Spain has always been on my list of European destinations to visit. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a fascinating blend of traditions.

Spain is home to some of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, and its architecture is equally remarkable. Iconic landmarks such as Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Alhambra in Granada are among the most impressive architectural masterpieces in Europe.

And of course, no visit to Spain would be complete without mentioning the food. Spanish cuisine is internationally loved for its bold flavors and variety. From paella and tapas to churros and fresh seafood, Spain offers a culinary experience that is as memorable as its cultural attractions.

For the longest time, Spain remained on our “waiting list” of destinations. Our family holidays were usually limited to the summer school break, and we intentionally avoided Spain during summer. Having experienced two European heat waves during previous summer trips in Italy and the South of France, we knew how intense the Mediterranean summer could be.

Spain often experiences extreme heat during summer months due to its Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, hot, and dry summers.

This time, however, we managed to free up our schedule and planned a long holiday in December during Christmas and New Year.

It also felt like the perfect timing. This could potentially be our last family holiday with both children before our eldest enters university. Once he starts university, his holiday schedule will likely be different from his sister’s.

And that is how Spain finally made it onto our travel itinerary.

When to Visit Spain

The best time to visit Spain depends on your preferences and which regions you plan to explore, as the climate can vary significantly across the country.

Personally, I think spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and walking through historic cities.

Summer is the peak tourist season, especially for those looking to enjoy Spain’s beaches, lively festivals, and vibrant atmosphere. However, temperatures can be extremely high, particularly in inland cities such as Madrid, Seville, and Córdoba.

Winter offers a different experience. Spain is generally milder than many other European countries, especially in southern regions like Andalusia. With fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures, winter can be a surprisingly good time to explore the country.

Where to Go in Spain

Madrid and Barcelona are the two most visited cities in Spain.

Barcelona attracts visitors with its stunning architecture—particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí—as well as its lively streets and Mediterranean beaches.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is famous for its cultural offerings, world-class museums such as the Prado Museum, grand boulevards, and vibrant nightlife.

Beyond these two cities, one of my favorite regions in Spain is Andalusia in southern Spain.

The region reflects centuries of Islamic influence, which is evident in its architecture—often referred to as Moorish architecture. Cities such as Granada, Seville, and Córdoba are filled with historic palaces, courtyards, and intricate tilework.

The Alhambra in Granada is one of the most spectacular examples of Moorish architecture in the world, with its ornate palaces, serene gardens, and beautiful courtyards.

Andalusia is also the birthplace of flamenco, a passionate and expressive art form that combines singing, dancing, and guitar playing.

General Travel Tips for Spain

Meal Times

Meal times in Spain are generally later than in many other countries.

Lunch is typically served between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM, while dinner usually begins around 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

If you prefer to eat earlier—as I do—you can always enjoy tapas in the early evening.

Tapas are small dishes served as appetizers or snacks and may include olives, cheese, cured meats, seafood, and a variety of hot or cold dishes.

The tradition of tapas is deeply rooted in Spanish culture and social life, where friends gather to share food, drinks, and conversation.

Ride-Hailing Apps

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Cabify operate in most major Spanish cities.

During our trip, both apps were available in the cities we visited except in Granada, where taxis were more commonly used.

Our Spain Itinerary

This is the itinerary we followed, covering Spain’s two most famous cities—Madrid and Barcelona—while focusing heavily on the beautiful region of Andalusia.

The entire itinerary can be done comfortably by train, thanks to Spain’s excellent high-speed rail network.

Alternatively, renting a car provides more flexibility, but driving between cities will take longer and you will need to consider parking availability, especially in historic city centers such as Seville, Córdoba, and Granada.

Day 0 – Arrival in Madrid

Fly into Madrid.

Day 1 – Exploring Central Madrid

After arriving in Madrid, take the first day to get oriented with the city.

Stay in the Centro area, preferably near El Retiro Park, which provides a great base for exploring.

Start by walking to Puerta del Sol, then continue to Plaza Mayor and the lively shopping street of Gran Vía.

If you feel hungry, head to Mercado de San Miguel, located near Plaza Mayor, to sample some tapas and drinks before dinner.

Day 2 – Royal Madrid & Prado Museum

I always enjoy starting my first morning in a new city with a jog in a park, and El Retiro Park is perfect for this.

Afterwards, stop by one of the many stylish cafés nearby for breakfast.

Once ready for sightseeing, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the most impressive royal palaces in Europe.

Spend some time exploring the surrounding area before enjoying lunch nearby.

End the day at the Prado Museum, one of the most important art museums in the world.

Day 3 – Football or Toledo

If you are a Real Madrid fan or simply enjoy football, visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and take a stadium tour.

Alternatively, you can take a day trip to Toledo, just a short train ride from Madrid.

Often called the City of Three Cultures, Toledo reflects centuries of coexistence between Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities.

Highlights include:

• Toledo Cathedral
• Alcázar of Toledo
• Santa María la Blanca Synagogue

If you want to do both, consider staying four nights in Madrid.

Day 4 – Travel to Seville

Take the high-speed train to Seville, which takes about 2.5 hours.

Seville immediately became one of my favorite cities in Spain. As our taxi navigated the narrow alleys of Santa Cruz, I instantly fell in love with its atmosphere.

Staying in the Santa Cruz district is ideal, as it is within walking distance of major attractions such as Real Alcázar and Plaza de España.

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets and visit Seville Cathedral.

In the evening, watch a flamenco performance before dinner.

Day 5 – Alcázar & Triana

Start the day early with a visit to the Real Alcázar of Seville.

Book your ticket online beforehand to avoid long queues.

Afterwards, take a bus to Triana, a neighborhood famous for its ceramic workshops and vibrant markets.

Enjoy lunch at Mercado de Triana, then continue to Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) for panoramic views of the city.

End the day at Plaza de España, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain.

Day 6 – Córdoba

Take the morning train to Córdoba, just 45 minutes from Seville.

The city is famous for the Mezquita, a stunning mosque-cathedral combining Islamic and Christian architecture.

Spend the day exploring the old town, the Roman Bridge, and Córdoba’s charming patios.

Day 7 – Travel to Granada

From Seville, take the ALSA bus to Granada, which takes about three hours.

Stay in the Albayzín district, where many accommodations offer stunning views of the Alhambra.

Spend the day visiting Granada Cathedral and exploring the town square.

Day 8 – Alhambra

Visit the Alhambra early in the morning.

Tickets sell out months in advance, so book them early and bring your passport for entry.

The Alhambra complex includes:

• Nasrid Palaces
• Generalife Gardens
• Alcazaba Fortress

Plan to spend several hours exploring this incredible site.

Later, walk to Mirador San Nicolás for a breathtaking view of the Alhambra.

Day 9 – Travel to Barcelona

Say goodbye to Granada and fly to Barcelona.

Flying is the most efficient option, as train journeys between Granada and Barcelona can take up to nine hours.

After arriving, begin your Gaudí exploration with Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

If time allows, head to Montjuïc for sunset views over the city.

Day 10 – Sagrada Familia & Tibidabo

Start the morning at Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most famous landmark.

Book your tickets online in advance and download the official audio guide.

Later, visit Palau de la Música Catalana and explore Tibidabo Hill, which offers spectacular views of Barcelona.

Day 11 – Barcelona Highlights

Visit Casa Batlló, another iconic Gaudí masterpiece.

Afterwards you can:

• Visit Camp Nou (for football fans)
• Explore Park Güell
• Go shopping along Passeig de Gràcia

Later, walk along La Rambla and explore the Gothic Quarter, one of Barcelona’s most historic neighborhoods.

End the evening with dinner near the waterfront.

Day 12 – Departure

Say goodbye to Barcelona and fly home—or continue your journey to another destination.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary is quite packed because there is so much to see in Spain—and we still did not cover everything.

Feel free to use this itinerary as a guide and adjust it based on your travel style.

You can easily extend the trip by adding destinations such as Segovia, Málaga, or Valencia.

I hope this guide helps with your Spain travel planning. 😊