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2 Weeks in Spain: How to Plan an Amazing Spain Itinerary

Wondering how to spend two weeks in Spain? Or maybe your time is shorter or longer than two weeks and you’re trying to figure out how to make the most of your trip to Spain. You’re in luck! We recently spent more than a month in Spain – mostly southern Spain – and wrote this detailed guide to help you plan an amazing Spain itinerary for anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks or more.

We loved Spain, and can’t wait for a return trip to explore some of the parts of northern Spain that we missed. 

Because this guide is based on our experience, it is essentially a southern Spain itinerary. You’ll visit Spain’s major cities  – Madrid and Barcelona – along with some of the highlights in Andalucía, which is our favorite part of Spain. 

It needs to be said at the beginning of this guide – Spain is a huge, diverse country with a bunch of fascinating regions with their own distinct identities. You’re not going to be able to see even close to everything in two weeks.

Even with over a month in Spain we still had to put some places on the list for our next trip. 

This guide to planning your Spain itinerary is meant to help you narrow down where to visit, and help you figure out how to organize your visit to Spain based on our personal experience and what we enjoyed.

Don’t worry if you have less than two weeks – below the main itinerary, we have ideas on how to condense the itinerary into shorter time frames. We DON’T think you should try to visit the same number of places in a shorter time, and instead would recommend choosing less places and spending the same amount of time exploring each. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Much Time Do You Need in Spain?

Well, the answer to this question is essentially, as many as you can spare! 

If you have 14 days in Spain, you’ll have enough time to see both the highlights and some of the destinations that most tourists never make it to. However, two weeks still isn’t really that much time, so there are going to be times you’re going to say “I guess we’ll have to do that next time.” We certainly did, and we had over a month! 

With that in mind, we strongly recommend that you focus on picking four to five cities or regions in Spain rather than spending a night in each place and trying to fit it all in. That trip will be exhausting, and you’ll be missing so much richness and history by shortchanging each individual place. 

Our recommendation for you is to focus your time on: Barcelona (and Catalonia), Madrid (and the surrounding area), Granada , and Seville .

That means your itinerary is going to be heavily focused on southern Spain, which we think is the best introduction to Spain, and you’ll have to come back to explore northern Spain like Basque country and Asturias another time. 

If you’re visiting Spain with less time, we’d cut down on the number of places you’re visiting rather than spending a day or two in each place and still trying to fit them all in. I know, it feels weird to go all that way and only see a couple of cities and their surrounding areas. 

But we’d strongly recommend opting for fewer places and more time in each place, which will give you a deeper understanding of the city, the culture, and the people and allow you to get a level deeper than just seeing the main sights. 

If you have 7 or 10 days in Spain, we have suggestions on how to spend that time below the main itinerary. 

Where to Start and End Your Trip to Spain

We’ve organized this trip going east to west from Barcelona to Seville, but you could easily do it the opposite direction. 

If you follow it as written, you’ll want to fly in and out of different airports on what’s called an “open jaw” flight. This will save you a 5 to 6 hour train ride to return to Barcelona or Seville at the end of your trip, though the flight might cost a little bit extra (not always, though). 

If you do this as a one-way journey working from east to west, that means you’ll want to fly into Barcelona and out of Seville .

Barcelona has a very nice international airport with plenty of domestic and international flights available, and Seville’s, though smaller, will still give you plenty of options (though you’ll need to connect if you’re flying back to the US or Canada – not a whole lot of direct flights go from Seville to North America). 

If you find a cheap flight deal (we use Scott’s Cheap Flights , which sends you flight deals from your home airport to your inbox, and love it!), you can absolutely fly in and out of the same city.

But you’ll have to organize your time in a way where you make your way back to the airport you’re flying out of, which is going to mean extra train time and cost over the course of your trip. 

The price might work out though, depending on how cheap the flight is!

Getting Around Spain

Once you’re in Spain, you should plan on using the efficient and affordable rail network to get between places.

Occasionally, like from Madrid to Segovia, the bus is actually more efficient, but we took trains between cities and on day trips and always had a great experience. The train is a fantastic way to travel, and we wish we had a better high-speed rail network back home in the US.

You shouldn’t fly domestically between Spanish cities. It’ll be more expensive and once you’ve gotten to the airport a couple of hours in advance, it’ll likely take longer than the train, where you can show up 20 minutes ahead of time and still have time to grab coffee before boarding (in most cases). 

Plus, it’s generally more expensive and time consuming to get from the airport to the city center (or vice versa). 

Our point is that trains are easier in almost every way. 

We often ran into issues with the website of Spain’s rail network, Renfe, where it wouldn’t take our credit cards no matter how many times we tried.

After being frustrated several times, we turned to Omio , a private company that presents all the bus and train options in a significantly more user-friendly package (an app with tickets available offline, no glitches with payments, and it’s all in English). You’ll pay a small service fee, but we think it’s worth it for the significantly better experience.

Should You Rent a Car in Spain?

For context, we did not rent a car, used exclusively trains, and had a lovely time exploring the country.

However, there is one place where it might be nice to rent a car and have a little more flexibility to explore at your own pace, and that place is Andalusia. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, our advice is to pick up the car as you’re leaving Madrid, and drop it in Seville the day you arrive . 

You won’t need a car in Barcelona or Madrid, and the day trips to Toledo and Girona are very easily accessible using the train. 

Check prices and book on AutoEurope , which is our go-to rental car company in Europe. We used them twice on our three month European adventure – including in Sicily – and it was perfect both times.

The Route for a 2 Week Spain Itinerary

If you have two weeks, we’d recommend starting in Barcelona, making your way to Madrid, heading down to Granada, and ending in Seville. 

Here’s what that looks like in map form .

You’ll notice that this itinerary is missing HUGE swaths of the country, but two weeks really isn’t enough time to see everything. Instead, we’d recommend taking the time in the places you do visit to really get a feel for each place and go deeper on the unique histories and cultural quirks, which is what makes each place special. 

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what that trip looks like.

• Day 1 : Arrive in Barcelona (and sleep)
• Day 2 : Barcelona
• Day 3 : Girona Day Trip
• Day 4 : Barcelona
• Day 5 : Barcelona & Late Train to Madrid
• Day 6 : Madrid
• Day 7 : Madrid
• Day 8: Toledo Day Trip
• Day 9 : Granada
• Day 10 : Granada
• Day 11 : Seville
• Day 12 : Seville
• Day 13 : Córdoba Day Trip
• Day 14 : Seville & Fly home

Obviously, you have a little bit of flexibility in terms of which days you choose to do a day trip, how many days to spend in each place, and more. But this is how we’d do it if it was our first time in Spain. 

Two Weeks in Spain: A Complete Guide to Planning a 14 Day Spain Itinerary

Alright, now that we’ve covered logistics and given you an overview of what the itinerary below looks like, time to get into the details. 

Days 1-5: Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most famous cities in Europe, and it’s not really that hard to understand why when you’re immersed in its charm. It has a great food and drink scene, plenty of fun neighborhoods to explore, and is a hub for some great day trips. 

And, of course, there’s the fingerprints of Antoni Gaudí, the Modernist architect who has had such an impact on the look and feel of various parts of the city, from Modernist buildings along Passeig de Gràcia, to the Sagrada Familia, one of the most impressive religious sites we’ve seen.

You really can’t visit Spain without including Barcelona. We think Barcelona is worth a full three days, and we think a day trip to Girona to get deeper into Catalonia and see one of our favorite cities in Spain also deserves a place on your visit to Spain. So that’s four full days in and around Barcelona. 

Please note that we’re assuming you arrive on the first day of this itinerary, probably sometime in the afternoon depending on where you’re coming from.

If you’re coming from outside of the EU, that means you’re going to have some jetlag to deal with, which means that the first day is largely lost. If you’re not dealing with jetlag, lucky you! You can probably spend one less day in Barcelona, and take that day and use it somewhere else later in the itinerary. 

What to Do in Barcelona

Here are some of the things to do in Barcelona that we think should be staples on your trip. Obviously, there are a ton of other things to do, see, eat, and drink, but these were the highlights for us.

For more detail, head over to our guide to planning a Barcelona itinerary . 

One important note : Tickets for the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell – especially in high season – sell out. Sometimes months in advance. After you book your place to stay in Barcelona, those should be the next things you book if you want to see them. 

The Sagrada Familia

Of all the churches we saw on our three month European adventure that took us to Italy (including Sicily), Spain, and Portugal, this was our favorite of them all.

The reason? The amount of thought and care that has gone into every single element – the two facades, the interior, everything – is staggering.

It’s a masterpiece, and it’s well worth having the audio guide or a guided tour to enrich your experience and learn more about Gaudí’s masterpiece, which is still in-progress (though is due to be completed in 2026, 100 years after his death). Y

ou can get tickets on the official site .

If they’re sold out for your dates, look at Get Your Guide for skip-the-line tickets , or join a guided tour (we’d recommend this one with Take Walks, our favorite tour company in Europe).

Another Gaudí masterpiece, this is a park up on the hill behind the Gràcia neighborhood with great views back towards the city and water.

It’s going to be crowded at any hour, but it’s worth braving the crowds for the Modernist architecture.

Tickets here . 

Explore Barcelona’s Markets

There are three markets in Barcelona that we liked (though we went to a couple of the more local markets that are found in each neighborhood and enjoyed those too).

First, and most famous, is La Boqueria , which is right on Las Ramblas. It’s the biggest, and because of its location, it’s always crowded with tourists. Go early in the morning for the best experience, and get some fresh fruit or fruit juice for breakfast (Satan’s Coffee Corner a few blocks away is where you should go to get coffee).

The other two – Santa Caterina and Barceloneta – are within fifteen minutes on foot, and are smaller. But both are more enjoyable and are more evenly split between tourists and locals going about their shopping. 

Learn About Catalonian History

We really enjoyed the Museu d’Historia Catalunya , a relatively small multi-floor museum in Barceloneta by the beach.

It’s a dive into the history of both Spain and specifically Catalonia, which is something we had never really learned about in school.

You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the region and its complex history and origins of its unique culture. 

Discover the Secret to Perfect Paella

We love to cook (and eat, of course), and when we sat down to talk about the best things we did in Spain, our cooking class with Clara where we learned the secrets to a good paella was at the top of the list for both of us.

You’ll meet Clara at her family’s house up in Gràcia and learn how to make two different kinds of paella in a beautiful outdoor garden.

Plus, Spanish wine and a variety of tapas to enjoy while it cooks, and the opportunity to connect with Clara and fellow like-minded travelers.

Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability . 

A Day Trip to Girona

We loved Girona, which is 100km northeast of Barcelona and is a deeper dive into Catalonia and its unique culture. Plus, it’s a gorgeous small town set on a river (multiple rivers, actually) and Game of Thrones filmed a bunch of major scenes from Season 6 in Girona. 

We have an entire guide dedicated to planning a day trip to Girona from Barcelona , which you should read for more details. Otherwise, here are the highlights. 

Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona-Sants to Girona , which takes just 40 minutes each way. Book tickets either directly through Renfe , or through Omio for a much more user-friendly experience (that comes with a small service fee).

• Arrive early and walk the city walls before it gets packed. You can get up onto the walls from the Jardins de la Francesa behind the massive cathedral ( here on Google Maps), and they continue alllll the way around back to right around Plaça de Catalunya (though you can get off the walls at several points between those two spots). Don’t miss climbing up into at least one of the towers along the way for great views of the city and cathedral!
• Head down to Espresso Mafia for the best coffee in Girona and a pastry or two, or over to their sister cafe La Fabrica if you’re in the mood for a more hearty brunch. 
• Join our favorite walking tour in Spain at 10:30 am. And the best part is, you have two options! We loved the history-focused walking tour we did with Raquel, whose knowledge about Girona and Catalonia as a whole was impressive, and it’s the one we’d recommend for most people. However, they also do a Game of Thrones Tour , which fans of the TV show (minus the last season of course, which was hot garbage) will appreciate because it takes you to places in the city where they filmed pieces of Season 6. 
• After the tour, grab lunch somewhere in the old town (ask your guide for a recommendation!). 
• During the siesta, where the entire city basically shuts down for a few hours in the afternoon, hit the informative Jewish History Museum , which covers the history of the Jewish population in Girona, which shaped the city prior to being expelled in 1492, and then the Girona Cathedral , which is home to an impressive cloister, a huge nave (with no arches in the middle, which is unique) and the Tapestry of Creation from the 11th (ish) Century. 
• Afterwards, spend the rest of your time wandering the old town and stopping into any place that catches your eye before catching your train home!

Where to Stay in Barcelona

There are, essentially, two main options in our minds here. 

We have a guide to choosing where to stay in Barcelona that goes through five neighborhoods, in detail, with pros and cons for each to help you find the right place to stay for your group, style, and budget. If you want more detail, make sure to read that. 

Now, back to those two areas. They are Gràcia , a more residential and low-key area north of the city center (our personal favorite), and l’Eixample . 

Staying in Gràcia: Endlessly Charming with Great Food and Drinks

Like we mentioned above, Gràcia is our personal favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. It’s a little further out, sure, but we stayed there for the majority of our time on our latest trip, and found that the metro made it easy to get everywhere we needed to go, and fast. 

You’re going to want to invest in the fabulous Hola Card if you stay here, which gives you access to unlimited transportation from between 24 hours and a week (in 24 hour increments).

Once you get off of the bustling wide boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia and into the narrower streets in the core of the neighborhood, you’ll start to see why we like it so much. It used to be a separate town from the city of Barcelona, and has very much retained its own unique character despite being swallowed up by the Catalonian capital. 

It’s charming, full of locals with their kids and dogs (or both), and has a great selection of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops and cafes. In other words, all of our favorite things.

• If you want a mid-range hotel : Stay at Casa del Sol
• If you want a boutique hotel : Look at Hotel Barcelona 1882
• If you want an apartment : Check out Be Mate Paseo de Gràcia
• If you want a hostel: Casa Gràcia and Generator Hostel are basically tied in our books. 

Staying in l’Eixample: Central, Walkable, and Well Connected

L’Eixample is the area between the Ciutat Vella (old town), the site of the original Roman city dating back two thousand years, and the outlying neighborhoods like Gràcia that used to be separate towns. It was created to connect the two and modernize Barcelona, which is why it has wide boulevards with multiple lanes of traffic, and a grid layout (versus narrow, winding alleys). 

It’s a great compromise between location (and therefore, convenience) and calmness. It’s still very busy, don’t get me wrong, but not nearly as chaotic as staying in a place like the Gothic Quarter, which is swarming with tourists at all hours of the day.

We really like the range of places to stay in l’Eixample too. There are great options from affordable hostels all the way to luxury hotels, and just about everything in between. 

• If you want a hostel : Yeah Hostel Barcelona (they have private rooms and dorms)
• If you want a fun, mid-range hotel : Look at the Praktik Hotels ( Garden , Vinoteca , and Bakery in particular), which are designed with the modern traveler in mind and give you everything you need at a relatively affordable price tag. Each property is centered and designed around a theme (like wine or gardens), which we’re into!
• If you want a boutique hotel : Stay at Casa Bonay . Period. The end. 

Days 6 & 7: Madrid

As a second stop in Spain after Barcelona, Madrid is going to be quite the contrast. You’ll get to see the stark differences between the Spanish capital city and its most famous city (the latter being Barcelona). Madrid feels distinctly more livable, with dense housing and sprawling green spaces, and the biggest difference we noticed is that we heard far, far fewer people speaking languages other than Spanish. 

The other thing we noticed is that Mardillenos say “vale” (which means “okay,” roughly) about every three words. We love those funny language quirks. 

We enjoyed Madrid, and think two days in the city itself is a perfect amount of time to see the highlights and get a feel for the bustling capital. 

However, there are some great day trips to be had from Madrid – Toledo, Segovia, and Avila, to name a few.

We’d highly recommend spending an extra day to do a day trip to Toledo from Madrid , where you’ll see a city shaped by Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures over the course of centuries. You could also spend the night in Toledo, but it is going to mean extra time on your trip to Granada. 

Getting to Madrid

The best way to get to Madrid is by train. 

There are multiple direct high-speed trains a day running between Barcelona-Sants and Madrid Puerta de Atocha, which are the stations you’re going to want.

It takes roughly three hours and costs around 40 Euros per person to start, more if you book closer to your travel dates. So try to book your long-distance train tickets as far in advance as possible to save money!

One other thing to note – the best way to get from Atocha Station to the center is using the regional train system (called “Cercanías”), and your train ticket includes a transfer to that system.

You have to scan your long-distance train ticket at a special scanner – ask an attendant how to do it if you can’t figure it out. More information here . 

Click here to see prices and timetables for the journey from Barcelona to Madrid on Omio .

What to Do in Madrid

Madrid has fewer major tourist attractions than, say, Barcelona, but it’s an equally enchanting city, with fun, lively neighborhoods full of people that actually live there (versus Barcelona, which feels like it might actually just be 100% tourists in places like the Gothic Quarter). 

The most famous of the things to do in Madrid is the Museo del Prado, a collection of mainly paintings that was shaped by the Spanish royal family at the peak of their power between the 16 th and 19 th Centuries. We have an entire section on the Prado below, because we think it’s that important. 

Here are some things that you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Madrid. 

Visiting the Prado Museum

I want to preface this section with the fact that we’re not really art museum people. But thanks to an expert guide who helped make sense of the huge collection at the Prado, it was still a highlight of our trip to Spain. 

The Museo del Prado is the premier attraction in Madrid, and it made its way onto our list of our favorite art museums in Europe.

For that reason, you’ll find that tickets are competitive in the same way that the Sagrada Familia is, and you’ll want to buy tickets well in advance to ensure that you get to see it. Tickets are known to sell out in the high season. 

There are a couple of themes in the Prado Museum, the main ones being the Spanish collection, featuring some of Spain’s most famous painters like Goya and Velasquez, the Italian collection, and the Flemish collection, which was our favorite. 

Flemish art is imaginative, vibrant, and… dark. Very dark. It’s a very, very unique style, and the Prado Museum is one of the best places in the world to see it. There are entire rooms dedicated to the Flemish masters, and we would make sure to cover it on your visit. 

The Prado is massive. You could easily spend a full day here and not see everything.

Like most of the main art museums across Europe, we think the Prado is best experienced with a knowledgeable guide who knows something about art history. Which is how we experienced the museum.

After considering a bunch of tours, we picked this tour with Jaime , whose knowledge about Spanish and art history turned our experience from “those are some cool paintings” to a much deeper understanding of the pieces of art, including the context around them in terms of Spanish history, and the artist’s life. 

Perhaps the most important thing a guide brings to the table is curation. There are thousands of pieces of art in the Prado, and we certainly would’ve had no idea where to start. Jaime picked out a few important pieces in each section, and we went deep on those rather than trying to see everything.

If you’re interested in a guided tour , we’d recommend this one with Jaime (the one we did), or if Jaime isn’t available, this tour that was on our shortlist.  

Visiting the Prado independently : If you want to visit on your own, you can find tickets on their official website . You’ll need to choose a timeslot for your visit – we heard that the later afternoon times tend to be the least busy, but it’s generally always full in peak season. 

Pro-tip : Leave the backpack at home – you’ll need to check it in the coatroom, and the lines are notoriously long. 

Tickets sold out for your dates? You have a couple of options. Show up on the day you want to go when the ticket office opens to buy tickets for that day. Check Get Your Guide to see if they have any skip-the-line tickets available. Or join a guided tour that includes tickets . 

The Royal Palace

One of the biggest in Europe, the Madrid Royal Palace is built on the site of the original Muslim city. Madrid became the capital of Spain in the 16 th Century, and the Royal Palace as we know it today was built around that time.

Sort of, it has burned down a couple of times and has been rebuilt. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the huge ticket lines .

Tickets are available on their official website .  

Tapas in La Latina

Tapas qualify as a must-do in Madrid, and there’s a particular street in La Latina, a very fun neighborhood just south of the main center, that is famous for tapas bars.

It’s called Calle Cava Baja , and it’s lined with all sorts of different tapas joints of varying qualities and styles. It’s particularly popular around lunchtime and in the late afternoon before dinner. 

A Walking Tour through Medieval Madrid

To understand the context around Madrid and its role in Spanish history, we’d recommend connecting with a local expert.

You’ll learn about how Madrid wasn’t much of a big city until the 16 th Century when it became the capital, and all the shenanigans that have happened since.

We have two personal recommendations here. First, the walking tour we did with Bradley , an American with a PHD in Spanish history, which covered the origins of Madrid and the evolution of the city over the centuries.

Second, Jaime’s version of a similar walking tour . Jaime was our guide for the Prado, and he was born and raised in Madrid and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Madrid’s history, culture, and art.  

Parque El Retiro

Madrid’s best green space, located on the eastern side of the city near the Prado Museum. There’s a rose garden, a lake, and all sorts of lovely greenery that provide a nice break from the bustling city streets.

Start from the northwestern corner at Puerta de Alcala, and make your way south to the rose garden, passing the lake and Palacio Cristal along the way.

Where to Stay in Madrid

While there are a bunch of fun, unique places to stay in Madrid (you can read all about them in our guide to the best places to stay in Madrid ), two areas rise to the top for very different reasons. 

Staying in Malasaña: Our Favorite Neighborhood in Madrid

Malasaña is the hipster haven just north of Gran Vía, the main artery running east to west through the heart of Madrid. It’s charming, hip, and full of amazing places to eat and drink at all hours of the day, from morning coffee to midnight mojito. 

Here are some specific places to consider:

• If you want an upscale hostel : Stay at Bastardo Hostel
• If you want a boutique hotel: Stay at 7 Islas Hotel
• If you want an apartment : Stay at limehome Madrid Calle de la Madera

Staying in Sol-Gran Vía: As Central as it Gets

Sol-Gran Vía is much more about the central location than how charming it is. It’s where we stayed, and we basically walked everywhere we went in Madrid. It’s 15-20 minutes to both the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, and 10 minutes to the heart of Malasaña and La Latina, two of our favorite places to hang out in Madrid.

Plus, Plaza Mayor is going to be just a few minutes away (it’s inside the boundaries of the neighborhood). 

• If you want an upscale hostel : Stay at TOC Hostel
• If you want a boutique hotel : Stay at Vincci The Mint
• If you want an apartment : Stay at Smartrentals Centric Gran Vía ( where we stayed )

Day 8: A Toledo Day Trip

Before Madrid rose to prominence in the 16 th Century, Toledo was actually the most important city in the region. Today, it’s one of the best examples (outside of Andalucía, I suppose) of the coming together of the three prominent religions and cultures in Spanish history – Muslim, Jewish, and Christian. 

It’s one of the few places in Spain where you can see a cathedral, a synagogue (two, really), and a mosque. 

Plus, Toledo is a beautiful city, with the alcazar perched atop a hill overlooking the Tagus river below. Even the walk to the center from the train station is gorgeous – you cross a bridge with the center of Toledo across the river from you, towering above you. 

To Day Trip, or Not to Day Trip?

Because it’s just a 30 minute train ride from Madrid, Toledo is absolutely doable as a day trip from Madrid. In fact, that’s exactly how we did it. 

However, we also think that it’s worth investing some extra effort to be in Toledo early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the pesky day trippers aren’t around and the city is at its most beautiful.

You’ll get to see the city at its best, when only a fraction of the day’s tourists are around, and you’ll have a little more time to go a level deeper and really appreciate the coming together of the three cultures in Toledo. 

We see the merits of both approaches, and this one comes down to your personal preferences. It is worth noting that you have a somewhat long train ride down to Granada, and to do it from Toledo you’d actually have to go back to Madrid (even though Toledo is located towards Granada) and connect from there. 

That alone might make it worth doing it as a day trip, but it’s up to you. 

How to Spend a Day in Toledo

Here are the best things to do with a day in Toledo. 

We would actually skip the interior of the Toledo Cathedral , which, while spectacular, costs more than 12 Euros to enter, and even more if you want to go up into the belltower and cloister. It’s a church! Sure, it’s massive and monumental, and beautifully decorated with works from famous Spanish artists like Goya, but we think 12 Euros is still steep. 

The Alcazar & Military Museum

The Alcazar of Toledo – which is a castle with roots in the 3rd Century – is perched on a hill overlooking the Tagus River (which runs all the way to Lisbon in Portugal) and is now home to a military museum. But it’s not actually about the military, really.

The best part of this museum is the detailed chronicle of Spain’s history in six chapters. Which does include a lot of things focused on the military, but uses a much wider aperture to explore the history of the country.

They also have some collections of guns and swords and stuff like that, which isn’t that unique or impressive, in my opinion.

It’s well worth the couple of hours it’ll take you to go through Spain’s history. The museum is free on Sundays!

The Two Synagogues

There are two synagogues in Toledo that are worth visiting, and they represent two of very few old synagogues left in Spain.

The first, Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca , is the more famous one, and I was a little surprised at the lack of information inside. Still, the arches and in the dimly lit interior are quite something.

It’s technically no longer a synagogue after it was confiscated when the Jews were expelled in 1492. Today, it’s owned by the Catholic Church, who has yet to return it to the Jewish community despite them asking the church to do so.

The second is the Sinagoga del Tránsito , which is very different – far less ornate – and has a small but mighty museum (the Sephardi Museum) on the history of Judaism on the Iberian Peninsula.

We enjoyed the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from Islamic architecture and was often created by Muslim artists for non-Muslim buildings and patrons. More on that style when we get into Andalucía. 

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Just down the street from the two synagogues is a nice monastery whose main attraction and highlight is undoubtedly the multi-floor cloister in the middle.

Originally, it was supposed to be the burial place of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand – the royal couple responsible for bringing the two Spanish kingdoms together – but they ended up deciding on Granada later in life after they conquered the last Muslim kingdom in Granada in 1492.

Make sure to do the ground floor and upper floor of the cloister, and check out the gargoyles on the upper floor. 

You’ve seen Christianity, you’ve seen Judaism, now for the last of the three main monotheistic religions, Islam. There’s a small (former) mosque in the center of Toledo near Puerta del Sol that was built in 999 AD.

Throughout our time in Spain, particularly in Andalucía, we were struck by the contrast between the grandeur of cathedrals and churches, which were very much meant to project power first and foremost, and mosques, which are more humble places of worship.

This former mosque, called the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, is small compared to any church in the city, and it was converted into a church when the Christians conquered the city (SURPRISE). 

Days 9 & 10: Granada

Granada was one of our favorite stops in Spain for a couple of different reasons. First, the Alhambra is an impressive feat of architecture, and it’s well worth half a day exploring the former fort turned palace at the top of the hill. The gardens of Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid family, and the Nasrid Palaces in particular are stunning.  

However, Granada is more than the Alhambra, which is why we’d recommend spending a couple of days here rather than coming, doing the Alhambra, and then leaving. 

Granada was the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula, falling in 1492 to the Christian monarchs after many centuries as part of a Muslim caliphate. The impact of those centuries of a strong Muslim community are immediately evident as you walk the streets of Granada, particularly in the Albaicín, the Muslim Quarter. 

From mosques that have been turned into churches but still retain some unique architectural elements, to countless tea houses (Alysha’s favorite!), Granada is a city worth exploring beyond just the Alhambra to understand how the different cultures have mixed over the centuries. 

For more information on Granada, make sure to check out our guide to 2 days in Granada , which has everything you need to know to spend a couple of days in the city, including how to see the Alhambra. 

Getting to Granada

From Madrid, Granada is a bit of a journey. It’s basically due south, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains make the journey a little longer and more circuitous than it should be. Along the train ride, you’ll pass olive trees as far as the eye can see. 

No, seriously. Almost the entire train ride is just views of row upon row of olive trees. 

It’s going to take you three and a half hours or so to get from Madrid to Granada, but we think it’s worth it and the train ride is pretty beautiful. Tickets can be expensive, so book as far in advance as you can.

Check prices and train times for your dates on Omio , which is what we used in Spain to book trains and buses when the official Renfe website wouldn’t take our American credit card (which happened at seemingly random times).

We like Omio because it’s a more user-friendly experience, giving you all the train and bus options in one place, and it’s all in English. You’ll pay a small service fee, but we think it’s worth it. 

Things to Do in Granada

Like we mentioned, Granada is more than the Alhambra, though we definitely think you should see the Alhambra while you’re there.  

The Alhambra

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, the Alhambra was built by the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s part defensive castle, part royal palace, and there are three parts of the complex.

The Generalife (summer palace and gardens), the Alcazaba (the castle part), and the Nasrid Palaces (the most unique and beautiful part).

You can get a ticket that covers all three, but the Nasrid Palaces require a timed entry reservation, while the other two can be visited at any time on the day your ticket is for.

All three are a must-visit, and you should get the ticket that gives you access to the entire complex.

Buy tickets on the official website as far in advance as possible to visit independently, but we’d recommend a guided tour to get the context you need to really understand what you’re looking at.

We did this guided tour , and really enjoyed it. 

Pro-tip : Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a hat if you’re visiting in the summer. 

Alhambra Tickets sold out for your dates? You have a couple of options. Show up on the day you want to go when the ticket office opens to buy tickets for that day. Check Get Your Guide to see if they have any skip-the-line tickets available. Or join a guided tour . 

Albaicín at Sunset

The Albaicín is the most romantic and charming part of Granada, at least in our view.

The Muslim Quarter of Granada sprawls up the hill, which used to be the home of the ruling family’s palace before it was moved to the Alhambra under a new ruling family.

It’s full of narrow streets and open plazas, some of which have spectacular views of the Alhambra across the valley.

It’s particularly stunning at sunset.

Go to The Mirador de San Nicolás ( here on Google Maps), which is more popular and full of people, or the nearby Mirador de la Vereda de Enmedio ( here on Google Maps) which is where we ended up, and there were only a small handful of people around as the golden light washed over the Alhambra.

We loved this walking tour of the Albaicín , where we got to learn more about the history of the neighborhood.

Experience a “Tetería”

Alysha isn’t a coffee drinker, but she LOVES tea. And the place to get tea in Spain is at one of the teterías – tea houses – in Granada.

One of the unique things you’ll find in Granada (and other parts of Andalusia, though not nearly as prominently as in Granada), are tea houses, which are a clear example of the influence of the seven centuries of Muslim rule in Granada.

We had a favorite that we went to multiple times over our time in Granada – La Tetería del Bañuelo ( here on Google Maps). 

The Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel

We had heard from the guide on our walking tour that the Royal Chapel was the best part of the Cathedral complex to visit, and we’d have to say we agree with that assessment.

Inside the Royal Chapel, the first Catholic monarchs of Spain (Isabella and Ferdinand) are buried, along with their children (Joana and Phillip). You can walk down into the crypt to see where they’re buried beneath the ornamental mausoleums in the center of the Chapel.

It costs 5 Euros, and there’s a handy audio guide in English. 

Where to Stay in Granada

Granada is relatively compact, though we’d recommend staying somewhere near Plaza Nueva, which will give you access to everything you’ll want to see within about 15 minutes on foot.

We stayed at Limehome in Granada , which was one of our favorite places that we stayed during our entire month in Spain. Spacious, light-filled apartments with kitchens, and our particular apartment had a little terrace where you can catch a glimpse of the Alhambra. 

If we returned, we’d probably stay in the endlessly charming Albaicín , but it’s a little less convenient because it’s hard to access with a car, and it’s uphill if you’re walking (which can be a problem if you’re lugging bags). 

Days 11 – 14: Seville

Seville has a very important place in world history, and the city is a fascinating example of multiple cultures coming together, mixing and blending over time.

Before we can really talk about Seville – the capital of Andalucía – as a Spanish city, we have to talk about its origins. Because before coming to Seville, we had a very different picture in our heads of a city that is distinctly “Spanish,” more than any other city in Spain.

After visiting, we realized that this quintessentially “Spanish” city is a product of a rich history with a diverse cast of characters, which has resulted in a fascinating city. 

Seville’s history begins long before the Romans, but that’s where we’re going to start this fast-paced meander through history. Seville was an important city in Roman times, and if you don’t believe me, emperors Hadrian and Trajan were actually born in nearby Italica.

Julius Caesar himself was responsible for the construction of the original city walls of Seville, which are long gone as the city expanded well past the original Roman city’s boundaries. 

Next came the Visigoths and Vandals, who were in Seville for a few hundred years, before the most consequential period in Seville’s history began in the 8th Century.

That, my friends, is when the Umayyad Caliphate arrived, which kicked off a period of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula that lasted for almost eight centuries in total, though Seville was conquered by the Spanish Christians in 1248. 

There’s a reason why I think it’s important to know Seville’s history going into your trip.

The entire time you’re in Seville, you’re going to be seeing the impact of the mixture of the different cultures on modern-day Seville. The main sights – the Alcázar (whose name itself is a good example of the mixing of cultures) and the Seville Cathedral have elements from both the Islamic period and various Christian periods that came afterwards.

In fact, the majority of both buildings are expansions that were built around structures that were built during the period of the Caliphate. 

Putting the history aside, Seville is a lovely place to spend a few days. Vibrant, orange tree lined plazas with people eating and drinking their hearts out, gorgeous architecture (especially Plaza de España, which you shouldn’t miss), and tons of green spaces in the city make for a perfect end to your Spanish adventure. 

Psst ! We have an entire detailed guide dedicated to helping you plan the perfect 2 day Seville itinerary .

Getting to Seville

From Granada, there are high speed trains that will take you to Seville in about two and a half hours. Some journeys have a change in Antequera-Santa Ana, which we did twice and is a relatively easy station to navigate.

Don’t be scared off by a change there, but know that it will likely be a bit longer with the change (but also a bit cheaper). 

What to Do in Seville

There are a few things we think you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Seville.

This list is obviously not exhaustive, and for more detail you should head over to our guide to 2 days in Seville , which goes deeper on the city and what to do and see while you’re there. The Cathedral, Alcázar, and Archivo de Indias (the latter of which isn’t really worth visiting) form a three-part complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

We do think that you should devote one day to Córdoba , which is a 40 minute train ride away and is home to one of the most important Muslim sites in Spain – the Mosque Cathedral.

It forms a triumvirate of important pieces of the Muslim history of Andalucía with the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Alcázar of Seville. It’s worth making an effort to see all three during your time in Spain. 

Royal Alcázar of Seville

This was our first stop in Seville, and it’s a great introduction to the history of the city because it’s a palace (with an Arabic-inspired name) built for a Christian king predominantly by Muslims, in a style that blends Muslim and Christian characteristics.

All of this happened immediately after said Christian king conquered the city from the Muslim rulers who had been there for five centuries before he arrived.

The entire thing is one big mashup of different architectural styles, cobbled together over several centuries with Gothic, Renaissance, Mudejar, and other styles all blended together. There are actually three structures here, along with a nice set of gardens where there’s a water organ – one of only a few in the world – that plays every hour, on the hour.

The most interesting of the structures, by far, is the Palace of Peter, where parts of season five of Game of Thrones were filmed (mainly the parts that take place in Dorne).

We did this guided tour with Jose, and think it’s well worth it to have someone to help you get a deeper understanding of exactly what you’re looking at, which would be a bit confusing on your own. 

The Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral was built on the site of a mosque, and provides a contrast between the part of the building that used to be a mosque – a humble place of worship made of affordable materials – and the addition of a massive cathedral that is equal parts worship and power projection.

Christopher Columbus (or at least part of him), famous for basically making one big mistake, is also buried here. The highlight is climbing the bell tower, known as the “Giralda,” for a nice view over the city. The way you get to the top is unique too.

Rather than stairs, which is what you find at most cathedrals, you’ll climb 35 ramps.

Tickets here .

Plaza de España

All of Spain’s major cities seem to have one, but Seville’s is the most spectacular, we think. I mean, parts of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (by far the worst of the first six movies) were filmed there, so you know it has to be good.

It was built back in the early 20th Century before the Ibero-American Exposition, which was meant to strengthen ties between the Americas and Spain but turned out to be a flop given the global financial crisis that was unfolding at the time.

Still, the architecture is spectacular, with two towers, canals, and four bridges – each bridge representing a former kingdom of Spain. 

A Day Trip to Córdoba

Córdoba is a perfect place to spend a day, and the Mosque-Cathedral is sure to be one of the most interesting places you’ll visit on your trip to Spain.

With a high speed train connecting Seville and Córdoba, you can easily do a Córdoba day trip from Seville and see the main sights in a day.

For a more relaxed pace, spend the night and see the city once all the day trippers have gone home.

We loved Córdoba, and have a guide to a day trip to Córdoba that you should read if you’re interested.

Absolutely do not miss the Mosque-Cathedral , and do the gardens of the Alcázar too. 

Where to Stay in Seville

Seville is a relatively compact city that is also very flat, which means you’ll essentially be able to walk everywhere if you stay central. We’d recommend staying in one of the central neighborhoods that makes up the Casco Antiguo , Seville’s charming old town core. We particularly like the charming Jewish Quarter called Santa Cruz . 

We stayed at Come to Sevilla – Casa de las Especias , which is a set of serviced apartments (like a cross between a hotel and an apartment complex) in the heart of the old town.

If you want an apartment, we’d recommend it. They also have two other properties in the city, one in Arenal (near the river) and one on the border of Santa Cruz . 

If you’re looking for a boutique hostel – that’s a cross between a hotel and a hostel with private, hotel-style rooms and the social aspects you’d expect from a hostel – look at TOC Hostel . We stayed at TOC in Barcelona and enjoyed it, and they’re known for providing a great experience. 

Let Us Help You Plan Your Amazing Trip to Spain!

We’ve got plenty of other detailed guides for our favorite places in Spain – from Barcelona, to Madrid and Andalusia – that we wrote to help you plan an incredible trip.

P.S.: If the link isn’t there, it means we’re still working on it and the guide will be up shortly. It takes a lot of time and effort to put together these detailed guides! Bear with us.

• Two Weeks in Spain: How to Plan an Amazing 14 Day Spain Itinerary
• 4 Days in Barcelona: How to Plan the Perfect Barcelona Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Complete Guide to 5 Great Areas
• Gluten Free Barcelona: A Complete Guide for Celiacs
• Exactly How to Take an Amazing Day Trip to Girona From Barcelona
• 2 Days in Madrid: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Madrid Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Madrid: A Complete Guide to 5 Great Areas
• Gluten Free Madrid: A Complete Guide for Celiacs (Restaurants + Bakeries)
• Taking A Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid: A Complete Guide
• 2 Days in Granada: A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Granada
• 2 Days in Seville: A Complete Guide to Planning a Seville Itinerary

What to Do with More Time in Spain

The way we see it, the answer to this question has two possible paths you could go down. 

The first path is adding more places along this general route, which is the one we’d recommend (and is essentially what we did on our trip). 

The second path would be to pick another region – like Asturias in the northwest or Basque Country in the northeast (or even Mallorca, an island off the south coast of Spain), and spend your extra time there. We would only recommend this path if you have another week in Spain – so three weeks total. Otherwise, the travel time to get there probably isn’t worth it. 

If you’re up for the first path, here are some other places that would make a great addition to your itinerary, along with how much time to allocate to each place. 

• Ronda (1-2 days): One of the more charming towns in Spain, Ronda is one of the famous  Andalusian white hilltop towns. It’s probably not worth more than two days, and there’s no major tourist attractions, which makes it a great place to relax, walk around, and take in the atmosphere. It is definitely worth hiking down to get a good view of the famous bridge, though. 
• Montserrat (1 day): A day trip from Barcelona for hikers and people who love religious sites. 
• Avila or Segovia (1 day): Two more great day trips from Madrid, Avila is known for its intact medieval city walls (and defensive towers), while Segovia is known for its Roman aqueduct. 
• Cadiz or Malaga (1-2 days): If you’re looking to spend a few days at the end of your trip on the beach, these are two good options in southern Spain. Both are easily accessible from Seville or Granada, and would be a great, relaxing way to end your trip. 

What to Do with Less Time in Spain

If you have somewhere between 7-10 days in Spain, you can do a condensed version of this itinerary, so you’ll be able to use the detailed information in the relevant sections to plan your trip. We’ll give you two 10 day Spain itinerary ideas, and two 7 day Spain itinerary ideas. 

If you have 7 days, we’d focus on two cities (e.g. Barcelona and Madrid, or Madrid and Granada). If you have 10 days, we’d expand that to three cities (e.g. Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada). Use a single city as a home base for the region to cut down on packing up your bags and moving around, which is a big lesson we learned on our three month trip to Europe. Packing sucks, so do it as little as possible!

7 Days in Spain: Two 7  Day Spain Itinerary Ideas

Here are two ways to organize a week in Spain, one that focuses on Madrid and Barcelona, which provide a nice contrast, and one that focuses on Madrid and Andalusia, some of the most “Spanish-feeling” parts of Spain. 

Madrid and Barcelona in 7 Days

Focus on Spain’s two major cities – Barcelona and Madrid – and use them as a home base to do a couple of day trips. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Girona Day Trip
• Day 4: Early train to Madrid
• Day 5: Madrid
• Day 6: Day Trip to Toledo
• Day 7: Madrid & Fly Home

Madrid and Seville in 7 Days

Start your trip in Madrid, Spain’s capital, and make your way south to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, over the course of seven days. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Toledo Day Trip
• Day 4: Train to Seville
• Day 5: Seville
• Day 6: Seville
• Day 7: Seville & Fly Home

10 Days in Spain: Two 10 Day Spain Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you have a bit more time, but not quite enough to fit Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia all into your trip.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada in 10 Days

In this version, you’re skipping Seville (one of our favorite places in Spain) in favor of Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Granada and the Alhambra gives you a taste of Andalusia, which you can come back to on a dedicated trip later. 

• Day 4: Barcelona
• Day 5: Early train to Madrid
• Day 6: Madrid
• Day 7: Day Trip to Toledo
• Day 8: Granada
• Day 9: Granada
• Day 10: Fly Home from Granada

Madrid and Andalusia in 10 Days

In this version, spend the bulk of your time in Andalusia, with a couple of days in Madrid at the beginning and a full week split between Seville and Granada, where you’ll be able to dive a little deeper into the complex, intertwined history of the Muslim and Christian periods in southern Spain. 

• Day 4: Madrid
• Day 5: Granada
• Day 6: Granada
• Day 7: Seville
• Day 8: Seville
• Day 9: Seville
• Day 10: Seville & Fly Home

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

I’m planning a trip to Spain next summer and have really enjoyed your blog! Your suggestion Madrid And Andalusia In 10 Days is just about perfect for us, thank you!

That sounds like an incredible trip – enjoy!

Thanks for this truly informative guide. I will have 3 wks in Spain next month and am booking everything so last minute. I’m set on Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian and a bit torn between Granada, Valencia & Seville. My Barcelona-based friend suggested the Canary Islands, too. I saved so many of your tips for museums, walking tours, neighborhoods to stay in and much more. THANK YOU! Glad you had such an amazing trip!

Hey Laurel! Thanks for the kind words – hope your trip is amazing. For what it’s worth, we really loved Granada and Seville. Cheers!

We have 14 days (not counting travel time from SFO and back) and hoping to see both Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) and Spain. I’m having such difficulty limiting number of region/cities in Spain to tackle. I’m looking at Barcelona, Madrid and so torn whether to do Seville or Granada.

From your extensive travel experience, does it make sense to start trip in Barcelona and fly back to SFO from Lisbon?

Your thoughts?

Hey Mylene! First of all, I want to say that this comment inspired me to start working on a Spain + Portugal guide, because multiple people have asked this, which must mean there are many more out there wondering how to combine the two!

After working through the logistics and outline for that guide, here’s what I’d do. I’d split it into six days in Portugal (just do Porto –> Lisbon, which you can read about in our Portugal itinerary), fly to Sevilla (the better flight options are from Lisbon, which is why we’d do Porto to Lisbon in that direction), and then do Sevilla (2 days + day trip to Cordoba), Madrid (2 days + day trip to Toledo), and Barcelona (2 days). If you have to cut something, probably cut Toledo.

We do love Granada, but we also loved Cordoba, which is an easy 45 minute train ride from Sevilla, and combining the two gives you a great introduction to Andalucía.

Can we see Granada and Seville without renting a car? Is there publich transport within these two cities?

Hey there! You sure can – we didn’t rent a car in Spain, and did Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, and Ronda all without a car. The train connections are great, especially between the first three (Ronda is a little harder to get to, but still doable).

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Getting Around Spain

One-Week Itinerary

One Week in Spain: The Ultimate Itinerary

TripSavvy / Daniel Gioia

Spain is home to an incredible variety of landscapes, historical monuments, museums, and local culinary delights. The idea of seeing as much as possible in just one week can be overwhelming, but with clever planning and our ultimate itinerary, you will get a pretty good insight into the essence of Spain. North and South are very different in landscape and culture, so it’s a good idea to start in the south with Malaga and then work your way north as far as San Sebastian.

You’ll have some long distances to cover, so plan on traveling by Spain’s excellent train service coach, unless you opt to hire a car and turn your journey into a road trip.

Day 1: Malaga

TripSavvy / Evgeniya Vlassova

After landing at Malaga’s International Costa del Sol Airport, catch one of the city buses from outside terminal 3 to reach the city center in about 20 minutes. Then, after you settle into your hotel, it's time to get acquainted with the Spanish lifestyle, explore the many sights of the city, and have a good meal or tapas with the famous wine of the region.

Malaga is a city where history meets art. Pablo Picasso was born here, and two majestic Moorish monuments, the Alcazaba  and the Castillo de Gibralfaro dominate the city on two hills. You can combine a visit to the two, which will fill up your morning. As it’s a long way and rather steep climb, take a taxi or take a city tour on a hop-on-hop-off bus to get an overview.

In the afternoon, it’s time for a museum visit, and Malaga has more than 30! Bear in mind that museums are closed on Monday, and some are not open in the afternoon. Check out opening hours and an overview of your options here, but we recommend paying homage to Malaga’s most famous son at the Pablo Picasso museum .

When you're ready for a bite, head for the Atarazanes Market for some of the best tapas. With all the sightseeing you are going to do during your week long trip, tapas will be a staple meal for you.

Day 2: White Villages, Nerja Caves

Andalusia’s white villages dot the mountains opposite the sea all along the Costa del Sol. Probably the best known are Frigilania and Nerja, best reached by going on a day trip from Malaga with this tour .

Wander though the steep, narrow streets of Frigilania, admire the white-washed houses and the abundance of flower pots. Then head to the marvelous caves of Nerja featuring the world’s largest stalactite and learn about the story of how the caves were discovered.

The tour ends in the town of Nerja itself where you can have a glimpse of Africa across the Mediterranean from the Balcony of Europe . If you want to buy a really pretty souvenir, head for the nearby Calle Pintada 1, and visit the shop of Didier Borgeaud for the most beautiful hand-painted fans with matching jewelry.

Day 3: Granada and Cordoba

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Pack your bags and head for Granada. It’s an easy train ride of two to three hours depending on what train you catch. When you arrive, store your luggage while you explore. Granada train station does not have lockers but you can safely leave it at the mini market just 100 yards away.

You are heading to Granada to visit the world-famous Alhambra ; enjoying the fabulous gardens and Moorish buildings takes several hours, and because it’s one of the most visited sights in Spain, we recommend taking a guided tour and buying your tickets in advance.

After your visit to the Alhambra and a refreshing meal in town, head back to the train station and catch a train to Cordoba where you will spend the night. Cordoba is even smaller than Granada, so it's easy to explore leisurely on foot. First stop is the Mezquita , a breathtaking monument of Spanish architecture and history; the original mosque remains within the present catholic cathedral. Afterwards stroll across the Roman Bridge, walk around the historic old town and visit the Jewish quarter. Pay particular attention to the houses and the patios which are overflowing with flowers, celebrated with a festival in May.

Day 4: Valencia

The train from Cordoba ride takes three to four hours, so you will likely arrive mid-afternoon, which is lunch time in Spain. Check into your hotel and head out to have the most typical of Spanish dishes originating from Valencia: paella. One of the best places is La Pepica in Calle Neptuno 6.

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the historic center, including La Lonja (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the cathedral, the town hall, and the many busy streets with one café after another. You may only have time to visit one museum, so it should be the ceramic museum located in a baroque palace.

Just opposite the museum are several designer boutiques in case you fancy some shopping.

Day 5: Barcelona

In the morning take the train from Valencia to Barcelona. The average travel time is about three hours, and there are 12 trains per day. Check into your hotel and prepare for a day of art and architecture. What Picasso is to Malaga, Gaudi is to Barcelona—the city is full of his distinctive master pieces. The most famous (and most visited) is probably the cathedral Sagrada Familia . You can also walk along the Rambla de Cataluña, and other main streets like Paseo de Gracia, to see more Gaudi buildings

Later, make your way to the colorful market, La Boqueria , and the picturesque gothic quarter, home to architecturally stunning churches and streets lined with small art and craft shops. A great place to eat with an interesting history is El Nacional , a favorite with locals.

Opera, music, and theater lovers should visit the Grand Teatre de Liceo, a fabulous building and the second largest opera house in Europe (after Paris). Try to catch a performance in the evening, or join a guided tour to look behind the scenes. You should also make time to see Las Arenas , a former bullfighting ring converted into a futuristic shopping center near Plaza de Cataluña.

For a breath of fresh air, there are seven parks to enjoy in Barcelona, among them the Gauid-dedicated Guell and the romantic Monjuic. And for some nightlife , head for the old port and the cocktail bar Blue Wave , right next to the yacht port.

Day 6: San Sebastian

No trip to Spain is complete without visiting at least one of the great cities in the north of the country, with San Sebastian being one of the prettiest. Take the train; all of them are direct and early in the morning because the trip lasts between five and six hours. Along the way, you'll see how drastically the landscape changes from south to north. Mountains loom in the distance, and deep woods, green meadows, and streams run alongside the train.

San Sebastian, or its Basque name Donastia, is located at the mouth of the river Urumea on the Bay of Biscayne and was the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Check into your hotel and relax on the beach of La Concha or explore the many sights, including the San Telmo Museum, the cathedral, the old town, and the Palace of Miramar built in 1893 as a summer residence for the Royal family.

Basque cuisine is far more hearty than the food of the south. The local variety of tapas is called pintxos , and to sample as many different kinds as possible, it’s a good idea to join a pintxos tour.

Be sure to rest up when you get back to your hotel because your next and last day in Madrid is a busy one.

Day 7: Madrid

TripSavvy / Paula Valle

Take the early morning train to Madrid. The journey lasts approximately six hours, but you really can’t leave Spain without having visited the capital . Even if you're only there a short time, it will be enough to take in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city.

Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are the heart of Madrid, bustling with people at all hours of the day and night. Make time for a visit to the El Prado Museum ; there are tours available, lasting one or two hours, that guide you through the most famous works of art.

Then spend your last hours of the day (and your trip) in the El Retiro Park , the green lung of the city. Plenty of activities await, from jogging to boating to visiting the Rosaleda rose garden or the glass palace. Or you can hire a bike and pedal along the entire area stretched over the more than 300 hectares.

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Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, how to plan the perfect 7-days itinerary in spain.

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Talita

Spain is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, and no matter the season, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

But, with the country being so spread out, and with limited time available, planning a trip to Spain is far from easy. That’s why I’ve created this perfect 7-Day Spain itinerary, for you to make the most of your time.

Whether you’re a foodie longing for authentic tapas, an art enthusiast willing to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona , or a history lover, this itinerary promises a week-long extravaganza.

Ready? I can’t wait to tell you everything you need to know about this itinerary and more, at the end of this guide!

Table of Contents

• 1.1.1 Best Things To Do in Madrid
• 1.3 Day 2: Explore Madrid + Half-Day Trip to Segovia
• 1.4.1 Best Things To Do in Barcelona
• 1.5.1 Best Things To Do in Valencia
• 1.6.1 Best Things To Do in Malaga
• 1.7.1 Best Things To Do in Granada
• 3.1 Where to Fly to in Spain?
• 3.2 How to Get Around Spain?
• 3.3 What to Pack For Spain?
• 5 Planning your next trip?

Spain Itinerary For 7 Days

Let’s dive right into this 7 days in Spain itinerary ! This journey is designed to give you a taste of Spain’s rich culture, amazing food, and incredible architecture, like Gaudi’s work.

I recommend starting your trip in Madrid, as you’ll be centrally located to easily access Barcelona on day 3.

Day 1: Madrid

Kick off your 7 days in Spain by exploring the vibrant Spanish capital. Start off early and visit some of the famous attractions, such as:

• Plaza Mayor
• El Retiro Park
• Palace of Royal Families
• Take a stroll through Gran Vía

I personally recommend starting the day early at Plaza Mayor, taking photos for your Insta feed, and then joining a Segway tour, which is a cool way to explore around.

After that, for lunch, stay in the Plaza Mayor area and have a delicious meal at either El MiniBAR or Los Galayos, 2 of the best eateries around. Needless to say, food-wise, this is the best start for your Spain itinerary!

In the afternoon, I suggest you get the Museum Card and see Museo Nacional Del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which are absolute must-sees.

After a busy day of sightseeing, head out for a delicious dinner and drinks in the city’s lively tapas bars.

After a night out? Make sure to head over to Planet Club, the place to be after midnight, and cocktails are cheap too! But don’t go overboard, as day 2 will be a busy one!

Best Things To Do in Madrid

• Wander through Retiro Park
• Discover Gran Vía
• Experience the energy of Plaza Mayor
• Have Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel
• Take in the view from the Teleférico cable car

Day 2: Explore Madrid + Half-Day Trip to Segovia

Start the day with a visit to one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Palace. Take a tour or simply admire its beauty from the outside before heading back into town.

Then, why not go shop for souvenirs or clothes at Gran Via, where one of the biggest Primark in the world is!

In the afternoon, you’ll want to take a half-day trip to Segovia, one of the best destinations out of Madrid for a few hours. Of course, don’t forget your camera, as this will be your first introduction to real, authentic Spanish culture.

https://www.getyourguide.com/madrid-l46/segovia-half-day-with-toledo-el-escorial-optional-tours-t138215

This tour only lasts 5 hours, starting at 3.00 PM, and covers the famous Roman Aqueduct, an explanation of Spanish history through the medieval streets, and the Alcazar Fortress.

For dinner, get back to Central Madrid to have a few tapas , a paella, some chicharron, and why not end the meal with some churros? Yum!

Day 3 & 4: Barcelona & Montserrat

Day 3 and 4 are all about Barcelona and Montserrat – You can reach Barcelona from Madrid by air, taking a flight, which will take about 90 minutes.

On the other hand, you can also take a train, which will take 2.5 hours, but you’ll get to see the scenery around, as opposed to flying.

On day 3 in Barcelona, check out the stunning Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which is famous for its incredible architecture. I recommend booking your tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line!

After that, it’s time to head over to Park Guell, a stunning park with epic views over Barcelona – This will easily become the highlight of your trip to Catalonia.

For a nice meal, you’ll want to visit La Boqueria Market, where you’ll find Spanish delicacies, as well as some hearty dishes that you’ll love. And it’s affordable!

Take the afternoon to go for a walk around the Gothic Quarter and visit spots like Placa Reial, and Palau de la Musica Catalana.

On day 4, head to Montserrat which is about 1 hour away from Barcelona by train. Montserrat is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, and fresh mountain air. Its Benedictine monastery has become an iconic site in Catalonia, and it’s worth visiting for the spiritual ambiance alone.

You should also take a cable car to see Montserrat from above – An experience you won’t easily forget!

In the afternoon, why not come to La Rambla and go shopping for a while? That’s easily one of the must-dos in your Spain itinerary!

Best Things To Do in Barcelona

• Visit Sagrada Familia
• Explore the vibrant streets of Las Ramblas
• Take a stroll through the enchanting Gothic Quarter
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Barceloneta
• Experience the magic of Park Güell
• Enjoy panoramic views from Montjuïc Hill

View of Montserrat Monastery. Beautiful Benedictine Abbey, high in mountains. Catalonia. Spain

Day 5: Valencia

After visiting the 2 biggest cities in Spain, the next place you’ll want to add to your Spain itinerary is Valencia, and you’re seriously in for a treat!

Whether you choose to take a scenic train ride or hop on a fast-paced plane, getting to Valencia is half the fun. I personally suggest you take the train from Barcelona to Valencia, which is only about 3.5 hours away.

You’ll find plenty to do in Valencia , from immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the city to indulging in delicious local cuisine.

Take a stroll through the winding streets of the historic district to discover hidden gems around every corner, or soak up the sun on one of the city’s gorgeous beaches.

Be sure to visit must-see attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning showcase of modern architecture, and the Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and most colorful markets .

Valencia truly offers something for everyone, making it a destination that’s well worth visiting on day five of your 7-day Spanish itinerary.

Best Things To Do in Valencia

• Explore the historic Valencia Cathedral
• Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
• Wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town
• Relax on Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal Beaches
• Indulge in delicious paella, the city’s signature dish
• Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market

Day 6: Malaga

Next place you’ll want to include in your Spain itinerary is Malaga , and this time, I suggest you book a flight from Valencia, which is faster and relatively cheaper.

What I love about Malaga is that it’s full of history, art, and people are very friendly, so you’re guaranteed a nice time in town.

Once you’re in town, be sure to explore the Old Town, complete with historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and shops to explore.

The first thing I thought when coming to Malaga was “This place is so rich historically” and I’m sure you’ll think exactly the same!

Take the chance to visit the iconic Alcazaba Fortress and the Picasso Museum, both of which are must-see attractions.

Needless to say, after a day wandering around, don’t forget to see the sunset at Playa la Malagueta, one of the best places in town for it! It’s also near major tourist attractions, which is convenient.

After an authentic dinner in town, you’ll want to have a cocktail at Mañana Cocktail Bar Malaga, one of the coolest spots for a drink! But drink moderately, because day 7 is all about visiting the ancient Arabic town of Granada!

Best Things To Do in Malaga

• Explore the stunning Alcazaba fortress
• Visit the Picasso Museum
• See the sunset at La Malagueta
• Wander through the charming historic center
• Check out the views from Gibralfaro Castle

Day 7: Granada

You’ll spend the last day of your Spain itinerary in Granada, an interesting town that was once part of the Arabic empire. In fact, it used to be the Emirate of Granada, and you’ll see the Arabic influence everywhere in town!

Once you arrive, set out to explore the city’s fascinating landmarks, from the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace complex to the grandiose Cathedral of Granada.

Speaking of the Alhambra, be sure to book your tickets ahead of time or you’ll have to wait for hours in line.

https://www.getyourguide.com/alhambra-granada-l2772/alhambra-general-with-nasrid-palaces-ticket-t75398/

The Alhambra in Granada is famous for its intricate designs, and the stunning backdrop of Sierra Nevada.

It’s worth noting that it competed to be a new wonder of the world but unfortunately came up 8th, but nonetheless, it’s still worth a visit!

After that, have lunch and wander through the narrow streets of the ancient Albaicin quarter, admire the colorful street art, and sample some of the region’s delicious tapas .

For an authentic meal, you won’t want to miss out on Ávila Tapas II , a top-rated restaurant with cheap prices, excellent location, and awesome tapas!

Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along the Darro River before dinner and packing to go back home!

Best Things To Do in Granada

• Explore the Alhambra Palace
• Roam around the historic Albaicín neighborhood
• Visit the mesmerizing Sacromonte district, famous for its cave dwellings and flamenco shows
• Climb to the top of the San Nicolas Viewpoint for views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains
• Discover the rich history and art at the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel

Things To Know Before Visiting Spain

Now that we’ve covered the perfect Spain itinerary for your vacation, let’s respond some questions from first-time visitors you may have too.

Where to Fly to in Spain?

If you’re looking for an ideal location that’s connected to all the major cities in Spain, I recommend flying into Madrid. This bustling city is famous for its lively atmosphere, artistic heritage, and of course, its amazing food.

From Madrid, you can easily travel to cities like Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and many more, and that’s exactly what you need for your trip!

How to Get Around Spain?

For short-distance trips, the train and bus are always reliable options. You’ll be able to take in the scenic views of the Spanish countryside while traveling quickly and comfortably. Plus, these are normally affordable in Spain, which is an added bonus.

However, if you’re planning on traveling long distances, flights might be the way to go.

Getting from one end of the country to the other can take hours, even on a high-speed train.

Luckily, there are plenty of airports in Spain, meaning that you can easily catch a flight to your next destination.

What to Pack For Spain?

Whether you’re strolling the beach in Barcelona or exploring the historic streets of Madrid, it’s important to pack for the warm, sunny weather.

Remember to throw in a few pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans or pants, and some breathable leggings or athletic wear for more active days.

For casual outings, pack 4-5 light and comfortable shirts, and 1-2 dressier options for evening events or dinner.

Consider packing one skirt and a few dresses for a versatile look. Lastly, pack 2 bathing suits – you want to experience Spain’s gorgeous beaches!

In conclusion, this 7-day Spain itinerary, from the bustling streets of Barcelona to the historic charm of Granada, offers a rich mix of culture, history, art, and stunning landscapes.

While it may be packed with adventures, you’ll get to see and visit everything that the country has to offer to tourists, and I’m confident you’ll have an amazing time.

Remember to plan well, pack smart, and most importantly, immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life. Here’s wishing you a phenomenal journey and safe travels!

Tricks and Trips is a dynamic blogging company dedicated to providing travelers with up-to-date, comprehensive, and engaging information about travels in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Founded by a group of passionate globetrotters, our mission is to inspire and empower our readers to embark on unique trips while equipping them with the knowledge necessary to make the most of their trips.

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

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Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

The Ultimate 10 Days in Spain Itinerary (+ Travel Tips)

If you’re planning your first trip to Spain and are hoping to sample a variety of what makes this sun-drenched country special, we designed this 10 day Spain itinerary for you!

Spain has had a special place in our hearts ever since we landed in Madrid for the first time when kicking off our supposed “6-month” round-the-world trip (that was almost 7 years ago, and that trip arguably never ended).

In the years since, we have been lucky enough to visit Spain so many times that we’ve lost count, exploring countless cathedrals, castles, alcabazas , beaches, and cities along the way.

We’ve explored the country via train, car, bus, and ferry, sampling iconic attractions and little-known villages alike, traveling both alone and with various groups of family and friends.

This itinerary for Spain in 10 days has been curated for first-time travelers based on our lived experiences in Spain, and we hope that you walk away loving this beautiful country as much as we do!

Here’s how to fall in love with Spain in 10 days.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Spain Itinerary

Getting around during your 10 days in spain, the ultimate 10 days in spain itinerary, the best time of year to enjoy this itinerary for spain, more than 10 days in spain, what to pack for your trip to spain, your 10 day spain itinerary map.

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We structured this 10 day Spain itinerary to cover many of the country’s most popular destinations in a “U” shape, beginning in Madrid and ending in Barcelona.

In addition to the ever-popular Madrid and Barcelona, this itinerary also loops through Toledo, Seville, Granada, and Cordoba in a quest to sample a variety of what makes traveling in Spain special.

With the help of the high-speed train between Madrid and Barcelona , you can easily enjoy this trip by either flying round-trip to and from Madrid, or booking an open-jaw ticket where you fly into Madrid and leave from Barcelona.

And, while we opted to start this itinerary for Spain in the capital, you can easily reverse it and start in Barcelona instead, if the flights work out better that way!

Since this 10 days in Spain itinerary is focused on cities, there’s no need to rent a car or drive on this route!

The simplest (and most fun) way to travel between each destination on this itinerary is via train.

For most places, you’ll have the choice of a high-speed train (more expensive but much faster), or a slower regional train.

We recommend comparing train schedules and prices via Omio , the service we use to book many trains around Europe.

Spain’s high-speed AVE trains, like many high-speed trains around Europe, use dynamic pricing–in other words, you should lock down your fares as soon as you can commit to dates!

Once you’re in a given destination, each city is walkable (with the help of public transportation and/or cab rides in certain places).

Shop train tickets for your trip to Spain today!

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid and start sightseeing.

There’s nowhere better to kick off your 10 days in Spain that in the vibrant capital city of Madrid!

Often underestimated compared to popular Barcelona, Madrid is beautiful, endlessly interesting, and pulsates with life from every corner.

It’s one of our favorite cities in Europe to fantasize about living in, and who knows–one day we might just make it happen.

On your first day in the city, tour the (gigantic, opulent) Royal Palace , check out the cathedral, meander through Plaza Mayor, and stop by the Templo de Debod.

And, of course, your first day in Spain can’t be complete without tapas!

Head to Mercado San Miguel for endless options, or opt for this popular tapas tour to learn the ins and outs of this tradition (knowledge that will be very useful for the rest of your time in Spain).

Book your Madrid tapas tour today!

Where to Stay in Madrid

Hostal Adis  — Located just off Puerta del Sol and boasting excellent reviews, you couldn’t ask for a better location in Madrid–and at a budget price, too!

Hostal Adis is an excellent property for budget travelers looking for an excellent location and plenty of privacy–rather than being a traditional hostel, Hostal Adis is more like a budget hotel.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostal Adis today!

Hotel Regina  — Featuring plush beds, spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a perfect location near Puerta del Sol, mid-range travelers can’t go wrong with a stay at the popular Hotel Regina.

If you’re feeling like a bit of a splurge, upgrade to a room with a panoramic view for an experience you won’t forget anytime soon!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Regina today!

Catalonia Las Cortes  — Simultaneously sleek and cozy, modern and traditional, Catalonia Las Cortes is housed in an 18-century building in the heart of Madrid and has blended together all the best of classic atmosphere and modern convenience.

We’ve stayed at a few Catalonia hotels over the years and have always been impressed.

An excellent location near Puerta del Sol, rave reviews and beautiful rooms make Catalonia Las Cortes the perfect luxury hotel choice for those looking for a blend of traditional and modern during their 3 days in Madrid!

Check rates & book your stay at Catalonia Las Cortes today!

Day 2: Enjoy a second day in Madrid.

The second day of this itinerary for Spain opens with one of the most memorable art museums in the country: Spain’s National Art Museum, the Prado.

Packed with masterpieces (primarily Spanish, but also from across Europe), the Prado is one of those museums that we never get tired of.

Skip-the-line tickets are a great idea here, but for the most context (and efficient sightseeing), consider taking a tour in order to make sure you see the best of Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and beyond!

Book tickets to visit the Prado today!

Once you’re ready to move on, head to the delightful Retiro Park.

With gardens to explore, rowboats to rent, statues to admire, lawns to lounge on, and even the Palacio de Cristal to enjoy, Retiro Park is a wonderful place to relax.

Eventually, make your way to the exit by the Puerta de Alcalá and head up Gran Vía to check out some of Madrid’s most famous architecture!

This shopping street is where you’ll find the iconic Metropolis Building (the rooftop bar and restaurant on top of the Círculo de Bellas Artes has an amazing view of it!), as well as the Cybele Palace.

Branch off to explore the Puerta del Sol and lively La Latina neighborhood in the afternoon and evening!

Don’t wrap up your last (full) day in Madrid without at least one round of churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés , either.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Toledo.

Today, it’s time to leave the capital behind and take a day trip to the beautiful medieval city of Toledo.

Set about 35 minutes away from Madrid by high-speed train (or about an hour by bus or car), beautiful Toledo is easily one of the best day trips from Madrid.

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Tagus River, Toledo is as charming to look at as it is historically relevant.

The city once briefly served as the capital of Spain, and was even an independent kingdom at one point!

Some of the best things to do in Toledo include visiting the magnificent Toledo Cathedral, touring the Alcázar, stepping inside the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes, and meandering through the city’s charming streets.

Don’t miss the viewpoints of the town from across the river, either!

You can easily take the high-speed train to Toledo yourself for the day, but if you prefer the context of a tour (and/or want the easiest access to the viewpoints from across the river), this popular day trip is also an excellent option.

Book your day trip to Toledo today!

Day 4: Head south to Seville.

Sunshine, sour orange trees, flamenco, and some of the most fascinating architecture in Europe await in the next part of this Spain itinerary: welcome to Andalucia.

This is one of our favorite regions in Spain, and it always seems to keep drawing us back.

A roughly 2.5-hour high-speed train journey will deliver you from Madrid to Seville, the capital of the Andalucia region and an excellent jumping-off point for your explorations.

We recommend taking an early train down from Madrid, dropping off your luggage at your hotel (most are happy to hold it until check-in for you), and starting your sightseeing.

Today, be sure to check out the stunning Seville Cathedral , climb to the top of the Giralda (bell tower) for beautiful views of the city, wander through the famous Plaza de Espana, and explore the delightful neighborhood of Barrio Santa Cruz.

The Royal Alcazar of Seville is stunning, and also one of the best attractions in town–but we’d only recommend visiting today if you’re a really big architecture fan.

As amazing as the Alcazar is (and it is, truly), it’s somewhat overshadowed by the Alhambra, which you’ll see in another couple of days when following this 10 day Spain itinerary.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in adding a flamenco show to your Spain itinerary, Seville is the place to do it.

Andalucia is widely considered the birthplace of flamenco (though the specific origins are debated), and a flamenco show like this is a wonderful way to close out your evening.

Book your flamenco show in Seville today!

Where to Stay in Seville

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far-from-guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular  Hotel Rey Alfonso X  is an excellent choice, and its rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget,  Hotel America Sevilla  gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning  Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 5: Take a half-day trip to Cordoba.

Less than an hour from Seville by train or car, you’ll find the captivating Andalucian city of Cordoba–which happens to be one of our favorite places in the region!

Once the most powerful city in Islamic Spain, the Cordoba of today is small and manageable, a bite-size tourism destination that nonetheless leaves a big impact on visitors.

Cordoba is most famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral –literally a former mosque with a cathedral built into its center–which is one of the most memorable buildings we’ve had a chance to visit anywhere.

The Mosque-Cathedral should absolutely be your top priority when visiting Cordoba, but beyond that, there’s still plenty to see within a short walk!

Snapping photos of the picturesque Calleja de las Flores, relaxing in the Patio de los Naranjos, wandering through the Jewish Quarter, and checking out some of the beautiful patios of Cordoba should also be on your to-do list.

After seeing the best of Cordoba, you have two options for the rest of your day: first, you could enjoy another evening in Seville.

Or, if you’d rather make today particularly busy in favor of having more time for sightseeing tomorrow, you could head onto Granada.

Granada, home to the Alhambra, is about 3 hours from Seville by train or car and is your destination for tomorrow.

You could opt to continue sleeping in Seville and take a long day trip there on day 6, or, if you’re open to packing and unpacking an extra time, you could sleep in Granada starting tonight to give yourself more time in the city.

Personally, we love Granada and would recommend spending extra time there, but both options are compatible with this Spain itinerary.

Where to Stay in Granada

When spending a few days in Granada, we opted to rent an apartment from  Mosaiko Homes and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!

Mosaiko Homes  is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!

Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique  Casa de Reyes  (that decor!).

For a bit of luxury, the popular  Shine Albayzin  is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks  the Alhambra .

Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Barcelona or even Seville.

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 days in Spain, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!

Check rates & book your stay in Granada!

Day 6: Explore Granada and tour the Alhambra.

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Seville or spending the whole day in Granada (we recommend the second, but the first is doable too), there is one major item on the agenda today: the Alhambra.

This collection of centuries-old palaces (plus a fort, gardens, ruins of a medina, and more), is one of the most unique groupings of architecture in Europe, and the most-visited tourist attraction in Spain!

We wrote about visiting the Alhambra extensively here , so I’ll try to keep this (kind of) brief, but the long and the short of it is that this is a place you need to plan ahead for.

Tickets often sell out, and a tour is a great idea here if you like historical context ( we enjoyed this one ).

If you’re visiting from Seville, we recommend booking a day trip , because 3 hours of transit each way plus navigating to and from the complex is a headache in a short time frame (we rarely suggest taking day trips this long, but the Alhambra is worth it).

However you decide to visit, make sure that you book a ticket or tour that includes the Nasrid Palaces!

These magnificent palaces, the final stronghold of Islamic Al-Andalus before the Reconquista was officially completed by the Catholics in 1492, are the jewel of the Alhambra and an absolute must-visit.

Not all tours and tickets include them, though, so book yours carefully .

Once you wrap up at the Alhambra, if you’re staying in Granada, be sure to wander through the Albayzin neighborhood, admire the views of the Alhambra from a distance at the beautiful Mirador de San Nicolas, and visit the beautiful Granada Cathedral.

Granada is also a fantastic place to enjoy Spain’s tapas culture, so be sure to indulge in some snacks along with a tinto verano .

Day 7: Head north to Barcelona.

Today, say goodbye to Andalucia and head north to Barcelona!

This is the longest travel day included on this 10 days in Spain itinerary, and you can expect to spend 6+ hours on a train from Granada to Barcelona.

We recommend booking this trip at least a few weeks in advance, as you’ll want a choice of schedules and to get the best price possible.

If you’re on a budget, you can price out flights too, but traveling by train is much more fun!

Once you arrive in Barcelona, you can check into your hotel, get unpacked, and start exploring.

Meander through the Gothic Quarter, check out the Barcelona Cathedral, sample the Santa Caterina Market, stroll down Las Ramblas, and soak up the beauty of Plaça Reial.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

When deciding where to stay in Barcelona, it’s important to keep in mind that this sprawling city requires some effort to move around–there’s no way to stay near all the best things to see in Barcelona, but it’s best to stay by some of them!

We checked into Citadines Ramblas Barcelona and were extremely satisfied–to the point that we may just keep going back on additional trips.

Our room was spacious, complete with a kitchenette, and extremely quiet despite the hotel being located in a prime spot right along Las Ramblas.

The view of the Barcelona Cathedral from the rooftop deck of the Colón Hotel Barcelona is pretty incredible too, though, and we have it bookmarked for a possible future trip.

If you’re traveling on a bit more of a budget, Hotel Nouvel also gets excellent reviews and is in a wonderful location.

Check rates & book your stay in Barcelona today!

Day 8: Explore Barcelona’s unique architecture.

On your first full day in Barcelona, start with a visit to either Casa Milà or Casa Batlló , two of the most famous homes designed by Gaudi!

They’re fairly close together, but with only a couple of days left in Spain, we recommend only going inside one and seeing the other from the outside.

You’ll also want to get an early start–personally, we recommend pre-booking tickets for Casa Batlló when it opens).

From there, explore any nooks and crannies of the Gothic Quarter you didn’t get to see yesterday, including Catalunya Plaza and Mercado de la Boqueria.

If you’re excited about all of Barcelona’s Catalan modernism architecture, we can also heartily recommend a visit to Palau de la Música Catalana .

Though not designed by Gaudi, it’s an amazing (and compared to much of Barcelona, uncrowded) example of the style and a memorable place to visit!

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is also only a 10-minute walk away.

From there, you’ll be about a 25-minute walk from Barcelona’s beaches and bustling coastline.

Day 9: Dive deeper into Barcelona (and possibly take a day trip).

With its long list of incredible attractions, it would be very easy to spend the penultimate day of your Spain vacation exploring the city in-depth–but another option would be to add on a trip to the monastery of Monserrat.

This mountain retreat away from the city is known for its incredible views, and a half-day trip there is a wonderful way to get a taste of Catalonia beyond Barcelona itself.

However, staying in the city also has its charms: the views from Park Güell  and/or Tibidabo, the incredible Picasso Museum (which holds over 4,000 of the artist’s works), and a visit to Camp Nou are possible additions to your list.

And, of course, we can’t forget the Sagrada Familia : Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece of a cathedral is an absolute must-see when visiting Barcelona!

We visited in the early evening after hearing that the interior’s light was at its best then, and we were not disappointed–the colors were phenomenal.

If you wrap up at the Sagrada Familia before sunset and would like to enjoy the Mediterranean while in Barcelona, consider wrapping up your evening with a sunset catamaran cruise .

Book skip-the-line tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia today!

Day 10: (Maybe) head back to Madrid and say goodbye to Spain.

How the final day of this itinerary for Spain works for you depends on one factor: whether you’re flying home from Madrid or Barcelona.

If you’re taking an evening flight home from Madrid, you’ll need to take the high-speed train back to the capital (we highly recommend booking this in advance ).

If you’re leaving from Barcelona, you may have time for one more round of pan con tomate enjoyed while admiring the bustling of the city before you catch your flight!

However you close out your 10 days in Spain, we hope you say goodbye already dreaming of your trip back.

Shop train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid today!

Spain is the definition of a year-round destination, and that includes this Spain itinerary!

That being said, though, if you have flexible dates and are trying to pinpoint the ideal time to travel Spain, we recommend enjoying this itinerary in the spring or fall.

Summer in Spain, especially in Andalucia, can be brutally hot (we shudder to think of visiting the Alhambra at noon in July).

Winter is perfectly doable, but the weather can be rainy and less predictable than in spring or summer.

On the plus side for winter, though, you’ll experience few crowds, low prices, and still have a decent chance at soaking up some Spanish sun, albeit with a jacket at hand.

The sweet spot for this 10 day Spain itinerary, though, which travels a decent chunk of the country and therefore needs to take multiple climates into account, is the spring and fall.

We have visited Spain in every season, and while each trip was a delight, we have a special place in our hearts for our spring and fall visits!

Lucky enough to have longer than 10 days in Spain? If so, congratulations!

Our first recommendation with a couple of extra days to add to your Spain itinerary is to slow down: every destination covered in this travel guide could easily use another day or two at least.

While it’s doable to travel Spain at a breakneck pace for a week and a half, the longer you’re there, the slower you’ll want to travel.

Alternatively, if you want to keep the speed going, you could add on another day trip: visit Girona from Barcelona, Segovia from Madrid, or Ronda from Seville, for example.

If you have closer to 2 weeks in Spain, consider adding Basque country to your itinerary!

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and beyond makes for a wonderful extension to round out a couple of weeks in Spain.

Alternatively, you could opt to extend the Andalucia portion of your trip to include a couple of days on the Costa del Sol.

With near-limitless ways to enjoy a Spain vacation, it’s safe to say that wherever you head, you’re bound to have a wonderful trip.

Our detailed packing lists for Europe in summer , fall , and winter cover just about everything you’ll need to bring on your 10 day Spain vacation!

To get you started on your list, though, here are a few essentials to add to your packing list:

Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of mainland Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics. 

Camera  — We completely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories! 

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use   Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Sunglasses  — They’re not kidding about the Spanish sun! I find myself reaching for sunglasses regularly even when visiting Spain in winter.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing in Spain: bring a USB charger along for the ride.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

63 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Days in Spain Itinerary (+ Travel Tips)”

Great overview and suggestions, Kate!

Any suggestions you can offer for an afternoon of wine tasting along the journey?

Thanks, Rob!

We haven’t done a lot of dedicated wine tourism in Spain, though of course, the local wines are delicious. You’ll be near wine regions in each stop, though, so can easily opt for a half-day wine tasting outside the city somewhere.

Alternatively, every city has more excellent wine bars and wine shops than you can count!

Amazing!! Thank you so much for all of this!!

Kate quick question if I may bother you for a bit.

I went through everything you wrote and I calculate maybe about $5,000 would cover the hotel, train and eating expenses between cities for a family of three (My husband and I and our baby girl, toddler) This does not count the air flight ✈️ to Spain.

We were thinking of visiting ending of May or Beginning of June.

Does this sound about reasonable amount to take ??

$5000 (USD, I’m assuming) is very doable, especially if you’re conscious of your budget when booking hotels! I’d recommend booking your train tickets in advance too, as those can be pricier at the last minute.

Generally speaking, Barcelona will be the most expensive stop on this itinerary and Andalucia the most affordable.

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for creating this! This is extremely helpful and I appreciate all your tips. I am going to Spain in the middle of Semana Santa, but flying into Barcelona and departing from Madrid. I would love to visit the cities you mentioned, but this is the current itinerary I have going. Do you think that this is doable?

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN BARCELONA DAY 2 – BARCELONA DAY 3 – BARCELONA Easter DAY 4 – Fly to GRANADA DAY 5 – GRANADA (Alhambra visit) DAY 6 – SEVILLE DAY 7 – SEVILLE (day trip to Cordoba) DAY 8 – SEVILLE DAY 9 – MADRID DAY 10 – MADRID DAY 11 – Fly home

Yes, that sounds like a very reasonable itinerary! You’ll have a great time.

I’d definitely have some food/snacks with you as you’re traveling on Easter Sunday, as you’ll no doubt run into lots of closures.

The week of Easter is also VERY busy in Spain (and in much of Europe), so expect higher-than-usual prices and crowds. I’d recommend booking your hotels ASAP and Alhambra visit ASAP!

I love your site and this itinerary for Spain. We’re spending about 12 days in Spain in early April (unfortunately also over Easter, like Chloe in the message above), and using your itinerary as our template, we want to add a day or two in Gibraltar & Tangier. Have you done this? Too ambitious to add to the itinerary? It would look something like this:

1 – Arrive in BARCELONA 2 – BARCELONA 3 – Fly to GRANADA 4 – GRANADA (Alhambra visit) 5 – GIBRALTAR 6 – TANGIER 7 – SEVILLE 8 – MADRID 9 – MADRID (Toledo) 10 (Easter) MADRID 11 – Back to BARCELONA 12 – Fly home

That is a very packed schedule, but I do get the temptation of adding on a quick day in Morocco (and the UK, in a manner of speaking).

If you want to add on Gibraltar and Tangier, I’d consider trimming a different destination to give yourselves more breathing room, as that’s a tough pace to keep up for 12 days (though doable, if you are dedicated to seeing every last place).

Seville is a gorgeous city, but taking it off your itinerary would give you another day to work with, which you could then add to Granada or Gibraltar, since you’ll really only have an afternoon and evening there.

If you really want to see Gibraltar, of course it’s worth seeing, but if it’s more or less just a stop on the way to Tangier, you could also look at Tarifa, a beautiful Spanish beach city (no passport control) that you can access Morocco from (I believe the ferry is slightly shorter from there, too–we’ve taken that one ourselves).

Alternatively, the high-speed trains do run on Easter, so if that day is more or less just a holding day on your calendar (since the Madrid sites will be closed), you could travel back to Barcelona then, which would give you day 11 back to see a bit more of that city.

Any high-speed trains you do opt for, though, I’d book ASAP. It’s often a mad rush for trains over Easter with people traveling for the holiday.

Thanks Kate. After doing some more reading and research, we’re going to bypass Tangier. Instead, we’ll use that time to explore the towns between Granada and Seville (Thinking Nerja and Ronda) by car. Have you rented a car and driven in southern Spain? Any issues we should know about or is it a pretty standard car rental experience?

Gracias! Chris

We’ve driven in southern Spain many times(including Granada, Seville, Ronda), but generally by renting cars in Portugal and then driving them over.

It’s a pretty standard European driving experience, though–parking outside of historic centers and walking in, etc. If you’re a confident driver I wouldn’t be worried. The driving is also stunning–plenty of chances to enjoy gorgeous views along the way!

There is no condensed itinerary on this page

Here you go, Sarah. 🙂

Day 1: Arrive Madrid Day 2: Madrid Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid Day 4: Travel to Seville Day 5: Half- Day in Cordoba Day 6: Granada and the Alhambra Day 7: Travel to Barcelona Day 8: Barcelona Day 9: More Barcelona or Day Trip Day 10: Travel Home

This is a GREAT article. I’m going to follow your itinerary. I’d also like to visit San Sebastián and Cadiz. Could you recommend a way to incorporate these into your itinerary? Thank you!

So glad you found our post helpful!

There’s not an incredibly efficient way to add San Sebastian to this itinerary, as it’s several hours out of the way regardless of where you add it on. It is a gorgeous city, though!

Your best bets would probably be either visiting after Madrid and then flying to Andalucia from San Sebastian, or visiting after Barcelona (especially if you’re flying out of Madrid) and then taking the train back to Madrid to head home.

Of course if you find a good flight to or from San Sebastian you could use it as a starting or ending point, but Madrid and Barcelona tend to have the best deals for transcontinental flights (assuming you’re not coming to/from Europe).

Cadiz is much easier to add on–it’s just an hour or so south of Seville by car, so you can easily add it to your Andalucia leg. Some people even visit it as a day trip from Seville.

Hi! Your trips look amazing! Wondering if you could offer advice. I have 10 days to plan. In my head I will be able to see Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, a beach town, Lisbon or some location in Portugal, and Morocco. As I’m researching, this looks like it might be impossible. Knowing my family would like to hit all 3 countries, what would you offer as a reasonable way to spend these days without feeling crazy and traveling constantly. It is myself, my husband, and kids age 13 & 17 who travel very well. Thanks for any help!

You know, I actually have it on my list of future blog posts to write some sample itineraries combining Spain and Portugal. Thanks for the reminder!

If you want to see all 3 countries in 10 days, the most realistic way is to do it via a sampler platter style, meaning 1-2 base destinations in each of Spain and Portugal, depending on whether you want to take a day trip to Tangier or you plan to spend a few days in Morocco.

One option could be 3 days in Lisbon (with a possible day trip), 3 days in Seville (with day trips further afield–possibly Granda/the Alhambra and Cordoba), 2 days in Tarfia (pretty Spanish beach town with ferries to Tangier), and then a couple days in Tangier. But that’s already pushing it as far as what you can fit in!

Keep in mind that unfortunately, Spain and Portugal are not very well-connected to each other by rail. When you’re short on time, your best options will be renting a car and driving across the border (in the south/if you want to go to the Algarve) or flying (between major cities).

Hi, Thank you for this great itinerary! My husband and I are planning a trip on similar lines this year and I had a few questions I was wondering you could advice us on: 1. Is early September a good time to visit? Would August be too hot?! 2. Is one day in Granada enough? I have heard that Alhambra itself can take quite a while and hence was wondering if one day would be too tight a squeeze 3. Between Barcelona and Madrid, if you had to suggest one for first time travellers, which would you recommend?!

Hi Rushali,

Of course, happy to help!

Early September is definitely preferable to August. It’ll still be warm, especially in Andalucia, but it’ll be much less crowded. It often feels like all of Europe heads to the beaches or mountains in August and then promptly goes home by September 1–so September will be much more pleasant from that angle.

One day being enough in Granada is all dependent on how much else you want to do! In a perfect world, I’d love to rent an apartment in Granada for a few months and take advantage of all the food and nearby hiking. 🙂

But for the purposes of a short trip, one day is enough to see the Alhambra (it will take up the bulk of your day) and then do a quick pass through the rest of town, hopefully prioritizing the Albayzin neighborhood, the Mirador de San Nicholas, and tapas.

If you’re able to add on a second day (or even half day, like I laid out as an option above), you won’t be sorry, though.

Barcelona vs Madrid… that’s an intense debate! Personally, we prefer Madrid, but we’re in the minority. Barcelona is wildly popular (deservedly so!) and has the beach, more outlandish architecture, and a more fast-paced vibe.

Madrid is arguably more elegant, with world-class museums, and is a bit cheaper.

Both are incredible–if you are struggling to decide, I’d make a list of the top 3-4 things you want to see in each city and see which ones pull to you more.

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Hi Kate, Would you recommend activities like River Rafting, Hot Springs, Walk in the wild while in Spain? We are planning a trip during early May

If they’re priorities for you and you have time, absolutely! Andalucia in particular has great options for all of those. You might want to look into extending your time in Granada if you want to get outdoors during your trip.

Hi! My husband and I are going on a 10 day trip starting in Barcelona. We go to Mallorca then Seville. Were having a hard time deciding if we want to end in Madrid or Lisbon, any recommendation?

Hi Samantha,

That’s a hard call, as they’re both wonderful but very different!

Very generally speaking, I’d say that Madrid is best if you’re looking for museums, the royal palace, and a chance to travel overland from Seville (it’s an easy train ride).

Lisbon is best for views, being near the coast (you can easily take a day trip to Sintra, Cascais, or both), and the chance to sample another country during your trip. There’s no train service from Seville, you’ll need to fly, drive, or take a bus.

Both offer popular food options, but Lisbon has a bit more of a seafood focus while Madrid tends toward pork.

This is all very general, but I hope it helps a bit!

If you haven’t seen them, our guides to spending a few days in each city will give you a feel for them:

Madrid: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-madrid-itinerary/ Lisbon: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-lisbon-itinerary/

Good luck deciding! 🙂

Hi Kate! Would recommend Lisbon or Madrid if we can only go to one on our trip? Were going to Barcelona, Mallorca and Seville before.

Hi Kate! Thank you for this great itinerary. My husband and I are planning to visit Spain this September (finally will be going on our honeymoon!). We are thinking of being out there for about 10-12 days. I have two questions that I would love your insight on. First, considering we may have extra days, any suggestions on which cities we should extend our stay at? We love wine, great food, and the outdoors. Second, what, if any, restrictions are still in place due to COVID that we should keep in mind? Thank you in advance for your help!

Congratulations on your marriage!

Honestly, any of these cities are worthy of spending more time in, but if I absolutely had to pick, I’d recommend Granada (because your time there is really compressed in the original 10-day itinerary and there’s lots of great hiking just outside of town) or Barcelona (the most popular day trips include the Penedes Wine Region and the beautiful small towns along the Costa Brava–a different kind of nature to appreciate).

I could make a case for any of them, though!

As far as COVID, there aren’t any current restrictions that are likely to impact your trip. I believe masks are still required in pharmacies and hospitals, but that’s about it.

Hope you guys have a fantastic honeymoon!

Hi! Thanks so much for this super helpful blog.. I have a question about transportation. We are a group of 3 ladies arrving from US to Madrid in the afternoon and would like to start our trip in Barcelona and end in Madrid for return flight. I think we will travel via train same day to Barcelona but my concern is luggage. Do you know if trains allow for larger suitcases or will we be met with bag costs?

Thanks so much for any advice!

You can take your luggage onto the train without issue! European trains are much more flexible with bags than any plane is, you’ll even see people bringing sporting equipment and such onboard, depending on the place.

We have many more tips on what to expect on trains here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Have a great trip!

Hi Kate! I am planning a two-week trip to Spain for my husband and me for next spring. (Your 10-day Spain itinerary has been super helpful!) So far, I am generally following that itinerary with a few extra nights in some places (we have 3 nights in Madrid with a day trip to Toledo, 3 nights in Seville with a day trip to Cordoba, 2 nights in Granada, and 4 nights in Barcelona with a day trip to Girona). My question is, if we still have 2 more nights we can add on somewhere, would you recommend renting a car and seeing some of the White Hill Towns of Spain (with 2 nights in Ronda), or using the Lisbon stopover program and spending those 2 nights in Lisbon (with a day trip to Sintra)? I can’t decide between the two! Any thoughts or suggestions you have would be great! Thanks!!

Definitely a very hard decision! And unfortunately, there’s no right answer.

I’d opt for the hill towns if you’re looking for more peace and quiet with a side of nature, and Lisbon if you’re looking for a city break and palaces (in Sintra). The hill towns are gorgeous but aren’t as heavy on sightseeing as a capital city is.

Lisbon definitely adds more variety to your trip, so I’m inclined to lean that way (the stopover program is very convenient, we used it ourselves several years back), but if hill towns definitely make for a more relaxing trip since you’ll be spending a full week in Andalucia that way.

Hope that helps a bit, but I’m afraid there’s no clear winner or loser here!

I think we are going to spend a few days in Lisbon! Thank you!! 🙂

Hi, how would you recommend adding Ibiza to this itinerary in a 2 week trip?

Hi Rebecca,

Assuming you’re trying to fit everything within 14 days, the only realistic way to do so would be to trim another destination or two. Personally, I’d recommend visiting either Madrid or Barcelona (whichever appeals to you more/has better flight options for you), then Ibiza by plane, then fly to Andalucia from there.

You can take the ferry to Ibiza as well, but I’d recommend looking into an overnight route so you don’t lose one of your days to traveling there.

If you have longer than 14 days and want to add Ibiza as an addition, I’d probably leave from Barcelona and then fly to Andalucia afterward.

Hi Kate, we will be visiting friends who live in Madrid in later March-early April of 2023 (exact dates still TBD). We’re spending a week 3/23-3/31 with them at a rental house in Benimeli, but will likely travel around on our own for another week or two on our own. Your itinerary sounds lovely. Can I ask why you don’t include Valencia? My sister studied there in college and loved it.

For the same reason we didn’t include Basque Country, Mallorca, Galicia, and many more… simply time! Can’t see it all in 10 days, as lovely as that would be, so we focused on the destinations that tend to be a priority for first-time visitors.

Valencia is a beautiful city, though, and would definitely allow you to trim the budget a bit if you swapped it for Barcelona. 🙂

Hi Kate! This is SO helpful!

I’m planning a trip for December, which will be winter and on Christmas Eve/Day. Do you have advice or tips for travelling, where to go, what to do/not do or anything that would be useful for being in Spain at this time?

Thank you!!

In general, expect for things to be closed and everything to be VERY quiet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Some places will be open the morning of the 24th and then close around midday.

I’d recommend stocking up on groceries and planning to spend a relaxed day exploring places that can’t “close”–parks, plazas, etc.

If you’re there before Christmas, check out any Christmas markets that are around! They don’t have quite the same atmosphere as the ones in Central Europe, but they can still be lots of fun.

We’ve already been to Seville (loved it of course), any thoughts on swapping it with Valencia? Curiously nobody in the comments has mentioned it, and you don’t either…we travel in January and seems like a really nice place to visit that time of year. Looks beautiful. 10ish days split between Madrid/Valencia/Barcelona seems easy travel wise too.

Valencia is a beautiful city, and very popular with expats! It doesn’t tend to call as many tourists as Seville, probably due to both location and fame. I don’t know anyone who has visited who didn’t love it, but as most people are working with very limited time, the most iconic cities tend to pull visitors.

I’d have a hard time suggesting someone skip Andalucia entirely if it’s their first trip to Spain (it’s one of our favorite regions, and we’re far from alone in that), but you’re obviously in a different position!

We are planning this trip from Jan 1-11th. Thank you so much for sharing your trip. The only place we are skipping is Granada. Should we try to accommodate a stop there, or leave it for another trip.

1st DAY- MADRID (1)(Hotel Regina, RIU, or any other) 2nd Day- TOLEDO (2) (35 mins highspeed train) 3rd Day- MADRID TO SEVILLA (3) (2.5 hrs highspeed train) 4th Day- Still in Sevilla (Day trip to Cordoba (4)) 5th Day- Sevilla to Cadiz (5) 1hr 24 mins 6th Day- Cadiz to Malaga (6) 3hrs 48 mins (day trip to Marbella(6)) 7th Day- Malaga to Barcelona (7) 6hrs 17 mins 8th Day- Barcelona 9th Day- Barcelona 10th Day- Madrid

Your itinerary is already very full, so if Granada isn’t at the top of your priority list, I think it makes sense to leave it off for this trip!

I’m not sure if you’re planning to sleep in Toledo on day two or take a day trip, but personally, I’d recommend opting for a day trip to keep the transition simpler.

The other day that sticks out is day 6. It doesn’t seem like you have enough time to explore both Malaga and Marbella, so I’d recommend choosing one of them and staying there. If you’re mostly hoping to appreciate Marbella, in other words, I’d just head right there and spend the night instead of taking a half-day trip after spending several hours getting there from Cadiz.

Hope that helps and that you have an incredible time in Spain!

Kate and Jeremy,

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to educate those of us who will be traveling to Spain for the first time. My wife and I, who are around 70, are planning a 10 – day trip to Spain in September. Your 10-day intinerary sounds fantastic. While we are both in good health, my wife does have a knee that can act up. Based on your experience, is this itinerary a reasonable one for people our age?

The other question I have is whether there is a travel agent you would recommend to help us coordinate everything? We are spoiled as we just returned from a trip to Argentina and worked with an amazing person — both professionally and personally. Plans came together perfectly. Does anyone come to mind?

Thank you, again, for your thoughtful recommendations. It is incredibly helpful and reduces the anxiety of being completely overwhelmed by all the touring options. Happy holidays.

Gayle and Alan

So happy you’ve found our site helpful!

Everyone is different at any age, of course, but I’d say you’d have better luck with this Spain itinerary than, say, a similar one in Italy–fewer hills. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of tours to smaller towns (with possibly some hop on/hop off bus tours), including Toledo, to limit walking in hilly places. For the Alhambra, definitely take transportation up to the palace–it’s a long, steep walk from town.

But Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville all offer lots of flatter walking areas.

Anecdotally, we visited Seville and Cordoba last year with my grandparents in their late 70s, and they found it very doable.

As far as travel agents, no advice to offer there, I’m afraid–we’ve never worked with one ourselves.

Hope you guys have an incredible trip!

I have been practicing Spanish for the goal of traveling to Spain in 2024 or 25 with my family. I wanted to do 10 days and capture all the popular and non-popular but recommended spots. I think this is perfect – going to save it!

That’s great to hear, thanks Anita! Good luck with your Spanish studies–it definitely does a lot to enhance a trip. 🙂

HI KATE HOPE YOU DOING GOOD . UR DETAILED ITENIARY ABOUT SPAIN IS AMAZING . WE ARE PLANNING A TRIP IN START OS MAY . THOUGH WE ARE CONFUSED WHETHER WE SHOULD DO SPAIN OR ITALY . WE HAVE 10 TO 12 DAYS IN HAND , COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE SOME OF YOUR VIEWS TO IT . THANK YOU MARISHA

So happy you found our posts helpful, Marisha!

Choosing between Spain and Italy definitely isn’t easy! Personally, we have a slight preference for Italy, but both countries count among our favorite places to travel. You truly can’t go wrong, so I’d decide which is home to your absolute top 1-2 destinations, whether that’s Madrid, Cinque Terre, etc, etc, and then go with whichever country that is.

Alternatively, you could of course enjoy one city in each country with a flight betweeen!

Here’s our recommended 2 week Italy itinerary if you want to compare: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-weeks-in-italy-itinerary/

Thank you for all your wonderful tips! My husband and I are planning a 10-12 day trip to Spain this year and wanted to ask for some advice on cities to see. We love architecture, churches, markets, and music and enjoy walking and exploring new sites.We were thinking of doing the following cities: Madrid (fly in/out of), Toledo, Seville, Cordoba, Granada but wanted to know what other day/overnight trips you would recommend to places such as Ronda, Nerja, Malaga, Andalusia or Estepona. As much as we would love to visit Barcelona we would rather do that on another trip.

Hi Melinda,

There are definitely more than enough day trip options (or overnights) to keep you busy with that timeline! Truly you don’t necessarily need to add any others–slowing down a bit in the places you mentioned will still leave plenty of stones unturned–but if you would like, the white villages (including Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegsas is also very memorable, among others) are a great option.

The Costa del Sol is a bit further, but if you want to spend some time on the beach, Estepona, Malaga, Cadiz, Tarifa, etc, are all wonderful bases as well.

Our Seville day trips guide might give you some ideas, it covers the general area pretty well: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/day-trips-from-seville/

Thank you Kate for the info! Do you mind giving recommendations on day trips vs. overnight stays? I don’t want to feel rushed when visiting a city but don’t mind spending a night or two in places where there’s plenty to see and do.

In your case, if you’re hoping to spend time on the Costa del Sol, I’d pick one base to spend a night or two in down there and potentially visit another spot from that base. Personally, we love Tarifa, while Malaga is very convenient for hopping from village to village. The smaller beach towns are lovely, but I’d opt for one of those if you’re hoping to stay in one place for a bit, as opposed to using it as a place to take day trips from.

The small white villages, like Setenil de las Bodegas, can easily be done as a day trip. We spent a few days in Ronda and loved the slower pace, but you can easily cover over half its main attractions on a day trip as well–just depends on your priorities!

Hi Kate, thank you for creating this itinerary! We used your Portugal itinerary last year and loved it! Planning a 12-day family trip to Spain in July with 3 kids ages 14-17. Currently considering the following: Fly into Malaga (2-3d) Granada (1d) Seville (1d) Cordoba (1d) Madrid (1-2d) /Toledo day trip (opt) Barcelona- remaining time/fly out of Main question- is Malaga worth visiting? Or we can do start/ end in Barcelona. Is it too much? Remove/add something? We don’t plan to rent a car, but may consider if it makes sense for a portion of the trip. Thank you in advance!

That’s amazing you hear you enjoyed our Portugal suggestions, thank you for sharing!

First, Malaga–if you’re wanting to spend a couple days relaxing on beaches, I’d consider going a bit further afield, perhaps to Nerja, Estepona, etc. If you’re just wanting some general sightseeing, a full day in Malaga is probably enough, and I’d consider trimming a day or two there and giving it instead to Seville, Granada, or Madrid.

Malaga has some cool places, and it’s definitely worth seeing the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, Cathedral, etc. if you fly into there, but I would say that personally, we find it the least compelling city on your list (which is admittedly a list with very stiff competition).

You may already be planning on this, but I’d definitely take a day trip to Cordoba from Seville rather than spending the night there to avoid the hassle of changing hotels again–it’s a very easy day trip.

If you trim a bit from Malaga, I think you’ll be moving at a very doable pace, and agree there’s no need for a car on this route.

Enjoy some tapas for us!

Hi Kate, thank you so much for your reply and additional tips! I was thinking the same regarding Malaga, given the competition :). So reworked the itinerary as follows: D1 Fly into Madrid (seems to be doable with current flight options) D2 Madrid /Toledo day trip D3 Seville D4 Seville/Cordoba day trip D5 Granada D6 Granada D7-D12 Barcelona- /fly out of

A couple of questions: 1. Would you recommend adding a day or two D1-D6, and if so, where? 2. In addition to sightseeing in Barcelona, we hope for some beach time. Would you recommend staying in Barcelona for the beaches? Or is there one that is a reasonable day trip and is worth it. 2a. I looked into Cala sa Boadella, do you have any thoughts on that or any other one? Thank you so much!

Personally I’d suggest adding one day to Madrid to give you time to see a bit of the city in addition to visiting Toledo. Gives you a little more time after the flight to get settled, and Madrid is also a very cool city (we love it there).

Barcelona’s beaches are expansive, sandy, and good for relaxing on, but they’re generally not considered the best beaches in the region. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a little beach time, Sitges is a very easy and popular day trip, and Tossa de Mar offers a combination of beach + castle. There are lots of beach towns nearby, though! A Barcelona expat we know wrote up several day trip options from Barcelona for us and she included quite a few beach destinations: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/day-trips-from-barcelona/

Hi Kate! I am so sorry, somehow I missed your reply, just saw it. Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it! Love Barcelona day trips, we will plan to do at least one. Thank you again!

Hi Katie I just read through your entire itinerary and it sounds great. My husband and I and our two adult children are flying into madrid, arriving on 4/15 and out of Barcelona on 4/24. We want to visit Sevilla during the Feria de Abril. I was thinking 4/15 and 16 in Madrid. Should we take train to Sevilla on the 17th or plan to leave Madrid on the evening of the16th? Want to do a day trip to Cordoba and see Granada before heading to Barcelona, Could you give me your thoughts how we should alot time in each city

Hi Suzanne,

If you are open to a more fast-paced itinerary, I’d definitely consider an evening train to Seville on the 16th, since it sounds like you’re hoping to fit in quite a bit down there.

From there, I’d recommend spending the 17th-19th in Seville (with one day allotted for Cordoba), then head to Granada on the 20th, see the Alhambra on the 21st, and head to Barcleona the 22nd.

That leaves you with only enough time for a very whirlwind tour of Barcelona, but since you’re hoping to enjoy the Feria de Abril, you won’t want to cut Seville short!

Kate This might be a duplicate comment. Going to Spain arriving in Madrid 9am on 4/15/24 and leaving from Barcelona on 4/24/24. We want to see El Palacio Real and Prado museum for sure. We are thinking of just staying one night in Madrid and then heading to Sevilla. We would like to go to Toledo. Should we go from Madrid or Sevilla? We are not interested in other museums in Madrid but have considered 2 nights in Madrid. We also want to go to Granada before Barcelona. Not sure how to split up our days. Any suggestions? We are traveling as a family with my husband, 31 yr old daughter and 28 yr old son. Also what are would you suggest if we would rather get an apartment than hotel in Madrid

Just saw you left two comments! I also have a message for you under your other one. 🙂

For Toledo, I’d recommend taking a day trip from Madrid and not changing hotels. You will have to double-back slightly that way, but overall it should be more efficient than changing hotels again, as the city is really very close to Madrid.

As far as using a hotel vs apartment in Madrid, there are pros and cons to both (and we use both depending on the trip). For such a short trip, though, we’d personally probably opt for a hotel unless you’re planning on eating most of your meals in an apartment versus going to markets/restaurants. If you do opt for an apartment, I’d carefully peruse the reviews for noise, as it can be an issue in Madrid depending on the street and neighborhood!

Not sure about the festival but we will be there during that time. How much time should we consider spending in Sevilla? If we want more time in Barcelona would you give up Cordoba or Granada?

I’d recommend making your you have one full day in Seville itself, excluding days you arrive, depart, or take a day trip to Cordoba. Here’s what we’d recommend doing with one day in the city: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-seville-itinerary/

As far as Granada versus Cordoba, they’re both wonderful.

Based purely on sightseeing, I’d recommend Granada, as it’s a distinct city that has a very different feel than Seville, and it also has the Alhambra, which is easily one of the best historic sites to visit in Spain.

However, Granada can’t easily be done as a day trip from Seville (you really need an organized tour for it, and even then, it’s a very long day), so I’d make the decision based on whether you want to keep your pace of travel slower (in which case I’d visit Cordoba), or if you want to prioritize seeing as much variety as possible in limited time, in which case I’d visit Granada but make sure to spend at least one night there.

That being said, we love Cordoba too! The Mosque-Cathedral is an unforgettable building, and either city will be a great addition to your trip.

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12 days in spain itinerary: the best places to see and go.

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As an experienced solo traveler, I would happily visit Spain four times a year and never feel tired of it. Seriously, it’s an under statement to suggest that I’m obsessed with Spain.

… Actually, on my Google drive, I have so, so, so many possible itineraries for Spain that it’s difficult to keep track of all of them.

However, I’m also realistic and know that my readers don’t have unlimited vacation time to hang out in Spain for as long as they want. … and if you do, I’m jealous, tell me your secrets. 

So, in this post, my goal was to write an itinerary for Spain that was comprehensive, but at the same time, still practical for most people who have full time jobs and schedules. I’m not someone who believes that just because you can’t be a digital nomad doesn’t mean you can’t experience a country on your own terms. 

So I decided to craft this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary to help plan a comprehensive and somewhat brisk trip to get an overview of the country. My itinerary will take you to three separate regions and give you a taste of Spain, so you know where to spend extra time on your return visit.

Because you never only visit Spain once! I’m living proof of that, haha.

Table of Contents

Spain Travel Essentials

Before diving into this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary, I wanted to share some important essentials for your trip.

Spain isn’t a challenging destination. Not in the slightest. Regardless, you still ought to prepare ahead of time as an independent traveler who isn’t part of a guided tour. Better safe than sorry.

After visiting Spain multiple times, I want to ensure that you have everything you need to plan a wonderful vacation. 

Arrival in Spain

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries.  Entry to Spain depends on your country of origin. For English speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, entry for tourism is permitted for up to 90 days. 

Furthermore, in 2024, Schengen will implement ETIAS for several countries. Keep in mind that ETIAS is  not  a visa, but rather a electronic travel authorization. ETISA will be completed entirely online, and for the vast majority of people, you’ll receive approval in only a few days. 

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to know entry requirements ahead of time. Stay up to date, and don’t wait until the very last minute.

Getting Around Spain

Spain is very well connected by public transportation. Very well connected. Spain’s rail system is worlds better than what we have in the United States, for example.

As for this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary, I purposely wrote it so you don’t have to worry about renting a car. While car rentals might benefit more regional itineraries, such as exploring the white-washed villages in Andalusia, this guide is designed for people wanting to see Spain’s larger attractions and cities, which are all accessible by bus and train. 

You will mostly use AVE high speed trains to get around Spain. These trains are very comfortable with plush seating and dining on board. You will also have a reserved seat, so please choose the correct seat and car when you get on board (still annoyed at the woman who sat in our seats and refused to move, but whatever). All in all, the trains are great.

However, AVE high speed trains are also expensive. You might want to reserve tickets in advance to save money on the cost, but at the same time, booking timed reservations so far in advance limits your flexibility. You’ll have to decide what your priority is.

Additionally, you will need to clear security at Spanish train stations. While security isn’t as stringent as the airport, you will still need to wait in line, so you don’t want to go to the station at the very last minute. 

Spain Packing Essentials

• High Quality Luggage: You don’t want to skimp on your luggage. When running through airports or hopping on trains, your luggage is absolutely essential to a successful trip. I personally love Tumi’s four wheel carry on , but also realize that the price is rather steep (worth it, though). For something a little more affordable, Samsonite hardside luggage is another great option! 
• Pacsafe Day Bag:  Over all, Spain is very safe, but you might feel better with extra protection against pickpockets. Pacsafe offers additional security for your belongings. They make a lovely day backpack as well as a crossbody bag . 
• Lonely Planet Spain Guide:  You’ll want to bring a good guidebook for the latest information about Spain. Lonely Planet Spain is a wonderful comprehensive guide with all the information you need for your trip. You can even down .pdf pages for your phone! 
• Reusable Water Bottle:  Spain is hot, especially Andalusia, and dry heat is even more insidious than humidity. You want to stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle with you as you sightsee, and fill it often. 
• Spanish Phrasebook:  In Spain, you’ll want to learn a few phrases of Spanish to improve your navigation around the country. While English is somewhat spoken in Madrid and Barcelona, knowing Spanish is beneficial in smaller cities and towns. 
• Travel Insurance:  Spain is safe. However, you never know if you’ll encounter flight delays or illness overseas. Travel insurance is essential. I always use World Nomads and never had any issues with them.

12 Days in Spain: An Overview

As you can see on the map, this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary will take you to three unique destinations in Spain, including Madrid and its surroundings, the biggest cities in Andalusia, and Barcelona in Catalonia. 

Of course, if you’re a slower traveler, you’re welcome to shuffle around days or eliminate destinations as you see fit. This guide will just provide you with some of the top attractions in Spain to inspire your creativity.

As a side note for travelers visiting Spain alone, you’re more than welcome to read my solo travel in Spain guide , or book a 1:1 travel planning call with me to talk about your trip. 

Quick Glance: 12 Days in Spain

12 Days in Spain: A Detailed Itinerary

Let’s get into the details of this itinerary!

For each day, I wrote a couple paragraphs to break down of cool activities and neighborhoods to help plan your time. I also suggest a couple of tour ideas if you’re not opposed to following a guide and meeting other travelers. 

However, like all my itineraries, I wanted to keep some “wiggle room,” so you’re able to pick some of your own restaurants and add your own twist to the day. 

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Welcome to Madrid.  Spain’s capital is a perfectly good starting place for your twelve days here. In my experience, Madrid has more English speakers than other parts of Spain, so I think it’s a great city for “getting your feet wet” before you go to different parts of the country. 

Madrid isn’t exactly the hot beach vacation that springs to mind, though. I’ve had a lot of readers as me if Madrid is worth visiting . Honestly, yes, especially for first timers in Spain. Madrid has some of Spain’s best attractions.

For your first day in Madrid, I recommend taking a free walking tour to the most popular areas of the city. Walking tours truly help with your sense of direction. Not to mention, you learn a lot of history and even make new friends along the way. 

On your first day, I also recommend wandering around gorgeous  Plaza Mayor  and then talking to  The Cathedral and  Royal Palace.  You need to reserve tickets for the Royal Palace, but as always, the views are free! 

For shopping, tapas, and drinks, I suggest heading to Madrid’s Malasaña  neighborhood. This is a popular and trendy area that has a youthful vibes, thanks to many students who call Malasaña home. You’ll also see plenty of vintage shops and locally owned boutiques. I personally love this area for food and cocktails. So treat yourself. 

Depending on the time, you should end your day with a glorious sunset view at The Temple of Debod.  This is an actual ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid. At sunset, this temple takes on a gorgeous orange glow, and the views of the mountains surrounding Madrid are magnificent. A perfect start to your 12 days in Spain itinerary. 

Where to Stay in Madrid

• Casual del Teatro Madrid: This highly rated budget-minded hotel has a cool theater vibe with all the perks. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
• Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid: I love boutique hotels because of their unique designs and settings. This hotel is set inside a beautifully restored palace from the 19th century. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
• Sungate One Hostel: This casual and fun hostel is located only 7 minutes from Plaza Mayor. You will make tons of friends here. The other travelers and staff are all looking to connect with other people. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  

Day 2: Madrid’s Attractions

Are you ready for some of the best art exhibits in Europe? Look no further. Madrid is home to an abundance of museums, including some of the top art museums in the entire world. In the morning, you will want to head to  The Prado Museum. 

This museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of Spanish art. Lovers of El Greco, Goya, and Velasquez will easily spend hours inside this museum. Since the Prado is so large, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and a bit lost. For a bit of history and context, sign up for a skip the line guided tour to learn about the most significant paintings. 

After spending time in the Prado, go enjoy the sun in nearby El Retiro Park . This gorgeous city park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it is well worth your time, especially on a gorgeous day.

I especially loved seeing the Crystal Palace, which made me feel elegant and sophisticated, and photographers will be impressed by the cast-iron architecture. If you want a bit more physical activity, then rent a boat to take on Retiro Park Lake.

Afterwards, if you’re not tired of more art, then I suggest going to  Reina Sofia.  This is a contemporary art museum that I absolutely loved, and suggest you check out even if you’re not a huge fan of later art.

Without a doubt, the most famous painting at Reina Sofia is Pablo Picasso’s incredible anti-war piece Guernica . I would even go as far to say that Reina Sofia is worth paying for strictly to see  Guernica.  This painting is huge, taking up an entire wall, and truly does provoke deep thinking about the shameless costs of war. 

Last but not least, take a walk around the beautiful Barrio de las Letras where many of great authors in Spanish literature lived. Barrio de las Letras is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Madrid. Feel free to just get lost and wander the shops, or relax with a coffee on Plaza de Santa Ana.

Day 3: Madrid Day Trips

For your third day in Spain, it’s time to explore some of amazing and historically rich cities that are close to Madrid. Seriously, I think Madrid has some of the best day trips in all of Europe. 

Unsurprisingly, you won’t have time to do every single day trip, so you will want to pick a place that appeals to your personal interests. 

Popular Day Trips from Madrid 

These are some day trip ideas for Madrid. Obviously, you have more options than the four I’ve listed here, but since I’ve been to all four of these destinations, I figured I’d share them with you! 

• The Valley of the Fallen:  In the Valley of the Fallen, a massive cross rises out of the hills. This large memorial to the Spanish Civil War is not without controversy, since for many years, it was also the resting place of Dictator Franco. Go on a quality guided tour to learn the history and have reliable transportation. The Valley of the Fallen is hard to get to without your own car. 
• Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial:  This gorgeous royal site is a historical residence of the King of Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site not only functions as a royal palace, but also a monastery, basilica, library, and so much more. You’ll receive a lot of value on this day trip if you go with a knowledgeable tour guide. 
• Segovia: This beautiful and walkable city is located north of Madrid. Both Segovia’s Old Town and its famous Roman Aqueduct are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Seriously, I would go, even if I only had time to see the Aqueduct. It is huge and amazing. 
• Toledo:  Toledo is probably the most popular of all the Madrid day trips. This fascinating city is home to a variety of medieval Arab, Jewish, and Christian monuments, and it was also the home of the famous artist El Greco. 

Day 4: Arrival in Cordoba and Attractions

Ready for a change of scenery? Let’s go to Andalusia. You will depart early from Madrid’s Atocha Station and take a relaxing train ride to beautiful Cordoba. Cordoba is one of my favorite cities in all of Spain. I absolutely loved my time here. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Upon arriving in Cordoba, you will want to go and visit the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba , which is one of Spain’s most visited attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique architectural hybrid, combing East and West, and a walk through the mosque is a breathtaking experience, because the arches feel endless. It’s easy to spend an hour or more here. 

Afterwards, take a walk over the  Roman Bridge  for some gorgeous views of the city, and then head to The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. 

Cordoba’s Alcazar is gorgeous, especially the gardens with the flowers and pool. These colorful and shaded gardens offer travelers peaceful (and needed) oasis, especially on a hot day. I could easily relax here with a book, haha.

Last but not least, Cordoba is known for spectacular courtyards or patios . I honestly think the patios make Cordoba special in comparison to other cities in Spain. Cordoba hosts an annual Courtyard Festival and Contest, but you’re still able to see some gorgeous patios other times of the year too! Just pay a small fee, which helps upkeep the patio’s maintenance, and then take photos of the colorful flowers, as you listen to the birds sing and breath in the fresh floral scents permeating the air. 

Cordoba is a gem not to be missed on your 12 Days in Spain Itinerary. You will love it. 

Where to Stay in Cordoba

• Backpacker Al-Katre:   This is a welcoming hostel that’s set inside a traditional Spanish house. Cool, huh? You’re also only steps from the Mosque. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .
• Hotel Boutique Suite Generis: This is my FAVORITE hotel in all of Cordoba! The reviews don’t lie. The staff is SO sweet, and the breakfast is delicious. Loved the white rooms too! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Las Casas de la Juderia de Cordoba:   A luxury option in the historic Jewish Quarter. Some rooms have balconies if you really wanna splash out. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

Day 5: Arrival in Granada

In the morning, you will board another train and disembark in Granada. This city is so worth visiting. You will love it.

After dropping your bags at your accommodation, I suggest exploring the center of Granada, which means stopping at Catedral de Granada . You’ll need to pay to enter the cathedral, which is well worth it. The Baroque interior is breathtaking. 

In Granada, public buses make it a breeze to get around the city. Unlike the other cities you’ve visited, Granada is incredibly hilly, and using the buses will save you a ton of time and energy, especially on those warmer days. So, always have some coins handy!  

After your short bus ride, explore The Albaicin or Albayzin district that maintains a lot of medieval Moorish characteristics. You’ll feel as if you’ve transported back into time especially on a quiet afternoon stroll. This neighborhood is also an excellent choice for practicing your photography skills. 

If your timing works, head to Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset. You’ll see the Alhambra turn purple in the sun’s glow. Talented musicians always come to Mirador de San Nicolas to perform for locals and tourists alike. Yet another reason to bring a couple coins with you. I think it’s important to tip street performers for their talents. 

Last but not least, Granada is home to some excellent performances, especially in beautiful cave venues. For example, this Flamenco Show is highly rated due to its unique venue. If you want to research performances, then check out Sacromonte .

Where to Stay in Granada

• Boutique Hotel Luna Granada Centro: I love swanky boutique hotels, and this highly rated one in the center of Granada ticks all the boxes. Especially because they have a resturant and a pool, haha. See prices on Booking.com . 
• Hotel Posada del Toro:   This gem is located right in Granada’s City Center, and is a super close walk to the stunning cathedral. The price is perfect for a centrally located hotel! See prices on Booking.com and Expedia.com .
• Oripando Hostel:   Granada’s amazing historic Albaicin neighborhood is one of my favorite spots in all of Granada. This highly rated hostel offers sone great views and a pool! Perfect for meeting other travelers too. See prices on Booking.com .

Day 6: Granada Attractions

Are you ready for one of the most magnificent sites in all of Spain? I hope so. Because today you will visit The Alhambra .

My favorite. 

Seriously, y’all, this place is 110% worth the hype, and you need to see it when you’re spending 12 days in Spain. I would fly all the way back to Granada just to spend another day exploring the Alhambra. 

Furthermore, you will devote most of the day to visiting the Alhambra. I don’t think it’s one of those attractions that you can visit for an hour and then move on. The Alhambra is truly meant to be savored and admired. You can either take a bus directly to the Alhambra or walk up the hill to the entrance. Either way is honestly fine, although I suggest the bus if it’s very hot or if you have mobility issues. 

First let’s talk about the practical details for your trip.

In order to visit the Alhambra, you absolutely need to book tickets well in advance. For example, I went for Easter week, and booked my tickets two months out to ensure I had a time slot for the Nasrid Palaces , which are inevitably the biggest draw. At the Alhambra, they are very strict about the time slot and showing documentation. So, bring your passport, folks. 

My advice is to arrive at the Alhambra an hour prior to your time for the Nasrid Palaces. The Alhambra is huge, and even on the bus, you will need plenty of time to walk through the site to the Nasrid Palaces. Don’t cut it too close. 

In addition to the Nasrid Palaces, you don’t want to miss the Generalife. This leisure summer palace absolutely feels like the “Garden of Paradise.” Unlike the Nasrid Palaces, you don’t need a timed ticket entry to see the Generalife, and can enjoy this palace like the Kings of Granada any time you want to. 

My final note about the Alhambra is that I was fine seeing all the sites on my own. It was actually pretty nice to take as much time as I wanted to explore the Alhambra’s expansive grounds and take pictures. However, history buffs may want to learn additional details about life here. In that case, don’t be opposed to booking yourself on a small group tour with a knowledgeable guide to bring the Alhambra “to life.” 

After experiencing the Alhambra, my suggestion is to go appreciate Granada’s tapas scene. Granada is one of the few places in Spain where free tapas with drinks are universal. You honestly don’t need to order food here. Planning your own tapas tour is a blast, but as always, feel free to book yourself on a tapas tour to make friends and learn about Granada’s food scene. 

Day 7: Arrival in Seville

It’s time to leave Granada behind and take a train to Andalusia’s largest city: Seville.

Solo travel in Seville is lovely, as is visiting with friends and family. Sure, it’s busier and a little more intense than Cordoba and Granada, but Seville still has plenty of charm. In particular, I loved exploring the Barrio de Santa Cruz or the former Jewish quarter of Seville. Santa Cruz is considered the “tourist heart” of Seville, so while it might be crowded, you’ll find a lot of super cute side streets and fun boutiques for shopping. In particular, I loved looking at the window displays of flamenco dresses! 

In addition, take a walk on your first day down to see The Plaza de España . This gorgeous plaza is a relatively recent addition to the city. It was constructed in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. 

Today, you’ll come to The Plaza de España to check out the architecture or perhaps row a boat in the expansive pool. Another bonus is seeing flamenco dancers perform. Several artists come here to show off their flamenco skills to tourists. Have a couple of coins with you to pay them, especially if you intend on filming them. 

Where to Stay in Seville

• Black Swan Hostel Sevilla:   This gorgeous and bustling hostel is located in a perfect area for solo travelers. Only an eight minute walk from Seville Cathedral! You’ll be in the middle of all the action. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
• Hotel Ateneo Sevilla:   Do you want to splurge on your solo trip to Seville? This stunning boutique hotel is set inside a Renaissance palace. Perfection. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
• Hotel Boutique Casa de Colon: This hotel is set inside a really beautiful 19th century row home. Like all boutique hotels, the atmosphere creates a magical stay. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  
• La Banda Roofstop Hostel: This hostel is for outgoing travelers who want to socialize on their trip to Seville. You won’t feel alone here. See prices on Booking.com | Expedia.com  

Day 8: Seville Attractions

Seville has a lot of excellent attractions.  It would be easy to spend a week here and still not see everything. For simplicity’s sake, I am going to cover two highlights here.

First and foremost, you don’t want to miss the Real Alcázar of Seville . Although (in my opinion) the Alhambra is far more spectacular, this royal palace still left me breathless multiple times. I suggest going in the morning when it is cooler as you will spend a lot of time walking outside in the gardens.

Furthermore, you will want to book tickets in advance for the Real Alcázar of Seville. On holidays, such as Holy Week, you want to book tickets in advance to avoid them either being sold out or having no choice except waiting in a long line at the ticket off. 

This royal palace will take up a lot of your day if you dedicate enough time to it. In particular, I loved exploring the lush gardens and admiring all the palm trees. History buffs will want to take advantage of the audioguide offered here. 

Additionally, you will want to go to the nearby Seville Cathedral . This breathtaking construction is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and is insanely ornate. The Giralda Tower, in particular, is one of the most enduring images of all of Seville. 

In Seville Cathedral, you’ll also see the (supposed) remains of Christopher Columbus. Until DNA testing proved otherwise, rumors indicated that his remains were also at Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, but that’s another story for another day. Considering his legacy, I won’t lie that seeing the tomb is hard. I think it’s important to remember in spite of the riches around you, many people were victims of the Spanish Conquistador Age. 

Last, but not least, take a walk along the Guadalquivir River. The sunset is gorgeous and the people watching a delightful pastime. A perfect way to end your 2 days in Seville .

Day 9: Day Trip to Jerez

I highly recommend taking a quick day trip to Jerez after spending some time in Seville. I absolutely loved Jerez. I would actually say that Jerez surprised me because of  how  much I loved my time here.

Jerez is the home to both sherry and flamenco. If you’re truly interested in flamenco, you’re in for a real treat coming to Jerez, because the shows here are geared toward tourists and locals (as opposed to just tourists). My personal favorite flamenco show was at Tabanco El Pasaje . It’s well worth it to reserve a table to have a great view of the stage. 

Seriously, I would do the day trip to Jerez just for this flamenco show. It was one of the highlights of my trip.

Along with flamenco, you don’t want to miss Jerez Cathedral and the Jerez Alcazar . These attractions are super close to each other, so it’s easy to see both of them. In particular, the Alcazar walls offer sweeping views of the city that are just perfect for pictures. 

However, if you’re tired of cathedrals and alcazars, Jerez is also home to the famous Tio Pepe winery , which allows tours. Why not sample some of the local wines?

All in all, Jerez is a smaller city that offers visitors a more intimate view of Andalusia. 

Day 10: Travel to Barcelona

As we reach the end of this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary, we’re going to change regions one final time. Unfortunately, today will be a longer travel day, but you have options. You can either take a train from Seville to Barcelona, with one switch, or you can drive to the airport and take a quick one hour flight. The choice is yours. 

However, I absolutely think Barcelona is worth visiting , especially if this is your first trip to Spain. 

For a taste of Barcelona’s “fun” atmosphere, check out the famous Parc Guell. This is one of the most impressive public parks in the entire world. Even though Gaudi originally intended it to be housing development for Barcelona’s wealthy, Parc Guell’s stunning green space and fairytale like structures are open to everyone today. 

Furthermore, after such a long travel day, I suggest getting to know Barcelona’s neighborhoods. Gracia is my favorite neighborhood in the city, and is a reasonable walk from Parc Guell.

Gracia feels like a small village in comparison to Barcelona. Believe it or not, Gracia used to be an entirely separate town until it was absorbed into Barcelona, but the charm remains today. I found that this area of Barcelona had some of the most delicious tapas in the city. You’ll also discover an abundance of locally owned boutiques and artisan shops.

Get plenty of sleep tonight. You’ll have a wonderful time seeing all the best Barcelona has to offer tomorrow. 

Where to Stay in Barcelona

• Fabrizzio’s Petit:   A highly rated hostel designed by travelers for travelers. If you’re traveling to make new friends in Barcelona, you will want to stay here. See prices on Expedia.com | Booking.com .
• Olivia Balmes Hotel:   Want to treat yourself? Look no further. This 4 star oasis is right in the heart of Barcelona’s upscale Eixample neighborhood. See prices on Expedia.com |  Booking.com .
• Violeta Boutique:   This welcoming, centrally located guesthouse is perfect for travelers who don’t want to stay in a hostel, but aren’t thrilled about paying hotel prices. See prices on Expedia.com | Booking.com .
• Yeah Barcelona Hostel:   One of the most popular hostels in Barcelona! Plenty of activities and comfortable, clean dorm beds for great prices. See prices on Expedia.com |  Booking.com .

Day 11: Barcelona Attractions

I absolutely love Barcelona’s architecture, especially (spoiler alert) Gaudi’s famous works. Truthfully, the photos don’t do justice to the genius of the architecture. 

In the morning, head to La Sagrada Familia . This unfinished masterpiece is probably the most iconic image of Barcelona. Don’t skip it. It’s worth the hype. I loved going in the morning, because of how vividly the shimmery light spilled through the stained glass. Honestly, the glow brought tears to my eyes. 

Afterwards, take a stroll around the Gothic Quarter. This is Barcelona’s main tourist core, which is fun to explore. Art fans will absolutely love the Picasso Museum. Even though it’s one of Barcelona’s most popular museums, I thought it was super manageable to see in an hour or so, and didn’t feel overwhelming. 

Nearby, you’ll find one of my favorite buildings in all of Barcelona: Palau de la Música Catalana. This is an Art Nouveau jewel, and the only concert venue to be considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it flies under the radar in comparison to the Gaudi houses, I think you ought to pay for a ticket to go inside and admire the ceiling. It’s legit one of my favorite places in the whole world.

Speaking of Gaudi houses, I would pick only one home on this day to avoid burnout. Don’t worry about “missing out.” The homes are still beautiful from the inside. You have the option of three beautiful and different houses in Barcelona: Casa Batlló, Casa Mila and Casa Vicens .

At the end of your second day in Barcelona, catch the sunset either on the beach or at the top of Tibidabo , which is Barcelona’s highest peak. A funicular will take you to the top. 

Day 12: Barcelona Departure

Your 12 days in Spain have come to an end. I’m sure you’re already planning your return trip to this wonderful country. Spain is truly a destination that gets even better with multiple trips. 

If you have time to spare, then wander down to Barceloneta , which is Barcelona’s fishing quarter, for some delicious breakfast. You’re also very close to Barcelona’s beach here. Taking a walk and people-watching near the beach is an attraction in and of itself, and shouldn’t be missed if the weather cooperates!

All in all, Barcelona is a vibrant city that cannot be fully experienced in two days, but plan another trip in the near future. Even spend 5 days in Barcelona if you want. It’s well worth it.

I hope this 12 Days in Spain Itinerary inspired a future trip to this amazing country. As always, feel free to reach out to me with any additional questions about your trip to Spain! 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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2 Weeks in Spain | A First Timer’s Ideal Itinerary

During my time working in the cultural exchange industry, I helped nearly 100 young people study abroad in Spain on various Greenheart Travel programs . My success in placing people here is due in part to the fact that Spain is such an easy destination to talk about -- there is so much to explore and enjoy! I have visited Spain on several different occasions, exploring a different corner of the country each time.

Tapas. Sangria. Siestas. Flamenco. Paella. What’s not to like?

Eternally popular among Europeans, Spain has long been recognized as a superb vacation destination in Europe. And for good reason. From the Moorish architecture to delicious cuisine, Spain has a diverse and intriguing culture that has many layers due to its long history. The influences from years of conquest, dictatorship and diverse cultures are wildly apparent on the streets of the old cities and the people's pride in their unique heritage. After several visits to Spain, I have curated the perfect itinerary for first time travelers, to ensure you make the most of a 1-2 week trip in Spain.

What You'll Find In This Post

First Timers Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Spain

Overview of this Itinerary

For busy North Americans with limited time off, a 2 week holiday is about the maximum amount of time you can dedicate. Thankfully, two weeks is a great length of stay to visit Spain for the first time. You can see some of the key highlights in the country, such as Madrid, Andalucia and Barcelona .

It is important to understand one thing though – you will not all of Spain in 2 weeks’ time! Spain’s territory stretches more than 195,000 square miles. It is one of the largest countries in Europe, after all! I have organized this itinerary to give you options to see in Spain, but you won't see everything on your first trip.

When planning your first trip to Spain, you need to make some critical choices and compromises. It’s a bigger country than you’d expect, and the rail & train network isn’t as convenient or fast as you’d expect. This isn’t Germany ! You could definitely fly between the major cities to make it faster, but understand that this form of travel is more expensive and environmentally destructive . Plus, you’ll waste more time than you realize getting to, from and through the airports.

You’ll need several trips (or at least 4 weeks) to experience the entirety of Spain. But this 2 week itinerary will help you capture the essence, and hopefully inspire a return visit!

I have curated this itinerary carefully to ensure that you can see some of the best historical and beautiful places in Spain. I have been lucky enough to visit Spain on multiple trips ( once during Semester at Sea , another time with my job, and a third time to travel with friends) and I know I will return again in the future. There is something addictive and alluring about Spain – I’m guessing it’s the Iberian ham.

Day 1: Madrid

As the main long-haul international airport in the country, most arrivals into Spain will come through Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez –Barajas Airport (airport code MAD). Thankfully, Madrid isn’t just an arrival city—it is an important destination within Spain! As the nation’s capital, Madrid is the political and cultural capital of Spain with more than enough to fill two days’ worth of activities.

Madrid is Spain’s largest city, but it feels nothing like a mega-metropolis. I was surprised by the way that city and nature are woven together in a vast network of different neighborhoods. Start your first day in the heart of the city at the Plaza Mayor . The famous red building centers this city’s old town square and is surrounded by other government buildings, businesses and small restaurants. Pop into Chocolateria San Gines for Madrid’s most famous and delicious churros!

From the Plaza Mayor, wander to Puerta del Sol , the busiest square in the city. It is the (now mythical) 0.0 crossroads of all the roads connecting Madrid to the once territorial lands of the Spanish Kingdom. You’ll see plaques in the square! For lunch, snack on a variety of Spanish foods at the Mercado San Miguel . 

If you’re a foodie like me, consider signing up for the Devour Madrid walking tour of the market! A few things that you will definitely want to sample are Iberian ham and Manchego cheese, but there are plenty of other tasty treats that are likely to jump out at you.

Once you are sufficiently stuffed, wander to the Royal Palace of Madrid which is the current and official residence of Spanish royal family. The beautiful palace is an icon of Madrid. End your first day in Madrid with a sunset picnic at Temple of Debod . This shrine from ancient Egypt that was rebuilt in Spain and now sits at the heart of a park with a beautiful view of the city.

Day 2: Madrid

Spend the first half of your second day in Madrid soaking in some natural beauty at Retiro Park , one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city. Spaniards are notorious for their lackadaisical attitude, spending days in the park, taking siesta breaks, and languishing over espressos. You should do as the locals do!

With miles of walking paths and gardens, wandering through Retiro Park is a lovely way to start a day. Don’t miss the famed Crystal Palace inside Retiro which is a massive greenhouse from the 1800s.

Spaniards love a good long lunch, and you'll want to have at least one plato del dia while in Madrid. These are available at most Spanish restaurants around the city, and it is like the daily special. You might also want to sample the famed paella! After your siesta nap, now it’s time to soak in some of the Spanish culture! Stop at the Prado Museum , Spain’s national art museum with tons of classical art. Another worthy stop is the Reina Sofia Art Museum which features a nice-curated contemporary art collection. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo

Approximately an hour bus ride away from Madrid’s city center with regular daily service, Toledo is an easy day trip from Spain’s capital. Or a perfect stop on a road trip en route to other regions in the country. Situated on a hilltop overlooking a deep gorge, it is hard to imagine a more stunning location than Toledo’s. It is often called the “city of three cultures” because of its influences from Christians, Muslims and Jews over the course of its history.

Toledo is small enough to easily explore in one day. A visit to the Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo , Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca , Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes and Alcázar de Toledo are all worthy stops that will keep you plenty busy for 24 hours. If you’re more into views, cross over the Rio Tejo on the Puente de San Martín for an excellent panorama view of the old city. Pack a picnic and this makes for a stunning and romantic place to catch the sunset.

Day 4: Day Trip to Segovia

Similar to Toledo, Segovia is a totally do-able day trip from Madrid, thanks to an easy train ride. Alternatively, you can pick up a rental car and drive, especially if you plan on seeing Andalucía as a road trip. More on that in a minute. 

Segovia looks like a place out of a princess fairytale with turret flanked castles and embellished churches poking through the skyline of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Major highlights to visit in Segovia include medieval homes in the city’s Jewish quarter , the gothic style Segovia Cathedral and Alcazoror medieval castle + fortress. The really unique draw in Segovia however is the Roman Aqueduct . Dating back to the 1 st century, this imposing structure stands the test of time thanks to its amazing arched design.

Day 5-12: Northern or Southern Route

We are now at that dreaded moment of travel planning when you have to make a tough choice:

do you want to go the northern Spain route or the southern Spain route? 

In Northern Spain, you can visit cities like Barcelona and San Sebastian. The states of Catalonia and Basque Country are a little more off-the-beaten path, but I can assure you they are full of wonderful surprises. The cityscapes and beautiful architecture alone are worth a visit, but when you combine that with delectable Basque cuisine and crazy good wine , northern Spain is an underrated destination in Spain.

Contrastingly, Southern Spain is the region also called Andalucía. Here, you will find some of Spain’s most picturesque and memorable attractions. Each of the cities in Andalucía has an iconic attraction or monument that draws in millions of visitors. It was home to much of the Moorish development of the 14th through 16th centuries and architectural vestiges of those times remain in cities throughout the region today. It feels uniquely different from other parts of Europe! 

Both options are fantastic, so it really comes down to personal preferences. I would say the northern route is well-suited for foodies , including stops in the Rioja wine valley and sampling Michelin-quality pinxtos in San Sebastian. The southern route is ideal for culture vultures , with stops of iconic Spanish historical sites like the Alhambra and Alcazar.

Day 13 & 14: Balearic Islands

Made up of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the Balearic islands are one of the most popular vacation destinations in Spain. Although these are a little off the beaten track for American tourists, European travelers are keen to visit the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain—the natural scenery here is stunning and perfect for relaxation! They even joke that Majorca is a “mini Germany” because of the abundance of German tourists that crowd the shores in the summer.

Ibiza is well-known as a major party and nightlife destination, but actually there is a lot more to the island besides that. The rugged, rocky, and arid terrain of Ibiza is unlike any other I’ve seen in the Mediterranean, and the ability to go for hikes is unparalleled. Every beach felt completely different from the next—some were soft sand, some were full of fishermen, some were isolated rocky cliffs.

Local residents are often described as “hippies” and can be strong believers in alternative living arrangements. When the laid-back island vibe meets the Spaniards' lackadaisical views on time, you are in for the ultimate relaxation while in the Balearic islands! Consider staying at one of the island’s many eco-lodges for a truly unique experience.    

Do you have thoughts or questions about visiting Spain for the first time? Tell me in the comments!

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We just got back from a 10 day trip to Spain. We decided to save the Andalusia region for a separate trip. Instead, we added day trips to Segovia and the Ribera del Duoro wine region to the itinerary. Hands down, those two places, plus Madrid, were our favorites.

Sounds like it was an awesome trip 🙂 I did the Duoro wine region of Portugal in 2016 and LOVED it so I can totally understand how it was one of your favorites. That sounds lovely! There is so much to see in Andalusia — well-worth it’s own trip!!

I LOVE this guide! The pictures are so beautiful, it makes me want to visit Spain right now 🙂

Thank you! It is hard to take a bad picture in Spain—everything is so picturesque! Glad it helped inspire some wanderlust for you 🙂

I blog often and I truly appreciate your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

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Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 144 mins read
• Post last modified: February 25, 2024
• Post comments: 10 Comments

Spain is a very diverse country. It’s  culturally & historically rich , has  beautiful nature , and  delicious food  in every corner. I lived in Spain for 2 years and traveled extensively through the whole country. Thanks to my experiences , I’ve compiled this ultimate itinerary showing you the highlights.

I’ll take you to the  cities  reflecting many  cultures and rich histories . You’ll have a chance to relax on  beautiful beaches , see stunning nature, taste the  delicious Spanish cuisine , and experience  an authentic tapas crawl .

Ready for the exciting Spanish journey? Come and  explore Spanish culture  with me on this Spain itinerary for 8, 10, and 14 days.

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The Spain Itinerary 14 Days & Map

Here is an overview of what you can expect from this Spanish itinerary each day:

How Many Days Are Enough To Explore Spain?

Spain is a huge country; you need at least 10 days to explore it. However, it all depends on what you want to see and what you want to do in Spain.

If you only want to explore major cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Bilbao, and Sevilla, 10 days would be enough to visit Spain.

In case you want to do more activities such as hiking, wine-tasting, cooking class, olive oil farm, surfing, or immersing into Spanish culture, I suggest spending at least 14 days in Spain .

✅ This itinerary is ideal for those who want to explore the highlights of Spain . With this itinerary, you can be sure to see it all and get the perfect overview of Spanish history and culture , do a cooking class, and enjoy its beaches and natural wonders.

How To Get To Spain

You can get to Spain by plane, train, or bus .

Flying to Spain is the most convenient, fastest, and often the cheapest. Just be aware of the luggage charges, especially if you book your flight with budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair.

Taking a train is also great, and it takes less time to get to Spain than by bus. But you’ll have to change trains at least once.

Taking a bus is great as there are direct bus connections from other major cities. If you’re a budget traveler , you can also save up on accommodation for a night as you’ll travel overnight.

Flying To Spain

If you’re traveling from overseas , the best way is to fly to major Spanish cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, or Bilbao. For this itinerary, you’ll fly to El-Prat Airport in Barcelona .

Also, if you’re in Europe, take advantage of cheap flights from other major cities such as Milan, Paris, Vienna, or Budapest.

You can fly with Ryanair or Wizzair , which always have great flight deals . However, be aware of the luggage allowance (with cheap flights, there are huge charges for extra baggage).

➡ Check out Skyscanner for the best flight deals to Barcelona here.

Getting To Spain By Train

You can take a train if you’re visiting Spain from nearby countries such as France and Switzerland . For any longer distances, it’ll be cheaper and faster to fly.

RENFE (Spanish railways) and SNCF (French railways) are the companies that run these routes.

You can get to Barcelona by train from the following cities:

• Marseille – 5 hours & 10 minutes to Barcelona (1 change)
• Nice – 8 hours to Barcelona (1 change)
• Paris – 7 hours to Barcelona (1 change)
• Geneva – 9 hours & 20 minutes to Barcelona (2 changes)

➡ Get the best train tickets via Trainline by clicking this link.

Getting To Spain By Bus

Alternatively, you can also get to Spain by bus. I recommend booking a bus with Flixbus or OUI companies . They have the best and fastest connections.

The advantage of taking a train and a bus is that there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take.

You can take a bus to Barcelona, Spain, from the following cities:

• Paris – 15 hours to Barcelona (direct)
• Marseille – 7 hours & 30 minutes to Barcelona (direct)
• Geneva – 12 hours & 40 minutes to Barcelona (direct)

➡ Search the best bus connections via Busbud here.

How To Get Around Spain & Make This Itinerary

As for transportation, for each day, I provide how many hours it takes to get from one city or place to another. For this itinerary, half of it you’ll travel by train and you’ll rent a car for the rest in Andalusia .

Traveling By Train In Spain

I recommend you stick to  train travel  for longer journeys between cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. So,  travel by train  on this itinerary  from day 2. until day 5. when you get to Madrid . You’ll take the following 2 train connections on this itinerary:

🚇 Barcelona – Valencia (day 3.) 🚇 Valencia – Madrid (day 5.)

Look for train connections on Trainline . It’ll show you the fastest and best train deals for these three trains you’ll take.

PRO TIP:  Make sure to buy the tickets in advance as Spain gets crowded and trains, especially during the summer (July and August).

Trains In Spain

The national railway company in Spain is called RENFE . For this itinerary, you’ll mainly travel on the high-speed trains called AVE . Trains in Spain are awesome. They’re reliable, you can get almost everywhere by train, and the journey is comfortable.

So I’m sure you’ll love traveling by Spanish train on this itinerary.

➡ Check out Trainline website and buy your tickets for AVE trains here.

Traveling By Bus In Spain

Bus connections are perfect in Spain. You’ll get by bus pretty much anywhere. The only disadvantage is that getting to a destination takes a lot of time .

You’ll only take a bus on this itinerary on day 7. for a day trip to Toledo and on day 8. when traveling from Madrid to Granada . There is no train connection from Madrid to Granada, so you must take a bus. Or you can rent a car already in Toledo if you want to.

Buses In Spain

The national bus company is called Alsa . You’ll take the Alsa bus for all your travels in Spain. Alternatively, you can also take Flixbus if it covers the route.

➡ Check out Busbud website and buy your tickets for Alsa bus here.

Renting A Car

It’ll be best to rent a car for the rest of this itinerary as it’ll give you much flexibility. Plus, train and bus connections in Andalusia (southern Spain) are not the best. I recommend renting a car in Granada on day 10 and returning it to Sevilla on day 13 of this itinerary.

So book a rental car for 4 days via Discover Cars . They have great deals:

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

Where To Start & Finish Your 14-Day Spain Itinerary

We’ll start this trip in Barcelona. So first, fly to Barcelona, which has 2 airports: El Prat or the Girona Costa Brava airport.

All international flights will get you to El Prat Airport in Barcelona .

How To Get From El Prat Airport To Barcelona City Center

Once you land at EL Prat Airport in Barcelona, you have 4 options to get to the city center of Barcelona:

• RENFE train

You can take the  Aerobus , a blue bus shuttle from El Prat, directly to the city center ( Plaza Catalunya ). The bus will take you to the city center in 35 minutes.

You can also  take a metro L9  every 7 minutes between El Prat airport and Zona Universitaria. Get off at Torassa (with a connection to the L1 metro line). It takes about 30 minutes to get to the center.

Or take a  RENFE train  that stops at Barcelona Sans, Passeig de Gràcia, and Clot. The train ride takes about 25 minutes.

A  taxi ride  from El Prat to Barcelona center can cost anywhere between 30 EUR and 35 EUR. It’ll take you to the city center between 25 and 40 minutes.

End Of Your Itinerary

We’ll  finish our route in Sevilla . The city also has excellent international connections. So you can fly away from Spain from Sevilla easily.

Alternatively, you can take a train to  Portugal  and explore another country.

Travel Itinerary Planning Services

1. day: barcelona.

Our itinerary starts in the second-biggest Spanish city, Barcelona. Let yourself sort things out once you arrive. Go to your accommodation and get some snacks or a late breakfast because we’ll be exploring this lively city today.

We’ll start the sightseeing right in the center,  Plaza de Catalunya . These are the sights I suggest you see today.

Sightseeing In Barcelona

🔅 La Rambla 🔅 La Boqueria Market 🔅 Plaza Espa ñ a 🔅 National Palace 🔅 Poble Espa ñ ol 🔅 Olympic Stadium 🔅 Montju ï c Castle 🔅 Magical Fountain Performance ( Plaza Espa ñ a )

🔅 Plaza De Catalunya

Plaza de Catalunya is the main square in central Barcelona. It divides  Gracia  and the  old town of Barcelona . The square is the perfect  start for our walking tour  today.

You can easily  reach it by metro or walk  from your hotel.

If you need a  coffee boost  at the beginning of your walk tour, there are several coffee-stop options: Cafe Zurich, Hard Rock Cafe, or Starbucks at the corner.

🔅 La Rambla

La Rambla is the  main shopping and touristy street  in the city. Walking through the street, you’ll experience various artists, souvenir shops, and historical buildings.

Some of the most important  historical buildings  are Gran Theatre de Liceu, Casa Bruno Cuadros, and Principal Theatre.

🔅 La Boqueria Market

La Boqueria Market is one of my favorite places in the city . It’s a bustling food market in the middle of La Rambla. You can buy fruit juices and pieces and taste delicious Spanish products such as tapas, fresh fish, seafood, bread with delicacies, and sweets.

Go in and get lost in the market. Then, buy some treats for the rest of your walking tour of Barcelona. Entrance is free of charge .

🔅 Plaza España

Plaza España is hands-down the  most beautiful square in Barcelona . It prides itself on a stunning fountain and a street leading up to the National Palace with a  magical fountain  in the middle.

It also has an  arena  that used to serve  bullfighting  until the activity was banned in Catalonia in 2012. Nowadays, it’s a shopping center.

🔅 National Palace

When you walk from Plaza España towards the magical fountain, the beautiful National Palace will spread in front of you. Nowadays, it hosts the Catalan Museum of Archaeology. You can go inside if that’s something you’re interested in. The walk is stunning, with beautiful views and fountains, so enjoy it.

➡ Click here to get the skip-the-line tickets for National Palace (discounted).

🔅 Poble Español

What I highly recommend is visiting Poble Español nearby. It’s a  small Spanish village  featuring  regions of Spain  with their  points of interest ,  architecture ,  typical food , and  sights .

This village has a  unique atmosphere  and will give you the perfect  introduction to the Spanish culture and cities  we’ll visit on our 14-day Spanish trip. It’s my one of my favorite sights in Barcelona.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Poble Español by clicking here and don’t waste time in the crowd.

🔅 Olympic Stadium

After, walk further up and check out the impressive Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. It was built in 1927 for the International Exhibition in the city, and authorities wanted it to be the stadium for the Summer Olympic Games in 1936. But, unfortunately, the award got Berlin. So after, they renovated the stadium in Barcelona, and it eventually hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1992 .

🔅 Montj uïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle is a unique fortress that is used to protect the city from invaders. During the Spanish Civil War , it served as a prison .

The translation of this name is literally ‘ Jewish mountain ,’ and you’ll see a Jewish cemetery inside the fortress.

➡ Book this guided tour of Montjuïc and visit it on an E-Bike with local guide here.

🔅 Magical Fountain Performance

In the evening, I highly recommend seeing the performance of the magical fountain near Plaza España. It  starts at 7 pm or 8 pm , depending on the time of the year. It’s a  free 20-minute show  with waterfalls, colors, and dramatic music.

Check their  official website   for updated information about the magical fountain and its performance, as it changes yearly.

How To Get To Montjuïc Castle

If you don’t want to walk all the way up from Plaza España to Montju ï c Castle, you have other 2 options:

Montjuïc Funicular

When you take the metro at Drassens station , you’ll get off at Parar-lel station . There is a connecting funicular , which takes you to the Montju ï c hill (close to the Olympic stadium).

So you’ll still have to walk 20 minutes from the Olympic stadium to Montju ï c Castle or take the bus n. 150 . You don’t have to pay anything extra for the funicular, you can use your regular metro ticket for it.

Teleferic De Montjuïc

It’s a cable car that will take you straight up to the Montjuïc Castle. You’ll also get off at Parar-lel metro station , where the cable car station is located. However, this option is quite pricy and touris ty. If you walk, you’ll get to enjoy it more and see more things.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Montjuïc cable car here (round-trip).

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Barcelona Itinerary 3 Days

Where To Stay In Barcelona: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

If you want to stay in the Old City (Ciutat Vella):

PARK HOTEL MERCER HOTEL BARCELONA

If you want to stay in Barcelonetta (next to the beach and port):

BARCELONA PORT RAMBLAS W BARCELONA

If you want to stay on Las Ramblas (main tourist street leading to the main square):

HOSTAL OPERARAMBLAS HOTEL BAGUES (SMALL LUXURY HOTEL)

If you want to stay at the Plaza Catalunya (main square):

H10 METROPOLITAN 4* SUP OLIVIA PLAZA HOTEL

If you want to stay at the Passeo de Gracia (main shopping street), in the heart of Barcelona close to all attractions:

UMA SUITES PASSEIG DE GRACIA ME Barcelona

If you want to stay close to Sagrada Família:

ABSOLUTE SAGRADA FAMILIA RADISSON BLUE 1882 HOTEL

2. DAY: BARCELONA

Good morning to Barcelona. I hope you slept well because we’ll see as much of Barcelona as possible before departing to another wonderful part of Spain.

Get a good breakfast at your hotel if you don’t have it included even better. Head to a  local bakery  (they are everywhere) and grab some fresh bread or pastry with coffee.

Our sightseeing starts again at  Plaza Catalunya  and goes through the  old city of Barcelona .

🔅 Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi 🔅 Plaza de Sant Felip Neri 🔅 Plaza de Sant Jaume 🔅 Barcelona Cathedral 🔅 Sagrada Familia 🔅 Arc de Triomphe 🔅 Parc de la Ciutadella 🔅 Port Olimpic 🔅 Barceloneta

Barcelona Guided Tour On Segway

Book this guided tour of Barcelona on a segway and see all the sights within 3 hours with a local guide.

🔅 Basilica De Santa Maria Del Pi

Today, we’ll explore the old town of Barcelona and its Gothic Quarter. First, admire the basilica and its beautiful Gothic Catalan architecture . It was built in 1391 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

🔅 Plaza De Sant Felip Neri

This square reflects Barcelona in the Spanish Civil War when it was bombed by a fascist plane. 42 people lost their lives here. Nowadays, you can see the buildings damaged by the bombing in this square .

🔅 Plaza De Sant Jaume

Plaza de Jaume is one of my favorite little squares in Barcelona. It hosts a tourism office, tiny shops with local goods, cute souvenirs, and cafes. So spend time here, shop for souvenirs , or make a coffee stop .

🔅 Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is the most impressive building in the city’s old town that you can’t miss. You can see the crypt of St. Eulalia . She was a significant saint as she didn’t want to renounce Christianity and was persecuted , tortured , and murdered by the Roman soldiers.

Besides, you must check out its gardens and the 13 geese walking around , which is pretty special for it being a cathedral.

➡ Book skip-the-line entrance tickets for Barcelona Cathedral here.

🔅 Sagrada Familia

After visiting the Barcelona Cathedral, walk to the Plaza Catalunya . From there, take a metro to Sagrada Familia (purple line).

Welcome to Sagrada Familia, one of the most impressive architectural buildings ever. Antonio Gaudi , the famous Spanish architect, designed it. The construction started back in 1882, and imagine, it is still not finished . So, unfortunately, its maestro didn’t get to see his masterpiece in its full beauty.

➡ Get this skip-the-line ticket with audioguide for Sagrada Familia and secure your spot.

🔅 Arc De Triomphe

Once you finish visiting the Sagrada Familia,  take a metro to Placa de Tetuan . Then, walk to the next monument, Arc de Triomphe. Alternatively,  take a taxi or an Uber.

This stunning monument was built in 1888 for the  World Exhibition  and was an entrance to the  World’s Fair . It has the  typical architecture  in southern Spain ( Andalusia ). Walk through until you reach Parc de la Ciutadella.

🔅 Parc de la Ciutadella

I absolutely love this park. You can have a picnic or just walk through and enjoy its special atmosphere.

🔅 Port Olimpic

Now, we’re coming to the party sight of Barcelona with many clubs , restaurants , cafes , and a beautiful promenade .

Take your time to walk alongside the beaches on the promenade and enjoy the breeze in Barcelona. You can stop by some restaurants and grab some food. Walk until you reach Barcelona.

🔅 Barceloneta

Barcelona is one of the most popular parts of Barcelona, where people come to socialize , enjoy food and drinks , and swim in the sea. So in the evening, come here and enjoy a delicious dinner , have some drinks, and reflect on your Barcelona walking tour.

Top Experiences In Barcelona

Between the old town walking tour, I also highly recommend visiting the top sights such as Park Guell and Gaudi’s Casa Batllo.

You can visit Casa Batllo after Barcelona Cathedral. Then visit Sagrada Familia and make your way up to Park Guell . After, continue the walking tour from Arc de Triomphe.

For these 2 sights, getting skip-the-line tickets is essential ; otherwise, you won’t get in. Click on the names below and book your tickets asap.

➡ PARK GUELL – get tickets here ➡ GAUDI’S CASA BATTLO – get tickets here

👉 READ ALSO: Top 8 Road Trips From Barcelona

3. DAY: BARCELONA ⇒ VALENCIA

Today, we’re going to take a train from Barcelona to Valencia, the birthplace of Paella .

Distance Barcelona ⇒ Valencia: Train ride takes about 3 hours (operated by RENFE) ➡ Book your train tickets here.

Once you arrive in Valencia, take some time to  get to your accommodation . We can start the tour once you are ready.

Sighseeing In Valencia

🔅 Central Market 🔅 Valencia Old Town 🔅 Plaza de la Reine 🔅 Valencia Cathedral 🔅 Miguelete Bell Tower

🔅 Central Market

At the beginning of our exploration of Valencia, let’s try some Spanish specialties. At the Central Market, you’ll feel the  laid-back style of the Spaniards , enjoying their tapas and talking. One drink you can try is called  horchata . It’s a typical drink of Valencia.

🔅 Valencia Old Town

From the Central Market, we’ll head to explore the rest of  the sights in Valencia’s old town . These are mainly the Cathedral of Valencia and its stunning Miguelete Bell Tower.

🔅 Plaza De La Reina

Plaza de la Reina is my favorite square in Valencia. It has many cafes and restaurants , from which you can admire its impressive cathedral and the bell tower. So make a coffee stop here, admire its surroundings, and take some photos .

🔅 Valencia Cathedral

Interestingly, this cathedral was  built on the mosque . Nowadays, it’s a  Gothic cathedral  featuring different architectural styles such as Renaissance, Baroque, and even some Neoclassical elements. It’s dedicated to Saint Mary.

🔅 Miguelete Bell Tower

Head up to the Cathedral’s Bell Tower and admire the stunning views of the city. It’s 50.58 meters high and offers the best views of Valencia .

Traditional Valencian Paella & Beach Walks

For the evening, we’ll let ourselves have a peaceful walk alongside the beach and try the local Paella. Believe it or not, you can get a good Paella on the beach. Head to the  Platja de la Marva-rosa  to get a traditional Paella Valenciana or much more.

Casa Carmela Restaurant

The restaurant I recommend you to go to is on Platja de la Marva-rosa, called Casa Carmela. They have many kinds of Paella, including the traditional one – Paella Valenciana . You can’t leave Valencia without eating Paella.

Where To Stay In Valencia: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

VENECIA PLAZA CENTRO – budget-friendly (city center) HOTEL VALENCIA ALAMEDA – mid-range hotel (close to the City of Arts & Science) ANKA BEACH APARTMENT – luxury apartment (at the beach)

4. DAY: VALENCIA

Today is all about Valencia and science, as we are heading to the famous City of Arts and Science .

City Of Arts & Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is a complex museum in Valencia. Depending on your interests, you can visit only a few parts and buy tickets separately (or visit it all). It consists of 6 parts :

• L’Hemisferic – It was designed to remind you of a giant human eye and has a 3D cinema. You’ll get 3D glasses with a speaker, enabling you to watch whatever is on in your own language.
• L’Oceanographic – Experience the largest glass water tunnel in Europe, see dolphins and the Sea Life.
• Science Museum of Principe Philip – The musem hosts various exhibitions, which are also great for children, as it offers many activities.
• L’Umbracle – This part of a complex is free to enter. It’s a walk packed with local plants.
• Palace Of Reina Sofia Arts – The Palace of Reina Sofia Arts is an opera house and a theatre that you can visit inside the City of Arts & Sciences.
• L’Agora – An exhibition space, hosting many sports events.

What To Visit In City Of Arts & Sciences

You can choose to visit whatever part of the complex interests you. It may just be the L’Oceanografic or the L’Hemisferic . Or maybe you don’t want to pay and will only go through the L’Umbracle.

Sometimes, there are also some  food markets  to get some food. If not, there are  restaurants  and a  supermarket  in the  shopping center  across the street, where you can get lunch.

Valencia City Of Arts & Science Tickets

Get 3 in 1 access to the City of Arts & Sciences in Valencia and visit the highlights of it with this skip-the-line ticket .

Afternoon & Shopping In Valencia

Have a lovely free afternoon if you’ve managed to see what you wanted in the City of Arts and Science. Walk through Valencia, or maybe shop if it fulfills your soul. There are many shopping spots in the center.

Relax On Beaches In Valencia

Another option is to have a beach afternoon. Relax on one of the great Valencian beaches –  Platja de la Marva-rosa  or  Platja de las Arenas .

Have some more Paella if you become slightly addicted as I did :D. Tomorrow, we’re leaving this great city to see more Spanish highlights.

Spanish Festivals Near Valencia

Valencia also hosts two famous Spanish festivals , and I highly recommend you to be part of it. It’s the  Las Fallas festival , annually held in March.

Another Spanish festival,  La Tomatina , takes place in the small town of Buñol, located just 30 minutes by car (1 hour by train) from Valencia. It takes place in August every year.

So, if you’re in Valencia in March or August , plan your visit and participate in these celebrations.

Read about these 2 festivals by clicking on the image below:

5. DAY: VALENCIA ⇒ MADRID

We’re now heading to the capital of Spain, Madrid. As the largest Spanish city, Madrid has also been declared the  European cultural capital .

It has plenty of famous museums to explore, so don’t wait any longer. Let’s travel to the center of Spain by train.

Distance Valencia ⇒ Madrid: Train ride takes about 2 hours (operated by AVE) ➡ Book your train tickets here.

We can start our Madrid city tour after you check in to your accommodation.

Below, I suggest the  top places you can see in Madrid . Many museums are included, so choose one or two based on your interest.

Tomorrow, you’ll have an entire day  in Madrid, so you can also do some sightseeing for the next day.

First, I recommend visiting some museums. Choose from the  3 museums  I listed below. If you aren’t so much into the museum , enjoy Madrid’s atmosphere. Admire the stunning old buildings and have some churros.

Sightseeing In Madrid

🔅 Prado Museum 🔅 Reina Sofia Museum 🔅 National Archaeological Museum 🔅 Royal Palace 🔅 El Retiro Park 🔅 Puerta del Sol 🔅 Churrería San Ginés 🔅 Plaza Mayor 🔅 Mercado San Miguel

🔅 The Prado Museum

If you’re unsure which museum to visit but want to see at least one, opt for the Prado Museum. It has a full  collection of Spanish  and European art from the  12th to the early 20th century .

You can explore the masterpieces of many artists from the  Baroque  and  Renaissance  epochs.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Prado Museum by clicking this link. ➡ Book a guided tour of El Prado incl. tickets here.

🔅 Reina Sofia Museum

Inside the Reina Sofia Museum, you’ll find Spanish art masterpieces from authors such as Miro , Dali , and Juan Grid . It displays the most famous Spanish pieces in the world.

If you love art and want to see more Spanish art, visit this museum.

➡ Get skip-the-line tickets for Reina Sofia Museum here. ➡ Book a guided tour of Reina Sofia Museum by clicking this link.

🔅 National Archaeological Museum

The museum was  founded by Isabel II of Spain  back in 1867. You can learn a lot of history about Spain, the  Spanish Reconquista , and how the Spanish Kings Ferdinand and Isabell II.  fought against the Moors  and saw many artifacts from the period.

So, if you’re a history lover , this museum is for you.

➡ Book tickets for National Archaeological Museum incl. audio guide here.

🔅 Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Madrid is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the biggest in the world. It was home to all Spanish Kings .

This is the best place to learn about Spanish history , the life of Kings, and famous historical battles . For me, Spanish history is one of the most interesting after the French one, and I absolutely loved visiting the palace.

➡ Get skip-the-line ticket for Royal Palace Madrid here. ➡ Book a guided tour of Royal Palace and learn about the history with a local here.

🔅 El Retiro Park

El Retiro Park is my favorite place in Madrid. It’s a nice place to relax after your sightseeing . You can walk around, have a picnic , or even ride a boat on a lake . Take some time to chill inside the park before you continue to the main square.

🔅 Puerta del Sol

Puerta de Sol is one of the most beautiful squares in Madrid . It links many important streets and has some cafes and shops. In the middle, you can admire the statue of King Charles III .

Pay attention to the main post office building . It was built in 1786, and its huge clock plays a special role in the city. It always rings during special occasions and announces New Year during Spanish celebrations. Try to find the Kilometer Zero Plaque , which marks the center of Spain.

This square is also perfect for a coffee stop and eating traditional churros .

🔅 Churrería San Ginés

Something you can’t miss when you’re in Puerta del Sol is traditional  Churrería San Ginés . It’s a  churro and chocolate store  where they serve  traditional churros with chocolate .

This is  the best place  (perhaps in the country)  to try churros . So take some time, order churros with chocolate, and enjoy the sun. 

🔅 Plaza Mayor

Plaza de Mayor is the main square in Madrid, built between the 16th and 17th centuries during the  reign of King Philip II.  Unfortunately, local buildings were  destroyed several times by fire . And so what you see nowadays is a renovated version.

In the past, the square was  used for many purposes , including royal celebrations, bullfighting competitions, soccer games, and crowning ceremonies. On Sundays, it  hosted traditional markets .

Nowadays, you can  enjoy cafes and restaurants , where you can also experience beautiful Christmas Markets in December .

🔅 Mercado San Miguel

If you want to eat tapas or  enjoy Spanish cuisine , I highly recommend ending your walking tour at the San Miguel Market. It’s located near Plaza Mayor and is  Madrid’s first gourmet market .

Many locals come here to eat and drink with their friends and socialize. The building is stunning, and the atmosphere inside the market is amazing. So even if you don’t want to eat, it’s  worth visiting  it and  seeing local specialties .

👉 READ ALSO: Christmas In Spain: Complete Guide With Traditions & Best Places

Madrid Nightlife & Best Clubs

Madrid has excellent nightlife , so head to the streets in the evening and enjoy your time here.

Here are some of the best night clubs in Madrid:

• Teatro Kapital
• Goya Social Club
• LAB theClub

If you want to learn more about the city and its history, check out some guided walking tours below:

Madrid Guided Tour

Book this guided tour and learn more about the history and culture of Spain’s capital with a local guide.

Where To Stay In Madrid: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOSTAL PALACIO LUNA – budget-friendly hotel HOTEL LIABENY – mid-range hotel ORIENTE PALACE APARTMENTS – luxury apartments

6. DAY: MADRID

Take your time to enjoy another day in Madrid. You have the entire day to explore what you didn’t manage yesterday.

May it be your museum’s round day or just chilling in Retiro Park , get the most out of Spain’s capital.

I also highly recommend doing a cooking class in Madrid . Experience the cuisine hands-on with a local. Learn how to prepare Spanish dishes and eat them afterward. It’s a lot of fun:

Cooking Class In Madrid

Book this cooking class in Madrid and learn how to prepare paella or Spanish tapas. The Paella class is in the morning with a market visit. The Tapas class is in the evening.

7. DAY: TOLEDO DAY TRIP

Let’s explore another charming Spanish city. Today, we’ll make a  day trip from Madrid to Toledo . It’s  my second favorite city in Spain  (right after Seville). I’m sure  you’ll love it , too.

You can choose to  visit Toledo by yourself  from Madrid (by bus) or  join an organized day trip from Madrid  to Toledo, which I recommend at the end of this day.

Distance Madrid ⇒ Toledo: Bus ride takes 1 hour (operated by Alsa Bus) ➡ Book your return bus tickets here.

Sightseeing In Toledo

Toledo features a mixture of cultures,  Christian ,  Jewish , and  Moorish sites , and their architecture will surely capture you. You can explore the following sites in this enchanting town.

🔅 Toledo Cathedral 🔅 Alcázar de Toledo 🔅 Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes 🔅 Mirador del Vale

🔅 Toledo Cathedral

This Gothic-style cathedral is the main church in Toledo, dating back to the 13th century . For over 370 years , Toledo was mainly occupied by Muslims. So the cathedral used to be a mosque in the past. Only when Alfonso IV., King of Castile and Leon (a region in the north of Spain) peacefully reclaimed this city the church became the main cathedral in the city.

🔅 Alcázar De Toledo

As you already know, Spain was occupied by Muslims called Moors . These Moors came from Africa and settled in southern Spain (Granada). After, they wanted to claim more of the Spanish territory and started going north.

They also captured Toledo , and so that’s why you can explore the Jewish, Catholic, as well as Moorish cultures in many cities in Spain. Toledo hosts one of the most impressive Alcazar, a fortress that protected the city.

Nowadays, it’s a military museum displaying various weapons .

🔅 Monasterio De San Juan De Los Reyes

The monastery was built as a celebration of the victory in the Battle of Toro . The Catholic Monarchs, Isabel II. and Ferdinand commissioned the construction in the Jewish quarter in Toledo. It commemorates the victory of Spanish Kings against Portuguese King Alfonso V, who wanted to take over the Castille region in Spain.

🔅 Mirador Del Vale

If you want some beautiful photos of Toledo , head to the Mirador del Vale for the views and photo shooting.

Best Views In Toledo

Except for the Mirador del Vale viewing point, there is one more interesting spot for views of Toledo. Go up to the library and  Cafeteria in Alcazar . You can get the best views of the entire city from this spot.

Walk around and get lost in the thousands of tiny streets and admire the architecture of the buildings. Toledo will take you back to medieval times .

PRO TIP: Try the Suckling pig at a restaurant, which is the local specialty of Toledo .

Organized Tour To Toledo (From Madrid)

Join this organized guided tour to Toledo from Madrid. You won’t have to plan anything and can visit it with a guide.

8. DAY: MADRID ⇒ GRANADA

Our itinerary continues to the south of Spain . Today, another travel adventure awaits us, traveling to a brand-new autonomous community. Indeed, the biggest one is where we stay and explore its hidden germs until the end of our trip.

In the morning, travel from Madrid to Granada,  the birthplace of Spanish flamenco . There are only buses runing to Granada, no trains .

Alternatively, you can already rent a car in Toledo , if you don’t want to take a bus.

Distance Madrid ⇒ Granada: Bus ride takes about 4 hours & 30 minutes (operated by Alsa) ➡ Book your bus tickets here.

Welcome to Andalusia (southern Spain), the largest Spanish region (autonomous community). You have now arrived in Granada, an important city in Spanish history. Don’t wait any longer; check in to your accommodation, and prepare to explore.

Like Toledo and other Andalusian cities we’ll visit on this trip, Granada reflects the culture and  co-living  of three cultural and religious groups –  Christians ,  Jews , and  Moors .

Under the Moorish rule, many Andalusian cities, including Granada, achieved social, ethical, and spiritual  integration  of these three groups in one place.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary For 10 Days

Sightseeing In Granada

🔅 Alcaicería 🔅 Granada Cathedral 🔅 Royal Chapel 🔅 Corral del Carbón 🔅 Albaicín 🔅 San Nicolás Square 🔅 Sacromonte

🔅 Alcaicer í a

We’ll start our walking tour visiting this historical Moorish bazaar in the heart of the city (close to the cathedral). It used to be a silk market during the Moorish times.

Nowadays, it’s a typical Arabic market with traditional products , clothes, and souvenirs. I love the atmosphere of this market, so check it out even if you don’t want to buy anything.

🔅 Granada Cathedral

The cathedral was built on the small mosque constructed here during the Moorish times.

Once the  Catholic Monarchs  from Castile and Leon finally fought back the Moors and  took back the territory of Granada  and Andalusia, they  undertook strict measures .

All  Moors had to convert to Catholicism  or were  expelled from the city .

The  cathedral symbolized Catholic reign  in Andalusia and remains so until now.

➡ Get this skip-the-line ticket for the Cathedral & Royal Chapel. ➡ Join this guided tour of Cathedral and learn about the Spanish Monarchs & Inquisition

🔅 Royal Chapel

As a memory of the victory over the Moors, the Royal Chapel is the  burial place of the Spanish Monarchs , Queen Isabell I. and King Ferdinand. You can see the crypt inside the chapel.

➡ Get this skip-the-line ticket for the Cathedral & Royal Chapel. ➡ Join this guided tour of Royal Chapel and learn about the Spanish Monarchs & Inquisition

🔅 Corral Del Carbón

Corral del Carbón is the  oldest traditional Andalusi building,  dating back to 1336. It served as a Coal yard, a  warehouse of goods , and a  shelter for merchants  coming to Granada.

After exploring the Catholic parts of the city, it’s time to see  Granada’s Arab Quarter , where you can explore beautiful  Moorish architecture . It’s the one side of Granada that makes the city so special. It’s also the  oldest neighborhood of Granada . Stop by  Taberna 22  for the  best tapas  in the city.

After, head up to  San Nicolas Square  for the best views of Granada.

🔅 San Nicolás Square

San Nicolas is my favorite place in Granada . It offers the best views of Alhambra and the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain behind it. So take some time for great photos, sit in a local cafe, and enjoy the views.

🔅 Sacromonte

Sacromonte is a traditional neighborhood of Granada, which became home for gypsies after the Moors were expelled.

This is the spot to go to if you want to see an authentic flamenco performance. Scroll down to see the flamenco performance I recommend seeing today in the evening .

Granada Walking Tour

Book this walking tour of Granada and explore Albaicin with Sacromonte with a local guide.

Tapas Culture In Granada

Granada is the perfect place for  tapas hunting . Once you go to a bar, order a drink, and in most places in Granada, you’ll  get small tapas for free .

Tapas can be anything from pimiento (peppers), Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas (baked potatoes with salsa),  deep-fried eggplant   (Granada’s specialty) , or calamari, croquettes, or olives with Jamón (Spanish dry-cured ham).

Best Tapas Bars In Granada

• La Botilleria
• Bodegas Castañeda
• Bar Casa Julio (seafood tapas)
• La Riviera (surprise tapas)

Flamenco Show In Granada In The Evening

Andalusia is the  birthplace of Flamenco,  a Spanish traditional dance. There is no better spot than experiencing the Flamenco show here in Granada. The best spot for it is the Sacromonte .

I recommend the following Flamenco show in a unique cave setting.

Where To Stay In Granada: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

FLORENTIA HOMES – budget-friendly U-SENSE GRANADA CATHEDRAL – mid-range hotel ALHAMBRA PALACE HOTEL – luxury hotel

9. DAY: GRANADA & ALHAMBRA

Good morning to Granada. Today, we’ll explore the impressive Alhambra ; your afternoon will be free.

Alhambra is a town alone within Granada. Take  at least half a day  to see it. It has many statuses, from fortress to palace, castle, and summer retreat.

Alhambra complex was  built back in the 1200s  during the  Muslim reign in Andalusia . The  Nasrid dynasty  lived in Alhambra for many years until the Spanish Monarchs conquered and  expelled Moors from Andalusia  and Spain.

Alhambra then became the  royal residence  of the  Spanish Catholic Monarchs . Nowadays, it’s a top attraction to visit in Europe and serves mainly as a museum.

Skip-the-line Tickets Necessary For Alhambra

Tickets for Alhambra tend to be booked way in advance (more than 3 months before the visit) . I highly recommend you plan the visit ahead of time and reserve the tickets for Alhambra at least 3 months before . But you might be lucky even later on.

I also highly recommend booking a guided tour , it’ll give you a much better experience than just walking around by yourself.

Get the tickets below and book in advance:

Alhambra Tickets & Guided Tour

Alhambra free of charge.

If you’ve missed booking your ticket in advance and can’t go inside the Alhambra complex, or don’t want to pay for it, don’t worry. There are many areas to explore within the complex free of charge .

Just enter the main gate, walk through the beautiful Generalife gardens  with fountains, and admire Alhambra’s surroundings.

Free Afternoon In Granada

Enjoy your free afternoon exploring the rest of the places, walk through Granada’s Great Bazaar , Alcaiceria , and don’t forget to go tapas hunting .

For best sunset views, go up to the Plaza San Nicolás and its viewing point.

👉 READ ALSO: Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

10. DAY: GRANADA ⇒ MÁLAGA

Today, we’re going further south to the famous  Costa del Sol . We’ll rest from sightseeing and enjoy the small towns with great beaches for you to relax.

Now it’s also the time to rent a car for 4 days. So in the morning, rent a car in Granada and drive to Málaga,  the birthplace of Picasso .

RENTAL CAR:  You’ll  rent a car for 4 days  (and return it in Sevilla on day 13. of this itinerary).

Distance Granada ⇒ Málaga by car: approx. 1 hour 40 minutes (132km/82 miles).

I’ve taken you to Málaga, a  great central point  on the  Costa del Sol , from where you have connections to get to the lovely places around. You can  unpack your suitcases  for a while, as  we’ll stay 3 days here . It’ll serve as the  base for our daily excursions .

Check in to your accommodation and have an excellent free day in Málaga . You can go to the beach to relax or stroll through the city.

Sightseeing In Málaga

🔅 Picasso Museum 🔅 Picasso’s House 🔅 Alcazaba 🔅 Roman Theatre 🔅 Málaga Cathedral 🔅 Castilo De Gibralfaro 🔅 Ataranzas Market

Málaga is the  birthplace of Picasso , so if you like his art, check out the Picasso Museum and see the collections of his paintings. You can also visit  Picacco’s House  at the  Plaza de la Merced .

Don’t forget to check out the  Ataranzas Market  to see how locals hang out and try local specialties.

Best Beaches In Málaga

You can spend your afternoon chilling on one of Málaga’s beaches.  Playa la Malagueta  is directly in front of the city (walking from the city center). Or you can go to a smaller  Playa de la Misericordia . But it’s further from the city center (30 minutes by bus).

• Playa la Malagueta
• Playa de la Misericordia

Málaga Guided Walking Tour

Book this guided tour of Málaga to learn about the stories from Piccaso and the history of this part of Spain.

Where To Stay In Málaga: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

We are here on the southern coastline of Spain with great beaches, and it’s time to treat ourselves a bit.

Since we are also staying in Málaga for 3 nights, I recommend you stay in one of these beautiful boutique resorts and enjoy the atmosphere of la Costa del Sol :

BEACHFRONT VILLA TORROX COSTA HOTEL BOUTIQUE VILLA LORENA BY CHARMING STAY

If you still want to stay in the centre of Málaga, here are my recommendations and top accommodation tips:

HOTEL PALACETE DE ALAMOS ROOM MATE VALERIA

11. DAY: Day Trip To NERJA BEACH/GIBRALTAR

Today, you have two options for a day trip from Málaga.

You can go to  Nerja  and enjoy its beautiful beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa del Sol). Or you can go south and visit  Gibraltar , the only spot to see  monkeys in Europe .

Day Trip To Nerja

In the morning, drive from Málaga to  Nerja . This seaside town has a few beaches where you can relax.

Playa Burriana  is the most touristy, but there are also smaller, very nice beaches such as  Playa de Carabeillo  or  Playa del Carabeo  (these 2 are amazing).

Besides, it is famous for its  Balcon de Europa  viewing point with the sights of the Mediterranean Sea.

There are some nice restaurants along the beach, too. Rest and reflect on your trip and the sites you have seen so far. Enjoy the Spanish atmosphere.

Day Trip To Gibraltar

If you aren’t a beach person, there is something for you as well. Visit Gibraltar, the last British territory in mainland Europe. It’s also the only place in the entire Europe where you can see monkeys.

Take a passport with you as there are controls on the border when you come to Gibraltar.

How To Get To Gibraltar

There is no train running to Gibraltar. You can only get there by bus or by car. However, I don’t recommend you go by car . It can be a struggle driving within Gibraltar as it’s quite tiny.

With the regular bus from Málaga, it takes relatively a lot of time to get to Gibraltar. So the best option for you is to go to Gibraltar with an organized guided tour .

PRO TIP:  When you decide to drive from Málaga , you can get furthest to  La Linea de la Concepcion , a small city before the  Gibraltar border . Leave the car there, then cross the border on foot (which is not a problem).

Sightseeing In Gibraltar

Go to the famous Rock of Gibraltar for stunning views and monkey watching. Hopefully, you won’t get too annoyed by them…

In the past, Gibraltar belonged to Moors. You can also visit the  Moorish Castle  and  Mosque  at the end of the peninsula.

PRO TIP: As a British territory , in Gibraltar, you have to pay using British pounds . Some shops accept euros, too, but the exchange rates are not really good. But you can pay by card , it’s just that you know :).

Dolphin Watching In Gibraltar

Another great activity you can do in Gibraltar is dolphin watching . You’ll be watching them from a catamaran with comments from local guides. Check it out and book your dolphin-watching excursion to guarantee your spot.

➡ Join this dolphin watching cruise in Gibraltar by clicking here.

Organized Tour To Gibraltar

Join this organized excursion to Gibraltar from Malaga if you don’t want to plan. A local guide will take you there on a transfer and care for everything. It includes dolphin watching , too.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary 10 Days – for more day trip ideas from Málaga

12. DAY: Day Trip To CAMINITO DEL REY

Today, we’ll visit an incredible  Gorge Desfiladero  with its  thrilling pathway , located 40 minutes from Málaga.

The Gorge is about 3km/1.8 miles long and only 10meters wide. The wooden path was constructed on the side of the Gorge to provide access to the hydroelectric plant . King Alfonso XIII walked through this pathway to officially open the reservoir.

As a result, it was named the  Caminito del Rey  – The little pathway of a king.

Let’s enjoy the walk alongside the Gorge with stunning views of the  River Guadalhorce  and its reservoir.

How To Get To Caminito Del Rey

In the morning, drive from Málaga to Caminito del Rey (North Access). There is a car park just 10 minutes from the official starting point of the Caminito.

Then you have to walk about 10 minutes through a forest path until you reach the start of El Caminito.

Enjoy your Caminito. It is  7.7km/4.7 miles long , and the whole walk will take  2 to 3 hours , depending on your stops. Stroll through slowly and admire the stunning nature around you.

In the afternoon, head back to Málaga. Enjoy the  free afternoon  in this city, or relax at the beach. Tomorrow, we have another travel day to the capital of Andalusia.

How To Book Tickets In Advance For Caminito Del Rey

You’ll have to book the tickets in advance as the Caminito del Rey has become very popular over the past years. You have to choose a  specific time slot  for walking through the pathway.

This way, they regulate the number of visitors entering the Caminito. So don’t go here without having a  pre-booked ticket . You’ll most likely not be accepted for the walk as it’ll be fully booked for the day.

➡ Book skip-the-line tickets for Caminito del Rey here.

Organized Tour To Caminito Del Rey

Join this organized tour to Caminito del Rey from Málaga if you don’t want to plan and want to have fun in a group with a local guide. It includes entrance tickets , too.

13. DAY: MÁLAGA ⇒ SEVILLA

Are you ready for our last destination of this trip? Pack your bags and head to your rental car. Drive from Málaga to Sevilla, the birthplace of tapas .

Distance Málaga ⇒ Sevilla by car: approx 2 hours 20 minutes (210km/130miles)

Welcome to Sevilla , the  center of trade and exploration  of the Americas in the 1500s. At the time, it was also  the wealthiest Spanish city . We’ll spend the rest of our Spanish trip in this fantastic city.

Check in to your accommodation and head to the center to explore it.

Interesting Fact About Tapas

Maybe you might want to go straight into a bar for some  tapas for your lunch ? Right at the beginning, I have an interesting fact for you:

For this afternoon, check my  suggestion on day 14  for what to see and do in Sevilla. Plan your stay accordingly. You might do some sightseeing today and cover the majority tomorrow.

Tapas Crawl In The Evening

Today is the day for a real TAPAS EXPERIENCE. Join a Tapas Crawl and enjoy the best bars and evening atmosphere of Sevilla. Where else should you do a tapas tour if not in the birthplace of this Spanish tradition?

➡ Join this Tapas Crawl in Sevilla with a local guide and have fun!

Where To Stay In Sevilla: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

atLUMBRERAS 16 UMA SUITES PARADA DEL MARQUES HOTEL ALFONZO XIII LUXURY COLLECTION

14. DAY: SEVILLA

This city will let you finish your itinerary in the best way possible. It hosts sights of diverse cultures such as Moorish, Christian, and Jewish.

Sevilla is also the  burial place of Christoph Colombus . Besides, it’s the  birthplace of tapas .

If you still haven’t bought some memories to take back home, you can do so here. Sevilla is also famous for its  azulejos tiles  – ceramics with colorful tiles.

Today, you’ll get the chance to explore this fantastic city. It’s one of my top 3 favorite cities in Europe .

Sightseeing In Sevilla

🔅 Sevilla Cathedral 🔅 La Giralda 🔅 Barrio Santa Cruz – Jewish quarter 🔅 Real Alcazar 🔅 Plaza de España 🔅 Maria Luisa Park 🔅 Triana

NOTE: For some sights (Sevilla Cathedral, La Giralda, and Real Alcazar), it’s necessary to book skip-the-line tickets in advance . Otherwise, they’ll be fully booked.

🔅 Sevilla Cathedral

Welcome to the  largest cathedral in the world . It has 80 chapels, which is like, wow, I can’t image how they fit into this building. One of the highlights is the  tomb of Christoph Colombus . You can explore it inside the cathedral.

Afterward, you can also  head up to the Giralda  and get the city’s best views.

➡ Book this skip-the-line ticket for Sevilla Cathedral + La Giralda

🔅 La Giralda

Get the  best views of Sevilla  from the top of the bell tower. Under the Moorish reign, it used to serve as a  minaret , from where  Muezzin was calling inhabitants for the prayer .

For the cathedral and Giralda, it’s necessary to  get skip-the-line tickets , as it’s always super crowded.

🔅 Barrio Santa Cruz – Jewish Quarter

Seville used to have the  largest community of Jews . However, in the 14th century, they were  forced to convert to Christianity . If they resisted, they were forced to leave the city under the threat of death.

Nowadays, it is a  charming neighborhood  with tiny streets, cafes, and restaurants.

🔅 Real Alcazar

Real Alcazar is located in the Jewish quarter . It’s the original Moorish palace and was built to protect the Muslim authorities in the past. Admire its Mudejar architecture (Moorish architecture style) and its stunning green courtyard. Nowadays, it’s used by the Spanish Royal family.

➡ Get this skip-the-line tickets for Real Alcazar .

🔅 Plaza De España

It’s one of the  prettiest squares  in the entire Spain. Plaza España was built for the World Exposition in 1929. Its  tile illustrations  (made by typical Sevilla’s azulejos) depict many Spanish places, food, and autonomous communities.

So hop on a  little Spain tour  around this Spanish square in Sevilla. It’s one of my favorite places in Sevilla.

🔅 Maria Luisa Park

After, have a nice walk through this green park next to Plaza España and a little rest from the sightseeing.

Opposite the old city and  across the River Guadalquivir  is the  neighborhood  Triana. See  Flamenco’s monument  at the Plaza de Altozano and shop  for ceramics  with tiles  azulejos , famous for Sevilla.

Sevilla Guided Tour

Book this guided tour of Sevilla and visit the Cathedral, La Giralda, and Real Alcazar with a local guide. Hear interesting stories and get further tips.

Practical Tips For Your Spain Itinerary

I’ve got some travel tips for you to help you plan your itinerary even more in detail. So check the best time to make this itinerary, what to pack, how to communicate with locals, and what you could do if you have less time for Spain.

Best Time To Visit Span & Make This Itinerary

The best time to visit Spain is May, early June, late September, and October . December is also a great time to visit Spain as you can enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, and some of the beautiful Christmas Markets and traditions.

These months are less crowded so you’ll enjoy the places more. Prices also drop as it’s the shoulder season. In particular, accommodation will be cheaper than during the summertime.

You’ll still benefit from great weather as temperatures range between  20°C/70°F  and  27°C / 80°F . Southern Spain (Sevilla, Granada, Malaga) will be hotter than Barcelona in Madrid, but it’ll still be pleasant even for swimming .

What To Pack For Your Spain Itinerary

I recommend you pack the following necessary clothes for this itinerary in Spain. Pack everything else essential for you, but these are the basics you should have in your backpack/suitcase:

• swimming suit
• mat/blanket for beach
• skirt and dresses
• sportsclothes
• light jumper/long-sleeve shirt
• good walking shoes
• waterproof jacket

Budget For Your 14-Day Spanish Itinerary

The budget for this itinerary for 14 days per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $2160 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car to travel conveniently, and enjoy each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this itinerary budget for each travel category:

So the total budget for a 14-day trip to Spain , without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $2160 per person .

Budget Breakdwon For Each Traveler Type

Here is a quick overview of a budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 14-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $800 ➡ 14-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $2160 ➡ 14-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $4500

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 14-day trip to Spain. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

Is Spain Safe?

Spain is a pretty safe country . I lived in Barcelona for 2 years and went for a run at night alone, but I never felt danger. When you use your common sense , you’ll be safe.

One thing you need to be aware of is pickpockets . They are especially in the metro and trains in Barcelona and Madrid. Or in any other bigger city .

So watch out for pickpockets. But if you keep your bags closed when walking around, you’ll be fine. Also, don’t walk around with too many valuables and avoid attracting the pickpockets.

What To Do With More Or Less Time In Spain

I’ve got a few more itineraries for Spain for you in case you have less time. Check out these itineraries for 10 days or 8 days and plan your trip accordingly.

Spain Itinerary 10 Days

Spain itinerary 8 days, how to speak spanish when traveling spain.

I love foreign languages, and learning them is a lot of fun. It can be easy to get to fluency if you have the right strategies .

Knowing a few Spanish words  will help you  connect with locals  and make your experiences on this itinerary  much more memorable . So I’ve also prepared a guide for you where you can learn how to order food and drinks when traveling in Spain.

Get my Spanish Food Guide here  or by clicking the link below and have fun learning Spanish words you can use while traveling to Spain.

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you plan even more. So check them out below.

Is 14 Days In Spain Too Long?

No , 14 days in Spain is the perfect time to explore the country; it’s a short time. Spain is a huge country, so you need at least 2 weeks to enjoy the best spots and activities. So follow my itinerary and see the highlights of Spain in 14 days. It’s the best time.

How To See Spain In 2 Weeks?

Spain in 2 weeks offers a lot you can explore. You can see Barcelona , Valencia and Madrid as the big and interesting cities. After, you can make a day trip to Toledo and travel south to Andalusia.

Then, spend a few days in southern Spain , visiting the most beautiful cities like Granada , Cordoba , Sevilla , and Malaga . Make day trips to Caminito del Rey , Nerja Beach , or Gibraltar .

What Month Is Best To Visit Spain?

The best month to visit Spain is October . Prices drop significantly, and there are fewer crowds, too. Temperatures are still pleasant, and the weather is great, around 20°C/68°F . So you’ll enjoy the places with fewer tourists around for better prices , and mild weather, not too hot.

How Much Cash Do I Need For 2 Weeks In Spain?

As a budget traveler , you’ll need around $800 for 2 weeks in Spain.

As a mid-range traveler , you’ll need around $2000 for 2 weeks in Spain.

And as a luxury traveler , you can spend anywhere up to $4000 in 2 weeks in Spain, depending on what you want to do and where you’ll stay.

Should I Go To Madrid Or Barcelona?

If you want to enjoy more sightseeing , go to Barcelona and if you want to enjoy more Spanish culture and nightlife , go to Madrid .

Overall, I think Barcelona is better than Madrid because it has more to offer and the city is so much fun. But you’ll experience more authentic Spanish culture in Madrid than in Barcelona because Barcelona is in Catalonia, and the culture is slightly different.

WRAP-UP: Spain Itinerary 14 Days

This is my Spanish itinerary 14, 10 or 8 days for you. I hope you’ll get the most out of Spain , see its highlights, and enjoy your life. Spain is one of my favorite European countries (top 4), and I’m sure you’ll fall in love , too.

If you have any questions or need further travel tips, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for your needs and preferences.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Spain Travel

Looking to visit more places in Spain? Check out my related articles:

Best Of Barcelona Itinerary For 3 Days

Best Of Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary 10 Days

Top 8 Road Trips From Barcelona

6 Best Spanish Festivals You Need To Experience

Is Seville Worth Visiting? 14 Reasons To Visit & Tips

How Far Is Morocco From Spain? Complete Guide

How Far Is Barcelona From Paris? Complete Guide

Spain In December: Best Things To Do & See

Christmas In Spain: Complete Guide With Traditions & Best Places

27 Best Places To Visit In Europe In November

Is Portugal In Spain? Ultimate Guide

Do You Need Spanish To Travel To Spain? My Experience

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

SPAIN : Interested in more articles about Spain? Check out my Spain Travel Page :

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This post has 10 comments.

Some of my favourite spots in Spain on your itinerary. We have been to Spain many times but know there are still many spots we need to visit. Valencia and Toledo definitely need to be on a return visit plan. The beaches are always a big draw. But the history and architecture draws us to the cities. We went by train on most trips. So maybe a car would let us get out in the country more.

I am glad that the itinerary consists of some of your favourite places, Linda :). I think travelling Spain by train is still a great choice. Only in Andalusia, I would suggest everybody to rent a car to get around.

Wow this a very ambitious list! I think it took me twice as long to hit these spots because I spent so many days just eating churros ;p

Hahaha, Nina, love your comment. You’re right; it is quite ambitious. I’ve tried to pack the most amazing places together, and you can see that the itinerary will be pretty intense. But I believe you’ll come from Spain with so many memories, feeling like you’ve seen pretty much the most important parts of the country :). And of course, churros have to be on program every day 😀 :D.

This is a complete and detailed guide; I don’t think you missed a thing. Great travel tips. I’m saving this one for future travels!

Hi Lorry, I am glad you like it. Hope it will be useful for you once you visit Spain :). Let me know how the travel is with this itinerary.

I have only visited Barcelona so far in Spain, and I loved it! You should add Parc Guell to your list, it’s amazing! Gaudi has a lot of incredible architecture throughout the city to see. I hope to go back again.

Hi, Kat. Many thanks for the tip. Yes, you’re completely right. Parc Guell should be on the list. However, it is quite difficult to put all the beautiful sites in Barcelona together in 2 days. So that’s why I’ve created a 3-day itinerary with everything to see and do in Barcelona, which also contains Parc Guell. You can check it out. You guys can then decide how many days you want to spend in Barcelona and what you want to see based on this 3-day Barcelona itinerary .

This post comes just in time. I’m currently planning a trip to Spain – which I might postpone due to the current covid situation. Nevertheless, this gives me even more time for extensive planning so I don’t miss out on any important landmark. Your post is the perfect base to start my itinerary 🙂

Hi Renata. Awesome, I am happy it comes in handy for you. Hope it will give you a lot of inspiration, and you’ll have a perfect time in Spain. Let me know which destinations you’ve visited.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.