Welcoming everyone from backpackers to billionaires, Spain is the country for all, where every day is a fiesta. So, get ready to explore the best of Spain in a week with these 7-day Spain itineraries.

Spain is as diverse as any country can be. Home of Pablo Picasso, a haven for football enthusiasts, and a paradise for food lovers – it is everything a traveller can ask for in Europe!

That is why it is a daunting task to find the perfect itinerary for Spain in a week. So, to make trip-planning easier for you, here I am – with not one or two, but with whooping eight detailed Spain itineraries!

Be it churches, beaches, museums, adventure activities, food tours, or nightlife, you will find a perfect combination of everything in these Spain trip plans. This Live Flamenco Performance in Madrid was especially breathtaking!

So, get ready to soak in the Spanish culture, and you will leave a piece of your heart behind in the lanes of Spain!



Outline of Spain in a week itineraries


Itinerary 1

Day 1-3: Barcelona

Day 4-5: Granada

Day 6-7: Seville


Itinerary 2

A week with major cities and day trips

Day 1-2: Barcelona

Day 3: Girona

Day 4-5: Granada

Day 6-7: Madrid


Itinerary 3

A week along the coast

Day 1-2: Santander

Day 3: Pamplona

Day 4: Oviedo

Day 5-7: Regions in Cantabria


Itinerary 4

Barcelona and Catalonia

Day 1-2: Barcelona

Day 3: Girona

Day 4: Costa Brava

Day5: Pals

Day 6: Calella de palafrugell

Day 7: Tossa de mar


Itinerary 5

A week in northern Spain

Day 1: Bilbao

Day 2: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Day3: Cantabria

Day 4: Oviedo

Day 5: Cudillero

Day6: Gijon & Oviedo

Day 7: Oviedo to Bilbao


Itinerary 6

A week in Southern Spain/Andalucia

Day 1-2: Seville

Day 3: Cordoba

Day 4: Ronda

Day 5: Antequera

Day 6-7: Granada


Itinerary 7

Basque region itinerary

Day 1: San juan de gaztelugatxe

Day 2: Bakio

Day 3-4: San Sebastian

Day 5: Day trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Beach of La Concha, and Gaztelugatxe

Day 6-7: Bilbao


Itinerary 8

A week with Andalucia highlights

Day 1-2: Granada

Day 2: Seville

Day 3: Malaga

Day 5: Cordoba,

Day 6: Ronda

Day 7: Cadiz/marbella




Detailed Itineraries for 1 week trip to Spain


Itinerary 1 – Barcelona-Granada-Seville

 

This is the very first and one of the best itineraries if you are considering exploring Spain in a week for the first time.

This itinerary covers the major tourist attractions from the three main cities in Spain, namely Barcelona, Granada and Seville. It is suitable for all, even if you are travelling along with your family.

Check out this food guide about tapas in Spain to know which Spanish cities offer what kind of dishes.

With this travel plan followed, a sack full of Spain’s best memories is promised! Barcelona is considered to be the starting point in this itinerary, where you will need to arrive from your city. Here’s a complete guide to the #1 Sample of 7 days in Spain itinerary.


Barcelona (3 days)

How to get to Barcelona?

 

By Air/By Sea– Depending on which country you are coming from, you can choose to travel to Barcelona. There are flights available from major cities of almost all countries to Barcelona.

The airfares are cost-effective and worth it! You can get luckier if you buy your air tickets a few months in advance or get some mind-blowing offers on air tickets.

Once you arrive at Barcelona International Airport or the EI Prat airport, here’s how you can get to the city centre:

 

Airport Bus– You can choose to take the airport bus, which goes from Terminal 1 to the Plaza Espanya.

Further, depending on how far your hotel room is, you can choose to take a walk or a metro. Metro can help connect you with an area near your hotel.

 

Cab Service– Hiring a cab service starting from the airport can be the most convenient option.

Especially if you are too tired after hours of travelling, a cab dropping you at your doorstep would make perfect sense.

If you are a traveller with some heavy luggage brought along with you, do not have second thoughts about hiring a cab. You can book a cab online or directly from the airport.

 

Metro– The connectivity through the Metro is great in Barcelona! Travelling by Metro in Barcelona city is convenient, easy and most importantly cost-effective.

Taking a metro from the Airport metro line(L9 Sud) to your hotel can cost you less than 6 euros.

You can also purchase a 3-days Metro pass and save a whole lot of cost by choosing Metro as the mode of transport to explore the city.

 

Make sure you do some basic real-time research on cost, timing, and starting points to avoid last-minute surprises and, hence, the inconvenience!

Also, it becomes necessary to safeguard your precious belongings from theft during transit.


Places to stay in Barcelona

 

Barcelona is a beautiful city with several attractive stay options spread across its geography. As a traveller, choosing to live close to any of the metro stations can prove to be convenient.

Or you can also choose a hotel near to the city centre, where public transportation would be easy.

 

Luxury Stay – If you wish to make your stay superlative, here is the top hotel you might want to consider:

Le Meridien Barcelona– Situated near a few major attractions in Barcelona, the major highlight of opting for Le Meridien for your stay is, the luxury and comfort it offers. It is situated at a distance of approximately 12km from the international airport.

Budget Stays – Here are a few budget stay options that are good, comfortable and family-friendly as well:

Yeah Barcelona Hostel – This is one of the most top-rated and cost-effective stay options in Barcelona. It has more than 30 major and minor tourist spots, and two major metro lines in its vicinity.



What to do in Barcelona

 

Day 1 – Barcelona

On day one, it’s always a good idea to take things slow and save up some energy for your 1 week in Spain itinerary. There’s going to be so much on your plate and you got to be charged up for the whole week that stands before you!

While you would invest half your day to settle down in the city after long hours of travel, spending the remaining day a bit more relaxed is recommended. Not that, you will pocket too many major attractions of the city, but you sure can touch a few streets and cute places to stretch yourself a bit!

 

The Streets of La Rambla– You can start the second half of your day by walking around the streets of La Rambla. These streets are very well-known for the versatility they offer.

You will be more than amazed by the shops filled with thousands of tiny and huge things, from toys to hats, to souvenirs to artefacts. You can buy a few pretty-looking things for yourself and your loved ones.

 

Explore local cuisine– While you wander, don’t miss out on the cute coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Not only will you get to taste some authentic cuisine on the roadside stalls and cafes, but you will also love the environment they have created for their visitors.

The beauty of La Rambla’ll wow you as the evening gets closer and the street busier.

 

Bunkers Del Carmel – If you are a sunset person, you can take a local bus or a metro toward Bunkers Del Carmel (locally known as Bunkers). It is an antiaircraft base set up back in the 20th century during the Spanish Civil War.

Currently, it is a hangout place, and you’ll find people of all age groups gathered to watch sunsets and spend some relaxed time. You can carry some snacks along with a camera to capture some good sunset snaps.

Though the place is open till late evenings, you may choose to return early soon after sunset. Back to La Rambala, you can have a tasty dinner at a lovely looking place and call it a day!


Day 2 – Barcelona

 

Barcelona is beautiful, and Antoni Gaudí who brought beauty to it with his fabulous architecture.

Barcelona is filled with a number of sightseeing places that are highly aesthetic. Day 2 is going to be a day dedicated to appreciating Gaudí’s contribution to building the major highlights of Barcelona.

You may take public transport services like buses and metros to move from one place to another at your convenience, though all the means are equally cost-effective and efficient.

 

Sagrada Familia– This is one of the most famous and the most visited place in Barcelona. It is actually a half-built church and is regarded as the pride of the city. You can take a metro from the nearest station to your hotel, which will drop you right next to the church.

A quick story of Sagrada Familia is that its construction began back in the 19th century, right after Antoni Gaudí designed its finest architecture. The construction took a pause over the years since it lost Gaudí’s design soon after his untimely death during the Spanish Civil War in 1939.

Though the project has been handed over to a number of architects after Gaudí, the church is still an epitome of architectural beauty in Barcelona, which you must visit for sure.

Since the place is heavily crowded in the later hours of the day, it is recommended to start your day from here.

 

Arc de Triomf Barcelona– Once you have spent enough time appreciating Sagrada Familia, it’s time to head to Barcelona’s iconic landmark. It is known to be the entrance to Barcelona World Fair and later a gateway to modern Barcelona during the 19th century.

Visiting this place will amaze you for, it’s one of the finest architecture in the city filled with amazing symbolic art of sculptural motifs built in brick.

After completing Arc de Triomf, you might want to head for lunch. After lunch, you will be heading to some more beautiful creations by Gaudi.

 

Casa Mila & Casa Batlló– Both these monuments are located on Passeig de Gracia street. It is known to be the most expensive street in Barcelona. Casa Mila is known for its ahead-of-the-time architecture with a stone facade, unique design techniques used and the underground garage.

Casa Batlló was built for the Batlló family under the guidance of Gaudí and is popular for its finest form of design and artistry.

You must not miss visiting these two places while on the Passeig de Gracia. After which, you can surely proceed to shop your heart out since there are exclusive shopping options available all over.

By the time you complete exploring the attractions on Passeig de Gracia street, you make want to sip a drink or a cup of coffee!

 

Park Güell– Now that you have explored a day full of Antoni Gaudí’s work, it’s time to spend the evening too with Gaudí!

Visiting Park Guell can be like a cool-down regimen for you physically. Today, it’s a beautiful and calm green place with stunning mosaic art. It is best known for sunset viewing and evening walks.

You may be left overwhelmed by Gaudí’s unwavering architectural skills that he has put into the design of these more than amazing monuments in Barcelona. And it might not be wrong to call Barcelona, Gaudí’s city! With Park Guell, you must be done with enough exploring for the day!


Day 3 – Barcelona

 

Depending on how much you wish to explore more, you can choose your third day in Barcelona to be as busy as you want! This day is more about exploring the other side of Barcelona to appreciate some historical facts and events.

For this day, you can opt for hop-on and hop-off tours available in the city.

 

Montjuic– It is known to be the tallest hill in the city. There are several monuments in its vicinity that were built in 1929.

Montjuic was the location of the international exhibition and the Olympics. You can explore these and other monuments of Montjuic for half a day. You may want to visit the Estadi Olimpic, the stadium of the Olympics, and a large garden named Palau Nacional.

You can even take the hop bus to have a hassle-free journey towards the top of Montjuic to watch the birds’ view, which is popular. After Montjuic, you can have a good lunch and head to explore one of the following two as per your interests.

 

Camp Nou or The Museu Picasso– If you are a football fan, you must definitely visit Camp Nou for a few hours. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the stadium, amusement parks and nearby villages.

If you are an art lover, you can explore the art museum named The Museu Picasso. It has an art collection of more than 5000 artefacts created by the world-famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

You can later head toward the Gothic Quarter to explore some more modern attractions of Barcelona. You may find some iconic restaurants, bars and clubs. You can spend a relaxed evening at any of these beautiful places and pack up once you enjoy a tasty dinner.



Granada (2 days)

 

After completing the first three days of your 7 days in Spain itinerary, it’s time to head to another amazing city in Spain- Granda!


How to get to Granada

 

While there are a number of options to get to Granada from Barcelona, let’s discuss the most convenient and cost-effective options.

 

By Air– You can take a flight, starting from Barcelona El Prat Airport toward Granada. The flight ticket may cost you anywhere between 80 euros to 210 euros depending on the day of booking.

Also, the tickets tend to be slightly on the higher side if it’s the peak season for tourism in Spain. The flight is approximately a four and a half hour journey. This is the easiest and the most convenient option to get to Granada.

 

By Train– Barcelona to Granada is a six and half hour journey starting from Barcelona- Sants. You will need to change the train at Ciudad Real Central. You can choose a train schedule as per your convenience and enjoy a nice train journey toward Granada.

 

Other options– You can even choose to self-drive, hire a cab or opt to travel by bus from Barcelona to Granada. However, getting to Granada by any of these travel options is lesser convenient as compared to that the flight and train and also requires more time to commute.



Places to stay in Granada

 

Here are the two best-picked hotels in Granada.

Hotel Casa 1800 Granada – This is one of the top-rated properties in Granada. It is located in a 16th-century historical building and is known for its antique ambience.

The hotel is luxurious and decorated with unique and artistic furniture to make your stay one of a kind. The rooms are beautiful, comfortable and cosy. There are a number of tourist attractions nearby to the hotel, which makes it a great pick!

Palacio de Santa Ines– It is a budget-friendly property to stay at when in Granada. It amazes you with its amazing infrastructure. Fountains, artistic decorations and lavishness with elegant rooms make your stay a good one.




What to do in Granada

 

Granada is popular for its rich history and culture of over 700 years. The city is filled with varied tourist attractions and is a must-visit for you as a part of your one week in Spain itinerary.


Day 1 – Granada

 

Depending on the hour of the day you reach Granada, choose to have a nice breakfast or lunch at one of the nicest cafes near your hotel. Later, you can begin to explore the city of Granada.

 

Albayzín– It is a place that depicts the oldest Muslim culture. This place has narrow cobbled streets and carmen houses alongside. There are ample gardens of greenery all around.

The place offers free walking tours from Plaza Nueva in the afternoon. If you opt for one of these tours, you will get to know the details of Albayzin’s history, culture, facts and so much more that you would not have been able to find by yourself.

With the recommendation of the walk guides, you can head to a tapas place and enjoy an authentic tapa dish while in Albayzin.

 

The Flamenco Show – Flamenco is a dance style of southern Spain, Granada is known to have the best-of-the Flamenco artists in Spain. Flamenco shows are organised at various locations, including caves and open grounds, across Granada.

Attending one of these shows while you are in Granada is highly recommended. You can choose to book a show nearby to your hotel or choose a top-rated Flamenco show which includes dinner to make your evening a memorable one.

 

A Rooftop Drink– You can choose to end your day with a drink at a fancy and a cosy rooftop restaurant in the serene tunes of music. The rooftop restaurants in Granada are very thoughtfully lit and offer unmatched comfort and calmness!


Day 2 – Granada

 

Granada is a city full of historically rich heritage. It is next to impossible to explore the whole of Granada. However, on Day 2 at Granada, we shall try to cover as many highlights as possible of the city.

You can begin with having a nice breakfast at Café Lisboa since it is very well-known for its versatile and tasty menu. You can have authentic Spanish cuisine or prefer any of your favourite dishes from the menu.

Remember to have enough since your day is going to include a lot of exploring on foot.

 

The Cathedral of Granada– It is known to be the fourth largest Cathedral in the world.

The Cathedral of Granada is one of the finest architecture in the world and was built in the vicinity of an old mosque as ordered by Queen Isabella in 1523. The entry tickets to the Cathedral costs around 5 euros inclusive of an audio guide.

 

Old Silk Market – After exploring the Cathedral of Granada, you may want to shop a bit! Granada’s Old Silk Market is famous for silk and tea. You can explore the bazaar to buy some authentic spices, tea varieties and silks. You can then head toward a restaurant to have lunch.

 

Sacromonte Neighbourhood tour – This place is going to have your heart, especially if you love antiques. In the neighbourhood of Sacromonte, you will find people living in caves.

It’s extremely interesting to see how beautiful these little homes are! Buying a ticket worth a euro can give you a chance to have a look at these tiny beauties!

 

Mirador San Miguel– It is a beauty-filled sunset point which you can visit on your way back to the hotel. Situated on the upper streets of Sacromonte, Mirador San Miguel gives a panoramic view of Granada city. It is overwhelming to watch the city from the height and to get that perfect snap for your Instagram!

 

On your return to the city, you may want to stop by for a relaxing drink followed by a dinner at a well-known restaurant in the vicinity of your hotel before you wave a final goodbye to Granada!



Seville (2 days)

 

After your two days in Granada, it’s time to head to Seville. Seville is known to be the largest city in southern Spain. It is totally worth it to visit Seville as a part of your 7 days in Spain itinerary for its fascinating beauty, history and culture.


How to get to Seville

 

Considering you are based in Granada, you can either choose to travel on the night of Day 5 or start toward Seville the next morning. You will need to do some real-time research while you are in Granada. You can consider the following options to reach Seville.

 

By Air– This is the most convenient option to reach Seville from Granada. It is just a 2.5 hours journey and you can start from Granada airport and get off at Seville airport.

The flight is direct and the frequency is good, however, it is recommended to book your flight tickets in advance to avoid higher fares. Usually, the cost per person for the journey is 130 to 160 Euros.

Though this option is easy, it happens to be the most expensive one. You can travel by other means of transport at a comparatively lower cost.

 

By Bus– Starting from Granada, there’s a bus leaving at around 10:00 hours. It is the most convenient bus schedule since it is a direct one. It takes approximately 3.5 hours for the journey and costs between 20-40 Euros.

 

By Train– There are several schedules available throughout the day if you wish to travel by train to Seville. The journey is of 3 hours approximately and costs you 20-30 Euros.

 

By Ride-Share– This option costs the least from 10 to 15 euros and takes almost 3.5 hours to reach Seville. You can find rideshare by discussing it with fellow travellers or have a look at BlaBlacars or other local apps.

 

Self-drive– This travel option is convenient but expensive and sometimes can turn out to be tiresome. It takes around 3 hours to reach Seville and costs somewhere around 50 Euros on one side.


Places to stay in Seville

 

Seville is a city of brilliance all over! You can find everything you need and of every type. You can easily find stay options that are ultra-luxurious or luxurious or budget-friendly. Here’s a list of the top 3 places to stay in Seville, that are budget-friendly, family-friendly and amazing!

 

Hotel Posada del Lucero– Situated at the heart of the city, the place offers a romantic setting for its visitors. It is well-decorated, spacious and equipped with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable. The best places to visit in Seville are close by and the location makes your travel in the city convenient.

Hotel Seville Centre– This hotel is the best fit for you if you are on a trip with your family or have come on a business tour. The hotel rooms are decent, well-decorated and comfortable. It is a perfect place to choose if you wish to spend time indoors rather than exploring the city.

Hotel Dona Maria– This hotel place offers value for money, comfort, and convenience to its visitors along with its beautiful ambience and amenities. Many attractions in Seville are situated nearby making it the best pick while you are in Seville.



What to do in Seville

 

By the time you reach Seville, you will be looking forward to spending day 6 of your 7 days in Spain. You must be wanting to have the most of Spain, undoubtedly!

But it will be time for you to remember that, you already have had much, and that you still have a lot to do!! Exploring Seville for the next two days will surely be memorable and incredible! Here’s a complete plan considering you start your day afresh in Seville.


Day 1- Seville

 

You can start your day by having a nice breakfast at one of the cafes near your hotel. You may then proceed to explore Seville.

 

Seville Cathedral – You can never have enough of the Cathedral of Seville! It is an epitome of fine architecture, beauty and magic. You will be fascinated with its beauty while you explore its vastness.

The place is regarded as a World Heritage site and is a definite must-visit while in Seville. The place offers a rich opportunity for photography and videography and you will thank yourself forever to have visited here. It is recommended to visit the Cathedral in the early hours of the day as it gets crowded later.

 

Real Alcazar of Seville – The place is a royal palace of Spain and is considered the most beautiful place to visit in Seville, Spain. The royal family of Spain continues to reside at Real Alcazar even today.

It is one out of few on the list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. You can have a look at the lavish rooms and brilliantly designed gardens in the palace and have the best pictures of yourself here!

 

Streets of Santa Cruz – By now, you must be overwhelmed with the beauty of Seville and a bit exhausted with all the on-foot exploring. You may stop by for lunch at any of the good restaurants before you head to the streets of Santa Cruz.

The streets are meant for walking around and gazing at the beauty of orange trees and white buildings all around. It is a beautiful site to be at and appreciate the beauty of Seville’s magnificent history.

 

Parque de María Luisa– After a long day of exploring Seville, it’s time to slow down a bit and relax. Parque de María Luisa is a beautiful park placed to the south of the historic centre. You can feel the cool breeze and calmness or even meditate in the calmness of the surroundings!


Day 2 – Seville

 

Plaza de Espana– This place is the most visited and the most popular destination in Seville. And, you couldn’t help but agree with the fact that the popularity is quite well-deserved. The plaza is a huge oval-shaped monument with extreme precision and fineness.

It is surrounded by a moat canal and demonstrates brilliant tilework. The plaza has been featured in the world-famous movies Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.

 

Metropol Parasol– The place is one of the recent additions to the tourist attractions of Seville. It is worth spending an hour or two at the Metropol Parasol for its modern wooden structure.

It is very popular across the globe for its waffle-shaped design which is high above the city centre. The beauty of the place is that it is fascinating to watch the view from both, below and above it.

 

Real Maestranza Bullring – It is recommended to visit this place if you were ever fascinated with bullfighting. You may not be lucky enough to witness the bullfighting while you visit, but you sure can have a look at its history.

You may keenly get to know the sport of bullfighting and imagine, how it would feel to be a part of it!

 

Guadalquivir Riverfront – Once you are done exploring you can spend some alone time at the riverfront. There are a number of palm trees lined up that make the place beautiful to be at. You can skip this option if you are running out of time!

 

Toro del Oro– It is a twelve-sided tall tower that used to be a watchtower of the city. It was built by the Moors in the 1200s and served the governance purpose of the royal families. The modern-day view of Toro del Oro is calm and beautiful and is home to a naval museum.

Apart from that, you can also reach the top with some amazing photographs and videos.

 

Flamenco Bars – If you have missed visiting one in Granada, you can make your visit here in Seville. Seville has some amazing Flamenco Bars with tasty dinner menus and a great ambience. You can have a fulfilling dinner and call it a day by recalling your amazing 7 days in Spain!



Itinerary 2 – A week with major cities and day trips

 

This is a perfect 7 days in Spain itinerary to choose from if you wish to explore almost all significant places in Spain. It is a week in Spain itinerary that includes exploring 5 cities through road trips.

Considering Barcelona as the starting point, it will be highly convenient for you to carry out a whole week in Spain. You can consider staying in Barcelona, Girona (optional), Granada and lastly in Madrid.


Day 1-2: Barcelona

Barcelona is a city known for its amazing architectural wonders. You may go through the primary section of Itinerary 1 for a detailed description of ‘What to do in Barcelona’.

You can list out the places that fascinate you the most while in Barcelona for the first two days of your one week in Spain itinerary.

 

Day 3: Girona

Not too far away from Barcelona, you can easily reach Girona. The city doesn’t fail to impress you with its one-of-a-kind beautiful attractions.

Considering that, you only have a day, you can visit Girona Cathedral, the Jewish Quarters and Onyar River View. Don’t forget to have tapas and enjoy the relaxing Arab baths at Aqva Bany Romans.

It is recommended to start for Granada, on the same day as it is located quite on the other side! But you can consider starting early on the next day if you are too tired.

 

Day 4-5: Granada

– For a list of a few nice places to visit in Granada, you may scroll through the second part of Itinerary 1. However, visiting Madrraza, Royal Chapel, and Cathedral of Granada is a must.

There are enough places to visit during your stay in Granada. But, remember to choose your destination according to your likes and dislikes to keep your travel mood up!

 

Day 6-7: Madrid

It takes less than 5 hours to reach Madrid from Granada. You can start exploring Madrid with the amazing Plaza Mayor.

Later during your time in Madrid before flying back home, visiting San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Plaza de Cibele, Royal Palace of Madrid, and Museo Nacional Del Prado, would be a great choice!


Places to Stay

 

When in Barcelona

Premium Stay option- Serras Barcelona- You are sure to be amazed by the unparalleled and beautiful ambience that the hotel rooms have to offer. The rooms are spacious, beautiful and supremely comfortable.

 

Budget Stay Option- Casa Gracia- As they rightly say for themselves, it’s a few days’ homes for you, that bring Spain close to your heart. It portrays the culture and lifestyle of Spain through its wonderful and comforting stay experience.

 

When in Granada

Shine Albayzine- If you are looking for a stay option with a romantic setting, Shine Albayzine is what you can choose. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and good. Also, the hotel is at a convenient location from a few very famous attractions in Granada.

 

When in Madrid

You can stay at Barceló Emperatriz, URSO Hotel & Spa if you are looking for luxury stays. You can go to Hotel Posada del Dragón if you are looking for a budget stay.



Itinerary 3 – A week along the coast

 

This itinerary covers more than five exotic places in Spain, making your 7 days in Spain amazing yet full of adventure! You can choose this itinerary if you really are a ‘day-trip’ person and love waking up at a place and falling asleep elsewhere!


Day 1: Barcelona

You can land in Barcelona, Spain on Day 1. You can start your road trip toward Pamplona by hiring a car or by self-driving. On your way, you can stop by to explore some major highlights of Barcelona. You can include Gaudí’s Crypt, Sitges Beach, Passeig Maritim, and the Abbey of Montserrat.

 

Day 2: Pamplona

A road trip in Pamplona can include best destinations of Pamplona like Museo Oteiza in Alzuza, Monasterio de Leyre, Roncesvalles and Pyrenees Mountain Village.

You can take a train and head toward Oviedo at the end of the day, or start off for Oviedo the next morning.

 

Day 3: Oviedo

It is a town in Spain, known for its Gothic Cathedral and its archaeological museums. The major attractions of Oviedo that you must not miss visiting include the Metropolitan Cathedral of San, San Francisco Park, and Monte Naranco.

 

Day 4-5 Regions in Cantabria

It is an autonomous region in Spain and is a perfect destination to be at when in Spain. You will be amazed to explore the beauty of the prime regions of Green Spain. Consider visiting Santander, San Vicente de la Barquera, Potes, Santillana del Mar during your day trips for two days in Cantabria.

Here is how I spent the weekend in Santander.

 

Day 6-7: Madrid

Madrid is less than 450 km from Cantabria by road. On your way toward Madrid, you will feel blessed with the scenic views of the nearby towns. As you reach Madrid, you can start off with an amazing lunch at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín.

Later during your time in Madrid, you must prefer visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, Círculo de Bellas Artes, Barrio de La Latina, Buen Retiro Park, andthe  Market of San Miguel



Itinerary 4 – Barcelona and Catalonia


Day 1-2: Barcelona

 

Day 3: Girona

You can consider going through the Itineraries 1 and 2 to know the important places to visit in Barcelona and Girona. Along with it are available the travel and stay options too!

 

Day 4: Costa Brava

Costa Brava is in the neighbourhood of Girona and would take no more than 50 minutes by road. It is best known for its white-sand beaches and white tiled villages, and of course, marine life. You can plan to visit as many beaches as you may, depending on your time.

 

Day 5: Pals

Pals is a region of modest and old villages close to Costa Brava. You can be based in Costa Brava while you do your day trip to Pals. When in Pals, explore the historic monuments, culture and traditions along with farms, and beaches.

 

Day 6: Calella de Palafrugell

It is a 30 minutes drive from Pals and is one of the three coastal towns of Spain. It is recommended to visit Cala de Golfet, Cala Estrera, Llafranc coastal path, and Aigua Blava. Nature shall amaze you to its best here in Calella de Palafrugell!

 

Day 7: Tossa de Mar

At a distance of around 60 km from Calella de Palafrugell, it is a perfect one-day destination before you bid goodbye to Spain. The place has a number of tourist spots spread on the coastline and clean turquoise water. You must visit Playa Grande, Vila Velle, Cala Pola and Cala Bona.


Itinerary 5 – A week in northern Spain

 

This Spain Itinerary for 7 days covers major places in the region of Green Spain. The places are meant to be less crowded but jaw-droppingly marvellous! You can consider staying in Bilbao and Oviedo which will make your travel convenient to most places on this itinerary.


Day 1: Bilbao

Bilbao is a city situated between lush green mountain ranges and hills. It is a pretty place to be at, and you must visit the incredible historic landmarks and museums in Bilbao.

Visiting Casco Viejo and Santiago Cathedral is highly recommended during your day trip to Bilbao.

 

Day 2: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Situated at a distance reachable in less than an hour, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a world-class destination.

You can hike at the Bay of Biscay and then head toward Sopalena Beach, which is also a popular destination.

 

Day3: Cantabria

You may refer to Itinerary 3 for more details on popular places to visit in Cantabria. However, do not miss out on visiting, Santillana del Mar and El Capricho in Comillas.

 

Day 4: Oviedo

You can refer to Itinerary 3 for more details on popular places to visit in Oviedo.

 

Day 5: Cudillero

Popularly known as the fishing village, it is home to tiny white pastel houses. You can simply roam around or have some tasty food in the cafes nearby that serve authentic seafood.

 

Day6: Gijon & Oviedo

You can start your day at the Bay of Biscay in Gijon. If you have enough time, you can spend some of it trying your hand at fishing in the villages nearby. At the end of the day, you can start for Oviedo.

 

Day 7: Oviedo to Bilbao

After exploring some more highlights in Oviedo for half a day, you can head toward Bilbao again to fly back home.



Itinerary 6 – A week in Southern Spain/Andalucia


Day 1-2: Seville

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Seville.

 

Day 3: Cordoba

Since Cordoba is not too far away from Seville, you can consider stopping by Plaza de España and Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Other attractions to visit in Cordoba are La Mezquita (The Great Mosque), Palacio de Viana and Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) and Calahorra Tower.

 

Day 4: Ronda

There are a number of historic places to visit in Ronda, and you can select a handful of them for a road trip for a day; namely, The Old Moorish Town, the lower bridges, and Museo Lara, etc.

 

Day 5: Antequera

About 170 km away from Ronda. Antequera is known for burial mounds. You can consider visiting the Old Town, the Dolmen de Menga, the Dolmen de Viera and the Moorish Alcazaba.

 

Day 6-7: Granada

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Granada.


Itinerary 7 – Basque region itinerary


Day 1: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

You can scroll through itinerary 5 for more details on exploring San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.

 

Day 2: Bakio

Only a few minutes away from San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a road trip to Bakio is a good choice to make. You can visit Cabo Matxitxako and Playa De Bakio.

 

Day 3-4: San Sebastian

This is a world-famous place and deserves your complete attention! You can start by visiting La Concha Bay, which is picture-perfect, exotic and amazes you with its versatility.

Visiting Monte Urgull & Monte Ulía, Museo San Telmo, Palacio de Miramar and Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is highly recommended.

 

Day 5: Day trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao

It’s going to be an amazing day trip from San Sebastian to the beautiful Bilbao. You are recommended to stop by at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Beach of La Concha, and Gaztelugatxe during the day.

 

Day 6-7: Bilbao

You can scroll through the itinerary 5 for more details on exploring Bilbao for your 2 days there!



Itinerary 8 – A week with Andalucia highlights


Day 1-2: Granada

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Granada.

 

Day 2: Seville

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Seville.

 

Day 3: Malaga

Since it is a bit away from Seville, you can plan a day trip from Seville to Malaga. You can choose to spend your day visiting Réal Alcazar, Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción,  Museo de Málaga and Centre Pompidou Málaga.

 

Day 5: Cordoba

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Cordoba.

 

Day 6: Ronda

You can scroll through the above itineraries for more details on exploring Ronda.

 

Day 7: Marbell

– Known to be home to beautiful beaches and historic centres, Marbella is worth visiting for more than a day. You must not miss visiting Paseo de La Alameda: An Elegant 18th-Century Park, and at least one waterfront restaurant for lunch or a short eating break.



Things to know before planning a trip to Spain

 

Before you plan your trip to Spain, here is a list of things you must be aware of. Knowing a few highlights of the place you are about to visit, might add a lot more value to the adventure experience.

Language: People in Spain speak several different languages. People speak Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Basque, etc. across the country, varying from place to place. However, English is heavily used by most travellers and locals for communication in big cities.

But, during your travel for one week in Spain, it is also true that there will be places where English communication would fall short. It is always a good idea to learn some basic Spanish terms and vocab, just in case you need it. Also, you can consider carrying a phrasebook along!

 

Currency: The euro is the official currency in Spain. Most business owners and people consider using online transactions as well as card transactions. ABM or cash withdrawal machines are easily available in major cities across Spain.

 

People: Most people in Spain are warm, welcoming and cooperative. The locals too are more inclined toward exploring geographies, food and other attractions in the city.

You might easily find locals exploring tourist destinations with similar interests as the foreign tourists. People in Spain are social, enthusiastic, fun-loving yet relaxed and comfortable at a slightly slower pace.

 

Climate: Spain has got great climatic conditions for the whole year. Especially, the climate that Spain experiences are suitable for tourism year-long! Usually, the days are sunny in Spain.

However, there might be heatwaves across the country at the peak of summer during July and August. Apart from that, rains and snow are mild throughout the country. The winter is at its peak during December, January and February.

 

Food: Wheat bread and veggies are the staple food in Spain along with eggs, meat and rice. Also, Tortilla de patata or potato omelette is commonly eaten in Spain. Locals and tourists also prefer eating seafood paella, chorizo sausage, gazpacho soup and tapas.

Here is how I explored tapas in Santander and the list of my favourites with suggestions on what food to have while you’re there, too!

 

History: Spain is located on the eastern Iberian Peninsula. The Iberian Peninsula was acquired by many empires from time to time. The Phoenicians, the Greeks, Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors.

However, it is the Roman Empire that has had a severe impact on the culture of Spain. Spain was one of the most powerful countries in the world in 1500, with a lot of gold and wealth that was largely acquired from their colonies in America.

Later, after 1588, Spain was acquired by the British. By the time it was 1800, many Spanish colonies started their revolution for independence and separation.



How to get to Spain

 

By Air: If you are planning to travel to Spain, flights are the best option to choose. Direct flights are available from almost all countries to Spain’s major airports.

The main international airports of Spain are Madrid International Airport, Barcelona International Airport, the Malaga International Airport, Palma de Mallorca Airport, Alicante Airport and Gran Canaria Airport. The airfares are worth every penny and make your travel easy and comfortable.

 

By Train: If you wish to travel to Spain by train, you must be starting from one of the countries connected by Eurail. Eurail connects more than 30 countries along with Spain. Apart from that, there are other rail networks majorly from France and Italy that provide maximum connectivity to Spain.

 

By Road: If you are a traveller from Portugal, Andorra or France, you can easily travel to Spain by road. Make sure you have an international driving license so that you can drive from across the Spain borders.

 

By Sea: If you wish to choose the sea, you would need to start either from the UK, Italy or the places that share water borders with Spain, namely Morocco, Andorra, France, Portugal, and Gibraltar.


What to wear in Spain

 

The best part of being in Spain is that you can be yourself! Tourists and local men and women tend to dress decently throughout the year.

While you will usually find men in their trousers and t-shirts, women will be dressed in feminine dresses and sometimes in a casual pair of jeans and t-shirts. Though it’s not taboo, people prefer not to wear baggy and indecent clothes almost every day.

However, Spain is a sunny country overall.

So, if you are planning Spain in a week, choose lightweight and light coloured clothes. Sunglasses, sunscreens, hats, scarves and comfy clothes can make your travel a lot more peaceful and enjoyable.

Looking for some inspiration? This Malaga outfits guide will sure help you out.


Is one week enough to explore Spain?

 

Honestly, you can never have enough of Spain! Spain is wonderful, and no amount of time can do justice to exploring Spain. However, the good news is, that a perfectly planned 1-week Spain itinerary can help you explore the best of Spain.

It is recommended to plan the travel in advance and avoid being scattered. You can primarily focus on the major tourist attractions in major cities.

If you are left with any extra time, you may choose to visit modest villages and cities that are equally beautiful and are known for their own unique features.

It is always a good idea to choose the right itinerary for yourself and not worry about visiting every city. You can focus on, making the most out of it!



Best time to visit Spain

 

Spain usually has sunny days year-round, making it an all-time travel-suitable place. However, it experiences extreme summers from June to August. Summer is the least preferred season by the travellers.

Spain has mild winters from December to February which is a good choice to make. However, the best seasons to visit Spain are spring(March to June) and autumn (September to December). The climate is extremely comfortable and beautiful for sightseeing and exploring.


Things to Carry for 1 week in Spain

 

Here’s a list of things you must carry along with you:

Bottoms– You must carry at least 2 to 3 pairs of comfortable pants or any bottom wear. It is necessary to confirm whether the fabric you are choosing is suitable for the current season in Spain.

Tops/T-shirts and Shirts– You may choose to have fancy, yet comfortable tops and t-shirts that would suit your set of pants. But remember to carry extras for emergencies and surprises

Dresses– Do not forget to pack a set or two of your best party outfits!

Accessories: Hats, Sunglasses, Scarves, Handkerchiefs and some decent jewellery.

Other– A first AId Kit, a torch, a foldable cutter/knife, and your medication for allergies/reactions if any.



Depending on your likes and dislikes toward monuments, beaches, and museums, it is recommended to select a 1 week Spain itinerary! Irrespective of which itinerary you choose, Spain is beautiful throughout its lengths and breadths.

Hope you have a memorable, adventurous and amazing week in Spain- full of beaches, Tapas, Flamenco and of course fun-filled memories for a lifetime!


Lavinia Dsouza

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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Continent Hop pairs beautiful photography with honest guides that include meals you won’t want to rush,
sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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Curated wellness escapes, honest beach guides, and real itineraries,
delivered thoughtfully. No spam, just good trips.

No spam, ever · Unsubscribe anytime

Continent Hop pairs beautiful photography with honest guides that include meals you won’t want to rush,
sunsets at sea that linger in memory long after the trip ends,
& spa days that help reset the mood – written by Lavinia, not a robot!

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