursion must book it in advance, as only a limited amount of hikers are permitted at a time.
4. Scuba Diving
But perhaps you’d rather see the country from below rather than above. If that’s the case, there are loads of Spain scuba opportunities at coastal destinations across the Peninsula and beyond. If you happen to be vacationing along the Costa de la Luz in the region of Cadiz, take to the water during a one-hour dive to see Mediterranean critters such as octopus, eels and sting rays. Meanwhile, if you happen to be in the Canaries, you can even opt to get your full-on PADI open water certification over the course of three days. Indeed, whether you plan to visit Ibiza, Mallorca, or the Canaries, there’s probably just the scuba excursion for everyone, from beginners to certification-seekers, and seasoned pros.
5. Kayaking
If staying closer to sea level is more your style, though, kayaking in Spain might be your best bet. While in Palma de Mallorca, you can paddle your way around the Balearic Sea, scoping out island scenery – from the big city to remote beaches. Or, if you’re in Barcelona, you can mix it up, opting for kayaking, of course, but also a catamaran or even a stand-up paddle excursion. And then in Seville, a very not-seaside place, you can even kayak down the Guadalquivir River, passing under its bridges while learning about the city’s (and really, the river’s) legendary history as an important trade hub.
6. River Rafting
Step up our boat game by going from a relatively calm kayaking experience to a more adventurous whitewater excursion. Do so on an Andalusian rafting trip on which you’ll take to the rumbling waters of the Genil River, located in the region of Cordoba. If it sounds a little too adventurous, not to worry: the waters may get rough but aren’t super challenging, and during the entire outing you’ll have an experienced guide at your side (and of course prior to departure, you’ll get a full tutorial and safety briefing).
7. Surfing and Windsurfing
If you can’t get enough of the water, then Spain still has some more adventurous sea-related activities up its sleeve — we’re talking windsurfing and surfing. Give the former a go off the coast of Barcelona during a 2.5-hour small-group windsurfing lesson with an expert instructor. If the whole sail thing is too much to handle, then surfing is always a great option, too. Try your luck at hanging ten during a 4.5-hour surf lesson off of Lanzarote’s Famara Beach, after which you’ll feed your appetite with a beachside picnic. Or if you’re ready to go all in, really improve your surfing skills on a 7-day surf excursion in Andalusia, during which you’ll spend each of your days catching waves and perfecting your form with surf yoga.
-Contributed by Erin Ridley