Start your Spanish adventure at Madrid’s heart – the Plaza Mayor. Spend some time exploring the historic square and the numerous shopping and dining options surrounding it. End your day with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid – a grand 18th-century palace with picturesque gardens.
Discover two fascinating Spanish cities in one day. Start at Segovia to marvel at the awe-inspiring Roman Aqueduct and the Alcázar of Segovia - a stunning castle that was once the residence of the Spanish Kings. You will then journey to the ancient city of Toledo to see its grand cathedral, Sinagoga del Tránsito, and the Mirador del Valle viewpoint.
Visit Valencia to explore the City of Arts and Sciences – a unique architectural complex that boasts an opera house, an aquarium, and a science museum. Spend the rest of your day visiting Valencia Oceanogràfic – Europe’s largest aquarium and discovering the delicious local Valencian cuisine.
Visit the colorful and vibrant city of Barcelona to explore the Sagrada Familia – a grand basilica that has been under construction since 1882. Next, head to Park Güell – a mystical garden full of vibrant mosaics and statues created by renowned Spanish artist, Gaudi.
Discover the rugged coastline of Costa Brava – a region full of breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming historic towns. Spend your day exploring the picturesque town of Cadaqués, and the famous Dalì Theatre-Museum that holds many works of artist Salvador Dalì.
Visit Zaragoza to discover its beautiful Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar – a grand baroque church that is not only an architectural masterpiece but a significant religious site as well. End your day by exploring the Parque Jose Antonio Labordeta – a sprawling urban park that is beautiful and tranquil.
Spend your time in Salamanca, exploring the beautiful Plaza Mayor – a grand square with beautiful facades and historic sculpture. The magnificent Salamanca University and the New Cathedral of Salamanca are also must-sees.
Visit the city of Granada and marvel at the stunning Alhambra Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a fantastic blend of Islamic architecture and European-style palaces. Discover the narrow streets of the old Moorish Quarter, the Albayzín and the iconic Sacromonte caves.
Spend your time in Seville by exploring the grand Plaza de España and the beautiful gardens of the Real Alcázar. End your day with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville - the third-largest church in the world that is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cordoba and marvel at the stunning Mezquita of Cordoba – a 10th-century mosque that is one of the most significant Islamic architectural sites in the world.
Finish your Spanish itinerary back in Madrid. Visit the Museo del Prado – Spain’s premier art museum, and the nearby Parque del Retiro, a beautiful urban park with a boating lake and many statues. End your day with sunset views and shopping on the renowned Grand Via.
Most of the travel will be by train, which is the most convenient and efficient way to get around Spain. The average cost of a train ticket is around €40-50 per ride, and travel times vary between 1-5 hours. Taxis, metro, and buses are available in most cities and are an affordable way to reach your destinations. Expect to spend around €5-10 for a taxi ride within city limits.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian, or Malaga. If you have less time, consider skipping some cities to focus on the ones that interest you the most. Valuable resources to prepare for your trip include Spanish and travel guidebooks, online cultural and event calendars, and language classes.
The largest international airports in Spain are Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). The Madrid airport is 8 miles (13 km) northeast of central Madrid and serves direct flights from major cities worldwide. The Barcelona airport is 10 miles (16 km) southwest of central Barcelona and serves direct flights from major cities in Europe and the Middle East.