Top Spain Outdoor Activities - page 6

Once known as the most dangerous hike in the world, El Caminito del Rey is now one of the most popular attractions in Spain. Guarantee entrance by booking your tour in advance. This tour not only includes a guide to lead you down the narrow walkways, but also includes round-trip transportation from Seville so you don’t have to sweat the travel logistics.

If you've got limited time in Barcelona, exploring on foot might not be the best way to maximize your time. Experience the majesty of Barcelona on a fat tire bike tour that helps you cover more ground. See many of the city’s significant sights, such as the La Sagrada Familia and Placa del Rei and make new friends along the way. Capture fabulous photographs at each stop and gain insight into the city’s fascinating history with commentary.

Beat the crowds with skip-the-line access to Park Güell in Barcelona. In the company of an expert guide, explore the stunning creations of Antoni Gaudí and spend time marveling at the Hall of Columns, the mosaic lizard statue, the beautifully planned viaducts and porticoes, and the storybook-like gatehouses.

See the sunny southern coast of Menorca minus the beachside crowds in one relaxing half-day boat trip. Ideal if you're short on time, this option includes time to swim and enjoy water sports, plus a scenic route past hideaway coves and white sand beaches, many of which are tricky to access from land. Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella, and a one-hour stop at Cala Trebaluger are among the coastal highlights.

Perfect for families, this fun-packed, half-day cruise takes you to the beautiful beaches of Costa de Papagayo on a luxury catamaran. In between swimming stops, feast on paella, and take advantage of an open bar stocked with alcohol and soft drinks. Drop anchor on the golden sands of Papagayo, spend hours soaking up the sun, and enjoy the use of kayaks to explore the area in more depth.

Soar above the sublime landscape of Catalonia near Barcelona on this early-morning hot-air balloon excursion. Marvel at beautiful landmarks like Montserrat and the Pyrenees Mountains as you climb to heights of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters) during your 1- to 1.5-hour flight. Then head back down to earth for brunch with sparkling wine. Your hot-air balloon flight also includes a certificate, plus you can upgrade for a longer 2-hour or private flight.

Skip the crowded tourist boats, and book a small-group cruise to see the coastline around Formentera. With a maximum of just six people on board the boat, you'll enjoy a more intimate time at sea. Stop at two beaches to swim, snorkel, and use a stand-up paddleboard, and kick back with snacks on deck as you cruise. Lunch is not included, so you can bring your own or eat ashore.

Admire Barcelona’s skyline from the water without the expense of a private charter—or the crowds of a large cruise—on this small-group yacht trip. Board a sailing yacht with a maximum of nine guests and relax as you absorb the views and breezes, watch for dolphins, savor a drink and snack and, if the weather allows, stop for a swim. A choice of morning or afternoon departures offer flexibility.

Explore the Basque Country beyond San Sebastian on this full-day, small-group, guided tour. Get picked up at your hotel or apartment and set out to see the 10th-century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Stroll through the old town of Bilbao and along the riverbank to explore the striking Guggenheim Museum with an audio guide. Lunch in a traditional restaurant is included.

Spend a few hours exploring Tenerife’s southern coast on the “Ragnarok” viking ship. Set sail from Los Cristianos and admire picturesque island views while enjoying free beer, wine, or soft drinks. Keep an eye out for marine life: If you're lucky, you may see dolphins or whales.

Revel in the incredible mountain scenery of the Pyrenees on this full-day guided tour from Barcelona. Travel through the charming villages of the Pyrenees’ foothills by minivan, then ride a rack railway to Nuria Valley, a vision of green pastures and peaks overlooking a lake. Drink in the setting and crisp air, and enjoy free time to go hiking, horseback riding, or grab lunch at a traditional restaurant (all own expense).

Traverse the city of Cadiz on this 3-hour bike tour. Pedal past historic monuments and hidden gems as you learn about one of Europe’s oldest cities and how its port played an integral part in Spain’s history. Get insider tips from your guide on the best restaurants, bars, and places to visit and make the most out of your time in Cadiz.

Enter the mind of Salvador Dalí during this small-group tour of the surrealist’s preferred haunts with convenient hotel pickup from Barcelona. In addition to Figueres, the artist’s birthplace and home to the museum, you'll also check off Cadaqués, a coastal village along the Costa Brava, and Portlligat, a tiny fishing cove. Upgrade to book a private tour.

Experience the culture and cuisine of Barcelona beyond what you'd find independently on this small-group tour that takes you around the city on an electric bike. Ride through the atmospheric streets of the Catalonia's capital, to hidden squares and alleys, and leave the navigation to your guide. Stay fueled for adventure with tapas and wine at a local bar.

Stroll through the scenic neighborhoods of Albayzin and Sacromonte at sunset on this walking tour. Take in views of the Alhambra from a lookout in San Nicolas as the sun sinks. Accompanied by your guide, learn about the history of the neighborhoods and snap photographs in the fading light.

Sail off the coast of Tenerife and get the chance to spot dolphins and whales in the wild with this three-hour excursion. You'll also have the opportunity to jump straight into the waters to swim or snorkel, or you can just hang out on board and eat a catered lunch.

Explore the wild scenery of Spain’s Costa Brava—and enjoy a fun-filled, active day on the water—on this full-day trip from Barcelona. Meet at the Arc de Triomf, and head up the coast to the kayak center. Following an introduction, grab your kayak and gear and hit the water. Explore coves and caves by kayak and enjoy free time for swimming and snorkeling

Malaga's top sights—the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro castle, and harbor—line the city's seafront, but the best vantage point to appreciate how they sit together is from the water. This catamaran cruise leaves from Muelle Uno and rounds the bay, taking in the Costa del Sol skyline, La Malagueta beach, and the Malaga Bullring as the boat tracks the coastline.

Take a guided tour of UNESCO-listed Park Güell, designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. Follow your guide on an in-depth exploration of this magnificent site, checking out some of its most picturesque sights and learning about its eccentric designer. Along the way you're sure to enjoy the park's intricate tile work, colorful architecture, and stunning city views afforded by its hilltop location. Your Park Güell tour also includes entrance fees at the site.

This scuba dive and snorkel excursion in Costa Adeje is designed especially for beginners without much, or any, diving experience. You’ll be trained by a PADI-qualified instructor, and dive down to a depth of no more than 40 feet (12 meters). The lesson will be followed by a snorkeling safari in the Canary Islands, where you can see all kinds of colorful fish and sea life.

Enjoy a day out on the Mediterranean and cruising along the Ibiza coastline on this all-inclusive boat trip. You won’t have to worry about bringing drinks with you, as there’s an open bar with unlimited sangria, mojitos, beer, wine, soft drinks, and more. During the trip, you’ll be able to sunbathe, relax, or jump off the boat and go snorkeling. Conveniently, snorkel gear rental is included, so you'll be able to pack light.

Madrid travelers who want a great overview of the city—without the typical bus sightseeing experience—shouldn't miss this small-group bike tour to Madrid's top sights. Hop on your included bike, follow your guide, and enjoy the sun on your face as you see more of the city in only a few hours. Pass highlights like the Almudena Cathedral, Royal Palace of Madrid, and must-see Retiro Park.

Set sail from Playa de la Américas for a wild encounter with Tenerife’s resident dolphins and whales. Board the Royal Delfin, a specially designed catamaran with 16 panoramic 50" underwater windows for an up-close look at the local marine life. Depending on the season, you can glimpse playful bottlenose dolphins, majestic pilot whales, or even a migrating humpback.

Gran Canaria has more to offer than just lazing on the beach; see more of it and have an adventure at the same time with this kayak and snorkel tour from Playa de Mogan. With a private guide, you’ll paddle around the cliffs to the island’s volcanic caves, stopping to jump in the ocean and discover underwater sights, too.