Enjoying Summer in Spain: Best Activities in 6 Spanish Cities

Last Updated on June 1, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: July 25, 2018

Summer in Spain is one of our favorite times of year: the streets are bustling, the terraces are packed with friends meeting for a caña, and there’s no shortage of great things to do. If you’re lucky enough to be spending summer in Spain, take a look at these top things to do in the summer in 6 Spanish cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Granada, and San Sebastián.

Woman pouring cider into a glass — Learning how to pour cider is an entertaining activity at any time of year – but is particularly refreshing in the summer months!

Table of Contents

Summer Activities in Madrid

First up, for those spending summer in Spain’s capital city, we have details on all things Madrid! One of our favorite things to do in Madrid in June is to pay a visit to the book fair in Retiro Park, which has been running for close to 100 years! June is, of course, Pride Month worldwide, and the festivities in Madrid are not to be missed. They usually take place towards the end of the month, going through the first weekend in July.

Madrid’s summer fun kicks into high gear in July and August. During both months, the town puts on Veranos de la Villa, a collection of all kinds of performances, from theater to dance to music, and beyond. Then, in August, the neighborhoods of Embajadores, Lavapiés, and La Latina all hold their barrio fiestas. Trust us, they are a sight to be seen!

Looking for more ideas? Don’t miss our guide for what to do during 10 days in Madrid!

Older couple in traditional dress from Madrid, Spain smiling as they dance together. — Locals dance the night away in traditional dress at the La Paloma Festival. Photo credit: Barcex

Summer Activities in Barcelona

Spending time in beautiful Barcelona is one of our favorite things to do during summer in Spain. The lively atmosphere in the Mediterranean city can’t be beat!

For those visiting Barcelona in June, one of our top tips is that you head to the beach on June 23 for La Nit de Sant Joan. Expect bonfires, fireworks and a good time. Visitors to Barcelona in July can’t miss the jazz evenings on the rooftop terrace of Gaudí’s La Pedrera. We’re pretty sure it will be unlike any concert you’ve ever experienced.

Finally, August in Barcelona is all about the neighborhood block parties! Gràcia turns into a decorated wonderland, and the Sants neighborhood festival is one you shouldn’t miss either!

Traveling to Barcelona for the first time? Don’t miss our ultimate first-timer’s guide to Barcelona.

looking up at banners of colorful ribbons and cups strung across a street. — For a week, the usually quiet streets and squares of Gràcia come to life during the festa major. Photo Credit: Smithsonian Institution

Summer Activities in Seville

If your summer in Spain takes you to Seville, spending time outdoors is one of our favorite things to do. We prefer to spend the hot afternoon hours in an air-conditioned museum or gathering strength during a siesta, but once the sun goes down, all bets are off!

One of the best outdoor activities are the nighttime concerts held at the Alcázar. We’re sure you were already planning to visit Seville’s Royal Palace anyway—why not do it in the evening, accompanied by live music?

Another can’t-miss experience during summer in Seville is Triana’s lively neighborhood feria honoring the patron saint of the barrio. Step across the bridge to this neighborhood that holds a special place in our hearts and dance the night away!

Traveling on a budget? Don’t miss our favorite 5 cheap things to do in Seville!

illuminated bridge across a river at sunset. — Evening is the ideal time to marvel at the Triana Bridge. Photo Credit: ijclark

Summer Activities in Málaga

Málaga really comes to life during summer! First, in June, enjoy the Moraga de San Juan. It’s the same as the La Nit de Sant Joan in Barcelona, with bonfires and merriment on the beach.

In July, the thing to see is the procession of the Virgen del Carmen, the virgin who protects fisherman. As a historical fishing town, you can imagine that this procession is a big one in Málaga! It’s remarkable to see her taken out on the water in order to bless it, surrounded by smaller fishing boats.

But all summer in Málaga is just the lead up to the main event: the feria in August! Don your dancing shoes and join us for a typical Andalusian fair—it’s something we wait all year long for!

brown sand beach with blue water and mountains and a city in the background. — With all the fun mentioned above, PLUS the beach, Málaga just may be the best place to spend summer in Spain! Photo Credit: Tripadvisor

Summer Activities in Granada

One of the best places to spend this summer in Spain is Granada!

Music lovers will feel right at home at the International Festival of Music & Dance, which features intimate performances in the Alhambra.

And if you’re looking to beat the heat in Granada, there’s no better way to do so than a nighttime visit to the Alhambra. Enjoy something that most people don’t get to experience and marvel at another side of this Moorish palace.

nighttime vista of the Alhambra and the Granada skyline as viewed from a hill above. — We love the way the Alhambra seems to glow at night! Photo Credit: Gregorio Puga Bailón

Summer Activities in San Sebastián

If the hot summer temperatures in the rest of Spain are a bit too much for you, head up north to the cooler paradise of the Basque Country.

Our favorite thing to do in San Sebastián in July has to be Jazzaldia, one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world. But it’s the Semana Grande that really shines in San Sebastian during the summer! A week of cultural activities, free concerts, and a huge nightly international fireworks competition bring the city to life.