Some of the Recommended Activities by Province

Some of the most sought-after adventure sports include diving, kayaking, surfing, sailing courses, and mountain biking. Below, we’ll summarise the top regions by province to help you choose the best spot based on where you’d like to try them:

MADRID

• Kayaking in Madrid: Don’t miss spots like San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Lozoya del Valle, and of course, Buitrago de Lozoya.
• Diving in Madrid: Think you can’t dive in Madrid? Think again! Start your confined-water training in the capital, Las Rozas, Alcalá de Henares, Buceo Boadilla del Monte, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, or Getafe—then finish your open-water course in Valencia due to its proximity.
• Surfing in Madrid: Even inland, you can learn this sport with wake surfing at the San Juan Reservoir.
• MTB in Madrid: If mountain sports are your thing, why not try a mountain bike route? Explore Madrid’s sierra in Pozuelo, El Escorial, Robledo de Chavela, or the Guadarrama Mountains.
• Sailing Courses in Madrid: Fancy a sailing course without leaving Madrid? Head to the San Martín de Valdeiglesias Reservoir for nautical fun just minutes from the city.

*Currently, sailing takes the crown here.

BARCELONA

• Kayaking in Barcelona: With its coastal location, the city is perfect for paddling. Try Calella, Vilanova de Sau, Mataró (highly recommended for its excellent schools), or Vilanova i la Geltrú. Other great spots include Badalona, Gavà, Castelldefels, and Sitges—the latter two ideal for other water sports too.
• Diving in Barcelona: A prime spot for PADI or FEDAS-CEMAS courses. Try Mataró, Vilafranca del Penedès, Sitges, El Masnou, or Sant Adrià de Besòs for baptisms or advanced training.
• Surfing in Barcelona: No need to fly to California—catch waves at Castelldefels, Sitges, El Masnou, Vilanova i la Geltrú, or Badalona. Meet our local surfers!
• MTB in Barcelona: For land-based thrills, mountain bike routes in Teia, Castellar de n’Hug, Calaf, or Montseny Natural Park won’t disappoint.
• Sailing Courses in Barcelona: Nautical activities thrive here. Learn in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Castelldefels, Mataró, Calella, Badalona, or Sitges—master sailing like a pro!

*Sailing currently leads here.

ALICANTE

• Kayaking in Alicante: A hotspot for paddle sports. Try Alicante city (near the port), Dénia, Jávea, or Calpe—or challenge yourself in El Campello or Benidorm.
• Diving in Alicante: A top PADI certification destination. Highlights: Jávea, Benidorm, Calpe, Tabarca Island, Altea, and Mutxamel.
• Surfing in Alicante: Year-round waves await in Dénia, El Campello, Torrevieja, or San Juan de Alicante.
• MTB in Alicante: Explore Guardamar del Segura, Villajoyosa, Altea, or Benidorm on two wheels.
• Sailing Courses in Alicante: Sailboats and catamarans dot the coast. Top spots: Altea, Dénia, Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, Arenales del Sol, Calpe, Jávea, or Santa Pola.

*Kayaking is booming here.

TENERIFE

• Kayaking in Tenerife: With ocean everywhere, kayaking is a must. Try transparent kayak tours in Los Cristianos, El Médano, or Los Gigantes.
• Diving in Tenerife: Spain’s diving paradise. Train in Adeje, Radazul, Las Galletas, or Los Cristianos—stunning seabeds guaranteed.
• Surfing in Tenerife: A surf mecca. Key spots: Playa de las Américas, El Médano, or Puerto de la Cruz.
• MTB in Tenerife: Swap sea for mountains in La Orotava, Adeje, or Los Realejos.
• Sailing Courses in Tenerife: Year-round lessons at Playa de los Gigantes or San Juan.

*Spain’s top diving destination.

MALLORCA

• Kayaking in Mallorca: Multi-day island tours available. Top schools in Portocolom, Santa Ponça, Alcudia, or Pollença.
• Diving in Mallorca: Favourite for underwater wonders. Try Sant Elm, Cala Millor, or Port de Sóller.
• Surfing in Mallorca: Ride waves in Alcudia.
• MTB in Mallorca: Hit Calvià, Alaró, or Port de Pollença.
• Sailing Courses in Mallorca: Sail year-round—Alcudia is unbeatable.

*Surfing dominates the island.

VALENCIA

• Kayaking in Valencia: Choose calm or wild waters in Gandia, Cullera, or Cofrentes.
• Diving in Valencia: Top schools in La Pobla de Farnals or Gandia Beach.
• Surfing in Valencia: Underrated waves in Gandia or Canet d’en Berenguer.
• MTB in Valencia: Tackle Manises, Cofrentes, or Vilamarxant.
• Sailing Courses in Valencia: Train in Cullera, Canet, or Gandía to become a true skipper.

*Surprisingly, MTB steals the show here.

MÁLAGA

• Kayaking in Málaga: Summer favourite. Explore Nerja, Marbella, or Benalmádena Costa—book early!
• Diving in Málaga: Stunning sites in Marbella, Estepona, or Torremolinos.
• Surfing in Málaga: Andalusia’s surf hub. Try Marbella or Estepona—expect waitlists in peak season.
• MTB in Málaga: Best routes in Benalmádena Costa or Cómpeta.
• Sailing Courses in Málaga: Learn in Estepona or Benalmádena Costa.

*Sailing surprisingly takes the podium.

GIRONA

• Kayaking in Girona: Costa Brava’s hidden coves shine in Llançà, Sant Feliu de Guíxols, or Lloret de Mar.
• Diving in Girona: Dive clubs galore in Tossa de Mar, Palamós, or L’Estartit.
• Surfing in Girona: Ride waves in Blanes, Roses, or Empuriabrava.
• MTB in Girona: Endless trails—favourites include Santa Pau or Platja d’Aro.
• Sailing Courses in Girona: Pals is the go-to for sailing lessons.

*Surfing rules the Costa Brava.

ALMERÍA

• Kayaking in Almería: Paddle Cabo de Gata, Las Negras, or Mojácar (nudist option!).
• Diving in Almería: Cabo de Gata’s hippy-yet-pro instructors are legendary. Try San José or Villaricos.
• Surfing in Almería: Learn in Vera or Mojácar.
• MTB in Almería: Best routes in Benalmádena Costa or Cómpeta.
• Sailing Courses in Almería: Ideal winds in Garrucha or Roquetas de Mar.

*Surfing stands out here.

FUERTEVENTURA

• Kayaking in Fuerteventura: Explore Morro Jable, Corralejo, or Caleta de Fuste by kayak.
• Diving in Fuerteventura: Breathtaking sites in Corralejo or Pájara.
• Surfing in Fuerteventura: A global surf hotspot—Corralejo and Playa Blanca are unmissable.
• MTB in Fuerteventura: Limited options, but Corralejo delivers.
• Sailing Courses in Fuerteventura: Morro Jable is the sailing hub.

*The Canary Islands’ surf capital.

--> Lastly, a shout-out to our team member from Ciudad Real. His top picks: Diving in Lagunas de Ruidera, paired with MTB routes or kayaking in El Robledo for a double adventure.

That wraps up our first activity roundup. If well-received, we’ll cover more provinces—we didn’t want to overwhelm you!