Outdoor pursuitsThe many high mountains and the vast central plain or
meseta offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering and walking. Particularly suitable for trekkers are the mountains in the north of the country. The
Pyrenees, which cover an area of 450 sq km, feature breathtaking scenery with rocky walls, lakes and ravines. The
Picos de Europa, just west of Santander, are also wild and dramatic, with some peaks rising to over 2600 meters (8528 feet). Spain’s flora and fauna includes the brown bear (found in the Asturias), the
cabra hispánica
or mountain goat (relatively common in the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Gredos, west of Avila) and the rare capercallie or European grouse (in the forests of northern Spain). There are good opportunities for rock climbing in the mountains. Well known, challenging climbs include the
Naranjo de Bulnes in the
Picos de Europa and
Monte Perdido in
Ordesa National Park. Mountain biking is becoming increasingly popular, and paths and tracks are plentiful, making most areas accessible. Spain’s long equestrian tradition means that horse riding can easily be arranged. Mountain trails, river valleys and the wide plains can all be explored on horseback.
WatersportsSwimming, water-skiing, and windsurfing facilities can be found at nearly all seaside resorts. These can be busy in the summer months. Spain’s premier windsurfing resort is
Tarifa, on the Straits of Gibraltar, where the world championships are held. Inland lakes on the
meseta in the regions of
Castilla and
Extremadura also have good facilities for windsurfing. Whitewater rafting and canoeing are practiced on the rapids in northern Spain. Centers are well equipped and have skilled staff. Sailing is very popular, both around the coast and inland. Spain has over 4000km of coastline, and there are many harbors. Over 100 sailing clubs exist, most of which are located near the Mediterranean. Diving is also popular; permits can be acquired from the relevant regional authorities.
FishingExcellent opportunities exist for all types of fishing. The rivers and streams of the
Pyrenees and the
Picos de Europa offer good freshwater game fishing, while trout is abundant throughout the country. The
Asturias contain the best salmon rivers. Other catches include barbel, perch, pike and tench. Permits must be requested from the regional authorities.
GolfThis is becoming increasingly popular, with both
Costa del Sol and
La Manga emerging as two of Spain’s premier golfing destinations. At present, Spain has over 200 golf courses, including courses designed by the likes of Robert Trent Jones, Severiano Ballesteros, Jack Niklaus and Jose María Olazabel. The
Valderrama (near Madrid) is particularly well known. Spain’s balmy climate allows for a long golf season. Tuition and equipment hire are widely available.
WintersportsSpain offers great opportunities for skiing and there are many natural ski-runs and winter resorts, equipped with modern facilities, all blessed with the promise of warm sun and blue skies. There is also a wide range of hotels, inns and refuges from which to choose.
There are five main skiing regions in Spain; these are the Pyrenean Range, the Cantabrian Range, the Iberian Chain, the Central Chain and the Penibetic Chain. These ranges have diverse characteristics and all are attractive for mountaineering in general and for winter sports in particular.
Spectator sportsA typical and spectacular sport is pelota vasca, or jai-alai. Most major northern Spanish cities have courts where daily matches are played from October to June. In the towns and cities of the Basque regions, the game is played in summer as well. Football is probably the most popular spectator sport, with clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona being among the most famous in the world; first-class matches are usually played on Sunday. International matches are also staged from time to time. There is a magnificent horse racing track in Madrid with meetings in the autumn and spring; there is racing in San Sebastián in the summer and in Seville in winter. Motor racing is a popular spectator sport in Barcelona and Cadiz.
Language CoursesThere are many ways to learn Spanish: a language course, a paid internship, living as an au-pair or working. Courses last from one-month to one-year.
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