After finalizing your arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, ease into the Spanish rhythm with a visit to the iconic Puerta del Sol to see the famous bear statue. From there, take a short stroll to the grand Plaza Mayor, where you can admire the red-hued frescoes and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city's historic center.
Continue your journey through Spanish history by visiting the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid, where you can admire the intricate tapestries and grand frescoes within its regal halls. Afterward, take a peaceful walk through the curated landscapes of the Sabatini Gardens to capture the golden afternoon light reflecting off the palace's limestone architecture.
As night falls, make your way to the bustling Gran Vía, Madrid's most famous thoroughfare, to experience the dazzling neon lights and grand Broadway-style architecture under the stars. Conclude your first night with a gourmet culinary tour at the historic Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample regional tapas and luxury Spanish wines in a lively glass-and-iron setting.
After yesterday's introduction to the city's royal heart, start your second morning with a peaceful stroll through the expansive El Retiro Park, pausing to admire the elegant glass structure of the Palacio de Cristal. Then, immerse yourself in Spanish artistic heritage at the nearby Prado Museum, where you can view legendary masterpieces by Goya and Velázquez in a quiet, morning atmosphere.
Following your morning of art, wander through the winding streets of the Barrio de las Letras, where the words of Spanish literary greats are etched into the pavement under your feet. Afterward, head to the iconic Círculo de Bellas Artes to ascend its rooftop terrace for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Metropolis Building and the sprawling Madrid skyline.
As the sun begins to set, transition from the heights of the city to the ancient stones of the Temple of Debod to witness a breathtaking twilight over the park as the Egyptian monument glows against the sky. Continue your evening in the heart of the vibrant La Latina neighborhood, where you can lose yourself in the social energy of Cava Baja while hopping between historic taverns for traditional tapas and Spanish wine.
Begin your morning by trading the capital's bustle for the coastal breeze as you fly from the mainland to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Upon arriving at Gran Canaria Airport, head into the historic district of Vegueta to admire the colonial architecture and the twin towers of the Santa Ana Cathedral before diving into the local history at Casa de Colón.
Transition from the historic stone streets to the golden shores of Las Canteras Beach, enjoying a scenic walk along the promenade as the Atlantic waves roll in. Afterward, head to the dramatic Bandama Caldera to peer into the massive volcanic crater and witness sweeping panoramic views that stretch across the northern coast of the island.
Spend your evening soaking in the lively atmosphere of Santa Catalina Park, where open-air cafes and local culture thrive under the swaying palm trees. Conclude your first island night with a stroll through the marina at Muelle Deportivo to enjoy a seaside dinner of fresh Lapas and local Malvasía wine while watching the yachts bob in the moonlight.
Embrace the refreshing northern microclimate with a visit to the Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, where you can wander through cliffside paths showcasing prehistoric dragon trees and endemic cacti. Afterward, venture to the nearby town of Arucas to marvel at the towering neo-Gothic spirals of the Church of San Juan Bautista, crafted entirely from local dark volcanic stone.
Travel south to experience the rolling landscape of the Maspalomas Dunes, where you can walk across the vast expanse of golden sand that feels like a slice of the Sahara by the sea. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll toward the historic Faro de Maspalomas, an iconic 19th-century lighthouse that marks the island's southern tip, before relaxing at a beachfront terrace in Meloneras for a refreshing drink.
Spend your final island evening in the elegant Triana neighborhood, wandering past the ornate facades and Modernist architecture of the pedestrianized Calle Mayor de Triana. Enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a boutique bistro near Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza, savoring the warm Atlantic air before your return to the capital tomorrow.
Make your way to Gran Canaria Airport for your return flight to the mainland, catching a final glimpse of the volcanic peaks from the air. After landing at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, head into the elegant Chamberí district to visit the tranquil gardens and studio of the Sorolla Museum for a peaceful late-morning transition back into the rhythm of the capital.
Spend your afternoon exploring the recently renovated Plaza de España, where you can admire the towering Cervantes Monument and its bronze statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Afterward, head to the upscale Salamanca District for a sophisticated walk along the leafy Calle de Serrano, browsing luxury boutiques and admiring the neighborhood's grand 19th-century architecture.
Cap off your journey by witnessing the night lights of the iconic Puerta de Alcalá as it stands majestically at the edge of the city's historic core. Afterward, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Chueca to enjoy a final feast of modern Spanish fusion at a trendy spot near Mercado de San Antón, celebrating the conclusion of your winter sun adventure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Puerta del Sol | Free |
| Plaza Mayor | Free |
| Royal Palace of Madrid | €14 |
| Sabatini Gardens | Free |
| Gran Vía | Free |
| Mercado de San Miguel | €30 |
| El Retiro Park | Free |
| Palacio de Cristal | Free |
| Prado Museum | €15 |
| Barrio de las Letras | Free |
| Círculo de Bellas Artes (Rooftop) | €5.50 |
| Metropolis Building | Free |
| Temple of Debod | Free |
| Tapas dinner at Cava Baja | €25 |
| Historic district of Vegueta | Free |
| Santa Ana Cathedral | €6 |
| Casa de Colón | €4 |
| Las Canteras Beach | Free |
| Bandama Caldera | Free |
| Santa Catalina Park | Free |
| Dinner at Muelle Deportivo | €35 |
| Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo | Free |
| Church of San Juan Bautista (Arucas) | Free |
| Maspalomas Dunes | Free |
| Faro de Maspalomas | €2 |
| Drinks in Meloneras | €10 |
| Calle Mayor de Triana | Free |
| Dinner near Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza | €30 |
| Sorolla Museum | €3 |
| Plaza de España | Free |
| Cervantes Monument | Free |
| Salamanca District | Free |
| Puerta de Alcalá | Free |
| Dinner at Mercado de San Antón | €30 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €209.50 |