Spain, often relegated to a brief mention in American history textbooks, deserves far more than a footnote. Its history is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of intrigue, power struggles, and a vibrant cultural heritage that goes far beyond conquistadors and Columbus. On our first month-long trip to Europe years ago, Spain was a revelation, igniting our passion for travel and ultimately sparking the creation of this very website. We were amazed by the layers of history, the diverse influences, and the sheer dynamism of this Iberian nation.
From the 800-year Reconquista, a clash of civilizations that shaped the language and culture (look no further than Spanish words starting with “al”), to the reign of Habsburgs and Bourbons, and even the naming of the Philippines after a Spanish king, Spain’s story is a global epic.
But history lessons aside, the bottom line is this: Spain is captivating, we are head-over-heels for Spain, and you absolutely need to experience it for yourself.
If you’re dreaming of a week-long Spanish adventure but feeling overwhelmed by where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is crafted for you! We’re sharing our ideal 7-day Spain Travel Itinerary, born from our own explorations – a month-long immersion years back and recent trips, including a 2024 revisit that solidified Spain as our second European love (after Italy, naturally).
In this comprehensive guide to crafting your perfect 7-day Spain travel itinerary, we’ll cover:
- The precise blueprint for your week in Spain: Destinations, routes, and essential logistical details.
- City guides for each stop: Unveiling what to see and do, where to stay, and how to navigate.
- Adaptable options: Tailoring the itinerary for shorter or longer trips, depending on your available time in Spain.
Throughout this guide, we’ll sprinkle in our personal favorite discoveries and experiences from our multiple Spanish journeys, empowering you to plan an unforgettable spain travel itinerary.
Excited? Let’s dive in and plan your dream spain travel itinerary!
Tapas in Seville, Spain
Disclaimer: Please note that some links in this post, such as hotel links, are affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services we genuinely believe in.
Contents
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1. What Can You Realistically See in One Week in Spain?
1.1. But What About Barcelona?
2. Choosing Your Arrival and Departure Cities for Your Spain Travel Itinerary
3. Your 7-Day Spain Travel Itinerary: A Perfect Week Unveiled
3.1. Days 1-2: Madrid – Spain’s Vibrant Capital
3.2. Days 3-4: Granada – Andalusia’s Moorish Gem
3.3. Days 5-7: Seville (and Córdoba) – Andalusian Charm and History
3.4. Expanding Your Spain Travel Itinerary: Options for Longer Trips
3.5. Adapting Your Spain Travel Itinerary for Shorter Trips
1. What Can You Realistically See in One Week in Spain?
Let’s set realistic expectations right from the start. This spain travel itinerary is not about rushing through a different city every day in a whirlwind attempt to “see it all.” We firmly believe in slow travel and savoring each destination.
Generally, we recommend spending at least two or three days in each city. Constantly packing, unpacking, and moving between locations is not only exhausting but also detracts from the joy of travel. Check-in and check-out times alone can eat into your precious vacation hours.
You’ll notice that our itinerary includes two cities with just two-day stays. This is a deliberate compromise, balancing a slower pace with the desire to experience key highlights within a week. If you have an extra day or two, we strongly recommend extending your time in Madrid to fully appreciate its offerings.
1.1. But What About Barcelona?
You might be surprised to find Barcelona absent from this itinerary. There are several practical reasons for this omission.
Firstly, Barcelona is a sprawling metropolis brimming with attractions, arguably even more so than Madrid or Seville in our opinion. Trying to condense its essence into a mere two or three days simply doesn’t do it justice. During a recent week-long stay in Barcelona in spring 2024, I (Matt) still felt like I barely scratched the surface.
Secondly, Barcelona sits on the opposite end of Spain from Seville. Including both in a relatively short, week-long spain travel itinerary isn’t geographically sensible. Travel time between these cities would consume a significant portion of your limited vacation.
Finally, and perhaps less practically, of the three major Spanish cities – Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville – Barcelona is, admittedly, our least favorite and, dare we say, the least compelling.
The practical takeaway? We consider Madrid a must-see, especially given its central location. Trying to cram Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid into a single week is simply unrealistic. Therefore, we recommend choosing between Barcelona and Seville (and the wider Andalusia region). And we have a strong opinion, reflected in this itinerary, on which you should choose.
We are absolutely enamored with Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, and we believe Andalusia offers a richer and more historically resonant experience for a first-time spain travel itinerary. We hope this guide will illuminate why we feel so strongly about this recommendation.
However, we understand that Barcelona holds a prominent place on many travelers’ bucket lists. Therefore, in the “More Time in Spain” section, we’ll provide guidance on how to swap Barcelona into this itinerary in place of Seville and Granada, offering flexibility for your spain travel itinerary planning.
2. Choosing Your Arrival and Departure Cities for Your Spain Travel Itinerary
For this 7-day spain travel itinerary, the most efficient approach is to fly into Madrid and depart from Seville (or vice versa).
While round-trip flights to a single city might sometimes appear slightly cheaper, they often involve backtracking, effectively wasting a full day of your precious week in Spain. For a seven-day trip, that’s a significant time investment lost.
For intercity travel within Spain, high-speed trains are your best friend. Spain boasts an excellent high-speed rail network connecting the cities in this itinerary. We are enthusiastic proponents of train travel in Spain – it’s our preferred mode of transportation.
Your spain travel itinerary begins upon arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Madrid’s primary international airport, conveniently located approximately 13km from the city center. As Spain’s largest and busiest airport, it welcomes a vast array of international carriers.
Reaching central Madrid from the airport is seamless via train, metro, bus, or taxi, depending on your accommodation’s location. The journey typically takes around 30 minutes.
Your spain travel itinerary concludes with a departure from Seville-San Pablo Airport (SVQ), Seville’s main international airport. Situated roughly 10km northeast of the city, it is easily accessible via a dedicated airport bus that connects to the city center in about 40 minutes. Taxis offer a faster but pricier alternative, taking around 20 minutes.
Direct flights from Seville primarily serve European and North African destinations. For those returning to the US or Canada, connecting flights will be necessary.
3. Your 7-Day Spain Travel Itinerary: A Perfect Week Unveiled
Now, let’s unveil the heart of this guide: your detailed 7-day spain travel itinerary!
Here’s a day-by-day overview of the itinerary we’ll explore:
- Day 1: Madrid
- Day 2: Madrid
- Day 3: Train to Granada
- Day 4: Granada
- Day 5: Train to Seville
- Day 6: Seville
- Day 7: Day Trip to Córdoba
Remember to adjust this spain travel itinerary slightly to align with your specific flight arrival and departure times. This itinerary assumes seven full days in Spain, excluding arrival and departure days.
A quick note on train versus plane travel within Spain: While flying between these cities is technically possible, we strongly advocate for train travel for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, considering travel time to and from airports, airport security procedures, and flight durations, high-speed train journeys are often comparable in overall time to flying.
Secondly, train stations in these cities are centrally located, offering swift and easy transfers to your hotel. Airports, conversely, are typically situated 30-45 minutes outside city centers, consuming valuable vacation time and negating any perceived time savings from flying.
Thirdly, trains are simply a more pleasant and enjoyable travel experience. You can admire the passing landscapes, stretch your legs, and generally enjoy more comfortable seating and luggage space compared to cramped airplanes.
For booking train tickets in Spain, we recommend two reliable options:
The first, and our usual preference, is booking directly through Renfe, Spain’s national train operator. While generally straightforward, their website can occasionally be a bit quirky. You’ll need to know the Spanish station names (easily searchable), and their system can sometimes inexplicably reject international credit cards. This latter issue led us to discover our second option.
The second option is Omio. Omio is a user-friendly third-party platform (with a convenient app) offering an excellent English-language interface that simplifies the booking process.
The minor drawbacks of Omio are a small service fee (making tickets slightly more expensive) and reduced flexibility regarding cancellations and refunds (though some tickets with change options are available). We’ve used Omio extensively in Spain and Portugal without any issues.
3.1. Days 1-2: Madrid – Spain’s Vibrant Capital
Madrid Cityscape in Sunshine
Madrid emerged as the unexpected star of our initial Spanish adventure years ago. Despite some lukewarm opinions on Madrid compared to Barcelona or Seville, we found it to be an incredibly charming city, rich in history, culture, fantastic food, and – crucially – fewer overwhelming tourist crowds.
Following my (Matt’s) recent trip to Madrid in spring 2024, I reaffirmed my deep affection for the city. It has solidified its place as my favorite among Spain’s major cities.
While many visitors often skip Madrid or allocate just a day in transit between Seville and Barcelona, we wholeheartedly recommend dedicating two full days to exploring Madrid as part of your spain travel itinerary.
Today, Madrid reigns as Spain’s capital and largest city. However, rewind 500 years to Spain’s era as a global superpower, and Madrid was a relatively insignificant settlement.
During the Reconquista – the 700-year struggle between Christian kingdoms and Islamic Caliphates for control of the Iberian Peninsula (a fascinating chapter of Spanish history) – Madrid was the site of a Caliphate-built fort. It was a small outpost, roughly encompassing the area now occupied by the Royal Palace and Cathedral.
Later, after the Reconquista, King Philip II relocated the capital from nearby Toledo to Madrid in the 16th century, marking the true genesis of Madrid as we know it.
This captivating history – largely absent from typical school curricula – is a key reason why we find Madrid such an underrated gem in any spain travel itinerary.
Combine this rich history with incredible tapas, an infectious energy that pulsates from 8 pm to 2 am in areas like Malasaña with its lively plazas filled with people enjoying drinks and merriment, and you have our favorite Spanish city and a top-three European city overall (a significant statement considering the competition from Rome, London, and Lisbon!).
What to Do in Madrid
Here are essential experiences you shouldn’t miss during your two days in Madrid, a highlight of any spain travel itinerary.
For deeper insights, consult our comprehensive 2-Day Madrid Itinerary and our guide to The Best Things to Do in Madrid, which detail our favorite attractions, activities, culinary delights, and drinking spots in the Spanish capital, perfect for planning your spain travel itinerary.
Lexi’s Engaging Madrid Walking Tour
Lexi's Walking Tour in Madrid
On almost every trip we undertake, there’s one standout experience that defines the journey. During my recent Spain trip, Lexi’s walking tour was that experience.
Having already taken three other walking tours across my two Madrid visits, Lexi’s walking tour on my final day in Madrid proved exceptional.
Led by Lexi, a historian specializing in Spanish history, this tour masterfully unveils the essence of Madrid. You’ll delve into the fascinating historical narratives, receive insider recommendations for dining and drinking (unlikely to be found independently), and gain profound insights into Spain and Madrid.
We highly recommend starting your Madrid exploration with Lexi’s tour on your first morning. You won’t regret it! Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability.
The Museo del Prado: A Masterpiece Collection
The Prado Museum stands as the crown jewel of Madrid’s museum scene and arguably our favorite museum in Europe.
More focused in scope than sprawling institutions like the Louvre, the Prado boasts a diverse collection spanning Spanish, Italian, and Flemish masters (Flemish art being a personal favorite!), creating a captivating museum journey.
I’ve visited the Prado twice, each time opting for a guided tour.
For a comprehensive three-hour Prado immersion, we recommend Jaime’s tour. Jaime, an art historian born and raised in Madrid, played a pivotal role in deepening my appreciation for the city.
While three hours isn’t sufficient to explore the entire Prado, it provides ample time to experience key highlights.
For a more exclusive experience (the Prado is consistently busy), consider the VIP Early Access Tour with Walks, a top-tier tour company in Europe. This tour grants you entry as the Prado’s doors open, offering a virtually private museum experience alongside the security team.
This 90-minute tour is fast-paced but impactful, concluding inside the museum, where your guide can offer further recommendations for your continued exploration.
Tapas Crawl on Calle Cava Baja
When in Madrid, embrace the local custom of tapas! Calle Cava Baja, a renowned street in Barrio La Latina, is lined with countless tapas bars.
Recommended establishments include Taberna Tempranillo, Taberna La Concha, and Casa Lucas.
Other nearby tapas options include Casa Ciriaco (near the Royal Palace on Calle Mayor) and La Lina (offering gluten-free options for Celiacs – personally tested!).
Tapas in Madrid
Where to Stay in Madrid
Madrid is a relatively compact city. Staying within the central area ensures easy access, either walking distance or a short metro ride, to most attractions. Madrid’s metro system is excellent and efficient for your spain travel itinerary.
“Madrid City Center” encompasses the area between the Royal Palace (west) and Parque El Retiro (east). The northern boundary is Calle de José Abascal, and the southern boundaries are Puerta de Toledo and Puerta de Atocha (train station).
Gran Vía, a wide boulevard reminiscent of New York’s Times Square, bisects the city center, running east to west. It divides the more traditional southern neighborhoods like La Latina and Barrio de las Letras from the trendier, upscale northern neighborhoods like Malasaña, Chueca, and Salamanca.
For detailed neighborhood insights, consult our comprehensive guide to the Best Places to Stay in Madrid, featuring detailed neighborhood descriptions for all areas mentioned above, aiding in your spain travel itinerary accommodation planning.
3.2. Days 3-4: Granada – Andalusia’s Moorish Gem
Granada Albaicin View
Granada is simply enchanting. Its geographic setting – a valley nestled between hills, dominated by the Alhambra – is breathtaking. Architecturally, it’s equally stunning. Granada is a must-see on any spain travel itinerary focused on Andalusian culture.
One of Spain’s most captivating aspects is the enduring legacy of the 800-year Islamic Caliphate presence on the Iberian Peninsula. This influence is deeply woven into the fabric of modern Spain.
Even the region’s name, “Andalusia,” derives from the Arabic “Al Andalus,” as do numerous Spanish words starting with “al” (e.g., “alcázar”).
Moving from Madrid, with its Austrian architectural influences (like Plaza Mayor, which feels somewhat out of place), you’ll notice a distinct shift in Granada and wider Andalusia.
Andalusia, encompassing Spain’s southern coast, is where this Moorish influence is most palpable, even today. This is historically where the Islamic Caliphate held its stronghold for centuries (Granada was the final city to surrender in 1492).
This influence is particularly evident in the Alhambra, the centerpiece of your Granada visit, but also in the city’s narrow alleyways, lush walled gardens, and lingering tea house culture.
Many visitors attempt to see Granada in a single day, but we recommend extending your stay to fully appreciate its beauty and historical significance, making it a richer experience on your spain travel itinerary. Two days allows for a more immersive experience.
Getting to Granada
From Madrid, the high-speed train to Granada is the ideal and recommended transportation.
Depart from Madrid’s Atocha Station, located southeast of the city center near Barrio de las Letras, and travel to Granada’s unnamed station.
The high-speed train journey takes approximately three and a half hours, potentially with a connection in Córdoba.
Currently, there are two convenient direct trains daily – one at 7:30 am and another at 2:30 pm – along with alternative options involving a connection, extending travel time to around four hours.
Click here to check prices and timetables for the journey on Omio.
What to Do in Granada
Here are essential Granada experiences for your two-day stay, enhancing your spain travel itinerary.
For more detailed information, consult our 2-Day Granada Itinerary, featuring our favorite attractions, activities, dining recommendations, and insights into visiting the Alhambra, crucial for planning your spain travel itinerary in Granada.
Orientation Walking Tour of Granada
As always, our preferred method for discovering a new city is a walking tour led by a local guide.
We highly recommend this excellent walking tour, which focuses on the Albaicín – the historic Muslim quarter of Granada, sprawling across the hill north of the Alhambra.
The Albaicín, along with the Alhambra, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering its narrow alleys and cobbled streets, you’ll understand why preservation is so vital.
A guided tour is invaluable for uncovering hidden gems and perspectives you’d likely miss on your own, providing essential historical and cultural context. Plus, you’ll gain local insights into dining, drinking, and further exploration.
The Majestic Alhambra
The Alhambra in Granada
The Alhambra is the most significant example of Moorish architecture in Andalusia, predating the later Mudéjar style. Despite two centuries of abandonment, it remains remarkably well-preserved. It consistently ranks as either the first or second most visited site in Spain, vying with Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Including the Alhambra is essential for any spain travel itinerary focused on historical sites.
It’s easy to imagine the Christian monarchs arriving in Granada, seeing the magnificent palace-fortress, and deciding, “Yes, we’ll keep that.” However, once inside, you’ll notice their attempts to personalize it, which often feel somewhat jarring and detract from the overall experience.
Exploring the Alhambra requires the better part of a day. There’s no truly “best time” to visit due to its popularity. During peak season, tickets are essentially sold out throughout the day. If visiting in summer, avoid the midday heat if possible. Aim for a visit before 12:00 pm or after 3:00 pm, if your ticket allows.
A guided tour is highly recommended here. The historical and cultural context is crucial for fully understanding the significance of what you’re seeing.
We took this three-hour tour and highly recommend it.
Granada Cathedral: Royal History
The primary draw of Granada Cathedral is that it houses the tombs of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, the Catholic Monarchs who unified Aragon and Castile, forming modern Spain.
They accepted Granada’s surrender in 1492 (the same year they funded Christopher Columbus’s voyage, which inadvertently led to the Americas) and solidified the Spanish crown’s dominance over the Iberian Peninsula.
To view their burial places, ensure your ticket includes the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real). A separate ticket is needed to enter the cathedral itself.
Book tickets here (though we successfully purchased tickets on-site).
Sunset Stroll Through the Albaicín
Sunset View in Albaicin Granada
While you may have already explored the Albaicín on a morning walking tour, we strongly recommend returning in the late afternoon, about an hour before sunset. This allows you to witness the Alhambra bathed in golden light as the sun dips below the horizon.
Here’s a suggested route: start at Plaza Nueva, wander through the Albaicín’s winding streets, and end at Palacio de los Córdova.
Albaicin at Sunset
Where to Stay in Granada
Granada is quite compact. We recommend staying near the valley floor to minimize constant uphill walking. While the Albaicín is charming, it involves considerable stair climbing (which may be fine depending on your fitness level). Choosing accommodation wisely enhances your spain travel itinerary comfort.
We stayed at this limehome location on Calle Santa Ana, which proved almost perfectly located. It’s five minutes from Albaicín paths, a short walk to the Alhambra, and ten minutes to the cathedral.
The apartment was comfortable, and despite the late fall chill, we enjoyed morning tea and coffee on our patio in the sunshine.
For budget-conscious travelers, TOC Hostel Granada is a good option. We’ve stayed at TOC Hostels in Barcelona – they blend boutique hotel and hostel elements. They offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, dorm rooms, and good facilities, and it’s just around the corner from the cathedral.
3.3. Days 5-7: Seville (and Córdoba) – Andalusian Charm and History
Remember Granada’s story of Moorish influence? In Seville, the next destination on your spain travel itinerary, this influence is even more pronounced, especially at two key sites: the Royal Alcázar, with its Mudéjar architecture and vibrant gardens, and Seville Cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque, retaining its iconic bell tower (La Giralda), originally a minaret for calls to prayer.
Interestingly, the Mudéjar architecture of Seville’s Royal Alcázar was primarily constructed after Seville’s reconquest, when the Mudéjar style became fashionable in royal circles.
Mudejar Architecture in Seville Alcazar
Seville consistently ranks among Spain’s top 3-4 most visited cities, and it’s easy to see why. It’s warm (sometimes intensely so), sunny, and offers incredible food and drinks – a winning combination for any spain travel itinerary.
However, Seville’s true allure lies in the rich history underpinning its vibrant culture, particularly the Andalusian history that captivates us. Seville is saturated with history, visible at every turn.
You’ll notice we’ve allocated the most time to Seville in this itinerary. This is partly due to its role as a gateway to a fantastic day trip.
After considering various day trip options from Madrid (Toledo is excellent) and Seville, we chose a day trip to Córdoba from Seville as the single day trip within this spain travel itinerary.
We believe this is a superb choice as Córdoba is a historically significant and fascinating city (we actually spent three full days there ourselves).
Following this itinerary, you’ll spend two days exploring Seville itself, and then dedicate a third day to a day trip to Córdoba, concluding this leg of your spain travel itinerary.
Walking in Seville Orange Trees
Getting to Seville
The train journey from Granada to Seville takes just under three hours, with frequent direct high-speed trains throughout the day, including afternoon departures.
Aim for Seville’s Santa Justa Station, the city’s main train station, conveniently located in the city center.
Click here to check prices and timetables for the journey on Omio.
What to Do in Seville
Here are essential Seville experiences to enhance your spain travel itinerary.
For deeper exploration, refer to our 2-Day Seville Itinerary, detailing our favorite attractions, activities, dining, and our guide to planning a Day Trip to Córdoba for your day excursion.
The Royal Alcázar of Seville: A Palace of Layers
Our favorite Seville attraction, the Royal Alcázar, began as a fort or castle, later repurposed as a royal palace after the Reconquista. Its history is deeply embedded in its structure. Many elements date back to its Moorish origins – notably the enclosing walls, concealing lush interior gardens from the outside world.
The palace conversion involved remodeling the original Gothic palace in the then-fashionable Mudéjar style. Contrary to initial assumptions, the Mudéjar design isn’t a direct relic of the Islamic Caliphate era (most of that original structure no longer exists).
If you choose one guided tour in Seville, make it Jose’s Royal Alcázar tour. We took it on our first Seville day and loved it. It provided invaluable context for understanding Seville’s history and culture throughout our visit, enriching our spain travel itinerary.
If a tour isn’t feasible, purchase tickets in advance here.
Gardens at Alcazar de Sevilla
Underground Pool Alcazar de Sevilla
Seville Cathedral: A Mosque Transformed
Seville Cathedral’s origins might surprise you – it was originally a mosque! The iconic bell tower, “La Giralda,” was once a minaret used for the call to prayer before the building’s conversion.
Climbing La Giralda (ramps, not stairs, lead to the top) rewards you with panoramic Seville views.
View from Giralda Bell Tower Seville Cathedral
Another notable feature: Christopher Columbus is buried here (or at least a portion of his remains – his burial history is complex).
Regardless of your views on Columbus, the cathedral itself is magnificent and worth visiting.
Purchase tickets here, deciding beforehand if you want to include the tower climb when booking.
Plaza de España: A Cinematic Masterpiece
Star Wars fans might recognize this stunning plaza from Naboo scenes in Attack of the Clones (Anakin and Padme’s “I hate sand” scene). However, its real-world purpose was for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.
Despite the unfortunate timing (1929 wasn’t ideal for a major economic forum), Plaza de España remains arguably Spain’s most beautiful plaza, with its canals, bridges, and ornate tilework.
Visit early morning, especially on a Sunday, to experience its tranquility almost entirely to yourself. A must-see for any spain travel itinerary in Seville.
Tapas, Continued!
Tapas and Churros in Seville
Seville elevates the Spanish tapas culture to another level. Dinner often starts very late (approaching 11 pm – only slightly exaggerated!).
Tapas are essential here, but Seville tapas differ from Madrid’s, with regional ingredients and drinks.
Maximize your time by dedicating an evening to a tapas tour – either guided (we recommend this one, locally run, though food tours can be challenging for Celiac travelers like Matt) or self-guided with local recommendations.
Mercado de Triana, an indoor food market across the river, is a great starting point, offering diverse stalls selling ingredients and ready-to-eat tapas.
Pro-tip: Sevillians generally don’t eat paella or drink sangria, but they do enjoy churros, vino de naranja (orange wine), vermouth, and sherry.
Córdoba Day Trip: Moorish Grandeur
Each city in this itinerary offers excellent day trip options. However, we believe a day trip from Seville to Córdoba is the most compelling choice for your spain travel itinerary.
It’s a quick 45-minute high-speed train ride to Córdoba, a historically rich city that was the center of the Islamic Caliphate for centuries. The Mezquita-Cathedral is truly breathtaking.
Our dedicated Day Trip to Córdoba Guide provides comprehensive details on transportation, attractions, dining, and more, essential for planning this day excursion within your spain travel itinerary.
Where to Stay in Seville
Seville is more compact than Barcelona, simplifying accommodation choices.
Aim to stay in Seville’s center, between the Cathedral (south) and Setas de Sevilla (north), east of the river.
For specific neighborhoods, we recommend the Jewish Quarter, Barrio de Santa Cruz, adjacent to the Alcázar/Cathedral, a charming area with narrow streets and good dining options.
We stayed at Casa de las Especias on our last Seville visit, a comfortable apartment on a side street near two plazas, within 10-15 minutes of Seville’s main attractions. We would happily stay there again, making it a solid recommendation for your spain travel itinerary.
3.4. Expanding Your Spain Travel Itinerary: Options for Longer Trips
If you have more than a week for your spain travel itinerary, here are recommended additions and their time requirements.
We also offer in-depth guides for 10-Day Spain Itinerary and 14-Day Spain Itinerary for longer trips, offering even more ideas.
Barcelona (+3-5 Days)
Barcelona El Born District
As mentioned earlier, some travelers prioritize Barcelona in their spain travel itinerary. This section is for you.
With a week, you face a choice: Barcelona, requiring at least three to four days to appreciate fully (two days would be rushed), or exploring Andalusia, our favored region.
We understand both preferences. This section outlines how to incorporate Barcelona into your spain travel itinerary.
Barcelona warrants at least three days. Day trips to Montserrat and Girona are also excellent additions, each requiring a day. Hence the 3-5 day range.
If you prefer Barcelona over Seville and Granada, we suggest following the Madrid portion of this itinerary, adding a Toledo day trip (our next recommendation for longer trips, detailed below), and then spending the rest of your trip in Barcelona (using our 4-Day Barcelona Itinerary).
Include a day trip to either Girona or Montserrat within those Barcelona days.
Here’s a revised spain travel itinerary incorporating Barcelona:
- Day 1: Madrid
- Day 2: Madrid
- Day 3: Day trip to Toledo
- Day 4: Train to Barcelona
- Day 5: Barcelona
- Day 6: Day trip to Montserrat or Girona (see itinerary link for details)
- Day 7: Barcelona
In this scenario, fly into Madrid and depart from Barcelona (or vice versa, depending on flight options), using the high-speed train for intercity travel. This is what I (Matt) did on my recent trip, a seamless journey (check train timetables and prices on Omio).
Instead of repeating detailed information on Barcelona attractions and accommodations here, which would lengthen this already extensive guide, we provide links to our comprehensive Barcelona guides:
- How to Plan an Amazing Barcelona Itinerary (4 Days)
- The Best Things to Do in Barcelona (for First Timers)
- Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Complete Guide for First Timers
- Things to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Barcelona
- Gluten Free Barcelona: A Complete Guide (for Celiacs)
Toledo Day Trip from Madrid (+1 Day)
For a short extension to your spain travel itinerary (an extra day or two), a day trip from Madrid to Toledo is highly recommended.
Before King Philip II moved the capital to Madrid in the 16th century, Toledo was the region’s center of power.
Toledo’s location is strategically advantageous – a hilltop city on the Tagus River, well-connected to surrounding areas.
Toledo shares a similar history with other cities in this itinerary. Originally an Iberian settlement, it was conquered by Romans, then Visigoths, before falling to the Umayyad Caliphate. It was reconquered in the 11th century.
This resulted in a city where Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted – leaving a unique cultural and religious legacy.
That’s why Toledo is worth visiting today. It features religious sites from all three faiths, including a beautiful synagogue, a modest mosque, and a grand cathedral and monastery. A valuable addition to your spain travel itinerary for history enthusiasts.
Toledo Mosque Spain
Combine this with its proximity to Madrid (~45 minutes by high-speed train), its picturesque hilltop setting overlooking a valley and river, and its excellent military museum, and you have compelling reasons to dedicate a day of your spain travel itinerary to Toledo.
For detailed information on planning a Toledo day trip, consult our separate guide: Day Trip to Toledo (from Madrid) (currently in progress!).
3.5. Adapting Your Spain Travel Itinerary for Shorter Trips
For trips shorter than seven days, we recommend focusing on a single city. This allows ample time to explore the city and nearby day trip destinations.
Excellent choices for 3-5 day spain travel itineraries are Madrid, Seville, or Barcelona. Any of these offer a rich experience in a shorter timeframe.
Alternatively, for 5-6 day trips, consider skipping Granada and focusing on Madrid and Seville, following the itinerary but omitting the Granada days.
Planning a trip to Spain? We’d love to help!
Explore our other Spain travel guides to assist in planning your incredible spain travel itinerary (even with gluten-free dietary needs!).
If a link is missing below, it’s currently in progress – in-depth guides take time! We’re working on them.
Start with our detailed itineraries: 7 Days in Spain, 10 Days in Spain (a good balance), and Two Weeks in Spain (with options for longer and shorter durations).
Our Barcelona Guides
- What to do in Barcelona (as a First Timer)
- How to Plan an Amazing 4 Day Barcelona Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Barcelona: A Complete Guide for First Timers
- 12 Things to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
- Gluten Free Barcelona: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Barcelona
- How to Plan an Incredible Day Trip to Montserrat (from Barcelona)
Our Madrid Guides
- What to do in Madrid (as a First Timer)
- How to Plan an Amazing Madrid Itinerary (2 Days)
- Where to Stay in Madrid: A Complete Guide for First Timers
- 12 Things to Know Before You Visit Madrid
- Gluten Free Madrid: A Complete Guide to GF Restaurants + Bakeries
- Where to Find the Best Specialty Coffee in Madrid (for Coffee Nerds)
- How to Plan an Amazing Day Trip to Toledo (from Madrid)
The Rest of Spain
