It is official: the peak of peak season has arrived! August in Spain is the absolute pinnacle of the holiday season, so expect to see large crowds of locals and tourists alike making the most of their weeks off amidst soaring temperatures and abundant sunshine.
It’s the perfect time for a beach holiday, but even if sun and sand aren’t your vibe, you’ll find plenty to entertain you. August is a vibrant month when almost every city and region throws multiple fiestas and parties, each one a unique celebration of Spanish culture and traditions. Indulge in delicious local dishes, sip on excellent wine and immerse yourself in the excitement of these events. And if you’re looking for something truly memorable, you’re in luck! August is the time for one of Spain’s silliest events of the year.
So, let’s dive into our list of the top 10 things to do in Spain in August so you can start planning your perfect holiday!
- Ready, aim, tomato!
- Cool culture
- Adrenaline rush
- High life
- Fiesta fever
- Ice ice baby
- Running with the balls
- Eat, drink, rat, repeat
- Northern soul
- With or without a paddle
First things first: What’s the weather doing?
The short version? It’s hot hot hot!
In August, Spain experiences scorching temperatures, particularly in inland cities like Madrid, which regularly reaches 34°C, and Seville and Cordoba which can surpass 38 °C.
The Costa Del Sol, the Canaries, and the Balearics offer more comfortable beach weather, with highs averaging around 28°C. The northern regions, like Basque Country and Galicia, experience more mellow temperatures around 23°C. Meanwhile, the mountainous regions of the Spanish Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa offer much fresher climates.
Sea temperatures are beautiful, sitting at around 23-24°C on the Costa Brava, around 24°C around the islands, 22-23°C on the Atlantic coast of Andalucía and a refreshing average of 20°C on the north coast.
See how many of these fantastic events you can fit into your Spanish summer holiday itinerary!
Ready, aim, tomato!
Another month, another wild and wonderful Spanish festival. In June, Haro hosted their wine wars. In July, it was Pamplona’s running with the bulls. In August, it’s the turn of Buñol and the country’s messiest festival yet, La Tomatina, where thousands of people gather to pelt each other with ripe tomatoes!
On the last Wednesday of August, over 100 tons of the fruity missiles are trucked into the centre of this small town. Then, all hell breaks loose as friends and foes let their overripe projectiles fly. After an hour, the madness subsides, the fire service arrive to hose down the people and streets, and the event relocates into venues across the town with live music, free-flowing drinks, and traditional dishes – probably containing tomato!
It’s thought that this chaotic tradition began with a food fight at a parade over 70 years ago and that people enjoyed it so much that they decided to make it an annual affair. This much-loved tradition has now been going on for decades and is the highlight of the area’s summer calendar.
Its popularity grew and grew until it attracted upwards of 50,000 people annually. These days, the event is ticketed and limited to 20,000 people, so if you want to be part of La Tomatina, get your tickets organised early! Then dress in old clothes, leave your phones and electronics at the hotel, and prepare for one of the maddest, most exuberant experiences of your life!
Do your kids want to take part? La Tomatina does not technically have an age restriction, but kids under 14 are not encouraged. Instead, they can take part in their own battle. La Tomatina Infantil has been running since 2013 and is the perfect way for kids 4 to 14 to experience the fun in a safe way. It takes place on the last Saturday of the month.
Accommodation for La Tomatina sells out fast, so book as far ahead as you can to avoid disappointment. If Buñol is sold out, nearby Valencia is a great option with plenty of hotel choices, and you won’t be the only tomato-stained tourist making your way back there on the train.
Cool culture
Do you want to know the secret to staying cool in Spain in August while still making the most of your time there? Air conditioning! Specifically, the air conditioning in the many fantastic art galleries and museums that this country has to offer. It’s a great way to escape the heat while absorbing the culture, and since the country is bursting with art and history centres, you’ll find great options no matter where you’re staying.
Barcelona offers the Picasso Museum, Banksy Gallery, Joan Miró Foundation, and National Museum of Catalonian Art. Malaga boasts its own Picasso Museum, while Salvador Dali’s Theatre-Museum is in Figueres. Seville, Cordoba, Valencia, and Bilbao house fine art museums, with the latter also hosting the architectural wonder of the Guggenheim. And, of course, Madrid is a treasure trove of galleries, including the famous Golden Triangle of Art: Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museo Nacional, home to some of the country’s most important works. And that’s without mentioning any of the many smaller, independent galleries.
Similarly, when it comes to museums you have choices for all tastes from centres dedicated to archeology, western history, railways, or the military, to more niche subjects like chocolate, perfume, jewellery, and even cheese! There is something for everyone and plenty to entertain and delight children, too. Check out interactive places like CosmoCaixa Barcelona, the National Museum of Science and Technology in A Coruna, Science Park in Granada, Madrid’s Sweet Space or the groundbreaking Ikono Immersive Exhibit.
And don’t think the culture is limited to the mainland; the Canaries and Balerics are peppered with galleries. Mallorca is home to its own Miró foundation, while Ibiza has fantastic galleries and museums tucked into the walls of its old town in Eivissa. Tenerife is home to the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, while Lanzarote even has an underwater museum! (We realise that one won’t live up to the air conditioning promise, but exploring it is guaranteed to keep you cool anyway!)
Book accommodation in your favourite region of Spain now and start deciding which cool cultural enclave you want to visit first!
Adrenaline rush
If you’re heading to Spain in August, chances are you’re travelling with kids, so it’s the perfect time to check out one of Spain’s best family-friendly theme parks. Here are some of the top ones to try:
- PortAventura World, Tarragona: Spain’s largest theme parks is actually three separate ones: PortAventura Park for classic rides and rollercoasters, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park for all the water slides you could wish for, and Parque Ferrari Land! Yep, that’s a Ferrari-themed park! There are rides, activities, and experiences for all ages and adrenaline levels, as well as parades, performances, and themed shows.
- Tibidabo Amusement Park, Barcelona: This spot is a fantastic day out for the whole family. The park has roller coasters, rides and a vintage arcade with old-fashioned amusements, while the surrounding hilltop nature reserve offers miles of hiking trails and picnic areas with stunning panoramic city views.
- Siam Park, Tenerife: This Thai-themed park is one of the biggest water parks in Europe. It’s packed with experiences, including high-speed high-adrenaline rides, children’s fun zones, lazy rivers, surf machines, sandy beaches, a Sea Lion centre, and even a floating market.
- Parque Warner Madrid ticketParque Warner, Madrid: For those who like their thrills with a side of Hollywood. This is the place for your family to enjoy all your favourite fandoms, including superhero zones, cartoon worlds and a waterpark for when it’s time to cool off.
- Isla Magica, Seville: Located close to the city centre, this family-friendly park is split into zones for different ages and interests. There are thrill rides, baby parks, splash zones and historical adventures. Plus, live performances featuring pirates, Andalusian cowboys, flamenco dancers and circus performers.
Several of these parks offer onsite accommodation which allows you to really immerse yourself in the theme park worlds. But if you only fancy a day trip, check out hotels near the park you choose.
High life
During the sweltering month of August, anywhere you can find a cool breeze or drop in temperature is a godsend. For this reason, many locals abandon the coastal regions and cities in favour of cooler mountain climes, where hiking is a popular summer pastime.
The Spanish Pyrenees boasts a vast network of well-marked trails suitable for all levels of hikers, from short strolls to challenging multi-day treks and climbs that require knowledgeable guides and proper equipment.
Take to the hills and enjoy fresh breezes amid stunning landscapes of verdant forests, wildflower-filled meadows, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. Wildlife also thrives in the summer, so watch for marmots, chamois, and eagles as you wander the mountain trails.
A great base for exploring is Espot in Catalonia, a popular spot for hikers. This mountain town affords easy access to Pyrenees trails of all lengths and levels and also Catalonia’s only National Park, Aigüestortes I Estany de Sant Maurici.
Book accommodation in Espot now, then start planning your hiking routes!
Fiesta fever
August’s cultural events calendar is bursting with traditional festivals. Here are the top ten to check out:
- Fiestas de Gràcia: One of Barcelona’s loveliest districts celebrates its individuality with this colourful street party, showcasing Catalan culture, music and dance.
- Feria de Málaga: A week-long extravaganza of Andalusian culture, including flamenco music, delicious cuisine, parades of Andalusian horses, and fireworks displays.
- New Year in Granada: In 1994, the village of Bérchules suffered a power cut on New Year’s Eve. To ensure the party is never cut short again, they now celebrate New Year on the first Sunday of August with grape eating, cava drinking, festive songs, a parade of the three kings, and fake snow.
- Festival de Grec in Barcelona: A fantastic arts and cultural celebration centred at the Theatre Grec amphitheatre but with events throughout the city.
- Cuéllar Bull Run: If you missed the running of the bulls in Pamplona, don’t worry. Head to Cuéllar on the last Sunday in August for the oldest bull run in the country.
- La Triada del Agua in Telde, Gran Canaria: Held to honour the times when people had to carry water to irrigate the land, this festival is now a giant water fight and street party.
- The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Paloma, Madrid: Street parties are held to celebrate ‘the Virgin of the Dove’ in Madrid’s La Latina neighbourhood, which also happens to be the hub of the city’s best tapas culture!
- International Festival, Santander: One of Spain’s oldest music festivals showcases classical music, opera, ballet and theatre performances by visiting international companies.
- The Festival Internacional del Cante de las Minas, Murcia: One of the world’s best flamenco festivals featuring song, dance, and flamenco guitar competitions.
- Viking Festival, Catoira: On the first Sunday in August residents dress up as Vikings to reenact an ancient battle. After the Galician victory, enjoy food, music, and theatrical performances late into the night.
Fancy attending one of these festivals? Book accommodation in your chosen city now to avoid missing out!
Ice ice baby
If the August sun is just too much, there’s only one thing for it: head to Icebarcelona for the perfect antidote to the summer heat.
The whole family is welcome at this memorable venue. Enter this beachside bar to discover that inside, everything — the bar, the chairs, the decor — is made from solid ice. The temperature is so low that you have to layer up in the warm gear provided before stepping into the igloo-like space. Sip on ice-cold cocktails (or soft drinks) as you marvel at the hand-carved ice sculptures decorating the cool venue. Then, when you’ve had enough, head back outside with a new respect for the Spanish sunshine!
Fancy cooling off in style? Book your dream accommodation in Barcelona now and add the ice bar to your itinerary!
Running with the balls
Do you dream of running with bulls in Pamplona or Cuéllar but are concerned about animal rights or fear getting gored or trampled? Don’t worry; the Boloencierro event in Mataelpino offers a lower-risk, animal-friendly alternative.
Mataelpino, just north of Madrid, holds an annual week-long fiesta in honour of San Bartolome, which used to involve the traditional bull running. However, one year, when the town did not have the budget for the bulls, they came up with a fun alternative. Instead of rampaging bulls, there is a giant ball measuring approximately three metres wide and painted with a jaunty image of a bull. This ball rolled and bounced behind a horde of competitors as they raced through the streets to the finish in the town’s bull ring.
This innovation was such a hit that the town has continued with it ever since. And the innovative twist on traditional bull running has earned Mataelpino global fame, with the Boloencierro being included on lists of unusual and unique events around the world.
Though the ball has no horns, it does weigh almost 300 kilos and, by the end of the race, can be moving at about 50 km/hr, so there is still a danger to competitors. For this reason, there is a child-friendly event where children are chased by six much smaller balls — weighing about 40 kg each.
Fancy running with the balls? Look for accommodation in Mataelpino or the surrounding area now.
Eat, drink, eat, repeat
Life in Spain is always about eating and drinking well, but in August you can really throw yourself into this culture with a range of food and drink festivals happening around the country. Aspiring foodies, put these events on your calendar immediately:
- Somontano Wine Festival, Barbastro draws thousands of wine lovers from all over the world to enjoy vineyard tours, taste the region’s prize-winning wines, and enjoy plates of perfectly prepared tapas accompanied by live music.
- Cheese Festival, Arenas de Cabrales: This one is a love-it-or-hate-it affair in honour of the Asturias region’s most famous – and most pungent – export, the Queso de Cabrales. You can sample this strong blue cheese year-round, but on the last Sunday of August, you can celebrate it in all its stinky glory. There are demonstrations of traditional cheese-making processes, games, open-air parties, parades, and competitions to see who makes the best queso.
- The Natural Cider Festival, Gijón: In the last week of August, celebrate Asturias’ favourite beverage: the tart, cloudy, almost flat cider that they produce by the gallon. Enjoy tastings, pouring competitions, and traditional performances, then take part in the annual world record-breaking Simultaneous Cider Pour on Poniente Beach.
- Noche de Vino, Competa: On August 15th, celebrates the start of the harvest season when workers would head out to the countryside vineyards and not return for several months. The festival involves parades, displays of wine treading, and free food and drink!|
- Octopus Festival, O Carballiño: On the second Sunday of August, join the tens of thousands of people heading to O Carballiño in Galicia to enjoy the most delicious octopus in the country. Wander around the town’s municipal park, watch the traditional Galician festivities, and sample delicious octopus dishes from the many open-air stalls. You’ll find it being served in a variety of ways, but the most traditional is boiled then seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, and paprika.
- Fiesta de la Vendimia, Requena celebrates the start of the wine harvest with a bang, literally. Expect fireworks displays and the ritual burning of a giant wine-themed structure. The celebrations are held at the end of the month and extend into September.
Do any of these festivals tickle your tastebuds? Book accommodation near your chosen event now to avoid missing out!
Northern soul
If the sizzling temperatures of Spain’s southern and inland regions are too much, consider exploring the cooler northern Basque country instead. With a more palatable temperature, a packed events calendar, and a character unlike anywhere else in Spain, it’s a fantastic holiday destination.
Basque country has something for everyone. Dynamic, artistic Bilbao offers a chance for urban exploration, while the world-famous seaside town of San Sebastian offers stunning beaches and some of the best food in the country, if not the world. A drive along the northern coast will take you to underpopulated beaches that equal the beauty of those in the south while offering more refreshing sea temperatures. Inland the vineyard-strewn valleys of Rioja are a haven for wine lovers. While the Navarran Pyrenees are an adventure playground for summer hikers and cyclists who want to enjoy cooler mountain climes.
If you visit during August, you can catch the Flamenco On Fire festival in Pamplona. This is a unique event since the south is usually the seat of Flamenco in Spain. Expect innovative, groundbreaking performances that bend the rules of the genre.
August also marks Semana Grande, or Great Week, in Bilbao and San Sebastian. This nine-day festival celebrates all things Basque with concerts, fireworks, traditional folk dancing, theatrical performances, and bullfights. It also features quirky events like the Bilbao Strong Man event and the hilarious Concurso de Feos (The Ugly Competition), in which participants must pull the ugliest face to win. The week of fiestas is a great chance to glimpse traditional Basque culture and enjoy a fantastic party at the same time.
Want to experience Basque Country in August? Pick your favourite spot and book your accommodation now!
With or without a paddle
Paddles at the ready for the biggest event of the Asturian calendar, the International Descent of Sella River! On the first Saturday of August, over 1,000 professional competitors from around the world arrive at Arriondas, a small town in the foothills of the Picos de Europa, to participate in one of the world’s most important canoe and kayaking events. The course is 20 km long and starts in Arriondas and finishes in Ribadesella, a coastal village at the mouth of the Sella River. Currently, the record finishing time stands at 1 hour and 1 minute.
But really, the race is just an excuse for the main event – the party! The celebrations kick off the night before in Arriondas and continue in Ribadesella after the race finishes. Pick one place to enjoy the festivities, or catch both by boarding the flower-bedecked river train that sets off from Arriondas and follows the racers down the river, delivering you to Ribadesella in time to cheer at the finish line.
If you miss the race weekend, don’t worry. Paddling the Sella River is not just for professionals. Outside of competition day, anyone is welcome to hire a kayak from one of several rental outlets and canoe sections of the course enjoying the crystal-clear waters and stunning Asturian scenery. The rental companies will even pick you up downriver, making everything as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Fancy giving it a go? Book accommodation in Asturias now. If you want to be there for race day, make sure you book well in advance.
Top tips for travelling in Spain in August
Some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your summer holiday in Spain:
- It has never been more important to book ahead. August is the absolute peak of peak season so you can expect accommodation and flights to be booked up well in advance, especially around the most popular festivals – such as La Tomatina. Book ahead to find the best prices and avoid disappointment.
- Pre-planning is also essential for experiences, activities and popular tourist sights. Book all the activities you can online ahead of time to get the time slots you want and, crucially, avoid endless ticket queues on the day. Also, when booking your tickets online, check the details because many tickets come with discounted or free entry to other sights in the same city, so you can bag yourself a bargain!
- August is not just peak summer but peak school holidays so expect there to be a lot of children around. If you are not travelling with children, consider booking an adults only hotel to ensure some peace and quiet around the pool.
- The sun is extremely strong in Spain in August even in the cooler areas of the country. Apply and reapply sunscreen, wear long sleeves, a hat and sunglasses for added protection and drink plenty of water (wine doesn’t count!). And, consider getting out of the sun altogether between noon and 3pm.
- Lastly – book a room with an air con! It’s well worth the extra cost and you can thank us later.
So what do you think of our top 10 things to do in Spain in August?
Do any of our top things to do in Spain in August take your fancy? Do you want to hurl ripe tomatoes at your friends and family? Sample stinky cheese and delicious octopus? Paddle down a crystal clear river? Or hike through breathtaking scenery?
Whichever activity takes your fancy, book your perfect accommodation now and start planning your itinerary, (and practising your tomato throwing technique).
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Spain in September.
I am a huge fan of Spain and knew I would be before I’d ever set foot there. Any country where meals last for hours and afternoon naps are part of the culture is always going to be right up my street! And it did not disappoint. From beach holidays in the Canaries to working in the Balearics to road-tripping through the mainland and city breaks in the country’s urban hubs, I have returned again and again to Spain and will continue to do so for years to come.