Spain Itinerary Barcelona Seville Madrid by JetSettingFools.com

Spain Itinerary: Barcelona, Seville, Madrid

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Spain features varied landscapes, vibrant cities and incredible cuisine. The large country has numerous fantastic destinations to choose from – and with so much to see, planning a vacation to Spain can be perplexing. To help fellow travelers, we created an easy-to-follow, day-by-day Spain Itinerary that highlights the absolute best of the country. 

 

Spain Itinerary Trip Plan

We designed our Best of Spain Itinerary when a friend joined us on our European Travels. She had limited time, so we planned a Spain One-Week Itinerary to show her the top sights. Not an easy task when planning a trip to Spain!

On our One Week in Spain Vacation, we traveled to the three most popular cities: Barcelona, Seville and Madrid. We believe these are the best places to visit in Spain on a quick one week trip. 

 

Best Places To Visit in Spain

Spain is a vast country – and each destination is unique and rich in culture and history. Fortunately, Spain is well connected by planes, high speed rail and regional transport. Visitors planning a One Week Itinerary of Spain can certainly visit multiple destinations, but will need to consider travel time between each place.

Some of the best places to go in Spain are the famous cities and picturesque towns. For our Spain Travel Itinerary, we include three top Spain destinations: Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. We think these three cities offer the perfect introduction for a first time visitor to Spain.

Now, for a quick summary of each location before jumping into our detailed day-by-day tour of Spain.

Top Tip: While we feel these three cities constitute the Best Spain Itinerary for One Week, there are other fabulous destinations in the area to consider. For those with more time, we include options to tour other top spots – like San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque Country as well as Lisbon or Porto across the border in Portugal.

 

Barcelona

Famous Gaudi architecture, Casa Batllo, in Barcelona, Spain

With an array of sights, Barcelona dazzles visitors. The popular Catalan city features an old town rife with Gothic buildings and Gaudi’s Modernism architecture, which together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, Barcelona is so much more than historic buildings. Barcelona highlights include nature (like Park Guell, stunning shoreline beaches and picturesque mountains) as well as phenomenal Barcelona Tapas

Find out more in our detailed 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary!

 

Seville

Visitors taking in the impressive view of Plaza de Espana, Seville Spain

The city of Seville is comprised of quaint neighborhoods and delectable Sevilla Tapas Bars – and it’s a highlight of many Spain Travel Itineraries. Seville is best discovered on foot. Top activities include exploring popular attractions – like the Cathedral and Alcazar, both of which are located right in the heart of the city – and sampling an array of scrumptious Spanish cuisine. 

Learn more about all the Top Seville Sights!

 

Madrid

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market and Tree, Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a sparling metropolis with a buzzing center and is one of the best destinations to include on a Spain Itinerary One Week Trip. Top features of Madrid include spacious plazas, lush parks, the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Center. The Spanish capital is the second largest city in the European Union (only Berlin is bigger), yet the sights are fairly easy to navigate with our free Self-Guided Madrid Walking Tour!

Use our 3-Day Madrid Itinerary for detailed information!


 

Spain Trip Planner Route and Transport

Choosing where to go in Spain is only the first step in planning a trip. Visitors also need to consider the route for their Spain Itinerary – and how they will travel to each destination.

For a quick 7 Days in Spain Itinerary, we recommend choosing destinations that are easy to reach by high speed train or short flights. This way, you will spend less time in transit and more time discovering Spain!

 

Spain Itinerary by Train

The cities we include in our One Week Spain Itinerary are well-connected for touring Spain by train (our version of a Spain Road Trip!). In fact, part of the reason we chose these destinations in Spain was the convenient train travel available between them. 

 

Where To Start Your Spain Itinerary 1 Week Trip

We organized our trip plan for 7 Days in Spain starting in Barcelona and ending in Madrid. Spending 1 Week in Spain starting in Madrid and ending in Barcelona – can be easily done, too.

It would even be possible to begin your trip in Seville. However, if you are traveling from abroad, your international flight will likely take you to Barcelona or Madrid, not Seville. 

For those planning a Spain trip from North America (United States and Canada, specifically), we recommend booking flights into one gateway city and out of the other. This is one of our top Cheap Flight Tips and a good way to save precious vacation time, as well!

Travel Tip: We discuss more options for getting around Spain in detail at the end of the article.

 

How Many Days in Spain

How much time you spend in Spain should be decided based on your personal interests, overall budget and total allotted time for your trip. We have spent as little as one day in Spain while transiting between countries (clearly, not enough time!) – and could easily spend more than a month touring Spain.

Our 1-Week in Spain Itinerary is an ideal way to experience the country. But, what if you only have 5 Days in Spain or are trying to plan a 10-Day Spain Itinerary? No worries! We’ve got you covered with numerous sample Spain itineraries, which we share below.


 

Our Spain Itinerary 7 Days

With 7 days in Spain, it is possible to visit the major sights in three cities, which is how we created our Barcelona, Madrid, Seville Itinerary. For this Spain Travel Itinerary, we decided to plan our time as follows: 3 days in Barcelona, 2 days in Seville and 2 days in Madrid. 

 

Map of Spain Itinerary Destinations

On our Spain Itinerary Map, we have marked the locations of the top destinations – Madrid, Barcelona, Seville – in red. The blue pins show optional destinations of San Sebastian and Lisbon, Portugal. 

Spain Itinerary Destinations Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Lisbon, San Sebastian

Top Tip: While our Spain-in-One-Week Itinerary features activities and information for each day, we also recommend using a current Spain Guide Book (Lonely Planet and Rick Steves are our favorites). It’s also a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases or bring a pocket phrase book on your trip!


 

1 Week in Spain: Day-by-Day Itinerary

One of the Best Views of Barcelona, Spain

You can use our guide as your Spain trip planner for Barcelona, Seville and Madrid exactly as it is written or as a base and tailor it to best fit your travel style. Now, it is time start your One Week in Spain in Barcelona!

 

Day 1: Travel to Barcelona

Monument in Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain

Arrive in Barcelona and waste no time getting acquainted with the city! Our Spain vacation itinerary begins with exploring the top Barcelona sights. Start in the heart of the city on Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s wide pedestrian lane lined with shops and street entertainers. After soaking in the atmosphere, walk to La Rambla del Mar on the waterfront.

Follow the coastline north past the harbor full of sailboats to Barceloneta, the city’s best beach town. Next, venture into Parc de la Ciutadella and wander the paths to waterfalls, ponds and monuments. Then explore the streets of La Ribera and Barri Gothic neighborhoods.

Top Travel Tips: Because you are only in Spain for a week, you have got to get right to it! Day 1 of our itinerary for Spain covers 5+ miles. Find detailed information in our self-guided Barcelona Walking Tour – or join a guided walking tour, like this one.

 

Day 2: Explore Barcelona Sights

1929 World Expo Fairgrounds view from Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain

On the second day of your 7-day trip to Spain, get an early start and hike up Montjuic (Jewish Mountain) to the hill-topping castle for views of Barcelona and the Balearic Sea. The Montjuic Castle dates to 1640 and was built as a military fortress and the interior can be visited for a fee.

Bring a picnic lunch (perhaps with items gathered from the Mercado de La Boqueria) and dine al fresco. Retrace your steps back down the hill and spend the afternoon visiting the MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalyuna) art museum. In the evening, discover the best Barcelona tapas in the Poble Sec neighborhood at the base of Montjuic. 

Top Tip: What is a One Week in Spain Itinerary without eating copious amounts of tapas? Read our recommendations for the Best Tapas Bars in Barcelona!

 

Day 3: Discover Barcelona Modernism

The Casa de les Punxes building in Barcelona, Spain

A trip to Barcelona would not be complete without contemplating the works of the city’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. So, that is exactly what you will do on Day 3 of your 1 week trip to Spain.

His unique works are scattered throughout Barcelona, but he is best known for his (forever) unfinished Sagrada Familia church. More must-see Gaudi sights are Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. Join a Gaudi Tour to learn more about his life and work.

In the afternoon, wander through more of Barcelona’s picturesque neighborhoods, like L’Eixample or the La Ribera and Barri Gothic quarters, if you didn’t have time to see them on your first day. 

Top Tip: To help plan every detail, use the tips for top things to do in our Best Barcelona Itinerary!

 

Day 4: Arrive in Seville

La Giralda Tower and St. Mary of the See Cathedral in Seville, Spain

Begin Day 4 early on board the highspeed AVE Train from Barcelona to Seville in the Andalusia region (6 hours). Note: If you are making the Barcelona to Seville road trip with a rental car, expect the journey to take at least 9 hours.

After checking into your Seville accommodations, head straight for the city center. Visit the landmark Seville Cathedral, which was built between 1401 and 1519 and is one of the largest Medieval churches in the world. Climb the 12th century La Giralda Tower, then enter the Alcazar palace that stands opposite the cathedral (where scenes for Game of Thrones were been filmed). Spend the evening in Sevilla tapas-tasting and then seek out a spot to watch Flamenco dancing.

Top Tip: Find our recommended spots for the Best Tapas in Seville or join a combo tapas/flamenco tour

 

Day 5: Wander Seville Neighborhoods

Colorful street in Triana neighborhood in Seville, Spain

For day 5 of our Spain itinerary, we’ll spend time soaking up the charm of Seville by discovering the quaint neighborhoods of the city. Explore on your own or hire a guide for a private tour of Seville.

See more of the city center, then step into Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter. Cross the Canal de Alfonso XIII and get lost in the colorful lanes of Triana. Go south of the Seville Center to the ornate Plaza de Espana and Parque de Maria Luisa…but don’t miss the Macarena neighborhood (and the Basilica de la Macarena) on the north side. Spend the evening sipping Spanish wine on a rooftop terrace and enjoy the elevated Sevilla views. 

Top Tip: Many itineraries for Spain only include one day in Seville, which we don’t think is enough. Read our guide to visiting the most picturesque Seville Neighborhoods so that you can immerse yourself into the city! 

 

Day 6: Arrive in Madrid

Puerta del Sol, Christmastime, Madrid, Spain

Take the morning AVE Train to Madrid (3 hours) for the final two days of your 7-day tour of Spain. Discover the top sights in the city on your own or join fellow travelers and a local guide for a tour of Madrid. Either way, hit the ground running and take in the major sites in Madrid Centro!

See Puerta del Sol, marvel at Playa Mayor, feast at Mercado de San Miguel, visit the Madrid Cathedral and tour the the expansive Royal Palace. Continue sightseeing as you walk down Gran Via (Madrid’s high-end shopping street), pop into Palacio de Cibeles for an elevated view and stroll through lush El Reitro Park. If time allows, swing through Mueso del Prado during the free evening hours. 

Pro Tip: Wondering how to plan your time in Madrid? Leave it to us! Use the information from our Madrid Walking Tour for your first day in the city.

 

Day 7: Visit Madrid Top Attractions

Best View of Madrid, Spain

It is the last day of your 7 Day Spain Itinerary – and there is still so much to see! Start on the south side of the city with a calamari sandwich breakfast (it’s a Madrid culinary treat) and then see contemporary artwork at the fabulous Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. 

Wander through the La Latina district; it’s a haven of boutique shops and street art murals. If it happens to be a Sunday, join the crowds at the El Rastro Flea Market. Enjoy a leisurely tapas lunch on Cava Baja Street – then set your sights on North Centro Madrid and the Malasana neighborhood. 

Start at Plaza de Espana, then walk up to the ancient Egyptian Debod Temple. Next, take in the views from Montana Park and wind your way through the Parque del Oeste Rose Garden. If time allows, visit a museum in Malasana (there are many to choose from – but the History Museum of Madrid is our top pick). 

End the day discovering the streets of Malasana. Join the locals in Plaza del Dos de Mayo, stop by one of the craft beer taprooms or stop at a Madrid institution, Petisqueira.  

Pro Tip: Day 7 takes you from one end of Madrid City Center to the other. If you have more time, our Madrid 3 Day Itinerary is for you!

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What is the Best Itinerary for Spain? 

The Unfinished La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

Honestly, we think our Spain Itinerary for 7 days is a great way to discover the country, especially if it’s your first visit. That said, there is no right or wrong way to visit Spain.

To help other travelers create their best Spain itinerary, we are offering several suggestions, including alternate destinations, plus shorter – and longer – trip plans.


 

Spain Trip Itinerary Variations

Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain

When designing your best Spain vacation itinerary, still use our above Spain One-Week Itinerary as a base. How to plan a trip to Spain really depends on how much time your have and what your interests are. Use the following Spain travel planner suggestions to get the most out of your visit!

Top Tip: Those who have more than a week in Spain can add a combination of destinations and day trips to their itinerary. Below, we highlight top-rated day trips from each city for some ideas to help you when planning a vacation to Spain.

 

Spain Itinerary 3 Days

With just 3 days in Spain it will be difficult to get a good feel for the country. Still, there is a lot you can squeeze into a 3 day holiday to Spain. 

 

3 Day Spain Itinerary: Seville, Madrid or Barcelona

On such a short trip to Spain, it is ideal to pick only one destination. We recommend choosing either Barcelona or Madrid, as both of those are better connected to other international destinations. 

That said, depending on where you are coming from, it would be possible to spend the entirety of your 3 days in Spain in Seville.

 

Fast-Paced Spain 3-Day Itinerary: Madrid and Barcelona

Travelers who like to move quickly could create a 3 days in Spain Itinerary that includes two cities – ideally, Madrid and Barcelona.

Arrive in Barcelona and spend the first two days there. On the third day, either take the AVE train (3 hours) or fly (1.5 hours, plus time to get to the airport) to Madrid and spend the rest of the day sightseeing. 

 

Spain Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 days in Spain, travelers will still be limited with what they can see. However, we’ll show you ways of making the most of it!

 

Slow-Paced Itinerary to Spain for 5 Days

For those who prefer a slower paced vacation can opt for just one city and then take day trips to see more of the region. We list top day trips from each city on our itinerary in the next section. 

 

5-Day Spain Itinerary: Barcelona and Madrid

Visitors who like to explore big cities can spend their 5 days in Spain in the top two in the country: Barcelona and Madrid. Use our Spain Week Itinerary, but eliminate Seville.

 

Fast-Paced Spain 5-Day Itinerary

Alternatively, those who like to see it all and are intent on squeezing as much as possible into 5 days in Spain can create a fast-paced Barcelona-Seville-Madrid Itinerary. We would recommend spending 2 days in Barcelona, 1 day in Seville (more like a half-day) and 2 days in Madrid. Be aware, however, you will be very rushed trying to see 3 cities in Spain in 5 days!

 

Alternate One Week Travel Itineraries for Spain

The Best View in San Sebastian, Basque, Spain

While we believe our above day-by-day trip plan is an ideal route, there are of course many alternate ways to plan a trip to Spain.

 

Spain One Week Itinerary: 2 Cities

Rather than seeing three cities in Spain in a week, slow down and choose just two destinations for your trip. Having more time in any place will allow you to delve deeper into the history, culture and cuisine and ultimately a more relaxed vacation.

 

Spain-Portugal Itinerary 7 Days

Or dial it up and visit both Spain and Portugal in 1-week! To create a Portugal and Spain vacation trip plan, you will need to rearrange our timeline – or eliminate one of our recommended Spain destinations.

The route we recommend for a One Week in Spain and Portugal Itinerary is Barcelona (2 Days), Madrid (3 Days) and Lisbon (2 Days). Use our Lisbon Itinerary to plan your time in Portugal (including a day in Sintra!). 

 

Spain Itinerary 8 Days

Using our outline of what to do in Spain in 7 days, it is fairly easy to extend it one more. We would add one more day to Madrid to allow for more sightseeing or a trip outside the city.

 

9 Day Spain Itinerary

To expand our Spain tour to 9 days, you could make a few simple adjustments. Such as, visiting Barcelona, Seville and Madrid with 3 days in each city. Add day tours in Seville and Madrid using our suggestions below.

Alternatively, leave all the planning to someone else and join a 9-Day Tour of Spain that includes Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Barcelona and Valencia. Find out more!

 

Spain Itinerary 10 Days

With 10 days in Spain, travelers have the opportunity to see a lot more – either on day trips or with added destinations. 

 

10-Day Spain Itinerary: 3 Destinations

An ideal way to spend 10 days in Spain is to simply add one additional day in each city. Visitors would spend 4 days in Barcelona, 3 days in Seville and 3 days in Madrid. 

 

Spain 10-Day Itinerary: 4 Destinations

Alternatively, follow our Spain week itinerary as outlined, then add a fourth destination. Our top recommendations in Spain for additional destinations are Hondarriba and/or San Sebastian

 

Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 Days

Adding 3 Days in Lisbon to your One Week Spain Itinerary is a fantastic way to see the Iberian Peninsula!

Colorful Lisbon is spread over seven hills – with the magical Castles of Sintra just a short train ride away. Classic yellow trams rattle through the historic center and locals abide by age old traditions. Find out more in our guide to the Top Things To Do in Lisbon.

 

10 Day Spain Itinerary with Basque Country

If you’d prefer to stay in Spain for 10 days, consider heading north to experience a completely different culture in San Sebastian. The Basque Region is distinctly different from the rest of Spain and very close to France. Nearby Bilbao is another top pick for places to visit in the north of Spain.

Get tips on how to visit San Sebastian in our 3-Day Basque Itinerary.

3-Day Basque Country Itinerary by JetSettingFools.com

 

2 Weeks in Spain

With two weeks in Spain there is so much more you can see! To create your ideal Spain Two Week Itinerary, use our tips above for 10 days and build out from there. A 14 Days in Spain Itinerary can include traveling to Portugal or seeing more of Spain.

 

Two Week Spain Itinerary with Portugal

We think the best way to see Spain and Portugal in 2 weeks is to follow the suggested itinerary for Spain in 10 days and then venture into Portugal to spend the last 4 days in Lisbon (and possibly even Porto!).

 

Spain Itinerary 3 Weeks

With 3 Weeks in Spain, you can get really creative! You could easily spend a week in each of our recommended cities taking time to truly experience each destination.

 

3 Weeks Spain, Portugal and France

Alternatively, you could add more countries to your Spain Itinerary. To get the most out of the trip, we suggest adding both San Sebastian (and perhaps Saint Jean de Luz, France) plus Lisbon, Portugal (and maybe Porto) to your vacation to Europe!

 

Southern Spain Itinerary

Southern Spain is so incredibly different from the rest of the country (hello, beaches!) – and travelers planning a One Week Itinerary in Spain could opt to stay entirely in the south. Besides Seville, other top stops are Alicante, Granada, Cordoba, Malaga (Costa del Sol), Cadiz (Costa de la Luz), and Ronda.

 

10 Day Itinerary for Southern Spain

On a 10 Day trip to Spain, you could create a Madrid-Seville-Granada-Barcelona Itinerary that spends more time in Southern Spain. Perhaps even adding Cadiz and/or Alicante for a Spain Beach Vacation.

 

Guided Southern Spain Tour Itinerary

Alternatively, you could add a guided tour of Southern Spain to your trip plan. Check out this Andalusia Itinerary for Cordoba, Seville and Granada in 5 days from Madrid.


 

Top Spain Day Trips

View of Toledo, Spain

If you are extending your 1-Week Itinerary for Spain to include day trips, use the below suggestions for top-rated trips and activities. Even if you are just spending a week in Spain, you may want to rearrange your schedule to include one of these fun day trips!

 

Barcelona Day Trips

 

Seville Day Trips

  • Granada Day Trip (including Alhambra Palace skip the line ticket) – Plan it!
  • Afternoon Gourmet Wine and Tapas Tour – Book it!

 

Madrid Day Trips


 

Guided Tours Of Spain

View of the Cable Car, Barcelona, Spain

We opted to see Spain on our own, but there are many tours that are led by qualified guides. Although guided tours usually cost more than traveling independently, booking Spain tour packages can be a hassle-free way to see the country. Start your search for guided Spain tours on Viator, a trusted brand dedicated to designing the best excursions. 


 

Spain Itineraries Travel Info

Exterior of Cibeles Palace, CentroCentro Madrid, Spain

When planning a trip to Spain, travelers need to consider how to get to each destination. On a trip to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, visitors can travel by plane, train, car or bus. (We detail tips on How To Get To Spain a bit further below). 

 

Spain by Train Itinerary

Exploring Spain by Train is an incredible way to see the country. We chose to take train trips in Spain for the comfort and because we wanted to view the scenery along the way. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend buying Spain rail passes. Instead, buy individual tickets in advance. Always compare prices – as tickets can differ according to type of train and time of day.

 

Travel Spain by Plane, Car or Bus

Although we explored Spain by train (and not in the rain), it is possible to also fly, self-drive, or take a bus during your 7 day trip to Spain!

 

Flights in Spain

There are flights from Barcelona to Seville that take equal total time and cost about the same amount as the train. Flights are also available from Seville to Madrid, but flying doesn’t necessarily save time or money on this shorter route. Start your search on Skyscanner – and use our Tips for Finding Cheap Flights.

 

Road Trip Around Spain

For those interested in a Spain road trip from Barcelona, you will need to account for additional time. Drive times from Barcelona to Seville are 9+ hours depending on the route and traffic. Be certain to read our advice for finding the Best Car Rental Rates.

 

Travel by Bus in Spain

Bus travel in Spain is fairly affordable and reliable – but can eat up precious time when moving between destinations. When planning your Spanish Itinerary, check journey times to see if bus travel works for your trip.


 

Top Travel Tips For Your Trip to Spain

Beautiful exterior of the Ministerio de Agricultura, Madrid, Spain

We have detailed what to do in Spain for a week (and longer), but we have a few more tips to help make your trip amazing!

 

Best Way To Plan Trip to Spain

There is a lot that goes into planning a Spain trip – from research to reservations. Keep track of your Spain vacation plans with our Printable Travel Planner

Travel Planner Printables by JetSettingFools.com

 

When To Travel to Spain

If you are waiting for the best time to travel to Spain, it’s…now! However, each season has its pros and cons.

Summers will be crowded and hot, but the days are long (optimal for sightseeing) and it’s a great time for visiting Spain’s beaches.

Winters are cool, but typically sunny, and the cities are beautiful when decorated for the Holidays in Europe. We have spent Christmas in Barcelona and visited Madrid at Christmas – and both we simply wonderful! Plus, one of the best year-end celebrations is New Year’s Eve in Madrid

Autumn and Spring can be an ideal time to travel to Spain. We recommend packing layered clothing if you’re visiting Spain in the shoulder seasons, as there can be a mix of weather.

 

1 Week in Spain Cost

The cost of a Seville, Madrid and Barcelona Itinerary depends on many different elements. The largest expenses to factor into a Week in Spain Itinerary budget are flights and accommodations. Other costs to consider are travel between (and in) cities, ticketed activities as well as food and drinks. 

 

Where To Stay in Spain

La Latina Street Art Mural in Madrid, Spain

When planning your own trip to Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, you will need to decide where to stay in each destination. Because of limited time in each city, you will want to make sure you book accommodations that are close to the center and major attractions. 

 

Spain Airbnb

As we considered where to stay in Spain for a week, we opted to stay in Airbnb Apartments – as there were three people in our group. The places we chose were convenient and clean, plus had a kitchen to make simple breakfast meals. 

That said, there is a downside to booking apartments for travel – especially with such short stays. First, the extra fees can add up quickly and second, arranging check in, check out and luggage storage with hosts can stifle your sightseeing plans. 

 

Hotels in Spain

Therefore, we suggest staying in hotels. You will find that there are many to choose from in the city center of Barcelona, Seville and Madrid. Before you start your search, we recommend reading our Tips for Booking the Best Hotels.

We are also highlighting a few top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming Spain Trip.

Barcelona: Hotel ConcordiaCatalonia Magdalenes | Hotel The Serras | Hotel Casa Camper

Seville: Hotel Casa Del Poeta | Hotel Amadeus & La Musica | Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla 

Madrid: Francisco I | Catalonia Puerta del Sol | Preciados  |  Petit Palace

Southern Spain Hotel: Travelers extending their trip to Andalusia might want to consider staying in the Hotel Granada Center – check rates

Budget Travelers: Search for Spain Hostels in Barcelona, Seville and Madrid on Booking.com.

 

Getting To Spain

Our preferred method of getting anywhere is flying, we are JetSettingFools after all! All of the destinations included in our sample Spain itineraries can be reached by plane. If you’re traveling from the US for 1-Week Spain, we recommend booking a flight to Barcelona and out of Madrid. Begin your search for the best deals on flights to Spain on Skyscanner.

 

What To Pack for Your Spain Itinerary

Street Painter at work, Madrid, Spain

Our final advice for your Spain trip planning covers our best packing hacks for your backpack or suitcase. For now, grab a FREE Packing Checklist!

 

Durable Walking Shoes 

We cover a lot of ground in our Spain vacation planner. Be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for Europe. I like to explore in these Columbia shoes – and Kris prefers wearing Merrell trail shoes. Find more styles and read reviews in our Best Travel Shoes article.

 

Spain Weather Gear

What you will need to pack for your trip to Spain will depend on the season. Summers are hot and sunny – so bring sunglasses, plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a refillable water bottle.

In the wintertime, you will likely want to wear layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. On the chance of rain, make sure you are prepared with a packable raincoat and travel umbrella

 

Travel Camera 

Spain is an absolutely gorgeous country! Capture that beauty with a real travel camera, rather than using your phone. We carry a DSLR Canon Rebel (which is a great budget camera for beginners) with an everyday 18-135mm lens (the only one we travel with). 

 

Spain Map and WiFi

It’s so much easier to get around if you know where you are going! We recommend purchasing a Spain destination maps (at least for the big cities – Barcelona and Madrid) before your trip.

Travelers relying on Google Maps (or using the links to our detailed walking tours) will need a WiFi Connection. While it may be possible to adjust your phone plan for international data, frequent travelers (or those traveling as a group) may find it beneficial to buy a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hotspot.

 

Anti-Theft Travel Bag 

Tourists are prime targets for pick pockets – and unfortunately that is very true in Spain. We always keep our valuables – like wallets, phones and camera – tucked away in a money belt or zippered bag. Travelon makes a full line of anti-theft bags, and you can read more tips and reviews in our article, The Best Day Packs for Travel

 

Spain Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may protect against cancelled trips and lost luggage, and it might come in handy if you get ill or injured abroad, too. If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your trip to Spain, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Spain! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

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Spain Itinerary for Barcelona, Seville, Madrid by JetSettingFools.com

4 thoughts on “Spain Itinerary: Barcelona, Seville, Madrid

  1. Mahani Liau

    Thanks so much for this useful information. I’m planning my next trip to Spain next year and hope to follow the advice and suggestions that you’ve provided. This is certainly very helpful.

    Mahani Liau

Comments are closed.