Spain’s treasures are seemingly infinite, and also you’ll want a lifetime to understand the whole lot the nation has to supply; even after greater than 20 visits, my record of locations to go to is rising longer, not shorter. Nonetheless, on a one week go to to Spain, you will get a incredible introductory style of the nation, its tradition, and its folks – however how do you have to spend these seven days in Spain?
The obvious multi-city route would take you throughout three of Spain’s greatest cities by high-speed rail: Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. Nevertheless, these giant cities are full of sights and deserve at the least three (or ideally extra) days every. As such, I’d suggest combining just one metropolis with smaller regional cities or cities and visiting at most three or 4 locations throughout your one week Spain journey – until you’re on a fast-paced highway journey. It is a nation the place slowing down and having fun with life is extra necessary than pace, in any case.
Right here, I’ve aimed to separate the “massive three” into their very own multi-city Spain itineraries that might go well with travellers who might have already visited one in all Spain’s largest cities earlier than or those that need to dive deeper into one or two areas.
Most of those one week Spain itineraries could be finished by public transport, and I’ve included recommendations on how greatest to get round on every route. Nevertheless, a automobile generally makes extra sense, particularly if you wish to discover the islands or smaller coastal villages.
Begin and finish your highway journey in Palma de Mallorca
Mallorca’s peaks, playas and Palma
Finest for: An island journey highway journey
The route: Palma > Valldemossa > Deia > Port de Sóller > Fornalutx > Pollença > Playa de Formentor > Cap de Formentor > Caló des Moro > Palma
Why go to: Skip Magaluf and take your self on a tour of Mallorca’s greatest playas (seashores), peaks and tucked-away villages on this seven day Spain itinerary which absolutely embraces island life. Beginning and ending within the island’s refined capital metropolis of Palma, this whirlwind highway journey packs in a lot. Being the biggest of the Balearic Islands – a 4 main isle group south of Barcelona – you’ll by no means see the whole lot in a single week, and also you may need to adapt this itinerary to have a extra even unfold throughout the island. Nevertheless, throughout this seven day journey, I’ve targeted extra on the west of Mallorca, the place the jagged Serra de Tramuntana mountain vary holds most of the island’s greatest treasures.
When to go: Mallorca is a good year-round vacation spot because of its Mediterranean location. From November to March, evenings could be chilly and the ocean water much less inviting, however you’ll have the ability to take within the historic villages and epic vistas with far fewer crowds. I might keep away from the summer time months, as the most well-liked seashores grow to be so crowded they are often onerous to take pleasure in.
Easy methods to get round: Mallorca’s restricted practice traces make getting round by public transport fairly onerous, though the heritage rickety picket practice to Sóller is effectively well worth the experience. As such, this seven day Spain itinerary is greatest loved as a highway journey; counting on buses would imply chopping out some stops. Should you’d moderately rent a campervan than a automobile, corporations reminiscent of ROIG automobile rental in Mallorca Airport provide this service alongside customary and convertible automobiles.
Port de Sóller, Mallorca
Day by day highlights: 7 day Mallorca, Spain itinerary
Whether or not you select to take pleasure in Palma de Mallorca firstly or finish of your itinerary, I recommend permitting at the least one full day and two nights right here. There’s a lot to maintain you entertained, from visiting the imposing Gothic Palma Cathedral (La Seu) and the Royal Palace to frequenting a few of Spain’s greatest vermouth bars and fine-dining eating places. Rising early on day three, set off into the Serra de Tramuntana vary to go to two idyllic mountain villages simply quarter-hour aside: Valldemossa and Deia. Cobbled streets, Moorish historical past and non secular structure abound (Valldemossa’s Actual Cartuja is a spotlight), whereas Deià’s valley setting is postcard-perfect. In both city, you’ll discover a number of boutique guesthouses in outdated stone buildings to spend the evening.
On day 4, proceed to Port de Sóller for somewhat seashore time earlier than visiting Sóller city additional inland. Fringed by citrus groves, it’s a fairly sight with a number of museums (particularly Can Prunera Artwork Gallery) value visiting. Later within the day, head to the remoted and idyllic village of Fornalutx to spend the evening. Day 5 of this seven days in Spain itinerary is all about mountaineering and reconnecting with nature within the Serra de Tramuntana. From Fornalutx, there are many path choices close by, and it’s solely a brief drive to Cúber reservoir, the place a number of the island’s greatest tracks start. Finish the day within the laid-back honey-hued city of Pollença, able to spend day six swimming at pristine Playa de Formentor and exploring the cinematic Cap de Formentor, the island’s northernmost level.
On day seven, you’ll be able to both head straight again to Palma or pace over to Caló des Moro – one of many island’s most lovely and busy seashores – through the city of Manacor.
Take a chunk into San Sebastián’s wonderful meals scene
Spain’s greatest wining and eating
Finest for: Foodies to pattern the nation’s most interesting culinary scene
The route: San Sebastián > Logroño > Laguardia > BIlbao
Why go to: If you wish to savour a number of the greatest gastronomy and ruby pink wines in Spain over seven days, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with combining the 2 autonomous communities of La Rioja and the Basque Nation. San Sebastián has lengthy been celebrated because the nation’s culinary cradle because of its underground gastronomic societies, first-class chef college, and bar tops laden with pintxos – the native mouthwatering tapas-style finger-food bites. In Rioja, residence to Spain’s best-known pink wines, the main focus is all about tastings and cellar excursions, whereas the as soon as gritty port metropolis of Bilbao has been reborn with a revived concentrate on the humanities and Basque tradition.
When to go: Set in northern Spain, close to the border with France, the climates right here lend themselves extra to a late spring till early autumn go to. That stated, late September or early October is maybe the most effective time to take pleasure in this itinerary, as you’ll catch each the San Sebastián movie competition and the wine harvest in La Rioja.
Easy methods to get round: This one week itinerary is definitely achieved on public transport – permitting you to take advantage of all of the meals and wine obtainable. From San Sebastián to Logroño, it takes round 2.5 hours by bus, whereas Laguardia is simply 20 minutes extra on an area service. You possibly can then proceed from Logroño to Bilbao in about 2.5 hours by bus or practice.
Beneath Laguardia’s streets. wine caves are ripe for tastings
Day by day highlights: 7 Day Basque & Rioja, Spain itinerary
Begin this Spain itinerary with three days in San Sebastián. Solar your self on La Concha Seaside, pattern as many pintxos as you’ll be able to, ebook a cooking masterclass in an underground gastronomic society, take within the panoramas from Mount Urgull’s fortress, and study extra about Basque tradition in San Telmo Museum. Subsequent, proceed to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, for 2 nights, which it’s also possible to use as a base to go to close by Laguardia.
The main target right here shifts to the ruby reds, and you may tour vineyards, go to the Museum of La Rioja, and luxuriate in a pincho bar crawl – the place the main focus is on bars’ signature moreish morsels moderately than booze – into the early hours. Laguardia, a beautiful mediaeval walled city simply 20 minutes away, makes for an ideal day journey. Beneath the gorgeous streets, a labyrinth of wine tunnels and caves await, and I extremely suggest a wine tasting at Bodega El Fabulista to discover them. Lastly, wind up this seven day Spain itinerary in Bilbao. Finest identified for the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, an unlimited area targeted on trendy and up to date artwork, this Basque metropolis additionally has a superb culinary scene to pair with a lot extra monuments.
Tossa de Mar is without doubt one of the Costa Brava’s highlights
Catalonia’s cities and coastal cities
Finest for: Cosmopolitan cities and charming seaside cities
The route: Barcelona > Blanes > Tossa de Mar > Girona
Why go to: With simply seven days in Spain, you’ll battle to see the whole lot the autonomous group of Catalonia has to supply. However this itinerary will at the least introduce you to 2 of Spain’s greatest cities – Barcelona and Girona – whereas permitting time for swims and a few spectacular cities on the Costa Brava, one in all Europe’s greatest seashore locations. World-class eating places and sensational museums sit facet by facet in Barcelona, the place Gaudí’s architectural wonders shine brightest, whereas Girona’s mediaeval Outdated City (a agency favorite with Recreation of Thrones followers) gives a barely extra intimate metropolis really feel. This southeastern nook of the nation may really feel distinctly totally different as a result of Catalan language and tradition. But, it stays a spectacular showcase of Spain’s greatest belongings: scrumptious dishes, beautiful seashores, and wonderful nightlife.
When to go: As with Mallorca, I’d recommend avoiding the peak of summer time for a barely extra serene expertise (Barcelona by no means actually has an ‘off season’) and visiting in spring or autumn, when the waters are nonetheless nice for swimming, and the smaller resort cities haven’t shuttered for winter.
Easy methods to get round: This Spain itinerary is pretty easy on public transport, as Barcelona, Blanes and Girona are all linked by practice in lower than two hours utilizing Maçanet-Massanes as an interchange. From Blanes, it takes somewhat over an hour by bus to Tossa de Mar. That stated, the Costa Brava is a beautiful stretch of coast with loads of mediaeval cities and villages value visiting, so a automobile may come in useful for detours. The day journey to Montserrat takes round one hour by practice.
Begin your journey in Barcelona to see Gaudí’s magical structure
Day by day highlights: 7 day Catalonia, Spain itinerary
This one week in Spain itinerary could be reversed when you discover higher flights in/out of Girona moderately than Barcelona, although I’d recommend beginning in Barcelona so you’ll be able to have your chill seashore days after staying in Spain’s most visited metropolis. Permit your self three full days in Barcelona (two will likely be actually pushing it) to see the town’s most iconic sights, reminiscent of Gaudí’s vibrant Park Güell gardens, hovering near-completion La Sagrada Familia church, and the ornate and interesting Casa Batlló.
Different Barcelona sights value making an attempt to slot in (in addition to consuming and consuming your means by bars and eating places) embody strolling down La Rambla thoroughfare and dipping into the (touristy) market, admiring the gathering on the Picasso Museum, and exploring each nook of the historic Gothic Quarter, together with Barcelona Cathedral – or if sightseeing will get an excessive amount of, simply chillout on central Barceloneta Seaside. On day three, you may need to head to Montserrat, a mountain vary which snuggles a Benedictine Abbey amongst its most mighty peaks – it’s a simple day journey.
Plan day 4 and 5 on the Costa Brava, first visiting Blanes, the place swathes of sands and the gorgeous sea-view Marimurtra Botanical Gardens await, earlier than having fun with a day in one in all my favorite ‘hidden gems’ in Spain, Tossa de Mar. This mediaeval seashore city is a blissful mix of shorelines and historic partitions, with the panoramic views from the towers motive sufficient to tug your self away from the seashore. Wrap up in Girona, exploring this charming mediaeval city over the past two days. Highlights embody the Arab Baths, Jewish Quarter and Recreation of Thrones filming places, reminiscent of Girona Cathedral’s spectacular staircase.
Plaza de Espana, Seville
Southern Spain’s scorching storied cities
Finest for: Moorish historical past, iconic palaces, and Andalucia’s signature tastes and sounds
The route: Seville > Cordoba > Granada > Malaga
Why go to: Andalucia, Spain’s seducing, sun-kissed southern area, holds a lot of the traditions and stereotypes that the nation conjures: scorching lengthy days punctuated by a siesta, flamenco singers and dancers stomping on the streets and mouth watering tapas dishes which (in some cities) are served free with each drink. Nevertheless it’s additionally a land of historical past and structure, monuments and museums, and – when you head away from the cities – scenic canyons, historic caves, and breathtaking seashores. For me, no area within the nation can beat Andalucia, and also you’d must spend far longer than one week in Spain to really respect it. This Spain in seven days itinerary focuses on 4 of the area’s most charming cities, although when you’d choose to show your consideration to Jap Andalucia and have extra seashore time, then this various one week in Andalucia highway journey from Malaga could be extra interesting.
When to go: Andalucia will get sizzling (learn scorching) within the peak of summer time; there’s a motive you received’t see many locals on the streets within the afternoon. So to take advantage of sightseeing you must purpose for spring or autumn when the temperatures are extra nice for exploring the cities. Should you’re visiting Europe in winter, this itinerary is an effective name for the tradition moderately than the coast, because the sights and eating places will hold you away from any potential showers. Could is a pleasant month to go to as you’ll be able to embody the Córdoba Patio Pageant.
Easy methods to get round: This itinerary is definitely finished by public transport, with the practice journeys taking lower than one hour between Seville and Córdoba, and below two hours to Granada. Travelling from Granada to Malaga, your greatest wager is to ebook an ALSA bus.
The Alhambra of Granada is an architectural marvel
Day by day highlights: 7 day Andalucia, Spain itinerary
Begin your seven day tour of Spain with three days in Seville, the pulsating capital of Andalucia. Over 72 hours, you’ll be whisked away right into a land of palaces, performances, structure and artwork as you tour a number of the nation’s greatest sights. Stroll across the ceramic tile-decorated Plaza de España, be enamoured by the Islamic-inspired structure and gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, climb La Giralda, the cathedral’s tower for sweeping views, and catch a flamenco efficiency – your days will likely be fast-paced, however unforgettable.
On day 4, head to Córdoba, the place a trio of UNESCO-listed websites await. Essentially the most spectacular is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, an unlimited home of worship which mixes each a historic Islamic mosque and cathedral into one jaw-dropping area – the town’s famend flower-adorned courtyards are additionally value a tour. Persevering with east, you’ll arrive in Granada, a metropolis I fell in love with throughout my three month Spanish course. The standout right here is the unimaginable Alhambra complicated (ebook tickets upfront), which has seemed down on the town under for the reason that thirteenth century. An intensive medley of Islamic palaces, leafy gardens and soothing water options, you’ll need to permit at the least half a day to do it justice.
The ultimate cease is Malaga, Andalucia’s extra trendy and cosmopolitan metropolis. Being on the coast, you’ll be able to spend the final two days of this Spain itinerary lounging on the seashores and visiting the town’s wonderful Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba fortress.
Cuenca is the proper mid-way cease on this Spain itinerary
Capital to coast between Madrid and Valencia
Finest for: Cosmopolitan Spain with a spot of nature en route
The route: Madrid > Cuenca > Valencia
Why go to: You may simply spend one entire week in Spain’s capital metropolis, hopping between Mardid’s wonderful museums, royal palaces, leafy parks and classy neighbourhoods. I do know it’s much less celebrated internationally than Barcelona, however when you begin to dig into this underrated metropolis, you’ll discover way more than anticipated. However when you solely have seven days in Spain, then visiting a pair extra smaller cities will maximise your time, and this itinerary takes in three totally different areas: Madrid, Castilla–La Mancha and the Group of Valencia. This may permit you to see the coast, one of many nation’s most forward-thinking cities, and get misplaced within the historic core and surrounding nature of Cuenca after spending a number of days in Spain’s capital.
When to go: This one week in Spain itinerary works year-round because of the abundance of museums, monuments, and sights you’ll be able to go to. If you wish to benefit from the seashores round Valencia and rain-free hikes close to Cuenca, plann your journey between spring and autumn. Summer time could be sizzling, however the warmth is extra manageable than in Andalucia, particularly as a lot of Madrid’s sights are inside and air-conditioned.
Easy methods to get round: For this Spain itinerary, no automobile is required. Utilising the nation’s rail community, each of those practice journeys between cities will solely take one hour. The perfect half is that Iryo, a non-public practice firm and new rival to RENFE (the nationwide rail operator) serves this route. E-book forward, and a ticket can value as little as €11.
Madrid, the Spanish capital
Day by day highlights: 7 day Madrid to Valencia, Spain itinerary
Welcome to Madrid. Plan to spend your first three days within the metropolis to do it some sort of justice, splitting the time between palaces, museums, galleries, leafy gardens and gastronomy. The recently-opened Royal Collections Gallery is without doubt one of the metropolis’s latest and flashiest areas, however outdated favourites such because the Prado Museum – the gathering is so intensive, lower than 20% of it’s on show – the Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and El Retiro Park stay must-visits.
On day 4, hop on the quick practice to Cuenca, located within the neighbouring area of Castilla La Mancha. Past the much less engaging new city, you’ll discover a hilltop historic core the place houses cling above ravines and retired spiritual buildings function boutique inns. There’s a lot to do throughout your 48 hours in Cuenca, reminiscent of go to Cuenca’s Gothic Cathedral, admire the Sixteenth-century monastery turned parador (upscale lodge), witness the Casas Colgadas (hanging homes) whose picket balconies protrude over a ravine and get out into nature within the close by Ciudad Encantada, a geological web site of eroded rock formations.
The final two days of this 7 day Spain itinerary will likely be spent in Valencia, one in all Spain’s most futuristic cities, partially as a result of trendy design of the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences. This up to date complicated lies in a riverbed that after circled the town and clusters collectively futuristic structure, a formidable science museum, an oceanarium and a incredible live performance corridor – verify for tickets upfront. Within the Ciutat Vella (Outdated City), you’ll discover a extra traditional-looking Spain, with Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja de la Seda – the spellbinding outdated silk trade – and the Advantageous Artwork Museum being headliners. Don’t neglect to pattern Paella – Spain’s celebrated rice dish which hails from the area – and squeeze in some seashore time; there’s some lovely sandy spots simply past the town limits.
Regardless of the way you select to spend one week in Spain, I can promise you this: you’ll actually must plan a return go to to discover extra of Spain’s hidden gems.
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