Beaches Hall of Fame       

The best moments always happen on the beach. Hollywood has made it pretty clear in a ton of films and no one can tell us otherwise. That’s just the way it is.

It’s the place where Danny and Sandy met and spent those unforgettable Summer Nights worthy of a musical, the place that gave us that Daniel Larusso’s unmatched scene doing the “Crane Kick” under the watchful eye of Mr. Miyagi, and the place where Colonel George Taylor, on his so-called simian adventure, realizes that he actually isn’t so far from his home planet after all and can’t help but let out a few hot-headed curses making for another iconic scene.

Well, we have good news because Spain has almost 5,000 miles of coast filled with beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. 4911.939 miles to enjoy their geological and climatic peculiarities and, why not, just imagine running by the seashore at slow motion while you hear in your head the mythical Vangelis’s Chariots of Fire.

I’m sure that you´re already picturing your skin sun-kissed and the sea ​​breeze in your face. If so, then I’d say we’re on track, so don’t stop, keep reading in English, or click here to switch to Spanish and don’t miss this list with the best beaches in Spain.

Granadella Cove, Valencian Community

The first destination to enjoy your holidays in Spain is found along the Mediterranean seashore, in the province of Alicante. Located near the coastal town of Xàbia and crossing the road that meets La Granadella Forest Park, you’ll find a beach that has been elected on several occasions as the best beach in Spain. Its seabed is renowned and admired for is beauty among diving, scuba diving, and snorkel enthusiasts.

Macarella and Macarelleta Cove, Menorca, Balearic Islands

It’s time for the trendiest beach on Instagram. This virgin, isolated, and “u” shaped cove is the most photographed beach in Spain, and for good reason. You can only reach it by sea or on foot and, once you’re there, it’s as if you were in the Caribbean itself. You’ll get to walk through the soft white sand to the seashore and gaze over its turquoise waters framed by pine-covered cliffs.

Benijo Beach, Canary Islands

If you’re a person that is always looking for something different and unconventional, stop by the Canary Islands archipelago, most of its beaches have a volcanic origin. In North Tenerife you will find this incredible wild beach composed of black sand. Remote from urban centers, it is the perfect place to disconnect from all the noise and take in nature’s beauty.

El Bombo Beach, Mijas, Malaga

With 683 miles in length and 65 feet in width, this beach is characterized by its moderate waves, its dark sand, and its crystal waters, perfect for the scuba diving lovers. If this is not enough to awake your interest, imagine yourself arriving to the beach riding on the back of a traditional burrotaxi (donkey-cab).

Valdevaqueros Beach, Cadiz

When the wind blows in this little corner of ours, the Valdevaqueros’s 2.48 miles of beach becomes so much more, it transforms into a multicolor universe painted by the sails of the kitesurf and windsurf enthusiasts. If in addition, you’re looking for good company, this is the place! The beach has, as permanent residents, cows that don’t hesitate to feel at ease by the seashore while you catch up on that tan and enjoy the abundance of restaurants and chill out bars.

While the seventh art has its world-renowned Academy Awards, these Spanish beaches have received awards of their own that guarantee exceptional quality. Among them is the Blue Flag, an international classification that certifies that the beach meets and maintains environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. Spain tops the world list of countries with Blue Flag awarded beaches. An authentic treasure of nature.

Speaking of treasures, we can’t part ways without first referring to the lucky ones that are always surrounded by sand and water, the pirates. If you want to travel the Spanish beaches in Jack Sparrow’s style, take a Spanish course and discover the treasure of learning a new language.

Be quiet for a second. If you listen carefully, you will surely be able to hear what is about to come. If you’re a music lover, we have something important to tell you.

The Spanish summer is much more than just sun and beach (although it does have a lot of both!). With the arrival of this season, Spain becomes a territory where you could hop from north to south traveling from festival to festival.

Keep reading in English or, if you’d like to change your tune, click here to switch to Spanish and discover some of the music festivals that we have ahead this 2019.

DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

On June 28^th, 29^th, and 30^th, Madrid will host one of the most important events for rock and heavy metal lovers, the Download Festival. This festival’s third edition can be enjoyed in La Caja Mágica (a multipurpose stadium) at the rhythm of some of the most legendary bands of the genre: Slipknot, Scorpions, Tool, and Sum 41, among many others.

A special meeting, without any doubt, for Slipknot and Tool fans because it will be the first time that both bands play in the Spanish capital in more than a decade.

CRUÏLLA

If you read the names Black Eyed Peas, Kylie Minogue, and Vetusta Morla and you can’t help but move your feet as you remember one of their songs, pop rock is your thing, and this is your festival. During July 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th, several special guests come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this festival set in Barcelona.

But Cruïlla is much more than music, it’s also all the art created offstage with different artistic offers that go from dance and theatre to painting.

LOW COST FESTIVAL

Don’t let its name confuse you, this festival has hosted top names like The Chemical Brothers. This year, it does not lag behind as it’s bringing groups as important as New Order, Foals, and Bastille. If you’re looking for a non-overcrowded and more affordable musical event, stop by Benidorm (Alicante) on July 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th.   

STARLITE

A stellar lineup for a luxury location. After seven editions, Starlite has become one of the world’s longest festivals with more than 46 days of concerts. This year, from July 5^th to August 23^rd, music, culture, and gastronomy unite in a single place: Marbella (Malaga). Enjoy a starlit stage: Jason Derulo, Luis Fonsi, and Sting, among many others, will be, for sure, the delight of the audience.

FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE BENICÀSSIM (FIB)

We conclude the festival route with the season’s classic, a festival that turns 25 summers old this year. A pop, rock, indie, and electronic music parade located in Benicàsim (Castellón, Comunidad Valenciana) that will allow you to enjoy the good atmosphere, and some paella too, on July 18^th, 19^th, 20^th, and 21^st. Just in case these reasons are not enough to awake your interest, maybe the names Lana del Rey, Fatboy Slim, and Kings of Leon will change your mind.

If this is music to your ears, take a Spanish course in Spain and drop by one of these music festivals. Improve your Spanish skills and stop sounding like a broken record using the same Spanish expressions over and over again.

Last year, over 300,000 people followed the Way of Saint James to the northwest corner of Spain, keeping alive a tradition that dates back over a thousand years.

How would you like to spend a few weeks walking through Spanish towns and countryside? Keep reading in English or click here to switch to Spanish and learn what the Camino de Santiago is all about.

History

As the story goes, in the early 800s, a hermit living in the forest noticed a strange star in the sky. He decided to inform the local bishop, who followed the light of the star and found that it illuminated an ancient stone tomb containing three bodies. The bishop believed one of them to be the remains of Santiago el Mayor (James the Greater), and he quickly alerted the king.

That’s how it happened that the first person to walk El Camino de Santiago was King Alfonso II of Asturias, who traveled on foot from Oviedo to see the recently discovered tomb in Campostela (campo de estrellas — field of stars). The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela would later be built on the spot where the tomb was found.

Following in the king’s footsteps, in the Middle Ages it became common for Christians from Spain, France, and other parts of Europe to make the pilgrimage across northern Spain to visit the saint’s tomb. It’s worth noting that at this time, much of the Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule in Al-Andalus, and religion formed an important part of people’s identity. The golden age of the Camino lasted from the 11^th to the 13^th century, when common people and monarchs alike walked mile after mile toward Santiago.

Today

Although the Camino de Santiago was born from the Christian religion, today people from around the world find themselves drawn to the idea of walking through beautiful scenery for days on end for a variety of different reasons. Whether you’re looking for spiritual clarity, an outdoor adventure, or just want to see what it’s like to be completely disconnected from the modern world, you can find what you’re seeking on the Camino.

There are several different routes to Santiago de Compostela. The most heavily transited is the French Way, followed by the Portuguese Way, and the most popular time to do the Camino is in the summer. Therefore, those who’d like to skip the crowds and the heat may want to consider walking an alternative route in the spring or fall.

When you begin your journey, make sure to get a Pilgrim Passport and have it stamped at hostels, restaurants, and churches along with way, proving how far you’ve come. You’ve got to walk at least 100 km (62 miles) or bike at least 200 km (124 miles) if you want to earn the official Compostela (if you’ve done the Camino for religious reasons) or Certificate of Welcome (for everyone else) when you reach Santiago de Compostela.

Symbols

Along the trail, you’ll find lots of scallop shells and yellow arrows to help you find your way. The scallop shell, commonly found on the beaches of Galicia, has been a symbol of the Camino de Santiago for centuries. You will find it not just marking the path but also hanging from the backpacks, walking sticks, and necks of your fellow travelers, making them easy to identify.

Preparation

When you do the Camino de Santiago, you’ll enjoy instant camaraderie with people from Spain and all around the world. Take a Spanish course before you start your journey — that way, you’ll be able to connect more deeply with more people.

¡Buen camino!

We all know Spain is a very unique destination. Part of its charm lies in the geographic diversity of its landscapes. Throughout the country, you will find beaches and mountains, big forests, and desertic areas. There are superb castles scattered all over the national territory, whose walls have witnessed important kings, queens, and centuries of history go by.

However, there is something else not everyone knows: Spain is home to many filming locations in Game of Thrones. Now that the 8th and final season of this popular TV show is approaching, we invite you to revisit some of them. Join us in this fantastic route and discover the most legendary spots in Spain! Click here if you want to read this article in Spanish.

1. Castillo de Zafra (Guadalajara)

A big tower located at the foot of Dorne’s Red Mountains, an epic battle in the Tower of Joy, a story that would change the course of events in the series… All this took place in the Castillo de Zafra, in Guadalajara. Halfway between Madrid and Valencia, you can visit this castle and step on the same stones as the production’s protagonists. 

2. Real Alcázar (Seville)

The palace of Dorne’s popular capital is inhabited by the Martell family. It is in the southernmost kingdom and the warmest one in this universe. With these characteristics, it could not be located anywhere else than in Seville. The Real Alcázar, with its gardens and luxurious halls, has delighted millions of viewers all around the world.

3. Bardenas Reales (Navarra)

Daenerys, the Dothraki people, dragons, a large entourage… All of them find themselves walking in the Natural Park of Bardenas Reales, in Navarra. This spot happens to be the perfect place to set the most popular dragons on TV free and watch them fly.

4. Castillo de Santa Florentina (Barcelona)

Do you remember the Tarly House, in Horn Hill? These slopes under the Red Mountains are actually in spectacular Barcelona. The second largest city in Spain is home to the house where Samwell Tarly was born.

5. Bullfighting ring (Osuna)

In the arena of this location, a death battle among warriors takes place. Somewhere in the crowd, Daenerys watches everything from her seat. The typical bullfighting ring in Osuna happened to be the best place to shoot this scene. You will feel like a champion when you step out onto the sand!

6. Castillo de Peñíscola (Valencia)

The sixth season of the series shows Tyrion, Missandei, and Grey Worm walking in the streets of Meereen. Well, guess what? Those cobblestone streets and breathtaking castle are part of the Castillo de Peñíscola, a charming place that remains authentic centuries after its construction.

7. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (Vizcaya)

Dragonstone is the title of the first episode in the 7^th season. Even though the Targaryen’s fortress is located in the faraway Westeros, it is actually closer than you might think: in the Basque Country. The popular stone staircase that leads to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe’s chapel has already gone down in TV history.

These are just some of the many Spanish spots that appear in Game of Thrones. Girona, Almeria, and Caceres have also seen the film set work in their streets. Now that you know where to begin, we invite you to discover the geography of Spain through the scenery of one of the world's most popular TV show in recent times.

The snow season has already begun! Even though Spain is popular worldwide as a sun and sand destination, the truth is that the geography of the country offers everyone who visits many other possibilities. In winter, there are several spots where you can enjoy the mountains and practice snow sports.

Whether you are a ski enthusiast or just taking your first steps into this world, we recommend three ski resorts in Spain where you can experience the snow this season. Click here to read more about them in Spanish. Now, grab your skis. We are ready to go!

Sierra Nevada

The first stop on our tour is in Andalusia. High above the mountains of the Sierra Nevada rises Mulhacén. This is the second highest peak in Spain and the highest in the peninsula.

Less than 20 miles from the city of Granada, the Sierra Nevada has the biggest vertical drop in the country (3940 feet). The resort has 131 ski runs in total, with several difficulty levels. It also has a snow park and areas for children.

Around the resort, you will find restaurants of all kinds, parking, public transportation, and other services.

Formigal

Let’s continue with our route through the best ski resorts in Spain. It is time to head up north and visit Formigal, in the Pyrenees of Aragón. This resort is split into four big areas and several valleys.

Its 112 skiable miles offer 146 runs sorted by category. In addition to skiing, you will be able to participate in photography courses, sledding, snowshoeing, and children's activities.

Baqueira-Beret

We bring you the last resort on the list: Baqueira-Beret. Located in the Catalan Pyrenees, this is one of the most popular places to ski among the jet set. It is the biggest resort in Spain and the only one on the northern slope of the Pyrenees.

From Baqueira, you can look at peaks higher than 9,800 feet, like Aneto. The resort has 98 ski runs and a slalom course. All around there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. The youngest members of the family can play on four different playgrounds.

Now that you know the top spots for skiing in Spain, go check them out and tell us about your experience. The mountain is waiting for you!

Sun, sea and beach are the images that usually come to mind when we think of Alicante. We could therefore mistakenly think that it’s not a very interesting destination in autumn. But it sure is, as Alicante has many hidden surprises during this time of year. Like to come along to see them?

Read the spanish version

First of all, we should not forget about the beach. Even if we can’t go for a swim, we can always enjoy a relaxing along the sand or, if the sun is still shining, organize a little picnic on the shore. And best of all, you can even do it by yourself.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll be surprised by the five castle routes in the province of Alicante. This region boasts of several castles and fortresses that date back to the time when the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon where frontiers. Routes with such evocative names as the Key to the Kingdom, the Mountain, Vinalopó, Tudmir, the Frontier of Fear… These routes will make you feel like a true medieval knight visiting amazing castles and palaces like Castillo de la Atalaya, in Villena; Castillo de Biar or the Palacio de Altamira! Venture beyond Santa Barbara Castle!

Autumn is the perfect time to hike in Alicante: temperatures are mild, there are hardly any tourists and the trails are tinted with precious golden and orange hues. Alicante has so many routes to walk, revealing its natural charms. And with the myriad to choose from, we want to highlight a 10-kilometer route very close to Alcoy, which takes you from a place called Preventori to Barranc del Cinc. It’s beautiful, simple, and at the same time stunning. The perfect example of Mediterranean landscape.

Autumn is also an ideal time of year to visit museums: The Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Volvo Ocean Race interactive space... you already know these. We can only tell you that at this time of year you’ll find very few visitors and will almost have the museums to yourself. But if you go a little outside the city, in particular to the town of Villajoyosa, you will find one of the sweetest museums in the world... It’s dedicated to chocolate!

Although we love fideuá (similar to paella, but with noodles), black rice and arroz a banda (rice cooked in a fish broth), there are many specialties to savor in Alicante, and autumn is the ideal time to try something different. Game meat, mushrooms, marinades... are all added to paellas and soups. Our favorite dishes? Undoubtedly arroz caldoso (rice soup) and the olleta (a hearty stew). Ideal for the weather that’s just beginning to chill! Ah! And don’t forget, autumn is also the time the oranges are being picked. Imagine making juice with oranges almost straight from the tree!

And these are just a few suggestions. As soon as you walk out of the classroom you will see that, even in autumn, there are many options to have fun and enjoy the city. With so much on offer, Alicante is very much the ideal city!

If you're interested in studying Spanish in Madrid with don Quijote this winter, you're in for a unique spectacle. With the cool temperatures of autumn, the city enjoys a charming transformation: the air becomes crisp, t-shirts and sandals are put away and give way to sophisticated coats and boots, many dishes, comforting and warm, and the urban vegetation is tinged with vivid reds, oranges and yellows. Apart from the typical seasonal changes, Madrid also offers fun events during this season. So take your Spanish learning experience out of the classroom and pay attention to our guide of the best things to do this November in Madrid.

Let the weather guide your stomach

Let's start with everyone's favorite topic: food! Spanish gastronomy is known for its long tradition of seasonal dishes, tapas and drinks (just try to find a person who drinks gazpacho in winter, we dare you!). The weather, so cool, is perfect for comer con cuchara (eating with a spoon) and, as Spaniards, a good, healthy cocido madrileño. The city's most famous, cocido madrileño, is cooked with garbanzo (chickpeas), vegetables and meat. Other hot and traditional dishes in Madrid are callos (yes, they're beef intestines, but trust us... they're delicious!) and garlic soup.

Another dish you must try is the famous cochinillo de Segovia. Just an hour from Madrid, the city of Segovia will surprise you with its medieval beauty and, after a great walk, you can calm your stomach with this local specialty. And if you want your gastronomic route to go one step further, why not make a reservation at Casa Botín? Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest restaurant in the world, Casa Botín was founded in 1725 and its specialties are typically madrilenians and Castellan dishes.

And, of course, don't forget to try the churros con chocolate, which are considered part of a typical breakfast in Spain... Because there's no better way to start a cold winter day than with churros and a good cup of chocolate.

Enjoy unique gastronomic festivals

November is a month of events and festivals in Madrid, designed to satisfy all palates. If you are a jazz lover, for example, you will love the International Jazz Festival that takes place throughout the month. This festival will not only offer you more than 100 musical performances, but also jazz-related discussions, film screenings and exhibitions. On the other hand, the Madrid en Danza festival starts on November 18 and stands out for its innovative aesthetics and its commitment to international and local dance.

For foodies, there is MadrEAT, an outdoor gastronomic market where you will have at your disposal more than 20 vans specialized in gourmet food and craft beer. MadrEAT takes place in the gardens of AZCA during the third weekend of November. Finally, for those with more diverse interests, Madrid also hosts Science Week (Nov. 7-20) and Madrid Horse Week (Nov. 27-27). Never seen a horse show? Why not do it this month?

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Get out into nature

Just because temperatures have dropped doesn't mean outdoor activities end. With the change in vegetation, areas of Madrid such as Retiro Park are transformed into a spectacular paradise of copper and golden colors. So why not take a bike or the metro and discover all the beauty of the city? In addition to the Retiro Park, you can visit others such as the Parque del Oeste, the Sabatini Gardens or the Dehesa de la Villa (former hunting ground of King Alfonso VII). The Casa de Campo is another gem: because it is the largest park in Madrid and because it houses the Parque de Atracciones and the Madrid Zoo. The park also organizes guided tours and walks.

Here it is! If you are studying Spanish in Madrid this year, don't let it go by without discovering all the beauty, culture and fun that the city has to offer!

We’re bringing you everything you need to know about how to survive the heat and the crowds this August.

If you are learning Spanish in Spain this summer, it's important that you know how to make the most of the month of August. Some Spaniards take a whole month of vacation, pack their bags and take off to the beach.  Regardless of age or social status, there are many who engage in this “summer migration”: there are the employed taking their well-deserved vacation days, the retired looking to get a change of scenery, and of course the students who so eagerly look forward to their summer vacation. Understandably, for foreigners who come to Spain, it can be a bit strange to find some cities emptier and quieter than usual or their towns suddenly saturated with Spaniards that usually do not live there but that are spending their vacation there, just like any other tourist.

But that's not to say all Spaniards engage in this August vacation custom. Many won't take a whole month off, especially those who work for a private company; many others take their vacations in June or July, and others prefer to have a "staycation" in their cities  and simply opt for small trips to the beach or the mountains. It all depends on the individul company or professional sector in which a person works.  There are no hard or fast rules about vacation in Spain, but what we can do to help our students is highlight some cultural trends and provide tips on how to survive (and have the best ever) August in Spain.

Get creative and get talking

No doubt that while you’re staying in Spain, you'd like to plan your activities and trips to avoid running into too many crowds.  Want some advice? When planning, don't just stick to the typical places, get creative! Of course we all want to hit the beach over the summer, but keep in mind that some parts of the coast are filled-to-the-brim with tourists and Spaniards alike in August. Best to choose other lesser-known spots to have a beach getaway; for example, the Cala La Rostella is a great choice if you're in Barcelona on the Costa Brava, or Maro if you are in Malaga.

When you're not away on your own weekend trips, you can always cool off with a drink on a terrace, in a park or municipal swimming pool, all places where you're sure to meet local Spaniards who can help you discover other interesting or exclusive spots. So, our other piece of advice is to get talking! Not only is it the perfect way to practice your Spanish, you’ll also find out about those “best kept secrets” spots! For those in Madrid, for example, did you know that the Universidad Autónoma has a pool just for adults? The only requirement to either be a current or previous college student (any student ID or a copy of a diploma should do the trick). Sure, it’ll still be crowded, but at least you’ll avoid the overwhelming congestion of the public pools – and the screaming kids.

Keep cool like a local

Spaniards have their own tricks to beat the heat during the very hot and super fun month of August.  For example, the famous siesta  that everyone now associates with a nap, actually has less to do with sleeping and more to do with avoiding the hours when the sun is at its strongest. But that doesn't mean you have to stay at home during the midday closure hours! There are plenty of cool ideas for this time of day, such as visiting a museum, going to movies, or even checking out one of the many shopping malls Spain's cities are saturated with... why not take advantage of the August rebajas or sales and update your wardrobe? You'll be glad to be taking advantage of the central air conditioning as well!

Another local trick to keep the August heat at bay is to choose the type of food and drink for your meals wisely.  For example, a Spaniard wouldn't be caught dead eating a hot potaje or estofado during the hotter months. Instead they’ll opt for cold soups like gazpacho or salmorejo, and cooling tapas like boquerones en vinagre or ensaladilla rusa. And to wash it all down, Spaniards sometimes opt for their curious alcohol-mixed-with-soda concoctions: a clara, for example, is a beer mixed with lemon Fanta; tinto de verano recipes can vary but generally include red wine, a lemon-lime soda or seltzer and fruits; the refreshing and light rebujitos, very popular in Andalusia, are often some combination of sherry or white wine and Sprite or a lemon-flavored soda. All, of course, served very, very cold.

If you are studying in Spain this summer, and specifically in August, you'll no doubt enjoy the incredible variety of local activities and events that all Spanish cities have to offer. Most of these activities are out in the streets, where summer is truly lived and loved. But if you ever get too hot, remember that you can always escape to the beach to discover some special, unique spot guaranteed to keep you cool and content. However you choose to live your August, we're positive you will enjoy every minute of your experience in Spain. So get out there! What are you waiting for?

Spain is known to many Dutch people as the ideal summer destination: sun, sea and beautiful Spanish costas. Spain has much more to offer than just this. For example, there are several large mountain ranges in Spain and there are also some perfect ski resorts.

• The largest mountain range in Spain is the Pyrenees.
• Two thirds of Spain consists of a central plateau.
• The Sierra Nevada is the most famous winter sports destination in Spain.
• Spain has the most mountains in Europe except for Switzerland.

The largest mountain range in Spain is the Pyrenees. The Spanish Pyrenees are located in northeastern Spain on the border with France. The Pyrenees are about 430 km long from east to west. Of the Pyrenees, about two-thirds consist of the Spanish Pyrenees. The Pyrenees are great for a skiing or hiking vacation. Fromigal is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Spanish Pyrenees. Fromigal has more than 137 km of slopes.

Another well-known winter sports destination is the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Nevada is located in the Betic Cordillera in southeastern Spain. It is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. The Sierra Nevada has 65 km of slopes and the ski season lasts 5 months. In the Sierra Nevada, Pradollano and Borreguiles are the main ski slopes. The Sierra Nevada has as many as 16 mountain peaks that rise above 3,000 meters. The highest point on the Spanish mainland is therefore found in the Sierra Nevada and has a height of 3482 meters. The special thing about a winter sports vacation in the Sierra Nevada is that while skiing you have a view of the Spanish coast! Skiing in Spain combined with a few days at the beach is therefore an excellent possibility!

Besides the Sierra Nevada and the Pyrenees, Spain has a number of other Spanish mountains. For example, there is also the Castilian dividing mountain range. Spain consists of about two-thirds Spanish plateau with an average height of 600 meters. This mountain range, as it were, splits the Spanish plateau in two. The Castilian Divide mountain range begins north of Madrid and runs south of the region of Castile y Leon to just across the border with Portugal.

In northwestern Spain there is also the Cantabrian Mountains. This mountain range lies west of the Pyrenees and is the separation between the green Atlantic coast and the dry Spanish plateau. Although the Cantabrian Mountains also have some ski resorts, this mountain range is mostly known for its many hiking opportunities. This mountain range is also home to the deepest caves in Spain.

Besides all these outdoor skiing opportunities, there is also the possibility to enjoy the snow in the heart of summer in Madrid. This is because Madrid has the largest indoor ski center in Europe. Its perfect location in southwestern Europe and its many opportunities make Spain the sunniest winter sports destination in Europe.

Its mild climate, beautiful coastline, diverse marine life, rich history and unique cultures make the Mediterranean Sea one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The Mediterranean covers an area of over 2.5 million km² and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar, between Spain and North Africa. The sea gives as many as 21 countries a beautiful coastline, making them very interesting destinations to seek the adventure of the Mediterranean. Moreover, do not miss the 23 beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, including Ibiza and Mallorca. A wide variety of countries, vast coastlines, beaches of unparalleled beauty and a mild climate make the Mediterranean a true paradise for adventure activities and sports.

Cruises

There are numerous companies offering cruises across the Mediterranean. They usually last from 3 to 14 days. The itineraries mainly pass through a number of important ports, where you can find traces and remains of ancient civilizations and exotic cultures. Mediterranean cruises can be divided into three categories: East Mediterranean cruises, West Mediterranean cruises and South Mediterranean cruises. Choose a West Mediterranean cruise to discover Spanish culture. The cruise ships often dock in Valencia, Barcelona or Mallorca.

Diving

The Mediterranean has many perfect diving sites. The water has a pleasant temperature ranging from 14°C to 24°C and shows a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Strait of Gibraltar, in southern Spain, is narrow and shallow, making it perfect for diving.

In the Mediterranean there are many places where you can find excellent diving for reef and shipwrecks. For those who want to combine this, Torrevieja in Spain is the perfect place. Other wonderful diving destinations in Spain are the Canary Islands, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands.

Surf

Abundant beaches with big waves make the Mediterranean Sea a wonderful destination for surfers. Big waves can be found in the north, in the Cantabrian Sea. That's also where the name "Bay of Biscay" comes from. On the coast of the Mediterranean, however, there are also some great spots for surfing. For example, take a look at these beaches: El Bogatell, El Castell, Morro de Gos, Playa Fiesta, Torrevieja and, perhaps the most famous, Playa del Voramar in Benicasim!

The best place in the Mediterranean to spot whales and dolphins is: the Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway to the Mediterranean. The cold waters of the northern hemisphere and the warm, tropical waters meet here, creating a perfect place to observe migrating whales. The best place for this in Spain is probably Tarifa, where you can see species such as bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, striped dolphin, pilot whale, sperm whale, and orcas.

Cycling Sports

There are many companies dedicated to cycling in the Mediterranean. Routes from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and from coastlines to mountains, there is a little bit of everything. There are also routes with different themes, such as Mediterranean gastronomy and many others!

Kayaking

The Mediterranean is a great place to get acquainted with kayaking! Many kayaking routes are combined with hiking trails so you can do excellent scenic exploration. Sardinia, Malta and Tunisia are the best kayaking spots in the Mediterranean. Another, great place to kayak is on the Catalan coast in Spain, where you will see the most beautiful cliffs, rock openings, caves and much more! In the south of Spain is Andalusia, another great place for water adventures. Go to Tarifa, for example, where you can kayak, canoe or raft. Moreover, there are many tour operators on the Costa Blanca that will make sure your kayaking, canoeing or rafting adventure will be amazing!

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is a popular sport, so what could be better than practicing it in the Mediterranean? Israel and Turkey offer tours and trails along the Mediterranean, but for those seeking an authentic Mediterranean adventure, Spain is a must because of its pure Andalusian thoroughbred horse. Spain also has a rich equestrian history and there is a wide range of equestrian trails to choose from. For breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, however, we recommend Catalonia, where many of the adventure tours offer two days of horseback riding on the beach.

The Mediterranean is a beautiful cruising area rich in history and cultural values. Sailors from all over the world come to the Mediterranean to sail near the Greek Islands, Turkey, Sardinia, the French Riviera, the coastline of Spain and the Balearic Islands.