6 reasons to visit Spain for its most exciting summer yet

In Spain, the summer of 2026 will be historic. Across the country, culture, sport, gastronomy and even the heavens align to make Spain the destination of the season.

This is a summer defined by landmark anniversaries and new beginnings, by heritage rediscovered and spinetingling spectacle – all set against a backdrop of one of the world’s most dynamic food and cultural scenes.

Why you should visit Spain this summer

1. See the total solar eclipse

On 12 August, Spain will witness a phenomenon unseen for more than a century: a total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula. Falling at the height of summer, the event promises exceptional viewing conditions and shared wonder. According to the National Astronomical Observatory, the eclipse will be visible across much of northern Spain – from A Coruña, where the totality peaks at 8.28pm, to Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, where it reaches its maximum just minutes later. Discover the best places in Spain to gaze at the skies via the Starlight Foundation , which certifies destinations that aren’t impacted by too much light pollution.

2. Watch the F1

Madrid will reclaim its place on the Formula 1 calendar, welcoming the Spanish Grand Prix back to the capital for the first time in 45 years. The inaugural race, from 11 to 13 September, marks the beginning of a long-term agreement securing Madrid’s spot on the circuit until 2035. Constructed around the Ifema Madrid exhibition centre, the new Madring track stretches 5.4km, features 20 corners and is designed to accommodate more than 100,000 spectators – a statement of intent for a city keen to reassert itself on the global sporting stage.

3. Attend music festivals and cultural celebrations

The earliest written recordings of Basque pelota – a traditional sport played by striking a ball against a wall – in Pamplona date back to 1331. Throughout the year, the Navarrese capital is animated by games staged in the cloister of its 14th-century

Gothic cathedral. During the summer, guided tours of the historic centre tell the story of the game and its importance to Pamplona’s daily life. Of course, the riotously fun Tomatina – the world’s largest annual food fight – will bring tomato-flinging to Buñol, near Valencia, this year on 26 August. Music festivals continue to dominate the Spanish summer calendar, with Jennie, Lorde and Foo Fighters playing Mad Cool (8-11 July); David Byrne and FKA Twigs heading to Bilbao BBK Live (9-11 July); and Franz Ferdinand topping Benicàssim’s indie rock-heavy bill (16-18 July).

4. Pay homage to Gaudí

Barcelona marks the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death in 2026, celebrating the architect synonymous with Modernism and his home city’s 20th-century transformation. A programme of exhibitions and events will turn neighbourhoods into open-air museums, spotlighting landmarks such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and Park Güell.

At the heart of it all is the astonishing Sagrada Familia – the jewel in the Catalan crown. In June, the basilica reaches its own pivotal milestone with the completion of its tallest tower, rising 172 metres above the city skyline. All that’s left is for the final decorative work and Glory Façade to be completed to a planned 2034 deadline – the culmination of more than 150 years of construction.

The Gaudí Year coincides with Barcelona’s designation as the Unesco-UIA World Capital of Architecture 2026, accompanied by a city-wide programme spanning some 10 districts, further cementing Barcelona’s position as one of Europe’s great cultural capitals.

An hour or so from Madrid, Toledo Cathedral celebrates its 800th anniversary. One of Europe’s most important ecclesiastical buildings, the cathedral will host a year-long programme of events, including Primate: VIII Centenary of Toledo Cathedral, running until 14 October. The exhibition brings together codices, relics, textiles and liturgical objects from across the centuries, alongside more than 300 works by Old Masters including Velázquez, El Greco and Zurbarán.

5. Dine at newly Michelin-starred restaurants

Spain’s fine dining scene continues its upward trajectory, as reflected in the latest Michelin Guide. Barcelona claims three of the five new Spanish restaurants awarded a second star this year: Mont Bar, Aleia and Enigma. They’re joined by La Boscana in Lleida and Atelier in Madrid ; the latter is the latest project from chef Ramón Freixa. Here, a 17-course tasting menu called Origen (there’s also the vegetarian Origen Vegetalia) is served to 10 guests. This is Spanish dining at the highest level.

Elsewhere in the capital, Michelin has highlighted emerging talent, awarding a first star to restaurants such as Éter . Led by brothers Sergio and Mario Tofe, the restaurant champions a seasonal, ever-evolving approach with menus reimagined five times a year, evoking Madrid’s restless culinary creativity.

For more casual bites, in Marbella, hot new beach club and restaurant Sabine Beach offers long Mediterranean lunches and sunbeds by day and DJ beats and a cocktail-fuelled buzz by night.

6. Stay at new luxury hotels

Spain’s luxury hotel landscape continues to expand, with Mallorca and Madrid leading the charge. On the island’s northern coast, Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor has breathed new life into the historic Hotel Formentor, long associated with Mediterranean glamour and illustrious guests, including Grace Kelly.

To the south-west, Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra has opened in Calvià, revealing a low-key, design-led resort that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Madrid, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting hotel markets. Nobu Hotel Madrid has arrived in the heart of the capital with a three-storey restaurant at its core, while Grupo Paraguas makes its hotel debut with Club Metrópolis . With just 19 rooms and a private members’ club, it opened on 21 January to coincide with the 115th anniversary of the landmark Metrópolis building – a fitting symbol of the city’s renewed confidence.