The 25 best things to do in Spain in 2022
With 50 provinces, 17 autonomous regions and at least five languages, Spain is just about as diverse as it gets. Every corner seems to throw up something new, with an incredible architectural variety and delicious food at the head of the table. The gorgeous beaches might have something to say about that, as will the cultural heritage, the vibrant festivals, the natural wonders and the achingly-beautiful people. Come to think of it, Spain is just one big top table.
The best things to do in Spain showcase everything that makes it a special country. Sandy beaches and skiing bookend the experiences, with everything in between seemingly available. From Galicia to Catalonia, the Basque Country to Andalusia and the Canaries to the Balearics, this is Spain.
1. Walking the Camino de Santiago? Try the northern route
We've got to go back to the year 812 to talk about the origins of the Camino de Santiago (aka The Way of Saint James), the most travelled pilgrimage route in Europe. It was then that the apostle's relics were discovered in Galicia, and ever since, pilgrims from around the globe have made the trek. Catholocism aside, the Camino (which really should be plural because there are so many ways to go) is quite the experience for anyone. Though there are dozens of possible routes, and the French Camino is the most popular and well-travelled, we recommend the Camino del Norte, the northern route. It is a wonder to behold with all the lush greenery along the peninsular coast from east to west, bordering the Cantabria province.
2. Discover Catalan modernism that goes beyond Gaudí
Everyone knows Antoni Gaudí as the king of Catalan modernism (or 'modernisme'), and his works are not to be missed. But when you're ready to explore modernisme beyond Gaudí, there's plenty to admire right within the Barcelona city limits. Shift your eyes to the left when you're in front of Gaudí's Casa Batlló, for example, to see Josep Puig i Cadafalch's Casa Amatller; it's only been standing there since 1900. Up the road from the Sagrada Família is a former hospital, now a modernista building you can visit, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site (thank you, Lluís Domènech i Montaner). And for double your pleasure, you can marvel at the architecture of Puig i Cadafalch's Casaramona, a former yarn and textile factory that now houses the Caixaforum, one of the city's best art museums.
3. Go on safari in the Doñana dunes in Huelva
The Doñana National Park is one of the most impressive in Spain. Covering 116,000 hectares, much of which is in Huelva, the park spreads further into Seville and Cádiz. The park features lakes, pine forests, streams, dunes, cliffs and beaches. To fully enjoy all the ecosystems and the 200,000+ aquatic birds that inhabit the marshlands, take a four-hour tour of the park in a 4x4 with a driver (who doubles up as a guide). Other activities available in the park are horse riding, kayaking, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, kite surfing and more.
4. Dig in to the exquisite almadraba tuna in Cádiz
Andalusia is much more than sun, tapas and rebujito (but do try the sherry-based drink!). Besides its impressive monuments like the Alhambra in Granada, the Giralda in Seville, and the mosque in Córdoba, Spain's southernmost province boasts stellar gastronomy. If you get as far as Cádiz, don't miss your chance to try the gorgeous almadraba tuna. 'Almadraba' is quite an old way of catching Atlantic bluefin on its way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, or vice versa, and the result is the jewel of the Andalusian coastal fishing community. Read More…
