It鈥檚 no exaggeration to say that Spain has it all.
A rocky northern coast听with some of the world鈥檚 best food; white-sand beaches and white-washed villages in the sunny south; Moorish castles and Modernista architecture: no matter where you go in Spain, it will be epic.听
These six itineraries cover the whole country and show off the best it has to offer. We鈥檝e kept our suggestions to trips of one to two weeks long 鈥 though we encourage you to add on stops or combine two (or more!) itineraries to build the Spanish trip of your dreams.
1. See Spain鈥檚 seductive cities
Allow at least 7 days听
Distance: 780km (485 miles)听
With a week, you鈥檒l want to explore Spain鈥檚 three major cities, which,听happily,听are linked by high-speed train (an adventure in itself). This culture-packed journey combines the thrills of Mediterranean-hugging Barcelona and Valencia with the Spanish capital鈥檚 art-world riches and enchanting Toledo.听Expect terrific food听at every turn.
Barcelona: 2 days
Start with the irresistible Catalan capital, Barcelona. Explore the old medieval center, drink in the jewels of Modernisme, laze on the Mediterranean beaches and roam around the outstanding galleries听鈥 until the tapas bars, cocktail spots and Michelin-star menus pull you away.
Next stop:听Take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia (around 3 hours).听
Detour: Mystical, unmissable Montserrat is an easy day trip from Barcelona (add 1 additional day).听
Valencia: 2 days
Sunny, cycling-loving Valencia delights with its magnificent markets, golden beaches, lively green spaces, dynamic dining (there鈥檚 much more than paella here), impressive eco credentials and local-vibe neighborhoods like Russafa and El Carmen.
Next stop:听Take a train from Valencia to Madrid (around 2 hours).听
Extension: Catch the ferry听from Valencia or D茅nia for a few days in beachy Mallorca or Ibiza听(add 2鈥3 days). Or stop over in Cuenca en route to Madrid (add 1 day).听
Madrid: 2 days
While you could spend weeks in Madrid and only scratch the surface, a couple of days in the capital provides a good intro. Cycle around Retiro park, wander the renowned galleries and dive into the tapas scene and lively markets. Time permitting, take a day trip to the stately royal monastery-palace at El Escorial.
Next stop: Take a train or bus from Madrid to Toledo (around 1 hour).听
Detour: Add on one of southern Castilla y 尝别贸苍's historical cities, Segovia or 脕惫颈濒补 (add 1 day).听
Toledo: 1 day
Spending a night in Toledo听will introduce you to this former capital, one of听Spain鈥檚 most mesmerizing cities. Stroll around the UNESCO-listed old town, where traces of three cultures (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) famously mingle; learn about El Greco; and dig into Castilla鈥揕a Mancha鈥檚 culinary specialties.
Extension: Go wine-tasting in Valdepe帽as or bird-watching in the (1 day).听
2. Embark on an 础苍诲补濒耻肠铆补n adventure
Allow at least 12鈥14 days听
Distance: 770km (478 miles)听
This thrilling spin takes in 础苍诲补濒耻肠铆补鈥檚 greatest charms, weaving between can鈥檛-miss cities and beautiful villages, with plenty of opportunities to get out into wild natural spaces. Soak up the changing landscapes as you travel from the Mediterranean coast to the heights of the Sierra Nevada, and from rolling olive groves to the thundering Atlantic.
惭谩濒补驳补: 1鈥2 days
Dive straight into sunny 惭谩濒补驳补 with a wander around the historic center, explore the Soho street-art scene and galleries such as the Museo Picasso, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the Mediterranean. Later on, enjoy the city鈥檚 famous tapas and nightlife scenes.
Next stop: Drive from听惭谩濒补驳补 to Las Alpujarras (2 hours and 15 minutes).听
Detour: Take a road trip around La Axarqu铆a鈥檚 whitewashed mountain villages (add 1 day).听
Las Alpujarras: 1鈥2 days
Zip northeast to the dramatic slopes of Las Alpujarras, where you can walk between ancient villages, hike up mighty Mulhac茅n, stay in a charming rural hotel and drink in the mountain views while sampling some of Spain's finest 箩补尘贸苍 (ham) and Granada鈥檚 on-the-up wines. If you鈥檙e here in winter, hit the Sierra Nevada鈥檚 ski slopes.
Next stop: Drive from Las Alpujarras to Granada (roughly 2 hours).听
Granada: 2 days
Possibly 础苍诲补濒耻肠铆补鈥檚 most magical city, Granada is a dream of labyrinthine streets, lively tapas bars and centuries of history. It all starts with the spectacular Alhambra, and continues in the Albayz铆n and Realejo quarters; on the fabulous flamenco scene; in heritage hotels; and more.
Next stop: Drive from Granada to the pueblos blancos (roughly 3 hours).听
Detour: En route to the white villages, wander around un-touristed Antequera and grab a bite to eat (add an additional half-day).听
Pueblos Blancos: 2 days
The pueblos blancos (white villages) of 颁谩诲颈锄 province are some of Spain鈥檚 most beautiful settlements. Explore villages like Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra and Arcos de la Frontera (all make excellent bases), and go hiking, horse riding and more in the .
Next stop: Drive to your base in the Costa de la Luz (roughly 2.5 hours).听
Extension: Popular Ronda makes a great, though larger, alternative base or day-trip destination (add 1 additional day).听
Costa de la Luz: 2 days
Base yourself in Tarifa or Vejer (but don鈥檛 miss either) for a breath of Atlantic air on 颁谩诲颈锄鈥 wind-swept Costa de la Luz. Both towns have white-walled, Moorish-origin historic cores and ever-evolving food scenes, while gorgeous sandy-blond beaches disappear into the distance along the coast.
Next stop: Drive from your base to听颁谩诲颈锄 (roughly 1.5 hours).听
Extension: Take a day trip to Gibraltar and discover the Rock鈥檚 history (add 1 additional day).听
颁谩诲颈锄: 1鈥2 days
Take your time wandering through one of Europe鈥檚 oldest cities. Founded by the Phoenicians, 颁谩诲颈锄 has enough leafy plazas, historical riches, Atlantic-washed beaches and heaving tapas bars to make you want to linger longer.
Next stop: Drive from听颁谩诲颈锄 to Seville (1.5 hours) or take a train (roughly 2 hours).听
Detour: Sherry-loving Jerez de la Frontera and Sanl煤car de Barrameda both make fascinating stopovers en route to Seville (add an additional 1鈥2 days).听
Seville: 2 days
Zip north to the soulful Andalucian capital of听Seville. Dig into architectural delights such as the cathedral and the Real Alc谩zar, the buzzy barrios (neighborhoods), the rich art scene, the flamenco world and some of Spain鈥檚 finest tapas bars.
Extension: Easily reached by high-speed train from Seville, 颁贸谤诲辞产补 is 础苍诲补濒耻肠铆补鈥檚 other dazzling city (add 1 day).听
3. Explore the lush north coast
Allow at least 10鈥12 days听
Distance: 900km (559 miles)
An entirely different world from the sun-baked Mediterranean shoreline, Spain鈥檚 lushly green, cider-sipping northern coast is one of Europe鈥檚 most spectacular. Towering sea cliffs give way to honey-gold beaches washed by Atlantic surf waves, while the cities here are lively hubs with buckets of soul and some of the country鈥檚 finest gastronomy.
Donostia/San Sebasti谩n: 2 days
One of the world鈥檚 great culinary cities, Donostia/San Sebasti谩n provides the perfect welcome to the north, with its cliff-edged beaches and buzzing old town. Go bar-hopping among the best pintxo spots, try some surfing, savor the atmosphere on lovely Playa de la Concha and hike along the lush coastline.
Next stop:听Drive from听Donostia/San Sebasti谩n to Bilbao or take a bus (roughly 1.5 hours).听
Detour: Stop to learn about sobering Civil War history in Gernika (add half a day).听
Bilbao: 1鈥2 days
Next up is thrilling Bilbao, where the awe-inspiring Museo Guggenheim is only the start; art lovers will find countless other galleries that will command their attention. And anyone will love getting lost in the atmospheric Casco Viejo (among Spain鈥檚 great pintxo districts), walking or cycling along the riverfront, or even hitting the beach.
Next stop: Drive from Bilbao to Picos de Europa (roughly 3 hours).听
Detour: See some of Europe鈥檚 finest prehistoric cave art at Altamira (3鈥4 hours).听
Picos de Europa: 2 days
Onward to the majestic Picos de Europa, where the Cantabrian town of Potes makes a delightful base. Spain鈥檚 second-largest national park is an enthralling adventure playground, where you can go walking, kayaking or rock-climbing; visit historic pilgrimage site of Covadonga; taste northern cheeses; and soar high on the cable car.
Next stop: Drive from your base to Oviedo (roughly 3 hours).听
Detour: Drop down to the Asturian coast at lovely Ribadesella (add 1 day).听
Oviedo: 1 day
Say 鈥溌ola!鈥 to the elegant Asturian capital of听Oviedo听鈥撎齣deally with a cider and a plate of Picos cheeses. Then stroll around the old town, where highlights include the great Gothic cathedral and an open-air sculpture gallery.
Next stop: Drive from Oviedo to听A Coru帽a (roughly 3 hours).听
Extension: Around 75km (47 miles) southwest of Oviedo, go hiking and bear spotting in the serene (add 1 day).听
A Coru帽a: 1 day
Atlantic-side A Coru帽a is a thriving city in the province of Galicia, one crammed with delectable seafood restaurants, energetic bars, excellent museums and an entrancing historic center. All this makes it a great place to linger off the beaten track.
Next stop:听Drive along the Costa da Morte, stopping wherever you desire.听
Detour: Take a side trip to spectacular Cabo Ortegal and the Punta da Estaca de Bares, Spain鈥檚 northernmost point (add half a day).听
Costa da Morte: 1鈥2 days
Galicia鈥檚 mist-shrouded Costa da Morte delivers cascading sea cliffs, wind-battered lighthouses, Atlantic beaches and wonderful rural hotels, taking in magical Cabo Fisterra and the final extension of the famous Camino de Santiago.
Next stop: Drive to听Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino.听
Detour: Head to the R铆as Baixas to discover albari帽o wines, or sail out to the dreamy Illas C铆es (add 1 day).听
Santiago de Compostela: 2 days
The entrancing Galician capital of听Santiago de Compostela is one of Spain鈥檚 most beautiful cities, with one of the world鈥檚 most celebrated cathedrals at its heart. Exploring the cobbled squares, feasting on fresh seafood and catching folk-music sessions makes for the perfect final chapter.
Extension: Extend the delights on the dramatic Ribeira Sacra, with its wineries, monasteries and walking trails (add 1鈥2 days).听
4. Follow the Catalan coast, then ascend into the Pyrenees
Allow at least 8鈥9 days听
Distance: 800km (497 miles)听
There鈥檚 a whole lot more to Catalonia than Barcelona. This adventure-filled itinerary takes in the region鈥檚 most exquisite coastline, with its weighty art heritage and pine-fringed coves 鈥 before plunging into the vast natural expanses of the Catalan Pyrenees, where endless adventure and peaceful medieval villages await.
Girona: 2 days
In Girona 鈥 which has its own handy airport 鈥 echoes of the past loom around every corner, from the 14th-century cathedral to the fortified walls and the many bridges crisscrossing the Riu Onyar. For good measure, you can also enjoy excellent museums, an impressive historic center and some of Spain鈥檚 top restaurants.
Next stop: Drive from Girona to听颁补诲补辩耻茅蝉 (roughly 1.5 hours).听
Detour: Discover boutique hotels, buzzing restaurants and twinkling coves in hillside Begur (add 1鈥2 days).听
颁补诲补辩耻茅蝉: 2 days
It鈥檚 time for the pine-dusted Costa Brava, one of Spain鈥檚 鈥 and the world鈥檚 鈥 most celebrated shorelines. And听颁补诲补辩耻茅蝉听is听perhaps the prettiest of all its towns. Roam around the whitewashed streets here, take a dip in the Mediterranean, hike around Cap de Creus and learn all about Dal铆's legacy at his former house.
Next stop: Drive from听颁补诲补辩耻茅蝉 to听Parc Nacional d鈥橝ig眉estortes i Estany de Sant Maurici (roughly 5 hours).听
Detour: Don't miss the fantastical Teatre-Museu Dal铆 in Figueres (3 hours).听
Parc Nacional d鈥橝ig眉estortes i Estany de Sant Maurici: 2 days
Worth the long journey (consider stopping off at La Garrotxa along the way), is a wonderland of glinting lakes, distant peaks and tempting walking trails. Lively Espot makes an ideal base. It鈥檚 possible to hike across the park to Bo铆-Ta眉ll in one day.
Next stop: Drive from your base to听Vall de Bo铆 (roughly 2 hours).听
Extension: Find more active fun in the remote Val d'Aran (add 1 day).听
Vall de Bo铆: 1 day
One of Catalonia鈥檚 most delightful corners, the Vall de Bo铆 hugs the western edge of the national park. Unique Catalan Romanesque churches anchor the medieval villages of Ta眉ll, Bo铆 and Erill la Vall, where you can go hiking, winter skiing and see summer festivals.
Next stop: Drive from your base to Barcelona (roughly 4 hours).听
Extension: Continue your Pyrenees adventures in 础谤补驳贸苍 with Benasque or the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido (add 1鈥2 days).听
Barcelona: 1鈥2 days
Travel back to Barcelona, where you can see original Vall de Bo铆 church frescoes hanging in the Museu Nacional d鈥橝rt de Catalunya, have a dip in the sea at a city beach, tuck into a Catalan-style 补谤谤貌蝉 (rice) or go tapas-hopping around the Ciutat Vella.
Extension: Roman Tarragona makes an excellent side trip from Barcelona (add 1 day).听
5. Cruise through Castilla y 尝别贸苍 and 础谤补驳贸苍
Allow at least 10 days听
Distance: 990km (615 miles)听
Away from the popular coasts, inland Spain serves up an evocative blend of dynamic cities, impossibly pretty villages and wide-open plains, dotted with crumbling castles, elegant bodegas and spirited restaurants serving meaty specialties. Take a hop around the culturally extraordinary cities of听Castilla y 尝别贸苍, then escape into the majestic Aragonese Pyrenees for hiking, cycling and adventure sports.
Segovia: 1 day
A quick hop from Madrid, the UNESCO-listed city of Segovia instantly immerses you in that only-in-Castilla feel, thanks to its astonishing Roman aqueduct, myth-laced origins, Gothic cathedral and an听alcazar (fortress) so magical it inspired Walt Disney鈥檚 Sleeping Beauty.
Next stop:听Drive from Segovia to 脕惫颈濒补 (50 minutes).听
Extension: Go wine-tasting in Ribera del Duero, one of Spain鈥檚 most respected wine regions (add 1 day).听
脕惫颈濒补: 1 day
With some of Spain's best-preserved medieval walls, 脕惫颈濒补 feels plucked from a film set, especially when lit up at night. Learn about the pilgrims who have flocked to its cathedral for centuries, try meaty Castilian delicacies and explore the old town.
Next stop:听Drive from听脕惫颈濒补 to Salamanca (1 hour).听
Detour: Seek serenity among the walking paths of the , an ever-more-popular nature escape easily accessible from Madrid (add 1 day).听
Salamanca: 1 day
Spain鈥檚 most beautiful Plaza Mayor is found in the lively university hub of听Salamanca. Here,听you can admire Renaissance and 16th-century plateresque architecture, soak up the academic vibes and stay out late into the night.
Next stop:听Drive from Salamanca to Astorga and听尝别贸苍 (roughly 2 hours).听
Detour: Head out hiking in the or stop to explore Zamora鈥檚 historical riches on the journey north (add 1 day).听
Astorga and 尝别贸苍: 2 days
Energetic 尝别贸苍 and the old Roman settlement of Astorga are your next history-loaded stops, both attractive bases. 尝别贸苍 has one of Spain鈥檚 most impressive cathedrals, while both cities enjoy a rich Camino de Santiago heritage. (You can even join the pilgrims for a day (or more) of hiking.) Drink it all in 鈥 but don鈥檛 sleep on the terrific tapas bars here.
Next stop:听Drive from听Astorga and听尝别贸苍 to Burgos (roughly 2.5 hours).听
Burgos: 1 day
Another jaw-droppingly beautiful cathedral? Absolutely. The UNESCO-protected Gothic cathedral of Burgos is one of Spain鈥檚 most inspired, while the city鈥檚 strong regional food scene rewards those who linger.
Next stop:听Drive from Burgos to Zaragoza (roughly 3.5 hours).听
Detour: Go bird-watching and walking in the Desfiladero de La Yecla or the (add 1 day).听
Zaragoza: 2 days
Cross into听础谤补驳贸苍, whose capital Zaragoza is an underrated delight, with such treasures as the works of Goya, a revered riverside basilica, the Moorish 础濒箩补蹿别谤铆补 and one of Spain鈥檚 greatest tapas scenes.
Next stop: Drive from Zaragoza to听Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido (roughly 2 hours).听
Detour: Detour slightly south to the beautiful pink-hued medieval village of 础濒产补谤谤补肠铆苍, perhaps with a side trip to Mud茅jar-style Teruel (add 1 day).听
Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido: 2 days
There鈥檚 no shortage of outdoor thrills in , one of Spain鈥檚 oldest national parks and top hiking destinations. Wonderful walking trails, snow-dusted peaks, majestic mountain panoramas and shimmering lakes await in this spectacular pocket of 础谤补驳贸苍's Pyrenees, where Torla and A铆nsa make atmospheric access towns.
6. From 础苍诲补濒耻肠铆补 to Extremadura: Seville to 颁谩肠别谤别蝉
Allow at least 6鈥8 days听
Distance: 440km (273 miles)听
Combine the urban energy of Seville with exploring well off the beaten track in alluring Extremadura, one of Spain鈥檚 least-known corners, on the border with Portugal. Beyond Seville鈥檚 Moorish-era monuments and Andalucian thrills, Extremadura promises old cities, outstanding Roman ruins, a hyper-local food scene and wide-open natural spaces.
Seville: 1鈥2 days
Get started in lively Seville, where fiery flamenco, riverside strolls, outstanding monuments (such as the Giralda, the Real Alc谩zar and Las Setas) and some of Spain鈥檚 tastiest tapas bars invite leisurely explorations.
Next stop:听Take a bus from Seville to听惭茅谤颈诲补 (roughly 2.5 hours) or drive (2 hours).听
Extension: Add on the sherry-making town of Jerez de la Frontera, or try your luck looking for lynxes in the (add 1 day; accessible by car).听
惭茅谤颈诲补: 1鈥2 days
Head north (perhaps via pretty Zafra or 箩补尘贸苍 hub Monesterio) to buzzy 惭茅谤颈诲补, home to some of Spain鈥檚 most magnificent Roman ruins. The inspiring, still-in-use theater provides a sense of how this was a major Roman city 2000 years ago. And there鈥檚 even more to see in nearby Medell铆n.
Next stop:听Take two buses from 惭茅谤颈诲补 to Guadalupe, switching in听颁谩肠别谤别蝉, (3鈥5 hours) or drive (roughly 1.5 hours).听
Detour: Pop into underrated Badajoz near the Portuguese border (add 1 day, accessible by car).听
Guadalupe: 1 day
Perfectly doable as a day trip from 惭茅谤颈诲补 or Trujillo (or as a stop between the two), the monastery of Guadalupe ranks among Spain鈥檚 most sacred places and major pilgrimage destinations. Travel into Extremadura鈥檚 mountainous eastern reaches to explore this small, charming town 鈥 and catch a glimpse of the famous Virgen de Guadalupe.
Next stop: Take a bus from Guadalupe to Trujillo (roughly 2 hours) or drive (roughly 1.5 hours).听
Trujillo: 1 day
Explore the architectural riches and down-to-earth food world of Trujillo, where grand palaces, churches and plazas reveal the town鈥檚 major role in the colonization of the Americas. In more recent history, fans of the hit shows House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones might recognize its historic streets.
Next stop: Take a bus from Trujillo to听颁谩肠别谤别蝉 (roughly 1 hours) or drive (45 minutes).听
Detour: Extremadura's remote northeast valleys, including La Vera, lie within easy reach of Trujillo (add 1 day; accessible by car).听
颁谩肠别谤别蝉: 2 days
Arguably Extremadura鈥檚 most beautiful city, 颁谩肠别谤别蝉 reveals one of Spain鈥檚 most magical old towns, along with a thriving regional dining scene, an impressive art collection and a few more cinematic surprises. From here, it鈥檚 a quick train hop back to transport hub Madrid.
Extension: Enjoy some of the finest bird-watching in the country in the dramatic (add 1 day; accessible by car).听
