2 Weeks in Spain: How to Plan an Amazing Spain Itinerary

Parc Guell

Another masterwork by Gaudí, this is a hilltop park behind the Gràcia neighborhood with splendid views back towards the city and water.

It will be crowded at any hour, but braving the crowds is worth it for the Modernist architecture.

Tickets here.

Explore Barcelona’s Markets

There are three markets in Barcelona that we enjoyed (though we also went to a couple local markets found in each neighborhood and enjoyed those too).

First, and most renowned, is the La Boqueria marketplace, which is directly on Las Ramblas. It’s the largest marketplace, and because of its location, it’s consistently crowded with tourists. Arrive early in the morning for the best experience, and obtain some fresh fruit or fruit juice for breakfast (Satan`s Coffee Corner a few blocks away is where you should go to get coffee).

The other two – Santa Caterina and Barceloneta – are within a fifteen minute walk, and are smaller in size. However, both locations offer a more enjoyable experience and a better balance between tourists and locals going about their daily shopping.

Learn About Catalonian History

We found the Museu d’Historia Catalunya an informative small museum close to the waterfront in Barceloneta worthwhile.

It provides insights into the histories of both Spain and the Catalonia region specifically, an area we did not research extensively in our academic studies.

Visitors will leave with enhanced insights into the region`s complex history and the distinctive character of its culture.

Discover the Secret to Perfect Paella

We love to cook (and eat, of course), and when we discussed the best things we did in Spain, our cooking class with Clara where we learned the secrets to a good paella was at the top of the list for both of us.

You will meet Clara at her family`s home in Gràcia neighborhood and learn to prepare two distinct styles of paella in their lovely outdoor garden setting.

Additionally, Spanish wine and a variety of small plates to enjoy while dinner cooks, and the opportunity to connect with Clara and other like-minded travelers.

Click here to view prices, reviews, and availability.

A Day Trip to Girona

We enjoyed Girona, which is 100km northeast of Barcelona and provides a deeper immersion into Catalonia and its unique culture. Moreover, it’s a lovely small town set on a river (actually multiple rivers), and Game of Thrones filmed numerous major scenes from Season 6 in Girona.

We have an entire guide devoted to planning a day trip from Barcelona to Girona, which you should read for more details. Otherwise, here are the highlights.

Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona-Sants to Girona, which takes just 40 minutes in each direction. You can purchase tickets straight through Renfe, or via Omio for a much more user-friendly experience (that comes with a small service fee).

• Arrive early and walk the entirety of the city walls before they become crowded. You can access the walls from the Jardins de la Francesa behind the massive cathedral ( here on Google Maps), and they extend all around returning near Plaça de Catalunya (though you can depart the walls at several points between those two spots). Be sure to scale at minimum one of the towers along the way for fantastic perspectives of the city and cathedral!
• Travel down to the highly rated Espresso Mafia cafe in Girona for a superb cup of coffee and pastry or two, or head over to their associated cafe La Fabrica if wanting a more hearty brunch.
• Join our favorite walking tour in Spain at 10:30 am. This option provides two enjoyable choices! We greatly enjoyed the history-focused walking tour we did with Raquel, whose understanding about Girona and Catalonia as a whole was impressive, and it’s the one we’d recommend for most individuals. However, they also conduct a Game of Thrones Tour, which fans of the television program (minus the final season of course, which was subpar) will appreciate because it takes you to places in the city where they filmed pieces of Season 6.
• Following the tour, grab lunch somewhere in the historic district (ask your guide for a suggestion!).
• During the midday lull, when much of the city essentially winds down for a few hours in the afternoon, visit the informative Museum of Jewish Heritage, covering the history of Girona`s Jewish population who shaped the city prior to their 1492 expulsion, then the Girona Cathedral, home to an impressive cloister, vast nave (unique with no middle arches), and 11th century Tapestry of Creation.
• After, spend your remaining time exploring the old town and stopping wherever catches your interest before catching your train home!

Days 6 & 7: Madrid

As a second stop in Spain after Barcelona, Madrid will likely offer quite a contrast. You`ll get to witness the evident divergences between the Spanish funds and its most iconic city (namely Barcelona). Madrid seems distinctly more liveable, with dense housing and sweeping greenery, and the largest discrepancy we noticed is hearing significantly fewer tongues besides Spanish.

The other thing we noticed is that Mardillenos say “vale” (which means “okay,” roughly) about every three words. We love those funny language quirks.

We enjoyed Madrid, and think spending two days in the city itself is a perfect amount of time to see the highlights and get a sense of the bustling capital.

However, there are some excellent day excursions possible from Madrid – Toledo, Segovia, and Avila among others.

We’d strongly recommend expending an extra day to do a day trip to Toledo from Madrid, where you’ll see a city shaped by Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures over the span of centuries. You could also spend the night in Toledo, but it is going to mean extra time on your trip to Granada.

Getting to Madrid

The best way to get to Madrid is by train. 

There are multiple high-speed trains with a high velocity operating daily between Barcelona-Sants and Madrid Puerta de Atocha, which are the stations you’ll want to target.

It normally takes around three hours and costs roughly 40 Euros per person one way, but prices may increase if booking closer to travel dates. Therefore, aim to reserve long-distance train tickets as far in advance as possible to benefit financially.

Another thing worthy of note – the best way to get from Atocha Station to the city center is using the regional train system (called “Cercanías”), and your ticket for this transportation includes a transfer to that system.

You need to scan your long-distance train ticket at a designated scanner – ask an attendant for assistance if you are unsure how. More details here.

Click here to see prices and timetables for the journey from Barcelona to Madrid on Omio.

What to Do in Madrid

Madrid has fewer major tourist attractions than, say, Barcelona, but it`s an equally enchanting city, with lively, fun neighborhoods full of people who actually make their home there (unlike Barcelona, which seems like it may genuinely be 100% tourists in places like the Gothic Quarter).

The most renowned attraction in Madrid is the Museo del Prado, a gallery primarily featuring paintings that was formed by the Spanish royal family at the height of their influence between the 16th and 19th Centuries. We have an entire section below dedicated to the Prado, because we believe it merits such importance.

Here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss during your time in Madrid.

Visiting the Prado Museum

I want to introduce this section by noting that we are not typically art museum enthusiasts. But thanks to an expert guide who aided in making sense of the huge collection at the Prado, it was still a highlight of our trip to Spain.

The Museo del Prado proved to be the premier attraction in Madrid and made our list of favorite art museums across Europe.

For that reason, tickets are in high demand similar to tickets for the Sagrada Familia, so be sure to purchase in advance to ensure you can experience it, as tickets are known to sell out during peak season.

Primary focuses at the Prado involve Spanish art like Goya and Velasquez, Italian works, and a beloved Flemish assortment.

Flemish art displays imagination, vibrancy, and darkness in a distinctive style. Very dark indeed. It`s a uniquely somber approach, and the Prado Museum houses one of the finest collections worldwide. Entire rooms focus on the Flemish masters, guaranteeing coverage during your visit.

The Prado is immense. One could easily spend an entire day there and not view everything.

Similar to most major art museums across Europe, we think experiencing the Prado with a guide who has knowledge about art history is best. This is how we saw the museum.

After considering various options, we selected this tour led by Jaime, whose insightful knowledge of Spanish history and art transformed our experience from simply observing “some nice paintings” to a much deeper understanding of the pieces, including relevant contextual details about Spanish history and the artist`s life.

Perhaps the most important contribution a guide provides is curating. There are thousands of art pieces in the Prado, and we certainly would’ve had no idea where to start. Jaime selected a few pivotal pieces in each section for us to explore in depth rather than trying to see everything.

If you’re interested in an led tour, we’d suggest this one with Jaime (the one we participated in), or if Jaime isn’t available, this tour that was on our preliminary list.

Visiting the Prado without guidance: If you want to go on your own, you can find tickets on their formal website. You’ll need to pick a time period for your stay – we heard that the later afternoon slots often tend to be the least occupied, but it’s generally always full in peak season.

Pro-tip: Leave the carry-on at home – you’ll need to check it in the coatroom, and the lines are notoriously lengthy.

Unable to Reserve Dates? If tickets for the desired dates have been fully booked, consider stopping by the ticket office when it opens on the wanted visit day to check for available daily admissions. You may also look into pre-purchasing skip-the-line entries through a third-party site. Or pick a guided visit that incorporates admission.

The Royal Palace

Among the largest in Europe, the Madrid Royal Palace was built on the site of the original Muslim city. Madrid became Spain`s capital in the 16th century, and the Royal Palace as known today was constructed around that timeframe.

Somewhat, it has faced destruction from flames on a couple occasions and has been reconstructed. Purchase your tickets beforehand to avoid the substantial ticket lines.

Entry passes are available on their formal website.

Tapas in La Latina

Tapas are a must-try in Madrid, and there`s a particular street in La Latina, a very fun neighborhood just south of the main center, famous for tapas bars.

Called Calle Cava Baja, this street houses varied quality and style tapas eateries, seeing particular activity around lunch and pre-dinner.

A Walking Tour through Medieval Madrid

To grasp the context surrounding Madrid and its role in Spanish history, we’d recommend connecting with a local specialist.

You’ll learn about how Madrid wasn’t much of a big city until the 16^th Century when it became the capital, and all the shenanigans that have happened since.

We have two individual recommendations here. First, the walking tour we participated in with Bradley, an American with a PhD in Spanish history, which covered the origins of Madrid and the evolution of the city over the centuries.

Second, this guided walking tour. The guide for the Prado, who was born and raised in Madrid and has an extensive knowledge of Madrid’s history, culture, and art, led us on the tour.

Parque El Retiro

Madrid’s finest green area, situated on the eastern side of the city near the Prado Museum. There’s a rose garden, a lake, and all sorts of lovely greenery that provide a nice break from the busy city streets.

Begin from the northwestern corner at Puerta de Alcala, and make your way south to the rose garden, passing the lake and Palacio Cristal along the route.

Day 8: A Toledo Day Trip

Before Madrid rose to prominence in the 16th Century, Toledo was actually the most influential city in the region at that time. Today, it’s one of the best models (outside of Andalucía, I suppose) of the coming together of the three notable religions and cultures in Spanish history – Muslim, Jewish, and Christian.

It’s one of the few places in Spain where visitors can see a cathedral, two synagogues, and a mosque in close proximity.

Additionally, Toledo is a beautiful city, with the alcazar perched high atop a hill overlooking the Tagus river below. Even the walk to the center from the train station is gorgeous – you cross a bridge with the center of Toledo across the river from you, towering above.

To Day Trip, or Not to Day Trip?

Given that it’s just a 30 minute train ride from Madrid, Toledo is absolutely feasible as a day trip from Madrid. Indeed, that’s exactly how we did it.

However, we also believe that it’s worth investing some extra effort to be in Toledo early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the bothersome day visitors aren’t around and the city is at its most beautiful.

Exploring Toledo in the morning offered the best experience, away from peak tourist hours, granting more opportunity to appreciate the cultural blending of Spain through a deeper lens.

We see merits with each approach, and this decision relies on personal tastes. It bears mentioning that the train ride to Granada from Toledo would require travelling back through Madrid first despite Toledo`s proximity, as that connection facilitates the onward trip.

That alone might make it worth doing as a day trip, but it is your decision.

How to Spend a Day in Toledo

Here are the best things to do with a day in Toledo.

We would skip touring the interior of the Toledo Cathedral, which charges over 12 Euros despite its grand scale and works by famous Spanish artists like Goya. We feel that`s still a high price for a church.

The Alcazar & Military Museum

The Alcazar of Toledo – which has roots from the 3rd Century – is positioned on a hill overlooking the Tagus River (which runs all the way to Lisbon in Portugal) and is now home to a military museum. But it’s not actually about the military, really.

The best part of this museum is the thorough chronicle of Spain’s history in six chapters. Which does incorporate a lot of things centered on the military, but uses a much broader view to investigate the history of the country.

They also display some collections of firearms and blades which isn’t particularly unique or impressive, in my opinion.

Spending a couple of hours exploring the history museum of Spain is worthwhile, as it provides useful context about the country. An added bonus is that the museum offers free admission on Sundays.

The Two Synagogues

The two synagogues in Toledo worth exploring represent two of the few old synagogues still standing in Spain.

The first, Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca, is the more renowned one, and I was a bit surprised by the lack of info inside. Still, the archways and dim interior are quite striking.

It’s technically no longer a place of worship for Jews after it was confiscated when the Jewish community was expelled in 1492. Today, ownership of the structure belongs to the Catholic Church, who has yet to return it to the Jewish community despite requests from them to do so.

• Chinatown Complex Food Centre • $ • Casual food court-style eating, canteen seating, a Michelin-starred chicken vendor, popular with groups and solo diners.

We enjoyed the Mudejar style, which draws inspiration from Islamic architecture and was frequently created by Muslim artisans for non-Muslim buildings and patrons. More on that style when exploring Andalucía.

The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

Just down the street from the two synagogues is a good monastery whose main attraction and highlight is undoubtedly the multi-floor cloister in the middle.

At first, it was intended to serve as the burial site for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand – the royal couple responsible for uniting the two Spanish kingdoms – but later in life after they conquered the final Muslim kingdom in Granada in 1492, they ended up deciding on Granada instead.

Be sure to see the ground floor and upper floor of the cloister, and check out the gargoyles on the upper floor.

The Mosque

Having seen Christianity and Judaism, the final of the three chief monotheistic faiths is now on display. In Toledo`s center near Puerta del Sol sits a modest former mosque constructed in 999 AD.

Throughout our time in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, we were struck by the contrast between the grandeur of cathedrals and churches, which were clearly intended to project strength above all else, and mosques, which are more humble places of worship.

This previous place of worship, called the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, is small compared to any church in the city, and it was transformed into a church when the Christians overtook the city (UNEXPECTED).

Days 9 & 10: Granada

Granada was one of our favorite stops in Spain for a couple reasons. First, the Alhambra is an impressive feat of architecture and well worth half a day exploring the former fort turned palace at the top of the hill. The gardens of Generalife, the former summer palace of the Nasrid family, and the Nasrid Palaces in particular are stunning.

However, Granada has more to offer than just the Alhambra, which is why we recommend spending a couple days there rather than just visiting the Alhambra and then departing.

Granada was the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian Peninsula, falling in 1492 to the Christian monarchs after numerous centuries as part of a Muslim caliphate. The effect of those centuries of a solid Muslim local area are quickly evident as you stroll the roadways of Granada, particularly in the Albaicín, the Muslim Quarter.

From places of worship that were once mosques but now churches while still maintaining some unique architectural features, to countless teahouses (Alysha’s favorite!), Granada is a city worth touring beyond just the Alhambra to understand how the different cultures have blended over the centuries.

For more data on Granada, be sure to check out our guide to 2 days in Granada, which has everything required to spend a couple of days in the city, like how to see the Alhambra.

Getting to Granada

From Madrid, Granada is a bit of a journey. It’s basically due south, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains make the journey a little longer and more circuitous than it should be. Along the train ride, you’ll pass olive trees as far as the eye can see.

No, sincerely. Almost the entire train excursion was merely perspectives of row after row of olive trees.

Making the train journey from Madrid to Granada would take around three and a half hours, however we feel the scenic route is worthwhile despite the time spent traveling. Rail tickets can often prove quite expensive though, so be sure to book as far in advance as your schedule allows.

Situated on a 28.5-acre land only steps from a private sandy shore is this charming green cottage.

We like Omio because it’s a more user-friendly experience, giving you all the train and bus options in one place, and it’s all in English. You’ll pay a small service fee, but we think it’s worth it.

Things to Do in Granada

As mentioned, Granada has more to offer than just the Alhambra, though we highly recommend experiencing the Alhambra during your time there.

The Alhambra

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, the Alhambra was constructed by the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim territory on the Iberian Peninsula. It features aspects of both a defensive fortress and a royal residence, and the complex contains three sections.

The Generalife (summer palace and gardens), the Alcazaba (the fortress area), and the Nasrid Palaces (the most unique and beautiful section).

You can opt for a ticket covering all three destinations. However, reservations are required ahead of time for the Nasrid Palaces whereas the others allow visits anytime on the day matching one`s ticket.

All three are mandatory attractions, and you should obtain the ticket providing access to the entire complex.

Purchase tickets on the official website as far ahead as possible to independently visit, but we’d propose a guided tour to obtain the context you need to genuinely comprehend what you’re observing.

We undertook this guided sightseeing tour, and truly enjoyed the experience.

Expert tip: Bring water, sunscreen, relaxed shoes, and a hat if you’re touring in the summertime.

Alhambra admission for your dates sold out? You have a couple options. You could go to the ticket office when it opens on the day you wish to attend in hopes of obtaining entry for that day. You might check Get Your Guide to see if they offer any priority admission tickets. Or you could join a guided excursion.

Albaicín at Sunset

The Albaicín is among the most romantic and charming areas of Granada, at minimum based on our perspective.

The Muslim quarter of Granada stretches up the hillside, which used to be the home of the ruling family`s palace before it was moved to the Alhambra under a new ruling family.

It’s full of narrow paths and open plazas, some of which have spectacular sights of the Alhambra across the valley.

It’s particularly stunning at sunset.

Go to The Scenic Overlook of San Nicolás ( here on Google Maps), which is more well-known and complete of people, or the nearby Scenic Overlook of la Vereda de Enmedio ( here on Google Maps) which is where we ended up, and there were only a small handful of people around as the golden light washed over the Alhambra.

We enjoyed this walking tour of the Albaicín neighborhood, where we got to learn more regarding the history of the area.

Experience a “Tetería”

Alysha doesn`t enjoy coffee drinks, but she ABSOLUTELY ADORES tea. And the place to get tea in Spain is at one of the teterías – tea houses – in Granada.

One of the unique things you’ll find in Granada (and other parts of Andalusia, though not nearly as prominently as in Granada), are establishments serving tea, which are a clear demonstration of the influence of the seven centuries of Muslim rule in Granada.

In an unassuming mall space in Bellevue near State Route 520 and 148th Avenue lies Wildflour Baking Co. Before 2020, I had seen them at local coffee shops and occasionally in grocery stores, but when I stayed in Seattle for around two months during the winter of 2020, I managed to visit their actual location for the first time.

The Granada Cathedral and Royal Chapel

We had heard from the guide on our walking tour that the Royal Chapel was the best part of the Cathedral complex to visit, and we’d have to say we concur with that assessment.

Inside the Royal Chapel, the first Catholic rulers of Spain (Isabella and Ferdinand) are buried, along with their children (Joana and Phillip). Visitors can walk down into the crypt to see where they’re interred beneath the decorative mausoleums in the center of the Chapel.

It costs 5 Euros, and there’s a handy audio guide in English.

Where to Stay in Granada

Granada is reasonably compact, though we’d suggest staying somewhere near Plaza Nueva, which will give you access to everything you’ll want to see within about 15 minutes on foot.

We stayed at Limehome in Granada, which was among our favorite places throughout our month traveling Spain. Spacious, light-filled apartments with kitchens, and our particular apartment had a little terrace where you can catch a glimpse of the Alhambra.

If we returned, we’d likely stay in the consistently charming Albaicín,but it’s a small amount less practical because it’s hard to access by vehicle, and it’s uphill if you’re walking (which can be an issue if you’re transporting bags).

Days 11 – 14: Seville

Seville has played a very significant role in world history, and the city serves as a fascinating demonstration of multiple cultures intermingling, blending together over time.

Before we can really discuss Seville – the capital of Andalucía – as a Spanish city, we must talk about its origins. Because before coming to Seville, we had a very different image in our heads of a city that is distinctly “Spanish,” more so than any other city in Spain.

After our visit, we realized this quintessentially “Spanish” city is the product of a rich history involving a diverse group of players, culminating in a fascinating locale.

Seville`s history precedes Roman rule, though we`ll start there. Seville remained significant under Roman administration, as emperors like Hadrian and Trajan hailed from nearby Italica.

Julius Caesar himself oversaw the original construction of Seville`s city walls, which have long since disappeared as the city expanded far beyond the original Roman settlement`s boundaries.

Following the Visigoths and Vandals, who inhabited Seville for roughly a few hundred years, the most significant period in Seville`s history began in the 8th Century.

That event marked the beginning of Muslim rule over the Iberian Peninsula by the Umayyad Caliphate, which lasted approximately eight centuries total, though Seville was captured by Spanish Christians in 1248.

There’s a reason why I think understanding Seville’s history is important going into your trip.

Throughout your whole time in Seville, you will see the impact of various cultures mixing together on the modern city. The most prominent sights – the Alcázar (whose very name demonstrates cultural blending) and Seville Cathedral – contain aspects from both the Islamic era and subsequent Christian periods.

In fact, the bulk of both buildings are expansions that were built around structures that were erected during the period of the Caliphate.

Setting aside the history, Seville is a pleasant place to expend a few days. Lively, orange tree lined plazas with people eating and drinking their hearts out, gorgeous design (distinctively Plaza de España, which you shouldn’t miss), and a lot of green areas in the city make for a perfect end to your Spanish adventure.

Psst! We have an entire thorough guide dedicated to assisting you in planning the ideal 2 day Seville itinerary.

Getting to Seville

High-speed trains connecting Granada to Seville take around two and a half hours, some via a brief stopover at the easy to navigate station in Antequera-Santa Ana, which we transferred through twice.

Don’t be put off by potential changes there, but know it will likely take a bit longer with the alterations (but also cost a bit less).

What to Do in Seville

There are a few components we think you shouldn’t miss while visiting Seville.

This list does not cover everything, and more depth on the city and things to do and see there can be found in our guide to 2 days in Seville. The Cathedral, Alcázar, and Archivo de Indias (the last not really worth visiting) make up a three-part complex recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We believe that dedicating one day to Córdoba, which is a 40 minute train ride away and is home to one of the most pivotal Muslim sites in Spain – the Mosque Cathedral, would be worthwhile.

Alongside the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Alcázar of Seville, it forms an important trio documenting the Muslim history of Andalusia. While in Spain, we recommend putting in the effort to experience all three of these significant historical sites.

Royal Alcázar of Seville

This was our first stop in Seville, and it’s a great introduction to the history of the city because it’s a palace (with an Arabic-inspired name) built for a Christian king predominantly by Muslims, in a style that blends Muslim and Christian characteristics.

All of this occurred directly after the mentioned Christian king conquered the city from the Muslim rulers who had inhabited it for five centuries prior to his arrival.

The whole structure was put together over centuries from different architectural designs merged as one, blending Gothic, Renaissance, Mudejar, and other styles. It includes three sections and a pleasant garden area that has a water-powered pipe instrument – one of just a few worldwide – playing a tune every hour on the hour.

The most interesting of the structures, by far, is the Palace of Peter, where parts of season five of Game of Thrones were filmed (mainly the parts that take place in Dorne).

Your afternoon destination is Papago Park, a beautiful park in the core of Phoenix. Its distinctive rock structures are a beautiful site to explore. Papago is a go-to destination for mountain bicyclists, rock climbers, or hikers looking to admire the desert landscape in town.

The Seville Cathedral

The Seville Cathedral was built on the site of a mosque, and provides a contrast between the part of the building that used to be a mosque – a humble place of worship made of affordable materials – and the addition of a massive cathedral that represents equal parts worship and power projection.

Christopher Columbus (or at minimum part of him), renowned for essentially making one huge mistake, is also interred here. The highlight is climbing the bell tower, known as the “Giralda,” for a nice vista over the city. The way you get to the top is unique too.

Rather than stairs, which is what you find at most cathedrals, you’ll climb 35 ramps.

Website Address: https://lomi.cafe/

Plaza de España

All of Spain`s major cities seem to feature one, but Seville`s is arguably the grandest. Scenes from the unfortunately weakest Star Wars film of the original six, Attack of the Clones, were shot there, indicating its majestic quality.

Constructed in the early 1900s prior to an Ibero-American expo meant to strengthen Transatlantic bonds but hampered by concurrent financial turmoil, the museum was commissioned.

Still, the architecture is truly spectacular, with two high structures, waterways, and four bridges – each bridge representing a former part of Spain.

A Day Trip to Córdoba

Córdoba is a perfect place to spend a day, and the Mosque-Cathedral is sure to be one of the most fascinating places you’ll visit on your trip to Spain.

With high-speed train service connecting Seville and Córdoba, you can easily spend a day in Córdoba from Seville and see the primary attractions within a single day.

For a more relaxed tempo, spend the night and see the city once all the day visitors have departed.

We enjoyed Córdoba, and have a guide to a day trip to Córdoba that you should read if you’re interested.

Be sure to visit the remarkable Mosque-Cathedral, and also tour the beautiful gardens of the Alcázar.

Where to Stay in Seville

Seville is a relatively small city that is also very flat, which means you’ll essentially be able to travel everywhere on foot if you stay central. We’d suggest lodging in one of the neighborhoods at the center that makes up the Casco Antiguo, Seville’s charming historic downtown area. We particularly enjoy the charming Jewish Quarter called Santa Cruz.

We lodged at Come to Sevilla – Casa de las Especias, which is a set of independently managed residences (comparable to a fusion between a hotel and an apartment complex) in the heart of the old town.

If you desire an apartment, we’d recommend it. They also have two other properties in the city, one in Arenal (near the river) and one on the border of Santa Cruz.

If you’re searching for a boutique hostel – a cross between a hotel and a hostel providing private, hotel-style rooms and the social aspects expected from a hostel – check out TOC Hostel. We stayed at TOC in Barcelona and enjoyed the experience, and they`re known for offering an excellent stay.

Allow us to assist you in planning your incredible trip to Spain!

We’ve composed further detailed guides highlighting our favorite places across Spain – from Barcelona, to Madrid and Andalusia – that we crafted to aid in planning an extraordinary trip.

P.S.: If the connection isn’t there, it means we’re still working on it and the guide will be up shortly. It takes a significant amount of time and effort to put together these detailed guides! Bear with us.

• A guide on how to plan an outstanding 14 day trip itinerary to Spain
• The perfect 4 day itinerary for Barcelona
• A complete guide to 5 great areas to stay in Barcelona
• A thorough guide for celiacs in gluten free Barcelona
• Exactly How to Take an Amazing Day Trip to Girona From Barcelona
• A complete guide to planning your 2 day Madrid itinerary
• A complete guide to 5 great areas to stay in Madrid
• A complete guide for celiacs to restaurants and bakeries in gluten free Madrid
• Taking A Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid: A Complete Guide
• A complete guide to the best things to do in Granada over 2 days
• A complete guide to planning a 2 day Seville itinerary

What to Do with More Time in Spain

The way we see it, there are two potential paths one could take to answer this question.

The initial path is including additional locations alongside this general route, which is what we would recommend (and is basically what we accomplished on our trip).

The second path would be to pick another region – like Asturias in the northwest or Basque Country in the northeast (or even Mallorca, an island off the south coast of Spain), and spend your extra time there. We would only recommend this path if you have another week in Spain – so three weeks total. Otherwise, the travel time to get there probably isn’t worth it.

If you’re up for the first route, here are some other places that could make a great addition to your itinerary, along with approximated time allocations to each location.

• Ronda (1-2 days): One of the more charming towns in Spain, Ronda is among the famous Andalusian hilltop towns painted white. It’s probably worthwhile for no more than two days, and there are no major attractions, allowing one to relax, explore, and immerse in the atmosphere. Hiking down to view the famous bridge is certainly worth it, though.
• Montserrat (1 day): A day excursion from Barcelona for hikers and people who love religious sites.
• Avila or Segovia (1 day): Two more excellent day trips from Madrid, Avila is renowned for its intact medieval city walls (and defensive towers), while Segovia is known for its Roman aqueduct.
• Cadiz or Malaga (1-2 days): If you’re seeking to spend a couple days at the end of your trip at the shore, these are two good options in southern Spain. Both are readily accessible from Seville or Granada and would make a relaxing way to conclude your travels.

What to Do with Less Time in Spain

If you have somewhere between 7-10 days available in Spain, you can do a compressed version of this itinerary, so you’ll be able to use the detailed information in the relevant sections to plan your trip. Two potential 10 day Spain itinerary ideas and two potential 7 day Spain itinerary ideas will be provided.

For a 7 day trip, we recommend focusing on two cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, or Madrid and Granada. A 10 day itinerary could expand to three cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada. Use one location as your base to minimize packing up and changing accommodations between places, a strategy we adopted on our 3 month European tour. Avoid repacking whenever possible since it`s such a hassle!

7 Days in Spain: Two 7  Day Spain Itinerary Ideas

Two potential options exist for structuring a week in Spain, with one centered around Madrid and Barcelona to benefit from their contrasting qualities, and another focused on Madrid alongside Andalusia, epitomizing more authentically ‘Spanish’ regions.

Madrid and Barcelona in 7 Days

Focus on Spain’s two major metropolitan areas – Barcelona and Madrid – and use them as a home base to do a couple of day trips from there.

• Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Girona Day Trip
• Day 4: Early train to Madrid
• Day 5: Madrid
• Day 6: Day Trip to Toledo
• Day 7: Madrid & Fly Home

Madrid and Seville in 7 Days

Begin your trip in Madrid, Spain`s capital, and make your way south to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, over seven days.

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Toledo Day Trip
• Day 4: Train to Seville
• Day 5: Seville
• Day 6: Seville
• Day 7: Seville & Fly Home

10 Days in Spain: Two 10 Day Spain Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days, you have a bit more time available, but still not quite enough to fit Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia all into your trip.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada in 10 Days

In this version, you’re choosing Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada over Seville (one of our favorite places in Spain). Granada and the Alhambra gives you a taste of Andalusia, a region you can explore more on a future dedicated trip.

• Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Girona Day Trip
• Day 4: Barcelona
• Day 5: Early train to Madrid
• Day 6: Madrid
• Day 7: Day Trip to Toledo
• Day 8: Granada
• Day 9: Granada
• Day 10: Fly Home from Granada

Madrid and Andalusia in 10 Days

In this version, spend most of your time in Andalusia, with a couple of days in Madrid at the beginning and a full week split between Seville and Granada, where you’ll have the ability to delve a little deeper into the intricate, interwoven history of the Muslim and Christian periods in southern Spain.

• Day 1: Arrive in Madrid
• Day 2: Madrid
• Day 3: Toledo Day Trip
• Day 4: Madrid
• Day 5: Granada
• Day 6: Granada
• Day 7: Seville
• Day 8: Seville
• Day 9: Seville
• Day 10: Seville & Fly Home

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Allow us to assist you in planning your incredible trip to Spain!

We’ve composed further detailed guides highlighting our favorite places across Spain – from Barcelona, to Madrid and Andalusia – that we crafted to aid in planning an extraordinary trip.

P.S.: If the connection isn’t there, it means we’re still working on it and the guide will be up shortly. It takes a significant amount of time and effort to put together these detailed guides! Bear with us.

• A guide on how to plan an outstanding 14 day trip itinerary to Spain
• The perfect 4 day itinerary for Barcelona
• A complete guide to 5 great areas to stay in Barcelona
• A thorough guide for celiacs in gluten free Barcelona
• Exactly How to Take an Amazing Day Trip to Girona From Barcelona
• A complete guide to planning your 2 day Madrid itinerary
• A complete guide to 5 great areas to stay in Madrid
• A complete guide for celiacs to restaurants and bakeries in gluten free Madrid
• Taking A Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid: A Complete Guide
• A complete guide to the best things to do in Granada over 2 days
• A complete guide to planning a 2 day Seville itinerary