Ah, Spain. Paella, Sangria, Sunshine, and a whole lot more besides.
I love Spain. I’ve been more times than I can remember, I’ve seen a good chunk of what the country has to offer, and each time I returned home I was counting down the days until it was time to go back.
Spain is one of the world’s most sought-after holiday destinations, and if you’ve been before you will automatically know why that is.
With friendly locals, gorgeous beaches, breathtaking countryside, cultured cities, and some of the best food on the planet, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next summer holiday, look no further than Spain.
Spain is stunning all year long, but during the summer it is especially appealing. If you’re looking for things to do and places to see in Spain during the summer, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a look at se7en of the most awesome places to see in Spain during the summer.
Monte Perdido National Park
Up first, allow me to recommend to you, the stunning Monte Perdido National Park.
When people hype up Spain, they focus on the beaches and the rustic Old Towns. Don’t get me wrong, I love to bake myself redder than a lobster on the beach, and I could happily explore Spain’s Old Town’s until my feet ached, but I enjoy nature too.
As a nature lover, I feel we don’t hear enough about Spain’s National Parks, and that is a crying shame, because they’re beautiful.
Monte Perdido National Park is Spain’s oldest National Park and is the perfect place to visit for a summer stroll.
Located on the French border with the Pyrenees, this mountainous park offers amazing hiking routes, diverse wildlife, and panoramic vistas that Bob Ross himself would be envious of.
If it is especially hot, which, let’s face it, is very likely in Spain during the summer, there’s even a waterfall you can cool off in.
Sitges
Okay, it’s summer, you’re on holiday in a country famous for its beaches, so where do you go? You go to Sitges of course.
Sitges is a charming seaside resort perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea just a short drive from Barcelona.
If you like beaches, get yourself here during the summer because there are 17, yes, 17 beaches located in Sitges, so why not explore as many as possible and see which ones take your fancy?
The great thing about the beaches here is that each one is so unique. One beach will feature soft white sand, whereas the next could feature pebbles, rocks, and coves.
Tossa de Mar
Okay, stop giggling at the name, we’re all adults here.
Tossa de Mar is the perfect place to visit in Spain during the summer if you want to explore Catalonia, without being subjected to huge crowds of obnoxious tourists all looking for the perfect Instagram photo op.
This coastal destination not only features majestic sandy beaches, but you’ll also find plenty of history here too. In particular, history buffs may enjoy the 2000-year old Roman Villa and ancient church, which can be traced way back to the 18th century.
If that doesn’t appeal, here you will find the only fortified town of Costa Brava, which, when you walk around, will be like going back in time or walking around a museum.
Valencia
If you’re looking for more of an urban setting for your Spanish summer holiday, then may I recommend Valencia?
Valencia is a city that has undergone a great deal of redevelopment and renovation over the years, and in my opinion, it has paid dividends.
Spain’s third-largest city is the perfect base for a summer holiday for people that enjoy culture and history. Here you’ll find Renaissance and Gothic architecture in the buildings and monuments, along with Art Nouveau buildings and informative museums and galleries that will keep you entertained for hours.
Once you’ve seen the sights for the day, why not cool down with an ice cold beer or chilled sangria and some authentic Tapas in one of the city’s many tapas bars and restaurants?
Segovia
Segovia is a part of Spain that could quite easily have been taken from a Disney fairy tale as a result of the magical monuments scattered around the area.
Segovia is home to its very own castle known as Alcazar Castle, which was actually the inspiration for Cinderella’s Palace in the hit Disney picture.
Segovia, though, is a gorgeous town that has so much more to offer than just a spectacular castle. The town is shrouded in myth as legend goes that it was founded by none other than Hercules himself.
The Roman influences of Segovia are instantly recognisable as there is a prominent Roman viaduct that runs through the city centre that is like nothing you’ve likely ever seen in person before.
Segovia is also popular amongst creatives, so during the summer, there are a lot of fayres and live entertainment options for tourists to enjoy.
Comillas
Comillas is a charming little resort in Spain that is ideal to visit at any time, though especially the summer.
Comillas features two beaches, old cobbled streets, aesthetic plazas, and some of the most unique architecture you could ever imagine. It’s no wonder, given the world-renown architect Antoni Gaudi left its mark on the city.
If you want somewhere to go for a gentle stroll by the sea, before browsing the wares on offer in the numerous family-run businesses lining the cobbled streets, Comillas is the perfect place to explore in the summer.
Extremadura
Finally, if you want somewhere very different to explore in Spain during the summer, Extremadura won’t disappoint.
Extremadura is the ideal place to venture off the beaten track and venture out into nature.
Well known for its diverse wildlife and lush green countryside, Extremadura is certainly somewhere different to explore, especially if you’re an animal lover. In fact, you may have heard of the famed Iberian black pigs used to make some of the finest ham in the world. Well, if so, these very pigs roam freely here.
There is also the city of Merida, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is a Roman Colony founded way back in 25 BC.
Why am I left with a feeling that I have to pack my bags after writing this article? Probably since I missed my customary visit to Spain this year. So take my advice: don’t dally and get those tickets!
Until then stay safe, stay curious and don’t stop wandering!
