Need some inspiration to plan your next trip to Spain? Check out this list of adventurous things to do and make your travel itinerary truly unforgettable!
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Adventurous Things To Do in Spain
What activities can be done in Spain?
Despite the fact that many travelers visit Spain in search of its unique landmarks, there are countless adventurous activities you can add to any Spain itinerary, like skiing, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, sailing, birdwatching, and even whale watching. And don’t forget the adrenaline-pumping rides at amusement parks like PortAventura.
While I’m fully aware that my recent blog posts have focused mostly on exploring Spain with kids, in real life, I don’t forget to be a bit of an adventurous parent now and then, trying out new activities in Spain. Some of these adventures are perfect to share with kids and partners, while others are meant to be experienced solo. Of course, many adventurous activities have strict requirements, like age or weight limits – not to mention the phobias or fears many of us deal with. Still, I’m always on the lookout for experiences that fit me personally and take my breath away. As someone once said: ‘You only live once, but if you do it well, once is enough.’
Additionally, feel free to check out my extended lists of adventurous things to do in Valencia and Madrid.
Top Adventurous Things To Do in Spain
1. Kayaking in Costa Brava


Kayaking in Spain
Kayaking is one of those unique adventure activities in Spain that’s accessible to everyone, even families visiting with kids (age 7+). This fun water sport combines exercise, sightseeing, and relaxation. The repetitive paddling strengthens your body, while the calming presence of water helps melt away stress. Kayaking in a new destination also means exploring secluded parts of the Spanish coastline, offering a rare chance to discover hidden gems, caves, and corners that are difficult to reach on foot. My favorite spots for kayaking are Costa Brava and Costa Blanca, but you can find more amazing locations in Spain—check out this post
Top Kayaking Tour in Costa Brava:
- Costa Brava: Sea Caves Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour (check availability)
2. Desert in Almeria

About Almeria
Many of the most iconic Hollywood Westerns, like The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, were actually filmed here in Spain, in a unique landscape called the Tabernas Desert. It’s located in the Almería region of southern Spain. When we visited Almería’s Wild West theme parks, even though my kids were still toddlers, they loved it (everything felt like walking through a movie set!). No wonder the Tabernas Desert has a long history with international filmmakers and was one of the most unique Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain.
Adventurous experiences to book in Almeria:
- Tabernas Desert 4WD Adventure (check availability)
- Horse Riding Tour Through the Tabernas Desert (check availability)
- Tabernas Desert Horse Riding for experienced riders (check availability)
- Cabo de Gata Natural Park Kayaking and Snorkel Excursion (check availability)
- Cabo de Gata Caves and Los Muertos Sailing Tour (check availability)
3. The longest double zip line in Europe – Tirolina Valle Tena

About the Pyrenees
Tirolina Valle de Tena is one of the most unique spots in the Spanish Pyrenees, home to the longest double zip line in Europe. Somehow, I had never tried a zip line before and was so scared, but I loved the experience and can’t wait to go back! The Pyrenees mountain range is full of adventurous activities, from skiing in winter to hiking in summer, and adventure parks like Naturlandia in Andorra. You can check out my various trips and itineraries in the Pyrenees under this hashtag: #Pyrenees.
Adventurous experiences to book in the Pyrenees:
- Tirolina Valle Tena (check availability)
- Pyrenees Paragliding Experience (check availability)
- Hot Air Balloon Ride and Breakfast over the Volcanoes of la Garrotxa, Catalan Pyrenees (check availability)
4. Dog-sledding

About Baqueira Beret
You don’t need to travel all the way to the North Pole to experience dog sledding – Spain has you covered too! Dog sledding is popular in Baqueira Beret (and Andorra) and is so much fun, especially if you’re visiting the Pyrenees in winter with kids. It was one of the most memorable moments of our skiing trip to Baqueira Beret. During that same trip, we also enjoyed a snowmobile tour that took us through local forests to the secluded Santuario de Montgarri. The ride took place at dusk, adding a magical touch to the experience. Once we arrived at the sanctuary, we warmed up by the fireplace and were served locally made grilled sausages.
Also, if you are looking for family-friendly winter adventures, check out this post on Where to Enjoy Snow in Spain with Kids.
Dog sledding in the Pyrenees
- Dog-sledding tour in Andorra (check availability)
5. Hiking to the highest peak in Spain, Mount Teide

About Teide
Hiking up to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, which stands at over 3,718 meters, is one of the most adventurous activities to do on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The mountain is located in Teide National Park, one of Spain’s top national parks, renowned for its volcanic landscape that feels like stepping onto the surface of the moon. There’s even a mysterious local legend about a 9th secret island in the Canary Archipelago, said to be visible only from Teide’s highest peak.
Keep in mind: The most popular way to visit Spain’s highest peak is by taking a cable car to La Rambleta station (3,555m). Another option is a 9km hike via Montaña Blanca, which typically takes 6-7 hours. However, to climb higher than La Rambleta station and reach Teide’s summit, you’ll need special permission, which can be requested from the Parque Nacional Teide website (in peak season, approval can take up to 3 months). Alternatives to Teide include Aneto and Mulhacén Peaks – the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula.
Unique experiences to book in Teide National Park:
- Teide National Park Night Sky Star Safari & Dinner (check availability)
- Mount Teide Summit Hiking Adventure with Cable Car (check availability)
- Quad Adventure Tour in Teide National Park (check availability)
- Guided Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner (check availability)
- Mount Teide Sunset and Night Tour with Pickup (check availability)
6. Walking Caminito del Rey

About Caminito del Rey
Caminito del Rey, an iconic walkway clinging to the steep walls of a narrow gorge, is one of the most picture-perfect hikes in Spain and a top destination in southern Spain. Also known as ‘The King’s Little Path,’ this adventurous hike is located in El Chorro, in the province of Málaga. It was re-opened in 2015 and has since gained global recognition as one of the world’s most thrilling walkways. It’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance, as it is extremely popular. Please note that children under 8 years old are not allowed on the Caminito del Rey trail.
However, there are a few family-friendly alternatives with walkways in Spain – Pasarelas de Alquesar in Huesca, Ruta Camino Natural del Guadalaviar near Teruel, and Parrisal de Beceite in Matarranya – these three I have done with kids myself. Others are still in the plans for me: Cerrada del Rio Castril in Granada, Ruta Pasarelas de Montfalco in Aragon, Relleu in Alicante, Pasarelas del Rio Mao in Galicia, Ruta Pasarelas de los Hocinos in Burgos, Ruta del Rio Borosa in Jaen.
Unique Caminito del Rey Tours:
- Caminito del Rey: Entry Ticket and Guided Tour (check availability)
- From Málaga: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus (check availability)
- Caminito del Rey: Tour With Official Guide (check availability)
- From Seville: Caminito del Rey Full-Day Hike (check availability)
7. Kitesurfing in Tarifa

About Tarifa
Tarifa is one of the best places in Spain for adventure seekers. The list of activities is endless: mountain biking, scuba diving, wingfoiling, kite surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing. Even whale watching is popular in Tarifa during the summer months, and I hope to experience it one day (since I loved it in Iceland). I never get tired of Tarifa Beach getaways, as it’s one of my favorite places in all of Spain. Kitesurfing is still on my bucket list, especially since Tarifa is recognized as one of the top kitesurfing destinations in the world.
Adventurous experiences to book in Tarifa:
- Tarifa: Sailboat Tour, Snorkelling, Tapas & Drinks (check availability)
- Tarifa: Private and Semi-private Kitesurfing Lesson (check availability)
- Dolphins Watching with Beach Day in Tarifa from Seville (check availability)
- From Tarifa: Guided hiking tour in the Strait Natural Park (check availability)
- Tarifa: Ebike Rental Ruta del Estrecho (check availability)
8. Nature & mountains in Asturias

The region of Asturias is home to one of the oldest national parks in Spain, Picos de Europa. It is one of the best destinations on the Iberian Peninsula to experience unique wild nature. The Cantabrian Mountains are the only place in Spain where you can see brown bears. You can find more details about the region in my posts: Top Things to Do in Asturias, My First Asturias Road Trip, and The Most Beautiful Villages of Asturias.
Top adventurous experiences to enjoy in Asturias:
- Cangas de Onís: Sella River Canoeing Adventure (check availability)
- Oviedo: Canoe Descent on the Nalón River with Picnic (check availability)
- La Raya: Fuentes de Invierno Snowshoe Walk (check availability)
- 6 days of hiking the most iconic places of Picos de Europa, including the famous Ruta Del Cares, one of the top Spanish hikes (check availability)
- Hiking in Picos de Europa National Park (check availability)
- Hiking along the cliffs of Western Coast in Asturias (check availability)
- Surf Lessons in Llanes (check availability)
More adventurous things to do in Spain:


- Rafting in Almadenes Canyon / Murcia (check availability)
- Jeep Safari in Valencia (check availability)
- Snorkeling with turtles in Tenerife (check availability)
- Stargazing in La Palma, one of the most beautiful islands in Spain (check availability)
- Surfing in Fuerteventura (check availability)
- Gran Canaria buggy tour (check availability)
- Hiking in Cogost de Montrebei (read the full story)
- Rio Verde Canyoning in Granada (check availability)
- Visit La Geoda de Pulpi in Almeria
- Visit the Underwater Museum in Lanzarote
- Hot Air Balloon Flight in Segovia (check availability)
Map of Adventurous destinations in Spain
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

- Accommodation: For short stays, I usually book via Agoda, Booking, and Hotellook
- Tours&excursions: My favorites for guided tours are GetYourGuide and Viator
- Museums&attractions: Get mobile tickets for attractions via Tiqets (use ATC5 code for a 5% discount via this link)
- Semi-private & private tours: LivTours is my favorite place for unique & crafted experiences in Europe
- For Foodies: Eatwith is a unique platform for finding culinary experiences with locals around the world
- Audio guides: Book audio excursions & tours in 35+ countries via WeGoTrip
- Flights: Find the best deals with Skyscanner, WayAway, and Kiwi
- Driving in a new country? – Check out Tripiamo guides (do not miss Tripiamo Driving in Spain Guide)
- Train&bus tickets: Currently, I book via Trainline, Busbud, and Omio
- Car rental: To find the best deals, I use Rental Cars and Discover Cars
- Top E-Sim: GigSky helps me to avoid roaming fees and provides connectivity everywhere (even on a cruise ship)
- Internet Security on the road: Connect safely to public Wi-Fi and bypass censorship with NordVPN
- Transfers: For individual transfer services, I like GetTransfer and Kiwitaxi
- Suitcases&Luggage: Discover where to store your luggage on the go with Radical Storage
- Travel Insurance: Find the best trip insurance plans via VisitorsCoverage and EKTA
- Compensation for delayed/canceled flights: Check out AirHelp and Compensair
- Renting Bikes: To find motorcycles, scooters, quads, and bicycles, I use BikesBooking
- Package Tours: Head to CheapOair and Expedia
- For Bloggers: To monetize my blog, I work with Travelpayouts and Stay22
Lots of Spain inspiration – thank you. Lots of new places for me to visit. I think Tarifa is first on my list.
I must admit that much of our time in Spain has been spent admiring architecture. So I never knew there were so many great adventurous things to do. The double zip line would definitely be something we would want to do. And watching kitesurfing in Tarifa would be great. I will be keeping the long list of active adventures for future trips.
Loved how comprehensive this list is. I had no idea the Tirolina Valle Tena, the longest double zip line existed. It looks amazing.
Camino de Rei is next for me, and I did teide a few years ago. Boy that was a killer! Well worth it though and it was a sunrise to remember!