Europe

Spain in October: What to see & do

la-rioja

Wondering if October is an ideal time to visit Spain? If popular attractions that aren’t swarming with tourists and cheap prices that appear just as summer ends are your thing, then yes! Need more convincing? In some places further south, unfathomable hot temperatures have cooled down, so you can still enjoy the beach. If you’re a fan of autumn, not to worry – head north for crisper, sweater weather. So, if you’re thinking of spending fall in Spain, we’ve compiled a list of must-do activities and events during the month of October.

1. Grape Stomping
Now that summer has come to a close, it’s wine season. Did you know that squishing grapes with your feet dates back to the Roman era? Its traditional roots are still etched in Spaniards, who partake in the event year after year – even if wine is now mass-produced. Occurring in mid-October in vineyards across the country after the grapes have been harvested, Wine Tourism Spain organizes a grape stomping event followed by a wine tasting. So kick off your shoes and get stomping – the reward, after all, is a glass of wine!

2. Rose of Saffron Festival
During the final weekend of October, Spain’s town of Consuegra in Castilla-La Mancha is immersed in fields of purple amid a backdrop of windmills. Lose yourself at the sight of farmers gathering saffron while plenty of activities and competitions occur around the harvesting. Don’t forget to purchase your own bag of saffron from local harvesters or head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy paella, which, of course, is known for featuring the spice as it gives it its unique color. This year’s Rose of Saffron Festival happens between October 24th and 26th.

3. Madrid’s World Press Photo Exhibition
This yearly fall exhibition is scheduled to take place until October 12th in the country’s capital. Featuring powerful, award-winning photographs from around the globe, Madrid’s edition of this photojournalism exhibition is housed in the Circulo de Bellas Artes.

seville

4. Film Festivals
October is film festival month in Spain. From the Marbella Film Festival, to the Valladolid International Film FestivalBarcelona’s International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the Horror and Fantasy Film Festival in San Sebastian, the options are endless!

5. Bienal de Flamenco
One of the quintessential events to partake in when visiting Spain, Flamenco is a big deal – so much so that it deserves its own festival. Seville’s Bienal de Flamenco dates back to the eighties and occurs in various theatres throughout the city. From dancers, to vocalists, to musicians, the list of performances is sure to please all lovers of the craft.

6. Barcelona Jazz Festival
Music lovers will rejoice as they immerse themselves in the sounds of jazz at Barcelona’s annual Jazz Festival. Performances from a host of musical acts will take place in venues all over the city starting October 17th. Be sure to keep an eye out for the line-up and get your tickets in advance before they sell out!

7. San Lucas Festival
This festival takes place in Jaen – the world’s biggest olive growing capital – between October 11th and 19th in honour of the patron Saint, San Lucas. The festivities include a street fair, fireworks, sports, bullfighting, and plenty of other cultural events and fun activities for the entire family.

Are you headed to Spain this October? Let us know which events you’re most excited about!