Spain is one of my absolute favorite countries to visit! It’s such a popular destination for travelers for a reason. From the beautiful streets of Madrid to the sunny beaches of Malaga and the charming neighborhoods of Seville, Spain offers a huge range of experiences. Every region has its own vibe, culture, and history. Some days you’ll be exploring giant historic landmarks, other days you’ll be sitting in an outdoor cafe people watching and enjoying a drink, and the food is incredible everywhere you look!!
Because Spain can be so diverse depending on where you go, I wanted to share this Spain itinerary to help anyone planning their next trip to this amazing country. Whether it’s your first trip to Spain or you’re returning for more adventures, this post will show you how to make the most of your time, what to see, and even some insider tips I learned along the way!!!
Spain Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you’ll find this post super helpful! I’ve packed it with everything you need to know about Spain travel, including full days in each city, travel logistics, food and activity recommendations, and a detailed itinerary to make the most of your amount of time there.
From museums to markets, tapas bars, beaches, and historic neighborhoods, this itinerary has it all! I’ve also included tips on renting a car, taking the high speed train, and how to plan day trips so you can enjoy every minute of your journey.
Where Is Spain Located
Spain is located in southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s bordered by France to the northeast, Portugal to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east. The country is huge and very diverse, which is why you’ll find everything from beaches and mountains to modern cities and historic towns!
Spain’s location makes it easy to combine a trip to Spain with other parts of Europe or to explore multiple regions within Spain itself using trains, buses, or even a car if you want to take the scenic route.
Is Spain Worth Visiting
YES!! Spain is one of those countries I always recommend visiting. Spain is one of those countries where you can go several times and each trip is completely different and memorable. What I love most is how easy it is to combine culture, history, food, and fun into one trip. You can spend one day in the day in Madrid exploring the royal palace and the Museo Nacional del Prado, then hop on a high speed train to southern Spain for some beach time and tapas bars!
Spain is full of vibrant energy but also moments of relaxation. I love visiting the streets of Santa Cruz in Seville and the views from Malaga’s beaches make it hard to leave. It’s worth going for the architecture, the food, the art, and honestly just the experience!!!
What Is Spain Famous For
Spain has so many things it’s famous for! Here are just a few:
- Amazing tapas bars everywhere you go
- Historic sites like the catedral de Sevilla and royal palace in Madrid
- Incredible museums
- Beautiful plazas like Plaza de España in Seville
- Stunning Mediterranean beaches in Malaga and southern Spain
- Vibrant local markets and artisan shops
- Flamenco dancing and music
- Festivals
- Delicious food and wine
What To Do In Spain
There’s no shortage of things to do on a trip to Spain! Here are some of my favorites and tips on how to enjoy each experience:
Visit Iconic Landmarks
Spain is filled with incredible landmarks that show it’s long and amazing history. Every city has something worth seeing, whether it’s a royal palace, a centuries-old cathedral, or a stunning plaza surrounded by cafés. Walking around these sites gives you such a feel for the country’s culture and style. You can easily spend a whole day exploring and taking it all in.
Explore Old Towns
The old neighborhoods in Spain are some of my favorite places to wander. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and balconies are so charming! I love turning a corner and finding a tiny bakery, a hidden tapas bar, or a little square filled with locals chatting or having a drink. There’s no set plan needed here – just wander, explore, and see where the day takes you!!
Try the Food
Spanish food is truly soooo good. Tapas bars are everywhere, and it’s so fun to hop from one to the next, trying small plates and sampling local specialties. We especially love the inexpensive cultural dish, paella! Each region has its own style of cooking, so there’s always something new to try. Meals in Spain are meant to be enjoyed slowly, usually with good conversation and a glass of wine.
Enjoy the Coast
Spain’s coastline is absolutely beautiful and has something for everyone. You’ll find peaceful beaches where you can relax with a book, as well as lively seaside towns filled with restaurants and people out enjoying the sun. If you love the water, you can swim, snorkel, or even take a boat tour. No matter what kind of beach day you prefer, the Spanish coast is the perfect place to unwind. On my next trip to Spain, I’d love to visit one of the islands of Spain, like Mallorca!
Take a Day Trip
Spain is such an easy country to get around, which makes day trips really simple. The high speed train connects most major cities in under a few hours, and renting a car lets you explore at your own pace. I always recommend setting aside at least one extra day just for exploring a nearby town or countryside area. It’s a great way to see more of the local life outside the big cities.
Experience the Culture
The energy in Spain is contagious. The people are friendly, the streets are lively, and there’s always something going on. From local festivals to flamenco music and dancing, every region has its own traditions worth experiencing. I love how passionate and joyful the culture feels – so warm and welcoming!
Appreciate the Art and History
Spain has such a deep connection to art and history, and you’ll see it everywhere you go. From the grand museums in Madrid to the ancient castles scattered throughout the countryside, every place tells a story. Whether you’re an art lover or just curious, it’s impossible not to be impressed by how much beauty and history Spain holds!
Spain Trip Itinerary
Here’s how we spent our one week in Spain. You can adjust it depending on how long your trip to Spain is or if you want to add an extra day somewhere!
Day 1:
Flight from Seattle to Madrid with a layover in Amsterdam. Arrived in Madrid around 5:30 p.m., took a taxi to a nearby hotel, and had dinner onsite since there weren’t restaurants within walking distance.
Day 2:
Madrid / Seville. Grabbed breakfast, checked out, and explored Madrid with a tour of the royal palace. Stored our luggage nearby for a quick visit, then hopped on a high speed train to Seville. Arrived at our apartment in Santa Cruz, the perfect location near restaurants and major cultural sights.
Day 3:
Seville. Visited the catedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower. Wandered through an artisan market, strolled through Jardines de Murillo, had gelato, coffee, and banana bread at Naturalmente Real Food, and finished with wood-fired pizza and Portuguese pastries.
Day 4:
Seville. Tried to buy Alcazar Palace tickets but they were gone. Switched plans and explored Plaza de España and Italica, including Roman ruins and a gladiator coliseum. Coffee and muffins at Biomio, dinner at El Librero with the best paella.
Day 5:
Seville / Malaga. Checked out of the apartment, strolled through Santa Cruz and Mercado de Triana, then took a 2.5-hour train to Malaga. Checked into our beachfront apartment, walked along La Malagueta, and found amazing coffee, pastries, and dinners at Itacate Tacqueria, Gaucho Grill, and Restaurante Divinno.
Day 6:
Malaga. Beach day! Warm Mediterranean water, relaxing, cocktails, and people-watching. Picked up towels at local shops and enjoyed the sun all day.
Day 7:
Malaga. Morning hike to castle ruins and Alcazabar Palace. Explored tile streets in the historic center, toured the cathedral, shopped, and had a final dip in the sea at La Malagueta.
Day 8:
Malaga / Madrid. Took the high speed train back to Madrid in 2.5 hours. Stored luggage at airport hotel, visited the Museo Nacional del Prado, then strolled through Retiro Park and grabbed coffee along the way.
Day 9:
Flight home. The trip was short but packed with experiences!
Travel Tips and Recommendations
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and long days of exploring.
- Stay hydrated! A water bottle is a must when exploring sunny Spain.
- Rolling clothes saves space in your suitcase and reduces wrinkles.
- Pack light layers, even in summer, because evenings can be cooler.
- Accessories like hats, scarves, and crossbody bags can elevate simple outfits.
- Check out my post on packing for Spain to see what I brought and made traveling so much easier!
Spain is such an amazing country. The food, the culture, the history, and the energy make it a place I’ll never get tired of visiting. With this Spain itinerary, you can explore full days in multiple cities, enjoy relaxing day trips, and even add an extra day if you have the time.
I hope this itinerary inspires your next trip to Spain and helps you make the most of your amount of time there!! Spain will steal your heart just like it did mine!
Talk soon!
Xoxo,
Julie
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