July brings the undeniable start of peak season in Spain! The country shimmers under hours of sunshine and sizzles with rising temperatures. The festival calendar kicks up yet another notch, the beaches are the place to be, the cities burst with colourful fiestas and unique events occur all over the country.
Spain in July promises a fantastic time with unforgettable experiences at every turn. To help you plan a holiday that takes in as much of these as possible, we’ve compiled this list of top 10 things to see and do in Spain in July. And trust me, this month has some great ones!
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
- A whole lot of bull
- Beach bums
- Alfresco film fest
- These heels were made for running
- Is that a whale?
- Viva la fiesta!
- Shave and a haircut
- Dive in
- Altitude fitness
- Chasing waterfalls
First things first: What’s the weather doing?
July is peak summer in Spain, and that means plenty of sunshine and blissfully high temperatures. But, the heat can be too much in some places. The inland city of Madrid can get scorching, with an average temperature of 25°C and highs reaching around 33°C. Granada and Seville are some of the hottest cities in Spain, reaching highs of 36°C thanks to the hot, dry winds that blow in from the Sahara.
If that sounds too much for you, head for the Balerics instead, these sun-soaked islands offer over 11 hours of sunshine a day but have much more reasonable highs of 30°C. Visit coastal cities like Barcelona and Valencia for highs of around 28-30°C. And if that’s still too hot for you, head for the northern coast where San Sebastian and Bilbao enjoy a perfect average of 22°C.
And as for rain? What rain! It’s a rarity in Spain in July, except for the occasional shower in the north. So leave the anoraks at home and pack plenty of sunscreen instead.
Ready to start planning your itinerary? Make sure you include some of these fantastic sights and events!
A whole lot of bull
July hosts one of Spain’s most iconic and action-packed events of the year – the running of the bulls in Pamplona. I’m sure you’ve seen footage of thousands of people gathering in this usually quiet northern town. They line the streets and hang out of windows to watch the brave – or foolhardy – competitors race through the streets ahead of a herd of fighting bulls. It’s an adrenaline-fuelled experience that’s on many people’s bucket lists. But be warned, participation is highly dangerous, and the chances of getting bruised, trampled, or even gored in this controversial event are pretty high.
However, you don’t have to participate in the runs to enjoy this fascinating festival. Held from the 6th to 14th of July every year, the Festival of San Fermín is held to celebrate the city’s patron saint. It dates back centuries and is a week-long fiesta of food, drink, parties, concerts, and parades that are far easier to enjoy if you haven’t just been injured by an angry bull!
Want to wake up to the thundering of hooves and the cheers of the crowd? Book your bed in Pamplona well in advance, as accommodation books up fast for this event!
Beach bums
You don’t need us to tell you that July in Spain is peak beach season, and chances are you’re planning to spend some serious time on the sand during your holiday. But why not mix it up this year by checking out one of Spain’s most liberating traditions, the nudist beach!
An institution in Spain, naturist beaches are scattered all across the coastline – over 400 of them, in fact. That gives you plenty of opportunities to bare it all under the Spanish sun and experience the thrill of a daytime skinny dip. As an added bonus, these beaches tend to be a little off the beaten track, at the far end of more popular beaches or tucked into hidden coves. Ideal for escaping the summer crowds.
Here are some of the best nudist beaches in Spain to check out:
- In Catalonia, you can get nude in the city on Barcelona’s Sant Sebastià or Mar Bella beaches, both of which have dedicated nudist areas. If you’d rather be somewhere more discreet, Playa de La Musclera is a quieter option 40 minutes outside the city. Playa del Torn in Tarragona is a must-visit as it is regularly named one of the best naturist beaches in Europe.
- Andalucía is home to the secluded but lengthy Playa de Vera, which is backed by nudist-friendly cafes and restaurants and a naturist hotel. Playa Cantarrijan is a popular spot for nudists and also snorkelling.
- If you’re escaping the heat in northern Spain, head to beautiful Playa de Covachos in Cantabria or Playa de Torimbia in Asturia, a stunning shell-shaped cove that has been a nudist enclave since the 1960s.
- The Canary Islands are littered with nudist beaches, including a section of Playa Maspalomas, one of the most famous beaches in Gran Canaria. Playa de Cofete and Playa del Matorral are two beautiful options on Fuerteventura. And Tenerife offers you Playa de Benijo in the north, Playa de la Tejita to the south and the soft black sands of Playa de Las Gaviotas.
- Take a break from partying in the Balearics and enjoy a little time out on one of many nudist beaches. Playa des Cavallet in Ibiza has a nudist section popular with the LGBTQ+ community. Playa des Trenc is a beautiful option in Mallorca, and pristine Cala Escorxada is the best spot in Menorca. Peaceful Formentera has several options, of which stunning Playa de Ses Illetes is the most beautiful.
Lose your inhibitions and your bikini and head to one of these fantastic locations to enjoy a freeing experience in some stunning surroundings. Why not book a hotel right by the beach to maximise your time on the sand? Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Alfresco film fest
Film buffs, listen up. This is your chance to enjoy an outdoor cinema experience beside the walls of the Montjuïc Castle in Barcelona. What better way to spend a balmy Spanish summer night?
The Sala Montjuïc Film Festival has been running for 20 years and is a staple of the Barcelona summer calendar. The setting is fantastic, there’s a bar and restaurant on site (although you are welcome to take a picnic), and the evening starts with live music before the film.
The schedule offers a mixture of genres showcasing cult classics, current hits, indie features, short films, musicals and animations. They are shown in their original language with Spanish subtitles when necessary, and there are three screenings a week from 28 June to 02 August 2024.
Fancy a film night under the stars? Book accommodation near Montjuïc now, then start planning your movie snacks.
These heels were made for running
LGBTQ+ visitors, allies and athletes will want to head to Madrid in July to enjoy one of the country’s most impressive Pride events. Madrid’s Pride, or Orgullo, kicks off at the end of June, but the must-see events are in July: one of the largest Pride Parades in Europe and the city’s iconic High Heel Race.
You’ll need to arrive early for a good spot to watch this fun and frantic event that draws thousands of participants and spectators. Competitors don their high heels – up to 15 cm high – and their choice of sportswear, costumes, or full drag, to race down Calle Pelayo in Chueca, the city’s famous gay district. The event starts with several qualifying rounds before the thrilling finals. Then, once everyone’s got their breath back, the night descends into one big party with performances, celebrations and colourful revelry. All in the name of love and diversity.
If you can’t make it to Madrid, don’t worry. Barcelona’s Pride is another fantastic event with a parade that rivals Madrid’s. The celebrations take place annually in June or July, and in 2024 will be on 18th to 21st July.
Want to strap on some heels and race to victory? Book your hotel room in Madrid now to ensure a good night’s sleep beforehand.
Is that a whale?
Tarifa, in the far south of Spain, is mostly known for its exceptional watersports, but in July and August, it’s also a hotspot for whale watchers! For two months in the summer, you can spot majestic Orca making their way through the Straits of Gibraltar on the hunt for the bluefin tuna which migrate through the Straits during this season.
Tarifa juts out into the Straits, making it the perfect jumping-off point for a whale-watching trip. And you’ll find a choice of boat companies offering guided tours for this unforgettable experience.
Alongside knowledgeable local guides, you’ll be able to see orcas in their natural habitat, learn about their migration patterns and behaviours, and spot other marine life, including pilot whales, several species of dolphins and sea birds that live in these waters year round. Plus, since the whales tend to hug the Moroccan coast, you’ll get to cruise close to Tangier for an unforgettable sightseeing opportunity.
For a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these marine giants up close, book a hotel in Tarifa in July and August and hop aboard a boat.
Viva la fiesta!
If you thought June’s events calendar was full, you ain’t seen nothing yet! July in Spain is a riot of festivals and celebrations from one end of the country to the other. Here’s a small sample of what’s on offer:
- For music lovers, you’ve got a couple of great festivals to choose from. The Benicàssim Music Festival in Valencia is a massive three-day rock, pop, indie, and electronica music festival fighting to become Spain’s biggest and best. Another contender for that title is Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival, where you’ll find huge bands and eclectic artists to suit all tastes across three days. In Barcelona, you’ve got the Reggaeton Beach Festival for pure summer vibes, while in Bilbao, it’s all about rock and pop in a stunning location at Bilbao BBK Live.
- If you like your music a little less chart and a little more cultural, you’ve no end of choices. Check out the San Sebastian Jazz Festival, Ortigueira’s Festival of the Celtic World, and Cordoba’s International Guitar Festival. Or catch a concert in a fantastic setting during the Nights In The Gardens Of The Royal Alcazar, Seville.
- The International Festival of Music and Dance is one of the pinnacles of Granada’s events calendar. And in Barcelona, the Festival del Grec is the cultural event of the summer featuring dance, theatre, music, film and circus performances.
- Of course, this being Spain, there’s always a saint’s day, city fair or neighbourhood fiesta to enjoy too! In July, Barcelona celebrates its diverse Raval neighbourhood, Madrid fills the city with cultural and leisure events for Veranos de la Villa, and Seville celebrates Velá de Santa Ana. Valencia holds its annual fair, with events taking place all month, as well as a Gelato Festival at Malvarrosa Beach. And on 16th July, coastal locations all around the country celebrate the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen in honour of the patron saint of fishermen. The day is marked with street parties and parades, colourful flotillas of boats take to the seas and abundant freshly caught seafood is grilled and served along the beaches.
Accommodation fills up quickly around festival dates, so if you have your heart set on one of these events, book your hotel in Spain as early as possible to avoid disappointment!
Shave and a haircut
For a truly unique event and display of traditional skill, head to Sabucedo in Galicia, for the A Rapa das Bestas festival. The name translates to “shearing of the beasts” and is a centuries-old festival held every year in the first week of July.
The rugged hills around Sabucedo are home to herds of wild horses, and once a year, villagers head out to round them up, drive them to town and into a corral. Once there, it’s time for teams of men, or aloitadores, to display their bravery and skill as they subdue the horses before shaving their manes and tails. Unlike in other towns in Spain, the aloitadores of Sabucedo do this barehanded without the aid of sticks or ropes to show their skills at handling the wild animals.
The origins of this tradition date back to when farmers would corral the wild horses to tame and use for agricultural work. These days, it is a spectacle used to display the community’s connection to its past and the continuing skills of the young men, who often see participating in this event as a test of courage, a celebration of Galician heritage, and a rite of passage.
This event has garnered some disapproval in modern times as animal rights activists complain that it is no longer necessary and that it stresses wild animals for no reason. In response, vets now oversee the proceedings, providing medical attention where needed and microchipping young foals for monitoring.
The event takes place over three days, and locals, Spaniards from further afield, and increasingly more and more international tourists gather to watch this unique event. In true Spanish style, the event is marked with a fiesta, and the town comes alive with traditional music, dancing, plenty of drinks, and local delicacies.
Book your bed in Sabucedo now if you want to catch a glimpse of bygone traditions and the Galician spirit at the Rapa das Bestas festival.
Dive in
Spain doesn’t often appear on lists of the top global scuba diving locations, but it really should. This underrated destination offers excellent diving along its extensive coastline and islands and has an abundance of dive schools offering courses and dives from intro to advanced.
And, although you can dive all year round in some Spanish locations, including the Canaries, July is the start of the best scuba season across Spain. The water warms up, no rain means clearer visibility, and balmy temperatures make taking a ride on a dive boat a lovely day out.
You can take your pick of underwater features to explore, including walls, reefs, canyons, chimneys, soft coral forests, sea cliffs and shipwrecks. And, crucially, the marine life is varied and abundant. You’ll likely see large shoals of fish, octopus, barracudas, moray eels, sea horses and nudibranchs (small, fantastically colourful sea slugs that are always a joy to spot). You could also see blue sharks along the northern coast, whales along the Straits of Gibraltar, turtles and rays in the Canary Islands and, if you’re lucky, even the incredible sunfish off the coast of Andalucía.
For some of the best diving, head to one of the country’s many marine reserves, like the Medes Islands, Cabo de Gata, or Islas Hormigas – consistently voted one of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean.
Fancy checking out the underwater world? Book accommodation close to the marine reserves to cut down on your dive commute!
Altitude fitness
You might not think of summer as the best season for hiking in Spain due to the punishing heat, but if you know where to go, it can be the perfect time! The Sierra Nevada Mountains are ideal for hiking in July and August. The altitude keeps the temperatures blissful, the winter snow has finally melted away, opening up all the trails, and you can enjoy stunning views of sparkling lakes and wildflower-filled meadows.
Summer weather in the Sierra Nevada tends to be stable, with clear blue skies and almost no rain. As you climb, the air will get fresher, and welcome breezes will keep you cool. This mountain range offers hikes for all abilities and stamina. You can enjoy a day hike through the foothills, tackle the highest peaks, Mulhacén and Veleta, or embark on a multi-day excursion, sleeping out under the stars.
If you fancy a more advanced hike but are not an experienced climber, we suggest joining an organised tour to ensure your safety. Plus, it’ll maximise your enjoyment as experienced guides take you on all the best routes and teach you about the local ecology.
Fancy tackling the Sierra Nevada? Granada makes an excellent base for hikers, and you’ll find a range of accommodations for all tastes. Alternatively, book a bed in one of the smaller villages of the Poquiera Gorge.
Chasing waterfalls
Tired of the beaches? Take a break from the scorching sand and enjoy a refreshing dip in the emerald pool of a cascading waterfall instead!
Cueva del Turche is a breathtaking natural wonder just outside Buñol in Valencia. This hidden gem boasts a 60-meter-high waterfall tumbling over limestone rocks into a crystal-clear pool below, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its refreshing waters. Although it’s a beautiful spot year-round, July is the ideal time to visit because that’s when the waterfall has the greatest volume of water flowing over it. Plus, the balmy summer temperatures make the cool waters even more inviting.
Getting to the falls is easy enough; it’s just 2.5 km outside Buñol. You can hike to it, take a taxi or drive as there is a car park on-site with a €5 charge. Once there, enjoy a short walk (5 -10 minutes) through lush scenery before arriving at the waterfall. There, you’ll find a recreation area with picnic tables but no other amenities, so make sure to take a picnic and bring plenty of water and sunscreen with you.
Swim across the pool to explore the cave hidden behind the falls. And if that’s not enough exercise for you, follow the hiking trails up to the Mirador de la Cueva Turche, a viewpoint where you can look down on the waterfall and pool and out across the surrounding countryside to Buñol.
Want to escape the crowded summer beaches and hunt down this beautiful hidden spot? Pack your swimsuit and hiking boots and book your accommodation in Buñol, Valencia, now.
Top tips for travelling in Spain in July
Here are a few things to remember to make the most of your holiday to Spain in July:
- During peak season, things book up quickly, so book your accommodation and travel as far in advance as possible to get your first choice at the best price.
- Similarly, booking ahead for major sights and activities is wise. Advanced booking can often be done online, helping you skip the entrance queues, which can be massive during peak season.
- The summer sun in Spain is no joke. Use plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, cover up with light layers if the sun gets too much and remember to hydrate – with water, not sangria!
- Walking tours are popular in Spanish cities, but July might not be the best time for them, especially in scorching cities like Madrid and Granada. Skip long or strenuous walks when the heat is too much. And do your sightseeing in the early morning or evening.
- In fact, why not do as the locals do and get out of the sun when it’s at its peak? Retire for a siesta from 11am until 3pm. This will not only keep you healthy, but it’s the best way to ensure you can stay up and enjoy the long, balmy Spanish nights of eating, drinking, and partying till dawn!
So what do you think of our top 10 things to do in Spain in July?
What do you think? Are you dreaming of running with the bulls, bathing in a hidden waterfall, spotting majestic marine life, or baring it all on a beautiful beach? Well, what are you waiting for? Book your perfect accommodation now and start packing for your action-packed holiday in Spain in July.
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Spain in August.
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.