Morning: Land at Madrid‑Barajas, store luggage at the Atocha station lockers, and grab a quick coffee at Café del Príncipe before heading to the high‑speed AVE platform.
Afternoon: Enjoy a 2‑hour AVE ride to Alicante, marveling at the Andalusian‑Castilian landscape; arrive and check into your accommodation near Postiguet Beach.
Evening: Stroll along the promenade, dip your toes in the sea, and dine on fresh seafood at El Canto with sunset views over the Mediterranean.
Find HotelsMorning: Walk the scenic Explanada de España, then head to Castillo de Santa Bárbara for panoramic city and sea vistas.
Afternoon: Follow the coastal trail from Postiguet Beach to Alcalde José Luis de la Cruz Park, a moderate 3‑km hike offering cliffside panoramas.
Evening: Savor paella at La Taberna del Chef, then enjoy a leisurely gelato while watching the harbor lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short bus ride to the foothills of Serra Grossa and embark on a 4‑km loop trail through pine forests and limestone formations.
Afternoon: Return to town for a tapas lunch at El Portal Taberna & Wines, sampling local cheeses and cured meats.
Evening: Wander the historic Barri Vell quarter, stopping at Café Central for a coffee and churros.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin at Playa del Albir and follow the well‑marked coastal path to Playa de la Granadella, a gentle 5‑km hike with stunning sea cliffs.
Afternoon: Lounge on the sands, swim, and grab a light lunch at the beachfront bar Dársena.
Evening: Return to Alicante, enjoy a sunset cocktail at Hotel Melia Alicante Rooftop, and dine on grilled fish at Restaurante Casa Julio.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out, take the AVE back to Madrid, and store luggage at Atocha lockers.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Lavapiés neighborhood, visiting art galleries and street markets.
Evening: Dine at the historic Botín, reputedly the world’s oldest restaurant, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated Plaza Mayor.
Find HotelsMorning: Start with a jog along the Retiro Park lake, then climb the gentle slopes of Casa de Campo for a 3‑km hike offering city vistas.
Afternoon: Picnic in the park with provisions from Mercado de San Miguel, followed by a visit to the nearby Templo de Debod for sunset views.
Evening: Experience modern Spanish cuisine at Ramen Kagura in Malasaña, then enjoy a nightcap at La Venencia for classic sherry.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the Prado Museum (reserve a timed entry) and admire masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya.
Afternoon: Walk through the elegant Gran Vía, stopping for lunch at Casa Lucio for their famous “huevos rotos.”
Evening: Attend a flamenco show at Corral de la Morería, followed by late‑night tapas at Taberna El Sur.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a commuter train to Collado Mediano and start a moderate 6‑km hike in the Guadarrama National Park, featuring oak forests and mountain streams.
Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch on the trail, then descend to the village for a quick coffee at Casa del Café.
Evening: Return to Madrid, freshen up, and have a farewell dinner at StreetXO, celebrating the trip with creative fusion dishes.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your stay, add an extra day in Alicante to explore the nearby Tabarca Island with its crystal‑clear waters, or spend a full day in Madrid’s El Escorial for historic architecture. To shorten the trip, combine Day 6 and Day 7 by skipping the day‑trip to Sierra de Guadarrama and focusing on Madrid’s central attractions, saving both travel time and cost.