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Discover spain, spain is a vibrant land of world-class cities, renowned masterpieces, divine food and wine, swirling flamenco dancers and exhilarating outdoor activities..

A single visit to Spain can result in many different experiences. Culture lovers and history buffs can be awed at more than 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites and more than 1,000 museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, hike and golf their way across stunning landscapes. And foodies can get their fill of delectable regional cuisine paired with incomparable wines.

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In southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain boasts a culinary scene that is celebrated worldwide. From tapas to paella, Spain tantalizes the taste buds with a spectrum of flavors. Its social atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and wealth of monuments make Spain an incredible place. Located on the northeast coast, Barcelona offers some of the best beaches in Spain. This cosmopolitan capital is dotted with architectural treasures, from Gothic cathedrals to Modernisme creations – the world's largest, nearly finished Catholic church, La Sagrada Familia dominates the skyline. The Gothic Quarter encompasses the oldest part of Barcelona, with numerous medieval landmarks and the city's Roman wall. Madrid, which is centrally located, boasts a dynamic blend of excitement, relaxation, and unparalleled nightlife. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life. Dine late into the evening, or dance at nightclubs until the sun comes up – this city truly never sleeps. Take a stroll through the Patio de los Naranjos in Seville, a mosque-cathedral courtyard where cypresses and orange trees are gracefully planted, and listen while the rhythmic beats of flamenco resonate through the cobblestone streets of southwest Spain. Savor the warmth of Spanish hospitality with a fiesta of colors, traditions, and passion throughout Spain.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
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$102 Find Cheap Flights to Spain

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to spain departing on 11/6. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to spain.

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Best Spain Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking spain flights, which airport should i fly to if i want to visit llucmajor beaches.

Llucmajor Beaches are famous tourist destinations, especially for those looking to sunbathe or scuba-dive. The best way to reach these attractions is to fly into Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) in Mallorca, which is located about 26 km away.

Which Spanish airport provides easy access to Toulouse?

Suppose you intend to connect to Toulouse in neighboring France. In that case, consider booking a flight that departs from Seville Airport (SVQ) in Sevilla, and land at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) in Toulouse. The quickest flight between these two cities is approximately 1h 45min.

Which Spanish airport is closest to the Picasso Museum?

Picasso Museum is located in Malaga, and it might be convenient for you if you booked a flight from the U.S. that lands at Malaga Airport (AGP). Picasso Museum lies about 18.2 km, and a bus will get you there in about 28 minutes. However, taxis offer a quicker option, although they are expensive, reaching there in under 10 minutes. Spend an afternoon here browsing the various works from every stage of Picasso’s eclectic career.

Are there hotels near major airports in Spain?

Visitors scheduled to arrive late in any of the major Spanish airports or plans to leave early in the morning after the vacation shouldn’t be worried. All the major airports are located near a wide range of hotels offering idyllic accommodation. Still, the facilities guarantee free transportation to and from the airport to make your movement easier. This service is particularly essential for those with heavy luggage.

I want to visit the Spanish Pyrenees, which city should I fly to?

The Spanish Pyrenees are a mountain chain located in the Catalonia region of northern Spain. To get to this destination, you can fly into the major international airport in Barcelona, which provides a great access point for other destinations as well. From Barcelona, the Pyrenees can be easily reached by train, bus or car.

Where should I fly into Spain to visit Andalucia?

Andalucia is a region in southern Spain containing several natural and cultural attractions. If you’re planning on traveling around Andalucia, you can book your flight to Spain into a handful of different airports, but the most convenient city to fly into internationally would be Malaga. Malaga lies nearly in the middle of Andalucia, and it is a popular tourist destination in and of itself.

Are there nonstop flights to Spain?

Because Barcelona and Madrid are major international airline hubs, nonstop flights can be found to these destinations from many cities within the US. Nonstop flights to Spain can be commonly found from cities like New York and Los Angeles.

I’m flying to Spain to visit Segovia, what city should I fly to?

Segovia is one of the most popular medieval cities in Spain and getting there will require a few modes of travel if you’re visiting internationally. The most convenient way to get to Segovia from the US is to fly into Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), then take a regional bus or train to the city of Segovia.

How long is the flight to Spain?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Spain takes 10h 32m, covering a distance of 4575 miles. The most popular route is Miami - Madrid with an average flight time of 8h 20m.

What is the cheapest flight to Spain?

The cheapest ticket to Spain from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $196 one-way, and $292 round-trip. The most popular route is from Miami to Madrid and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $316.

Which airlines fly to Spain?

British Airways, Iberia & Finnair fly the most frequently from the United States to Spain.

What are the most popular destinations in Spain?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Madrid (71% of total searches to Spain). The next most popular destinations are Málaga (6%) and Seville (3%). Searches for flights to Valencia (3%), to Palma de Mallorca (3%) and to Ibiza (3%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Spain

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Spain flight deals.
• If your itinerary in Spain entails visiting multiple cities, it might be helpful to book flights that land at the country’s main and busiest airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). The airport operates several flights to many parts of the country, making it easy to secure a flight to the next destination.
• Travelers transiting to areas on the coast of northeastern Spain will find it convenient to book flights that land in Barcelona, where Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN) sits. This is a high-traffic port that provides an easy connection to Barcelona, Girona, Zaragoza, and Figueres.
• If you have a tight budget, consider visiting Spain in the fall (September to October), or in Spring (March to May). Besides the pleasant weather, the crowds are low, and you are thus likely to get cheaper air tickets and affordable accommodation options. June to August are the peak tourist months, and prices are bound to increase dramatically.
• Most of the flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) that entail layovers en route to Spain do so in their respective capitals. For instance, Luftansa makes a one-stop flight in Munich (MUN), while ITA Airways makes a layover at Rome - Fiumicino International Airport Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) in Rome. As such, these connecting flights are ideal for those on a strict budget and who want to save money.
• For a better flight experience from the U.S. to Spain, consider boarding airlines that either depart from or operate through their hubs. To this end, note that United Airlines runs a hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and British Airways operates a hub at the London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
• The best city to arrive in when booking your flight to Spain depends on which region of the country you’re planning to see, whether it’s the beaches to the north and east or the capital city and the medieval walled cities in central Spain. Most of Spain’s international air traffic comes through Madrid and Barcelona.
• If your travels are more focused on western Spain, it can be a good idea to fly into either Lisbon or Porto in Portugal. These cities not only give you great access to western Spanish cities like Badajoz and Vigo, they give you great access to the entire western Iberian coastline.
• Looking to spend your time in Spain in the Basque country? For travelers looking to take in the sights of this autonomous region in northern Spain, the most convenient cities to book a flight to are Madrid and Toulouse, France. Madrid is closer but Toulouse offers a route to the Basque region through the picturesque Pyrenees Mountains after a hassle-free border crossing.
• If your flight is headed to Spain’s Canary Islands, it can be handy to book a flight to the best access point to explore all of the islands. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the two islands most central to the Canary Islands, each with their own resident airport. Booking a flight to either one of these islands puts you easily within reach of the rest of the islands.
• Toledo, one of Spain’s largest and best-preserved walled cities, is a common day trip for tourists in and around Madrid. Toledo doesn’t have its own airport, but it can be reached by train from one of Madrid’s many resident railway stations. Trains between Madrid and Toledo are inexpensive, and the travel time is around an hour.

Top 5 airlines flying to Spain

I am so shocked at the service in first class. We were not greeted or offered a beverage for 45 minutes into the flight. She did however have time to write a long note. I just wanted a snack and something to drink. We were never offered coffee and the snacks came after dinner? It was the oddest flight I have ever been on. The gentleman next to me got up and gave our dinner box’s to the flight attendant and asked for a second glass of wine for each of us. Our dinner boxes sat on our tray for 20 minutes. She was rather distracted. He then asked another flight attendant for wine… finally we had a second glass. I was trying to give her some grace, she also told the man next me we couldn’t have any more wine because we drank it all… after landing the seasoned traveler next me ask for her employee number. Then it was a mutiny! She was refusing and it got tense. The captain came and asked what was happening, the flight attendants totally gave a biased account of the fact. The captain told the police the man I was seated next to was intoxicated! That was completely inaccurate and it really escalated things. I policeman found me at the luggage carousel to verify the facts. The flight attendants made false accusations that he touched them! That never happened. It was a very poorly trained crew. I am so anngry and shock by the entire experience! It was terrible service! I would like a refund for what I paid to be in first class and the most uncomfortable flight ever. I always fly Delta, it has been wonderful. I was so flustered by the entire experience! Please give me an update on this matter! Thank you, Kelle Myers

It was reported to the passengers that Delta failed to schedule the crew properly. This error caused the pilot to show up about 30 minutes late. All in all Delta's inability to take care of this basic function resulted in about an hour delay.

Food was not the best. Too many items had sauce pm them with a lot of spices The seat was not comfortable especially when you lay down

Late departure due to large number of wheel chair patrons. Used to having a box of snacks to select from in comfort plus. The flight attendant just rattled off what was available and asked us to pick. Felt rushed and uncomfortable. Seat was great. Prefer having the screen on the seat in front of me instead of having to pull it up from the seat side. Lots of room for my carryon under the seat in front of me.

The airplanes were so old and out-dated it was terrifying to fly on them.

It’s was good. There’s so much room for improvement though. Since the plane was small, there was no entertainment but for years now, the most jarring aspect of travel is the lack of tasty snacks.

The important things including boarding and the flight being on time and safe were excellent. The disappointment comes from the comfort and amenities. Was misled by the "availability" of inflight internet- there is an extra cost. The tray table was broken, the bathroom door stuck and flight attendants were competent but not very friendly.

The Pilot was one of the best I've had, very informative about turbulence and got us to our destination early

The Gate Attendant @ Gate B36 was rude The flight was good but the entertainment system was not functioning as expected. The snacks were ok but could be better The flight crew was excellent.

Flight was delayed, missed connectingnflight to DC. Put me on flight to Baltimore, had to rent a car for $200. Plane was old, wall peeling around window. Flight was packed, every seat full on small plane. I spent 14 hrs on Friday in airports and missed my planned weekend event.

It was so uncomfortable for 14 straight hours it was torture

To san Francisco it was ok. From sf to Manila it was horrible

They opened my checked bag and even though my lock was tsa approved, they loose my lock and left my bag just like that. Incompetent people, very upset about it. I’ll try to avoid traveling with united

The passenger in the row in front of me was listening to a political speech on his phone at full volume with no headphones and it was disturbing all of the passengers around him for several rows. I asked 2 of the flight attendants to speak to this passenger but they only shrugged. It was obvious that they were afraid there might be conflict and would not say anything. I had to take it upon myself to tell the passenger that he needed to turn it off or wear headphones as it was disturbing everyone around him not wearing their own headphones. I was very disappointed in the United flight attendants.

Flight was ok. Unfortunately it was a Boeing 737, which is a cramped / tight airplane. I prefer the Airbus as they are a more comfortable flight experience.

United ground crew and pilots are friendly. The in-flight staff (flight attendants) are the worst in the world. Multiple trips, always unpleasant, combative, use implicit threats to not allow for a discussion on their decision. Authoritarian. This seems to stem from an internal corporate wide policy as I doubt that United is intentionally searching for people that are not fit for customer facing positions. I will not fly United again. Good luck fixing your business

We fly to Ecuador frequently. Checking in is usually a hassle because most United agents take some time before they can verify that my passport doesn't require a visa to Ecuador. This time the process was even longer due to the cyber attack. But she was really nice to us. So glad we brought plenty of snacks to supplement the 3 flights from SEA to GYE.

Awful, rude staff. Their abrasive comments are unnecessary. Most seek a frictionless experience and will cooperate if you ask. Additional childish bullying of customers is not acceptable or tolerated. We had the same problem with our departure flight. We will never fly United again.

Everything was fantastic. Modern plane. All the amenities! Although the paid snacks and meals are pure robbery. Like i understand airlines need to make money, but 11$ USD for an overnight oats with some nuts in it and barely any pieces of apple.... Highway robbery

Onboarding process was great and efficient. Plane was very new and entertainment choices were great. The only complain is no meal despite it was a flight that is longer than 6 hours.

Seats were very uncomfortable. I paid extra for a seat with more leg room, the seat was no different than a seat at the back of the plane. Flight attendant was rude.

Departure more than an hour later. Conexion/waiting time at the airport was more than 7 hours :(

3 hour delay on run way, not even a drink offered, staff seemed rude and rushed, felt unwell so asked twice for paracetamol and was told to wait, never got it

Flight was scheduled to leave at 6:25am. Went to bed at 9pm to get enough sleep. Flight cancelled at 1am that morning. Only flights available either landed at 8:30pm (9 hours later and 3 hours after the event I was trying to attend) or in a completely different state. Way to screw up my weekend, American.

Easy trip, left on time. Very impressed. Great pilot who talked to us

Best flight by a pilot I’ve ever been on as a 62 year old

I was bumped to first class so I got some food. It was OK. Entertainment is whatever you bring with you since there are no seatback screens.

Flights were on time. That's the main consideration since I had to change planes. The entertainment was whatever you bring with you and the food (in Economy) is non-existant. Neither of those was a surprise.

also wi-fi never worked attendant said satellite coverage is spotty over water ..... but we were over land!

Mobility assistance at DFW is A JOKE!!! Totally disorganized, ineffective and annoying. Ended up having to walk and find our own way for a good part of the very, very long walk between gates. Worst assistance I have ever experienced.

Outstanding. plane was a bit dated but safe and clean

Non-responsive after a flight cancellation, basically the airline kicked us out of the airport to wait in an endless line to speak to a single representative. I found another flight luckily not with Iberia. Many were not so fortunate. I’m still waiting for a reply to my flight cancellation/compensation query 5 days later. A trans- Atlantic crossing was hot and cramped. Food was great staff were nice but never again.

Both flights had no inflight wifi. The layover that i eria setup made it so i had to sprint through madrid airport at full speed even though the plane was on time. Never again. The flight there none of the screens worked.

Boarding passes should be checked upon boarding to avoid a situation we got into, delays due to wrong boarding

Horrible. Flight was canceled and customer service was way below par

Iberia schedules flights with short layovers in Madrid so many miss their flights. Also they lost our luggage twice - really a weak operation and will never fly with them again

The food was horrible. The crew skipped over me for drinks(only got food?). I had to wait until everyone else was served drinks in order to receive mine(meal was done). No earphones were given. No free WiFi.

It was not assigned a seat to me. I was not able to aboard. I lost all other connections..

I would have liked it better if Iberia had not lost my and my companion's luggage.

Awful! Flight was 2hrs late and we missed the connecting flight!!!

I’ll fly with any other airline. Besides all the fees and not being able to change a flight even to a later flight without paying £150 charge. Or that the last flight the WiFi didn’t work, the food was so bad, and ran out of options. Seat didn’t recline. And the headset jack didn’t work. This isn’t my first flight with them, and on every flight there is always something wrong that makes the long 10 hours feel like an eternity. Never flying them again.

On this flight I was in BA business class. I am used to flying United Airlines Polaris class and I was underwhelmed by BA’s business suite class. A few things: - the lounge at LAS was very basic and crowded and the LHR/T3 lounge a bit better, but still not like the Polaris lounges - boarding was chaotic, no one knew what group was supposed to board - the suites were nice, but the padding was not really made for sleeping on - crew were friendly, but only really one tray/serving for the dinner service. None of “drink first, then dinner with 1-2 pourings of wine, then dessert”. UA might not be known for the best service in the industry, but compared to BA they are super attentive. During the BA flight there was no one checking in on you after you got your one tray. - arrival at LHR was busses taking us back to the terminal, surprising for a long flight. Once again chaotic. The bus for First/Business was completely packed with anyone who could get on and the driver was screaming at passengers to get every inch packed before he drove to the terminal. By the time I arrived I felt like BA had sold me a superior flight experience and delivered a mediocre economy class experience just because they can and do not really care about their customers. Very disappointing.

Flight left late and we missed our connection in London requiring an 8 hour wait in Heathrow for the next available flight. One of flight attendants was not helpful with my husband’s necessary crutches.

Pretty good flight in general. Connection in London was extremely slow. The security was slow and understaffed. It took 35 minutes to get through and it was not even crowded.

These 777 planes really shouldn’t have 3-4-3 seats in economy. Very little leg room and the aisles were tiny. It was very uncomfortable for a 7 hour flight. (These same planes used to be 3-3-3 for seats until 2018).

Due to a cyber attack at the SeaTac airport ALL of the airport computers at the airport were down. This seriously impacted every airline at the airport and the resulted in our flight leaving a hour later than scheduled. This delay caused us to miss our connecting flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh. I was amazed to have British Airways staff meet us at the gate as we left our flight. They quickly provided us with new boarding passes for a flight going to Edinburgh later the same day. Problems sometimes happen but they handled the situation in first class style.

What a great flight that was. Leaving from the small London City Airport, which was easy and convenient to get to on public transport, The flight was slightly delayed, but no big deal. The crew was attentive and served the light sandwich meal, a snack and a soft drink with a smile. The seats were ok, but the same like other budget airlines. The onboard luggage allowance was good and way better and hassle free compared with budget airlines. Well done B.A. and keep the good work up 👍👏

They canceleld the flight and i found out only hours before the flight

Flight crowded - no leg room. Made me put tote bag under seat in front of me so no room for feet. Attendant helped me and put it up. Crew fine. Also British Airways changed our flights without notifying us resulting in a lot of confusion getting through Heathrow - our boarding passes wouldn't scan and we had no idea why. Ended up missing our flight and having to reschedule hours later after a flight from San Francisco. I have the app from BA and never received any notification. Very confusing and staff at Heathrow had no idea what problem was and only one person could resolve and huge line as several canceled flights. What a pain!

Very helpful. Just sorry that my flight required connecting with British Airways.

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The best of Spain trips unlocked for you

Experience Spain differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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"It's always a nice moment when you see the guests enjoying a sangria by the olive groves of Andalucia"

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Discover the Old and New Madrid

Get lost in the narrow streets and charming alleyways running off Plaza Mayor. Wooden shops and tavernas pull you in, taking you into spaces handed down through generations. With contemporary architecture and experimental restaurants, anything’s possible in the city of Madrid. The collision point of old and new.

Feel the rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco

No trip to Spain is complete without witnessing an Andalusian flamenco. Emotion, seduction and mystery form into this traditional Spanish dance, making this so much more than just a pastime. Feel the guitar, the heavy clapping, the heart-thumping steps and 500 years of passion in a tablao – the region’s historic enclaves where this dance comes to life. 

View the Bullring in Valencia

Aside from being the centre of one of Spain’s most traditional activities, the Plaza de Toros de Valencia is a commanding example of neoclassical architecture. Look up at the Roman-inspired building and you can almost hear 150 years of crowds roaring through the brick arches.

Admire Gaudí architecture in Barcelona

Barcelona means little without Antoni Gaudí, the 20th century architect whose unmistakable approach to Art Nouveau has made its mark on the Catalan city. Walk past Gaudí’s residence, Casa Vicens, pick out his Islamic influences in Parc Güell and watch history being built at la Sagrada Familia.

Travel to the mountain of Montserrat

Escape the city and venture to Montserrat, the jagged mountain range just outside Barcelona. Here, hike to Montserrat’s highest summit, Sant Jeroni, or take the scenic cable car to the 16th-century cliff top Christian complex of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Sweeping Catalonia views and religious history combine on this incredible experience.

Our top 5 things to do in Spain

Discover Spain with Trafalgar and get to know the intricacies of its heritage through music, dance, religion and architecture. Our trips are filled with both iconic and unexpected experiences, and will cement your love for this country. 

Dali Museum

Walk through the Dalí Theatre-Museum and get a glimpse into the mind of one of Spain’s most famous exports. Designed by the artist himself, this is a building of grand Surrealist proportions, housing decades of Dalí’s works. Enjoy a surprise and new perspective at every turn.

Picasso Museum

Spend at least a few hours at the Museu Picasso, a warren-like building of courtyards and staircases filled with more than 4,000 original artworks. Explore the rooms of five joined medieval mansions, and bear witness to the artist’s broad and varied talent. This is a collection concentrating on Picasso’s earlier, lesser-known years.

Guggenheim Museum

Come for the architecture, stay for the art. Frank Gehry’s most-referenced work of modern architecture has revolutionised Bilbao and is a masterpiece in itself. Dismiss all ideas of what a building should look like and revel in the Deconstructivist design while getting up close to large-scale installations by contemporary artists.

Best museums in Spain

Surrealism, cubism, modern history and expressive architecture, you will experience it all with the museums we visit in Spain. Let Trafalgar unlock the culture of this remarkable country.

Paella Valenciana

Take a seat and immerse in a large pan of Paella Valenciana. The rice dish packed with meat and vegetables is found all over Spain but the original hails from Albufera, on the coast next to Valencia. Eat it straight from the pan with fellow dinner guests for an authentic Spanish mealtime.

A cold soup of raw, blended vegetables may not sound appealing, but Andalusia’s age-old dish is one that you will quickly learn to love. Try history-drenched gazpacho - typically made of tomatoes, stale bread, cucumber and bell pepper - for a light and refreshing option during a hot Spanish summer.

For Catalonians, nothing evokes memories of home like Escudella i carn d’olla. Devour the centuries-old meal over two courses, consisting of a soup of broth with pasta or rice (or both) followed by a large ‘pilota’ meatball livened by garlic and parsley.

Best food in Spain

Enjoy traditional Spanish food in the very place the meals originated. With Simple ingredients and rich flavors, the dishes we share with you on a trip to Spain will connect you with the authentic culinary heritage of the country.

What to pack for Spain

Catalan, Basque or Galician phrase book

Depending on where you’re visiting, speak like the locals and swap Spanish for a few phrases of the mother tongue. You’ll make friends for life by showing such enthusiasm for the local dialect.

Espadrilles

Forgo ‘flip-flops’ or ‘thongs’ and do as the Spaniards do; don a pair of traditional espadrilles for walking around the cities and travelling the country’s coastline. Comfort and style combined.

Spain has a reputation for being dry and sunny, but cool and rainy days do come. Pack a jacket for and easy layers, particularly if visiting Spain in winter.

A scarf or pashmina

A scarf or pashmina is a must for air-conditioned transport, cooler evenings and when visiting religious sites and cathedrals, which require bare shoulders to be covered.

Sturdy walking boots

Spain may be renowned for its cities and beaches, but you may need sturdy walking shoes when visiting the idyllic mountain ranges.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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• Travel to Spain Itineraries

11 Itineraries Around Spain: From 1 Day to 2 Weeks

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Have you been dreaming about Spain for the past few years? Have you been dreaming about traveling to the cosmopolitan European cities, the quiet medieval towns, or maybe the crystal blue beaches?

Have your dreams become reality just yet? If not, what is stopping you from traveling to Europe? I don’t know about you, but for years, I heard friends complain that they don’t travel enough, and when I finally asked one of them why, she said, “I don’t know where to start!”.

I finally got it! Most of our friends postponed trips because they didn’t know how to organize them, and who can blame them? What is best to choose with so many hotels, tours, restaurants, and places to see!?

I have always loved and enjoyed organizing trips; well, if you are reading this blog, you might see what has come of it. And I want to help you travel and discover Spain without worrying too much, without fighting with your spouse, and without sacrificing too much of your time organizing. 

In this article, you will find 11 itineraries to travel to Spain, from 1 day to two weeks, all full of recommendations for different cities and activities.

You can follow them as they are or tweak them a bit and personalize the itineraries; after all, Sensation Spain’s itineraries are meant for you to enjoy and travel happily. 

On top of that, I will link you to other resources that will make your time in Spain even better!

Table of Contents ▼ ▶

How to plan a trip to Spain?

Planning a trip is like a writer confronting a blank page; you may have so many ideas but don’t know how to put them down and make them real. 

Well, planning a trip can be way easier than writing a book because the information is already out there. You don’t have to be extra creative to plan an amazing trip. The only thing you need is to follow my three traveling steps. 

(If you are traveling with a boyfriend or girlfriend, a wife or husband, or your entire family, it is vital that they also answer the same questions.)

• Go from general to specific.
• Create a set budget.
• When can I make this trip? And what would be my ideal season?
• How many days can I travel? How many days do I want to travel?

The most crucial part of organizing a trip is knowing when it would be possible. Timing affects the choice of season, place, and even your budget. 

If your trip depends on company vacations, figure out when you can get them. If your trip depends solely on you, then choose your favorite season. 

If you are wondering what is the best to travel to Spain, check out our featured article below. The best seasons are usually Spring and Autumn.

Go from General to Specific

After you have made a choice of season, let’s narrow down the travel options. I bet you have a book or a Pinterest board with all the cute places you want to see in Spain, with food recommendations, tips and tricks, and more.

Well, now is the time to gather all the general to create a more concrete board of the places you want to visit. Let’s answer the following questions:

• Do I prefer cities or small towns? Do I want to include nature in my trip? 
• What are my top 10 places to see in Spain (cities or villages)?
• Which of these places are best for the season I chose?

After doing this, you will have a list of the best places you can visit in Spain according to the season. Now, onto the final step. 

Tip: When you list cities, also write down which ones are non-negotiable. For example, when planning my first trip to the Netherlands, I had only four days available (including flying) and four cities in mind: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delt. I don’t enjoy rushing; I love discovering places, so I had to choose. Once I knew Delft was my non-negotiable and could narrow down my options, I could cross out Rotterdam and The Hague for the next occasion. 

Create a set budget

After choosing the season, number of days, and the best places, it is time to set the amount of money you want to spend on this journey. Remember that a trip is an investment, so create a budget that will allow you to enjoy and not envy others.

In this article, you can read how much it costs to travel to Spain 🛫:   How to Travel Spain on a Budget: Cost Guide & Tips

This is not an article for backpackers who travel for months.  If you are short on budget, make your trip shorter and prioritize experiences that will make you happy!

For tight budgets that want to travel to Spain, you will need at least between 800 and 1,000 euros (air tickets not included). That could help you be more precise when setting the budget.

With these three steps, you can narrow down your options on everything. And decrease the amount of information you have to deal with when organizing. 

Best time of the year to visit Spain

If you are open to suggestions, I will link you to our article that makes the best recommendation for each season.

For example, if you travel to Spain in autumn by the end of September, then you must see Madrid and Barcelona and experience wine fairs in Logroño.

The main cities will be full, and that is because the weather is WAY more pleasant than summer, and you can enjoy every aspect of the city. 

This is the main guide to find out what is the best time to visit Spain:

• Best Time to Visit Spain: Monthly Guide & What to Expect

If you already know in which season you will travel, then check the following featured articles:

• Summer in Spain: 10 Best Places To Visit & Weather Info
• 10 Best Activities for the Perfect Summer in Barcelona!
• Summer in Madrid: 10 Fun Activities You Can’t Miss!
• Summer in Seville: 13 Top Activities to Beat the Heat
• Summer in Mallorca: 13 Best Things To do (or Avoid!)

• 10 Best Spring Destinations in Spain: Weather & Fun Activities
• Visit Seville in Spring: 10 Best Activities, Places & Food
• Mallorca in Spring: 7 Reasons Why It’s My Favorite Season
• Spring in Madrid: 13 Best Places To See & Things To Do
• Barcelona in Spring: 9 Reasons Why It’s My Favorite Season

• 5 Best Autumn Destinations in Spain: Weather & Fun Activities
• Top 9 Reasons to Visit Mallorca in Autumn
• Madrid in Autumn: 15 Best Activities to “Fall” in Love!
• Barcelona in Autumn: 10 Best Activities to “Fall” in Love!
• Seville in Autumn: 13 Best Activities to “Fall” in Love!

• Spain in Winter: Weather, Destinations, Tips & more
• Seville’s Warm Winter: 11 Top Things in our Best Season!
• Explore Barcelona’s Winter Charm: 11 Cool Things to Do
• Madrid in Winter: 13 Cool Things to do in this Magical Season
• Winter in Mallorca? 7 Best Plans for the Perfect Off-Season

Top 11 Spain Itineraries

This is the section you came for! We have created 11 itineraries guided by the amount of time you might have available to travel to Spain.

We have made from 1 to 14 days itineraries, so you can choose what is best for you, your partner, and your family. They all include resources that will give you more information and advice to make your journey smoother and even more enjoyable!

Let’s begin!

Itinerary for 1 Day in Spain

In this article, you will find two itineraries, one for 24 hours well spent in Madrid and 24 hours to enjoy in Barcelona. 

People who travel only for a day usually do it due to business trips or as a pit stop to go to another city; if any of this is your case, we got you covered!

• 1 Day in Spain? 10 Best Things to Do in 24 Hours! 

Itinerary for 2 Days in Spain

In this itinerary for two days in Spain, you will find two itineraries: Madrid and Barcelona. 

You will find all the key places you must see quickly, and I hope you enjoy them!

• 2 Days in Spain: Trip Ideas & Itineraries to Enjoy Your 48h

Itinerary for 3 Days in Spain

This Itinerary for 3 Days in Spain offers an amazing journey to Madrid and Barcelona. With this planned itinerary, you will see both of Spain’s most famous and cosmopolitan cities. 

• 3 Days in Spain: What’s the Best Itinerary for Your Trip?

Itinerary for 4 Days in Spain

This itinerary for 4 days in Spain offers a twist! You will find FOUR different itineraries to choose the one that fits with your preferences.

You will find:

• How to spend 4 days in Barcelona and the Costa Brava
• How to spend 4 days in Madrid, Segovia and Toledo
• How to spend 4 days in Madrid and Barcelona
• How to spend 4 days in Madrid and Seville

Choose the one that calls you the most and aligns with the cities in your list!:

• 4 Days in Spain - Best Travel Itineraries for Short Trips

Itinerary for 5 Days in Spain

In this article, five itineraries will help you spend the best 5 days in Spain. You will find one itinerary for Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, another itinerary only to discover southern cities, and a third one to visit Spain’s major classics.  

• 5 Days in Spain: Itineraries to See (almost) Everything!

Itinerary for 6 Days in Spain

I love this article! Here, you will find a unique itinerary that will take you to Valencia and the Balearic Islands. This unique featured special is for those who have already seen Madrid and Barcelona and would like to give their trip nice ocean views!

• 6 Days in Spain: The 3 Best Itineraries for Your Trip!

Itinerary for 7 Days in Spain

This itinerary takes north and south! You will find three different ways to spend seven days in our country. The first itinerary takes you to the main cities plus Seville; the second itinerary takes you all the way to the north, where you will discover Bilbao and San Sebastián, and the third is special for first-timers as it takes you into an immersive trip to Madrid and Barcelona. 

• 7 Days in Spain: The 3 Best Itineraries for Your Trip!

Itinerary for 8 Days in Spain

On this 8-day journey, you will travel through Barcelona, Madrid, Granada and Seville. Plus, I have added plenty of travel tips to make your journey more enjoyable. 

• 8 Days in Spain: The Best Itinerary to See Everything!

Itinerary for 9 Days in Spain

With this nine-day itinerary through Spain we prioritize strategic accommodation and include plenty of day trips!

You will discover Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Pamplona in Northern Spain, plus Madrid and Barcelona.

• 9 Days in Spain: Top Itinerary to See Everything!

Itinerary for 10 Days in Spain

We have created a detailed itinerary to spend ten days in Spain. It includes Barcelona and the Costa Brava, Madrid, Segovia, Granada, and Cordoba. 

• 10 Days in Spain: The Best Itinerary to See Everything!

Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Spain

With two weeks in Spain, you get to see lots of the essentials! With this two-week itinerary in Spain, you go from North to South, traveling and discovering 12 cities and top UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check it out!

• How to spend 2 weeks in Spain? 12 Cities & Activities

Important Resources

If you have traveled before, I bet you have faced the problem of not finding public restrooms. However, know that in Spain, that will not be a problem because I got you covered.

In this section, I will give you essential advice such as “how to find public restrooms in Spain” and “how to get around major cities in Spain.” The resources here come in handy!

Public Restrooms in Spain

How to Find a Public Restroom in Spain: 12 Spots!

How to Move around in Spain

How to Get around Barcelona + 8 Tips I wish someone told me How to Get Around Mallorca: 9 Tips I wish Someone Told Me How to Get Around Madrid + 8 Tips I Wish Someone Told Me How to Get Around Seville + 3 Tips I wish Someone Told Me!

Where to Eat in Spain

What to Eat in Spain: 31 Tasty & Traditional Dishes

Scams to Avoid in Spain

15 Mistakes Tourist should avoid in Spain. Must read!

Need help organizing your trip to Spain?

If these itineraries are not enough and you still need a little help, leave us a comment or email us!

We love Spain, and we want more people to be able to explore it for real and with the most authentic experiences. At Sensational Spain, we aim to make your dream trip come true. Whether it is with your partner or your whole family, we can create a personalized trip for all of you.

If you want a completely different itinerary or wish to avoid all the research and booking, we can cover that for you, so you juts have to relax and enjoy Spain. 

Email us here!  

I hope these itineraries are helpful when it comes to planning your trip! Remember to follow our three-step formula for organizing a trip, and then check out our itineraries to see which fits best.

Enjoy reading the 11 itineraries throughout Spain, and mix and match them as you wish.

Happy travels!

READ NEXT: What’s the Climate in Spain? Our Real Weather and Temperature

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Trips to Spain

The best of madrid - andalucia - barcelona, 13 nights from $1,439*.

Beautiful cities in Spain , connected by train!. Explore Madrid (the vibrant city, with its diverse Spanish Museums), walk around the city; visit Prado and Madrid Royal Palace. After that, Cordoba and Seville (famous for its flamenco dancing, architecture and food). Also, Granada (rich history and inspiring monuments, like the famous Moorish ALHAMBRA) and Barcelona (with the eccentric architecture of Gaudi, the Gothic Quarter and cosmopolitan Rambla district), with tours around these cities, visiting major monumets, museums and parks . This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

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This top seller in Spain is a perfect introduction to Europe . Visit Madrid (its famous museums, nightlife and endless energy) and Barcelona (Gaudi, Gothic Quarter and always in the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times). A flight connects these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 3 nights in Madrid
• Flight from Madrid to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 nights in Barcelona

Spain is combined perfectly in this flexible Europe vacation package, discovering its main cities. Travel from Madrid (Golden Triangle of Art: Prado Museum; Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums; its famous nightlife and endless energy) to Seville (The Cathedral, Alcazar, Archive of the Indies, Barrio Santa Cruz); and finally, to Barcelona (Gaudi, Gothic Quarter and always in the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Train from Madrid to Seville
• Hotel for 2 nights in Seville
• Train from Seville to Barcelona
• Hotel for 3 night in Barcelona

This Self-Drive, independent vacation package will introduce you to all the most breathtaking aspects of Spain, with lively cities and stunning countryside . Start with a visit to exciting Madrid (Spain's capital) then, pick up your Rental Car for a short ride to historical Toledo (a UNESCO World Heritage site which has hosted various cultures and religions throughout its storied history). Continue to sophisticated Seville (rich in Moorish heritage, stunning monuments and Flamenco dance) and into Granada (a historic Moorish-Christian artistic heritage). From there, drive to Valencia (the gateway to the Mediterranean) and finally, enjoy a pleasant stay in Barcelona (unmatched in its uniqueness; architecture, food and lively nightlife). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Hotel for 2 nights in Madrid
• Rental Car for 8 days
• Hotel for 1 night in Toledo
• Hotel for 2 nights in Granada
• Hotel for 2 nights in Valencia
• Hotel for 2 nights in Barcelona

Driving Time Madrid - Toledo: 1 hr. approx. Toledo - Seville: 4 hrs. 40 mins. approx. Seville - Granada: 2 hrs. 40 mins. approx. Granada - Valencia: 5 hrs. 10 mins. approx. Valencia - Barcelona: 3 hrs. 40 mins. approx.

Spain is recognized throughout Europe for its distinctive style and contribution to art. With this vacation package you will visit Spanish cities known for their artistic flair or heritage: Madrid (with its diverse Spanish museums: the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza); then continue to Bilbao (a city that is experiencing an ongoing social, economic, and aesthetic revitalization process started by the iconic Bilbao Guggenheim Museum); and finally Barcelona (featuring the quirky and inspiring architectural masterpieces of Gaudi and the dramatic Gothic Quarter). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

• Flight from Madrid to Bilbao
• Hotel for 2 nights in Bilbao
• Flight from Bilbao to Barcelona

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Plan the Perfect Trip to Spain

For some, a visit to Spain is simple, a weekend on a beach on the Costa del Sol or a few days in Barcelona and that's all they are looking for.

But for the rest of us, there is so much to fit into a limited time that some hard choices will be necessary .

Spain is not a very big country if you compare it to, say, the United States, but it is quite culturally fragmented. Some things, such as free tapas with your drink, are only available in a limited area of the country.

Suggested Itineraries

If you know what you are looking for most out of your trip, check out these tips below on which city to start your trip in. 

For Cheap Tapas

Choose   Granada  (fly to Malaga) Why?  Spain is one of the few places you can get something for free, as there are many bars where you get a bit of food with every drink you buy. There are such bars all over the country, but the highest proportion of such bars can be found in Granada and other cities in the area (such as Jaen). Leon is a great city for this too.

For the Best Tapas

Choose   San Sebastian  (and nearby Logroño) or  Seville Why?  The gourmet tapas scene in San Sebastian and Seville vie for top honors in internationally acclaimed tapas. Logroño, close to San Sebastian, is a lesser-known but equally good challenger.

For Good Weather

Choose  Andalusia , but it depends on so much. Why?  Well, what's good weather? If you want to spend your time on the beach, you'll probably want to head to Andalusia, unless you're visiting at the height of summer, when it can be too warm here. Otherwise, if you want to go hiking in cool conditions, Galicia is your best bet, though it will probably rain. 

For the Best Wine

Choose   The Basque Country  or  Madrid Why?  San Sebastian and Bilbao, in the Basque Country, are close to the Rioja wine region, but they also have their own wine: Txakoli. Madrid, as the capital, gets the best of the wine in the country. 

For Architecture

Choose   Barcelona

Why?  One word: Gaudi.

Choose   Madrid  or  Bilbao Why?  The Reina Sofia, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Prado museums of Madrid and the  Guggenheim  in Bilbao.

Choose  Barcelona Why?  For its good access to the Pyrenees . 

For Bullfighting

Choose   Seville  or  Madrid Why?  Bullrings can be found throughout Spain. But a bullring doth not a bullfighting town make. Bullrings sprung up throughout Spain under dictator Franco as a part of his attempts to bring tourism into Spain. The main places to see bullfighting are in Andalusia (particularly Seville) and Madrid. There is also a number of  bullfighting festivals in Spain  which are great places to catch a fight. TripSavvy trusts its readers to make their own decisions on the ethics of bullfighting as an attraction.

Unique Things

• Africa is just an hour away. There are plenty of options to take  ferries from Spain to Morocco
• In theory, nudity is legal anywhere in Spain.
• Spain has a strong Muslim, Christian, and Jewish heritage.
• No one will tell you that you're lazy for having a sleep in the afternoon! The Spanish tradition of siesta ensures that.
• You can throw tomatoes at people and not get arrested. (As long as you do it at the right time .)
• You can celebrate the most reverent Easter celebrations in the world.

Where to Go and When

Spain can best be divided into four areas: north, south, east and central (western Iberia is Portugal, which is also worth visiting).

Central Spain , which is dominated by Madrid, is home to historic walled cities such as Toledo and Avila , the windmills of Consuegra and grand old cities like Salamanca , Segovia , and Leon .

The  east coast  is also famous for its sun, sea, and sand, but it also has Barcelona, with its fabulous modernist architecture, and Valencia , the birthplace of paella .

The south of Spain is all about Andalusia , with classic cities such as Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Jerez and Cordoba to visit. Eat classic tapas, drink sherry and explore Spain's centuries-long relationship with Islam at the Mezquita in Cordoba or the Alhambra in Granada. Plus there's also the beaches of the Costa del Sol .

The north is an undiscovered country for many visitors to Spain. But with the modern cuisine of the Basque Country (especially in San Sebastian), the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the wines of La Rioja, cider in Asturias and the UNESCO-protected old town of Santiago de Compostela , there is so much to see in northern Spain. And don't forget all that seafood!

But  when should you visit?  For guaranteed good weather, the summer is best, though what you would consider 'summer' gets longer the further south you go. The big events of the year for visitors are Easter (Semana Santa), Las Fallas in March, the Tomatina Tomato Fight in August and the Pamplona Bull Run in July. But there is so much happening all year round .

Trip from Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid , is the center point of the country, quite literally, around which all else revolves. Most of the other major cities are on the coast, typically at least six hours away from the capital by car. Between these are a lot of agricultural villages and barren land, with Seville, Granada, Leon, and Salamanca the main inland cities of note.

Madrid is a good place to arrive, as the capital is well connected by train, bus and internal flights . But that isn’t to say you should hurry out of the country’s premier city. While Madrid isn’t in the league of other European capitals like Paris and London, it is a living, breathing city with every kind of bar , restaurant and leisure activity you could desire.

Madrid and Barcelona are obviously Spain's two most famous cities and if you can't decide between the two, then this is an ideal way to cover them both.

Nearby Cities

Madrid is a great base for day trips to the wonderful aqueducts of  Segovia  and the historical delights of  Toledo , with  El Escorial  also a short train ride away.

Madrid's location in the center of Spain, as well as its good train connections, means you'll want to travel by rail from the capital. This isn't always true for other cities in Spain.

• San Sebastian
• Lisbon, Portugal

Trip From Barcelona and Valencia

For a more cosmopolitan experience, there is Barcelona in the northeast, in the community of Catalonia. The locals say it isn’t really Spain at all and, while this is not the time to get into a political discussion, Barcelona certainly does have a different feel to it from the rest of Spain. It's spectacular Gaudí architecture , solemn Barri Gòtic and lively Ramblas street are as iconic as you can get in Spain.

Barcelona or Valencia

There are more flights to Barcelona than Valencia, so it is more likely you'll arrive in Barcelona. Valencia is Spain's third city (by population) and, like Barcelona, is connected to Madrid by the high-speed train (it takes about two-and-a-half hours from both cities to reach the capital).

However, Valencia is not Spain's third city when it comes to tourist sights. This may be an attraction in itself as the small city center allows you to ignore the vast suburban sprawl outside it. But for a full and active trip, you'll get a lot more out of Barcelona than Valencia. 

Barcelona is also much better connected to other cities in Spain than Valencia is.

Places to Visit

The top sights outside Barcelona are not cities, but rather the Montserrat mountain and the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres. 

After that, you have Tarragona, famous for its Roman ruins, and Girona, which is known for its Jewish quarter . 

How to Get to Other Cities From Here

Barcelona's location in the north-east of Spain means it's quite difficult to get to the other extremes of the country, though the high-speed AVE train helps for getting to Madrid and Seville. In many other cases, you'll want to fly.

Connect the dots with these routes.

The Big Three:  If you're a city-type that wants to see Spain's biggest cities on your trip here, this Big Three Itinerary covers Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, the country's biggest cities by population, in a tight triangle that squeezes in a stop in Zaragoza too. Much of the journey can be taken by high-speed  AVE train   or by bus if you're on a tighter budget. There's also a  Guided Tour of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia .

Barcelona to Seville:  It's a long way from Barcelona to Seville and you miss out a lot of top sights if you fly direct.

Trip to Malaga or Seville

The tourist brochure image of Spain, with its flamenco dresses, bullfighting, and blistering hot sunshine is not as universal in Spain as many think but if you go to Andalusia, you won’t be disappointed. With the Alhambra of Granada , the Mezquita of Cordoba , and the, well, everything of Seville, there is more than enough in Andalusia to fill several vacations.

Most flights to Andalusia arrive in Malaga, though there are a few to Seville too, so you'll probably choose to base yourself in one of these two cities for most of your time in the south of Spain.

Seville or Malaga

Seville is a far more attractive city than Malaga , with better food and plenty more to do. However, you'll find fewer flights to Seville than to Malaga.

For me, the best thing about a flight to Malaga is that you can connect easily to Granada. In every other way, you are better off in Seville.

Cities to Explore Nearby

All of Andalusia is within reach of Malaga and Seville, while there is also the high-speed AVE train to Madrid from both cities. 

Granada is the best option from Malaga, as it is just over an hour away. It also has good connections with Ronda and is slightly better than Seville for getting to Morocco.

From Seville, you have great access to the nearby cities of Jerez and Cadiz.

• Jerez and Cadiz
• Marrakech, Morocco

Suggested Itinerary: Andalusia

Andalusia has the highest concentration of tourist sights in the whole of Spain. The  high-speed AVE train  can take you from Madrid to Cordoba and on to Seville. After that, a stop in Granada to see the Alhambra is a must.

Trip to Northern Spain

To really experience the diversity of Spain, you have to explore Spain's northern-most regions – Galicia, Asturias or Basque Country. Galicia's national instrument is the bagpipe, while in Asturias you are more likely to find cider than sangria , not what tourists usually expect of Spain!

The City You Should Base Yourself in

This will depend on where you can get flights to. There are airports all along the north coast in Vigo , Santiago de Compostela , A Coruña , Asturias, Santander, and Bilbao , plus Biarritz in France and Porto in Portugal, but most of these are small airports with few flights. If heading to the Basque Country, you're most likely to find flights to Bilbao, if heading to Galicia your best bet will be to Santiago, though you might need to fly to Porto.

How to Get Around

Galicia is well connected by train, with a fast, cheap line connecting A Coruña to Santiago de Compostela and Vigo. If traveling between northern Portugal and Galicia, you'll need to change in Vigo.

And then there's the Basque Country. Bilbao and San Sebastian are, the two main cities, are close together, with regular buses connecting the two. There are also bus and train services to the Rioja wine region.

Asturias, between the two, is a less well connected, with mainly bus services to connect you to the east and the west (trains in Asturias mainly head south to Leon, also great for tapas, and Madrid).

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Discovery of Spain - 10 days

“Most of hotels we didn't like except 2.” Reyna Borjas-Dunaway, traveled in April 2023

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• Discover Seville's charming Santa Cruz Quarter
• Explore Madrid's illuminated streets at night
• Visit the Roman amphitheatre in ancient Merida

Colors of Spain - 8 Days

“The Tour needed to include more tours.” John Nucatola, traveled in July 2021

• In-depth Cultural
• Explore Madrid by night at Plaza Mayor
• Tour the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada
• Discover Seville's cathedral and Santa Cruz

Spanish Delights, 7 days

“The itinerary was excellent, and the drivers were great, always having the coach pick us up at the correct time.” Edwina Reynolds, traveled in April 2024

• Walk through Cordoba's Jewish Quarter
• Stroll around Ronda's White Villages
• Explore Caceres' medieval quarter

Andalucia & Toledo, 5 days on Tuesdays

“We saw and learned so much...even go to see the Feria (festival) in Seville. The hotels were wonderful and the meals delicious.” Amy Polacko, traveled in March 2024

• Tour Sevilla's Cathedral and charming Santa Cruz
• Visit Ronda and the scenic White Villages
• Explore Cordoba's Mosque and Jewish Quarter

Tenerife North & South, Self-drive

“The volcanic landscapes, especially around Mount Teide, were stunning and unlike anything I've seen before.” Cristina Costa, traveled in May 2024

• Visit the volcanic landscapes at Las Cañadas
• Discover the charm of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Pick up your rental car at Tenerife airport

Enjoyed the tour. The overall area was quite large to see-a lot of road time. Luisa, the bus driver and the local guides were very nice and patient. A tour that focused on 2 or 3 metro areas with more local activites would be an alternative idea.

Very well organised tour with many highlights. Tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable.

My tour finish in Barcelona with no set destination/drop off specified on the itinerary so when I asked the tour leader while on route he indicated when made aware of my prebooked accommodation that it was nearby. This was not the case & the bus pulled into a service station off a busy freeway where we quickly needed to grab my luggage before the buss continued on its way. Fortunately there was a taxi there refueling that was kind enough to take me to my accommodation. Not a good end to an otherwise good tour.

Andalucia, Spain's southernmost region, is brimming with rich history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore the stunning Alhambra palace in Granada, attend a passionate flamenco performance in Seville, and relax on the gorgeous beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Southern Spain

From exploring Granada’s striking Alhambra palace and visiting the tri-culture city of Toledo to attending a fiery flamenco performance in Seville and relaxing on palm-fringed beaches, southern Spain offers something for everyone.

Northern Spain

Sweeping coastal views, lush greenery, and an inviting culture are just three reasons why Northern Spain should be on your list. Visit vibrant cities such as Bilbao, relax on the gorgeous beaches of San Sebastian, or unplug from the world along the Camino de Santiago.

The Pyrenees Mountains, bordering France and Spain, are dotted with sacred pilgrimage sites, dramatic gorges, and quaint towns. Visit the small country of Andorra, home to top-notch ski resorts, scenic hiking trails, and the highest capital city in Europe.

More exciting destinations:

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An Explorer tour in Spain promises thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes. Spain's vast and varied terrain offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.

Choose from over 619 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Spain.

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"My family had a fantastic time on this tour. Our guide Carlos was helpful, attentive and kind... and he did his best to ensure everything ran very, very smoothly. The small tour format with just 10 people is fantastic! Much of our enjoyment from the trip was getting to know such a great group of people over the 10 days we were all together. All of us agreed that the planned activities were things that you'd likely not know about or wouldn't necessarily do on a self-guided tour. Everyone especially enjoyed the boat ride on Lake Garda and the gondola ride in Venice. The planned dinners together were all extremely enjoyable. All together it was just a wonderful time. Our only complaint was not a complaint at all -- just a desire to have spent more time with such great people in each city and town we visited. Highly recommend this tour for a taste of the south of France and northern Italy.

Click Tours is an expert in:

"The tour was generally very good and covered a lot of distance .It was disappointing not to be met by our guide at our first meeting , but by someone from from the office.Then we had a temporary , very young guide (Paulo?) who tried hard but it all seemed very disjointed. Marco and Carlos did a good job .The local guides were excellent. The first bus we had was excellent and spacious, but later we were put into a small bus which was substandard for the sort of tour we were doing and paid for . The seats were tiny and taller men had to have their legs in the aisle . I am small , but the aisle was so narrow even I had to walk sideways to get down it. Fortunately, itv was air conditioned . The drivers were excellent . Hotels were all good .

Eskapas is an expert in:

"Tour should be called 4 delightful days and 3 long days of road trips

VPT Tours is an expert in:

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Best of Spain

15 days | a jam-packed tour capturing some of spain's true highlights.

Kick off this colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and let your imagination unfold on a journey through the beautiful Andalucian region. Visit the cities that reflect Spain's diverse history and culture. Experience a fiery flamenco performance in Seville and explore the mysterious maze of alleyways of the old Arab quarter in Albayzin. Follow your tastebuds to a tapas bar and wander among Gaudi's handiwork in Barcelona – this Spanish adventure is as colourful and diverse as the land itself.

Trip overview

• Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
• It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic coastline, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
• The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
• Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
• Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.
• The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona pulses with culture, art and an outstanding drinking and dining scene. Discover the eccentric modernist architecture of Antonio Gaudi, who made Barcelona his artistic playground. The unfinished masterpiece of La Sagrada Familia is particularly mind-blowing.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Casa Caridad. Donations help them provide basic needs such as food and shelter for people in need in Valencia. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• This trip covers a lot of ground and the majority of travel is done by trains and public buses. It's a good time to sit back, relax and let the scenery roll past your window. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. Train stations often don’t have lifts available.
• Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40C/104F). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe have fans, not air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
• Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Hola! Welcome to Madrid! This sassy Spanish capital is known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks, but it also pulsates with energy. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at either 6 or 7 pm, depending on common area availability. After the welcome meeting, and optional dinner, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas and Rioja, or head to the Gran Via hotspots to dance the night away with your new friends.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
• Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10
• Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
• Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
• Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
• Madrid - Museo Taurino - EUR15
• Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel by early evening, you may wish to arrive a few days early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Take a bus to Granada today (approximately 5 hours). Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses, or the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real. Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition (and your leader, of course).

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of the Palace and the Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.

• Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
• Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
• Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR6
• Granada - Science Park Planetarium - EUR2
• Granada - Science Park - EUR7
• Granada - Capilla Real - EUR6

Leave Granada behind and travel by train and private transport to the Andalucian hills and the whitewashed town of Ronda. A landscape of green forests and white limestone mountains, Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting in Spain and was a favourite of Hemmingway and Orson Welles. The highlight of the town is the spectacular Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), one of the most photographed structures in the country. Built in 1751, it bridges the 100-metre deep gorge that splits the town in two. You can walk across it, stopping to peer over a vertiginous drop from one of its balconies. Check out the old Moorish town on one side, home to many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, and the newer El Mercadillo on the other side. East of the town are well-preserved Arab Baths and, of course, the famous Plaza de Toros. In the evening, find a spot from which you could enjoy a scenic sunset; this won’t be a problem in Ronda. 

• Ronda - Santa Maria la Mayor Church - EUR4
• Ronda - Bandits Museum - EUR4

Take a walk through Los Molinos, the beautiful valley surrounding Ronda. You can head down into El Tajo, the gorge that separates the old and new town, and get a view of the bridge and town from below. The rest of the day is free to explore town. The Plaza de Toros is one of the oldest bullfighting rings in the country, and adjoining the bullring is the Bullfighting Museum, which displays relics of Ronda's bullfighting history. The gardens behind offer panoramic views over the surrounding mountains, which have a long history of sheltering bandits and smugglers. Visit the Museum of Bandits for an entertaining insight into their history, or check out the prize-winning wineries and beautiful national parks that surround the town.

• Ronda - Los Molinos (Windmill Valley) Hike

While it is worthwhile to check out the Bullfight Museum and see the architecture of the actual bullfighting ring in Ronda, we discourage our travellers to attend a bullfight due to the pain, fear and discomfort the animals experience during these public shows. Please see our stance on animal welfare for further details: intrepidtravel.com/animal-welfare

Today you'll travel south-west to Tarifa, along the coastline. This western Andalusian coast faces the Mediterranean and North Africa and your base for the next two nights is Tarifa, a laid-back beach town endowed with spectacular rocky scenery, a sea fortress, a lighthouse and plenty of character. The afternoon is free to relax. Perhaps catch a bus to the 10 kilometre-long sands of Playa de Los Lances – a haven for kite surfers – or hole up at a beach bar on Playa de Valdevaqueros. One of the best ways to appreciate the area is simply to wander, along the promenade under the old castle, past restaurants brimming with fresh seafood, and appreciate this rare, underdeveloped stretch of Spanish coastline. The surfers lend the Old Town a laid-back, international vibe, along with hints North Africa, which lies just across the water. In the evening, why not grab some dinner in town and join in Tarifa's vibrant nightlife.

• Hostal (Guest house) (1 night)

Today there are plenty of optional activities to choose from. Perhaps head out on a whale and dolphin watching expedition on the Iberian Peninsula. At this unique place, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and where Europe meets Africa, you'll have a chance to see seven different species of whales and dolphins. Alternatively, take a day trip to Northern Africa and the town of Tangier in Morocco, just 45 minutes away by ferry. Once a hotspot for artists, secret agents and millionaires, Tangier has been going through something of a renaissance of late. The city's medina and kasbah are well worth exploring, as are the cafes and patisseries around the Place de la France in the Ville Nouvelle. You can unwind and take in the charms of the city on the recently reconstructed beach promenad or one interesting option is a day tour across the border to the British territory of Gibraltar, home to the famous Rock of Gibraltar. Here you can take a cable car up to the rock’s peak, explore the caves, visit a Moorish castle and wander the main street, discovering the interesting blend of old British life and Spanish flavours.

• Morocco - Day Trip from Tarifa - EUR66
• Tarifa - Whale Watching - EUR35
• Gibraltar - Day Trip from Tarifa - EUR48
• Tarifa - Castle - EUR4

Travel to the vibrant city of Seville. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance – the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. As the rest of the day is free for you to explore, why not go and experience it all in person. Barrio Santa Cruz, with its multicultural history, is a great place to start. This shaded warren was designed in medieval times to provide refuge from the great Andalusian heat. Or maybe spend your evening San Jacinto, the bustling main street of the Triana quarter, and discover the interesting and adventurous food on offer.

While bullfighting is a significant part of Spanish culture and history, its practice is contrary to our Responsible Travel philosophy. Intrepid does not support or attend bullfights, as the bulls are subject to torment and fear and are often killed inhumanely.

Today is a free day to discover Seville, but checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is an absolute must. You can also the climb the cathedral's adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you may have to line up, it's worth it for the views over the city. Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, and now gaining international fame as a shooting location for Game of Thrones. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville's Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group (included). Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight.

• Seville - Evening Flamenco Performance
• Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
• Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR10
• Seville - Indias Archive - Free
• Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR3
• Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
• Seville - Archaeological Museum - EUR3
• Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
• Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
• Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2

Continue to Cordoba by train. Discover the mesh of Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures in the architecture and cuisine of this southern city. Visit the famous Mezquita, with its golden arches and intricate columns, once the third largest mosque in the world and one of the most beautiful. It was consecrated into a Roman Catholic cathedral in the 13th century when the Christians reconquered Cordoba. Time permitting, you might stroll through a labyrinth of cobbled laneways in the old quarter, discovering open squares and quirky cafes. The evening is free to sample more delicious Spanish cuisine. Salmorejo (a cold soup made of tomatoes, bread and olive oil served with chopped up boiled egg and cured ham) is a specialty of Cordoba, as is rabo de toro (oxtail soup). There are also plenty of good-value eateries in the Juderia (Jewish Quarter).

• Cordoba - Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) Visit
• Cordoba - Palacio Museo de Viana - EUR8
• Cordoba - Torre de la Calahorra - EUR5
• Cordoba - Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus - EUR6
• Cordoba - Casa de las Cabezas - EUR5
• Cordoba - Tablao el Cardenal - EUR23
• Cordoba - Museum of the Inquisition - EUR3

Take a train and head east to the coastal town of Valencia (approximately 6 hours). Known for being the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, Valencia has a large port, beautiful beaches, restaurants and a beach promenade along the waterfront. The Old Town is set back from the seafront through, and in the centre you will find the beautiful monuments and historical buildings. Busy markets, clean beaches, picturesque hills and a fascinating mix of old town and new town makes up the best of Valencia. Over the next couple of days, you have a lot of free time to wander around the city and see the sights. This evening perhaps head out to bar-hop and eat tapas in the Ciutat Vella (old town).

Today's train trip takes approximately 6 hours. While this can seem long it's also a great time to sit back, relax, read a book or simply have the Spanish country side roll past your window.

Hop on a bike today and pedal along Turia Park all the way to the iconic city of Art and Science. This activity is done at a leisurely pace and you certainly don’t need to be an expert to participate. After cycling, why not visit the 13th-century cathedral, which houses what's claimed to be the Holy Grail, and climb the 207 steps of the Miguelete tower for the best views of the city. For something a little quirkier, head to the Museum of the Fallas, which contains a history of the Valencia fire festival and giant papier mache figures that have been spared from the burning. The Museo de Bellas Artes has Spain's second-biggest art collection, housed in a beautiful 17th-century convent. There are also many fine parks and gardens, or you may want to head to the beach of Playa de la Malvarrosa to soak up some sun. To try the paella that Valencia is famous for (rabbit and chicken), do as the locals do and head to the restaurant area of Las Arenas for a hearty and reasonably priced lunch. Tonight, maybe head south to Ruzafa, one of the city’s coolest areas, where the locals only start to head out as the clock strikes midnight.

• Valencia - City Cycling Tour
• Valencia - Picnic
• Valencia - Fallas Museum - EUR2
• Valencia - Gonzalez Marti Museum - EUR3
• Valencia - Miguelete Tower - EUR2
• Valencia - Principe Felipe Science Museum - EUR9
• Valencia - The Silk Exchange - EUR2
• Valencia - Valencian Institute of Modern Art - EUR6
• Valencia - Museum of Fine Arts - Free

Today you'll hit Valencia's street by bike. Riding is easy, and will take place in quiet backstreets where possible, and along the huge linear park that surrounds Valencia's old town. Please note that this activity's timing is weather dependent, and may happen a day earlier in the afternoon when it's not too hot. Details will be discussed during the welcome meeting.

Today take the train up the coast to Barcelona (approximately 3.5 hours). Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife. In the afternoon, there are plenty of options to keep you busy. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the old Gothic Quarter and navigate your way through the throngs of tourists along La Rambla, Barcelona's famous tree-lined boulevard. Maybe grab a fresh juice at the colourful La Boqueria market while you're there. Perhaps pay a visit to the Picasso Museum, the National Art Museum of Catalonia or the Museum of City History to brush up on your local knowledge. Take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of Barcelona and the harbour. The heart of Catalonia prides itself as a gastronomic centre and so this evening perhaps head out to taste the reputation for yourself. You can take a tapas crawl through rustic Catalan dishes in the funky neighbourhood of El Born.

Join your leader on an orientation walk around Barcelona today. See some of the city's main sights, including a visit to Antonio Gaudi's incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it is possibly the city's most iconic landmark. Gaudi was the master of the unique Catalan Modernista architecture for which Barcelona is famous, and his work is dotted all over the city. Perhaps check out the Neo-Gothic mansion of Guell Palace, or the wave-inspired structure of Casa Batlo. For more insight into the artist himself, head to the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell, which is home to more colourful sculptures, including a long mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city. For something a little different, perhaps have a poke around the Old Santa Creu Hospital. For your tonight, perhaps finish the day with a sip of red wine from a porro – a traditional glass pitcher.

• Barcelona - Leader-led orientation walk
• Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia Cathedral visit
• Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
• Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99
• Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
• Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
• Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
• Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
• Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
• Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
• Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
• Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29

Today your Spanish adventure comes to an end in the morning. There are no more activities planned and you're free to leave the accommodation at any time after check-out. If you'd like to spend a few more days in Barcelona, then our reservations team can help book accommodation (subject to availability).

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi, Bicycle

Hotel (12 nights), Hostal/Guest house ( 2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Spain » 5-14 Day Spain Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Spain Trip

5-14 Day Spain Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Spain Trip

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Plan Your Perfect Spain Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

Want to explore Spain but confused about the perfect itinerary? You are not alone! It can be a true challenge to determine how many days to spend exploring.

From 5-day Spain itineraries to 7 or 10 days, to 14-day itineraries – there are certainly lots of different routes and options to choose from. The hard part? None of the routes are necessarily  bad or wrong  since there’s just so much to see and do all around Spain!

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. Because of its popularity, Spain knowledge is really flowing around the travel world these days!

It’s no secret that Lisa lived in Spain  and took full advantage of her location (and her Spanish language knowledge)! So, she’s experienced quite a few of the places we recommend below for a great stop on your itinerary!

Spain Itinerary Overview

Best Time to Visit:  Generally, summer is the hottest and winter is colder and wetter, but regional exceptions apply. March-June and September-end of October are best.

Getting Around: Trains ( RENFE ) and buses ( Alsa ) are reliable. A rental car in Spain is a must-have for smaller towns.

Popular Places to Visit:  Barcelona , Madrid , and Valencia for larger cities, and Granada , Seville , and Córdoba are worth a look, too.

Where to Stay:   Check for hotels in Spain here and Check for hostels in Spain here .

Table of Contents

Spain Itinerary – 5 Days

If you plan on travelling through Spain for only 5 days, it’d be best to fly into one of the bigger cities as they are usually well connected with other European cities.

Depending on your route, you can either take public transport if the travel times align with your plans or opt for a rental car  if you would like more flexibility.

As with the other Spain itineraries in this blog post, our 5-day itineraries are pretty fast-paced. However, since it is pretty much impossible to go top to bottom and  actually see  parts of the country we decided to write two separate Spain itineraries for 5 days.

One covers the north and northeast of Spain while the other itinerary covers the south of the country . Choose the one that is more suitable for your interest and travel plans and feel free to modify the written itineraries however you see fit!

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Northern Trip

For this classic 5-day trip across the northern parts of Spain, the total driving time is about 8 hours and covers around 750km .

If you rent a car, given this exact route, there are tolls on most of the highways so keep that in mind that it may be longer if you took non-tolled roads that may be more indirect. A bus would be able to breeze right along these highways, however.

navigate map

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Northern Trip Overview

Day 1: Barcelona

• Day 2: Half-Day Barcelona/ Zaragoza
• Day 3:  Logroño
• Day 4:  Donostia-San Sebastián

Day 5: Bilbao

Barcelona is a good city to start a road trip since it is a popular tourist destination and thus has frequent flights to other European or International cities. Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia which has its own unique culture and language next to Spanish.

Since it is such a popular city, the car rental industry is very well developed and it is easy to pick up a rental car from the airport or in the city.

Find your rental car in Barcelona here .

Alternatively, the bus station in Barcelona is great and easy to reach from the centre. There are numerous connections to Zaragoza which will be the next stop on your 5-day Spain itinerary.

Accommodation in Barcelona : As a super popular tourist destination, there are lots of hotels and apartments available in Barcelona.

Check here for Accommodations in Barcelona .

Specifically, for hotels check out Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool in the city centre and close to the beach.

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is a lovely and affordable hotel with spa in the heart of the city with a private parking garage onsite .

As for hostels, you can check out Barcelona hostels here. Specifically, we liked Kabul Hostel . This place even made our list of favourite hostels across Europe .

Overall, since Barcelona is so popular we strongly  advise you to book in advance – especially during summer – as it can get very expensive otherwise.

Must-see Attractions in Barcelona:

• Sagrada Familia
• Casa Batlló
• The National Catalonian Arts Museum

We’ve written a whole guide on some of the incredible places to visit in Barcelona if you are interested in seeing more!

Day 2: Barcelona/Zaragoza

On the second day of your 5 days in Spain, you’ll spend the morning in Barcelona (you’ll get a cafe con leche y croissant in any cafe/bar for quite cheap if you get off the main tourist roads) and then drive from Barcelona to Zaragoza later in the day.

The drive from Barcelona to Zaragoza will take you approximately 3 hrs 10 min by car (includes a toll road), 3,5 hrs by bus and 1,5 hrs by train . If you end up taking the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually end up being cheaper.

Accommodation in Zaragoza: Since Zaragoza is a smaller city, there are fewer accommodations to choose from – but still lots of really great options.

Check here for hotels in Zaragoza .

Specifically, we love the look of  Hotel Sauce . This bright and airy hotel is located right in the city centre and offers a homemade buffet breakfast, air conditioning, and private parking onsite for those travelling by car.

If you are looking for a rooftop pool,  Hotel Palafox has you covered! Also located right in the heart of the city, the hotel has a cool decor, great city views, tasty breakfast, and also has parking and air conditioning!

There aren’t a ton of hostels but the ones that do exist are well-rated – so you can check here for hostels in Zaragoza .

Must-see Attractions in Zaragoza:

• Basílica del Pilar
• Aljafería Palace
• Cathedral San Salvador

Day 3: Logroño

On your third day, you will drive from Zaragoza to Logroño which is the capital of the autonomous region of La Rioja and known for its delicious wine.

If you get the chance visit one of the wineries and do a wine tasting – please plan ahead if you’re travelling by car since drinking and driving is a big no-no!

The drive will be a lot shorter than the day before. By car, it’ll take you approximately 1 hr 40 min and by bus the journey would be around 2 hrs if you get a direct bus.

Accommodation in Logroño : Similarly to Zaragoza, Logroño is a smaller city with many great accommodations in the heart of the city.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Logroño .

Specifically, Hotel Murrieta is a popular and very affordable option with a good breakfast right in the heart of the city. If you drive a car, Hotel Calle Mayor is a more charming (but still very affordable) hotel with secure underground parking at the hotel.

If you are looking for a hostel in Logroño, there aren’t many but the ones that exist are very good. You can check here for hostels in Logroño .

Must-see Attractions in Logroño :

• Cathedral of Santa María de Redonda
• Church of San Bartolomé
• The Bodegas (Wineries)

Day 4: Donostia-San Sebastián

Some would consider San Sebastián one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and Lisa can see why.

When she lived in Bilbao she visited San Sebastián quite a few times and really enjoyed the vibe of the town (and having a beautiful beach so close). Don’t forget to eat some delicious Pintxos since San Sebastián is especially known for them!

The drive from Logroño to San Sebastián takes around 2 hrs by car, and between 2 and 5 hrs by public transport .

Since you are travelling between two smaller cities the connections are not  that  great and we would recommend planning ahead to compensate for this.

Accommodation in San Sebastián : San Sebastián is one of the most expensive towns in Spain and very popular among luxury travellers.

So, don’t be surprised if accommodations seem a little more expensive overall. That said, you can still find a great place to stay that suits your budget and style if you’re not looking for luxury.

Check here for hotels in San Sebastián .

Specifically, you can check out  Casual de las Olas San Sebastián . This hotel is a bit further from the old town and beach but makes up for it in sleek decor, breakfast, and air conditioning.

If you want more of a laid-back guesthouse feel, check out  Talaia HT . This authentic and cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of the old town – and has public parking nearby .

If you are looking for a hostel, you can find great hostels across San Sebastián here . Wherever you book, our advice is to book early to find deals and generally save money when booking.

Must-see Attractions in San Sebastián :

• Urgull Hill
• Plays de La Concha
• San Sebastián Cathedral

Bilbao has to be one of Lisa’s favourite Spanish cities. Not because it is especially beautiful, but because she lived there for a few months and it felt like home from the beginning. If you get the chance, take the metro to one of the beaches – you won’t regret it!

The drive from San Sebastián to Bilbao is a short and beautiful one as you will drive through some mountainous regions. By car it’ll take you approximately 1 hr 15 min and by bus the journey will be around 1,5 hours .

Bilbao also marks the end of this 5 day Northern Spain itinerary.

Bilbao is a good city to fly out of as it is one of the biggest cities in the region and well connected to bigger airports in other European cities. To get to the airport you can simply take the Airport bus from the bus station at San Mames.

Accommodation in Bilbao : Since Bilbao is a bigger city there is a wider variety of accommodations available.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Bilbao .

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright and simple hotel with buffet breakfast and  private underground parking . Lisa had friends stay there and liked it. It’s not right in the heart of the city centre – but across the water from the Guggenheim Museum!

If you want to stay right in the heart of old town Bilbao, you should definitely check out Ercilla Hotela . This is a very stylish and popular hotel with an amazing rooftop terrace, lounge, also onsite parking , and traditional Basque food in the restaurant!

If you are looking for a cheaper place to stay, Bcool Hostel is a very “cool” hostel in Bilbao. In general, remember to book accommodations closer to the city centre/the river since the rest of Bilbao can be quite hilly!

Must-see Attractions in Bilbao:

• Guggenheim Museum
• The Old Town (Casco Viejo)
• Zubizuri Bridge

*Just so you know, we have a whole detailed guide on Bilbao things to do !

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Southern Spain Itinerary

If you would like to explore Southern Spain instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5-day Southern Spain itinerary.

Generally, the south is a little bit warmer than the north so maybe don’t try to do this trip in the middle of the summer heat as it can be quite exhausting!

The itinerary is just over 600 kilometres with a total driving time between 7 and 8 hours depending on your mode of transportation.

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Southern Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Málaga

Day 2: Day trip to Granada

• Day 3:  Marbella
• Day 4:  Cádiz

Day 5: Seville

Day 1: málaga.

We are starting this itinerary in Málaga since it is an easy airport to fly in from other parts of Europe.

When Lisa arrived at the airport the first time she was actually kind of shocked to see that all the signs were written in German as well.

Needless to say, Málaga is a very popular destination among German tourists. It’s also an interesting city to visit in the wintertime !

Lisa didn’t like the city that much (as in wouldn’t want to live there), but it is definitely worth exploring for a day or two. It is also quite easy to get from the airport to the city centre by public transport. You can find your rental car from Malaga here .

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular tourist destination in the south of Spain and so there are lots of different accommodation options. That said, apartment rentals are a very popular option.

Check here for apartments or hotels in Malaga .

Specifically, if you want a hotel, check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano . This minimalist design hotel is bright and clean and offers an excellent breakfast while being located right in the heart of the city centre.

If you are planning to stay in Malaga a bit longer, check out Apartamentos Nono . Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes for smaller meals, terraces, and onsite private parking .

If you are searching for a hostel, Malaga has lots. You can search for hostels in Malaga here . When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza .

Even though it’s a “hostel”, it’s a popular place to stay in Malaga. They have private rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace. She and her friend stayed in a private room and loved it!

Just remember for this itinerary, wherever you book you will need to stay for 2 nights !

Must-see Attractions in Málaga:

• Alcazaba Palace
• Picasso Museum
• Cathedral of Málaga

Today you’ll take a day trip to Granada. If you decided to rent a car you can do this by car, but then have to find parking in Granada. Lisa and her friend took the bus to Granada which was pretty easy to do since there are frequent buses throughout the day.

In Granada, you HAVE to go see La Alhambra. Make sure to book your ticket in advance (since there is only a limited amount of spots per day).

Lisa and her friend had to pick up her tickets at an office in the city before going to the actual attraction. Double-check your ticket since you might have to do that, too!

The journey from Málaga to Granada is approximately 1.5 hrs by car and 2 hrs by bus .

Accommodation in Granada:  You won’t need a place to sleep in Granada since you’ll be returning to Málaga at the end of the day.

But IF you are curious – check out Hotel Granada Center or Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites for two great hotels in the heart of the historic city centre!

Must-see Attractions in Granada:

• Alhambra Palace
• Albaicín District
• Cathedral of Granada

Day 3: Marbella

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Spain itinerary, you’ll drive from Málaga to Marbella. Marbella is a city by the water and part of the well know Costa del Sol. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the region mainly due to its nice beaches and climate.

Since Marbella is quite close to Málaga the drive won’t be long – giving you more time to explore the city and relax at the beaches. The journey takes approximately 1 hour by car (there are different routes some of which include toll roads) and 1.5 hours by bus .

Accommodation in Marbella : Since the tourism industry is quite developed in Marbella, there are lots of amazing sunny accommodations to choose from.

Check here for hotels and apartments in Marbella . 

Specifically,  Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel is a gorgeous (and affordable) boutique hotel with breakfast and free private parking onsite. 

If you are looking for more of a beach resort,  Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella is a beautiful all-inclusive adult-only beachside resort with breakfast, spa, pool, amazing views, and more!

Must-see Attractions in Marbella:

• The Old Town of Marbella
• Avenida del Mar
• Puerto Banús

Day 4: Cádiz

Cádiz is often considered a hidden gem in Spain. Lots of people who have been there seem to love it and Lisa is dying to visit the city.

Fun fact: Some think of Cádiz as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. It is just slightly smaller than Marbella with lots of attractions waiting to be explored.

Driving from Marbella to Cádiz by car will take you approximately 2 hours including a toll road and slightly longer if you want to avoid toll roads.

You’ll drive along the coast for a while and could consider stopping along the way. Another option would be to make a pit stop in Gibraltar which you will pass along the way.

Unfortunately, Marbella and Cádiz do not seem to be connected well by public transport and travel between the two cities would involve going back to Málaga and/or through Sevilla (or Seville as the English like to call it).

If it is too much of a hassle for you to get from Marbella to Cádiz, consider skipping it and going straight to Seville instead.

Accommodation in Cádiz: Even though Cádiz is a smaller city, there are plenty of places to stay.

Check here for hotels and apartments in Cádiz .

Specifically, Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is a gorgeous hotel in the old town (close to the beach) with a great breakfast and private parking nearby .

Alquimia Albergue-Hotel is a cool and cozy hotel (also in the city centre) close to the beach and also with parking nearby. As for hostels, Cádiz does have quite a few hostels with amazing ratings. You can check here for hostels in Cádiz .

Must-see Attractions in Cádiz:

• Cádiz Cathedral
• Fortress San Sebastian
• Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Seville is another popular destination in Spain and is often considered one of the hottest cities of the country. Therefore we would not recommend going there during July and August if you don’t like extreme heat (Lisa definitely doesn’t).

It is a beautiful city with lots of attractions to check out so be sure to have a good amount of time for exploring. If you don’t end up going to Cádiz, there is more than enough to do in Seville to keep you busy for two days!

Driving from Cádiz to Seville will take you approximately 1.5 hours by car and just slightly longer (1 hr 45 min) by bus . Seville also marks the end of this Southern Spain trip as it has a big airport which makes it super easy for you to fly back home.

Accommodation in Seville : Seville is a bigger and very popular city so there is no shortage of great accommodation options.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Seville .

Specifically, you have to see Petit Palace Puerta de Triana . This very trendy and cool design hotel offers a buffet breakfast and is located right in the city centre close to top attractions.

If you want a more historic stay,  Hotel Simon is a more simple and authentic hotel. It’s located in a historic building, also does breakfast, and is also located in the heart of the city centre.

Neither of the above hotels offers parking – but few in the city centre of Seville offer onsite parking (or even public parking nearby).

If you are looking to have parking available,  then you can check out La Parada del Marqués . It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also centrally located and offers breakfast options and good connections to public transit!

If you are looking for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Seville here . Again, since Seville is so popular we would advise booking ahead – especially during the high season!

Must-see Attractions in Seville:

• Seville Cathedral
• Plaza de España

Spain Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Spain, we have also created two 7-day Spain itineraries for you. You’ll see that once again we give you two options since seven days are – in our opinion at least – still not enough to see the whole country.

Therefore, you’ll find a  7-Day Western Spain Itinerary and a 7-Day Eastern Spain Itinerary  below. As always, feel free to modify them to make them fit your exact plans!

Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Western Trip

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 hours and the distance would be around 1300 km .

These estimates account for the Toledo day trip (and back to Madrid) AND finishing with ONE of either Seville OR Malaga from Córdoba. So, in theory, it could be shorter or longer than we have indicated here on the map!

We’ve already covered some of the places above, but we will mention the important parts again to make it easier for you to plan your exact trip.

Please note that we won’t actually include any places on the west coast of Spain – that would be a whole other trip in itself. Your 7-Day Western Spain Itinerary could look something like this:

Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Western Trip Overview

Day 1: Bilbao

Day 2: burgos.

• Day 3:  Salamanca
• Day 4:  Madrid
• Day 5: Madrid / Day trip to Toledo

Day 6: Córdoba

Day 7: seville or málaga.

Similarly to how we ended the five-day itinerary in Bilbao, we’ll start this itinerary there as it is a relatively easy airport to fly into from other places in Europe. If you’re starting your longer Spain trip, you can find your rental car in Bilbao here .

Make sure to use your time to explore the Casco Viejo (the Old Town) and walk along the river! There are some great Pintxo places in the Old Town that you should absolutely check out!

Accommodation in Bilbao : Bilbao is a larger city so there’s quite a variety of accommodations available.

Check here for hotels in Bilbao .

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright and simple hotel with good breakfast and underground private parking . Friends of Lisa stayed there and said they enjoyed it. It’s close to the river across from the Guggenheim Museum but still a quick walk to the old town.

To stay in the heart of old town Bilbao, you have to see Ercilla Hotela . This is a very stylish and popular hotel with a lovely rooftop terrace and lounge, onsite parking , and they even serve traditional Basque food!

As for hostels, Bcool Hostel is a very “cool” hostel in Bilbao. In general, remember to book any hotels or accommodations somewhat closer to the city centre/the river because Bilbao can be quite hilly around the edges!

Burgos might not be a city that is immediately on your radar for places to visit in Spain  but we would recommend a stop there on your way south.

Lisa visited Burgos with friends on a day trip from Bilbao so she knows how easy it is to get there. Burgos is a nice city but since there is not a  ton  to see, one night is the perfect amount of time in our opinion.

Getting from Bilbao to Burgos takes approximately 1.5 hours by car and 2 hours by bus .

Accommodation in Burgos : Burgos is not an overly big city, but you can still find lots of great accommodations.

Check here for hotels in Burgos .

Specifically, Hotel Puerta de Burgos is a popular, trendy, and affordable hotel with private underground parking at the hotel. This makes it a great option if you have a car because it’s a little further from the centre (still quite close) and just off the motorway.

Another great hotel closer to the city centre/attractions is NH Collection Palacio de Burgos . This is an elegant hotel with a great breakfast and private parking, too.

If you want to stay in a hotel that physically faces the famous Burgos Cathedral, check out Hotel Mesón del Cid !

Must-see Attractions in Burgos:

• Burgos Cathedral
• Las Huelgas
• Museum of Human Evolution

Day 3: Salamanca

From Burgos, your journey continues to Salamanca – another one of Lisa’s favourite cities in Spain. Salamanca is sometimes called “The Golden City of Spain” and you’ll understand why.

The many sandstone buildings get illuminated beautifully by the sun – making it appear golden. Be sure to bring your camera because you’ll want to use it in Salamanca. Our tip: Cross the river to get amazing photos of the cathedral.

Getting from Burgos to Salamanca is easy and will take approximately 2.5 hours by car or 3 hours by bus .

Accommodation in Salamanca: Salamanca has lots of great accommodations in the city.

Check here for hotels in Salamanca .

Specifically, Hospes Palacio de San Esteban is an authentic-style hotel in the city centre with an incredible breakfast and onsite private parking . 

If you are looking for a very affordable hotel with views of the Cathedral, Hotel San Polo is for you. The popular hotel is in a location that doesn’t get much more central! There’s no parking available – making it great if you travel by bus and train only.

When Lisa visited Salamanca on a weekend trip, she stayed in a hostel with friends close to the Old Town and loved it. You can check out the good selection of hostels in Salamanca . 

Must-see Attractions in Salamanca:

• Salamanca Cathedral (Old + New)
• Plaza Mayor
• Salamanca University

Day 4: Madrid

Since Madrid is the capital of Spain you shouldn’t miss it on your itinerary. Conveniently it is also quite close and easy to get to from Salamanca.

Since there is so much to see in Madrid one day to explore might not be enough for you. That’s why you might opt for spending two days in Madrid instead.

Lisa has been to Madrid two times now and still hasn’t seen everything there is to see. But at least you’ll get a good sampler!

As mentioned, getting from Salamanca to Madrid is easy. The journey will take approximately 2 hrs 12 min by car (including a toll road) and  3 hours by bus .

Madrid’s main bus station is actually underground which is kind of cool and caused a lot of confusion for Lisa and her friends when they tried to find it the first time.

Accommodation in Madrid : Being the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a popular city with lots and lots of accommodation options. Keep in mind that Madrid has many “hostals” which are technically guesthouses but are basically hotels.

Also, if you have a car don’t be surprised if parking is in a public lot for a high fee – that’s just Madrid.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Madrid . 

Specifically, you might want to check out Room007 Select Sol . This charming and trendy hotel is right in the heart of the city, has air conditioning, and serves breakfast at a cafe next door!

If you are looking for a simple stay right in the centre, check out Hostal Madrid . This authentic guesthouse is so centrally located with top attractions and a metro station around the corner.

It’s such good value for money that the two times Lisa travelled to Madrid she actually stayed here both times!

Should you be on the hunt for an actual hostel, you can check here for hostels in Madrid . Keep in mind wherever you book, you will be booking accommodation for two nights. 

Must-see Attractions in Madrid:

• Museum Reina Sofia
• Puerta del Sol

Keep in mind we have a whole separate detailed guide on  amazing things to do in Madrid !

Day 5: Madrid or Day trip to Toledo

As mentioned, you might opt to spend another day in Madrid since there is so much to see.

If that’s the case read our Madrid guide linked above to get more recommendations. Alternatively, you could opt to go on a day trip to Toledo, a beautiful small city not too far from Madrid.

If you don’t want to drive there yourself, you can choose to book a day tour which includes a tour of Toledo among other things. If you want to drive yourself the journey will take you approximately  1 hour by car  and the  same amount of time by bus .

Must-see Attractions in Toledo:

• Toledo Cathedral
• Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

The next day you will drive to Córdoba, a city in Andalusia known for its famous flower street – among other things of course. There is a lot of history to be found in Córdoba so consider taking a walking tour if you want to learn more about it.

This is one of few routes where you will actually be faster taking public transport as if you were to drive yourself since there is a good train connection between Madrid and Córdoba. 

Driving by car  takes approximately  4 hours  while the journey by train  would be slightly shorter with  2 hrs 15 min .

Accommodation in Córdoba : If you’re looking for a hotel, there are lot of options to choose from.

Check now for hotels in Córdoba .

Specifically,  Maciá Alfaros is an authentic hotel located right in the heart of the city centre with an incredible swimming pool and easy parking onsite.

Hotel Cordoba Center is an elegant hotel located outside the heart of the centre. It’s still very walkable to the centre, is very close to the train station, and has a rooftop pool with amazing views!

There are quite a few hostels with very good ratings in Córdoba so you can check here for hostels in Córdoba .

Must-see Attractions in Córdoba:

• Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
• Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
• Historic Center of Córdoba

For this itinerary, you can decide in which city you would like to end your trip. For some, it might be more convenient to fly out of Seville while for others Málaga might be the better option. So it’s really up to you and your preference!

The journey from Córdoba to Seville takes approximately 1 hr 40 min by car and 45 min by train . The time it takes to get from Córdoba to Málaga isn’t much longer with  1 hr 50 min by car  and  50 min by train .

Accommodations in Seville : As mentioned above, Seville is a popular city so there is always accommodations to choose from.

Specifically, check out Petit Palace Puerta de Triana . This trendy design hotel offers a buffet breakfast and a really great location in the city centre.

For a historic stay, Hotel Simon is a more simple and more authentic hotel. It’s located in a historic building, does breakfast, and is also located in the city centre.

Neither of the above hotels have parking – but fewer properties in Seville offer onsite parking (or even public parking nearby).

If you are travelling by car and want parking available,  then check out La Parada del Marqués . It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also centrally located with breakfast options and good connections to public transit!

If you want a hostel stay, you can search for hostels in Seville here . Regardless of what type of accommodation you book, Seville is popular so we would advise booking ahead – especially during the high season!

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular destination in the south of Spain with lots of different accommodation options. That said, apartment rentals are very popular.

Specifically, for hotels, you can check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano . This design hotel is bright and clean and offers breakfast while being located right in the heart of the city.

If you are planning for a longer stay, check out Apartamentos Nono . Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes, terraces, and onsite private parking .

If you want a hostel, Malaga has lots. You can search for hostels in Malaga here . When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza .

Even though it’s a “hostel”, it’s a popular place – with private rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace. Her and her friend stayed in a private room and loved it!

Spain Travel Itinerary 7 Days – Eastern Trip

If the other 7-day Spain itinerary doesn’t really appeal to you and you would like to stay closer to the coast, maybe this itinerary is more to your liking. The driving time would be just shy of 11 hours and would be approximately 1000 km driving distance !

Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Eastern Trip Overview

• Day 1+2: Barcelona

Day 3: Valencia

• Day 4:  Alicante
• Day 5:  Murcia

Day 6: Granada

Day 7: málaga, day 1 + 2: barcelona.

Once again, this itinerary starts in Barcelona since it is one of the easiest airports to fly into. Since you have a little bit more time with this itinerary you’ll stay in Barcelona for two days.

There is lots to see so you still won’t see everything, but definitely more than in just one day. To then continue on with this itinerary through Spain, you can find your rental car in Barcelona here .

Accommodation in Barcelona:  As mentioned above, there are lots of hotels and apartments in Barcelona.

For hotels, you might like Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool close to the beach in the city centre.

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is an affordable hotel with spa in the heart of the city with a private parking garage .

As for hostels, you can check here for Barcelona hostels . We liked Kabul Hostel . Wherever you stay, remember to book in advance because the city does fill up and it can get expensive! And remember, you’ll be staying at this  place for two nights .

• Las Ramblas

The third day of this Spain itinerary will take you from Barcelona to Valencia which is another city on Lisa’s favourite list.

It was actually the first Spanish city she visited and she fell in love with the city and its people right away. Her favourite part is that there is a huge part in what was formerly a river that stretches through a big part of the city.

In order to get from Barcelona to Valencia, you’ll drive along the coast for  3.5 hours by car  and  around 3 hrs 15 min by train. 

Accommodation in Valencia:  Since Valencia is a bigger city, you are sure to find accommodations that work for you.

Check here for hotels in Valencia .

Specifically, Petit Palace Ruzafa is a bright and boutique hotel right in the city centre.

They offer healthy breakfast options and free bike rentals. There’s no parking making this a great hotel for those travelling without a car.

If you want a place right on the beach, check out Hotel Miramar . This cool beachfront hotel has a bar and restaurant right downstairs and has paid parking onsite . If you are looking for a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Valencia .

Must-see Attractions in Valencia:

• City of Arts and Science
• Lonja de la Seda
• Cathedral of Valencia

Day 4: Alicante

Alicante is a popular holiday town that lots of Europeans visit to enjoy the nice weather and the beaches. Maybe you have heard of the name Costa Blanca?

Alicante is part of that exact region. When you’re there don’t forget to check out some of the nice beaches – but of course, there are also lots of other things waiting to be explored.

Getting from Valencia to Alicante won’t take overly long. The drive will take approximately 2 hours by car  and 1.5 hrs to 2.5 hours by train or bus respectively.

Accommodation in Alicante:  Alicante is a popular city due to its great location on the coast.

Check here for hotels in Alicante . 

If you want to stay directly on the beach, Hotel Almirante is a bright and stylish hotel with breakfast buffet. It’s a bit farther from the city centre, but there is free onsite parking  if you have a car.

If you want more of a resort style, Melia Alicante is also located right on the beach with stunning views over the water. It’s much closer to the centre of the city and has good amenities (pool), paid parking next door, and a really good breakfast!

You can also find a good mix of hostels in Alicante. In any case, don’t forget to book ahead in the summertime since it can get very crowded.

Must-see Attractions in Alicante:

• Castle of Santa Barbara
• Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
• Beaches such as Playa Postiguet

If you’re heading for Alicante to get some sunshine, we’ve got a guide on things to do and see in Alicante that includes some great food tips for you to check out!

Day 5: Murcia

Murcia is a city in the southeast of Spain and the capital of the region with the same name. Travellers who don’t know much about Spain (yet) might not have heard of the city before but this doesn’t mean it is not worth a visit.

The drive from Alicante to Murcia is quite short with 1 hr by car and 1 hr 10 min by bus . This will give you a good amount of time to explore the university city and get a rest from all the driving.

Accommodation in Murcia: Since Murcia is a less touristy city you’ll find great places to stay and (generally) fewer crowds.

Check here for hotels in Murcia .

Specifically, the Hesperia Murcia Centro is a clean and modern hotel right in the city centre near the Cathedral. There’s also  private onsite parking and a tasty breakfast.

If you want to stay closer to the coast – you could stay in Cartagena (about 30 minutes away from Murcia). Here, check out  NH Cartagena – with bright, sea views and parking all in a great location.

Must-see Attractions in Murcia:

• Murcia Cathedral
• Floridablanca Gardens
• Monteagudo Castle

From Murcia, your journey will continue to Granada, a city which we have mentioned quite a few times by now so we won’t go into details again. If you haven’t yet, make sure to get your Alhambra tickets in advance!

Driving from Murcia to Granada will be a slightly longer trip with 2 hrs 45 min by car and around 3.5 hrs by bus .

Accommodation in Granada:  Since Granada is a popular travel destination, many accommodations are available.

Check here for hotels in Granada .

Specifically, Hotel Granada Center is a VERY popular hotel with great breakfast, a very central location, and private underground parking onsite .

Also situated in the city centre is Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites – a sleek and modern hotel with small rooftop pool with great views of the historic old town! If you are looking for a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Granada . 

Since we have mentioned Málaga countless times above, there is not much to add. As you probably know by now Málaga has a great airport to fly out of so this is where this 7-day Eastern Spain itinerary ends.

The journey from Granada to Málaga is approximately 1,5 hrs by car and 2 hrs by bus .

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular tourist destination in Spain so there are lots of available accommodations – with apartments being the most popular.

For hotels, check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano . This minimalist design hotel is bright and offers a great breakfast while being located right in the city centre.

For longer stays, check out Apartamentos Nono . Located close to the beach and to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes for small meal prep, terraces, and onsite private parking .

If you are searching for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Malaga here . When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza .

It’s a popular place to stay in Malaga with private rooms and a great rooftop terrace. She and her friend stayed in a private room and really liked it!

Spain Itinerary – 14 Days

This road trip would be a beast. As planned above with the scheduled day trips you’d cover around 2600 kilometres .

The driving time would be around 27 hours and 30 minutes – but of course, this varies by traffic and which day trips/stop days (beach days) you opt to take, etc.

If you swung down to Gibraltar at the end and then went to Granada and Malaga, it could very well be a tad longer.

You should also consider the price of renting a car for two weeks to see if there are any companies that offer discounts!

Compare prices for your car rental from Bilbao here .

Since you have read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above we’ll keep this one short.

Our version is written from north to south, so from Bilbao to Málaga. As with most of our itineraries, you can reverse the direction if you feel like it So, to really see the whole country, your updated 14-day Spain itinerary might look something like this:

14-Day Spain Itinerary Overview

• Day 2: Day trip to Santander, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Beach Day
• Day 3:  Donostia-San Sebastián
• Day 4:  Zaragoza

Day 5+6: Barcelona

Day 7: valencia, day 8+9: madrid.

• Day 10: Toledo or Córdoba

Day 11: Seville

• Day 12: Seville or Day trip to Cádiz/ Gibraltar
• Day 13: Málaga (or Granada)
• Day 14: Málaga

Once again we are starting this itinerary in Bilbao since it is an easy city to get to. There are quite a few things to see and delicious foods to try so with this itinerary you have slightly more time to explore the city!

Accommodation in Bilbao:  Once again, Bilbao is a bigger centre in Spain so you’ll find lots of accommodations to suit many different styles and budgets.

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright hotel with breakfast and underground private parking . Friends of Lisa stayed here and enjoyed it. It’s the river from the Old Town – but it’s a nice area and a quick walk to everything.

To stay in the centre of Bilbao’s historic old town, check out Ercilla Hotela . This is a very stylish hotel with a great rooftop terrace/lounge, onsite parking , and food onsite, too.

If you are wanting a hostel, Bcool Hostel is a great option in Bilbao. Just remember: when booking any accommodations in Bilbao,  try to book in the centre or near the river since the edges of the city can be very hilly!

Since the next day in this itinerary is a day trip we’d suggest booking your accommodation in Bilbao  for two nights !

Day 2: Day Trip to Santander, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Beach Day

To give you the chance to see a bit more of the region we recommend a day trip to either Santander or Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country.

Alternatively, you can also opt to spend the day at the beach if the weather is nice (more on that below!) or use the time to see more of Bilbao.

Getting to Santander from Bilbao takes approximately 1 hr 15 min by car and 1.5 hrs by bus . The journey to Vitoria-Gasteiz is slightly shorter, taking approximately 1 hr by car and the same amount of time by bus .

Must-see Attractions in Santander:

• Palacio de la Magdalena
• Centro Botin
• Sardinero Beach

Must-see Attractions in Vitoria-Gasteiz:

• Catedral de Santa María
• Iglesia de San Miguel

If you opt for a beach day instead, we would recommend Sopelana beach. It is easy to reach by metro. Just take the line no 1 in the direction of Plentzia and get off at the Sopelana stop.

From there you can either walk or take the bus to the beach. It’s Lisa’s favourite beach in the Bilbao area since it looks beautiful and is not too crowded. It’s also a great stop to try some surfing.

Day 3: Donostia-San Sebastián

The next stop on your 14-day Spain itinerary is San Sebastián – a city we have already mentioned before. Beautiful beaches and delicious pintxos await you!

The drive from Bilbao to San Sebastián takes around 1  hr 15 min by car  and 1.5 hrs by bus . There are very frequent buses by lots of different operators between these two cities. 

Accommodation in San Sebastián : San Sebastián is one of the more expensive towns in Spain. It’s also very popular among luxury travellers. So, don’t be surprised if accommodations seem a little more expensive overall.

Specifically, check out Casual de las Olas San Sebastián . This hotel is a bit further from the old town and beach but makes up for it with sleek decor, breakfast, and air conditioning.

If you want more of a laid-back feel, check out Talaia HT . This authentic and cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of the old town – and has public parking nearby .

If you are looking for a hostel, you can find hostels across San Sebastián here . Wherever you book, our advice is to book accommodations early. Generally, you save money when doing that.

Day 4: Zaragoza

Day 5 of this itinerary will take you to Zaragoza, a city mentioned in the 5 day Northern Spain itinerary. The drive will be a bit longer but you’ll still have enough time to check out some of the attractions Zaragoza has to offer.

Driving from San Sebastián to Zaragoza will take approximately  2 hrs 45 min by car  (including a toll road) and around  4 hrs by bus .

Accommodations in Zaragoza: Zaragoza is a smaller city but there are still lots of really great accommodation options.

Specifically, check out Hotel Sauce . This bright hotel is located right in the city centre and has buffet breakfast, air conditioning, and private parking onsite for those with a car in Spain!

If you want a hotel with a rooftop pool, Hotel Palafox is for you! Also situated right in the heart of the city, the hotel has a unique decor, city views, a nice breakfast, and also has parking and air con!

A tour across the country wouldn’t be complete without including Barcelona. Since there is so much to see you’ll be spending two nights in the city to give you enough time.

The drive from Zaragoza to Barcelona will take you approximately 3 hrs 10 min by car (includes a toll road), 3.5 hrs by bus and 1.5 hrs by train .

Accommodation in Barcelona : As mentioned above, you’ll find loads of great hotels and apartments in Barcelona.

If you are looking for a hotel, check out Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool in the city centre (also close to the beach).

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is a lovely and affordable hotel with a spa that is located in the heart of the city and has a private parking garage onsite .

As for hostels, you can check out Barcelona hostels here. Specifically, we enjoyed Kabul Hostel . Hostel or hotel – just remember to book early because Barcelona is a popular city. Also remember that for this itinerary, you’ll be staying over for two nights .

And we’re back in one of Lisa’s favourite cities. The drive from Barcelona to Valencia will be a bit longer but it is worth it (in our opinion at least).

Driving from Barcelona to Valencia will take around  3.5 hrs by car  (including a toll road),  3 hrs by train  and  4 hrs 15 min by bus .

Accommodation in Valencia:  Since Valencia is a bigger city, you’ll find accommodations that work for your style and budget.

Check now for hotels in Valencia .

Specifically, Petit Palace Ruzafa is a boutique hotel very much in the lovely city centre. They offer healthy breakfast, free bike rentals, and no parking – making it great for travellers without a car!

If you’re looking to stay right the beach, you’ll likely love Hotel Miramar . This cool beachfront hotel has a bar/restaurant right downstairs, ocean views, and has paid parking onsite . If you want to stay in a hostel, you can check now for hostels in Valencia .

Must-see Attractions in Valencia: 

Of course, you can’t forget about the capital of the country when going on a trip through Spain.

Since there is so much to see and do you will spend two nights in Madrid. This will also give you some time to recover from the long driving days you’ve had.

Driving from Valencia to Madrid takes approximately  3.5 hrs by car  and slightly less than  2 hrs by train .

Accommodation in Madrid : Being the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a popular city with lots of accommodations.

Keep in mind that Madrid has “hostals” which are technically guesthouses but are basically hotels. Also, parking can be very expensive per day but that’s just Madrid for you.

Specifically, check out Room007 Select Sol . This charming and trendy hotel is right in the heart of the city, has air conditioning, and serves breakfast at a cafe next door. You are very much in the city centre here!

If you are looking for more of a guesthouse stay right in the centre, check out Hostal Madrid .

This authentic accommodation is so centrally located with attractions and the metro close by. It’s good value for money –  the two times Lisa travelled to Madrid she actually stayed here both times!

Should you want an actual hostel, there are loads of hostels in Madrid. You can check here for hostels in Madrid . Keep in mind wherever you book, you will be booking this accommodation for two nights  if you are following this itinerary.

*We have written in-depth about many of the attractions you can visit in Madrid in our things to do in Madrid guide!

Day 10: Toledo or Córdoba

For the next stop on your itinerary, you can decide where you would like to stop. From Madrid you are driving further south and both Toledo and Córdoba would be great options for a stop on the way to Seville.

The drive from Madrid to Toledo will be short and only take  an hour by car or bus . The drive from Madrid to Córdoba is a lot longer and takes approximately  4 hrs by car  and  2 hrs by train .

While this drive would be longer, your drive the next day would be significantly shorter from Córdoba than from Toledo.

Accommodation in Toledo:  If you choose to stay in Toledo, you can check here for hotels in Toledo .

Specifically, you have to check out Hotel Santa Isabel – an authentic and charming Spanish hotel in the heart of the city with an incredible rooftop terrace, good breakfast, and private parking under the hotel  if you need it.

Accommodations in Córdoba: If you end up in Córdoba, you can check now for hotels in Córdoba .

Specifically,  Maciá Alfaros is an authentic hotel located right in the heart of the city with a nice swimming pool and parking onsite.

Hotel Cordoba Center is an elegant hotel located just a short walk to the centre. It’s location is very close to the train station – and there is a lovely rooftop pool with city views!

There are also many hostels with very good ratings so you can check here for hostels in Córdoba .

On day 11 you will drive from either Toledo or Córdoba to Seville – a city we have mentioned multiple times now because it is very much worth the visit.

If you ended up staying in Toledo, it’ll take you 4.5 hrs by car  and  4 hrs by train to get to Seville. If you stayed in Córdoba it’ll only take you 1.5 hrs by car  and  45 min by train  to get to Seville.

Accommodation in Seville : As we have mentioned above a bunch of times, Seville is a big and popular city so you’ll have no shortage of accommodations to pick from.

Check here for hotels in Seville .

Specifically, we like the look of Petit Palace Puerta de Triana . It’s a trendy design hotel with a buffet breakfast located right in the city centre close to top sights!

If you want more of a “historic stay”, Hotel Simon is a simple and authentic hotel located in a historic building!

They also do breakfast and are also located in the city centre. So you know: neither of the above hotels have parking – but not that many hotels in the city centre offer onsite parking (or even nearby public parking).

If you have/rent a car and need parking available, we’d say check out La Parada del Marqués . It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also quite conveniently located but they also have parking, breakfast options, and good connections to public transit!

Should you be looking for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Seville here .

Again, since Seville is very popular so we would advise booking any accommodations ahead of time – especially during the high season! Remember, you’ll stay for two nights  if you follow this itinerary!

Day 12: Seville or Day trip to Cádiz/ Gibraltar

Since there is a lot to see and do in Seville, you have the option to stay another day to explore more of what the city has to offer.

If you’d prefer to see a different place you can consider day trips to either Cádiz or Gibraltar. Know that Gibraltar is not officially part of Spain but belongs to the United Kingdom instead.

It’ll take you around  1.5 hrs by car or train  to get from Seville to Cádiz. To get from Seville to Gibraltar it’ll take  between 2 and 3 hrs by car .

There does not seem to be any public transport between Seville and Gibraltar since it is another country, but you can participate in an organized tour from Seville to Gibraltar .

Must-see Attractions in Gibraltar:

• Rock of Gibraltar
• Great Siege Tunnels
• The Old Town

Day 13: Málaga (or Granada)

On your second to last day of this itinerary, you will drive from Seville to Málaga, a route we have mentioned quite a few times by now up above.

If you really wanted to visit Granada you could also drive there instead. You could then make the trip to Málaga at the end of the day or the next day.

The journey from Seville to Málaga will be approximately  2.5 hrs by car  and  2 hrs by train.  Whatever city combo you choose, just remember to book the right amount of nights in cities (one or two) for the end of your itinerary (keeping in mind where you fly out)!

Accommodation in Málaga:  As a popular city in the south, Malaga has lots of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation options.

For hotels, have a look at Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano . This lovely design hotel offers breakfast – and it’s very centrally located in the heart of the city!

For an apartment rental (maybe for a longer stay), check out Apartamentos Nono . Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, the apartments have kitchenettes, terraces, and private parking onsite (if you travelling by car).

Malaga also has lots of hostels if you like. You can search for hostels in Malaga here . Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza when travelling to Malaga with a friend.

For a “hostel”, the Casa is a very popular place to stay with private rooms and a sunny rooftop terrace. Lisa and her friend booked a private room and enjoyed it!

Accommodation in Granada:  Since Granada is popular, many accommodations are available.

Specifically, Hotel Granada Center is a VERY popular hotel with a great breakfast, a very central location, and private underground parking onsite  if you have a car.

Also situated in the city centre is Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites – a modern hotel with a small rooftop pool with views of Granada’s old town! If you want to book a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Granada . 

Day 14: Málaga

And this is the end of your two weeks Spain itinerary. Once again Málaga is the city you fly out of since there are lots of great flight connections to other places in Europe.

Alternatively, you could also stay in Seville and visit Málaga on a day trip if the airport in Seville works better for you.

Things to Consider When Travelling in Spain

Before you dive into Spain trip planning, you’ll want to consider a few details. From the currency they use (the Euro) to the weather, public transport, and the best time to visit, we cover a few key areas below to help you prepare.

Best Time of Year to Visit Spain

Spain is a destination that can be visited year-round – you just have to set your expectations right. Lisa visited Malaga with a friend in December and it was quite warm but of course not warm enough to go swimming.

Since the country is quite big and has a diverse geography, there are actually a lot of different climate zones in Spain. Generally, the summers are hot and dry while the winters are mild and quite rainy.

The average maximum temperature for July and August is 30 °C and 17/16 °C in December and January. However, this can vary greatly depending on which city you are visiting (e.g. Granada is always a little bit colder).

We would recommend that you avoid the south – especially Seville – and Madrid in July and August since it can get VERY hot.

And according to Lisa’s Spanish teacher in Bilbao, it would probably also be a good idea to avoid visiting the Basque country during the winter months since it can rain a lot.

In our opinion, the perfect months for visiting Spain would be from March to June and September to the end of October.

Public Transportation in Spain

Spain has a very well-developed long-distance bus system. Lisa was especially impressed by that since in Germany long-distance buses didn’t exist until a few years ago and sometimes it can still be a bit chaotic or unclear.

In Spain, almost every major city has an actual bus station (and not just a signpost). One of the biggest bus companies in Spain is Alsa .

Lisa has used them quite a few times when living in Spain (to go from Madrid to Bilbao for example) and always had a pleasant experience.

In addition to buses, Spain also has a pretty good rail system. You can check the train connections and prices on the RENFE website here .

We would recommend that you always check both buses and trains as sometimes they take approximately the same amount of time and the bus can be significantly cheaper.

In a few areas (such as parts of the Basque country), the buses can be actually a lot faster than the train.

You can reach all of the places mentioned in these Spain itineraries with public transport.

So if you don’t feel comfortable with renting a car in a foreign country you can still follow all of these itineraries. The bus and train stations are often very centrally located so it shouldn’t be a hassle to get into the centre in any of the cities.

Car Rental in Spain

If you would like to rent a car and make these itineraries a road trip that is a great option, too.

Driving in Spain is generally pretty safe – but it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Spaniards also like to speed – but if you are a confident yet careful driver then this shouldn’t be an issue.

Since Spain is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies available. Make sure to read the fine print about additional costs in case there are any issues.

You can compare prices for your Spain trip with this handy comparison tool .

In Spain, there are quite a few toll roads which start with an ‘AP’ in the name. If you want to avoid paying tolls you can often find a road that runs in a similar direction.

Generally, your driving time will be longer if you avoid toll roads but you never know which hidden gems you come across on your way.

Travel Insurance for Spain

When visiting Spain you – and especially when renting a car – should get travel insurance.

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen (and Spaniards are more reckless drivers than in other countries) and they can be expensive. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in a European country and have European health insurance, you can get the blue EU Health insurance card with which you are covered in emergencies. If you don’t have that option, we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Related Posts

If you are planning your visit to Spain, check out our other posts on travelling, working, and studying in Spain!

• 12 Need to Knows When Travelling to Spain for the First Time
• 11 of The Most Beautiful Cities in Spain
• 17 of the Top Attractions in all of Spain
• Catalonia Road Trip Itineraries

And there you have it – 5 epic itineraries around Spain! Whether you need 5 days or 14, we think you’ll have lots to work with to plan that perfect trip. Lisa is so happy to be able to provide you with her knowledge of the country.

There is still so much to cover – but we think that these itineraries are a great starting point – you may even do the routes as is and see how they go!

As always, Happy Waddlin’, – L&E

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Be prepared to visit Spain with these 16 things to know before you go

Jun 21, 2023 • 6 min read

Here's what you need to know to get ready for a trip to Spain © Flashpop / Getty Images

Spain has been home for the past 16 years, ever since I moved to its capital Madrid in my early thirties.

From day one, it was easy to be charmed by this warm and inviting country . It ticks a lot of  boxes in terms of what you’re looking for in a European destination – great cuisine and wine , spectacular landscapes , architectural gems, green spaces and a thriving art scene. 

Getting around the country is also very convenient, thanks to Spain's efficient and reliable multi-modal public transport system . And the Spanish people are some of the friendliest locals, who will happily go out of their way to point you in the right direction if you’re lost.

Of course there were still some cultural quirks I had to adjust to – for one, eating times in Spain are very late in comparison with the rest of the world's dining schedules. I still remember my early days in Madrid when my belly would be in outright rebellion while waiting for “early” dinner reservations at 9pm. And forget about making a speedy exit from social gatherings; in Spain saying farewell could take up another hour of your time.

Cultural idiosyncrasies aside, your trip to this incredible country can be your most memorable one yet if you plan well ahead, and follow these useful travel tips.

1. Pack warm clothes. Really.

There is a humorous Spanish expression that goes, “Hasta cuarenta de mayo, no te quites el sayo” , which translates to “Until the 40th of May, don’t remove your coat” – sage advice to keep a jacket handy until mid-June. While Spain may be famous for its blue skies and sun-drenched beaches, it actually has more colder seasons in the year than warm ones, during early spring (March to May), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). Regions in northern Spain, such as the Basque Country, Asturias and Galicia, have cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the country. 

2. Being cashless is common

Card is king in Spain. The main tourist hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona , San Sebastián and Ibiza are generally credit card-friendly destinations. In fact, you could go cashless for days and pay for your meals, drinks, taxis and bus fares without a problem using a credit or debit card.

If you do bring cash, make sure you have loose change. Several establishments, bus and taxi drivers, especially on morning shifts, usually do not have change for bigger bills. So if you prefer paying cash, it’s a good idea to be stocked up on smaller bills (€5 and €10) and coins.

3. Choose your time to visit Madrid wisely

Think twice about visiting Madrid in August . Most establishments in the Spanish capital close, and Madrileños usually head for the beaches to escape the brutal August heat . 

4. Expect to eat late

Prepare for late Spanish dining times. Many tourists who come to Spain for the first time end up hungry while waiting for restaurants to open. Most restaurants open for lunch from 1pm to 4pm, and dinner from 8pm to 1am. A lot of establishments also close on Mondays. You can stave off hunger pangs before mealtimes by snacking on tapas – small savory plates that are usually free with a drink order in many Spanish cities. In San Sebastián or Bilbao in the Basque Country , you can savor pintxos , or bite-sized portions typically served on a slice of bread and skewered with a toothpick.

5. Ordering certain drinks will immediately mark you as a tourist

A popular drink among tourists, sangría is usually served in pitchers meant for sharing, and not by the glass. Instead, try ordering a local favorite that’s similar to sangría, tinto de verano , a concoction of red wine and lemon soda. 

Ask for a caña  like a local instead of a cerveza . A caña  is a small glass of beer on tap (about 250ml).

6. Tipping is not expected

European countries in general don’t have a tipping culture. But of course, it is very much appreciated – especially if you enjoyed good service. 

7. Don't eat food while you’re on the move

Eating is an age-old pleasure that must be savored unhurriedly, so it’s uncommon to see Spaniards biting sandwiches or munching on fries while walking down the street or riding public transportation. 

8. Look for fixed-price lunches

Order the menú del día (daily menu) for lunch on weekdays. Take your cue from the locals and ask for the fixed-price menu (ranging from €8 to €17) that includes a three-course meal with dessert, drinks, bread and coffee.

9. Eat late, stay late

Make time for sobremesa  – lingering long after a meal for a post-dining conversation. This is a hallmark of sociable Spanish culture, to extend conversations well beyond mealtimes to be able to enjoy each other’s company for as long as possible, usually over drinks.

10. Keep an eye on your belongings

Be vigilant of pickpockets and keep your belongings close. Pickpockets are unfortunately rampant in high tourist traffic areas. If you’re sitting at an outdoor table, watch out for vendors that get suspiciously close and distract you with their items for sale, such as flowers or lottery tickets, while they surreptitiously steal your wallet or mobile phone on the table (this is a modus operandi I’ve witnessed more than once!). 

11. You can drink tap water in Spain

Go ahead and drink the tap water. Spanish tap water or “agua de grifo” is safe to drink, though the taste varies across regions. 

12. There's one number for an emergency

Call 112 for any emergency. You can contact this number for any kind of emergency in Spain, even without a Spanish SIM card on your mobile phone. You’ll be connected to the right emergency service through multilingual operators. To contact the Spanish National Police, dial 091. 

 13. Dress appropriately when away from the beach

Opt for smart casual attire and avoid overly casual outfits like athleisure wear, beachwear, or excessively revealing clothing in the city. If you’re visiting religious sites such as churches, cathedrals or mosques, cover your shoulders and knees to show respect for these places.

14. Brush up on basic Spanish

Like any destination, it helps a lot if you know basic local phrases. While you can get by speaking English in the bigger, more touristy cities, it is a different story when visiting smaller, lesser-known towns outside the tourist radar. 

Don't say “no problemo”, which is incorrect. The correct phrase is “no hay problema” or more colloquially, say “no pasa nada” . 

15. Know what is considered polite

Greet people, even strangers. It’s commonplace to greet people in elevators, shops and along hallways. Compliment good service by saying “muy amable” . Meaning “very kind”, this is a commonly used polite phrase to express gratitude for someone’s helpfulness. It can be said in different situations – if a person has gone out of their way to assist you, like giving you directions, holding a door or giving up their seat for you. You can also say this to show your appreciation for customer service that goes above and beyond.

16. Don’t leave a social gathering without saying goodbye

It is generally frowned upon to leave an occasion without letting your host know. However, be prepared for a long, drawn out goodbye – the Spanish are highly sociable people who like extending conversations, leading to lengthy, and often multiple stages of farewells. 

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Trains from Girona to Alicante-Terminal from $99.58

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• Trains in Spain
• Girona to Alicante-Terminal Trains

Girona to Alicante-Terminal Train Prices and Times

Looking to travel from Girona to Alicante-Terminal? You can buy train tickets with Trip.com for as low as $99.58, with average prices for this route around $99.58.

To get the best deals, we recommend buying in advance and researching alternatives such as split tickets.

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Girona to Alicante-Terminal Train Route Details

The Girona to Alicante-Terminal train ticket is from From $99.58. The average travel time is 6h 6m, covering a distance of approximately 450 mile. There are usually 1 daily trains provided by renfe. To plan your train journey in advance, please refer to our train route table below.

How Can I Buy Cheap Renfe and iryo Train Tickets?

Book in Advance

Booking 60–90 days in advance can get you cheaper Renfe train tickets, available for you to plan your itinerary.

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• Study Abroad

What to Study in Spain

Eric Jamarr is a study abroad veteran, having studied in both Finland and South Africa. He has ne...

• Travel Inspiration
• Before You Go
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Students looking for an exciting and diversified educational experience often choose Spain as their destination. But considering all the possibilities, how do you decide what to study in Spain? Whether your interests lie in the humanities, sciences, or the arts, Spain has a vast array of courses to fit different professional paths. Perhaps even, learning Spanish in Spain will help you learn faster than any software or course at home .

The following guide will discuss the most popular subjects to study in Spain and provide tips on how to choose the right field for your academic journey. Any budding scholar can find their niche in Spain's illuminating cultural studies and cutting-edge scientific research. Understanding the educational scene is crucial, regardless of whether you're interested in the latest technology programs or the rich historical context.

We will highlight different fields of study and offer programs to further your education and career. Make the most informed decision possible regarding your studies in Spain by diving into this comprehensive guide.

How to choose what to study in Spain

There are so many subjects in Spain to study.

A decision that can significantly influence your academic and professional future is that of what to study in Spain. There are a few things to consider.

To begin, evaluate your likes and dislikes in order to determine subjects to study in Spain that genuinely excite you. Consider the subject's relevance to your intended location; for example, if you decide to study art history in Spain, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit some of the world's most famous museums and historical landmarks.

Also, think about your future career goals and how your chosen field can boost your employability. Read up on job markets and business needs in Spain, and your native country in order to weigh the potential career prospects. Consulting academic advisors and professors in your field can give you major insights.

Finally, make sure to showcase your passion whilst maintaining your cool. Things like language barriers and the availability of resources for international students can detract from your focus. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about what to study in Spain.

10 best subjects to study in Spain

There is a thriving academic environment that includes a wide variety of subjects to study in Spain that are both academically gratifying and culturally enriching. The following is a list of some of the most popular subjects to study in Spain, each of which is associated with a specific study abroad program:

There aren’t many better places to learn Spanish than in Spain.

Why? Living and learning Spanish in Spain is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enrich your linguistic and cultural development. Catalan and Basque are just two examples of the many regional dialects spoken across the country, providing a nuanced perspective on what to study in Spain. Learning a new language becomes much easier when you connect with local speakers on a daily basis in places like cafes, markets, and cultural events. The literature of Spain, from Cervantes to modern writers, can be a window into the country's rich history and culture.

A well-rounded education is guaranteed by programs like AIFS Abroad in Barcelona, which combines cultural activities with structured language classes. Students can gain a personal understanding of diverse dialects and cultures by interacting with native speakers, taking part in language exchange programs, and traveling to different parts of the world.

Recommended program: AIFS Abroad in Barcelona, Spain (UAB): Semester

2. Art History

Why? Spain is a fantastic place to study art history because of its extensive collection of works by artists from the Middle Ages to the current era. Famous museums in the nation include Madrid's Prado and Barcelona's Picasso Museum, which include works by artists like Velázquez, Goya, Picasso, and many more. Students can better grasp the cultural and historical impacts of artworks by seeing them in Spain, where they were originally created. Artistic expression can be seen in varied ways in Gaudí's Barcelona architectural wonders and Moorish Andalusia. With its magnificent architecture, Seville evokes images of a Spanish getaway .

Common components of recommended programs include museum outings, guided tours, seminars, and putting artworks in the context of Spain's cultural evolution. Local resources should be used, cultural events and shows should be attended, and lesser-known galleries should be explored to get a feel for the art world and subjects to study in Spain .

Recommended program: Semester Study Abroad in Seville, Spain - Adelante Abroad

3. Business Administration

Learning about business administration internationally will broaden your perspective.

Why? Studying business administration in Spain has great advantages due to the country's dynamic economy and its strategic location as a gateway between Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Spain is home to thriving sectors like renewable energy and tourism as well as innovative startups and global firms. Gaining practical experience in a global marketplace and access to global business networks are two benefits of studying in Spain. For students to be able to put their classroom knowledge into practice, many programs combine classroom instruction with internships and site visits to local businesses.

As important business centers, Barcelona and Madrid provide a wealth of chances to meet other professionals, go to conferences, and hear from thought leaders in your field. Seville is less expensive and can be a great option if you want to be more financially conscious . Joining a business club, becoming involved in extracurricular activities, and making the most of internships are all great ways to gain experience in your field and meet influential people in your field.

Recommended program: CIEE International Business + Culture in Seville, Spain

4. International Relations

Why? Spain is a great place to study international relations since it is both an important member of the European Union and a link between Latin America and Europe. Through the hosting of international organizations and conferences, Spain takes an active role in global diplomacy. Global political factors, such as EU policy, transatlantic connections, and regional wars, can be experienced firsthand while studying in Spain. Often, programs include excursions to diplomatic institutions, simulations of international talks, and lectures by diplomats.

Diplomatic training and cross-cultural awareness are hallmarks of the specialized programs offered by the Mediterranean School of International Studies in Barcelona and the Universidad Complutense in Madrid. Debates, international forums, and internships with diplomatic missions or NGOs are good ways for students to obtain practical experience and engage in subjects to study in Spain.

Recommended program: USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business & Spanish

5. Hospitality and Tourism

With places like Park Guell at your fingertips, studying tourism in Spain is a no-brainer!

Why? Spain is a great place to study tourism and hospitality because of its many cultural offers and its status as a popular tourist destination. There are many opportunities to gain practical experience in hotel management, event organizing, and tourism marketing in Spain, thanks to its Mediterranean surroundings, historic cities, and colorful festivals. Millions of people come every year to experience it.

Specialized programs are available in coastal regions like Andalusia, Madrid, and Barcelona that combine classroom instruction with internships at prestigious hotels, travel agencies, and event spaces. Practical experience, cultural immersion, and familiarity with international hospitality standards all help students succeed. For a well-rounded grasp of subjects to study in Spain, it's a good idea to attend industry conferences, network with other professionals, and investigate various aspects of the tourism industry.

Recommended program: Affordable, Comprehensive Study and Intern Abroad Programs

6. Culinary Arts

Why? As a country well-known for its varied cuisine, innovative cooking techniques, and Mediterranean diet, Spain is a fantastic place to hone your culinary skills. The many regional cuisines and historical influences of Spain's many regions result in a vast array of cuisines, from traditional tapas to the experimental. While in Spain, students get the opportunity to study under world-class chefs, peruse local markets, and take part in innovative and technically challenging cooking sessions.

Particular programs are offered by the Basque Culinary Center in Barcelona and the Escuela Superior de Hostelería in Madrid, which integrate hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge in cooking and business management. To help students expand their culinary abilities and cultural awareness, it’s recommended that they participate in gastronomic festivals, intern at restaurants with Michelin stars, and learn about regional cuisines.

Recommended program: USAC Spain: Alicante - European & Mediterranean Studies

7. Architecture

Studying architecture in Spain is awesome with all the different styles throughout the country.

Why? Spain is a fantastic location to study architecture because of the variety of styles found there, which range from the medieval to the modern. From the medieval Alcázar in Toledo to the fantastical Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain's architectural wonders reflect the country's cultural and historical evolution . Students of architecture in Spain have the chance to explore global preservation efforts, sustainable design, and urban planning.

Coursework often includes group trips to nearby businesses, workshops in the studio, and architectural field trips. Taking part in design contests, drawing while on-site, and visiting construction sites are all fantastic ways to enhance one's architectural creativity and further one's profession. Comprehensive programs are available that focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.

Recommended program: SAI Study Abroad at UAB (Barcelona, Spain)

Take our travel quiz and get matched with study abroad programs right now!

8. environmental science.

Why? Spain is an excellent location for studying environmental science due to its mountainous terrain, coastal areas, and semi-arid regions. Students can gain practical experience in studying environmental challenges and ecosystem management through the country's sustainability programs, such as renewable energy and conservation efforts.

Students in Spain can undertake field research, work with local groups, and participate in sustainability projects to address climate change and biodiversity conservation. Universities in Madrid and Barcelona actually offer specialized programs that incorporate interdisciplinary environmental science approaches . Join field trips, network with environmentalists, and attend conferences to learn about new environmental sustainability technology.

Recommended program: CIEE Open Campus Block in Madrid

9. Film Studies

See Spain through a different lens by studying film studies.

Why? Spain is a fantastic place to study film studies because of its thriving film industry and rich cinematic legacy. Spain provides a wide variety of cinematic experiences, ranging from classic works by directors such as Pedro Almodóvar and Luis Buñuel to modern films reflecting social and cultural trends.

Students can visit production facilities, attend film festivals, and interact with regional filmmakers while studying in Spain to learn about storytelling, filmmaking methods, and cultural representation. Students may aim to integrate cinema theory with hands-on training sessions and movie screenings. Develop your critical thinking and creative abilities in film studies by becoming an expert in Spanish cinema in historical contexts, working with local talent on film projects, and taking part in film critiques.

Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in Spain on GoAbroad.com!

10. history.

Why? Spain's rich and multifaceted history, spanning ancient civilizations, medieval kingdoms, and modern democratic transitions, provides an exceptional backdrop for studying history. The country's historical sites, including Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Moorish palaces, offer tangible connections to its past. Studying in Spain allows students to explore archival collections, participate in archaeological digs, and engage with local historians to deepen their understanding of historical events and cultural developments.

The Autonomous University of Barcelona and Madrid's Universidad Complutense de Madrid offer specialized programs that emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to historical research and analysis. Trips include visiting museums, attending lectures by renowned historians, and conducting primary source research to gain a comprehensive perspective on Spain's historical evolution.

Recommended program: Camino de Santiago Course & Hiking the Way

What you choose to study in Spain can make a whole world of difference!

Hopefully you have a better idea of what you want to study in Spain.

Choosing what to study in Spain can make a world of difference in your academic and professional journey. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse academic offerings, Spain is an excellent destination for students seeking a unique and enriching educational experience. Whether you are interested in languages, the arts, or sciences, Spain has something to offer for everyone. Explore the best subjects to study in Spain and get ready and set for an educational adventure that will shape your future.

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