5-14 Day Spain Itinerary: A Guide For Planning Your Perfect Spain Trip

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Plan Your Perfect Spain Itinerary with These Detailed Templates!

Want to explore Spain but confused about the perfect itinerary? You are not alone! It can be a true challenge to determine how many days to spend exploring.

From 5-day Spain itineraries to 7 or 10 days, to 14-day itineraries – there are certainly lots of different routes and options to choose from. The hard part? None of the routes are necessarily bad or wrong since there’s just so much to see and do all around Spain!

Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. Because of its popularity, Spain knowledge is really flowing around the travel world these days!

It’s no secret that Lisa lived in Spain and took full advantage of her location (and her Spanish language knowledge)! So, she’s experienced quite a few of the places we recommend below for a great stop on your itinerary!

Spain Itinerary Overview

Best Time to Visit: Generally, summer is the hottest and winter is colder and wetter, but regional exceptions apply. March-June and September-end of October are best.

Getting Around: Trains (RENFE) and buses (Alsa) are reliable. A rental car in Spain is a must-have for smaller towns.

Popular Places to Visit: Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia for larger cities, and Granada, Seville, and Córdoba are worth a look, too.

Where to Stay: Check for hotels in Spain here and Check for hostels in Spain here.

Spain Itinerary – 5 Days

If you plan on travelling through Spain for only 5 days, it’d be best to fly into one of the bigger cities as they are usually well connected with other European cities.

Depending on your route, you can either take public transport if the travel times align with your plans or opt for a rental car if you would like more flexibility.

As with the other Spain itineraries in this blog post, our 5-day itineraries are pretty fast-paced. However, since it is pretty much impossible to go top to bottom and actually see parts of the country we decided to write two separate Spain itineraries for 5 days.

One covers the north and northeast of Spain while the other itinerary covers the south of the country. Choose the one that is more suitable for your interest and travel plans and feel free to modify the written itineraries however you see fit!

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Northern Trip

For this classic 5-day trip across the northern parts of Spain, the total driving time is about 8 hours and covers around 750km.

If you rent a car, given this exact route, there are tolls on most of the highways so keep that in mind that it may be longer if you took non-tolled roads that may be more indirect. A bus would be able to breeze right along these highways, however.

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Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Northern Trip Overview

  • Day 1: Barcelona
  • Day 2: Half-Day Barcelona/ Zaragoza
  • Day 3: Logroño
  • Day 4: Donostia-San Sebastián
  • Day 5: Bilbao

Day 1: Barcelona

sail boats in blue harbour in barcelona with palm trees on boardwalk in front.
Enjoy the waterfront in Barcelona with a stroll along it!

Barcelona is a good city to start a road trip since it is a popular tourist destination and thus has frequent flights to other European or International cities. Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia which has its own unique culture and language next to Spanish.

Since it is such a popular city, the car rental industry is very well developed and it is easy to pick up a rental car from the airport or in the city.

Find your rental car in Barcelona here.

Alternatively, the bus station in Barcelona is great and easy to reach from the centre. There are numerous connections to Zaragoza which will be the next stop on your 5-day Spain itinerary.

Accommodation in Barcelona: As a super popular tourist destination, there are lots of hotels and apartments available in Barcelona.

Check here for Accommodations in Barcelona.

Specifically, for hotels check out Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool in the city centre and close to the beach.

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is a lovely and affordable hotel with spa in the heart of the city with a private parking garage onsite.

As for hostels, you can check out Barcelona hostels here. Specifically, we liked Kabul Hostel. This place even made our list of favourite hostels across Europe.

Overall, since Barcelona is so popular we strongly advise you to book in advance – especially during summer – as it can get very expensive otherwise.

Must-see Attractions in Barcelona:

We’ve written a whole guide on some of the incredible places to visit in Barcelona if you are interested in seeing more!

Day 2: Barcelona/Zaragoza

On the second day of your 5 days in Spain, you’ll spend the morning in Barcelona (you’ll get a cafe con leche y croissant in any cafe/bar for quite cheap if you get off the main tourist roads) and then drive from Barcelona to Zaragoza later in the day.

The drive from Barcelona to Zaragoza will take you approximately 3 hrs 10 min by car (includes a toll road), 3,5 hrs by bus and 1,5 hrs by train. If you end up taking the train, try to book in advance if you can as this will usually end up being cheaper.

Accommodation in Zaragoza: Since Zaragoza is a smaller city, there are fewer accommodations to choose from – but still lots of really great options.

Check here for hotels in Zaragoza.

Specifically, we love the look of Hotel Sauce. This bright and airy hotel is located right in the city centre and offers a homemade buffet breakfast, air conditioning, and private parking onsite for those travelling by car.

If you are looking for a rooftop pool, Hotel Palafox has you covered! Also located right in the heart of the city, the hotel has a cool decor, great city views, tasty breakfast, and also has parking and air conditioning!

There aren’t a ton of hostels but the ones that do exist are well-rated – so you can check here for hostels in Zaragoza.

Must-see Attractions in Zaragoza:

  • Basílica del Pilar
  • Aljafería Palace
  • Cathedral San Salvador

Day 3: Logroño

On your third day, you will drive from Zaragoza to Logroño which is the capital of the autonomous region of La Rioja and known for its delicious wine.

If you get the chance visit one of the wineries and do a wine tasting – please plan ahead if you’re travelling by car since drinking and driving is a big no-no!

The drive will be a lot shorter than the day before. By car, it’ll take you approximately 1 hr 40 min and by bus the journey would be around 2 hrs if you get a direct bus.

Accommodation in Logroño: Similarly to Zaragoza, Logroño is a smaller city with many great accommodations in the heart of the city.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Logroño.

Specifically, Hotel Murrieta is a popular and very affordable option with a good breakfast right in the heart of the city. If you drive a car, Hotel Calle Mayor is a more charming (but still very affordable) hotel with secure underground parking at the hotel.

If you are looking for a hostel in Logroño, there aren’t many but the ones that exist are very good. You can check here for hostels in Logroño.

Must-see Attractions in Logroño :

  • Cathedral of Santa María de Redonda
  • Church of San Bartolomé
  • The Bodegas (Wineries)

Day 4: Donostia-San Sebastián

blue bay with boats and sandy beach in san Sebastian.
The waterfront in San Sebastian is absolutely gorgeous!

Some would consider San Sebastián one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and Lisa can see why.

When she lived in Bilbao she visited San Sebastián quite a few times and really enjoyed the vibe of the town (and having a beautiful beach so close). Don’t forget to eat some delicious Pintxos since San Sebastián is especially known for them!

The drive from Logroño to San Sebastián takes around 2 hrs by car, and between 2 and 5 hrs by public transport.

Since you are travelling between two smaller cities the connections are not that great and we would recommend planning ahead to compensate for this.

Accommodation in San Sebastián: San Sebastián is one of the most expensive towns in Spain and very popular among luxury travellers.

So, don’t be surprised if accommodations seem a little more expensive overall. That said, you can still find a great place to stay that suits your budget and style if you’re not looking for luxury.

Check here for hotels in San Sebastián.

Specifically, you can check out Casual de las Olas San Sebastián. This hotel is a bit further from the old town and beach but makes up for it in sleek decor, breakfast, and air conditioning.

If you want more of a laid-back guesthouse feel, check out Talaia HT. This authentic and cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of the old town – and has public parking nearby.

If you are looking for a hostel, you can find great hostels across San Sebastián here. Wherever you book, our advice is to book early to find deals and generally save money when booking.

Must-see Attractions in San Sebastián :

  • Urgull Hill
  • Plays de La Concha
  • San Sebastián Cathedral

Day 5: Bilbao

metal museum on edge of water in bilbao spain.
The Guggenheim Museum never disappoints!

Bilbao has to be one of Lisa’s favourite Spanish cities. Not because it is especially beautiful, but because she lived there for a few months and it felt like home from the beginning. If you get the chance, take the metro to one of the beaches – you won’t regret it!

The drive from San Sebastián to Bilbao is a short and beautiful one as you will drive through some mountainous regions. By car it’ll take you approximately 1 hr 15 min and by bus the journey will be around 1,5 hours.

Bilbao also marks the end of this 5 day Northern Spain itinerary.

Bilbao is a good city to fly out of as it is one of the biggest cities in the region and well connected to bigger airports in other European cities. To get to the airport you can simply take the Airport bus from the bus station at San Mames.

Accommodation in Bilbao: Since Bilbao is a bigger city there is a wider variety of accommodations available.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Bilbao.

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright and simple hotel with buffet breakfast and private underground parking. Lisa had friends stay there and liked it. It’s not right in the heart of the city centre – but across the water from the Guggenheim Museum!

If you want to stay right in the heart of old town Bilbao, you should definitely check out Ercilla Hotela. This is a very stylish and popular hotel with an amazing rooftop terrace, lounge, also onsite parking, and traditional Basque food in the restaurant!

If you are looking for a cheaper place to stay, Bcool Hostel is a very “cool” hostel in Bilbao. In general, remember to book accommodations closer to the city centre/the river since the rest of Bilbao can be quite hilly!

Must-see Attractions in Bilbao:

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • The Old Town (Casco Viejo)
  • Zubizuri Bridge

*Just so you know, we have a whole detailed guide on Bilbao things to do!

Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Southern Spain Itinerary

If you would like to explore Southern Spain instead of the north, then we would recommend the following 5-day Southern Spain itinerary.

Generally, the south is a little bit warmer than the north so maybe don’t try to do this trip in the middle of the summer heat as it can be quite exhausting!

The itinerary is just over 600 kilometres with a total driving time between 7 and 8 hours depending on your mode of transportation.

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Spain Itinerary 5 Days – Southern Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Málaga
  • Day 2: Day trip to Granada
  • Day 3: Marbella
  • Day 4: Cádiz
  • Day 5: Seville

Day 1: Málaga

spanish port with cruise ship and blue sky above.
Explore Malaga and wave to the cruise ships that stop in.

We are starting this itinerary in Málaga since it is an easy airport to fly in from other parts of Europe.

When Lisa arrived at the airport the first time she was actually kind of shocked to see that all the signs were written in German as well.

Needless to say, Málaga is a very popular destination among German tourists. It’s also an interesting city to visit in the wintertime!

Lisa didn’t like the city that much (as in wouldn’t want to live there), but it is definitely worth exploring for a day or two. It is also quite easy to get from the airport to the city centre by public transport. You can find your rental car from Malaga here.

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular tourist destination in the south of Spain and so there are lots of different accommodation options. That said, apartment rentals are a very popular option.

Check here for apartments or hotels in Malaga.

Specifically, if you want a hotel, check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. This minimalist design hotel is bright and clean and offers an excellent breakfast while being located right in the heart of the city centre.

If you are planning to stay in Malaga a bit longer, check out Apartamentos Nono. Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes for smaller meals, terraces, and onsite private parking.

If you are searching for a hostel, Malaga has lots. You can search for hostels in Malaga here. When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza.

Even though it’s a “hostel”, it’s a popular place to stay in Malaga. They have private rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace. She and her friend stayed in a private room and loved it!

Just remember for this itinerary, wherever you book you will need to stay for 2 nights!

Must-see Attractions in Málaga:

  • Alcazaba Palace
  • Picasso Museum
  • Cathedral of Málaga

Day 2: Day trip to Granada

old spanish fort on hilltop with sky above.
How can you miss Alhambra in Granada?

Today you’ll take a day trip to Granada. If you decided to rent a car you can do this by car, but then have to find parking in Granada. Lisa and her friend took the bus to Granada which was pretty easy to do since there are frequent buses throughout the day.

In Granada, you HAVE to go see La Alhambra. Make sure to book your ticket in advance (since there is only a limited amount of spots per day).

Lisa and her friend had to pick up her tickets at an office in the city before going to the actual attraction. Double-check your ticket since you might have to do that, too!

The journey from Málaga to Granada is approximately 1.5 hrs by car and 2 hrs by bus.

Accommodation in Granada: You won’t need a place to sleep in Granada since you’ll be returning to Málaga at the end of the day.

But IF you are curious – check out Hotel Granada Center or Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites for two great hotels in the heart of the historic city centre!

Must-see Attractions in Granada:

  • Alhambra Palace
  • Albaicín District
  • Cathedral of Granada

Day 3: Marbella

white boats lined up in front of white buildings on land in marbella spain.
Marbella is a very luxurious place to check out.

On the third day of this 5 day Southern Spain itinerary, you’ll drive from Málaga to Marbella. Marbella is a city by the water and part of the well know Costa del Sol. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the region mainly due to its nice beaches and climate.

Since Marbella is quite close to Málaga the drive won’t be long – giving you more time to explore the city and relax at the beaches. The journey takes approximately 1 hour by car (there are different routes some of which include toll roads) and 1.5 hours by bus.

Accommodation in Marbella: Since the tourism industry is quite developed in Marbella, there are lots of amazing sunny accommodations to choose from.

Check here for hotels and apartments in Marbella

Specifically, Paloma Blanca Boutique Hotel is a gorgeous (and affordable) boutique hotel with breakfast and free private parking onsite. 

If you are looking for more of a beach resort, Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella is a beautiful all-inclusive adult-only beachside resort with breakfast, spa, pool, amazing views, and more!

Must-see Attractions in Marbella:

  • The Old Town of Marbella
  • Avenida del Mar
  • Puerto Banús

Day 4: Cádiz

orange dome and towers of church building with shoreline beside.
We consider Cádiz a hidden gem.

Cádiz is often considered a hidden gem in Spain. Lots of people who have been there seem to love it and Lisa is dying to visit the city.

Fun fact: Some think of Cádiz as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. It is just slightly smaller than Marbella with lots of attractions waiting to be explored.

Driving from Marbella to Cádiz by car will take you approximately 2 hours including a toll road and slightly longer if you want to avoid toll roads.

You’ll drive along the coast for a while and could consider stopping along the way. Another option would be to make a pit stop in Gibraltar which you will pass along the way.

Unfortunately, Marbella and Cádiz do not seem to be connected well by public transport and travel between the two cities would involve going back to Málaga and/or through Sevilla (or Seville as the English like to call it).

If it is too much of a hassle for you to get from Marbella to Cádiz, consider skipping it and going straight to Seville instead.

Accommodation in Cádiz: Even though Cádiz is a smaller city, there are plenty of places to stay.

Check here for hotels and apartments in Cádiz.

Specifically, Hotel Boutique Convento Cádiz is a gorgeous hotel in the old town (close to the beach) with a great breakfast and private parking nearby.

Alquimia Albergue-Hotel is a cool and cozy hotel (also in the city centre) close to the beach and also with parking nearby. As for hostels, Cádiz does have quite a few hostels with amazing ratings. You can check here for hostels in Cádiz.

Must-see Attractions in Cádiz:

  • Cádiz Cathedral
  • Fortress San Sebastian
  • Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Day 5: Seville

old cathedral with turret beside and public square in front in seville spain.
You have to see this Cathedral.

Seville is another popular destination in Spain and is often considered one of the hottest cities of the country. Therefore we would not recommend going there during July and August if you don’t like extreme heat (Lisa definitely doesn’t).

It is a beautiful city with lots of attractions to check out so be sure to have a good amount of time for exploring. If you don’t end up going to Cádiz, there is more than enough to do in Seville to keep you busy for two days!

Driving from Cádiz to Seville will take you approximately 1.5 hours by car and just slightly longer (1 hr 45 min) by bus. Seville also marks the end of this Southern Spain trip as it has a big airport which makes it super easy for you to fly back home.

Accommodation in Seville: Seville is a bigger and very popular city so there is no shortage of great accommodation options.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Seville.

Specifically, you have to see Petit Palace Puerta de Triana. This very trendy and cool design hotel offers a buffet breakfast and is located right in the city centre close to top attractions.

If you want a more historic stay, Hotel Simon is a more simple and authentic hotel. It’s located in a historic building, also does breakfast, and is also located in the heart of the city centre.

Neither of the above hotels offers parking – but few in the city centre of Seville offer onsite parking (or even public parking nearby).

If you are looking to have parking available, then you can check out La Parada del Marqués. It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also centrally located and offers breakfast options and good connections to public transit!

If you are looking for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Seville here. Again, since Seville is so popular we would advise booking ahead – especially during the high season!

Must-see Attractions in Seville:

  • Seville Cathedral
  • Alcázar
  • Plaza de España

Spain Itinerary 7 Days

If you have slightly more time to explore Spain, we have also created two 7-day Spain itineraries for you. You’ll see that once again we give you two options since seven days are – in our opinion at least – still not enough to see the whole country.

Therefore, you’ll find a 7-Day Western Spain Itinerary and a 7-Day Eastern Spain Itinerary below. As always, feel free to modify them to make them fit your exact plans!

Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Western Trip

For this itinerary, the total driving time would be around 14 hours and the distance would be around 1300 km.

These estimates account for the Toledo day trip (and back to Madrid) AND finishing with ONE of either Seville OR Malaga from Córdoba. So, in theory, it could be shorter or longer than we have indicated here on the map!

We’ve already covered some of the places above, but we will mention the important parts again to make it easier for you to plan your exact trip.

Please note that we won’t actually include any places on the west coast of Spain – that would be a whole other trip in itself. Your 7-Day Western Spain Itinerary could look something like this:

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Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Western Trip Overview

  • Day 1: Bilbao
  • Day 2: Burgos
  • Day 3: Salamanca
  • Day 4: Madrid
  • Day 5: Madrid / Day trip to Toledo
  • Day 6: Córdoba
  • Day 7: Seville or Málaga

Day 1: Bilbao

autumn trees beside public square with fountain and old buildings behind in bilbao.
The many sides of Bilbao – autumn leaves make for amazing strolls through the city.

Similarly to how we ended the five-day itinerary in Bilbao, we’ll start this itinerary there as it is a relatively easy airport to fly into from other places in Europe. If you’re starting your longer Spain trip, you can find your rental car in Bilbao here.

Make sure to use your time to explore the Casco Viejo (the Old Town) and walk along the river! There are some great Pintxo places in the Old Town that you should absolutely check out!

Accommodation in Bilbao: Bilbao is a larger city so there’s quite a variety of accommodations available.

Check here for hotels in Bilbao.

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright and simple hotel with good breakfast and underground private parking. Friends of Lisa stayed there and said they enjoyed it. It’s close to the river across from the Guggenheim Museum but still a quick walk to the old town.

To stay in the heart of old town Bilbao, you have to see Ercilla Hotela. This is a very stylish and popular hotel with a lovely rooftop terrace and lounge, onsite parking, and they even serve traditional Basque food!

As for hostels, Bcool Hostel is a very “cool” hostel in Bilbao. In general, remember to book any hotels or accommodations somewhat closer to the city centre/the river because Bilbao can be quite hilly around the edges!

Must-see Attractions in Bilbao:

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • The Old Town (Casco Viejo)
  • Zubizuri Bridge

Day 2: Burgos

tan stone cathedral seen in the rain in burgos spain.
Burgos is full of gorgeous sights and things to check out!

Burgos might not be a city that is immediately on your radar for places to visit in Spain but we would recommend a stop there on your way south.

Lisa visited Burgos with friends on a day trip from Bilbao so she knows how easy it is to get there. Burgos is a nice city but since there is not a ton to see, one night is the perfect amount of time in our opinion.

Getting from Bilbao to Burgos takes approximately 1.5 hours by car and 2 hours by bus.

Accommodation in Burgos: Burgos is not an overly big city, but you can still find lots of great accommodations.

Check here for hotels in Burgos.

Specifically, Hotel Puerta de Burgos is a popular, trendy, and affordable hotel with private underground parking at the hotel. This makes it a great option if you have a car because it’s a little further from the centre (still quite close) and just off the motorway.

Another great hotel closer to the city centre/attractions is NH Collection Palacio de Burgos. This is an elegant hotel with a great breakfast and private parking, too.

If you want to stay in a hotel that physically faces the famous Burgos Cathedral, check out Hotel Mesón del Cid!

Must-see Attractions in Burgos:

  • Burgos Cathedral
  • Las Huelgas
  • Museum of Human Evolution

Day 3: Salamanca

green trees in old spanish square with large domed building behind.
Salamanca – The Golden City of Spain

From Burgos, your journey continues to Salamanca – another one of Lisa’s favourite cities in Spain. Salamanca is sometimes called “The Golden City of Spain” and you’ll understand why.

The many sandstone buildings get illuminated beautifully by the sun – making it appear golden. Be sure to bring your camera because you’ll want to use it in Salamanca. Our tip: Cross the river to get amazing photos of the cathedral.

Getting from Burgos to Salamanca is easy and will take approximately 2.5 hours by car or 3 hours by bus.

Accommodation in Salamanca: Salamanca has lots of great accommodations in the city.

Check here for hotels in Salamanca.

Specifically, Hospes Palacio de San Esteban is an authentic-style hotel in the city centre with an incredible breakfast and onsite private parking

If you are looking for a very affordable hotel with views of the Cathedral, Hotel San Polo is for you. The popular hotel is in a location that doesn’t get much more central! There’s no parking available – making it great if you travel by bus and train only.

When Lisa visited Salamanca on a weekend trip, she stayed in a hostel with friends close to the Old Town and loved it. You can check out the good selection of hostels in Salamanca

Must-see Attractions in Salamanca:

  • Salamanca Cathedral (Old + New)
  • Plaza Mayor
  • Salamanca University

Day 4: Madrid

white palace in madrid with flag flying on top.
The Royal Palace of Madrid draws in LOTS of visitors year after year!

Since Madrid is the capital of Spain you shouldn’t miss it on your itinerary. Conveniently it is also quite close and easy to get to from Salamanca.

Since there is so much to see in Madrid one day to explore might not be enough for you. That’s why you might opt for spending two days in Madrid instead.

Lisa has been to Madrid two times now and still hasn’t seen everything there is to see. But at least you’ll get a good sampler!

Since there is so much to see in Madrid one day to explore might not be enough for you. That’s why you might opt for spending two days in Madrid instead.

Lisa has been to Madrid two times now and still hasn’t seen everything there is to see. But at least you’ll get a good sampler!

As mentioned, getting from Salamanca to Madrid is easy. The journey will take approximately 2 hrs 12 min by car (including a toll road) and 3 hours by bus.

Madrid’s main bus station is actually underground which is kind of cool and caused a lot of confusion for Lisa and her friends when they tried to find it the first time.

Accommodation in Madrid: Being the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a popular city with lots and lots of accommodation options. Keep in mind that Madrid has many “hostals” which are technically guesthouses but are basically hotels.

Also, if you have a car don’t be surprised if parking is in a public lot for a high fee – that’s just Madrid.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Madrid

Specifically, you might want to check out Room007 Select Sol. This charming and trendy hotel is right in the heart of the city, has air conditioning, and serves breakfast at a cafe next door!

If you are looking for a simple stay right in the centre, check out Hostal Madrid. This authentic guesthouse is so centrally located with top attractions and a metro station around the corner.

It’s such good value for money that the two times Lisa travelled to Madrid she actually stayed here both times!

Should you be on the hunt for an actual hostel, you can check here for hostels in Madrid. Keep in mind wherever you book, you will be booking accommodation for two nights. 

Must-see Attractions in Madrid:

  • Plaza Mayor
  • Museum Reina Sofia
  • Puerta del Sol

Keep in mind we have a whole separate detailed guide on amazing things to do in Madrid!

Day 5: Madrid or Day trip to Toledo

As mentioned, you might opt to spend another day in Madrid since there is so much to see.

If that’s the case read our Madrid guide linked above to get more recommendations. Alternatively, you could opt to go on a day trip to Toledo, a beautiful small city not too far from Madrid.

If you don’t want to drive there yourself, you can choose to book a day tour which includes a tour of Toledo among other things. If you want to drive yourself the journey will take you approximately 1 hour by car and the same amount of time by bus.

Must-see Attractions in Toledo:

  • Toledo Cathedral
  • Alcázar
  • Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Day 6: Córdoba

large church on hill at night with stone bridge leading to it in cordoba spain.
How can you NOT visit Cordoba?!

The next day you will drive to Córdoba, a city in Andalusia known for its famous flower street – among other things of course. There is a lot of history to be found in Córdoba so consider taking a walking tour if you want to learn more about it.

This is one of few routes where you will actually be faster taking public transport as if you were to drive yourself since there is a good train connection between Madrid and Córdoba. 

Driving by car takes approximately 4 hours while the journey by train would be slightly shorter with 2 hrs 15 min.

Accommodation in Córdoba: If you’re looking for a hotel, there are lot of options to choose from.

Check now for hotels in Córdoba.

Specifically, Maciá Alfaros is an authentic hotel located right in the heart of the city centre with an incredible swimming pool and easy parking onsite.

Hotel Cordoba Center is an elegant hotel located outside the heart of the centre. It’s still very walkable to the centre, is very close to the train station, and has a rooftop pool with amazing views!

There are quite a few hostels with very good ratings in Córdoba so you can check here for hostels in Córdoba.

Must-see Attractions in Córdoba:

  • Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
  • Historic Center of Córdoba

Day 7: Seville or Málaga

For this itinerary, you can decide in which city you would like to end your trip. For some, it might be more convenient to fly out of Seville while for others Málaga might be the better option. So it’s really up to you and your preference!

The journey from Córdoba to Seville takes approximately 1 hr 40 min by car and 45 min by train. The time it takes to get from Córdoba to Málaga isn’t much longer with 1 hr 50 min by car and 50 min by train.

Accommodations in Seville: As mentioned above, Seville is a popular city so there is always accommodations to choose from.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Seville.

Specifically, check out Petit Palace Puerta de Triana. This trendy design hotel offers a buffet breakfast and a really great location in the city centre.

For a historic stay, Hotel Simon is a more simple and more authentic hotel. It’s located in a historic building, does breakfast, and is also located in the city centre.

Neither of the above hotels have parking – but fewer properties in Seville offer onsite parking (or even public parking nearby).

If you are travelling by car and want parking available, then check out La Parada del Marqués. It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also centrally located with breakfast options and good connections to public transit!

If you want a hostel stay, you can search for hostels in Seville here. Regardless of what type of accommodation you book, Seville is popular so we would advise booking ahead – especially during the high season!

Must-see Attractions in Seville:

  • Seville Cathedral
  • Alcázar
  • Plaza de España

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular destination in the south of Spain with lots of different accommodation options. That said, apartment rentals are very popular.

Check here for apartments or hotels in Malaga.

Specifically, for hotels, you can check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. This design hotel is bright and clean and offers breakfast while being located right in the heart of the city.

If you are planning for a longer stay, check out Apartamentos Nono. Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes, terraces, and onsite private parking.

If you want a hostel, Malaga has lots. You can search for hostels in Malaga here. When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza.

Even though it’s a “hostel”, it’s a popular place – with private rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace. Her and her friend stayed in a private room and loved it!

Must-see Attractions in Málaga:

  • Alcazaba Palace
  • Picasso Museum
  • Cathedral of Málaga

Spain Travel Itinerary 7 Days – Eastern Trip

If the other 7-day Spain itinerary doesn’t really appeal to you and you would like to stay closer to the coast, maybe this itinerary is more to your liking. The driving time would be just shy of 11 hours and would be approximately 1000 km driving distance!

navigate map

Spain Itinerary 7 Days – Eastern Trip Overview

  • Day 1+2: Barcelona
  • Day 3: Valencia
  • Day 4: Alicante
  • Day 5: Murcia
  • Day 6: Granada
  • Day 7: Málaga

Day 1 + 2: Barcelona

green grass around large stone monument in barcelona spain.
Barcelona has beauty around basically every corner – or roundabout!

Once again, this itinerary starts in Barcelona since it is one of the easiest airports to fly into. Since you have a little bit more time with this itinerary you’ll stay in Barcelona for two days.

There is lots to see so you still won’t see everything, but definitely more than in just one day. To then continue on with this itinerary through Spain, you can find your rental car in Barcelona here.

Accommodation in Barcelona: As mentioned above, there are lots of hotels and apartments in Barcelona.

Check here for Accommodations in Barcelona.

For hotels, you might like Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool close to the beach in the city centre.

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is an affordable hotel with spa in the heart of the city with a private parking garage.

As for hostels, you can check here for Barcelona hostels. We liked Kabul Hostel. Wherever you stay, remember to book in advance because the city does fill up and it can get expensive! And remember, you’ll be staying at this place for two nights.

Must-see Attractions in Barcelona:

  • Sagrada Familia
  • Park Güell
  • Las Ramblas

Day 3: Valencia

long water fountain in front of white building and white museum dome at end.
The beautiful and futuristic City of Arts and Science to explore..

The third day of this Spain itinerary will take you from Barcelona to Valencia which is another city on Lisa’s favourite list.

It was actually the first Spanish city she visited and she fell in love with the city and its people right away. Her favourite part is that there is a huge part in what was formerly a river that stretches through a big part of the city.

In order to get from Barcelona to Valencia, you’ll drive along the coast for 3.5 hours by car and around 3 hrs 15 min by train. 

Accommodation in Valencia: Since Valencia is a bigger city, you are sure to find accommodations that work for you.

Check here for hotels in Valencia.

Specifically, Petit Palace Ruzafa is a bright and boutique hotel right in the city centre.

They offer healthy breakfast options and free bike rentals. There’s no parking making this a great hotel for those travelling without a car.

If you want a place right on the beach, check out Hotel Miramar. This cool beachfront hotel has a bar and restaurant right downstairs and has paid parking onsite. If you are looking for a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Valencia.

Must-see Attractions in Valencia:

  • City of Arts and Science
  • Lonja de la Seda
  • Cathedral of Valencia

Day 4: Alicante

blue ocean with sandy beach around and town in distance.
Altea – a small city just north of Alicante – is a popular beach destination.

Alicante is a popular holiday town that lots of Europeans visit to enjoy the nice weather and the beaches. Maybe you have heard of the name Costa Blanca?

Alicante is part of that exact region. When you’re there don’t forget to check out some of the nice beaches – but of course, there are also lots of other things waiting to be explored.

Getting from Valencia to Alicante won’t take overly long. The drive will take approximately 2 hours by car and 1.5 hrs to 2.5 hours by train or bus respectively.

Accommodation in Alicante: Alicante is a popular city due to its great location on the coast.

Check here for hotels in Alicante

If you want to stay directly on the beach, Hotel Almirante is a bright and stylish hotel with breakfast buffet. It’s a bit farther from the city centre, but there is free onsite parking if you have a car.

If you want more of a resort style, Melia Alicante is also located right on the beach with stunning views over the water. It’s much closer to the centre of the city and has good amenities (pool), paid parking next door, and a really good breakfast!

You can also find a good mix of hostels in Alicante. In any case, don’t forget to book ahead in the summertime since it can get very crowded.

Must-see Attractions in Alicante:

  • Castle of Santa Barbara
  • Casco Antiguo (Old Town)
  • Beaches such as Playa Postiguet

If you’re heading for Alicante to get some sunshine, we’ve got a guide on things to do and see in Alicante that includes some great food tips for you to check out!

Day 5: Murcia

Murcia is a city in the southeast of Spain and the capital of the region with the same name. Travellers who don’t know much about Spain (yet) might not have heard of the city before but this doesn’t mean it is not worth a visit.

The drive from Alicante to Murcia is quite short with 1 hr by car and 1 hr 10 min by bus. This will give you a good amount of time to explore the university city and get a rest from all the driving.

Accommodation in Murcia: Since Murcia is a less touristy city you’ll find great places to stay and (generally) fewer crowds.

Check here for hotels in Murcia.

Specifically, the Hesperia Murcia Centro is a clean and modern hotel right in the city centre near the Cathedral. There’s also private onsite parking and a tasty breakfast.

If you want to stay closer to the coast – you could stay in Cartagena (about 30 minutes away from Murcia). Here, check out NH Cartagena – with bright, sea views and parking all in a great location.

Must-see Attractions in Murcia:

  • Murcia Cathedral
  • Floridablanca Gardens
  • Monteagudo Castle

Day 6: Granada

orange and white houses seen from above in granada spain.
Exploring Granada from above allows for amazing views!

From Murcia, your journey will continue to Granada, a city which we have mentioned quite a few times by now so we won’t go into details again. If you haven’t yet, make sure to get your Alhambra tickets in advance!

Driving from Murcia to Granada will be a slightly longer trip with 2 hrs 45 min by car and around 3.5 hrs by bus.

Accommodation in Granada: Since Granada is a popular travel destination, many accommodations are available.

Check here for hotels in Granada.

Specifically, Hotel Granada Center is a VERY popular hotel with great breakfast, a very central location, and private underground parking onsite.

Also situated in the city centre is Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites – a sleek and modern hotel with small rooftop pool with great views of the historic old town! If you are looking for a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Granada

Must-see Attractions in Granada:

  • Alhambra Palace
  • Albaicín District
  • Cathedral of Granada

Day 7: Málaga

Since we have mentioned Málaga countless times above, there is not much to add. As you probably know by now Málaga has a great airport to fly out of so this is where this 7-day Eastern Spain itinerary ends.

The journey from Granada to Málaga is approximately 1,5 hrs by car and 2 hrs by bus.

Accommodation in Málaga: Malaga is a popular tourist destination in Spain so there are lots of available accommodations – with apartments being the most popular.

Check here for apartments or hotels in Malaga.

For hotels, check out Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. This minimalist design hotel is bright and offers a great breakfast while being located right in the city centre.

For longer stays, check out Apartamentos Nono. Located close to the beach and to the city centre, these apartments have kitchenettes for small meal prep, terraces, and onsite private parking.

If you are searching for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Malaga here. When visiting Malaga with a friend, Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza.

It’s a popular place to stay in Malaga with private rooms and a great rooftop terrace. She and her friend stayed in a private room and really liked it!

Must-see Attractions in Málaga:

  • Alcazaba Palace
  • Picasso Museum
  • Cathedral of Málaga

Spain Itinerary – 14 Days

This road trip would be a beast. As planned above with the scheduled day trips you’d cover around 2600 kilometres.

The driving time would be around 27 hours and 30 minutes– but of course, this varies by traffic and which day trips/stop days (beach days) you opt to take, etc.

If you swung down to Gibraltar at the end and then went to Granada and Malaga, it could very well be a tad longer.

You should also consider the price of renting a car for two weeks to see if there are any companies that offer discounts!

Compare prices for your car rental from Bilbao here.

Since you have read about most of these places in some of the itineraries above we’ll keep this one short.

Our version is written from north to south, so from Bilbao to Málaga. As with most of our itineraries, you can reverse the direction if you feel like it So, to really see the whole country, your updated 14-day Spain itinerary might look something like this:

navigate map

14-Day Spain Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Bilbao
  • Day 2: Day trip to Santander, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Beach Day
  • Day 3: Donostia-San Sebastián
  • Day 4: Zaragoza
  • Day 5+6: Barcelona
  • Day 7: Valencia
  • Day 8+9: Madrid
  • Day 10: Toledo or Córdoba
  • Day 11: Seville
  • Day 12: Seville or Day trip to Cádiz/ Gibraltar
  • Day 13: Málaga (or Granada)
  • Day 14: Málaga

Day 1: Bilbao

Once again we are starting this itinerary in Bilbao since it is an easy city to get to. There are quite a few things to see and delicious foods to try so with this itinerary you have slightly more time to explore the city!

Accommodation in Bilbao: Once again, Bilbao is a bigger centre in Spain so you’ll find lots of accommodations to suit many different styles and budgets.

Check here for hotels in Bilbao.

Specifically, Hotel NH Bilbao Deusto is a bright hotel with breakfast and underground private parking. Friends of Lisa stayed here and enjoyed it. It’s the river from the Old Town – but it’s a nice area and a quick walk to everything.

To stay in the centre of Bilbao’s historic old town, check out Ercilla Hotela. This is a very stylish hotel with a great rooftop terrace/lounge, onsite parking, and food onsite, too.

If you are wanting a hostel, Bcool Hostel is a great option in Bilbao. Just remember: when booking any accommodations in Bilbao,  try to book in the centre or near the river since the edges of the city can be very hilly!

Since the next day in this itinerary is a day trip we’d suggest booking your accommodation in Bilbao for two nights!

Must-see Attractions in Bilbao:

  • Guggenheim Museum
  • The Old Town (Casco Viejo)
  • Zubizuri Bridge

Day 2: Day Trip to Santander, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Beach Day

white and coloured buildings with tower behind in vitoria-gasteiz spain.
Wander the streets of Vitoria-Gasteiz. You won’t regret the stop.

To give you the chance to see a bit more of the region we recommend a day trip to either Santander or Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country.

Alternatively, you can also opt to spend the day at the beach if the weather is nice (more on that below!) or use the time to see more of Bilbao.

Getting to Santander from Bilbao takes approximately 1 hr 15 min by car and 1.5 hrs by bus. The journey to Vitoria-Gasteiz is slightly shorter, taking approximately 1 hr by car and the same amount of time by bus.

Must-see Attractions in Santander:

  • Palacio de la Magdalena
  • Centro Botin
  • Sardinero Beach

Must-see Attractions in Vitoria-Gasteiz:

  • Catedral de Santa María
  • Iglesia de San Miguel

If you opt for a beach day instead, we would recommend Sopelana beach. It is easy to reach by metro. Just take the line no 1 in the direction of Plentzia and get off at the Sopelana stop.

From there you can either walk or take the bus to the beach. It’s Lisa’s favourite beach in the Bilbao area since it looks beautiful and is not too crowded. It’s also a great stop to try some surfing.

Day 3: Donostia-San Sebastián

The next stop on your 14-day Spain itinerary is San Sebastián – a city we have already mentioned before. Beautiful beaches and delicious pintxos await you!

The drive from Bilbao to San Sebastián takes around hr 15 min by car and 1.5 hrs by bus. There are very frequent buses by lots of different operators between these two cities. 

Accommodation in San Sebastián: San Sebastián is one of the more expensive towns in Spain. It’s also very popular among luxury travellers. So, don’t be surprised if accommodations seem a little more expensive overall.

Check here for hotels in San Sebastián.

Specifically, check out Casual de las Olas San Sebastián. This hotel is a bit further from the old town and beach but makes up for it with sleek decor, breakfast, and air conditioning.

If you want more of a laid-back feel, check out Talaia HT. This authentic and cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of the old town – and has public parking nearby.

If you are looking for a hostel, you can find hostels across San Sebastián here. Wherever you book, our advice is to book accommodations early. Generally, you save money when doing that.

Must-see Attractions in San Sebastián :

  • Urgull Hill
  • Plays de La Concha
  • San Sebastián Cathedral

Day 4: Zaragoza

Day 5 of this itinerary will take you to Zaragoza, a city mentioned in the 5 day Northern Spain itinerary. The drive will be a bit longer but you’ll still have enough time to check out some of the attractions Zaragoza has to offer.

Driving from San Sebastián to Zaragoza will take approximately 2 hrs 45 min by car (including a toll road) and around 4 hrs by bus.

Accommodations in Zaragoza: Zaragoza is a smaller city but there are still lots of really great accommodation options.

Check here for hotels in Zaragoza.

Specifically, check out Hotel Sauce. This bright hotel is located right in the city centre and has buffet breakfast, air conditioning, and private parking onsite for those with a car in Spain!

If you want a hotel with a rooftop pool, Hotel Palafox is for you! Also situated right in the heart of the city, the hotel has a unique decor, city views, a nice breakfast, and also has parking and air con!

There aren’t a ton of hostels but the ones that do exist are well-rated – so you can check here for hostels in Zaragoza.

Must-see Attractions in Zaragoza:

  • Basílica del Pilar
  • Aljafería Palace
  • Cathedral San Salvador

Day 5+6: Barcelona

red towers near large roundabout with palace behind in barcelona.
Barcelona is a city FULL of things to see and do…

A tour across the country wouldn’t be complete without including Barcelona. Since there is so much to see you’ll be spending two nights in the city to give you enough time.

The drive from Zaragoza to Barcelona will take you approximately 3 hrs 10 min by car (includes a toll road), 3.5 hrs by bus and 1.5 hrs by train.

Accommodation in Barcelona: As mentioned above, you’ll find loads of great hotels and apartments in Barcelona.

Check here for Accommodations in Barcelona.

If you are looking for a hotel, check out Catalonia Born Hotel with a boutique style and rooftop pool in the city centre (also close to the beach).

If you travel by car, Sallés Hotel Pere IV is a lovely and affordable hotel with a spa that is located in the heart of the city and has a private parking garage onsite.

As for hostels, you can check out Barcelona hostels here. Specifically, we enjoyed Kabul Hostel. Hostel or hotel – just remember to book early because Barcelona is a popular city. Also remember that for this itinerary, you’ll be staying over for two nights.

Must-see Attractions in Barcelona:

  • Sagrada Familia
  • Park Güell
  • Las Ramblas
  • Camp Nou
  • Casa Batlló

Day 7: Valencia

And we’re back in one of Lisa’s favourite cities. The drive from Barcelona to Valencia will be a bit longer but it is worth it (in our opinion at least).

Driving from Barcelona to Valencia will take around 3.5 hrs by car (including a toll road), 3 hrs by train and 4 hrs 15 min by bus.

Accommodation in Valencia: Since Valencia is a bigger city, you’ll find accommodations that work for your style and budget.

Check now for hotels in Valencia.

Specifically, Petit Palace Ruzafa is a boutique hotel very much in the lovely city centre. They offer healthy breakfast, free bike rentals, and no parking – making it great for travellers without a car!

If you’re looking to stay right the beach, you’ll likely love Hotel Miramar. This cool beachfront hotel has a bar/restaurant right downstairs, ocean views, and has paid parking onsite. If you want to stay in a hostel, you can check now for hostels in Valencia.

Must-see Attractions in Valencia: 

  • City of Arts and Science
  • Lonja de la Seda
  • Cathedral of Valencia

Day 8+9: Madrid

old buildings in surrounding old spanish square with statue in middle in madrid.
As the capital city, Madrid is full of amazing sights and attractions.

Of course, you can’t forget about the capital of the country when going on a trip through Spain.

Since there is so much to see and do you will spend two nights in Madrid. This will also give you some time to recover from the long driving days you’ve had.

Driving from Valencia to Madrid takes approximately 3.5 hrs by car and slightly less than 2 hrs by train.

Accommodation in Madrid: Being the capital city of Spain, Madrid is a popular city with lots of accommodations.

Keep in mind that Madrid has “hostals” which are technically guesthouses but are basically hotels. Also, parking can be very expensive per day but that’s just Madrid for you.

Check here for apartments and hotels in Madrid

Specifically, check out Room007 Select Sol. This charming and trendy hotel is right in the heart of the city, has air conditioning, and serves breakfast at a cafe next door. You are very much in the city centre here!

If you are looking for more of a guesthouse stay right in the centre, check out Hostal Madrid.

This authentic accommodation is so centrally located with attractions and the metro close by. It’s good value for money –  the two times Lisa travelled to Madrid she actually stayed here both times!

Should you want an actual hostel, there are loads of hostels in Madrid. You can check here for hostels in Madrid. Keep in mind wherever you book, you will be booking this accommodation for two nights if you are following this itinerary.

Must-see Attractions in Madrid:

  • Plaza Mayor
  • Museum Reina Sofia
  • Puerta del Sol

*We have written in-depth about many of the attractions you can visit in Madrid in our things to do in Madrid guide!

Day 10: Toledo or Córdoba

small houses and green trees on hill with old fortress behind in toledo spain.
A Toledo day trip is definitely worth it.

For the next stop on your itinerary, you can decide where you would like to stop. From Madrid you are driving further south and both Toledo and Córdoba would be great options for a stop on the way to Seville.

The drive from Madrid to Toledo will be short and only take an hour by car or bus. The drive from Madrid to Córdoba is a lot longer and takes approximately 4 hrs by car and 2 hrs by train.

While this drive would be longer, your drive the next day would be significantly shorter from Córdoba than from Toledo.

Accommodation in Toledo: If you choose to stay in Toledo, you can check here for hotels in Toledo.

Specifically, you have to check out Hotel Santa Isabel – an authentic and charming Spanish hotel in the heart of the city with an incredible rooftop terrace, good breakfast, and private parking under the hotel if you need it.

Accommodations in Córdoba: If you end up in Córdoba, you can check now for hotels in Córdoba.

Specifically, Maciá Alfaros is an authentic hotel located right in the heart of the city with a nice swimming pool and parking onsite.

Hotel Cordoba Center is an elegant hotel located just a short walk to the centre. It’s location is very close to the train station – and there is a lovely rooftop pool with city views!

There are also many hostels with very good ratings so you can check here for hostels in Córdoba.

Must-see Attractions in Toledo:

  • Toledo Cathedral
  • Alcázar
  • Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Must-see Attractions in Córdoba:

  • Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
  • Historic Center of Córdoba

Day 11: Seville

On day 11 you will drive from either Toledo or Córdoba to Seville – a city we have mentioned multiple times now because it is very much worth the visit.

If you ended up staying in Toledo, it’ll take you 4.5 hrs by car and 4 hrs by train to get to Seville. If you stayed in Córdoba it’ll only take you 1.5 hrs by car and 45 min by train to get to Seville.

Accommodation in Seville: As we have mentioned above a bunch of times, Seville is a big and popular city so you’ll have no shortage of accommodations to pick from.

Check here for hotels in Seville.

Specifically, we like the look of Petit Palace Puerta de Triana. It’s a trendy design hotel with a buffet breakfast located right in the city centre close to top sights!

If you want more of a “historic stay”, Hotel Simon is a simple and authentic hotel located in a historic building!

They also do breakfast and are also located in the city centre. So you know: neither of the above hotels have parking – but not that many hotels in the city centre offer onsite parking (or even nearby public parking).

If you have/rent a car and need parking available, we’d say check out La Parada del Marqués. It’s a beautiful guesthouse/hotel also quite conveniently located but they also have parking, breakfast options, and good connections to public transit!

Should you be looking for a hostel, you can search for hostels in Seville here.

Again, since Seville is very popular so we would advise booking any accommodations ahead of time – especially during the high season! Remember, you’ll stay for two nights if you follow this itinerary!

Must-see Attractions in Seville:

  • Seville Cathedral
  • Alcázar
  • Plaza de España

Day 12: Seville or Day trip to Cádiz/ Gibraltar

tall rock with green bushes around it and town in distance behind.
The Rock of Gibraltar is definitely worth the day trip!

Since there is a lot to see and do in Seville, you have the option to stay another day to explore more of what the city has to offer.

If you’d prefer to see a different place you can consider day trips to either Cádiz or Gibraltar. Know that Gibraltar is not officially part of Spain but belongs to the United Kingdom instead.

It’ll take you around 1.5 hrs by car or train to get from Seville to Cádiz. To get from Seville to Gibraltar it’ll take between 2 and 3 hrs by car.

There does not seem to be any public transport between Seville and Gibraltar since it is another country, but you can participate in an organized tour from Seville to Gibraltar.

Must-see Attractions in Cádiz:

  • Cádiz Cathedral
  • Fortress San Sebastian
  • Plaza de San Juan de Dios

Must-see Attractions in Gibraltar:

  • Rock of Gibraltar
  • Great Siege Tunnels
  • The Old Town

Day 13: Málaga (or Granada)

view of town from city wall of old fortress in granada spain.
The many views of Granada.

On your second to last day of this itinerary, you will drive from Seville to Málaga, a route we have mentioned quite a few times by now up above.

If you really wanted to visit Granada you could also drive there instead. You could then make the trip to Málaga at the end of the day or the next day.

The journey from Seville to Málaga will be approximately 2.5 hrs by car and 2 hrs by train. Whatever city combo you choose, just remember to book the right amount of nights in cities (one or two) for the end of your itinerary (keeping in mind where you fly out)!

Accommodation in Málaga: As a popular city in the south, Malaga has lots of places to choose from when it comes to accommodation options.

Check here for apartments or hotels in Malaga.

For hotels, have a look at Hotel Boutique Teatro Romano. This lovely design hotel offers breakfast – and it’s very centrally located in the heart of the city!

For an apartment rental (maybe for a longer stay), check out Apartamentos Nono. Located close to the beach and a quick walk to the city centre, the apartments have kitchenettes, terraces, and private parking onsite (if you travelling by car).

Malaga also has lots of hostels if you like. You can search for hostels in Malaga here. Lisa stayed at Casa Al Sur Terraza when travelling to Malaga with a friend.

For a “hostel”, the Casa is a very popular place to stay with private rooms and a sunny rooftop terrace. Lisa and her friend booked a private room and enjoyed it!

Must-see Attractions in Málaga:

  • Alcazaba Palace
  • Picasso Museum
  • Cathedral of Málaga

Accommodation in Granada: Since Granada is popular, many accommodations are available.

Check here for hotels in Granada.

Specifically, Hotel Granada Center is a VERY popular hotel with a great breakfast, a very central location, and private underground parking onsite if you have a car.

Also situated in the city centre is Granada Five Senses Rooms & Suites – a modern hotel with a small rooftop pool with views of Granada’s old town! If you want to book a hostel, you can check here for hostels in Granada

Must-see Attractions in Granada:

  • Alhambra Palace
  • Albaicín District
  • Cathedral of Granada

Day 14: Málaga

And this is the end of your two weeks Spain itinerary. Once again Málaga is the city you fly out of since there are lots of great flight connections to other places in Europe.

Alternatively, you could also stay in Seville and visit Málaga on a day trip if the airport in Seville works better for you.

Things to Consider When Travelling in Spain

Before you dive into Spain trip planning, you’ll want to consider a few details. From the currency they use (the Euro) to the weather, public transport, and the best time to visit, we cover a few key areas below to help you prepare.

Best Time of Year to Visit Spain

Spain is a destination that can be visited year-round – you just have to set your expectations right. Lisa visited Malaga with a friend in December and it was quite warm but of course not warm enough to go swimming.

Since the country is quite big and has a diverse geography, there are actually a lot of different climate zones in Spain. Generally, the summers are hot and dry while the winters are mild and quite rainy.

The average maximum temperature for July and August is 30 °C and 17/16 °C in December and January. However, this can vary greatly depending on which city you are visiting (e.g. Granada is always a little bit colder).

We would recommend that you avoid the south – especially Seville – and Madrid in July and August since it can get VERY hot.

And according to Lisa’s Spanish teacher in Bilbao, it would probably also be a good idea to avoid visiting the Basque country during the winter months since it can rain a lot.

In our opinion, the perfect months for visiting Spain would be from March to June and September to the end of October.

Public Transportation in Spain

Spain has a very well-developed long-distance bus system. Lisa was especially impressed by that since in Germany long-distance buses didn’t exist until a few years ago and sometimes it can still be a bit chaotic or unclear.

In Spain, almost every major city has an actual bus station (and not just a signpost). One of the biggest bus companies in Spain is Alsa.

Lisa has used them quite a few times when living in Spain (to go from Madrid to Bilbao for example) and always had a pleasant experience.

In addition to buses, Spain also has a pretty good rail system. You can check the train connections and prices on the RENFE website here.

We would recommend that you always check both buses and trains as sometimes they take approximately the same amount of time and the bus can be significantly cheaper.

In a few areas (such as parts of the Basque country), the buses can be actually a lot faster than the train.

You can reach all of the places mentioned in these Spain itineraries with public transport.

So if you don’t feel comfortable with renting a car in a foreign country you can still follow all of these itineraries. The bus and train stations are often very centrally located so it shouldn’t be a hassle to get into the centre in any of the cities.

Car Rental in Spain

If you would like to rent a car and make these itineraries a road trip that is a great option, too.

Driving in Spain is generally pretty safe – but it can get a little crazy in bigger cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Spaniards also like to speed – but if you are a confident yet careful driver then this shouldn’t be an issue.

Since Spain is such a popular destination, there are lots of different rental car agencies available. Make sure to read the fine print about additional costs in case there are any issues.

You can compare prices for your Spain trip with this handy comparison tool.

In Spain, there are quite a few toll roads which start with an ‘AP’ in the name. If you want to avoid paying tolls you can often find a road that runs in a similar direction.

Generally, your driving time will be longer if you avoid toll roads but you never know which hidden gems you come across on your way.

Travel Insurance for Spain

When visiting Spain you – and especially when renting a car – should get travel insurance.

While you’ll probably be fine, accidents do happen (and Spaniards are more reckless drivers than in other countries) and they can be expensive. That’s why we always travel with insurance.

If you live in a European country and have European health insurance, you can get the blue EU Health insurance card with which you are covered in emergencies. If you don’t have that option, we recommend that you get private travel insurance.

Related Posts

If you are planning your visit to Spain, check out our other posts on travelling, working, and studying in Spain!

And there you have it – 5 epic itineraries around Spain! Whether you need 5 days or 14, we think you’ll have lots to work with to plan that perfect trip. Lisa is so happy to be able to provide you with her knowledge of the country.

There is still so much to cover – but we think that these itineraries are a great starting point – you may even do the routes as is and see how they go!

As always, Happy Waddlin’,
– L&E

Booking Your Trip Soon? This Is How We Do It:
  • Compare flights on Skyscanner
  • Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
  • Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
  • Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
  • Go over our packing list
  • Pin it for later!

    photo reading "sample routes for trip through spain" with photo of old spanish town above and old fortress photo below.