Spain is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, and no matter the season, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
But, with the country being so spread out, and with limited time available, planning a trip to Spain is far from easy. That’s why I’ve created this perfect 7-Day Spain itinerary, for you to make the most of your time.
Whether you’re a foodie longing for authentic tapas, an art enthusiast willing to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, or a history lover, this itinerary promises a week-long extravaganza.
Ready? I can’t wait to tell you everything you need to know about this itinerary and more, at the end of this guide!
Table of Contents
Spain Itinerary For 7 Days
Let’s dive right into this 7 days in Spain itinerary! This journey is designed to give you a taste of Spain’s rich culture, amazing food, and incredible architecture, like Gaudi’s work.
I recommend starting your trip in Madrid, as you’ll be centrally located to easily access Barcelona on day 3.
Day 1: Madrid
Kick off your 7 days in Spain by exploring the vibrant Spanish capital. Start off early and visit some of the famous attractions, such as:
- Plaza Mayor
- El Retiro Park
- Palace of Royal Families
- Take a stroll through Gran Vía
I personally recommend starting the day early at Plaza Mayor, taking photos for your Insta feed, and then joining a Segway tour, which is a cool way to explore around.
After that, for lunch, stay in the Plaza Mayor area and have a delicious meal at either El MiniBAR or Los Galayos, 2 of the best eateries around. Needless to say, food-wise, this is the best start for your Spain itinerary!
In the afternoon, I suggest you get the Museum Card and see Museo Nacional Del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which are absolute must-sees.
After a busy day of sightseeing, head out for a delicious dinner and drinks in the city’s lively tapas bars.
After a night out? Make sure to head over to Planet Club, the place to be after midnight, and cocktails are cheap too! But don’t go overboard, as day 2 will be a busy one!
Best Things To Do in Madrid
- Wander through Retiro Park
- Palace of Royal Families
- Discover Gran Vía
- Experience the energy of Plaza Mayor
- Have Spanish cuisine at Mercado de San Miguel
- Take in the view from the Teleférico cable car
Day 2: Explore Madrid + Half-Day Trip to Segovia
Start the day with a visit to one of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Palace. Take a tour or simply admire its beauty from the outside before heading back into town.
Then, why not go shop for souvenirs or clothes at Gran Via, where one of the biggest Primark in the world is!
In the afternoon, you’ll want to take a half-day trip to Segovia, one of the best destinations out of Madrid for a few hours. Of course, don’t forget your camera, as this will be your first introduction to real, authentic Spanish culture.
This tour only lasts 5 hours, starting at 3.00 PM, and covers the famous Roman Aqueduct, an explanation of Spanish history through the medieval streets, and the Alcazar Fortress.
For dinner, get back to Central Madrid to have a few tapas, a paella, some chicharron, and why not end the meal with some churros? Yum!
Day 3 & 4: Barcelona & Montserrat
Day 3 and 4 are all about Barcelona and Montserrat – You can reach Barcelona from Madrid by air, taking a flight, which will take about 90 minutes.
On the other hand, you can also take a train, which will take 2.5 hours, but you’ll get to see the scenery around, as opposed to flying.
On day 3 in Barcelona, check out the stunning Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which is famous for its incredible architecture. I recommend booking your tickets ahead of time if you don’t want to spend hours waiting in line!
After that, it’s time to head over to Park Guell, a stunning park with epic views over Barcelona – This will easily become the highlight of your trip to Catalonia.
For a nice meal, you’ll want to visit La Boqueria Market, where you’ll find Spanish delicacies, as well as some hearty dishes that you’ll love. And it’s affordable!
Take the afternoon to go for a walk around the Gothic Quarter and visit spots like Placa Reial, and Palau de la Musica Catalana.
On day 4, head to Montserrat which is about 1 hour away from Barcelona by train. Montserrat is famous for its beautiful hiking trails, and fresh mountain air. Its Benedictine monastery has become an iconic site in Catalonia, and it’s worth visiting for the spiritual ambiance alone.
You should also take a cable car to see Montserrat from above – An experience you won’t easily forget!
In the afternoon, why not come to La Rambla and go shopping for a while? That’s easily one of the must-dos in your Spain itinerary!
Best Things To Do in Barcelona
- Visit Sagrada Familia
- Explore the vibrant streets of Las Ramblas
- Take a stroll through the enchanting Gothic Quarter
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Barceloneta
- Experience the magic of Park Güell
- Enjoy panoramic views from Montjuïc Hill
Day 5: Valencia
After visiting the 2 biggest cities in Spain, the next place you’ll want to add to your Spain itinerary is Valencia, and you’re seriously in for a treat!
Whether you choose to take a scenic train ride or hop on a fast-paced plane, getting to Valencia is half the fun. I personally suggest you take the train from Barcelona to Valencia, which is only about 3.5 hours away.
You’ll find plenty to do in Valencia, from immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the city to indulging in delicious local cuisine.
Take a stroll through the winding streets of the historic district to discover hidden gems around every corner, or soak up the sun on one of the city’s gorgeous beaches.
Be sure to visit must-see attractions like the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning showcase of modern architecture, and the Central Market, one of Europe’s largest and most colorful markets.
Valencia truly offers something for everyone, making it a destination that’s well worth visiting on day five of your 7-day Spanish itinerary.
Best Things To Do in Valencia
- Explore the historic Valencia Cathedral
- Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
- Wander through the picturesque streets of the Old Town
- Relax on Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal Beaches
- Indulge in delicious paella, the city’s signature dish
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market
Day 6: Malaga
Next place you’ll want to include in your Spain itinerary is Malaga, and this time, I suggest you book a flight from Valencia, which is faster and relatively cheaper.
What I love about Malaga is that it’s full of history, art, and people are very friendly, so you’re guaranteed a nice time in town.
Once you’re in town, be sure to explore the Old Town, complete with historic buildings, and plenty of cafes and shops to explore.
The first thing I thought when coming to Malaga was “This place is so rich historically” and I’m sure you’ll think exactly the same!
Take the chance to visit the iconic Alcazaba Fortress and the Picasso Museum, both of which are must-see attractions.
Needless to say, after a day wandering around, don’t forget to see the sunset at Playa la Malagueta, one of the best places in town for it! It’s also near major tourist attractions, which is convenient.
After an authentic dinner in town, you’ll want to have a cocktail at Mañana Cocktail Bar Malaga, one of the coolest spots for a drink! But drink moderately, because day 7 is all about visiting the ancient Arabic town of Granada!
Best Things To Do in Malaga
- Explore the stunning Alcazaba fortress
- Visit the Picasso Museum
- See the sunset at La Malagueta
- Wander through the charming historic center
- Check out the views from Gibralfaro Castle
Day 7: Granada
You’ll spend the last day of your Spain itinerary in Granada, an interesting town that was once part of the Arabic empire. In fact, it used to be the Emirate of Granada, and you’ll see the Arabic influence everywhere in town!
Once you arrive, set out to explore the city’s fascinating landmarks, from the awe-inspiring Alhambra palace complex to the grandiose Cathedral of Granada.
Speaking of the Alhambra, be sure to book your tickets ahead of time or you’ll have to wait for hours in line.
The Alhambra in Granada is famous for its intricate designs, and the stunning backdrop of Sierra Nevada.
It’s worth noting that it competed to be a new wonder of the world but unfortunately came up 8th, but nonetheless, it’s still worth a visit!
After that, have lunch and wander through the narrow streets of the ancient Albaicin quarter, admire the colorful street art, and sample some of the region’s delicious tapas.
For an authentic meal, you won’t want to miss out on Ávila Tapas II, a top-rated restaurant with cheap prices, excellent location, and awesome tapas!
Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll along the Darro River before dinner and packing to go back home!
Best Things To Do in Granada
- Explore the Alhambra Palace
- Roam around the historic Albaicín neighborhood
- Visit the mesmerizing Sacromonte district, famous for its cave dwellings and flamenco shows
- Climb to the top of the San Nicolas Viewpoint for views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains
- Discover the rich history and art at the Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel
Things To Know Before Visiting Spain
Now that we’ve covered the perfect Spain itinerary for your vacation, let’s respond some questions from first-time visitors you may have too.
Where to Fly to in Spain?
If you’re looking for an ideal location that’s connected to all the major cities in Spain, I recommend flying into Madrid. This bustling city is famous for its lively atmosphere, artistic heritage, and of course, its amazing food.
From Madrid, you can easily travel to cities like Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and many more, and that’s exactly what you need for your trip!
How to Get Around Spain?
For short-distance trips, the train and bus are always reliable options. You’ll be able to take in the scenic views of the Spanish countryside while traveling quickly and comfortably. Plus, these are normally affordable in Spain, which is an added bonus.
However, if you’re planning on traveling long distances, flights might be the way to go.
Getting from one end of the country to the other can take hours, even on a high-speed train.
Luckily, there are plenty of airports in Spain, meaning that you can easily catch a flight to your next destination.
What to Pack For Spain?
Whether you’re strolling the beach in Barcelona or exploring the historic streets of Madrid, it’s important to pack for the warm, sunny weather.
Remember to throw in a few pairs of shorts, a pair of jeans or pants, and some breathable leggings or athletic wear for more active days.
For casual outings, pack 4-5 light and comfortable shirts, and 1-2 dressier options for evening events or dinner.
Consider packing one skirt and a few dresses for a versatile look. Lastly, pack 2 bathing suits – you want to experience Spain’s gorgeous beaches!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this 7-day Spain itinerary, from the bustling streets of Barcelona to the historic charm of Granada, offers a rich mix of culture, history, art, and stunning landscapes.
While it may be packed with adventures, you’ll get to see and visit everything that the country has to offer to tourists, and I’m confident you’ll have an amazing time.
Remember to plan well, pack smart, and most importantly, immerse yourself in the Spanish way of life. Here’s wishing you a phenomenal journey and safe travels!
Bio
Tricks and Trips is a dynamic blogging company dedicated to providing travelers with up-to-date, comprehensive, and engaging information about travels in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Founded by a group of passionate globetrotters, our mission is to inspire and empower our readers to embark on unique trips while equipping them with the knowledge necessary to make the most of their trips.