How many of these unique experiences in Spain have you tried?

You don’t have to travel far to explore unusual things to do in Spain. As a nation that loves to party, you can rely on the Spanish for a fun-filled festival. From well-known celebrations to under-the-radar gems, make sure to add these street parties to your travel list.

The carnival of Brazil may be world-famous, yet Spain has a secret up its sleeve. On the sunny island of Tenerife, the Santa Cruz carnival attracts crowds in their hundreds and thousands. The sound of Salsa, colourful costumes and a lively buzz fills the streets. In 1980, the carnival was declared a “Fiesta of International Tourist Interest” and in 1987 it made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest outdoor concert. Today, if you are looking for unique experiences in Spain while staying in Santa Cruz and love to party, this street party is the perfect way to let your hair down and explore a vital part of Canarian culture. Key events include the Carnival Parade on the first Friday of the celebrations and the “Sardine Burial” on the following Wednesday. 

Each March, the city of Valencia transforms into a riot of colours and infectious energy. As the Mediterranean sunshine warms up the cobblestone walkways with the arrival of spring, Valencians take to the streets with monumental structures known as “fallas”. The tradition dates back to the days when carpenters burnt old pieces of wood that were used in the winter to prop up the city’s lights. Over time, additional items were added to the bonfire creating what we see today- larger-than-life puppets steeped in satire, depicting topical personalities. By day, visitors to Valencia can witness these incredible sculptures up close but by night, these wooden creations are burnt against a backdrop of fireworks, filling the sky and streets with a sea of colour. Parades of people dressed in traditional dress fill the city streets with festive cheer and the Festival of Las Fallas as a whole is a testament to the soul of Valencia.

From Spain adventure travel plans to underwater art galleries. If you are looking for sporty travel plans, take your pick from these fun-filled experiences.

For many die-hard football fans, no trip to Madrid is complete without a pilgrimage to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid Football Club. To fully enjoy the experience, book a guided tour of the stadium and gain behind-the-scenes access to exclusive areas such as the player’s changing rooms and the player’s tunnel.

See firsthand where football legends have showcased their prowess before heading to the museum- an ode to the club’s illustrious heritage. Marvel at the glitzy trophies, the kits and branded memorabilia, all narrating the victories that have defined Real Madrid’s legacy. And, if you have time, a Barcelona Vs Real Madrid match is a fantastic way to witness the stadium in its full glory.

Spain is renowned for its world-famous galleries and museums, but it’s time to go beyond the obvious for a truly unique experience at the Museo Atlantico in Lanzarote, Canary Islands. 

Scuba dive into the huge artificial reef and admire the cement sculptures that sit on the sand beneath the waters. As Europe’s only underwater sculpture museum, this is a gallery experience like no other, so dive in and explore the mesmerising artworks while on holiday in Lanzarote. 

There is nothing in the world quite like Mediterranean cuisine. Spanish mealtimes are sacred, just as much so as the sobremesa time spent after a long and lazy lunch. Enjoy life’s simple pleasures and take your tastebuds on a tantalising tour of the Iberian peninsula and its islands. 

Nestled amidst the apocalyptic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, the chefs at El Diablo Restaurant use the heat generated by an active volcano to cook their food. Here, you’ll discover the ultimate BBQ experience: the chefs searing meats and fish on a scorching hot grill powered by the geothermal heat of the volcano, whilst you revel in the breath-taking volcanic landscapes that surround you. No trip to Lanzarote is complete without trying this unique experience.

Those visiting Galicia can experience a magical ritual known as a Queimada. Translating to burnt in English, this traditional Galician drink is not merely an alcoholic beverage, it is a timeless ritual steeped in tradition. This fusion of fire, poetry and alcohol is crafted from Galician Orijo brandy, sugar, lemon peel and coffee beans. 

Yet the preparation of the Queimada is just as important as the consumption. As flames dance over the vessel, a mesmerising incantation, penned by the self-taught artist Mariano Marcos Abalo in 1967, elevates this fiery concoction into a spiritual experience. It is thought that the roots of this tradition date back to the Middle Ages.

The ceramic vessels used in the ritual add a touch of artisan charm to the celebration and whether taken as part of a festival such as the Night of San Juan or to commemorate the end of the Camino de Santiago, the Queimada is not just believed to ward off evil spirits but to heal the mind, body and soul. So, if you find yourself in Galicia, embrace the opportunity to cleanse your soul and partake in the ancient and bewitching ritual of the Queimada.

There is nothing quite like dining on Michelin-star food inside a vintage train wagon while on holiday. Yet, this is one of the unique experiences in Spain offered to guests at Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Start this marvellous dining experience in the year 1928, on the station platform. A conductor will guide you through the historic war-torn era full of artistic charm and espionage as you cross the most beautiful parts of the hotel on your way to the two train carriages. Once inside, local chef Eduardo Salanova tempts your tastebuds with a gourmet tasting menu full of haute Aragonese cuisine. Craving a unique dining experience? Look no further than this.

If you are on the hunt for unique experiences in Spain, head to the cities and dive head first into these cultural highlights. From unique things to do in southern Spain to quirky things to do in Madrid, there is no stopping all the weird and wonderful plans to offer travellers.

Visitors to Tenerife cannot miss the chance to witness the “Dark Sky” certified starlit skies of the island. Nestled atop Tenerife’s rugged volcanic landscape, El Teide is the perfect vantage point for admiring the celestial theatrics above. As the sun sets and the moon casts a silvery glow on the lunar-like landscape, it is possible to see the luminous ribbon of the Milky Way, connecting the Earth to the vast expanse beyond. Book an organized tour and gain access to state-of-the-art telescopes and an astrophysicist who will explain the science behind this cosmic showcase.

Live and breathe the soul of Granada with a walking tour around its oldest neighbourhoods: Albaicín and Sacromonte. Start the tour on one of the “most beautiful streets in the world”, Carrera del Darro Street and venture deep into the heart of the mystical city’s hilltop communities. For centuries, Sacromonte was home to a large gypsy community and even to this day, some gyspies still call these cave dwellings their home. Step inside these cave homes, full of charm and culture and enjoy breathtaking views of the Alhambra and uncover stories of a bygone era. Guests at the Palacio Gran Vía, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, who are looking for unique things to do in Spain, can book this guided tour and enjoy tapas and sangría to experience the authentic side of Andalusian culture. As the sun sets, follow the bewitching sound of flamenco back towards the city to one of its famed tablaos where you can watch a flamenco show up close.

Considered to be a part of Catalunya’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010, the tradition of Castells is not to be missed with visiting Barcelona. These spectacular human towers can often be seen during traditional festivals and celebrations and visiting them is one of the best unique things to do in Barcelona. Men, dressed in traditional clothing climb on top of one another to form a tower-like structure. A small child known as an enxaneta climbs to the top, raising a hand with four fingers extended to represent the Catalan flag. If you are looking for the best Barcelona experiences, witnessing the Castells is high on the list. Not only is the construction of Castells an impressive visual feat, but it is a strong symbol of unity and cultural pride and one of the most unique experiences in Spain.