More a combination of culturally distinct regions than one homogenous country, Spain is almost too diverse to experience in a single trip—almost. You can enjoy the major areas of this Iberian gem no matter if your interests are leisure and gastronomy, culture and history, or road-trip adventures. See our travel recommendations below to enjoy Spain to the fullest, whether you're here for five days or two weeks.
A memorable vacation in Spain doesn't require a minimum of two weeks—in just five days you can stick to one or two major cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, or see the highlights of a specific region. Head to Andalusia for Moorish history and architecture, get your fill of artistic and culinary masterpieces in Basque Country, or make it a laidback island vacay on idyllic Mallorca.
In six days, you can fully immerse yourself in one or even two regions in Spain. Those looking for something a bit different can choose off-the-beaten-path tours of major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, visiting the Moorish alcázars of Andalusia, and horseback riding to secluded beaches on Menorca. The more adventurous could take a road trip to La Mancha, head north into Basque Country for great food and rich culture, and travel up the eastern coast above Barcelona to the stunning Costa Brava.
With six days as a family in Spain, you can explore two destinations as its cities are an easy train ride or a short drive from each other. For a more relaxed pace, discover Barcelona and Valencia, complete with a family-friendly day trip, and pair Barcelona with Madrid for historical highlights. If the little ones are begging for beach time, follow Barcelona with the Costa Brava and Tossa de Mar, while families wanting a cultural experience can take cooking and flamenco dance classes together in Madrid and Seville.
One luxurious week in Spain is the perfect amount of time to focus on two or three regions and soak up the country's decadent cuisine and architecturally wondrous cities. First-time travelers will delight in a highlights trip featuring Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville or swap in Granada and towns of Andalusia for a grand introduction to Spain's history. Menorca and the Costa Brava are ideal locations for lavish beach stays, while northern Spain is the perfect place to embark on a self-drive luxury tour.
With one week in Spain, you can take a fast-paced trip to experience Spain's top cities, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Or dive deeper into one region by sampling the legendary cuisine of the Basque Country, laze on Mediterranean beaches, tour Madrid, or enjoy some unique culture in the southern Andalusia region. Below we list five different itineraries that show you how.
Spain is an ideal road trip destination, and these five itineraries highlight the country's diversity. Our recommendations let you explore relaxed beachside towns, take a deep dive into the Basque Country with its world-class gastronomy, or visit Andalusia's slow-paced villages and discover its history.
With kid-friendly activities like exploring Gaudí's whimsical Park Güell, expressing your creativity at mosaic workshops, and stretching your legs on easy-yet-stunning hikes in the southern hills, Spain is an excellent family destination. These top picks for family-friendly itineraries in Spain let you and your crew hop from Barcelona to Madrid to Granada and more with comfort, ease, and plenty of entertainment. Watch those faces light up as you channel your inner royal for the day, taste all the Spanish goodies (tapas are naturally kid-approved), and play at the beach!
Eight days in Spain with the family is an excellent amount of time to introduce young travelers to two or three destinations. Barcelona is a perfect choice for first-time visitors and those intrigued by spectacular architecture, while Madrid is a must-visit for little ones fascinated by royalty. The smaller cities of Seville and Granada are superb destinations for history and cuisine-focused activities. Or, swap in Mallorca for a bit of family beachy fun on the Mediterranean.
With eight days in Spain, you can drive a lot of ground, whether cruising along the rugged Basque coastline, exploring historic cities in Andalusia, or traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including the Canary Islands, to soak up the country's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty.
With a week and a day in Spain, you can hit the highlights of two or three different regions. That would include stops in the most famous cities in the country like Barcelona and Madrid, plus allow time for island hopping. Take a road trip through Andalusia, laze on the beaches of Ibiza, discover the hidden coves of the Costa Brava, and more with these unique itineraries.
On a family trip, you can cover three to four destinations with nine days in Spain. Consider Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Toledo if your family likes exploring cities. If you and the kids prefer outdoor adventures, try an itinerary with Barcelona and Andalusia, including snorkeling in Málaga. Families who like staying busy with hands-on workshops and activities will enjoy Toledo, Seville, and Segovia, while culture-focused families should see Granada and dance flamenco together in Seville.
With nine days, you could plan a grand tour of Spain that not only includes Barcelona but lesser-visited locales along the coast. The stunning Costa Brava is one option, as are the white sands of the Costa de la Luz, in the Andalusia region. You could also take road trips to the north of Spain for a food tour of Basque Country, or south to La Mancha to see the land of Don Quixote.
With 10 days to savor Spain's idyllic landscapes, superb cuisine, and vibrant cities in luxury, you'll have no problem ticking off highlights and uncovering hidden gems. First-time travelers will find a classic tour featuring the must-sees of Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia hits the mark, while those seeking a journey infused with culture and beaches focus on Southern Spain. Northern Spain is the ideal location for foodies, whereas Menorca and the Costa Brava gift memorable days on the Mediterranean.
With 10 days and a rental car, you can go deeper into Spain's cultural scene, hitting both popular hotspots and lesser-known areas. With a focus on Northern and Southern Spain, these five itineraries explore regional highlights, hidden towns, beautiful nature, and local food and wine. With easy-to-navigate roads and routes, you can go at your own pace and enjoy a trip that's uniquely your own.
With 10 days in Spain and Italy, you can check out each country's iconic landmarks and idyllic countrysides on a highlights tour or focus on the picturesque coastlines of the Costa Brava and the Amalfi Coast during a sun-kissed adventure. Foodies will find Naples, Rome, and San Sebastián the perfect places to visit, while active explorers delight in a three-day hike in the Italian Dolomites. Or, for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, grab a rental car and tour lesser-visited villages.
With 10-days in Spain and Portugal, you can experience the bucket list sights of Porto, Lisbon, Seville, and Granada on a highlights tour or take a deep dive into the Iberian Peninsula's fascinating history on a self-drive road trip featuring numerous guided city tours. Foodies will love a cultural and culinary trip, while those looking for more time at the beach can head down to the Algarve coast and choose between an activity-packed active vacation or a relaxing beach holiday.
Grab your kids and head to Spain for 10 days of fun activities, like beach trips near Málaga and on the Costa Brava; citywide treasure hunts; kayaking, catamaran, and sailing excursions; museum visits; and food tours. These five different itineraries take you all over the country, from north to south, as you witness Spain through your kids' eager eyes and explore places like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Royal Palace in Madrid, the Alhambra, the Mezquita, and Seville's Royal Alcázar.
With 10 days in Spain, you can tick off must-see highlights in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville while traveling by train. Or, focus on Catalonia and enjoy a relaxed pace trip on the Costa Brava. Foodies will love delving into the culinary scene of the Basque Country, while beachgoers can stick to Southern Spain's (and Morocco's) resort towns and uncrowded beaches. For an island escape, settle in for 10 days in the Balearics or two days in Porto on a Portugal and Spain road trip adventure.
Eleven days are long enough to comfortably immerse yourself in up to three regions of Spain. Sunseekers can opt for the beaches in Barcelona and the Balearics and tours of the Moorish alcázars of Andalusia. Intrepid travelers can enjoy a self-drive road trip from Madrid to Seville, and foodies can go on a gastronomic odyssey to feast on the best tapas in Madrid and Andalusia—plus enjoy a flamenco show.
Take advantage of your 11 days in Spain with a road trip through numerous cultures, regions, and landscapes. Options include driving along the scenic Basque coastline, exploring the historic towns of La Mancha and Extremadura, and combining buzzy Madrid with laid-back Andalusia. Regardless of your choice, these itineraries allow you to dive into Spain's rich history while experiencing its natural beauty.
The convenience of train travel and the availability of domestic flights make it possible to visit four regions of Spain in 11 days with kids in tow. Families interested in the arts can create keepsakes in a pottery class and learn to dance flamenco in Seville, while budding chefs and foodies will enjoy a paella cooking lesson in Madrid, marzipan-making in Toledo, and a tapas crawl in Triana. Energetic families with various interests will appreciate an architecture walk in Barcelona and cycling tours in Bilbao and San Sebastián.
Twelve days in Spain is a perfect time frame for a road trip, as it gives you plenty of days to see major cities and sites while enjoying the countryside. Popular itineraries for a 12-day adventure start in Madrid and fan out into the country from there, whether to explore northern Spain's incredible scenery and gastronomy, discover Andalusia's unique history and culture, or get off the beaten path in regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.
With 12 days, you'll have the perfect amount of time to introduce young travelers to Spain's vibrant cities and stunning landscapes. Families looking to admire iconic city landmarks will love a highlights tour, while those seeking kid-friendly activities, including horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking, should focus their time in Barcelona and Andalusia. Or, if Northern Spain's beautiful coastlines have caught your eye, split your time between Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Madrid on an active family trip.
Twelve days in Spain is a great trip duration for getting to know two of the country's regions. Pair six days in Barcelona with a sun-filled week exploring the Balearic Islands or the Costa Brava, or hop between the major cities of central and southern Spain. Or, stick to one region or theme and do a deep dive: take a Southern Spain road trip inspired by local expertise, or see the country through the lens of food and wine on a culinary tour.
With 13 days in Spain, you can drive through various diverse landscapes, from the coast and historic cities to charming small villages or incredible national parks, experience the vibrant culture, and sample delicious cuisine. Popular itineraries for a 13-day road trip include exploring the northern regions of Basque Country, vibrant Andalusia, or the lesser-known areas of La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia, all highlighting the hidden treasures of Spain's rich heritage.
Spain's size and train options make it possible to visit at least four regions in 13 days with the family in tow. First-timers can hit the highlights on guided tours of Barcelona and Madrid, while active families can hit the trails in the Sierra Nevadas, tour Bilbao by bike, and snorkel in La Herradura. Budding chefs will learn the secrets of Spanish cuisine in culinary workshops in Seville and Toledo, and family-friendly activities, such as a hot-air balloon ride in Segovia and a treasure hunt in Málaga, will keep the little ones entertained.
In just under two weeks, travelers can experience most of Spain's most beloved highlights without rushing. First-time visitors will enjoy spending time in Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona, with day trips from each. You can also opt to spend your whole trip in either the north or south, combining well-known points of interest with deeper cultural dives: think farm stays, coastal drives, and a cooking class in the Andalusian countryside.
Train travel and short flights make it possible to visit five regions of Italy and Spain in two weeks. Foodies can immerse in Madrid's tapas, sip wine in the Chianti Hills, and perfect their pizza skills in Naples. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate Antoni Gaudí's works in Barcelona and Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo. Active travelers can kayak the Costa Brava and tackle a three-day trek in the Dolomites, while those who enjoy a road trip can cruise Sicily or visit historic towns along Galicia's coast.
With two free weeks to spend in Spain, all options for fun and adventure are on the table. You can embark on food and wine tours throughout the country, laze on the white-sand beaches, tour the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, and even make a jaunt to Portugal. The six itineraries below represent a diverse array of options to craft the perfect European vacation.
Indulge in a luxury two-week Spain getaway and discover 4-5 destinations. Experience historic cities and charming villages on a classic tour for first-time travelers, or focus on Madrid's rich cuisine and Andalusia's idyllic coastlines. Those eager to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine should include a stay on the serene Balearic Island of Menorca in their itinerary, while Porto and Lisbon are ideal destinations for travelers seeking a multicountry trip.
Two weeks in Spain with your family is an ideal length of time for exploring more of the country, enjoying memorable experiences, and/or visiting unique places. Our three recommended itineraries give you options like active excursions across the Canary Islands, combining Spain and Portugal into one epic trip, or traversing the country from north to south.
With two weeks in Spain and Portugal, you can cover up to five destinations depending on your preferred pace. Include Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Barcelona for historical and cultural highlights, or opt for off-the-beaten-path experiences in Évora and Monsaraz. Adventurous travelers can hit the trails in Algarve and the Via Verde from Seville to Carmona, while the culinary-focused should add San Sebastián for pintxos. For a slower-paced itinerary, laze on the tropical beaches of Spain's Canary Islands and Portugal's Azores.
There are no limits to the type of Spanish vacation you can plan with 15 free days. You can revel in the Moorish history of Andalusia, take a road trip into Spanish Basque country, go off the beaten track in La Mancha, and even hop a border into Portugal. If an island holiday is more your speed, consider horseback riding along the rugged coast of Menorca and sailing to secluded coves on the larger and equally beautiful Mallorca.
Grab a rental car and hit the road through Spain, the ideal destination for a road trip, especially when you have over two weeks to explore the country. The three itineraries below feature different regions, so you can choose the iconic sites of Andalusia or head north and savor the beauty of Galicia and the Basque Country. Or, if you'd rather get off the beaten path, stick to central Spain by visiting regions like La Mancha and Extremadura.
With 15 days in Spain as a family, you can embark on a family-friendly tour featuring city tours in Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga or stretch your young ones' comfort zone while hiking, horseback riding, and joining hands-on workshops on a culture and natural wonders tour. Families looking for a mix of thrilling activities and kid-friendly city tours should include time in Córdoba and Seville in their itinerary, while those seeking abundant family time along the coast should opt for a trip in Northern Spain.
With 16 days in Spain—and convenient train and flight options—you can visit at least five regions with your family. Those keen on culture and cuisine can make paella in Madrid and learn to flamenco in Seville. History buffs will enjoy a tour of Toledo's monuments, and budding artists will craft ceramic keepsakes in Barcelona and follow the footsteps of Salvador Dalí along the Costa Brava. Those seeking outdoor adventures should snorkel in Málaga and head to the Sierra Nevadas for a hike.
With 16 days in Spain, you can cover a lot of ground, combining the capital city of Madrid with exploring historic sites in Andalusia, traversing the stunning countryside of La Mancha, or cruising along the rugged Basque coastline. These road trip options take you through different regions of Spain, including lesser-known areas like Extremadura, to experience authentic Spanish culture, gastronomy, and history.
In sixteen days, you could experience two or even three different regions of Spain. You can combine a highlights tour of Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia with an island hop around the Balearic Islands. There's also the option for a self-drive road trip to either Basque Country or southern Spain, and you could indulge your appetites by visiting the best tapas bars and taking the best wine tours in the country.
Three weeks in Spain and Italy is an excellent amount of time to hop between Rome, Venice, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville on a highlights tour. Or, if you're a foodie, swap in Naples and Basque Country to indulge in seafood-rich cuisine and crisp wines. Other options include a sun-kissed adventure featuring the Costa Brava, Sicily, and the Amalfi Coast, a hiking-focused trip among the Pyrenees and Dolomites, and a road trip through northern Spain and central Italy's historic villages.
Three weeks in Spain gives you enough time to see the main highlights of several regions and dive deeper into the regional culture. Hop the high-speed trains to hit the main cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada plan your trip around food and wine as you explore the regional culinary scene; or combine the top venues and experiences of Spain and Portugal. Read on for unique itineraries spanning the best of the Iberian Peninsula.
Three weeks is the right amount of time to visit at least six regions of Spain and Portugal. First-timers will find a mix of activities on a cultural highlights tour, while those who prefer flexibility should opt for a road trip that includes self-driving. Foodies will enjoy pastry-making in Ávila and more on a culinary-focused trip, while outdoorsy travelers will appreciate the abundance of nature-based activities in the Azores. And honeymooners and beach lovers can soak up the sun on the Iberian Peninsula.
Seville offers the perfect mix of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. With Neo-Moorish structures, beautifully manicured parks, and a welcoming spirit, the Andalusian capital is one of Spain's best cities. Although Seville is relatively small, you should plan to spend at least two to three days visiting its major landmarks, catching flamenco shows, and indulging in tapas to your heart's content.
Valencia is a Mediterranean city with a legacy as rich as Barcelona. Its historic Old Town is a walkable area whose highlights, like the Valencia Cathedral and Quart Towers, you can see on a day trip. With more than 24 hours, there are beaches and paella food tours you can indulge in. And in five days you can do all of the above plus visit can't-miss attractions like the famous aquarium at the City of Arts and Sciences.
If you're planning a vacation in Spain, most likely you'll arrive in the capital of Madrid. Not only is this the seat of Spain's government, but you couldn't imagine a more fun city—practically every block is home to world-class dining and drinking options. Even with just a day or two, you can have a great holiday in Madrid, but with four or five you'll be able to explore beyond the city limits.
Barcelona is a city where you can get happily lost—in its energy, culture, and cuisine. With as little as 24 hours in Catalonia's capital, you can see the highlights, but with multiple days you'll discover even more of its treasures. Continue reading for the best options for activities in Barcelona, whether you're there for one day or five.
Though you can experience all the Costa Brava offers in three to five days, spending one week in the region is your best bet. Seven days or more allows you to combine cities like Girona and Begur with plenty of time on the coast. And with a more leisurely pace, you can prioritize activities you enjoy most, such as hiking the famous Camí de Ronda coastal trail, trying water sports like kayaking or snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach.
