The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. It contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, including the Parthenon.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a former colossal temple located in the center of Athens. The National Gardens is a peaceful park enjoyed by Athenians and visitors to the city. Both attractions provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of central Athens.
Oia and Fira are two picturesque towns located on the island of Santorini. Both offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea, traditional Greek architecture, and plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.
Red Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches on the island of Santorini. The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was preserved by volcanic ash after a massive eruption.
Park Guell is a beautiful park designed by Antoni Gaudi that features stunning mosaics and sculptures. The Sagrada Familia is Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece and is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona.
The Gothic Quarter is an atmospheric neighborhood that features narrow, winding streets, beautiful plazas, and plenty of historical architecture. La Rambla is Barcelona's most famous boulevard and is lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
The City of Arts and Sciences is a stunning modern architectural complex that features a variety of museums, an opera house, and an IMAX cinema. Valencia's Old Town is a beautiful historic district with plenty of charming cafes, shops, and landmarks.
Retiro Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Madrid that offers plenty of green space, stunning architecture, and various sculptures and monuments. The Museo del Prado is one of the most famous art museums in the world and houses an impressive collection of European art.
Plaza Mayor is a beautiful square in the center of Madrid that features stunning architecture, plenty of restaurants and cafes, and various street performers. Puerta del Sol is another famous square that is known for being the center of Spain, with the distance markers of all Spanish roads starting from this point.
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family and is open to the public for tours. Gran Via is one of Madrid's most famous shopping streets and is lined with beautiful architecture, theaters, and shops.
Traveling between locations in Greece and Spain is most efficiently done by plane or high-speed train, depending on the distance. Flights between Athens and Santorini, as well as between Valencia and Madrid, are short and affordable. Alternatively, trains connect various cities in Spain and can be a more comfortable and scenic option for those traveling by daylight. All main cities are well-connected by metros, buses or taxis which are easy to navigate and affordable.
Total Travel Cost: Approximately €500. Total Travel Time: Approximately 10 hours.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Delphi, Greece or Montserrat monastery near Barcelona, Spain. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the cities or attractions on this itinerary to reduce travel time and costs. Be sure to book accommodations and attraction tickets in advance to save time and ensure availability.
Athens International Airport (ATH)- located 12 miles east of Athens city center. Santorini International Airport (JTR) - located 4.5 miles southeast from the center of Thira. Barcelona International Airport (BCN) - located 8 miles southwest of central Barcelona. Valencia Airport (VLC) - located 6.8 miles west of the city center. Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)- located 7.5 miles northeast of the city center.