A perfect first day in Spain! Take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, relax on the sandy beach or take part in beach volleyball. After admiring the view of the Barcelona skyline, we suggest grabbing some seafood at one of the nearby restaurants.
Start your day with a hike up Montserrat Mountain, known for its interesting rock formations and stunning views overlooking Catalonia. Then visit the Montserrat Monastery, home to the Black Madonna, a 12th-century wooden carving that draws thousands of pilgrims each year.
Head to Ronda, one of Spain's oldest towns, located on a rocky outcrop in the mountains. Walk across the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge and take in the views of the gorge below. Be sure to explore the historic bullring and the Arab Baths.
El Caminito del Rey is a thrilling and challenging hike, with stunning views of the nearby Guadalhorce River gorge. This narrow pathway is attached to the steep cliff faces of the gorge and is a scenic and exciting way to experience the Andalusian countryside.
Spend your day exploring the history of Barcelona through world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso's art. After touring the museum, take a stroll through the Gothic Quarter to admire the Gothic architecture and the Cathedral of Barcelona.
Take the morning to travel up to Costa Brava and embark on a kayaking adventure. Paddle along the coast, explore caves, and stop at secluded beaches. After lunch, visit the castle and botanical gardens of Cap Roig.
Valencia showcases its artistic and technological splendour at its City of Arts and Sciences. The complex houses numerous museums and galleries, including the Principe Felipe Science Museum. Afterward, take a walk through Turia Garden, the largest park in Valencia.
Nerja boasts some of the most beautiful and extensive cave systems in the world. You'll explore several chambers of the underground caves with their impressive rock formations and stunning galleries full of natural wonders. Afterward, head to the nearby Playa del Salon to relax on the pebble beach.
End your trip with a day in Madrid. First, visit several art museums, such as the world-renowned Prado Museum. In the early evening, take a tour of the city's diverse and vibrant street food scene, sampling traditional and modern favourites.
Consider renting a car, as it will give you more flexibility in your itinerary. Total costs for renting a car and petrol come to around €350. Train and bus options also exist but may add extra travel time and costs.
If you have more time, consider visiting other spots like Seville, Granada or San Sebastian. If you have less time, you could cut out one of the stops from the itinerary or combine some activities into one day.
The main airports in Spain are Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), which is around 12 km away from the city centre, and Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD), located about 15 km northeast of central Madrid.