Begin your trip in Barcelona, where you'll find incredible architecture by Gaudi, delicious food and wine, and an amazing beach. Start the day at the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, a massive church that has been under construction for over 100 years. Next, head to Park Guell to experience Gaudi's whimsical architecture and take a stroll through the picturesque Gracia neighborhood.
Escape the city and head to Costa Brava, a beautiful coastal area known for its crystal-clear water and picturesque villages. Start the day at the charming town of Cadaques, home to Salvador Dali's former house. Then, head to the stunning Cap de Creus National Park for some hiking and swimming.
Make your way to Valencia, a vibrant city on the east coast that offers a mix of old-world charm and modern attractions. Start the day at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of buildings that includes a planetarium, oceanarium, and more. Then, explore the winding streets of the Barrio del Carmen neighborhood and indulge in some authentic paella for lunch.
Head to Granada, a city in southern Spain famous for the Alhambra, a stunning fortress and palace complex built by the Moors. Start the day early and visit the Alhambra, then explore the charming Albaicin neighborhood and grab some tapas at one of the many small bars in the area. End the day watching the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas.
Make your way to Seville, a beautiful city known for its stunning architecture, lively flamenco scene, and fantastic food. Start the day at the Real Alcazar, a beautiful palace that blends Arabic and European styles. Then, explore the winding streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood and check out the historic Cathedral and Giralda Tower.
Head north to Madrid, the bustling capital city of Spain. Start the day with some churros and hot chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines, a local institution. Then, visit the world-famous Prado Museum to see incredible artwork by Spanish masters like Goya and Velazquez. End the night with a Flamenco show and some tapas at one of Madrid's many bars and restaurants.
End your trip in Toledo, a charming medieval city known for its winding streets, beautiful bridges, and impressive Gothic cathedral. Start the day at the Alcazar, a historic fortress that offers incredible views of the city. Then, wander through the old Jewish quarter and visit the impressive Cathedral, which is home to famous artworks and stunning architecture.
Spain has a well-developed train network that connects most major cities. For shorter trips, consider renting a car or using a ride-sharing app. Uber and Cabify are both available in most major cities. Keep in mind that parking in city centers can be difficult and expensive. Estimated travel costs are included in the point of interest descriptions above.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Ronda, a beautiful town perched on a cliff in the Andalusian mountains. If you have less time, consider skipping Valencia and going directly from Costa Brava to Granada. Keep in mind that the Alhambra is extremely popular and requires advanced ticket reservations. Book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Spain has several major airports, including Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), and Malaga Costa del Sol (AGP). Madrid Barajas is the largest airport in Spain and is located about 12 km from the city center. Barcelona El Prat is located about 18 km from the city center. Malaga Costa del Sol is located about 8 km from the city center.