Spain Itineraries: Coastal Escapes, City Breaks & Food Tours

Spain is where sun-drenched coastlines, historic cities, and tapas-fueled adventures collide, offering a mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and just the right amount of sangria-filled joy. Whether you’re wandering through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, exploring Moorish palaces in Andalusia, or feasting on paella in Valencia, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Let’s plan your perfect Spanish adventure!

👉 Planning a bigger Europe trip? Check out our Europe Itineraries for even more travel inspiration across the continent.

🗺 How to Use This Page:

✔ Pick an itinerary based on how much time you have—city breaks or longer trips.
✔ Click on an itinerary to get full details, including attractions, transport tips, and where to stay.
✔ Want more travel advice? Scroll down for our Spain travel resources and FAQs, covering visas, best times to visit, and more!

Sunset in Puerto de Santiago city, Atlantic Ocean coast, Tenerife, Canary island, Spain

Aerial view with El Duque beach at Costa Adeje, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

🇦🇹 Spain Itineraries

🏙 City Breaks & Short Trips

48 Hours in Madrid – Grand boulevards, world-class museums, and tapas bars around every corner—experience Spain’s capital in two days. Follow this 2-day Madrid itinerary →
48 Hours in Seville – Flamenco, historic palaces, and sun-soaked charm—get swept up in the magic of Seville. Check out this 2-day Seville itinerary →
48 Hours in Valencia – Stunning beaches, futuristic architecture, and the birthplace of paella—Valencia is the perfect blend of old and new. Plan your 2-day Valencia itinerary →
48 Hours in Bilbao – Basque culture, pintxos, and the iconic Guggenheim Museum—discover the best of Bilbao in two days. Follow this 2-day Bilbao itinerary →
48 Hours in Cádiz – Golden beaches, ancient history, and a laid-back coastal vibe—explore Spain’s oldest city in just two days. Check out this 2-day Cádiz itinerary →
48 Hours in Granada – Moorish palaces, dramatic mountain views, and free tapas—Granada is an unforgettable stop. Plan your 2-day Granada itinerary →
48 Hours in Barcelona – Gaudí’s masterpieces, buzzing nightlife, and Mediterranean beaches—Barcelona is a must-visit. Follow this 2-day Barcelona itinerary →

🌍 Longer Spain Adventures

Coming soon!

Cities

More Spain Travel Resources

Every part of Spain has its own unique magic—whether you’re basking on Mediterranean beaches, getting lost in medieval alleyways, or indulging in world-class cuisine. Ready to map out your next adventure? Click on any destination below for guides packed with travel tips, must-see spots, and itineraries so tempting, you’ll be checking flight prices before you even finish your churros. Let’s go!

Barcelona

Menorca

Madrid

Seville

Valencia

Bilbao

Cadiz

Granada

Marbella

Malaga

Tenerife

Ibiza

Spain Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to Spain? Whether you’re exploring Moorish palaces, indulging in tapas, or soaking up the Mediterranean sun, we’ve got you covered! This FAQ guide answers all the key questions travellers ask—from visas and budgeting to transport and must-try foods.

Whether it’s your first time in Spain or you’re a seasoned traveller, these tips will help you plan smarter, travel smoother, and make the most of your adventure!

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you’re from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Travellers from other countries may need a Schengen visa, as Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Always check the latest entry requirements before booking your trip!

📌 Pro Tip: Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date, but some airlines may require six months—better safe than sorry!

Spain can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you like. Here’s a general breakdown:

💵 Budget Travel: €50–€100/day (hostels, tapas bars, public transport)
💳 Mid-Range Travel: €120–€250/day (boutique hotels, restaurants, guided tours)
🍷 Luxury Travel: €300+/day (5-star hotels, Michelin-star dining, private experiences)

📌 Pro Tip: Southern Spain (Andalusia) is generally cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid, and you can save money by eating at local tapas bars instead of touristy restaurants.

Spain has an excellent transport network, making it easy to explore:

🚆 Trains: The high-speed AVE trains connect major cities quickly—Madrid to Seville in under 3 hours!
🚌 Buses: A budget-friendly alternative to trains, with Alsa and Avanza offering routes between cities.
🚇 Metro & Trams: Available in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia—cheap and efficient.
🚗 Car Rental: Great for exploring Andalusia, the Basque Country, or Costa Brava, but avoid driving in city centers.
🚕 Taxis & Rideshares: Uber, Cabify, and FreeNow are available in most cities.

📌 Pro Tip: Book train tickets in advance for huge savings, and check for city transport passes if you’re staying multiple days!

Spain is a foodie paradise, with regional specialties that vary across the country. Some must-try dishes include:

🥘 Paella (Valencia) – The original paella, made with saffron rice and seafood or chicken.
🍤 Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic shrimp cooked in sizzling olive oil—simple and delicious.
🥖 Bocadillo de Jamón – A classic Spanish sandwich with cured ham.
🥔 Patatas Bravas – Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
🧀 Tortilla Española – A thick Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions.
🍷 Sangria & Cava – Spain’s iconic drinks—Sangria for a fruity kick, and Cava for sparkling wine lovers.
🍮 Churros con Chocolate – Fried dough sticks served with thick, rich hot chocolate—perfect for breakfast or dessert.

📌 Pro Tip: In Spain, dinner is late! Most restaurants don’t serve dinner until 8 or 9 PM, so grab some tapas in the afternoon if you’re hungry.

Spain’s weather varies by region, so pack accordingly:

✅ Light, breathable clothing (Spain can be HOT, especially in summer)
✅ Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets = sore feet if you’re unprepared)
✅ A plug adapter (Spain uses Type C & F sockets)
✅ A reusable water bottle (many cities have free drinking fountains)
✅ A light jacket (evenings can be cool, especially in spring/fall)
✅ Sunscreen & sunglasses (the Spanish sun is strong, even in winter!)

📌 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, be prepared for the siesta culture—many shops and restaurants close in the afternoon (especially in smaller towns).