From the lively streets of Barcelona to the historic charm of Seville, the sun-soaked beaches of Costa Brava, and the enchanting landscapes of the Spanish countryside, this 14-day itinerary will guide you through Spain’s top highlights while also allowing you to experience the local culture, history, and culinary delights.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the ideal 2 weeks in Spain itinerary, highlighting must-see destinations, day trips, tips, and recommendations for a memorable Spanish adventure.
Day 1-3: Arrival in Barcelona – Explore Catalonia’s Capital
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Start your Spanish adventure in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and lively street culture. Spend your first day settling into your hotel and taking a leisurely stroll around the city’s iconic landmarks.
Start your journey with a visit to La Rambla, a lively pedestrian street filled with street performers, cafés, and shops. Don’t miss the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, one of the most famous markets in the city, where you can try fresh produce, meats, seafood, and tapas.
Day 2: Iconic Sights in Barcelona
Dedicate your second day to exploring the city’s famous landmarks. La Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of architect Antoni Gaudí, is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most recognizable structures in the world, with its intricate facades and awe-inspiring interior.
Next, head to Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s creations. This colorful park offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to wander around and take photos.
In the afternoon, explore the Gothic Quarter, where narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares create a unique atmosphere. You can also visit the Barcelona Cathedral or relax at Plaça Reial, a beautiful square lined with restaurants and palm trees.
Day 3: Museums and the Beach
On your third day in Barcelona, visit some of the city’s top museums. The Museu Picasso showcases works by the legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, while the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) offers a vast collection of Catalan art.
In the afternoon, unwind at Barceloneta Beach, where you can take a swim in the Mediterranean Sea or simply relax on the sand.
Day 4-5: Valencia – The City of Arts and Sciences
Day 4: Travel to Valencia
After spending a few days in Barcelona, head south to Valencia, a city famous for its futuristic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches. You can take a train or flight from Barcelona to Valencia, which will take around 3-4 hours by train.
Start your visit to Valencia by exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of modern buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Oceanografic, Europe’s largest aquarium, and the Hemisférico, an IMAX cinema and planetarium, are must-visit attractions within the complex.
Day 5: Explore Old Town and the Beach
On your second day in Valencia, head to the historic center, where you’ll find beautiful buildings such as the Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), and the Plaza de la Virgen.
In the afternoon, relax at Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia’s most famous beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Valencia is also known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to try paella, a traditional rice dish that originated in this region.
Day 6-7: Madrid – The Heart of Spain
Day 6: Travel to Madrid
Next, head to Spain’s capital, Madrid. The fastest way to get there from Valencia is by train, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in Madrid, spend your first day taking in the major sights, starting with Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s iconic square. From here, you can explore the nearby Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía, a bustling street lined with shops, theaters, and restaurants.
Day 7: Art, Parks, and Royal Sites
Dedicate your second day in Madrid to its world-class museums. Start with the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Then, head to the Reina Sofía Museum, which houses contemporary art, including Picasso’s famous painting Guernica.
In the afternoon, relax at Retiro Park, a lush green space perfect for a leisurely walk or boat ride on the park’s large lake. Finally, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, where you can explore its grand rooms and gardens.
Day 8-9: Toledo – A Historic UNESCO City
Day 8: Day Trip to Toledo
On your eighth day in Spain, take a day trip to Toledo, located just an hour south of Madrid. This UNESCO World Heritage City is a living museum, with its narrow medieval streets, historic buildings, and mix of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences.
Visit the Toledo Cathedral, one of Spain’s most impressive Gothic structures, and explore the Alcázar of Toledo, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the city. Wander through the Jewish Quarter, and don’t miss the famous El Greco Museum, dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish painter.
Day 9: More of Toledo
If you have extra time, continue exploring the city’s beautiful sites, such as the Puente de San Martín, a medieval bridge, and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Toledo is also known for its traditional sword-making, so you can shop for handcrafted swords or other local crafts as souvenirs.
Day 10-12: Seville – Flamenco, History, and Andalusian Charm
Day 10: Travel to Seville
From Madrid, head to Seville, the capital of Andalusia and one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. The train journey takes around 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, spend your first day exploring Plaza de España, a grand semicircular plaza with colorful tiles and a canal running through it. It’s a great spot for photos and a leisurely stroll.
Next, head to Parque de María Luisa, a nearby park where you can relax under the shade of palm trees or visit the Archaeological Museum of Seville.
Day 11: The Alcázar and Flamenco
On your second day in Seville, visit the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning Moorish palace with lush gardens and intricate architectural details. It’s a must-see and one of the most beautiful sites in Spain. Afterward, explore the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views of the city.
In the evening, enjoy a flamenco show, one of Seville’s most famous traditions, at one of the city’s local tablaos.
Day 12: Day Trip to Córdoba
If you have more time, take a day trip to Córdoba, a city known for its stunning Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral that blends Islamic and Christian architectural styles. The Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs and the Roman Bridge are also must-see attractions in Córdoba.
Day 13-14: Granada – The Jewel of Andalusia
Day 13: Travel to Granada
On your final leg of the journey, head to Granada, another gem of Andalusia, known for the breathtaking Alhambra Palace. The train journey takes about 3.5 hours from Seville.
Spend your first day exploring the Alhambra, a stunning complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses that date back to the 13th century. The Generalife Gardens are a particular highlight, offering serene views and beautiful landscaping.
Day 14: Wander the Albaicín and Departure
On your last day, wander through the Albaicín district, a maze of narrow, winding streets filled with whitewashed houses and stunning views of the Alhambra. Don’t miss Mirador de San Nicolás, a viewpoint that offers a postcard-perfect view of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. Visit here for more details.
In the afternoon, enjoy some tapas and shop for souvenirs before heading to the airport for your departure.
Conclusion
A 2 weeks in Spain itinerary allows you to experience the best of this incredible country, from the artistic beauty of Barcelona to the historical treasures of Seville and Granada. This itinerary blends cultural immersion, historical exploration, and relaxation, ensuring that you make the most of your time in Spain.
Whether you’re marveling at the architecture of Madrid, savoring paella in Valencia, or enjoying flamenco in Seville, this trip promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, grab your passport, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Spain!