Top 10 Healthy Things To Do In Spain

Nestled between Portugal and France, Spain is known for its enchanting architecture and palatable delicacies. Formerly Iberia, or the land of rivers, there is plenty of natural landscapes to peer through. Home of the most valued sports team in the world; Real Madrid is the Spanish football club that rests its head in the capital Madrid. Spain also made our list of Top 10 Healthiest Countries in the World- which is why we are profiling the 10 healthiest things to do while visiting!

• Bike The Parks In Valencia – If you enjoy transportation that sustains itself, Valencia is the perfect city for you! With nearly 50 miles (80 km) of cycling routes, Valencia offers gorgeous views and activities as you cycle through the lively city. Not to mention the pleasant Mediterranean climate, which is consistent throughout the year. Valencia offers many beautiful locations for active sight-seeing such as Jardí del Túria, the largest urban garden, Oceanografic, an aquarium, Hemisferic, a planetarium, and Principe Felipe Science Museum with a massive life-like dinosaur that moves!

  

• Take A Stroll Through The Gothic Quarter – Find yourself engulfed in the splendor of the partly incomplete but fully astounding architecture devised by the architectural genius Antonio Gaudí. Discover the history behind his awe-inspiring Cathedrals and even try on some new threads at the shopping center. A reflection of Gaudi’s most impressive work can also be found in Park Güell located not far from the Gothic Quarter.
         Photo: AaronCorey
• Throw Tomatoes At People – La Tomatina is one of the most exciting food fights in the world; beginning with a massive feast of Paella, a traditional Valencian rice dish usually consisting of seafood, saffron, and chicken. After the feast, the ferocious festival begins the next morning as thousands fill the streets ready to hurl tomatoes at each other until a rocket sounds. How fun does this festival sound?!

• Visit Costa del Sol – Enjoy the remarkable oceanic scenery that lies on the southern coast, not far from Gibraltar. Take your best swing on the golf course, make waves at the waterparks, stroll through the marinas, and celebrate with friends in the vibrant nightlife. You can even visit the Rock of Gibraltar, which is well known for its intricate system of tunnels.

  

• Take A Hike In Montserrat – Named for its appearance, these “jagged mountains” are located in the pre-coastal region near Barcelona, and reach an altitude of over 4,000 feet. Free yourself and accomplish the enormous achievement of hiking or rock-climbing these multi-peaked mountains. You can also visit the Benedictine abbey, which hosts the sanctuary for the Virgin of Montserrat. Some believe it is the location of the Holy Grail, which was thought to bring eternal youth, happiness, and an infinite abundance of nourishment.

  

• Hit The Slopes Of Sierra Nevada – The world famous ski resorts within the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucía, Spain are simply breathtaking. It is the only place in the world with a striking contrast in climate where you can ski the mountains and catch a tan at the beach within the same day!

  

• Flamenco Your Heart Away – Flamenco is a traditional art form of Spain dating back for 200 years and has descended from ancient Indian roots. Flamenco is composed of three forms: Guitarra the guitar playing, Cante the song, and Baile the dance. Not many know the tragic lyrics and distressed tone of Flamenco often originate from the sorrow of oppressed people who live the transient lifestyles of gypsies. You’ll be able to experience the magic of Flamenco and even learn a few moves yourself if you visit the southern region of Andalucía!

  

• Hit The Beach Festivals – From April to October the most legendary parties commence on the stunning island of Ibiza! There are many other festivals that go on within the country of Spain. Specifically Barcelona, the largest festival La Nit de Sant Joan is even complete with fireworks and bonfires. Equipped with tons of free food, free beer, and endless electronic music, you can celebrate life until the odd hours of the night!
• Run With The Bulls – Volunteers over the age of 18 can try their luck at outrunning six bloodthirsty bulls through the streets of Pamplona. This traditional “La Fiesta de San Fermin” or “Running With The Bulls” festival has gone on since 1196. Enter at your own risk, every year the ‘race’ brings many casualties, and not everyone will get out alive.

  

• Walk Along Las Ramblas – Enjoy the pedestrian only marketplace called Las Ramblas that is one of the most populated streets in Barcelona. You can take a leisurely stroll throughout these streets, which are canopied in trees and have a plethora of fresh and candied fruit, authentic Spanish cafes and restaurants, and boutiques.