Begin your trip in vibrant Barcelona. Walk down the iconic street of Las Ramblas and visit the Gothic Quarter, an area with narrow streets, interesting shops, and great restaurants. Afterward, visit Park Güell, a public park filled with art and sculpture you don't want to miss. End the day by exploring the beautiful Gothic Cathedral.
Take the high-speed AVE train to reach the capital city of Madrid. Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and enjoy the beautiful architecture and vast history. Stroll through Retiro Park, an oasis in the middle of the city, and then wander around the Prado Museum to view art collections from around the world.
Travel to Seville and start the day by visiting the Alcazar of Seville, a historic palace of the Spanish royal family. Walk over to the Seville Cathedral and climb to the top for a remarkable panoramic view of the city. Take a stroll through the Santa Cruz neighborhood, a beautiful area to explore and appreciate the historical architecture of Spain.
Travel to Valencia and start the day with a visit to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, an impressive modern complex of museums, galleries, and an aquarium. Afterward, move to the Central Market of Valencia, where you can taste delicious and authentic Spanish cuisine. Finally, visit Turía Gardens, the largest urban park in the city.
Complete your Spanish journey with some time on the sunny beaches of Costa del Sol. Spend the day at Nerja Beach, a beautiful spot to relax or go for a swim. Visit Balcón de Europa, a scenic balcony in the town that has remarkable views of the Mediterranean. End your day by visiting the Papagayo Beach Club, a beach club with live music and excellent food.
Travelers should get around Spain by taking a high-speed train, such as the AVE train, to save time and see more of the beautiful countryside. Trains are comfortable, and the routes provide stunning views for an affordable price. Taxis are also available in Spain, but they can be costly, and travelers should check rates before using these services.
Estimated Total Transportation Cost: $310
For more days, visit Granada and see the magnificent Alhambra Palace, a testament to Andalusian Islamic architecture. Add Toledo, an ancient charming city with narrow medieval streets but filled with history, to the Madrid itinerary. To save time and money, consider getting the Spain Pass that covers AVE trains and routes around Spain for less.
The main airport in Spain is the Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), which is located 9 km northeast of the city center. The next busy airport is the Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), just 14.8 km away from Barcelona's city center. The Valencia Airport (VLC) is also a great entry for travelers going to Costa del Sol. The airport is located 8 km west of Valencia's city center.