4-Day Spain Itinerary: Coastal Charm and Madrid Exploration

Day 1: Beach and Arrival

Valencia, Spain on June 30, 2025

8:20am

Arrival at Madrid-Barajas Airport

Land in Madrid and prepare for transfer to Valencia, a vibrant coastal city about 1 hour 40 minutes by train from Madrid.
EUR80, 2h0m

11:00am

Travel to Valencia

Take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Valencia for a efficient and comfortable transfer to the beach area.
EUR50, 1h40m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Pepica

Enjoy traditional Valencian paella right by the beach at La Pepica, a famous seaside restaurant open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Malvarrosa Beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at Malvarrosa Beach, a wide, sandy beach perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences

Explore this iconic complex with futuristic architecture and museums (open until 8:00pm), including the oceanographic park.
EUR30, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Casa Montaña

Dine at Casa Montaña, a historic tapas bar showcasing traditional Valencian flavors, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Valencia City Tour

Valencia, Spain on July 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at this popular café open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Valencia Old Town

Visit landmarks such as Valencia Cathedral, Plaza de la Virgen, and the Central Market (open 7:30am to 3:00pm).
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de Colón

Enjoy fresh and varied Spanish dishes in the beautiful 19th-century market hall open until 3:00pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Turia Gardens and Bioparc

Stroll through the Turia Gardens and visit Bioparc, an innovative zoo open until 7:00pm.
EUR25, 3h0m

5:30pm

Evening Beach Walk and Tapas

Return to the beach promenade for a leisurely walk and have tapas at Marina Beach Club, open until midnight.
EUR20, 2h0m

Day 3: Return and Madrid

Madrid, Spain on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Valencia

Grab a quick breakfast at Federal Café Valencia, open from 8:00am with quality coffee and light bites.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel back to Madrid

Take a morning AVE train from Valencia to Madrid for a 1 hour 40-minute journey.
EUR50, 1h40m

11:00am

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the grand Royal Palace (open 10:00am to 8:00pm) showcasing Spain’s rich royal history and stunning architecture.
EUR14, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savor a variety of gourmet Spanish foods at this lively market open from 10:00am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol

Walk around these iconic Madrid squares filled with shops, street performers, and historic buildings.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

View one of the world’s finest art collections at the Prado Museum (open until 7:00pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Enjoy traditional Castilian cuisine in the world’s oldest restaurant, open until midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Madrid and Nearby Towns

Madrid, Spain on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Oriente

Start with a hearty Spanish breakfast with views of the Royal Palace, open from 7:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:15am

Day Trip to Toledo

Take a 30-minute train from Madrid to Toledo, a historic city known for medieval architecture and cultural heritage.
EUR25, 0h30m

10:00am

Explore Toledo Old Town

Visit Toledo Cathedral, Alcázar, and walk the narrow streets to discover the city's rich history.
EUR10, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Adolfo Restaurant, Toledo

Enjoy regional Castilla-La Mancha dishes in a historic setting, open until 4:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Madrid

Train back to Madrid from Toledo for departure or further exploration.
EUR25, 0h30m

4:15pm

Visit Retiro Park

Relax in Madrid’s expansive Retiro Park with gardens, rowing lake, and monuments, open until 10:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at El Sur

End your trip with cozy and traditional Spanish dining at El Sur, open until 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m