You might see a famous music star relaxing on the beaches of southern France, or a footballer out on a yacht in Ibiza or during the winter festive holidays move stars skiing the Swiss Alps and think, “why can't that be me?".
Famous people and their holidays dominate the celebrity magazines and online sphere and capture the imagination with their luxury pursuits. But most of the holidays they go on are accessible to everyone, especially in Spain.
Spain is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Europe with facsinating cities, incredible beach resorts, beautiful islands, tasty food, friendly people and so many sport and outdoor activities.
Here are some of the more popular leisure activites and sports famous people do in Spain and how you can enjoy a similar break without a huge cost.
1. Sailing in Ibiza
Perhaps one of the most coveted islands in the world, Ibiza needs little introduction.
This is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in the world due to the beaches, relaxing surroundings, bars and clubs, yoga retreats and day trips here.
While you may not be able to afford the luxury private stretches of beach and oceanfront villas that the rich and famous do, you still can still enjoy incredible breaks here and get to enjoy some of the most scenic locations in the world.
Book flights and accommodation in-advances, or wait for last minute deals, rent a car, book a yacht tour or seek out water based activities like scuba diving, paddleboarding and surfing.
A sailing trip to the nearby paradise island of Formenterra is a must. This island looks like the Caribbean and is where you often see famous sports stars enjoying their holidays. Expect some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
If you would like to stay longer you might like to apply to work in Ibiza - there are seasonal-jobs-working-holidays available in the tourism industry including hotels, resorts and sporting providers.
2. Golf
If you have a passion for golf you are spoilt for choice for places to play in Spain. This country is one of the best golf destinations in the world and perfect as the climate is warm with little rain compared to the rest of Europe.
Golf is one of those sports that you will always see famous sports stars doing in their spare time either those who live in Spain or tourists visiting on holiday.
Even if you have never played golfing before it doesn't mean that you can't pick up the basics and become an amazing golfer.
There are courses throughout Spain, and due to the amount of sun you can enjoy playing all year round.
These are some of the most highly rated golf courses in Spain:
- La Cala Golf Resort, Costa del Sol
- La Manga Club Resort, Murcia, Spain
- Precise Resort El Rompido, Costa de la Luz
- Barcelo Montecastillo Golf, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz
- Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella
- PGA Camiral Golf & Wellness, Costa Brava
- Melia Villaitana, Costa Blanca
- Lauro Golf Resort, Málaga
- Ona Mar Menor Golf & Spa, Murcia
If you are worried about going alone, search Spain tours - some operators offer group sporting holidays where you can work on your swing, make friends and enjoy a new hobby.
3. Shopping
If shopping is your thing, you can find amazing places to shop till you drop in all the major towns and cities in Spain.
Some of the best places to go include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville - here you can find hundreds of local and international brands with shops.
There are shops for all budgets too, from the luxury internationa brands to local street markets. Be sure to learn some basic Spanish phrases before arriving to make shopping easier and more fun.
4. Kitesurfing
It is no suprise there are lots of water based sports available to do throughout Spain including surfing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and kitesurfing.
If you have never seen people kitesurf up close in person before then it is definitely something that you should. You will be in awe when you see an experienced kitesurfer.
Kitesurfing is a thrilling sport, where you can go out into the ocean on a board and with the kite you can travel through the waves and the air at really high speeds!
If this sounds like something that you would like to try there are surf schools offering classes that can help get you off the ground in no time!
One top place to learn kitesurfing is the Tarifa Kitesurfing School, in Tarifa. Founder and teacher Aurelia Herpin will make sure that you have as amazing time and her and her staff can help you to pick up the basics.
Once you experienced the thrill of kitesurfing, other sports will pale into insignificance. But if you think kitesurfing might be a bit too extreme you then why not consider beginners surf classes, this is much easier to learn.
5. Cycling
Do you have a passion for cycling? Spain is a really highly rated bike destination with so many scenic routes.
Popular places to go cycling include Andalucia, Asturias, Cantabria & the Picos de Europa, The Basque Country, Costa Brava, Calpe, La Rioja and Girona.
You could plan a trip independently or book a cycling tour of Spain. Girona and Catalunya are considered some of the top places to cycle in Europe.
Plan Your Leisure Break to Spain
These are just a few of the popular leisure activites you can do in Spain. Other options include rafting and kayaking, horse riding, climbing, mountaineering and skiing and snowboarding.
Yes, even though most people consider Spain as a summer destination, you really can go skiing and snowboarding in Spain during winter!
Also if you are open to the idea of moving abroad and would like to find employment in the leisure industry there are lots of seasonal-jobs-working-holidays in Spain for foreigners.
