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.

It is Spain's largest autonomous region and is conveniently located in the warm south of the country on the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape consists of mountains, dry plains, green natural areas and extensive sandy beaches. Within this autonomous region are the gems of Andalusia. These gems can sometimes be seen in towns or small villages, each of which has its own unique character. Andalusia is very versatile and therefore has much to offer throughout the year. This is partly due to the excellent temperature that makes it possible to organize many festivals, markets, fairs, etc. Some of these large and small pearls are described here: Seville, Ronda and Córdoba. There is also room for two lesser-known tourist places.

• Seville is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and is located in the province of the same name, Seville.
• Ronda, as a “romantic city,” is excellent as a wedding venue.
• Also the somewhat less touristy known places, such as Juzcar and Aracena are unique. You will see something that not everyone has seen yet.

Seville

This is the capital of Andalusia and has more than 700,000 inhabitants. This makes Seville the 3rd largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona and is probably one of the places in Spain where true Spanish culture is best preserved. It is the birthplace of flamenco and it shows: flamenco theater performances, flamenco shows over a romantic dinner in a restaurant and a flamenco museum are plentiful. It is a city with Spanish and Arab influences and has a modern and historic feel. Major tourist attractions include “Plaza de España,” “La Giralda” and “Metropole Parasol. For those looking for the most traditional Sevillian tapas dish should ask for 'Solomillo al Whisky.' Here, a deliciously tender piece of meat is served with a dash of whiskey. 

Ronda

On the road from Seville to Málaga lies the romantic town of Ronda. This picturesque town averages about 36,000 inhabitants and belongs to the province of Málaga. It has a rocky landscape and a rugged appearance due to the many gorges, mountains and valleys that surround this city so beautifully. The most characteristic feature of Ronda is the monument “Puente Nuevo. This massive stone bridge connects the two parts of the city. It has a number of imposing arches, one of which is as high as 38 meters! This has also been the setting for an episode of the Dutch program 'Wie is de Mol'. The beautiful weather, fantastic views and romantic aura of this city make this the ultimate wedding venue.

Córdoba

On the northeast side of Seville lies the city of Cordoba. Known as one of the hottest cities in Europe, it has a historic downtown that is also a World Heritage Site. The city houses the world's only “Mezquita cathedral” and shows many Moorish influences in the details of its historic buildings. It is the third largest city in Andalusia by population after Seville and Málaga and is a busy city. Besides the large mosque-cathedral, the bridge “Puente Romano de Córdoba” is very imposing. For a long time, this was also the only access to the old part of the city. Besides sightseeing, this city also holds the festival 'Festival de los Patios Cordobeses'. During this festival in the third week of May, patios can be viewed and the most beautiful patio is chosen.... This special festival is also listed by UNESCO.

Of course, Andalusia has much more to offer than these places. The slightly lesser-known places include the “smurf village” of Juzcar and Aracena. In Juzcar, all the houses are colored blue and bear pictures of various characters from the cartoon series the smurfs. In the mountain village of Aracena, a visit to 'La Gruta de las Maravillas' (the wonder cave) is highly recommended. Here you walk a guided route through this immense cave and can admire crystal clear water, stalactites and stalagmites. However, it is recommended to rent a car, as you cannot get there directly via public transport. This makes it even more special to visit. Andalusia stands for even more such villages of surprise. It is therefore recommended to rent a car so that you can explore the country and discover these pearls during your trip.

In Spain, you can go all out and spend a lot of money, or go low budget with as little as possible. However, it doesn't matter how you spend your vacation, because both ways are easily achievable here. You can easily get by on about 35 - Euros per day. Going on vacation cheaply does not necessarily have to be simple. In fact, there are different ways of going on vacation cheap in Spain, so that everyone can have a carefree vacation without spending too much.

• Travel type, duration, period and destination are all influential in going on a cheap vacation in Spain.
• It is good to look in advance for different discount codes and promotions. This can make a trip a lot cheaper.
• Besides a regular vacation, you can also enjoy Spain through other ways, such as doing seasonal work.

Backpacking, camping or visiting family/friends are all ways to spend the vacations cheaply. Of course, this does depend on your own spending habits at the destination itself. Not only does the type of visit affect a cheap vacation, accommodation factors are also part of it. Location is very important here. In larger cities, there are certain neighborhoods where they mainly offer various cheap lodging options, such as hostels, inns and guesthouses. Here you can then choose to share the room with one or more people. This can even amount to shared rooms with twelve people. Besides paid ways, there are also certain communities on the Internet where you can stay for free with locals. It is also a great way to get even closer to the culture of Spain. In addition to the type of accommodation, the travel period also has a lot of influence on the price. For those who would like to save money with this, but would still like to visit a popular resort like Barcelona, it is better to go outside the high season. Prices can easily rise to certain “extortionate prices” in high season. In addition, even in the off-season, the temperature is still pleasant enough to sit on a beachfront terrace.

A vacation in Spain can be realized by various means of transport: by car, train or plane. Each means of transport has its own advantages. Those who prefer the comfort of a plane can fly from Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Düsseldorf for little money. However, it is important to monitor prices carefully in order to anticipate the right moment. If you would like to take your campervan to the south, you should keep in mind that there are many toll roads in France. Here you already spend more than 100,- Euros yourself and should definitely be included in the calculation. Also in Spain itself, the possibilities to move yourself from destination to destination are extensive. High discounts are given to travelers who order tickets online well in advance. In addition, it is good to keep a close eye on other discount offers from public transportation. For visits to the somewhat less accessible and unknown cities, the bus is a cheap solution. These buses are very comfortable and equipped with all the necessary modern facilities. To explore the city by yourself, renting a bicycle is excellent. In more and more cities the facilities for cyclists are excellent. In addition, it is a very economical and ecological way to move yourself around the city.

If you want to spend a somewhat longer time in Spain you can also do seasonal work. Popular regions where there are many Dutch people is on the Costa Brava. In the summer, many campsites often ask for Dutch people on a part-time basis. This way you can also enjoy a sun-drenched stay and at the same time save and even earn some money. All in all, these options make Spain a perfect destination for a little less money.

Far in the south of Spain, between the provinces of Huelva and Seville and at the mouth of the Guadalqivir River is Doñana National Park. This is the second largest national park in Andalusia after Sierra Nevada and has a 700-year history. UNESCO has also already recognized this special park and in 1994 included it on the list as a World Heritage Site and Reserve. There are several reasons for this, as the park is characterized by a diversity of biotopes (natural habitats of plants and animals) and special ecosystems. It is home to several wild animals and migratory birds including some endangered species. Wild horses, sea turtles, wild boar and birds are not unthinkable here.

• Of the Spanish national parks, Doñana National Park is the only one to have an ecosystem with moving dunes.
• At the foot of the national park is a small village called El Rocío. This village takes you right into history and is the perfect starting point for a horseback ride through this special area.
• An alternative way to visit the park is via Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz. By boat, you can easily dock at Doñana and then take a long walk along the kilometers of moving dunes.

In Andalusia, 17% of the total territory consists of protected natural areas. Of that 17%, the Doñana National Park comprises more than 26,000 hectares of protected area. This is slightly more than half of the total area consisting of some 50,000 hectares. Forest and scrubland, beach lakes, marsh and moving dunes mark the nature reserve here. These dunes are up to 30 kilometers long and are so called because the wind causes the dunes to be in constant motion and because of this they change shape and size all the time. This is unique in Spain and therefore one of the most special attractions of the park. Doñana is also special because it is the habitat of the following endangered species: the pardellynx, the Spanish imperial eagle, the marbled duck and the white-headed duck. In addition, it is another annual wintering site for about 500,000 waterfowl. Because the land is so well regulated by nature, there is plenty of fertile soil to be found on and around the park. So chances are that the strawberries in the store come from this region; in fact, Spain boasts the largest strawberry export worldwide. Moreover, 90% of Spain's total fruit cultivation is concentrated mainly in the Huelva and Seville area around Doñana National Park.

Every year a pilgrimage takes place through Doñana National Park.This starts from Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz and lasts three days and two nights.In it, nearly 9,000 people walk the road to Almonte. A special journey that teaches how to enjoy paradise: the earth. This trek also passes through the village of El Rocío. A visit to this village is really recommended. In fact, it lies at the foot of Doñana National Park and completely takes you back to the past. For those who always wanted to get an impression of how comic book character Lucky Luke lived, this is the proclaimed opportunity! This may not be the town on which the famous comic strip is based, but it is certainly not inferior. As soon as you arrive on a narrow dirt road, you see the first phenomena that give you the impression of having gone back in time. In the distance you can see the wooden houses with porches and stands for horses. Indeed, here people often go out on horseback, by horse and carriage or on foot. For those who are completely excited to go horseback riding themselves in this special village, there is the possibility of making a tour on horseback through the beautiful surroundings with El Rocío as a starting point.

There are several ways to get to Doñana National Park. The park is about a one-hour drive from Andalusia's capital, Seville. For those who are in Seville and want to spend a few days at Matalascañas beach, they can choose to take the indirect bus to Matalascañas. This route passes through the village of El Rocio and the park itself. This could be the perfect starting point for a combination visit to El Rocío, Matalascañas ánd the Doñana National Park. Another possibility to visit the park in a special way is via the small seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Cadiz. With a small boat you sail towards the park. Once docked, you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful beach here. A long beach walk along the kilometers of moving dunes is already unique in itself. There is also a good chance of encountering wildlife along the way. For true birdwatchers and nature lovers, this area is a walhalla, because a visit to this park shows the real wilderness of Spain. In short, and true adventure!

The European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, or in Dutch, the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students, better known as ERASMUS, is a European Union project developed to promote cultural exchange between students from countries of the European Union, the three countries of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), Switzerland and Turkey. The name "Erasmus" was chosen in honor of the theologian, philosopher and humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam.

The exchange program was created in 1987 as a product from initiative of "AEGGEE Europe," a multi-national student organization. The initiative was welcomed by the European Commissioner of Education and strongly supported by the Presidents of France (F. Mitterrand) and Spain (F.Gonzalez). In 1995 the program was included in the framework of the 'Socrates Plan' and was definitively established in 2000, when it was approved by the 'Socrates Plan II'. (The 'Socrates Plan' is an initiative of the European Commission in the field of Education) In 2007, the 'Socrates Plan' was replaced by the so-called 'LLL' (Life Long Learning).

The aim of the Erasmus program is "to enhance the quality of education in Europe and strengthen its dimension by promoting international cooperation between universities, encouraging mobility in Europe and improving transparency and full academic recognition of courses and certifications throughout the Union."

To benefit from the opportunities offered by the Erasmus program, all you need to be a student of a university or Bachelor's degree program who has completed the first year as well as a citizen of one of the countries covered by the program. Students can study and earn credit for three months to a year in a European country other than their home country. Another option is participating in an exchange program where you do an internship in a host country and the work you do may also be included in your curriculum vitae. Nowadays, many colleges and universities also give you credits (study points) for this.

Erasmus in Spain

There are also Erasmus scholarships to help students cover some of the extra costs of living abroad. The scholarships depend on the country you are in, and in Spain they even vary by autonomous community. The scholarships almost never cover the total extra costs, but they do give you some extra help from about 200 to 800 per month.

The opportunities offered by the program have made Erasmus a unique life experience for many young people in Europe. It gives them the chance to experience -often for the first time- what it is like to live abroad. It will increase their knowledge of other cultures within the European Union and give them the chance to meet students from other countries and learn about living, socializing and integrating in the country of their temporary stay. Spain is the destination of choice for Erasmus students. As many as 6 of the 10 most popular cities for Erasmus students are Spanish places: Granada, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, Salamanca and Barcelona. In conclusion, the concept of Europeanism is beginning to catch on among young people of the European Union with the help of these multi-national experiences.

The Erasmus program was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 2004 as "one of the most important cultural exchange programs in the history of mankind."

Assured of nice weather, but don't feel like staying in a hotel or apartment? Then camping in Spain is the ideal solution to really get away from it all! Spain is growing in popularity every year among campers and therefore has a wide range of campsites and camping options. It is relatively cheaper than staying in a hotel or apartment and the biggest advantage of camping is that you get in direct contact with the beautiful nature of Spain. Therefore, this form of tourism is perfect for families with young children and for people who do not want to stay directly in the city. At the campsite you can enjoy a stay in a quiet environment, directly in the open air with many opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

• Popular regions for camping in Spain are Castile and León, Catalonia and Andalusia.
• The rich variety of landscapes in Spain makes camping so unique and special.
• Glamping: a combination of glamour and camping. For the camper who wants just a little more luxury.

Campsites in Spain

Throughout Spain there are several campsites present. These are classified by category. The classification system consists of four classifications namely: luxury, first class, second class and third class. These are currently not yet recognized nationally, but by autonomous region. Because of this, the quality in class may vary somewhat from region to region, so it is recommended to look carefully at the standards per region in advance. The camping high season is in the summer months of July and August when it is also high summer in Spain. Most campsites are open from April to September. Of course, some campsites are open longer and/or throughout the year. This is therefore an excellent time to travel to Spain and spend the winter here. This way you can escape the Dutch cold.

Popular regions are Castile and León, Catalonia and Andalusia. Zones that are busy for camping are Sierra de Gredos in Castile and León, the Costa Brava in Catalonia and the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Numerous campsites can be found here. This also makes Spain perfect for traveling around with a camper or caravan due to the wide range and rich variety of landscapes throughout Spain. From the Pyrenees to the beaches of Costa del Sol, there are countless possibilities and something for everyone.

These opportunities also manifest themselves in the types of campsites. Traditional campsites, naturist campsites and camping farms are present in the most special natural areas. These campsites often offer a variety of camping options for your tent, camper or caravan. If you prefer to rent something, mobile homes, furnished tents and bungalows are also often available for rental. Nowadays, most campsites in Spain already have wifi as standard. Other facilities often depend on the campsite, classification and location. Traditional campsites are very suitable for families with young children. These child-friendly campsites therefore offer a wide range of cultural activities. There are also several camping farms available. Those interested in the countryside and nature can get the ultimate vacation feeling here in a more personal atmosphere.

Glamping in Spain

There are also naturist campsites available and there is still the more luxurious form of camping namely: glamping. Glamping is a combination of glamour and camping. This is still a fairly new form of camping. It is suitable for anyone who would like a little more luxury, but still wants to continue to enjoy an outdoor vacation. The price you have to pay for this is a lot higher than the average campsite, but the experience you get in return is unforgettable.

Would you prefer to do something during your vacation instead of lying on the beach all day? There are several options for this in Spain, and perhaps more than you first expected. Active vacations in Spain abound. This is due in part to the variety of landscapes, making various outdoor sports possible. Combined with the varied climate, both winter sports and nice-weather activities are enjoyed here. Do not immediately think of strenuous activities, as hiking vacations or workshops also belong to this group. For every age, the word active has a different meaning.

• Active vacations in Spain are more often outdoor than indoor, thanks to the nice weather.
• Water sports activities can be enjoyed all over Spain.
• Taking a workshop in Spain is also among the active activities during a vacation.

Active Holidays in Spain

The term "active vacation" implies active performance during the vacation. In Spain, exercising such an achievement is excellent. This can be done in various forms, namely through excursions, workshops, festivals and sports. The chance of good weather here is much greater than in the Netherlands and, as a result, activities are mostly located outdoors rather than indoors. This makes the overall experience more intense by being active while still being able to enjoy the vast surroundings. The most popular activities are also in line with the country's unique characteristics and are made the most of. Skiing, water sports activities, trekking, horseback riding and golf are very popular in Spain. Indeed, sports in Spain are hot and widely practiced. Besides real sports, visiting one of the many water parks is also an active and popular venture. This activity is also more suitable for families with children. In Tenerife there is the largest water park in all of Spain and also in all of Europe: 'Siam Park'.

The north of Spain lends itself perfectly to cycling, mountain climbing and hiking through its vast forests and verdant countryside.
Canoeing and rafting are also activities that lend themselves perfectly to this because of the many rivers, lakes and streams.By canoe, for example, you can sail on the rivers "el Mera" and "el Rato" in the region of Galicia.In addition, there are also several opportunities to spend a relaxing day fishing and activities that are also popular in the Netherlands, such as paintball, karts or quad biking.

The region of Catalonia in eastern Spain is also a popular area for sporting activities.Hiking, cycling, hang gliding, ballooning, skydiving and "Nordig Walking" are some of the activities offered here.However, this is just a small sample of the activities Catalonia offers.

In the south of Spain in the autonomous region of Andalusia, the possibilities are countless. Here in the winter months you can ski perfectly on the Sierra Nevada, the southernmost mountain in Europe. In summer, this area is wonderful for long walks and hiking. Furthermore, golf is a popular activity and Andalusian horses are the figurehead for horseback riding in Andalusia. In the area around Cadiz, Seville and Málaga there are several companies and riding stables that offer horseback riding tours in this beautiful area. For example, you can take a tour in the interior of the country or along the coastline. Besides horseback riding, the area around Cadiz lends itself perfectly to water sports activities, such as surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving and sailing. The water here is just a little rougher than in other parts of Spain and there is often a stiff wind. In addition to Cadiz, these water sports activities can also be perfectly performed in the Canary Islands.

Activities that also belong to the active vacation are attending workshops. At first that may not sound so active, but there is certainly hard work being done there. In Spain, as in the Netherlands, there are various workshops to follow. From authentic workshops to the somewhat general workshops. A very popular workshop is to take a cooking workshop, so you can learn to prepare traditional Spanish dishes properly. Who is not good with pan and spatula, but wants to be creative can also go dancing or pottery and mosaics. By attending a workshop you will get to know the influences of Spanish culture, which you can take back to your own home, garden and kitchen.

Sport in Spain has become an important part of Spanish culture. It can actually be performed anywhere, but for some exercises, of course, some places lend themselves better than others. This is also true of cycling in Spain. Of all the islands Spain possesses, Mallorca is by far the best cycling island. It is also the largest of the Balearic Islands. The mountainous landscape, good cycling facilities and infrastructure help this. You can explore the island by bike almost all year round and every season brings something special here. This completely changes the look of the island and makes cycling on Mallorca never boring. Not only in Spain itself are many cycling vacations offered, also from the Netherlands many organizations go that way every year. You do not have to be a professional cyclist if you would like to join in. Cycling on Mallorca is very accessible for young and old, as long as there is enough guidance for the little ones, of course.

• It is useful to distinguish between two levels: the sportive cyclist and the recreational cyclist.
• Sporty cyclists will cycle more inland. Here you sometimes have climbs of up to 6% that are a few kilometers long.
• For recreational cyclists, the distances are often shorter and less demanding. In addition, there are more frequent stops to enjoy the scenery and to have a drink.

Cycling in Mallorca

A wide variety of routes, with many beautiful turns, different altitudes and excellent cycling facilities. Mallorca is 70 kilometers wide and 100 kilometers long. It has an average temperature of nineteen degrees and has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters that lends itself extremely well to bicycle tours. If you decide to go with your own bike, do consider the bike case supplement. This can also just be a bike box. However, it is advisable to pack the bike well or rather leave it at home to avoid any damage to the bike during transport. Once arrived in Mallorca, there are several tourist information centers where free bike routes are available for those who like to explore the island by themselves or with and group. For a clear distinction between the different levels, there are two different groups: the recreational cyclist and the sportive cyclist.

Sporty cyclists will do real day trips between 70 and 140 km per day at a higher speed. However, there are often different levels in this as well, as some of the climbs can be quite high. This can sometimes range from 4% to 9%. The sporty cyclist will also cycle mostly inland where the mountains are highest and the turns sharper. The "Serra de Tramuntana" and the "Serra de Llevant" are also by far the most popular destinations for beautiful and challenging cycling routes.

The recreational cyclist will take it a little easier. The routes will mostly be around the island or in between the mountain ranges. This way, even the little ones can just join in. Wearing a helmet is mandatory and gives that extra bit of safety. The average speed will also be relatively lower than that of the sporty cyclists. The average will be between 15 km/h and 20 km/h. These are often not day trips, but small trips of two or three hours with several stops to enjoy the scenery with a refreshing drink.

Don't feel like biking for a while? No problem! Mallorca is pre-eminently a child-friendly island and thus also has excellent beach facilities. You can also enjoy shopping in the capital Palma de Mallorca. Every year the famous cycling event the 'Challenge Ciclista a Mallorca' is also held there. Here a series of a total of four one-day races are held. Some of the biggest names in cycling have already taken part. For those who do not feel like cycling for a while can still watch it in peace and quiet. In short, no one will be bored here.