Spain

Spain’s long coastlines encourage travellers to visit and spend time relaxing in the warm sun. In Spain adventure travel opportunities range from the sedate to the extreme – its relaxing coastline opens up a treasure chest of activities. Outdoor activities in Spain are complemented by tasty tapas and rich rioja; its an alluring destination for families, beach lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.

In the south west of Europe, Spain is bordered by the land masses of France and Andorra to the north and Portugal to the west. Its coastline meets the Bay of Biscay to the north, Mediterranean Sea to the south and Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The topography of this country is dominated by a series of highlands. At the centre of Spain is an elevated plateau encircled by mountains, to the north the Cordilla Cantabrica, to the north-east the Sistema Iberico and the Sierra Morena to the south, with the Sistema Central range dividing the plateau into two halves. In Spain adventure travel suits mountain lovers who favour the Pyrenees over other European mountain ranges. It runs the length of the Spanish/French border and in the far south are the Sestimas Beticos, including the Sierra Nevada, home to Spain’s highest peak, the Mulhacen at 3481m above sea level.

Outdoor activities in Spain are not only enjoyed in the mountains as there are three main areas of lowlands, too: the Ebro river valley in the north-east, the Andalucian plain in the south-west (a river basin for the Guadalquivir river), and narrow coastal plains between the sea and the mountains in the south.

Due to its exposed position, Spain has a variety of climates. The northern coast is affected by the Atlantic Ocean so has wetter winters and slightly cooler summers than the rest of the country. Central Spain’s plateau and surrounding highlands have a continental climate with very cold winters experiencing snow, and hot summers. In Spain adventure travel holidays are enjoyed year round as the south and east have the more typical Mediterranean climate of mild winters and hot summers. Mountainous areas experience an alpine climate of low temperatures and much snow.

Madrid holds a central physical position in the country, and is Spain’s vibrant capital for finance, architecture and culture.

Zaragoza aims to be European city of culture as well as host of the Winter Olympics 2022. For today, the city is a wonderful place for cathedrals, monuments and tapas. In Spain’s north-east corner, Barcelona is a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its parks, and its beach and city life. If the outdoor activities in Spain tempt you towards its east coast then visit Valencia the home of paella and many museums. Seville is a colourful city in the south worth a visit to enjoy its festivals and much more.

On the south coast, Malaga is well known for its beaches, but it also provides historical sites, which include Moorish fortresses and a Roman theatre. All major cities have airports and there are good transport links throughout the country.

In Andalusia a must-see is the Alhambra in Granada, otherwise known as the Red Fortress. It is a magnificent representation of Spain’s Islamic past. The Frank Gehry Guggenheim museum is a piece of architectural wonder, located in Bilbao. Open since 1997, the building and its exhibitions still draw crowds.

Each Winter in Spain adventure travel lovers get exceptional skiing – Sierra Nevada is said to serve up some of the best slopes in Europe. It is the most southerly ski resort in Europe and although smaller than most others, its warmer air, excellent runs and well-catered facilities makes it a great snowy destination.

During the summer months Barcelona is fantastic for its tapas, Figueres is the birthplace of Salvador Dali with the largest surrealist creation displayed and for anyone daredevil enough, on the 6th July the Pamplona Bull Run takes place.

There are outdoor activities in Spain for all seasons. The highlands are fantastic for trekking and cycling during the summer, in the winter the snowy peaks offer great winter sport opportunities. The coast has exposed areas for wind-based water sports and the sheltered bays are ideal for diving, swimming or just relaxing on the beach. The cities provide culture, arts and delicious food. This is certainly a country that will cater for your every need: from weekend break, to month-long stay.

The Mediterranean has warm clear waters that provide a fantastic place to scuba dive. For traditional activities try trekking through any of the highland areas or kayaking along one of the many rivers. For something a little different go on a fitness break where you can learn about nutrition and weight management, or go running with like-minded people. Other fun activities include paragliding or sphereing.