10 Best Summer Activities in Spain’s Top Cities: Discover What to Do in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville & Beyond

Spain in Summer is like a magical spell. These lovely sunny afternoons, colorful plazas, lively tapas sessions at dinnertime, and festive ambience will all be memorable. Whether you are looking to see a few towns or just settle into one town, the great list of things to do is long.

The ultimate Spain summer travel guide covers the best summer travel activities in Spain, including classic destinations of Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and more. Each of these destinations has its own unique 'fun' flavor — whether that be open-air concerts, art walks, beach parties, or flamenco — you'll most probably find something appropriate to your vibe, traveling solo, as a couple, or as a family. Regardless, you're guaranteed culture, food, and fun in the warm summer sun!

Not sure what to do in Spain in summer? Or wondering about the best cities to visit in Spain in summer? We’ve got you covered with this month-by-month guide packed with sunny inspiration. So, put on your sunglasses, fill your suitcase with your swimsuit, and prepare to discover things to do in Spanish summer so that you will create memories for a lifetime. Let’s goo..

1. Watch a Flamenco Show in Seville

You cannot find a better opportunity than a flamenco show in Seville to feel the heart of Spain. The foot stomps, the music from the guitar, and the spirit of the singers and the dancers will make you start to feel giddy and entranced. Catching a live show in a traditional tablao is pure passion and clapping and staggering rhythm. (Things to do in Spain)

2. Cool Off at Madrid’s Rooftop Pools

When the Madrid heat hits, locals head up, literally. Madrid lacks a beach, however, it offers rooftop pools that are just as refreshing as a dip in the ocean. Rooftop pools around the city have the perfect blend of nice cool water, views of the city skyline, and that summer vibe. Enjoy the skyline views at places like Hotel Riu or Only YOU Atocha.

3. Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel, Barcelona

Experiencing a sunset from Bunkers del Carmel will be one of those moments you never forget. This former military lookout is now one of the most picturesque viewing points in all of Barcelona, and it’s located at a prime spot at the top of the city. And the sunset? Well, it just glows soft gold and dusty pink. 

4. Tapas Crawl Through Granada

Thinking about what to do in Spain in summer? strolling through the many sunny streets of Granada, there is one local thing that you can't overlook, the bliss of tapas hopping. It's not about the food, it is about the experience! As you hop from one little nook to another, you are welcomed with open arms and a little plate of something delicious with every summer drink that you order, and yes, the tapas are free.

5. Stroll the Gardens of the Royal Alcázar, Seville

Transport yourself to a fairytale at the Royal Alcazar's garden, where summer transforms historic palace grounds into a fragrant, colorful paradise. This Moorish royal west palace is gorgeous all year, but in summer the gardens bloom spectacularly. With orange trees, a gentle trickle of ornate fountains and flowerbeds. Every corner feels like the pages of a storybook - perfect for a slow magical drift from reality under the Andalusian sun.

6. Beach Day at Playa de la Malagueta, Málaga

City life meets beach bliss🏖️. It is just a short walk from Malaga’s beautiful old town, this urban beach is where locals and visitors escape the heat for a refreshing swim, sunbathing session, or a seaside lunch at one of the many beachfront. Are you dipping your toes in the Mediterranean or sipping on a cool drink with sand between your toes, this truly feels like one of the best summer activities in Spain, effortless, relaxing, and full of sunshine.

7. Picnic at Retiro Park, Madrid

As one of Madrid's most popular green getaways, El Retiro fits the bill for taking it easy and joining in on a slow local pace. Hop on over to a local market and you can grab some Spanish cheese, yummy fresh bread, and olives to complete your fixings.  Find a nice shady little spot by the lake or the fabulously built Palacio de Cristal and enjoy the normalcy of it all. A picnic under the trees, boats drifting by, and some tranquility makes it hard not to feel unhurried or invincible. 

8. Wander Gothic Quarter by Night, Barcelona

As the day passes and the sun begins to go down, the Gothic Quarter is a maze of dark alleyways and golden-hued stone. Walk by centuries-old facades, the sound of buskers on the street, and lose yourself in the history that feels so real under the lights and against the night sky. There is romance, mystery, and simply, it is pure Barcelona magic after dark.

9. Boat Ride on the Guadalquivir River, Seville

Experience Seville from a new perspective - lazily gliding over calm waters with historic bridges and beautiful riverbanks. Take a relaxing ride down the Guadalquivir River to see Torre del Oro and Triana on the way, and expect an incredible, peaceful view of the city. As the sun reflects off the water and locals wave from riverside cafés, you’ll feel like you’re part of a slow, sunlit postcard of Seville.

10. Catch a Local Festival

Spain comes alive with festivals in summer. Think Feria de Malaga, Gracia Festival in Barcelona, or neighborhood fiestas you just stumble upon all full of color, music, and joy. Or the Feria de Málaga, where flamenco dresses, horses, music, and dancing fill the air with Andalusian soul.

Summer in Spain is not just a season, but a fiesta. A fiesta of color, culture, food, and community. It doesn't matter if you're blown away by Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona, or addicted to the tapas crawl in Seville or basking in the golden hour in Retiro Park in Madrid, nothing is wasted time.

So, why wait? Let the rhythms of Spanish cities guide your summer story. Choose one spot or hop between a few, each gives something special, from beach days to street festivals, rooftop views to late-night laughter.

Make this summer unforgettable. Let Spain surprise you, move you, and energize you. And hey, don’t leave it to the last minute… Book your tickets✈️, pack your sunscreen, and let the adventure begin.