Charming Spanish Beach and Culinary Escape from Madrid

Day 1: Valencia Beaches & Cuisine

Valencia, Spain on August 6, 2025

9:00am

Travel Madrid to Valencia

Take the high-speed train from Madrid to Valencia (approx 1h 40m). The route is scenic and efficient, letting you arrive fresh to explore.
EUR40, 1h40m

11:00am

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this popular café offering fresh pastries and quality coffee, perfect to start your day.
EUR10, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Playa de la Malvarrosa

Spend the afternoon relaxing on this beautiful city beach renowned for its golden sand and lively atmosphere.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Explore Valencia Old Town

Stroll through the historic centre, visiting landmarks like Valencia Cathedral and the Central Market.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Pepica

Indulge in authentic Valencian paella at this classic beachfront restaurant, known for its high-quality seafood dishes.
EUR40, 2h

Day 2: Alicante Coast & Tapas

Alicante, Spain on August 7, 2025

8:30am

Travel Valencia to Alicante

Ride the train south to Alicante, a coastal city known for its lovely beaches and vibrant dining scene (approx 2h).
EUR25, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Café Bar Noray

A charming café perfect for light bites and coffee, close to Alicante’s Explanada promenade.
EUR8, 1h

12:00pm

Relax at Playa del Postiguet

A city beach with golden sand and calm waters, ideal for a relaxing swim and soaking up the sun.
Free, 3h

3:30pm

Explore Santa Bárbara Castle

Visit this impressive medieval castle overlooking Alicante and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea.
EUR5, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at El Portal Taberna & Wines

Enjoy excellent tapas and an extensive wine list in a stylish setting, splurging a little on fine local flavours.
EUR45, 2h

Day 3: Murcia Heritage & Flavours

Murcia, Spain on August 8, 2025

9:00am

Travel Alicante to Murcia

A short train journey (approx 1h 20m) to Murcia, a city famous for its baroque architecture and rich gastronomy.
EUR15, 1h20m

10:30am

Breakfast at Cafetería Viena

Start your day with traditional Spanish coffee and pastries at this well-loved café near the cathedral.
EUR8, 1h

11:30am

Visit Murcia Cathedral

Admire Murcia’s magnificent baroque cathedral with its impressive façade and beautiful interior.
Free entry; Donations welcome, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at La Pequeña Taberna

This local favourite serves exquisite Murcian dishes with a modern twist; highly recommended for foodies.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Floridablanca Garden

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in Murcia’s oldest public garden, a shady retreat with fountains and sculptures.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Salzillo Museum

Discover the art of Francisco Salzillo, Murcia’s renowned sculptor, famous for religious processional sculptures.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante El Pasaje de Zabalburu

Treat yourself to some traditional and contemporary Spanish dishes in a comfortable setting downtown.
EUR35, 2h

Day 4: Cartagena Coastal Charm

Cartagena, Spain on August 9, 2025

9:00am

Travel Murcia to Cartagena

A quick train ride (approx 40 minutes) to Cartagena, a historic port city with Roman ruins and lovely beaches.
EUR8, 40m

10:00am

Breakfast at Cafetería Fornet

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and strong coffee in this local bakery near the port.
EUR7, 1h

11:15am

Visit Roman Theatre Museum

Explore the remarkable Roman Theatre and museum, a must-see archaeological site dating from the 1st century BC.
EUR8, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante El Barrio

Sample excellent Mediterranean dishes in a cosy, well-rated restaurant close to the old town.
EUR28, 1.5h

3:00pm

Afternoon at Cala Cortina

Relax and swim at this peaceful rocky beach neighborhood just a short drive from town.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Mar de Tacón

Experience fresh seafood dishes by the sea in a lively atmosphere, perfect for dinner before your next journey.
EUR40, 2h

Day 5: Málaga Beaches & Tapas

Málaga, Spain on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel Cartagena to Málaga

Take a morning train or bus (approx 3h) west to Málaga, a hub for beaches, culture, and culinary delights.
EUR35, 3h

11:30am

Breakfast at Casa Aranda

Try churros and hot chocolate at this famous Málaga establishment near the cathedral to kick off your visit.
EUR7, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Picasso Museum

Explore a stunning collection dedicated to Malaga’s famous son, Pablo Picasso. The museum opens 10am-8pm daily.
EUR12, 1.5h

2:30pm

Lunch at El Pimpi

Savour traditional Andalusian cuisine and a wide selection of local wines at this historic tapas bar.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Beach time at Playa de la Malagueta

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Málaga’s most famous city beach with excellent facilities and beautiful views.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante José Carlos García

Splurge on an exceptional dining experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant located on Málaga’s port.
EUR80, 2h

Day 6: Málaga Relax & Departure

Málaga, Spain on August 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Brunchit España

Enjoy a leisurely brunch with fresh juices, coffee, and international options in a cosy café setting.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Walk along Muelle Uno

Explore the modern waterfront area filled with shops, galleries, and cafes, great for last-minute souvenirs.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Deriva

Enjoy a final taste of contemporary Andalusian cuisine in this highly praised restaurant in Málaga’s city centre.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

Prepare for departure or continue your travels

Use the afternoon for packing or relaxing by the hotel pool before your onward journey or flight back to London.
Varies, Rest of day