Planning a Spanish vacation but not sure where to start? Our flexible itinerary in Spain is designed to give you an authentic Spanish experience, highlighting the best of what the country has to offer. Whether you’re staying for ten days or two weeks, our expert-crafted travel guide has you covered. From the cosmopolitan streets of Madrid to the scenic wine country of La Rioja and beyond, this guide is your ultimate resource for a first-time visit without a car. We recommend spending a minimum of two days in each city. There’s too much to see!
Arrival in Madrid: Spain’s Capital
Day 1 in Spain begins in majestic Madrid, the Spanish capital and the geographical and political beating heart. Visit the Royal Palace, an opulent Baroque building and is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. It has over 3,000 rooms!
Afterward, walk over to Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square where everything from royal coronations to bullfights and public executions took place. It’s now a hot spot for cafes, shops, and street performers.
Next, visit another famous square is the Puerta del Sol, which is constantly abuzz: it’s a popular spot for demonstrations and celebrations, including New Year’s Eve when madrileños gather to eat 12 grapes before midnight for good luck.
Check out any (or all) three world-class art museums with masterpieces you’ll recognize from your art history textbooks. The Prado Museum houses famous works by Francisco Goya, Diego Velázquez, and El Greco, masters of Spanish art. Modern art enthusiasts will appreciate the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s monumental “Guernica” and surrealist works by Salvador Dalí. The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum rounds out the trio with its eclectic collection, spanning from Renaissance paintings to contemporary pieces.
In between museum visits, drop by Retiro Park. Explore the Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat, or simply enjoy an unhurried stroll after an attraction-packed day in Madrid.
On the second day in Madrid, savor its flavors. Indulge in the quintessential Spanish experience of eating tapas like patatas bravas and Rioja wine in La Latina neighborhood. Visit Mercado de San Miguel, a historic market housed in an ironwork building, where you can spot hanging legs of jamón, browse its colorful produce, and enjoy a meal at one of the sit-down tapa eateries.
Shop ’til you drop at Gran Via, an elegant avenue with Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Mudéjar architectural styles. Its buildings have ornate balconies and grand entrances with fashion shops and luxury boutiques.
If you’re in Madrid on a Sunday, don’t miss El Rastro, one of Spain’s oldest and most famous flea markets, where you can find everything from antiques to unique souvenirs.
Optional Side Trips from Madrid
- Take a train ride to Toledo, known as the “city of three cultures” where Muslims, Christians, and Jews once peacefully coexisted, is a must-see for its stunning medieval architecture, including the Toledo Alcazar and the historic Jewish Quarter.
- The magnificently walled city of Ávila boasts the impressive Catedral de Ávila and the Convent of Santa Teresa.
- History buffs will be captivated by Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university founded in 1218, and its exquisite Plateresque architecture, including both old and new cathedrals and the grand 18th-century Plaza Mayor.
- Lastly, Segovia’s architectural marvels, such as the lofty Roman aqueduct and the storybook Alcázar castle, will leave you in awe.
Read more about other Madrid day trips you can easily take by train!
Next Stop: Barcelona in Catalunya to the East
After soaking up the sights of Madrid, head east to Barcelona, a 1-hour 15-minute plane ride or a 2-hour rail ride via the high-speed train, the AVE. Catalonia’s capital is a one-stop destination with unique Catalan modernist architecture and dynamic cultural energy, pulsating with activities.
Start your first full day at the modernist basilica, the Sagrada Família, one of the most unique Catholic churches you’ll ever see. Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece has been under construction since 1882 and is still being constructed. Explore Park Güell, another Gaudí creation, with its playful snake bench, oblique colonnades and panoramic views of the city that extend to the Mediterranean Sea.
Wander through the medieval Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Along the way, drop by the Picasso Museum which shows the cubist artist’s works from his formative years.
El Born is a trendy area with boutique shops and tapas bars, while Gràcia is a smaller neighborhood with shorter buildings, creative boutiques, quaint coffee shops, and small squares where locals enjoy each other’s company.
Take a stroll along La Rambla, Barcelona’s most entertaining avenue with street performers, shops, museums, restaurants, and art vendors. Midway, stop by the Boqueria Market, famous for local and exotic displays of produce.
On day 2 in Barcelona, walk through the grid-like streets and awe at the elegant, modernist buildings in the Eixample district. This is where you’ll find other architecture masterpieces: the Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both residential buildings bursting with Gaudí’s brilliant designs of art imitating nature.
At the end of any of your days, head to Barceloneta or Mar Bella beach for some sun and sand. Have a drink at a xiringuito (beach bar).
Alternatively, go to Tibidabo or Montjuic for space to roam, get fresh air, and find interminable vistas of beautiful Barcelona.
Optional Side Trips from Barcelona
- Take a day trip to magical Montserrat, a mountain monastery where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and where the Black Madonna statue is believed to have performed many miracles. The mountain’s serrated shape is truly unique and intriguing and has astounding views and hiking trails.
- Sitges, a coastal town just an hour away by train, has whitewashed alleys and a breezy boardwalk, perfect for enjoying a seafood lunch.
- Head north to the Costa Brava and visit the quirky Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, where the artist grew up and is buried. Nearby, explore the former fishing town of Cadaqués. The Costa Brava also has some of the best beaches, such as Sant Pol and Platja de Sant Feliu.
Next Stop: Seville in Andalusia in the South
Next up on your Spanish adventure is Seville, or Sevilla, the sizzling capital of Andalusia. This is where flamenco dancing and bullfights are practically a way of life. Take time to get to know the local sevillano people – their passion and warmth reflect the city!
Start at the Alcázar, a royal palace with elaborately decorative Moorish designs. Originally an 11th-century fort, it’s gone through numerous transformations, incorporating Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements throughout the centuries.
Visit the grandiose Seville Cathedral, the third-largest cathedral in the world with the exquisite Retablo Mayor, the largest altarpiece in the world. Inside, an exalted tomb of explorer Christopher Columbus is carried by four figures, symbolizing the four kingdoms of Spain, Castille, Aragon, Navarre, and Leon. Climb the Giralda Tower, the highest point in Seville for panoramic views of the city.
Then, stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter filled with whitewashed homes with honey-colored trim, aromatic orange trees, narrow streets and flower-filled balconies.
Drop by the Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas, a massive contemporary wooden structure with 360-dgree views from its rooftop walkway.
On day 2 in Sevilla, check out the Plaza de España, one of the most picturesque squares in southern Spain and is also a popular filming location. Sit on one of the benches to enjoy its colorful ceramics, canals and half-moon lake as horse-drawn carriages whisk by.
Afterward, stop by the Triana neighborhood, known for its famous bullfighters. You’ll see photos of famous toreros hanging in its tapas bars. Be sure to pick up some hand-painted sevillana pottery and ceramics at many of Triana’s handicrafts shops.
Attend a flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco or go to Betis River for a drink at the small bars. Often, passionate locals belt out flamenco music on the fly.
Optional Side Trips from Seville
- A day trip to Córdoba has the magnificent Mezquita-Catedral, an elaborately decorated building with a vast hall with over 850 red-and-white horseshoe arches and a Renaissance nave. its historic judería, or Jewish Quarter, with its winding alleys was a center of medieval Islamic learning and culture in Europe. Travel time by train from Seville is about 40 minutes.
- The UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Itálica have an impressive amphitheater where gladiators once fought. It’s the birthplace of two of the most famous Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian.
Read about other day trips from Seville that we recommend!
Next Stop: Granada, Another Andalusian Gem
Spend time in Granada, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Begin at the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most beautiful palaces and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Spain. It was originally built as a walled citadel and later transformed into a lavish palace for Muslim rulers. It has an exquisite 14th-century Palacios Nazaríe with highly detailed stucco work. Look closely, and you’ll see the Moors’ genius in the advanced geometric patterns they designed.
Be sure to pass through the Chamber of Secrets, with acoustics so precise that whispers can be heard clearly across it. Meander through the resplendent Generalife gardens and its elegant fountains. Pro tip: you absolutely must book your entrance ticket weeks, if not months, in advance.
Experience Roma culture in the Sacromonte neighborhood, famous for its cave dwellings and vibrant flamenco shows. In the 15th century, the Roma community built these homes, and the area was named “holy mountain” due to relics of Saint San Cecilio. You can watch a flamenco show in a cave or visit the small history museums.
Next, explore Granada’s historic center. The Albayzín neighborhood is a beautiful tangle of winding streets. This area also has views of the Alhambra and has traditional tea houses (teterías) with carved wooden screens, colorful tile mosaics, and plush cushions, creating a cozy ambiance. Check out Nasrid Palace or Dar Ziryab for an authentic experience.
Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás, a viewpoint that provides one of the best panoramas of the Alhambra against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
The Royal Chapel houses the ornate tombs of Queen Isabel I and King Ferdinand II, the Catholic Monarchs whose marriage unified Spain. It blends late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, featuring intricate carvings and a stunning domed ceiling.
The Granada Cathedral blends Gothic and Spanish Renaissance architecture. Its facade, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, reflects wealth and power of the Catholic Monarchs, who funded its construction after the Reconquista.
On Day 2 in Granada, explore the Realejo neighborhood and its infamous tapas scene. Granada’s tapas culture is a must-experience, where every drink comes with complimentary tapas. Hop from bar to bar and try specialties like berenjenas con miel (crispy fried eggplant with honey) or jamón de Trevélez (high-quality cured ham).
Lastly, treat yourself to luxuriate in one of Granada’s hammams in this neighborhood. These are traditional Arab bathhouses with thermal baths, massages, and steam rooms, all situated in historic buildings with beautifully restored Mudéjar architecture.
Optional Side Trips from Granada
- The Sierra Nevada mountains are just a 40-minute drive away. It has fantastic skiing and snowboarding from December to April with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea from its peaks, and opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting in the summer months.
- Visit Guadix for a truly unique experience: explore its fascinating cave houses, check out the 16th-century cathedral, and don’t miss the incredible Arab Citadel perched on a hill, a National Monument dating back to the 1st century.
Alternative Routes
Northern Spain Itinerary
If you’re drawn to Spain’s lush Atlantic coast, consider an itinerary that not only includes Madrid and Barcelona but also includes Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Santiago de Compostela. Northern Spain is refreshing contrast to southern Spain and is more comfortable to travel during the scorching summer months.
Start your trip in Madrid and Barcelona. Then continue your adventure by flying or taking a train north to Bilbao in the Basque Country, where you can see the contemporary Guggenheim Museum. Explore the Basque cuisine like pintxos (small tapas-like snacks) and bacalao al pil-pil (cod in a garlic and olive oil sauce) before venturing westward to San Sebastian.
Nestled near the Bay of Biscay, Sant Sebastian has the lovely La Concha beach and an internationally acclaimed culinary foodscape. Wander along the crescent-shaped shoreline for a delightful stroll. Don’t miss climbing Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city and bay. Explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town), the romantic area of the city with the beautiful Town Hall and graceful belle époque buildings.
Finally, cap off your trip in Santiago de Compostela in Cantabria, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ultimate destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Explore its historic Old Town, visit the majestic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, and witness the meeting of pilgrims from around the world.
La Rioja Itinerary
If you love wine, a must-visit is the region of La Rioja. Departing from Madrid, the best way to get there is to rent a car.
A good home base is Haro, the wine capital of La Rioja. Visit the historic wine cellars of Bodegas Lopez de Heredia or López de Heredia Viña Tondonia. By foot, explore the medieval charm of the town. Hang out in Plaza de la Paz, where there’s a quaint gazebo and wine barrels decorating the city hall.
Continue your journey to Laguardia, a medieval hilltop town with serpentine streets. Admire the floral balconies and rustic wooden doors and discover over 300 underground wine caves.
Wander the medieval walls and visit the Gothic Church of Santa María de los Reyes with panoramic views. Don’t miss the Casa Primicia, a historic winery dating back to the 15th century.
On your way back to Madrid, stop by Logroño is the capital city of La Rioja. Visit wineries like Bodegas y Viñedos Arizcuren or Bodegas Ontañón, which have quality wines and guided tours.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Spain?
Around 10 to 14 days is typically sufficient to explore Spain’s major highlights, allowing time to experience its cosmopolitan cities like Madrid and Barcelona, historical sites like Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra, scenic landscapes like its beaches, and cultural diversity throughout all the regions from North to South.
Is 7 days in Spain enough?
Seven days in Spain can provide a taste of its main highlights but may be tight for exploring more than one or two regions thoroughly, depending on your priorities.
Looking for a more personalized itinerary? We’re here to help! Schedule a chat with us, and we’ll create a custom plan for your Spain vacation. Let’s plan an incredible trip together!
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