Ask many tourists the question “what is there to do in Spain?” and the reply you get will be something along the lines of “beaches, bars, waterparks….. mmmmm what else”.

But Spain is so much more than a seafront line of hotels, beaches, bars and water parks! Sure there are some great waterparks in Spain, and there are plenty great beaches and bars. However the tourists who come to Spain and only experience these attractions are really missing around 99% of what Spain has to offer.

Spain is a big country with low population density and tremendous scenery (it is the second most mountainous country in Europe). All of these factors, along with its great southern European climate, make it a stunning place for outdoor sports. Spain is an epic place to experience Mountain Biking, Hiking, Paragliding, Hot Air Ballooning, Skiing, Canyoning, Climbing, Horse Riding, Cycling and Kayaking, to name just a few of the options.

In addition Spain has a huge expanse of coastline, along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, where visitors can try great water sports like sailing, jet skiing, dolphin and whale watching, kayaking and fishing. Endless fun in the sun!

Relaxing the pace a little - I realise that not everyone thinking of visiting, or living in, Spain wants to spend all of their days speeding down mountains or kayaking around the coast – so what about the famous Spanish laid back lifestyle?

Of course there are numerous great ways of relaxing in Spain. If you can drag yourself away from the pools, Spanish food, and especially its great tapas culture, has become very fashionable around the world in recent years. But it’s not just the food, it’s the way the Spanish eat, making each meal an occasion to relax with family, watch the world go by and take time to enjoy a break.

And we are still only scratching the surface of what makes Spain such a great place to visit (and live!). It’s interesting history and culture, with an abundance of great historic buildings and museums, offers plenty for the culture vultures.

And then we have the events – too much to cover in a small article such as this but events like the Tomatina (Tomato Fight), Aplec del Caragol (Snail Festival), San Juan on the beaches, Ferias (week long annual parties in every village, town and city), 3 Kings Parades, Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Las Fallas (fireworks festival in Valencia)… are all incredible events to experience.

Spain is so much more than a ‘family package tour two weeks a year destination’. Sure there are great beached and waterparks in Spain, but it’s so much more than this - try something new – mountain biking in Spain or head inland and soak in the great Spanish foods and culture.