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How this itinerary is structured

For this trip, you will be visiting four main destinations, with some day trips sprinkled in for good measure. Of course you can visit a lot more places in two weeks, but I’ve never been a fan of rushing from one place to another. It’s tiring and expensive, involves lots of travelling and often feels like just ticking places off some imaginary checklist. I think Spain deserves to be experienced in a calm manner; getting the most out of everywhere while still having time to rest and relax. It is the land of the siesta, after all! 

I am basing this trip around arriving and departing from Spain’s capital city, Madrid. However, this itinerary can be easily modified if you are arriving or departing from other airports, so feel free to adapt based on what works best for you.

How to get around Spain

For this trip we will be using public transport. Unlike in many other countries, public transport is very reliable and efficient in Spain. High-speed trains and coaches connect you with most major cities and towns in comfort, and at reasonable prices.

• By Train: Spain has invested heavily in its high-speed rail network, and it shows. Regarded as one of the best in Europe, the high-speed rail (HSR) is incredibly extensive. In fact, it is the second-longest in the world behind only China! There are three main HSR operators, RENFE, OUIGO, and Iryo, so using Trainline.com is a good way to compare all possible options for your route. Ticket prices vary depending on the day, time, and season, so be sure to check beforehand. If you leave it until the last minute, trains can become expensive, so book in advance when possible.
• Note: On trains, you have to reserve a seat for longer journeys. You can’t simply turn up and buy a ticket on arrival. Standing in the carriage isn’t allowed (like in other countries) so you need to book in advance to secure a seat.
• By coach: Coaches are also a great option in Spain. My husband and I used them on some of our journeys when train tickets were either too expensive or the journey wasn’t particularly logical. They were often much cheaper than trains when booked at short notice too. As with the trains, the coaches in Spain are nice, comfortable, and well organized. Bookings can be made on the official ASLA website or Omio, my go-to comparison website for booking buses in Europe.
• By car: The best way to get around Spain is by car, as this will give you far more freedom and allow you to visit some smaller places that are less accessible by train or bus. I’ve personally never driven in Spain, but I have heard it is safe and relatively easy, with well-marked and well-paved roads for the most part. Discover Cars is recommended for comparing car rental prices and finding the best deals. 

Let’s begin our two-week Spanish adventure in the country’s wonderful capital city, Madrid. As one of Europe’s largest cities, Madrid is absolutely packed with things to do, so I suggest at least 4 days here. This will give you ample time to visit some of its fantastic sights, explore its bustling streets and vibrant neighbourhoods, as well as enjoy the city’s incredible food scene. 

I have a dedicated post on how to spend 4 days in Madrid for a more detailed itinerary, but some of the highlights include wandering around the beautiful historic centre, visiting world-class museums and galleries such as the Museo Reina Sofía Madrid and Museo Nacional del Prado, and doing an unmissable tapas bar crawl (all washed down with some locally-produced vermouth).

You can easily include a day trip during your time in Madrid. I’ve got two options for you, both only an hour from Madrid by train. The first is the historic city of Toledo, which sits just 70 km south of Madrid. Spain’s former capital until the late 16th century, this picture-perfect, walled hilltop city is like stepping back in time. Amazingly well-preserved, Toledo is full of cute cobbled streets, old tavernas, and many historical wonders, such as the Museo de El Greco and Alcázar de Toledo. In fact, the city is so important it has been declared a National Monument!

The other potential day trip is to Segovia, another small, historic city north of Madrid. Some of the main attractions here are the majestic and fairytale-like Alcázar de Segovia, the imposing Catedral de Segovia, and the impressive Aqueduct of Segovia built under the Roman Empire. As someone who often travels places just for food, one of the biggest draws here is the abundance of restaurants serving cochinillo (suckling pig), a traditional Segovian specialty.

On the morning of your fifth day you will be heading down to Granada. This utterly charming city in Andalusia – Spain’s beautiful southernmost region – has played a significant role in Spain’s long and illustrious history. Andalusia was once part of the Moorish empire, and Granada was the final city conquered by the Spanish conquistadors in 1492. All these centuries later, the Moor’s influence is still evident in Granada, offering a unique blend of Islamic and Spanish culture.

There is perhaps no greater example of the Moor’s lasting legacy than La Alhambra, a stunning complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses. It is truly one of the most impressive places I’ve been. Everywhere you look is something of striking beauty that will stop you in your tracks. However, while this ‘must-visit’ monument is arguably the main reason people visit Granada, there is so much more to enjoy about this small and walkable city. Whether enjoying the North African vibes of the Albaicin district, relaxing in one of the city’s many bustling plazas, or enjoying an Arabic hammam massage, you are sure to love your stay here.

Check out my post on how to spend 2 days in Granada for more ideas. I’ve also included some ideas of what to do in the surrounding area, so you could easily extend your stay in Granada if you want to explore further. 

Getting to Granada

You have two options to get from Madrid to Granada. The first is by train, which takes around 3.5h from Madrid’s Otocha station. This route can be quite expensive though, so you may choose to travel by coach. These go from Estación de Autobuses Madrid Sur and only take an hour longer than train (depending on which you get).

Next up is another of Andalucia’s gems, Seville. The absolutely gorgeous city boasts some truly spectacular sights, like the elegant Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa, and the mighty Catedral de Sevilla. The latter houses the tomb of legendary explorer and all-round scumbag Christopher Columbus! If you were as captivated by La Alhambra as I was, then you should definitely consider visiting the Real Alcázar Of Seville. Once a Moorish fortress, this architectural masterpiece blends different influences from its long history, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. 

While Seville is spectacular at ground level, you should also admire its beauty from above. There are several towers throughout the city to climb up, but a unique spot is the intriguing, mushroom-shaped Setas de Sevilla viewing platform, the largest wooden structure in the world! 

As utterly enchanting as the historic centre is, I urge you to spend some time south of the river in Triana. This fun and lively neighbourhood is also renowned for its vibrant ceramic works, with many of the beautiful tiles you see decorating building fronts throughout the city produced here. There is also a great market to enjoy here – Mercado de Triana – where you will find plenty of stalls offering mouth-watering Andalusian specialties. For more ideas on what to do, see and eat in Seville, check out my post on how to spend 3 days in Seville.

If, like me, you are a fan of exploring ancient ruins then you may be interested in a visit to Itálica, the first permanent Roman city founded on the Iberian Peninsula, and the birthplace of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. You will find plenty of fascinating relics in this archaeological park, like intricate mosaics and the well-preserved ruins of an amphitheater, the latter of which was used in the filming of Game of Thrones! Taking just 30 minutes from Seville by bus and costing a mere €1.50 to enter (free for EU citizens), it is well worth a visit. 

Getting to Valencia

This will be a bit of a journey unfortunately, but needs must and all that. Head off early from Seville to get to Madrid’s Atocha station. From here, take the fast train to Valencia. If you have to wait for your connection, check out the nice cafes, shops and restaurants at Atocha station. In total, it should take around 6 hours door to door (hence the leaving early aspect). This is also why I have given Valencia slightly longer as the journey there and back to Madrid will take some time. 

More than Two Weeks in Spain?

If you are lucky enough to have more than two weeks in Spain, here are some more recommendations. Firstly, you will have no doubt noticed one very obvious omission from this itinerary, and that is Barcelona. This isn’t because I have anything against this amazing city, it is because that it didn’t fit in with this route due to its location in the northeast. However, you can include it in this itinerary by travelling there from Madrid or Valencia. It is faster and easier to get there from Madrid than Valencia, despite Valencia technically being nearer. Both journeys are long though whether by train or coach.

If you want to stick to the lovely Andalusia region, then you could also include some days in the ancient port city of Cadiz (just south of Seville) or stop off in Córdoba on your travels between Granada and Seville.

What to Know Before Visiting Spain

Where to Stay in Spain

If you’re planning a trip around Spain, each city has tons of accommodation options depending on your style, budget and priorities. I know it can be a little overwhelming with so many choices, so here are my personal recommendations for the cities in this itinerary. In Granada, my husband and I stayed in Luxury Suite Silleria, right in the city centre close to the Alhambra, the Cathedral, and lively tapas streets, while the Albaicín offers romantic Moorish charm and sweeping views.

Madrid is best explored from a central neighbourhood like Sol or Gran Vía, where you can walk to the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and a never-ending choice of bars and cafés. For a more budget-friendly option, we rented a room in this comfortable, well-equipped Airbnb hosted by a local Parisian who made us feel right at home!

In Valencia, the Old Town (Ciutat Vella) is full of history and nightlife, but staying near Ruzafa puts you among colourful streets, quirky shops, and some of the city’s best restaurants. We stayed in this super central Airbnb, renting a room from a local family. Alternatively, if you would like to be outside of the city centre and are looking for a seaside escape, consider a hotel by Malvarrosa Beach.

Seville’s Santa Cruz neighbourhood is all about orange-scented courtyards and narrow, flower-filled lanes close to the cathedral. We stayed in Apartamento Puente Triana, and enjoyed being in the riverside district of Triana, famous for its flamenco heritage and great tapas.

Best Time to Visit

Spain is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and fun local festivals. Summer (July and August) is popular for beach holidays, especially along the Costa del Sol and in the Balearic Islands, though it can get extremely hot inland, in cities like Madrid and Seville. Winter is ideal for exploring southern Spain and getting some vitamin D while many other parts of the world grapple with the harsh weather.

Public Transport & Getting Around

As I mentioned earlier, Spain has a reliable and affordable public transport system. High-speed trains connect the major cities, while buses and regional trains serve the smaller towns. In the main cities you can find metro systems, buses and trams to get around. Taxis are regulated, and ride-hailing apps like Free Now and Cabify are widely available in most cities. Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore the countryside, but can be inconvenient in the city centres.

Daily Schedule & Siesta Culture

Spain runs on a slightly different timetable than many travellers are used to. Lunch is usually served between 1.30pm-3.30pm, and dinner often doesn’t start until 9pm. If you want to dine with the locals, aim to eat between 9pm-11pm. Meal times are social events in Spain, often enjoyed slowly with multiple courses of delicious food. The service is slow and relaxed; don’t expect really fast service or to be rushed out by the waiting staff.

Many small shops and businesses – especially in smaller towns – close in the afternoon for siesta (typically from 2-5pm), though this is less common in larger cities. Keep these times in mind, especially if you’re relying on local services or restaurants outside the major tourist hubs.

E-SIM cards

If you need reliable internet during your time in Spain and don’t want to rely on public Wi-FI, check out Airalo. They offer E-SIM cards which can be used in 200+ countries, and it’s the easiest and most cost-effective option for travelling abroad that I have found. My husband and I have personally used Airalo several times and find the E-SIMs to be very easy to buy, activate and use. Airalo has E-SIM cards for 7, 15 or 30 days, making them perfect for long and short trips!

Languages

The official language is Spanish (Castilian), though regional languages like Catalan, Basque, and Galician are also spoken. English is commonly understood in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated. I used Duolingo to brush up my Spanish before visiting, which was really helpful.

Staying Safe

Spain is generally very safe for travellers, but pickpocketing can be an issue on public transport and in the crowded tourist areas, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Keep your valuables zipped or locked up securely and be cautious with bags in busy places.