5 Itinerary Concepts: Spain in 7 Days
Spain’s treasures are seemingly infinite, and also you’ll want a lifetime to understand all the things the nation has to supply; even after greater than 20 visits, my checklist of locations to go to is rising longer, not shorter. Nonetheless, on a one week go to to Spain, you will get a improbable introductory style of the nation, its tradition, and its folks – however how must you 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 massive cities are filled with points of interest and deserve no less than three (or ideally extra) days every. As such, I’d advocate 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. This can be 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 “large three” into their very own multi-city Spain itineraries that might swimsuit travellers who could have already visited one in every of 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 might be performed by public transport, and I’ve included recommendations on how greatest to get round on every route. Nevertheless, a automobile typically makes extra sense, particularly if you wish to discover the islands or smaller coastal villages.
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 totally 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 most important of the Balearic Islands – a 4 main isle group south of Barcelona – you’ll by no means see all the things 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 lots of the island’s greatest treasures.
When to go: Mallorca is a good year-round vacation spot due to its Mediterranean location. From November to March, evenings might be chilly and the ocean water much less inviting, however you’ll be capable of take within the historic villages and epic vistas with far fewer crowds. I might keep away from the summer season months, as the preferred seashores change into so crowded they are often laborious to get pleasure from.
Tips on how to get round: Mallorca’s restricted practice strains make getting round by public transport fairly laborious, though the heritage rickety picket practice to Sóller is properly definitely worth the trip. As such, this seven day Spain itinerary is greatest loved as a highway journey; counting on buses would imply chopping out some stops. In case you’d quite rent a campervan than a automobile, corporations resembling ROIG car rental in Mallorca Airport supply this service alongside normal and convertible automobiles.
Day by day highlights: 7 day Mallorca, Spain itinerary
Whether or not you select to get pleasure from Palma de Mallorca in the beginning or finish of your itinerary, I recommend permitting no less than 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 spiritual 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 previous stone buildings to spend the night time.
On day 4, proceed to Port de Sóller for a little bit seaside time earlier than visiting Sóller city additional inland. Fringed by citrus groves, it’s a reasonably 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 night time. 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 may 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.
Spain’s greatest wining and eating
Finest for: Foodies to pattern the nation’s best 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 crimson wines in Spain over seven days, you may’t go improper with combining the 2 autonomous communities of La Rioja and the Basque Country. San Sebastián has lengthy been celebrated because the nation’s culinary cradle due to 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 crimson wines, the main target is all about tastings and cellar excursions, whereas the as soon as gritty port metropolis of Bilbao has been reborn with a revived deal with the humanities and Basque tradition.
When to go: Set within the nation’s north, 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 probably the very best time to get pleasure from this itinerary, as you’ll catch each the San Sebastián movie pageant and the wine harvest in La Rioja.
Tips on how to get round: This one week itinerary is definitely achieved on public transport – permitting you to profit from all of the meals and wine out there. From San Sebastián to Logroño, it takes round 2.5 hours by bus, whereas Laguardia is simply 20 minutes extra on a neighborhood service. You may then proceed from Logroño to Bilbao in about 2.5 hours by bus or practice.
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 Seashore, pattern as many pintxos as you may, e book 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 you can too use as a base to go to close by Laguardia.
The main target right here shifts to the ruby reds, and you’ll tour vineyards, go to the Museum of La Rioja, and luxuriate in a pincho bar crawl – the place the main target is on bars’ signature moreish morsels quite than booze – into the early hours. Laguardia, a beautiful mediaeval walled city simply 20 minutes away, makes for an ideal day journey. Beneath the beautiful streets, a labyrinth of wine tunnels and caves await, and I extremely advocate a wine tasting at Bodega El Fabulista to discover them. Lastly, wind up this seven day Spain itinerary in Bilbao. Finest recognized for the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, an enormous house targeted on fashionable and modern artwork, this Basque metropolis additionally has a superb culinary scene to pair with a lot extra monuments.
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 wrestle to see all the things the autonomous neighborhood of Catalonia has to supply. However this itinerary will no less than 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 every of Europe’s greatest seaside locations. World-class eating places and sensational museums sit aspect by aspect 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 because of the Catalan language and tradition. But, it stays a spectacular showcase of Spain’s greatest property: scrumptious dishes, beautiful seashores, and wonderful nightlife.
When to go: As with Mallorca, I’d recommend avoiding the peak of summer season 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.
Tips on how to get round: This Spain itinerary is pretty easy on public transport, as Barcelona, Blanes and Girona are all related by practice in lower than two hours utilizing Maçanet-Massanes as an interchange. From Blanes, it takes a little bit 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 might come in useful for detours. The day journey to Montserrat takes round one hour by practice.
Day by day highlights: 7 day Catalonia, Spain itinerary
This one week in Spain itinerary might be reversed should you discover higher flights in/out of Girona quite than Barcelona, although I’d recommend beginning in Barcelona so you may have your chill seaside days after staying in Spain’s most visited metropolis. Permit your self three full days in Barcelona (two might be actually pushing it) to see the town’s most iconic sights, resembling Gaudí’s vibrant Park Güell gardens, hovering near-completion La Sagrada Familia church, and the ornate and engaging Casa Batlló.
Different Barcelona points of interest value making an attempt to slot in (in addition to consuming and consuming your manner 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 Seashore. 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 beautiful sea-view Marimurtra Botanical Gardens await, earlier than having fun with a day in one in every of my favorite ‘hidden gems’ in Spain, Tossa de Mar. This mediaeval seaside city is a blissful mix of shorelines and historic partitions, with the panoramic views from the towers cause sufficient to tug your self away from the seaside. 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, resembling Girona Cathedral’s spectacular staircase.
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 many 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. But it surely’s additionally a land of historical past and structure, monuments and museums, and – should 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 have to spend far longer than one week in Spain to actually recognize it. This Spain in seven days itinerary focuses on 4 of the area’s most charming cities, although should you’d favor to show your consideration to Jap Andalucia and have extra seaside time, then this various one week in Andalucia highway journey from Malaga is perhaps extra interesting.
When to go: Andalucia will get scorching (learn scorching) within the peak of summer season; there’s a cause you received’t see many locals on the streets within the afternoon. So to profit from sightseeing it is best to goal for spring or autumn when the temperatures are extra nice for exploring the cities. In case you’re visiting Europe in winter, this itinerary is an efficient name for the tradition quite than the coast, because the points of interest and eating places will hold you away from any potential showers. Might is a pleasant month to go to as you may embody the Córdoba Patio Competition.
Tips on how to get round: This itinerary is definitely performed by public transport, with the practice journeys taking lower than one hour between Seville and Córdoba, and beneath two hours to Granada. Travelling from Granada to Malaga, your greatest wager is to e book an ALSA bus.
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 points of interest. 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 might be fast-paced, however unforgettable.
On day 4, head to Córdoba, the place a trio of UNESCO-listed websites await. Probably the most spectacular is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, an enormous home of worship which mixes each a historic Islamic mosque and cathedral into one jaw-dropping house – 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 unbelievable Alhambra complicated (e book tickets prematurely), which has regarded down on the town under for the reason that thirteenth century. An in depth medley of Islamic palaces, leafy gardens and soothing water options, you’ll need to permit no less than half a day to do it justice.
The ultimate cease is Malaga, Andalucia’s extra fashionable and cosmopolitan metropolis. Being on the coast, you may 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.
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 possibly can simply spend one complete week in Spain’s capital metropolis, hopping between Mardid’s wonderful museums, royal palaces, leafy parks and stylish 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 should 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 Neighborhood of Valencia. This can let you 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 due to the abundance of museums, monuments, and points of interest you may 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 might be scorching, however the warmth is extra manageable than in Andalucia, particularly as lots of Madrid’s points of interest are inside and air-conditioned.
Tips on how 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. One of the best 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 price as little as €11.
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 type 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 previous favourites such because the Prado Museum – the gathering is so in depth, 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 enticing new city, you’ll discover a hilltop historic core the place properties hold above ravines and retired spiritual buildings function boutique motels. There’s a lot to do throughout your 48 hours in Cuenca, resembling go to Cuenca’s Gothic Cathedral, admire the Sixteenth-century monastery turned parador (upscale resort), 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 might be spent in Valencia, one in every of Spain’s most futuristic cities, partly because of the fashionable design of the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences. This modern complicated lies in a riverbed that after circled the town and clusters collectively futuristic structure, a formidable science museum, an oceanarium and a improbable live performance corridor – examine for tickets prematurely. Within the Ciutat Vella (Outdated City), you’ll discover a extra traditional-looking Spain, with Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja de la Seda – the spellbinding previous silk change – and the Tremendous Artwork Museum being headliners. Don’t overlook to pattern Paella – Spain’s celebrated rice dish which hails from the area – and squeeze in some seaside time; there’s some lovely sandy spots simply past the town limits.
Irrespective of the way you select to spend one week in Spain, I can promise you this: you’ll definitely have to plan a return go to to discover extra of Spain’s hidden gems.
