Introduction to Spain
Buenos días my fellow adventurers! If you’re looking for a vibrant country that is full of culture, sights, and great food, then Spain is the answer to your prayers. Spain is located in southwestern Europe, and boasts of a skyline filled with colorful buildings, breathtaking mountains, and golden beaches that will leave you speechless.
It’s a magnificent country that has attracted people from all over the world for years – from backpackers to luxury travelers. The reason Spain is so popular is because it’s a unique destination that is full of life, and you’ll always find something new and exciting to explore. Every city and region have their own personality, and this makes traveling to Spain a journey of a lifetime.
Spain is known for its amazing tapas, wine, and nightlife culture, and it is home to some of the world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí. This country is also a place full of history and tradition, which is visible in its architecture, and monuments spread throughout the country.
Whether you’re looking to explore the bustling cities, go on a road trip through Spanish countryside, or simply relax on one of its many beaches, Spain has got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll be showcasing the best itinerary to help you explore the country without missing out on any of its amazing sights and experiences. So, grab your bags and let’s start our Spanish adventure!
Day 1 – Madrid
Bienvenidos a España! The first stop on this Spanish itinerary is the buzzing capital city, Madrid. Start your day off by fueling up with a traditional Spanish breakfast of a tostada con tomate y aceite (toast with tomato and olive oil) and café con leche (coffee with milk).
Once you’re fueled up, head to the famous Puerta del Sol, which is the geographic heart of Spain and a popular gathering spot. While there, make sure to take a photo with the statue of El Oso y El Madroño (The Bear and The Strawberry Tree), which is the symbol of Madrid. After that, wander through the bustling streets of the city center and do some window shopping or stop in a few boutiques.
No trip to Madrid is complete without a visit to the Prado Museum, which is home to a vast collection of Spanish art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and many more. Spend a few hours taking in the masterpieces or opt for a guided tour for some extra insight into the art and artists.
For lunch, head to a traditional local spot like Casa Labra, where you can try tapas and the famous bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich) that’s been a staple in Madrid for over 100 years. After lunch, take a stroll through the Retiro Park, where you can relax and people watch, visit the Crystal Palace or rent a rowboat on the lake.
In the evening, head to the Malasaña neighborhood for some nightlife. This trendy area is home to some of Madrid’s best bars and restaurants. Stop in Taberna de los Huevos de Lucio for some of the best huevos rotos (broken eggs) or try some of Madrid’s signature drink, tinto de verano (red wine mixed with soda).
Whether you’re a foodie or history buff or just looking for a good time, Madrid has something for everyone. Stay tuned for Day 2 on this Spanish itinerary!
Day 2 – Barcelona
Welcome back, my fellow adventurers. Today, we continue our journey through Spain with a full day in the enchanting city of Barcelona. As I mentioned in my previous post, Barcelona is a city filled with culture, history, and art, and it’s impossible to cover everything in one day. But, fear not, as I have put together an itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of the city in just 24 hours.
Morning
Start your day by fueling up with a delicious breakfast at Brunch & Cake. This trendy eatery offers a variety of dishes ranging from pancakes to avocado toast, that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also taste incredible. Be sure to arrive early, as it’s known to get quite busy.
Next, make your way to La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece and one of the most iconic landmarks of Barcelona. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. Once inside, take your time admiring the intricate details of the basilica’s exterior and interior. An audio guide is included with your ticket and will provide you with helpful information about the history and construction of the monument.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to the famous La Boqueria market in the heart of Las Ramblas. This market offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, as well as several food stalls where you can enjoy a quick bite. I suggest trying some of the traditional Spanish tapas like paella, fried calamari, or croquettes.
After lunch, walk to Park Guell, another one of Gaudi’s fantastic creations. The park offers spectacular views of the city and is a great place to take a relaxing stroll. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the colorful mosaic lizard, which has become one of the most popular photo spots in the park.
Evening
End your day with a stroll along the beach promenade of La Barceloneta, a vibrant neighborhood known for its sandy beaches and seafood restaurants. Here you can watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea, and maybe even take a dip if the weather permits. Finally, head over to a local bar and enjoy some refreshing drinks while listening to some live music or DJs.
That concludes day 2 of our Spain itinerary. Join us again as we continue our journey, exploring the beautiful country’s most fantastic destinations. Until then, enjoy the blissful energy of Barcelona, and bon voyage!
Day 3 – Valencia
¡Hola Amigos! Welcome back to my series on the Best Spain Itinerary. In this post, we’ll guide you on how to make the most of your time in Valencia on Day 3.
Valencia is a beautiful city with a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. The city is popular for its delicious food, exciting festivals, and world-renowned arts and culture. So, let’s get started and explore the best things to see and do in Valencia.
Explore the Central Market
Start your day early by visiting the Central Market, which is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe. This market offers a vast range of fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and more. It is a great place to experience the local Valencian flavor and to grab some breakfast.
Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
Next on our list is the City of Arts and Sciences, which is a world-famous center of arts and culture. This futuristic white complex houses numerous buildings, such as the Science Museum, Hemisfèric, Oceanogràfic, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. Each building has its unique architecture and hosts events and exhibits throughout the year.
Experience Authentic Valencian Paella
No trip to Valencia would be complete without trying a plate of authentic Valencian paella! Valencia is the birthplace of this popular Spanish dish, and you can find countless restaurants scattered around the city. Our top picks include Casa Carmela, La Pepica, and La Riua, serving mouth-watering paellas in a beautiful setting.
Stroll around the Historic Quarter
After getting your fill of authentic paella, take a leisurely stroll around the historic quarter of Valencia. This charming neighborhood is home to beautiful gothic architecture, winding alleyways, and picturesque squares, such as the Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen. You can also visit the world-famous Valencia Cathedral and climb the Micalet bell tower for panoramic views of the city.
That’s it for Day 3 of our Best Spain Itinerary. Valencia is a beautiful city with something for everyone. We hope you have enjoyed this guide and got some inspiration for your next adventure in Spain. Stay tuned for our next post about the Best Spain Itinerary.
Day 4 – Seville
Welcome back, fellow globetrotters! Today, we’ll be exploring Seville, the capital city of Andalusia! Known for its vibrant flamenco & bullfighting culture, Seville is a must-visit destination in Spain. So, get ready to explore the beautiful city of Seville as we take you through the best things to do on Day 4 of your Spain Itinerary!
Morning – The Royal Alcázar of Seville
Your first stop for the day should be The Royal Alcázar of Seville – a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest palaces in use in Europe. This beautiful palace was constructed in the 14th century and boasts a mix of Mudejar, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Admire the intricate details of the palace’s interiors, including the Golden Pavilion, Patio of the Dolls, and the gardens of Alcázar. Exploring the palace might take a while, so make sure you head there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Afternoon – Plaza de España
After lunch, head to the stunning Plaza de España. Built-in 1928, the Plaza is a monumental complex that features a vast open square surrounded by beautiful buildings styled in Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival architecture. Take a stroll around the large square and see the beautiful fountains, bridges, and tiled alcoves, each featuring a different province of Spain. The Plaza de España is also known to be a filming location for famous movies such as Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Evening – Flamenco Show at Casa de la Guitarra
You can’t leave Seville without attending a thrilling Flamenco Show. Head to Casa de la Guitarra for some authentic flamenco experience. Situated in the Santa Cruz quarter, the venue provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with an array of talented musicians and singers. Relax with a glass of Spanish wine while enjoying the passionate and intense dance performance. Trust us; this experience will be a highlight of your Spain Trip!
There you have it! Your Day 4 Seville Itinerary is complete with some of the beautiful places and experiences one should not miss while visiting Seville. Tomorrow we’ll be heading to Costa del Sol, the beautiful coast of Malaga. Stay tuned for Day 5 of our Spain Itinerary!
Day 5 – Granada
Welcome to day 5 of your Spain itinerary! Today we will be exploring the stunning city of Granada. Known for its rich history, Moorish architecture, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Granada is a must-visit destination in Spain.
First on our list is the most iconic site in the city, the Alhambra. This historic fortress and palace complex dates back to the 9th century and is a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines and crowds. Once inside, make sure to visit the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba.
After exploring the Alhambra, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Albaicín. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with narrow alleys, picturesque courtyards, and stunning views of the city. It’s a great place to grab lunch at one of the many local restaurants and soak up the authentic Andalusian atmosphere.
No trip to Granada would be complete without experiencing the city’s vibrant flamenco scene. For an unforgettable evening, head to the Sacromonte neighborhood and catch a flamenco show in one of the many cave venues. It’s a unique and memorable way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Finally, end your day with a visit to the Mirador de San Nicolas. Located in the heart of Albaicín, this lookout point offers panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset and reflect on your incredible day in Granada.
Granada is a city that will capture your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Make sure to add it to your Spain itinerary!
Day 6 – Costa del Sol
Welcome to Day 6 of the Best Spain Itinerary! Today, we explore the sunny and picturesque region of Costa del Sol. Known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, Costa del Sol is a perfect holiday destination for beach lovers and party-goers alike.
Start your day by heading to Malaga, the largest city in the Costa del Sol region. Malaga is famous for being the birthplace of the famous artist, Pablo Picasso. Visit the Picasso Museum to see a rich collection of his artworks and learn more about his life.
Afterwards, take a stroll along the pedestrianized street of Calle Larios, where you can find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is also a great place to buy some souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home.
Next, head to the nearby town of Torremolinos, which is just a short train ride away from Malaga. Torremolinos is famous for its beautiful beaches, and there are plenty of options to choose from, such as La Carihuela, Playamar, and Bajondillo. Spend a few hours soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
In the evening, head back to Malaga for a night out in the city. Malaga’s nightlife scene is one of the best in Costa del Sol, with many bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from. Check out some of the popular spots, such as Sala Gold, Kokun Ocean Club, and Velvet Club.
End your day by indulging in some of the local cuisine. Costa del Sol is renowned for its seafood dishes, such as paella, grilled fish, and shellfish. Head to El Tintero, a popular seafood restaurant that serves dishes in a unique way – waiters showcase the dishes and let you bid on them in a lively and entertaining environment.
That’s it for Day 6 of the Best Spain Itinerary. Stay tuned for our next and final day of the trip, where we head to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona.
Day 7 – Toledo
On the seventh day of your Spanish adventure, you’ll be exploring the historic city of Toledo. Located just south of Madrid, Toledo is known for its beautiful cobblestone streets and stunning medieval architecture.
Start your day off by visiting the Alcazar of Toledo, a fortress built in the 16th century that now houses the Army Museum. Located at the highest point in the city, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. From here, you can also see the famous Toledo Cathedral.
After visiting the Alcazar, make your way to the Toledo Cathedral. The stunning Gothic structure was built in the 13th century and is home to many beautiful works of art, including paintings by El Greco.
For lunch, head to the Mercado de San Agustin. This lively market features over 20 different food stalls where you can try a variety of delicious Spanish dishes. From fresh seafood to traditional tapas, there’s something for everyone.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter. This area is filled with narrow, winding streets and beautiful old buildings. Be sure to check out the Sinagoga de Santa Maria la Blanca, a synagogue that dates back to the 12th century.
Finally, end your day by watching the sunset from the Mirador del Valle. Located on the outskirts of Toledo, this viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Overall, Toledo is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Spain. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why this city is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spain is a country that offers an incredible cultural and historical experience alongside stunning natural landscapes. During your trip, you can indulge in traditional Spanish cuisine, visit some of the world’s most renowned museums, and witness authentic flamenco performances. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Costa del Sol, and Toledo all offer unique experiences and showcase Spain’s diverse personality. Exploring the cities, landmarks, and attractions mentioned in this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey through Spain, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to this beautiful country full of life and wonder.
