Activities and experiences in Spain

Place: Barcelona

Flamenco originated in Andalusia and is clearly one of Spain's best-known cultural assets. The dance is omnipresent in many of the country's cities, including Barcelona.

Here you can attend a spectacular show in an old theater with 14 renowned dancers who combine classic flamenco and flamenco fusion. Feel the unique energy of the passionate performance while you enjoy a typical Spanish dinner and drink.

Best time to visit: May-October ✦ Budget: $$

Place: Seville

The architecture of the Andalusian capital of Seville is characterized by Moorish, Christian and Jewish influences. Admire some of the city's magnificent buildings and bridges on a boat trip on the Guadalquivir .

Seville is also home to bullfighting, which is why you should visit the museum of the famous Real Maestranzade Caballeria bullring. Cross the Isabel II bridge by minibus before exploring the old sailors' and potters' quarter of Triana and the Macarena basilica .

Best time to visit: April-June ✦ Budget: $$

Place: Cordoba, Andalusia

The Royal Stables of Cordoba were founded in the 17th century by order of Felipe II to breed Andalusian horses for the Spanish royal family.

Admire the beauty and elegance of this type of horse here at the captivating show "Passion and Spirit of the Andalusian Horse". The galloping of the horses, the splashing of the fountain and the sound of the guitar merge into a remarkable whole against this impressive backdrop. The show lasts around 70 minutes.

Best time to visit: Year-round ✦ Budget: $

Place: Sierra Nevada, Granada

In the Sierra Nevada lies the highest peak on the Spanish mainland, the 11,417 feet high Pico Mulhacen. There are some great, free hiking trails around the mountain.

Depending on the route you choose, you will discover mountain villages, a river, a lake or fields of wildflowers as you climb Mulhacen. Observe the diverse flora and fauna of the mountain world and enjoy the panoramic views from the summit.

Best time to visit: May-October ✦ Budget: free of charge

⭐Tourlane recommendation⭐

Place: Malaga, Andalusia

The Strait of Gibraltar is home to up to seven different species of whales and dolphins. The common dolphin, the striped dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin and the pilot whale are all at home here. Climb aboard a comfortable boat with air conditioning on the Costa del Sol to look out for the animals in peace and quiet. Combine the boat trip with a city tour for a great day out in Spain.

Tip: Take a hat, sunglasses and light long-sleeved clothing with you.

Best time to visit: April-November ✦ Budget: $$

Place: Cordoba

The 10th century palace city of Medina Azahara bears witness to the era of the Caliphate of Cordoba. At this time, al-Andalus was an important economic and cultural world power.

See this for yourself on an informative guided tour through the complex with its halls, decorated arches and gardens. A museum is also part of your visit. The location of the Medina Azahara is also charming, offering a panoramic view of olive trees, mountains and the skyline of modern Cordoba.

Best time to visit: September-December ✦ Budget: $

⭐Tourlane Recommendation ⭐

Place: Barcelona

Paella is considered the most important dish in the Spanish regions of Valencia and Catalonia. In Barcelona, you will take part in a social paella cooking course where you will prepare a traditional four-course menu. In addition to a paella with seafood, chicken or vegetables , this includes tapas and a dessert.

Tip: Of course, fresh ingredients are best for cooking. What exactly your menu looks like therefore depends on what the markets have to offer seasonally.

Best time to visit: Year-round ✦ Budget: $$

Place: Montserrat, Barcelona

The Montserrat mountain range is famous for the monastery of the same name, to which a cog railroad leads. Start your day with a walk through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, including a visit to Barcelona Cathedral.

Take the cable car up to Montjuic, one of the city's two local mountains. Then take the cog railroad up to Montserrat, where you can visit the Black Madonna of the basilica or sample the local liqueur.

Best time to visit: April-July ✦ Budget: $

Place: Seville, Andalusia

Andalusia is the region with the highest olive oil production in the world. At the family-run Almazara oil mill in Carmonara, you can experience first-hand how the production process works.

The hacienda is surrounded by 6,000 arbequina olive trees, which produce medium and fine-fruity olive oils of the highest quality. During a guided tour, an expert will explain how the extra virgin olive oil is extracted from the fruit. This is followed by a tasting of various oils.

Best time to visit: April-June ✦ Budget: $$$

Place: Madrid

In Spanish bars, it is customary to serve small plates of tapas with drinks. The streets of Madrid are lined with bars, taverns and restaurants , which is why a tapas tour is particularly worthwhile here.

Spend a few leisurely hours with a local guide, who will also take you to some lesser-known tapas spots . You will hear stories, anecdotes and legends about tapas.

Best time to visit: April-June/September-October ✦ Budget: $$$