The Ultimate Spain Travel Itinerary

Spain Travel itinerary
A Vagabond Life
Spain Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through Spain

Welcome to your ultimate Spain travel itinerary! From the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the historic grandeur of Madrid, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Spain’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re savoring tapas in Seville, exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, or wandering Granada’s Alhambra, your Spanish adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let Spain captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting Spain

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is hot and busy, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Winter is great for festive markets and lower prices, particularly in December.

Weather

Madrid averages 15–25°C in spring/fall, 25–35°C in summer, and 5–15°C in winter. Barcelona enjoys 20–30°C in summer and 10–15°C in winter. Southern Spain (Seville, Granada) sees hot summers (30–40°C) and mild winters (10–20°C).

Transportation

Book AVE trains early via Renfe for discounts. City metro/bus tickets cost ~€1.50–€2. Rent cars for rural Andalusia or Basque Country (~€30–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic Spanish phrases like "Hola" and "Gracias." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Respect siesta hours in smaller towns (2–5 PM). Dress smartly in cities, casually in coastal areas.

Budget Tips

Purchase city passes (e.g., Barcelona Card) for museum and transport discounts. Eat at local tapas bars or markets for affordable meals. Book accommodations early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas like Barcelona and Madrid. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport services for safe travel.

Barcelona (Days 1–3)

A vibrant city blending Gaudí’s architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and Catalan culture.

History: Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona flourished as a medieval trade hub and is now Catalonia’s cultural heart.

Highlights: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta Beach.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN).

Food to Try: Paella, Patatas Bravas, Crema Catalana, Jamón Ibérico.
Day 1: Morning – Sagrada Família; Afternoon – Park Güell; Evening – Stroll La Rambla.
Day 2: Morning – Gothic Quarter and Barcelona Cathedral; Afternoon – Casa Batlló; Evening – Dinner at La Boqueria market.
Day 3: Morning – Barceloneta Beach; Afternoon – Train to Madrid (~2.5 hrs, €30–€60, AVE).

Madrid (Days 4–5)

Spain’s regal capital, rich in art, history, and lively plazas.

History: Established as Spain’s capital in the 16th century, Madrid is known for its Habsburg and Bourbon heritage.

Highlights: Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor.

Transport: High-speed AVE train from Barcelona (2.5 hrs, €30–€60, book via Renfe).

Food to Try: Cocido Madrileño, Churros con Chocolate, Tapas (Croquetas, Gambas al Ajillo).
Day 4: Morning – Prado Museum; Afternoon – Royal Palace; Evening – Dinner at Sobrino de Botín.
Day 5: Morning – Retiro Park; Afternoon – Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol; Evening – Depart Madrid.

Barcelona (Days 1–3)

A colorful blend of modernist architecture and Mediterranean vibes.

History: Barcelona’s Roman roots and Catalan identity shaped its unique cultural landscape.

Highlights: Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, Montjuïc, Gothic Quarter.

Transport: Fly into Barcelona (BCN).

Food to Try: Escalivada, Fideuà, Calçots with Romesco Sauce.
Day 1: Morning – Sagrada Família; Afternoon – Casa Milà; Evening – Dinner at Can Culleretes.
Day 2: Morning – Montjuïc Castle; Afternoon – Gothic Quarter; Evening – La Rambla nightlife.
Day 3: Morning – Parc de la Ciutadella; Afternoon – Train to Seville (~5.5 hrs, €40–€80, AVE).

Seville (Days 4–6)

The heart of Andalusia, with Moorish heritage and flamenco passion.

History: Seville thrived under Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish rule, becoming a key port in the Age of Exploration.

Highlights: Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, Plaza de España, Triana.

Transport: AVE train from Barcelona (5.5 hrs, €40–€80).

Food to Try: Gazpacho, Salmorejo, Espinacas con Garbanzos, Flan.
Day 4: Morning – Alcázar of Seville; Afternoon – Seville Cathedral and Giralda; Evening – Flamenco show in Triana.
Day 5: Morning – Plaza de España; Afternoon – Metropol Parasol; Evening – Tapas at Casa Morales.
Day 6: Morning – Day trip to Córdoba (train, ~45 min, €10–€20); Afternoon – Mezquita visit; Evening – Train to Madrid (~2.5 hrs, €20–€50).

Madrid (Day 7)

A bustling capital with world-class art and vibrant plazas.

History: Madrid’s rise as Spain’s capital brought cultural and political prominence.

Highlights: Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía.

Transport: Train from Seville (2.5 hrs, €20–€50).

Food to Try: Callos a la Madrileña, Bocadillo de Calamares, Tarta de Santiago.
Day 7: Morning – Prado Museum; Afternoon – Puerta del Sol and Gran Vía; Evening – Depart Madrid.

Barcelona (Days 1–4)

A dynamic city of art, architecture, and Mediterranean charm.

History: Barcelona’s Roman and medieval past blends with its modernist legacy.

Highlights: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Montserrat, La Boqueria.

Transport: Fly into Barcelona (BCN).

Food to Try: Pan con Tomate, Botifarra, Crema Catalana.
Day 1: Morning – Sagrada Família; Afternoon – Park Güell.
Day 2: Morning – Montserrat day trip (train, ~1 hr, €10–€15); Afternoon – Monastery visit.
Day 3: Morning – La Boqueria market; Afternoon – Gothic Quarter; Evening – Dinner at El Xampanyet.
Day 4: Morning – Casa Batlló; Afternoon – Train to Valencia (~3 hrs, €20–€50, AVE).

Valencia (Days 5–6)

A coastal gem with futuristic architecture and historic charm.

History: Valencia, founded by Romans in 138 BC, thrived as a trading hub under Moorish and Christian rule.

Highlights: City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja, Malvarrosa Beach.

Transport: AVE train from Barcelona (3 hrs, €20–€50).

Food to Try: Paella Valenciana, Horchata, Buñuelos.
Day 5: Morning – City of Arts and Sciences; Afternoon – Valencia Cathedral; Evening – Dinner at La Pepica.
Day 6: Morning – La Lonja; Afternoon – Malvarrosa Beach; Evening – Train to Seville (~4 hrs, €30–€70).

Seville & Andalusia (Days 7–9)

A region of Moorish palaces, flamenco, and vibrant culture.

History: Seville was a key center under Moorish rule and during Spain’s Golden Age.

Highlights: Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, Ronda, Triana.

Transport: Train from Valencia (4 hrs, €30–€70).

Food to Try: Jamón Ibérico, Salmorejo, Rabo de Toro.
Day 7: Morning – Alcázar; Afternoon – Seville Cathedral.
Day 8: Morning – Day trip to Ronda (bus, ~2 hrs, €10–€15); Afternoon – Explore gorge and old town.
Day 9: Morning – Triana market; Afternoon – Train to Granada (~2.5 hrs, €20–€40).

Granada (Days 10–11)

Home to the majestic Alhambra and Andalusian heritage.

History: Granada was the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, falling in 1492, with the Alhambra as its crown jewel.

Highlights: Alhambra, Generalife, Albaicín, Sacromonte.

Transport: Train from Seville (2.5 hrs, €20–€40).

Food to Try: Piononos, Habas con Jamón, Alpujarra Cheese.
Day 10: Morning – Alhambra and Generalife; Afternoon – Albaicín quarter.
Day 11: Morning – Sacromonte caves and flamenco; Afternoon – Train to Madrid (~3.5 hrs, €30–€60).

Madrid (Days 12–14)

A grand capital with art, history, and lively energy.

History: Madrid became Spain’s capital in the 16th century, known for its cultural contributions.

Highlights: Prado Museum, Royal Palace, Retiro Park, Toledo.

Transport: Train from Granada (3.5 hrs, €30–€60).

Food to Try: Cocido Madrileño, Churros, Tapas (Pimientos de Padrón).
Day 12: Morning – Prado Museum; Afternoon – Royal Palace.
Day 13: Morning – Day trip to Toledo (train, ~30 min, €10–€15); Afternoon – Cathedral and Alcázar.
Day 14: Morning – Retiro Park; Afternoon – Depart Madrid.

Your Spanish Adventure Awaits

Spain has enchanted you with its vibrant culture, from the modernist marvels of Barcelona to the Moorish splendor of Granada, the passionate rhythms of Seville, and the regal charm of Madrid. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Spain’s cuisine, history, and landscapes. Ready to plan your trip? Book your trains at Renfe and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. ¡Buen viaje!