How to Plan a Trip to Spain in 2024/2025

Dreaming about and planning an overseas trip is exciting, but when searching for valuable information in the sea of websites it is also time-consuming and exhausting. By offering insights into the best places to visit, the optimal times to go, itinerary ideas, and budget tips, we hope to save you time when planning your trip to Spain and help to ensure your smiles throughout your travels.

Best Places to Visit in Spain

If this is your first time visiting Spain, Madrid and Barcelona are definitely must-sees. Seville is the icing on the cake if flamenco dance is of interest to you. They're considered to be the Golden Triangle of Spain.

If you want to taste the best paella in Spain, consider Valencia. If you would like to enjoy fine weather on Spain's best beaches, Mallorca is a wise choice.

Madrid: Royal Splendor, Top-Class Art, and the Magic of Night

Madrid Royal Palace

As the capital of Spain, Madrid is a city that perfectly blends stunning architecture, refined arts, mouthwatering cuisine, and colorful nightlife.

Immerse yourself in royal splendor at the majestic Royal Palace of Madrid and bask in the tranquility of Retiro Park. Dive into the Prado Museum, one of the world's top four museums, showcasing top-tier European art from the 14th to 19th centuries.

As the sun sets, Madrid transforms into a nightlife haven. Indulge in the city's famed bars, restaurants, and markets, offering a sensory feast of music and culinary delights, while night-walking in this vibrant metropolis.

Barcelona: a City of Novel Architecture

Casa Batllo

Barcelona is a fantastic city filled with architectural marvels, particularly Antoni Gaudi's masterpieces. You may be captivated by the century-long construction of the Sagrada Familia, with its elaborate façades adorned with symbolic sculptures and the interior filled with giant, colorful stained glass windows.

The world-famous "Block of Discord" along Passeig de Gràcia showcases an unparalleled surreal architectural complex. Its artistic style, with imaginative rooftop details, is unique in the world.

Scenic small towns near Barcelona are reachable within an hour by train. Relax on the serene beaches of the "Spanish Santorini" or explore the inviting lanes in Sitges.

Seville: Birthplace of Flamenco and Literary Legends

Flamenco

Seville, the birthplace of flamenco and a literary haven for Don Juan, Carmen, and Don Quixote, unfolds its charm through historic streets and vibrant cultural scenes.

Immerse yourself in Seville's humanistic allure, where troubadours play accordions on street corners and flamenco dancers ignite passion in quaint taverns. The rhythm of castanets and the haunting melodies of guitars echo through Seville's streets, embodying the soul-stirring essence of this iconic art form.

7-Day Spain Essence TourExperience the Golden Triangle of Spain

Valencia: Taste the Best Paella in the City of Parks

City of Art and Sciense

Valencia, known as the birthplace of paella (seafood and rice), attracts kids too as an amusement park city. Indulge in delightful paella at the city's restaurants, which have grown as much as its impressive buildings. You could also taste paella made with the freshest ingredients from the surrounding farmland.

BIOPARC Valencia offers African wildlife and immersive exhibitions designed to recreate natural habitats. The City of Arts and Sciences complex features interactive science exhibits, including technology and biology. The planetarium invites your children on virtual space voyages. As well as that, near the complex, Oceanografic captivates with diverse marine life, providing entertainment and education for your family.

Mallorca: Paradise of Cycling and Water Activities

Sunrise in Valdemossa valley, Mallorca

Mallorca attracts visitors seeking not only the historical allure of Chopin and George Sand but also hidden natural gems.

Renowned as a cycling paradise, Mallorca offers ideal terrains, roads, breathtaking landscapes, favorable weather, and a cycling-friendly culture.

Exploring the island unveils hidden coves and captivating caves with stalactite and stalagmite formations. The underground wonders add a unique dimension to Mallorca's natural attractions.

Spain Itinerary Ideas: from 7–9 Days

Visiting the Golden Triangle of Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville), usually takes about 1 week.

If you have a longer vacation, you could consider extending your trip to the seaside or rural villages, taking another 2–3 days.

1) 7 Days in Spain: Experience the Golden Triangle

• 2 nights in Barcelona
• 2 nights in Seville
• 3 nights in Madrid (a day trip to Toledo)

This itinerary showcases Spain's best iconic cities with a focus on rich cultural heritage. It starts with architectural wonders and Picasso's art in Barcelona, moves to the Islamic cathedral and flamenco dancing in Seville, and ends with strolling through the old city of Madrid. You wouldn't miss any landmarks of  these cities.

7 Days in Spain: Best Family-friendly Itinerary

• 2 nights in Madrid
• 2 nights in Valencia 
• 3 nights in Barcelona

The itinerary is carefully crafted for delightful family time. It not only guides your family to explore cultural landmarks in each city but also includes various activities catered to children's interests in food, animals, science, and sports.

From savoring authentic tapas in Madrid to encountering African and marine animals in Valencia, as well as exploring fascinating astronomy and biology through interactive experiences. 

In Barcelona, visit the iconic Camp Nou stadium to immerse yourself in the thrill and enthusiasm of the football spirit.

10-Day Spain Itinerary with Kids A Journey Full of Family Fun and Bonding

3) Spain's Golden Triangle with Beach Relaxation (9 Days)

• 2 nights in Barcelona
• 2 nights in Seville
• 2 nights in Madrid
• 3 nights in Mallorca

Beyond the classic Spanish Golden Triangle, enjoy beach time in Mallorca. Discover hidden coves, such as Cala Varques, for beach lovers or traverse the Serra de Tramuntana for breathtaking vistas. 

The island's coastal location makes it ideal for boat tours, snorkeling, and water sports. 
If you have 12 days or more, you could consider connecting Spain a nearby country, such as Portugal or Italy. 

Feel free to contact us if you want help with planning your Spain trip. We would create your itinerary based on the length of your trip, group size, interests, and other requirements. An efficient and professional reply within 24 hours is our basic promise.

How to Get To and Around Spain

Spain has two large airports, Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat, which serve most of the flights to and from other countries. 

You could transfer efficiently between major cities in Spain on trains and airplanes.

Traveling by train, which is recommended in Spain, offers a combination of comfort, speed, affordability, and convenience. Spanish train seats are generally larger than those on planes, especially when compared to many low-cost airlines.

There are fewer restrictions on weight limits and luggage pieces. High-speed trains departing from Madrid could connect you to most cities in Spain in 3 hours or less. The train stations are typically situated in city centers, making it easy to reach your destination. 

Alternatively, domestic flights within Spain usually take about 2 hours. This option is particularly suitable for traveling to destinations like the mountainous Bilbao in northern Spain or from the mainland to the islands.

Best Times to Visit Spain

Generally, the best times to visit Spain are March to May and September to October when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are moderate.

Average Daytime Temperatures in Spain's Main Cities