Food, fun, and festivals all month long
The month of July in Spain is one of the hottest, perfect for a weekend at the beach! It might be a bit less ideal if you want to go for a walk, especially in the center and south of the country. The north stays cooler, and although the sea water might be cold, the mild and pleasant nights make up for it. If you’re heading to the north, here are our favorite beaches.
Fiestas
July in Spain is also a month full of activity. Some of the most iconic festivals take place, like Las fiestas de San Fermín in Pamplona, La fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen… Let’s take a look at a couple of them!
Fiestas de San Fermín
San Fermín is one of those fiestas that completely take over Pamplona from July 6th to 14th. Everyone’s dressed in white with a red pañuelo and faja, and the whole city turns into a sea of music, dancing, and good vibes. The bull runs are what it’s most known for, but honestly, there’s so much more to it! There are parades, fireworks, concerts, churros de la Mañueta, and non-stop partying. It’s an experience you’ll never forget! If you’re interested in experiencing Los Sanfermines, we suggest planning well in advance. Otherwise, finding a place to stay might be tricky! Here is a guide with all the activities for this year.
Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen
Las Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen, held on July 16th, are a very important event in Spain, especially in coastal and fishing towns where the Virgin is considered the patron saint of sailors. In many coastal towns, the most iconic moment is when the image of the Virgin is placed on a decorated boat and taken out to sea in a maritime procession, followed by a fleet of fishing boats and vessels sounding their horns. It’s a very beautiful and emotional act, where protection is asked for those who work at sea.
Seasonal products: Beat the heat
The month of July is full of delicious seasonal produce, especially yummy fruits that are just perfect for making desserts and other recipes to help you beat the heat:
- Peach
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Melon
- Watermelon
Here’s a refreshing recipe for melon gazpacho.
Off to music
July also stands out as one of the months with the greatest number of music festivals in Spain, especially outdoor ones. We’ve selected two of them in case you’re interested in going.
Mad Cool Festival
Mad Cool is an international music festival held every summer in Madrid, Spain. Since its beginning in 2016, it has established itself as one of the most important music events, attracting world-renowned artists from genres like rock, pop, indie, and electronic. Besides its powerful lineup, the festival stands out for its careful production too. It’s held from July 10th to July 13th, and here you can find the tickets.
BBK Live
The Bilbao BBK Live 2025 will take place from July 10th to 12th on Kobetamendi hill in Bilbao. This will be its 18th edition, featuring notable artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, and many more. Here are the tickets.
Other activities
In July, many cities and towns open their municipal pools and outdoor sports centers so people can cool off and exercise during the hot weather. And don’t forget, it’s that time of year again when summer camps are in full swing, organized by our town halls and cultural centers. There, campers can do everything: sports, creative workshops, scientific experiments, and tons of games to have fun, learn new things, and meet new people during the holidays.
July in Spain: another great month to visit
July is a great month to visit Spain! The weather is in full summer mode, with warm, long days and lovely nights. And when you’re ready to cool off, our beaches and pools are just waiting for you! There are so many fun outdoor activities to enjoy, like nature hikes and water sports. Even though it can get pretty hot in some areas, the summer energy is felt all over the place. Towns and cities are full of life, with bustling markets, terraces, and a lively atmosphere. And if you’re into cultural tourism, you’re in luck! Many cities have activities, museums, and open-air spaces where you can discover history and art without getting bored.