Looking for memorable travel experiences and unusual things to do in Spain? Here’s the most unique list of Spanish attractions and locations, perfect for exploring the country beyond the typical landmarks.

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22 Unusual Things to do in Spain

Spain is known for its unique landmarks, stunning beaches, and exciting road trips. While you can find most of the must-do Spanish activities in my posts on the Spain bucket list and Spanish landmarks, I wanted to create another article focused on unusual things to do in Spain to give you even more options for creating unforgettable itineraries across the country. So, if you’re curious to explore Spain beyond the typical guidebook and want to discover interesting locations off the beaten path, this article is for you. Here are my top 22 unusual things to do in Spain that will make any trip to the Iberian Peninsula even more special.

22 Unique Activities and Attractions in Spain

1. Don Quixote-Themed Road Trip

Don Quixote is one of the most famous books ever written and is often regarded as the prototype of the modern novel. However, both the author, Miguel de Cervantes, and the book’s heroes and events are closely linked to the Spanish region of Castile-La Mancha, which today is not among the most visited destinations in Spain.

One of the most unique travel plans in Spain is to follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote by planning a literary road trip across central Spain. Although this area may not boast Spain’s most stunning natural wonders, the journey will take you through landscapes dotted with windmills, medieval castles, and quaint towns that inspired Cervantes’ iconic novel and served as the setting for the adventures of its protagonist. You can find out more about Don Quixote landmarks in Spain in this post.

2. Explore the Dalí Triangle

Art lovers in Spain shouldn’t miss the unique legacy of Salvador Dalí, who is considered one of the most famous Spanish figures of all time. The Dalí Triangle is a 3-location itinerary dedicated to the surrealist artist, which includes visiting his museum in Figueres, his eccentric home in Portlligat, and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. Each site is filled with mind-blowing works of art and offers a deeper understanding of the genius behind some of the world’s most surreal creations. You can read more about the Dalí Triangle in this post.

3. Visit the Spanish Wild West

Travel back in time to the Tabernas Desert in Almería, Spain’s very own Wild West. Not many people know that many Hollywood Western films were shot here in Southern Spain, including the iconic The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Today, it’s a fun place to “time travel” and stroll through the streets of a cowboy town. In the area, you can visit theme parks like Oasys MiniHollywood and Fort Bravo. To learn more, check out this post.

4. Explore Columbus’ Landmarks in Southern Spain

Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus in southern Spain, where the famous explorer set sail for the New World. Although Columbus is widely known as the Italian explorer from Genoa, recent genetic studies suggest that he may have been of Spanish and Jewish origins.

Since his voyage was sponsored by the Spanish crown, the Iberian Peninsula is filled with historical landmarks from the Age of Discovery. In the small town of Huelva, you can find replicas of Columbus’ famous ships – the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María. Don’t miss the nearby Monasterio de La Rábida, a secret monastery where Columbus prepared for his historic journey. You can read more about all the Columbus-related landmarks in this post.

5. Dive into Europe’s First Underwater Museum

Adventurous activity enthusiasts cannot miss diving in Lanzarote, where they can visit the Museo Atlántico, the first underwater museum in Europe. Located 12 meters beneath the Atlantic Ocean, this museum features 300 life-size sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, creating a surreal underwater gallery that explores themes of environmental conservation. You can combine a visit to the underwater museum with my 5-day Lanzarote itinerary.

6. Walk El Caminito del Rey

Known as one of the world’s most dangerous walkways, El Caminito del Rey near Málaga is one of the most famous places to visit in Southern Spain. Known for its adrenaline-filled adventure, it is a must-see on any southern Spain itinerary (unless you are traveling with small kids, like I did, since children under 8 are not allowed).

However, beyond the fact that it’s not suitable for families with young children, the narrow pathway, clinging to the cliffs, is definitely one of the most unique experiences in Spain, turning any trip into a heart-pounding adventure.

7. Watch El Clásico: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

If you’re a soccer fan, watching El Clásico, the epic match between the football clubs of Barcelona and Real Madrid, is a must. The intense rivalry between these two teams is legendary in Spain and is almost considered a second religion. The energy in the stadium when these two major Spanish teams meet is absolutely electric. It’s definitely one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had in Spain.

As my husband is a Barça fan, we visited Camp Nou in Barcelona several times, and one of those visits was for El Clásico. I have to admit, I was quite shocked by how seriously Spaniards take the game. On the other hand, I personally enjoyed the games that weren’t El Clásico much more…Yet El Clásico was like no other sports event I’ve ever seen.

If you enjoy sports, it’s definitely one of the most unique experiences in Spain to invest in. However, tickets won’t be easy to get, and they might be pricey, as people become socios (i.e., members) of both clubs and pay monthly fees to get access to tickets first. What’s left goes to the market but sells out very quickly.

8. Learn About Spanish Witches in Zugarramurdi

Dive into Spain’s darker history with a visit to Zugarramurdi in Northern Spain, known for some of the most severe witch trials of the 17th century. Although this small town belongs to the Navarra region, with Pamplona as its main city, it is more easily accessible from San Sebastián.

In Zugarramurdi, you can visit the Cave of the Witches and the Museum to learn about the region’s legends of witchcraft and its historical events. Beyond the witchcraft theme, the entire area surrounding Zugarramurdi is filled with lush, green countryside, making it a joy to explore. You can read more about my visit to Zugarramurdi in this 3-day San Sebastián itinerary.

9. Attend the Tomato Throwing Festival in Buñol

La Tomatina in Buñol is one of the world’s largest food fights and one of the most iconic Spanish festivals. Thousands gather annually to throw tomatoes at each other in this messy yet unique event. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while having lots of fun. You can read more about my experience at La Tomatina in this post.

10. Visit the Ghost Town of Belchite

If you are interested in dark and mysterious locations in Spain, the ghost town of Belchite, near Zaragoza, is considered one of the top paranormal activity sites on the Iberian Peninsula. The town was completely destroyed in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War, and thousands of people were killed.

Even today, some visitors claim to hear strange voices in this location. Personally, I stopped in Belchite during one of my Aragon road trips, and the ruins did feel eerie indeed, with the churches and buildings standing as silent reminders of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War. Also, when I visited Belchite last time, only guided tours were available, and there were no options in English. However, I’m sure this will change soon.

11. Spend a Night Inside a Spanish Castle

With its rich history of royalty, Spain is dotted with stunning, dreamlike castles. These days, some of them have been converted into luxury hotels by the Paradores chain. Spending a night in a luxury hotel located inside a historic castle is definitely one of the most unique experiences in Spain.

There are several across the country, and I’d like to particularly highlight: Parador de Cardona, Parador de Alarcón, Posada Real Castillo del Buen Amor, Cap Rocat, Castillo de Grisel, Parador de Hondarribia, Parador de Jaén, Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera, and Parador de Olite.

12. Sleep in a Cave House near Granada

The region of Granada in Southern Spain is famous for its cave houses, where people have lived for centuries. Today, many of these caves have been transformed into unique accommodations, offering a rustic yet cozy experience with a touch of local history. For example, Cuevas Andalucía, Cuevas Alcobas, Cueva Luna, and Casa Cueva Sierra Nevada.

13. Cruise Through the Longest Navigable Underground River in Europe

The Caves of San José are one of the most popular day trips from Valencia, as they house the longest navigable underground river in Europe. The last time I visited, they had a rather strange no-photos policy; however, the visit itself was interesting. You take a boat ride through the eerie yet beautiful caves and then walk through part of it, marveling at the ancient stalactites and stalagmites, before taking the boat back to the exit.

This cave is considered one of the most unique places for kayaking in Spain, although it’s almost impossible to book a kayaking tour through the official website, as there are very few available dates, and they sell out quickly.

14. See the Holy Grail in Valencia

The Holy Grail is the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper, and while there are several places claiming to have it, the Vatican officially recognizes that it is housed in the Valencia Cathedral. Whether you’re a believer or not, this ancient relic is a fascinating piece of history worth seeing with your own eyes on any 1-day or 3-day Valencia itinerary.

15. Explore the Borgia Landmarks

The scandalous Borgia family is one of the most famous historical figures from Spain. Known for their thirst for power and involvement in numerous crimes and murders, the House of Borgia produced two Popes of Rome. Its most famous member is Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI, portrayed by Jeremy Irons in the popular series Borgia.

The family originated from the small towns of Xàtiva and Gandia in the Valencia region. You can plan an entire road trip exploring landmarks associated with the Borgias – check out more details in this post.

16. Visit the Real Egyptian Temple in Madrid

In the heart of Madrid, you’ll find the Temple of Debod, a 2,000-year-old Egyptian temple. This ancient structure was gifted to Spain by Egypt and offers a unique contrast to the modern cityscape. It is considered one of the most unique things to do in Madrid, as it’s rare to see an Egyptian temple in Europe.

17. Explore the biggest palm grove in Europe

Not many people know that the list of enchanted forests in Spain includes the largest palm grove in Europe, located in the small town of Elche. These palms are believed to have been present in the region since the time of the Arabs. You can read more about Elche in this post.

This town is also home to one of the most unique gardens in Spain, Jardines del Cura, which I visited during my recent weekend in Alicante. The garden features a blend of palm trees and a variety of plants from around the world, creating a stunning landscape.

18. Discover the Graffiti Towns of Spain

While street art is typically associated with major capital cities, many small Spanish towns have used graffiti to reinvent themselves. Some of the most unique graffiti art pieces in Spain can be found in hidden villages like Fanzara, Alfamen, and Penelles. Many of these Spanish villages have been transformed into open-air art galleries, with massive murals created by street artists. You can find the full list of the most impressive graffiti villages in this post.

19. Visit the Ceramic towns of Spain

Among the many secret museums in Spain, a special place is reserved for the country’s rich pottery heritage. Towns like Manises, renowned for its ceramic tradition, are even recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

Spain’s pottery culture is deeply rooted in history, and many towns are home to fascinating ceramic museums that showcase the incredible craftsmanship passed down through generations. You can discover more about these ceramic museums and the best locations to visit in this detailed post.

20. Eat at the world’s oldest restaurant or enjoy a meal cooked over an active volcano

Spanish cuisine is renowned for some of the most delicious and innovative gastronomic creations in the world. The Basque Country boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita globally, making it a culinary hotspot.

Many of Spain’s restaurants offer unique and exclusive dining experiences. For example, Restaurante El Diablo in Lanzarote is famous for grilling its food over the natural heat of an active volcano. Meanwhile, Sobrino de Botín in Madrid holds the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Established in 1725, it is renowned for its traditional dishes, including its famous roast suckling pig.

If you’re a food lover planning a trip to Spain, I highly recommend checking out my 10-day itinerary for foodies in Spain, where I detail the best culinary experiences and must-visit spots across the country.

21. Hike the Highest Volcano in Tenerife

Mount Teide, located on the island of Tenerife, is not only Spain’s highest peak but also an active volcano in the Canary Islands. While you can take the cable car almost to the summit during any Tenerife itinerary, reaching the very top requires a hike, which is also subject to special permission due to local regulations limiting the number of visitors allowed each day. This experience is often regarded as one of the most adventurous in Spain, with the lunar-like landscapes of Tenerife frequently compared to the surreal, moon-like terrain experienced on space missions.

During my last visit to Tenerife, I was pregnant and traveling with a baby, so I wasn’t permitted to take the cable car to the top. Despite this, hiking to the summit of Mount Teide remains at the top of my Spain bucket list, as it’s an experience I still dream of completing.

There is also an ancient Spanish legend that says from the highest peak of Mount Teide, one can glimpse the secret 9th island of the Canary Archipelago. This island was once depicted on maps from the 13th to the 16th century but mysteriously vanished from all records and maps, never to be seen again. Some believe that the island was lost to time or that it exists in another realm, adding an air of mystery to the Canary Islands. The legend has intrigued explorers, historians, and locals alike for centuries, with many speculating about its true existence and the reason behind its disappearance.

22. Game of Thrones Filming locations in Spain

Whether you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or not, you can’t deny the spectacular job the show creators did in selecting filming locations across Europe. When I visited Ireland, I thought the most stunning locations were there. However, as I started exploring more and more GOT filming sites on my road trips across Spain, I was often amazed by how many hidden gems were featured. Locations like the Castle of Zafra, Peñíscola, or Gaztelugatche, among many others, were just breathtaking.

Spain offers a fantastic opportunity for a Game of Thrones-themed road trip. The creators of the show traveled across the country to find the most magnificent castles and landscapes, which are scattered throughout various regions. For a complete guide, check out the full list and map in this post.

And let’s not forget House of the Dragon! It feels like the series explored even more of Spain, particularly the lesser-known region of Extremadura. The city of Cáceres even has a dedicated walking route through its historic center, highlighting key House of the Dragon filming locations. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just an adventurer seeking stunning medieval locations, Spain has everything you need for the ultimate Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon experience.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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