Spain is home to some of the best historical sites in Europe, as well as a fascinating place to experience culture. While you might never see all of Spain in just a few days or even a week, the suggested itineraries for Spain described below should help you to narrow down some of your own travel priorities.
Suggested itineraries for Spain:
1-3 Days
Suggested itineraries for Spain generally direct travelers to Barcelona or Madrid. As suggested itineraries for Barcelona are shown below, I will mention some of the most popular sites in Madrid. A day tour of Madrid on foot or by public transportation can include a trip to the Prado Museum, the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Puerta del Sol, the Monasterio de las Descalzas reales, and the Plaza Mayor. You should be able to cover all of this ground in a day or two.
4-7 Days
After Madrid, you can make a side trip to Segovia, Toledo, or Valencia. In all of these cities you will want to take time to do a little shopping and definitely eat out in some of the great restaurants in the major cities. During the summer, you might also consider a trip to one of the popular Spain beaches on the Costa del Sol of Spain. Weather in the summer can be quite hot, and cooling off at the beach may be an attractive option for your Spain itinerary.
7+ Days
While even a week is not enough time to explore the entire country, your Spain itinerary can include time spent in the countryside if you have the time. Spain tours and trips to the excellent wineries found in the outlying areas can be a great way to spend a few days or an entire week, in addition to visiting the cities mentioned above. A trip to the Pamplona for the running of the bulls, or the Picasso Museum in Malaga are also great choices if you have extra time.
Suggested itineraries for Barcelona:
1-3 Days
Suggested itineraries for Barcelona include a trip through the downtown area and wider city to explore the many historical sites in the city. Barcelona has a Picasso Museum of its own, and you can also see the Park Guell and the Casa Mila House. You can also take a trip down Les Ramblas, a major city street in Barcelona, or take a quick trip up to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo, two peaks that offer excellent views of the city below.
4-7 Days
Your Spain itinerary in Barcelona can also include some great side trips out from the city. You can visit the Fundacio Joan Miro and the Poble Espanyol. You can also make a nice day trip to Tarragona, a former Roman city with ruins that can be quite interesting. From Barcelona, there are also some great beaches that are not too far away.
7+ Days
In addition to exploring the city of Barcelona, you can also take some great side trips from the city with your extra time. Catalonia is not too far away, and you can visit Girona and the surrounding area. A number of museums, most notably the Salvador Dali museum. Many travelers also make a trip north to Montserrat, or a trip to Seville for some Flamenco dancing.
However long you plan to spend in Spain, there are some great attractions, amazing museums, and world class cuisine. Traveling during a festival or holiday can be a lot of fun, or checking out the beaches during the summer.
