15 things you can only do in Spain
Even if you’ve been to Spain lots of times already, we can guarantee you haven’t done everything! As well as plenty of amazing things to do in Spain that everyone should do at least once in their lives, there are also many things that you can only do in Spain.
We’re always finding new things to try and experience, and have so many still on our list to tick off!
If you’re heading to Spain on holiday, or are looking for a beautiful location with lots of unique and fun activities to offer, we’ve listed below 15 things you can’t do anywhere else in the world, only in Spain.
There’s something on this list for everyone, whether you like culture, food, or are a bit more of an adrenaline junkie.
Read on for our list of 15 things you can only do in Spain…
Visit Europe’s only desert
Have you ever been to a desert before? If not, you might be pleased to know that you don’t need to go to Africa or America, you can visit Europe’s only desert right here in Spain.
Tabernas Desert is located in the Andalucía province, near Almeria, and should definitely be visited if you find yourself in the nearby area.
We stopped on our way through, and you can just park up to admire the views or go for a walk – though maybe don’t do it in July like we did!
As well as marveling at the unique landscape as far as the eye can see, you can also visit one of the Wild West themed attractions to learn more about the famous Western movies filmed here.
Join a giant tomato fight
Where else in the world can you join in a giant tomato fight? Only in Spain!
The fiesta of La Tomatina is held in the Valencian town of Buñol every August, and involves around 20,000 people throwing 120 metric tonnes of tomatoes!
Definitely one of the weirder festivals held in Spain but also a lot of fun.
See the Holy Grail
I don’t know about you but I was surprised to hear that the Holy Grail is located in Spain, I would have put money on it being held in the Vatican.
In the city of Valencia you can see the Holy Grail, the cup Jesus Christ drank from in the Last Supper, at the Catedral de Valencia.
Four popes have validated that this Holy Grail really was the cup used by Christ during the Last Supper so you can be sure you’re visiting the real thing.
General entrance tickets are €5, with reduced price entry of €3.50 for pensioners, disabled people and children aged up to 12.
Watch a traditional flamenco show
Originating in Andalucía, Spain is famous for its Flamenco culture. You might see flamenco shows elsewhere in the world, but true flamenco can only be found in Spain.
From the dancing to the music and the costumes, as well as the whole atmosphere, watching a real flamenco show is like nothing else you’ll see.
The best places to see an authentic flamenco show are in the Andalucían cities of Granada and Sevilla.
Have dinner at the world’s oldest restaurant
Did you know that the world’s oldest restaurant is in Spain?
Located in Madrid, Casa Botín was founded in 1725 and is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
Ernest Hemingway visited frequently, and the restaurant is run by the third generation of the González family.
One of the most popular delicacies on the menu at Casa Botín is roast suckling pig, famous in this part of Spain.
Eat paella where it was invented
You absolutely cannot have real paella outside of Spain, and if you want to try a truly authentic paella then you need to head to where it was invented – Valencia.
This part of Spain has been one of the most important rice-producing areas in Spain since rice was introduced by the Moors over 1200 years ago.
Originally farmers’ food, paella was cooked over a wood fire for the workers’ lunchtime meal, made from rice and whatever was to hand around the fields such as tomatoes, onions, snails, and beans.
Head into the side streets in Valencia’s old town for the best paella in Spain, or attend a cooking workshop to learn how to make your own.
Trek the world’s most famous hike
Spain’s famous pilgrimage trail, Camino de Santiago, is not only Europe’s longest pilgrimage route, it has also become one of the world’s most popular walking holidays and spiritual journeys.
To complete the entire Camino Frances typically takes just over a month, but there are shorter routes if you prefer to just do part of the pilgrimage.
Visit the birthplace of Picasso
One of the most famous artists in the world, Pablo Picasso, was born in Malaga though he also spent a lot of time living in Madrid and Paris.
In Malaga you can visit the house where Picasso was born, situated in Plaza de la Merced, in the heart of the historic centre of Malaga.
You can also visit the Picasso Museum housed in the beautiful Palacio de Buenavista, where you can see many of his early works as well as learn all about his life and career.
See the narrowest building in Europe
If you’re visiting Valencia, look out for La Estrecha, the narrowest building in Europe. Located in the Plaza Lope de Vega, in the central neighborhood of Santa Catalina, this building’s facade measures just 107cms from side to side, only slightly wider than the door.
The only narrow building in the world is Casa del Metro in Brazil.
Zipline across a border
At the border of Spain and Portugal you can zipline across the border of the two countries – something you can’t do anywhere else in the world!
Located in Sanlucar de Guadiana in Spain, this 720m jump goes from Spain to Portugal, crossing the Guadiana River at 50 feet above sea level.
Definitely one way to enter a different country.
Walk across the world’s scariest bridge
This one is not for the fainthearted!
Considered the most dangerous walk in the world, the Caminito del Rey in Andalucía is only for the bravest travellers.
This 100 year old pathway spanning 3km, clings to the cliff sides of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, with sheer drops of around 300 feet.
The path was originally built as a walkway for the workers building hydroelectric plants in El Chorro and Gaitanejo so they could easily access one side of the gorge to the other.
If you’re ok with heights, you’ll have some breathtaking views from the walk – don’t worry you will be wearing a harness!
You need to book entry to the Caminito Del Rey which starts from just €14.50 per person.
Visit the only beach ice bar in the world
You’ll have seen plenty of ice bars in countries like Iceland or Finland, but have you ever been to an ice bar on the beach?
The first ice beach bar, Icebarcelona, is located in Barcelona where the temperature is kept at -5ºC.
Sounds ideal if you’re visiting Spain in the sweltering summer months!
Dance in the world’s biggest nightclub
Not surprisingly the world’s biggest nightclub is located on the Balearic Island of Ibiza, famous for it’s nightlife.
Privilege Ibiza, located near the village of Sant Rafael, covers 6,500 m² and can hold 10,000 clubbers!
If partying is your thing, a visit to the world’s biggest nightclub is a must.
Visit the world’s largest cathedral
If culture is more your thing than partying, then you could visit the world’s largest gothic cathedral instead which is found in Seville.
This amazing building is also considered to be one of the best art galleries in Spain, with works by artists such as Murillo, Velázquez, Goya and Zurbarán.
Eat food cooked on a Volcano
If eating dinner that has been cooked on a volcano is something you want to tick off your bucket list, then you can only do this in Spain.
In Lanzarote, in the Canary Islands, restaurant El Diablo cooks its food with with geothermal heat from the Montañas del Fuego or Fire Mountains in Timanfaya National Park.
This natural fire pit reaches up to 400 degrees Celsius and the menu features grilled meat and fish dishes.
Which of these things you can only do in Spain would you add to your list first?
