Extreme Holidays in Spain

You might think of Spain as a place for afternoon siestas and late night fiestas but this is a country full of incredible outdoor adventure holidays.

Explore the whitewashed villages and wild mountain scenery of the Pyrenees on this family-friendly guided walking holiday. Or cycle the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim route with soaring cathedrals and hushed convents along the way.

1. La Tomatina

If you’ve seen the movie ZNMD, then chances are you have that undying urge to go on a road trip with friends and celebrate a crazy festival like La Tomatina in Spain. Well, we’re not going to lie, it sounds pretty awesome and is definitely worth doing at least once in your lifetime! So grab a few friends and hit the road for this crazy food fight in Bunol, near Valencia.

La Tomatina is one of the most unique and absurd festivals in all of Spain. The tomato fight takes place every year on the last Wednesday of August, though the partying actually starts earlier in the week. It is held in honor of the town’s patron saint, St Louis Bertrand and the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Mother of God of the Defenseless).

The history behind this crazy festival dates back to 1945. During a street parade featuring musicians, Giants and Big-Heads figures, some young people started throwing tomatoes at each other. This caused the costumed performers to lose their heads, and the frenzied crowd decided to repeat the next year. This led to the annual food flinging festival that is now celebrated in more than 30 countries around the world!

While the main event is the hour long tomato fight, there are plenty of other things to do in Bunol during the week of festivities. You can visit the 13th-century Bunol Castle or take a scenic hike to the pristine Cueva de Turche waterfall. You can also sample Spain’s famous paella dishes at the numerous restaurants in town. The village has limited accommodation options so most participants stay in the nearby city of Valencia and make a day trip to Bunol for the tomato fight.

If you want to experience the craziness of La Tomatina in style, consider booking a tour with a company that offers combo packages which include roundtrip bus tickets. A popular option is the 8 day 7 night La Tomatina and Spain Adventure tour that departs from Madrid, visits Toledo, Barcelona and then finally Bunol for the crazy tomato fighting festival.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Spain has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Madrid airport will cost about 19 euros per day, in Valencia Airport - about 18 euros per day.

2. Paragliding

Spain is more than just sun-drenched beaches and flamenco nights, it’s a country with rugged beauty, exciting outdoor adventures and a rich heritage that you can experience by foot, bike or air. With one of Europe’s best climates and a varied landscape from mountains to valleys, cliffs to plains, it is an ideal destination for a variety of adventure holidays – whatever your age or skill level.

For a great way to get the most out of this beautiful country, opt for a guided walking or cycling holiday. Walk along the Camino de Santiago for a spiritual journey or cycle through the Spanish Pyrenees to discover a wilder side to this mountainous region. Or, for a more serene adventure, choose to trek around the island of Mallorca or Ibiza on a tranquil hiking holiday.

Paragliding is also a fantastic way to experience Spain from the sky and soar through the Spanish mountains, valleys and countryside with the help of a professional tandem pilot. There are plenty of places in the country to fly, but the most famous place for paragliding is La Lastra del Cano in the Sierra Nevada where a number of European records have been broken.

You can also glide over the Mediterranean sea on a paragliding trip in Mallorca, soar over the cliffs of the Alpujarras or if you’re feeling adventurous, soar above the stunning white beaches of Tenerife. You will be completely safe as you glide from high up in the air and enjoy the breathtaking views across this beautiful country.

So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in the sun, look no further than an unforgettable Spain adventure holiday with Macs Adventure. From surfing to hiking, trekking to cycling and more, you can find the perfect tour for you. You’ll see a different side to this amazing country and have the trip of a lifetime! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure holiday in Spain today. You won’t regret it.

3. Ibiza Yoga

The island of Ibiza is best known for its party scene but it also has a calmer, wellness-focused side. It’s a perfect destination for a yoga holiday. The beautiful beach and tranquil setting are the perfect place to deepen your yoga practice and to learn more about the philosophy and history of the discipline. The weeklong yoga retreat is a fantastic way to relax, recharge and meet new people. During the retreat, you can enjoy daily yoga classes and meditation as well as evening yoga theory talks to help you take your self-practise to the next level.

This yoga and spa retreat was designed for beginner and intermediate yogis. You’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Ibiza while learning to relax your body and mind during morning and afternoon yoga classes and guided relaxation sessions. The retreat includes a full breakfast and dinner and you’ll have the opportunity to try out a variety of relaxing massages. During the weeklong wellness holiday, you’ll be able to strengthen your core, relax your mind and increase your flexibility.

You’ll experience a more in-depth transformation on this unique Ibiza yoga retreat that combines kundalini and yin yogic practices. The retreat is led by a yoga teacher and life coach who uses a combination of movement, breathing techniques and meditation to activate meridian points, improve immune function and raise levels of serotonin and dopamine. The seven-night retreat takes place in a luxury villa and includes yoga classes, one-to-one coaching sessions, healthy meals and an abundance of activities.

Spain is a country that is much more than its mouthwatering cuisine and fascinating culture. It’s also a destination where you can find plenty of adventure. And with Macs Adventure offering a range of Spain adventure holidays, you can discover the true spirit of the country. Whether it’s walking the Camino de Santiago, taking part in a cycling challenge or exploring Andalusia by train, you’ll be able to indulge your wildest side while still experiencing the warmth and friendliness that is so iconic of the Spanish people.

4. Cycling

Spain’s wild scenery is just one of the reasons for the country’s appeal as a destination for adventurous holidays. There’s a huge variety of outdoor adventures to choose from, including walking, cycling and rock climbing in a range of regions. From the rugged peaks of the Pyrenees to the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, our adventure trips explore a landscape which is as varied as the Spanish people themselves; infused with passion and spirit.

A favourite with hikers, walking holidays in Spain can be a wonderful way to experience the country’s wild beauty and local culture. From gentle strolls in the secluded coves of the Balearic Islands to a full traverse of the Sierra Nevada mountains, we have walks to suit all levels of ability. We even offer a family walking holiday for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with the kids in tow.

For a more challenging hiking holiday, try the Camino de Santiago. This pilgrimage route has been in use for thousands of years and leads to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The trip starts in the regal city of Leon and passes through the wheat fields and hushed convents before culminating in a spectacular finale in the cathedral, which is said to be where the remains of Saint James the Apostle are buried.

Cycling is another activity that can be enjoyed year round in Spain. This is thanks to the mild weather and wide variety of scenic routes that can be ridden. Our cycling holidays include a cycling tour of the unspoilt inland region of Alicante where you will stay in quaint Spanish villages. You can also ride along the rocky coast of Mallorca with a cycling tour that takes in picturesque coves and olive groves.

If you want to add a little extra thrill to your bike riding holiday in Spain, consider hiring an electric bike. These are available on most of our cycling tours and allow you to explore a little further than you could on conventional bicycles, making the most of your time in the saddle.