A Gap Year in Spain
Why go backpacking in Spain?
Backpacking in Spain is a must on any Europe gap year. Its Mediterranean location means it's frequently a sun-drenched paradise, complete with stunning beaches and the sparkling blue waters of the Bay of Biscay.
There's also the snowy-topped peaks of the mountainous north, the marshland and dunes of Doñana National Park to the south and, of course, the famous plains (where it doesn't rain as much as you might have been led to believe).
It's also home to some of Europe's most loved cities, including Barcelona and Madrid, making it a top InterRail destination.
Things to do in Spain
Check out our current top picks
12 nights	- 720	days
The Stoke Travel Passport gives full flexibility to the open-minded traveller, so you can experience 12 nights at Europe's biggest...
Accounting & Finance Internships in Spain
Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible and affordable internships in Spain!
Sales & Trade Internships in Spain
Internships in Valencia, Spain starting from just two weeks in duration.
Erasmus Plus Seville
Earn a level 3 qualification in Social Media, Hospitality Leadership or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, in Spain, as...
Stoke Retreats Tenerife
Learn, laugh and do good things to your body under the eternal sunshine of the Canary Islands. Join us for...
Top Journalism Internships in Madrid
Do you want to intern in the journalism sector in Madrid, Spain? Do you have journalistic skills and want to...
Stoked in the Park Pamplona
from	£30
Stoked in the Park is the new music and cultural event headlined by Australian surf rockers the Dune Rats, going...
Language Assistant in Spain
This programme is a great way to spend your gap year as it widens your experience and provides an amazing...
Entrepreneur Internship in Madrid
Are you a budding entrepreneur and want to put your skills to good use? Do you want to work for...
Spain and Portugal – 2 Week Interrail Adventure
Want to escape to sun, sea and sand? You'll find all three on this independent Spain and Portugal itinerary!
Latest advice and inspiration for Spain
Check out what our writers have been up to in Spain
Why a Language Immersion Experience in Salamanca is the Best Way to Learn Spanish
Traditional Food and Drink in Spain
How to Experience Barcelona in 48 Hours
The Best Cycling Routes Near to Barcelona
Go To Valencia! Barcelona Hates You Now
7 Reasons to Party at La Merce Festival
This is the Human Pyramid Festival
A Sadistic Summer as a Nanny in Barcelona
Mallorca: 10 Things You Have to Do
How to See Barcelona on a Budget
What to see in Spain
Spain is also home to more World Heritage Cities than any other country in the world, including the walled castle city of Ávila, the cultural melting pot of Toledo, and the medieval streets of Cordoba. That's not to mention Barcelona, with its surreal Gaudí architecture, vibrant nightlife, and countless restaurants, and Madrid with its museums, green spaces (Casa de Campo park is five times bigger than New York City's Central Park) and, at the right time of year, skiing in the nearby mountains.
You can spend part of your gap year in Spain before heading on to Portugal, France, or even Africa, or dedicate a whole month to discovering its wonders. However long you spend here, you're guaranteed to want to come back.