BARCELONA
The province of Barcelona has over 100 km of coastline. A temperate climate and constant sunshine means you can enjoy the Costa Brava year round. Barcelona itself has beautiful beaches within the city limits -- perfect for sunbathing or other exciting outdoor activities!
The constant wind on the Catalan cost, called la Tramontana, means you can windsurf and kitesurf year round in the sapphire Mediterranean water. Windsurfers and kitesurfers often go together up and down the Catalan coast in search of the same sea, adrenaline, and, well, wind!
Other common outdoor activities here are paddle boarding and sailing.
BILBAO
The Basque country has 150 km of Atlantic coast, with water that is much colder and a swell that is much stronger than its Mediterranean cousin. The province is one of the surf capitals of Europe, with perfect conditions year round, for first-time surfers or professionals.
The Basque country's many estuaries are perfect for paddle boarding. Or, try your hand at traditional Basque rowing!
Hiking in Bilbao comes as second nature, and going al monte is a weekly activity for many. The city is surrounded by mountains and the trails are very well-marked and are suitable for beginner hikers or seasoned mountaineers. The weather here is very unpredictable, so make sure to bring a rain coat!
MADRID
Parque Retiro is Madrid's central park. Carved out of the center of the city, the park fills life whenever the sun is out. And the sun is almost always out in Madrid.
Retiro is full of just about every kind of non-motorized transport: bikers, rollerbladers, joggers, walkers and skateboarders. It's got a lake, gardens, enormous sweeping avenues and an event space inside a Crystal Palace modeled after a similar building in London.
Madrid is also surrounded by mountains, easily reachable by public transport. Hiking in the Sierra is accessible and beautiful.
In Madrid province you'll also find the Royal Monestary of Escorial, world heritage site and the former residence for the Spanish royal family. It is not a sight to miss.
