How to plan a trip to Spain: the best itinerary planner

If you’re hoping to maximise your chance of enjoying the best of Spain, you’ll want to take time to figure out your ideal itinerary, not least if you’re embarking on a long-haul trip from the US. To help you do exactly that, say hola to our guide to how to plan a trip to Spain. It covers everything from deciding when’s the best time to visit and how long you need, to incredible places you’ll want to consider including in your Spain vacation itinerary.

Step 1: Best time to visit Spain

Now here’s a million-dollar question that doesn’t have a catch-all answer. When to go to Spain depends entirely on the regions and activities you’re most interested in. 

It also depends on how you feel about the likes of peak-season crowds, costs and heat versus cooler, cheaper low-season conditions.

Generally, though, the most favorable times to visit Spain are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasantly mild across most of the country, and when top attractions are less crowded.

Given that Spain experiences regional variations, read on for an overview of the weather in Spain in different areas at different times of the year to help you decide when’s the best time for you to visit. 

Spring — March to May

Central Spain (Madrid, Toledo): 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F)
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring an ideal time for exploring the cities of Central Spain.

Northern Spain (Basque Country, Galicia, Asturias): 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
Spring brings lush greenery — and occasional rain — to the north.

Eastern Spain (Barcelona, Valencia): 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
Springtime on the warm Mediterranean coast is good for beach and city vacations before peak-season crowds descend.

Southern Spain (Andalusia: Seville, Granada, Málaga): 16°C to 26°C (61°F to 79°F)
Andalusia starts warming up in spring, making it a pleasant time to explore historic sites and enjoy festivals like Seville’s Feria de Abril.

Interested in exploring southern Spain in depth? Check out our comprehensive itineraries for this region.

Summer — June to August

Central Spain: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
Summers are hot and dry, especially particularly in Madrid. It’s a popular time for cultural events, but the heat can be overwhelming.

Northern Spain: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
Offering comfortably warm weather, the north is great for summer beach vacations.

Eastern Spain: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
The Mediterranean coast is warm and busy in summer, especially in Barcelona and Valencia.

Southern Spain: 28°C to 40°C (82°F to 104°F)
The south is super-hot in summer, particularly inland, and beach resorts in coastal areas like Costa del Sol are busy.

Want to know more about summer weather in Spain? Read about weather in June, July and August.

Autumn — September to November

Central Spain: 14°C to 28°C (57°F to 82°F)
Autumn’s cooling temperatures are ideal for sightseeing in cities like Madrid as tourist numbers decline.

Northern Spain: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
Offering mild weather and occasional rain, autumn is a great time to take wine tours in La Rioja.

Rough Guides tip: For a more in-depth exploration of Spain, consider choosing one of our Northern Spain itineraries.

Eastern Spain: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
The Med remains warm in autumn — ideal for late beach vacations and cultural trips without summer crowds.

Southern Spain:  20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
Autumn sees Andalusia cool down from the intense summer heat, making it the perfect time to visit historic sites and enjoy Spanish café culture and festivals.

Winter — December to February

Central Spain: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
Winters are cold in Central Spain, with occasional snow in higher elevations. 

Northern Spain:  6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
The north experiences cool and wet winters. It’s a good time for cozying up in local restaurants and enjoying hearty regional cuisine.

Eastern Spain: 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)
The Mediterranean coast has mild winters — perfect for suitable for exploring cities like Barcelona and Valencia in crowd-free conditions.

Southern Spain: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Winters are mild and pleasant in Southern Spain, especially in coastal areas. As such, it’s an ideal time to explore cultural and historic attractions without the summer heat.

Editor’s tip: to kick-start your Spanish vacation, browse our customizable Spain itineraries.

Step 2: How long do you need for a trip to Spain?

Much like the preceding “when’s the best time to visit?” question, how long you need for a trip to Spain comes with lots of caveats.

It goes without saying that you could spend months in Spain and still only touch the surface of everything it has to offer. But conversely, if you do your research and focus your attention and time, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a richly rewarding vacation in Spain in a week or two.

For example, you could decide to tour a region, do a deep-dive into a single city, or curate a trip itinerary that covers several destinations that align with your passion, be that history, culture, cuisine, coastal chilling or outdoor adventuring.

With that in mind, read on for suggestions to ways to spend 7 days, 10 days and 14 days in Spain.

How to spend 7 days in Spain

If you have a week in Spain, you might want to focus your vacation on one region, or a couple of cities.

Discover Madrid and Barcelona

For first-time visitors to Spain, we recommend enjoying a dual city vacation that covers Madrid and Barcelona.

Spend a few days in each city, possibly also including a day trip to nearby attractions such as heading to Toledo from Madrid, and to Montserrat from Barcelona.

As revealed in our day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Madrid, you can certainly cover many of the city’s top attractions in a few days — from seeing masterpieces by Bosch, El Greco, Titian and Goya in The Prado, to meandering Plaza Mayor and exploring the Palacio Real.

The same is true of Barcelona. And the good news is, many great experiences can be enjoyed for free, from strolling Las Ramblas and hitting the beach, to seeing  incredible modernist buildings on a house-hopping walk

Editor’s tip: book our customizable Tale of Two Cities trip to discover Madrid and Barcelona in unforgettably immersive style.

Uncover Andalusia

Having a week in Spain will enable you to explore Seville, Granada (including the awe-inspiring Alhambra) and Córdoba. 

You could also look to visit the Costa del Sol, with its splendid beaches.

Editor’s tip: encompassing the charming cities of Malaga, Seville and Granada, our Andalucia by Car itinerary is ideal for independent-minded travelers.

Of course, you don’t have to drive yourself — our Andalucia Explored itinerary covers similar highlights, with transfers and guided tours. 

Explore Northern Spain

Another great way to spend 7 days in Spain is to focus on the north.

Encompassing the Basque Country (Bilbao, San Sebastián), La Rioja (wine region), and Galicia (Santiago de Compostela), this region is ideal for food lovers and fans of awe-inspiring landscapes.

Editor’s tip: check out our Cities, Mountains and Beaches of Northern Spain itinerary.

How to spend 10 days in Spain

In addition to extending our suggested ways to spend a week in Spain, here are some extra ideas that deliver more varied experiences across a 10-day vacation.

Uncover classic Spain – Madrid, Andalusia and Barcelona

Spend your first three days in Madrid, kicking off with exploring Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, rounded off with an evening tapas meal in La Latina.

After visiting the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park on your second day, take a day-three trip to Toledo to marvel at its medieval architecture.

The middle segment of this suggested way to spend 10 days in Spain will see you travel to Seville.

While here, you’ll also want to visit the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España, and take a day trip to Córdoba.

Rounding off your trip in arty style, head to Barcelona for three full days of exploration. 

You should have time to visit the Gothic Quarter, stroll La Rambla, and explore Sagrada Família and Park Güell.

We also suggest heading to the Picasso Museum and Boqueria Market, and allowing time for Barceloneta Beach.

Editor’s tip: our customizable Spanish Discovery itinerary covers Barcelona, Seville and Madrid.

Explore the Basque Country, Rioja and Galicia

Covering gems of Northern Spain, this suggested 10-day itinerary begins in Bilbao, where you’ll want to visit the Guggenheim Museum and Casco Viejo (Old Town) before taking a day trip to scenic San Sebastián, where beaches and a charming Old Town await.

Next, transfer to La Rioja to visit vineyards in the wine villages of Haro and Laguardia.

Santiago de Compostela is another great place to include on this itinerary, as is Rías Baixas, which is known for its beautiful coastline and seafood.

You could also head to A Coruña or Vigo, and allow time to relax on the beach and take scenic boat tours.

See the best of Southern Spain

Offering a fabulous blend of culture and coast, this suggested way to spend 10 days in Spain starts in Seville, where you can explore Barrio Santa Cruz, enjoy a flamenco show, visit the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de España.

Next, take in the sights of captivating Córdoba before going to glorious Granada. Here highlights include the Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, the Royal Chapel of Granada, and the Sacromonte district.

This diverse itinerary rounds off in Málaga and the Costa del Sol, where you can mix your schedule between visiting cultural attractions like the Picasso Museum and the Roman Theatre with relaxing on beaches. 

Editor’s tip: to see the best of Southern Spain without the hassle of planning your trip, book our Gems of Southern Spain itinerary.

How to spend 14 days in Spain

If you’re looking to spend 14 days in Spain, here’s one wonderful way to make the most of your fortnight.

Experience Classic Spain

To discover classic Spanish highlights, enjoy an itinerary that runs from Madrid and Seville, to Granada and Barcelona. 

After spending a couple of days exploring Madrid, including visiting Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral and the Prado Museum, take a day trip to historic Toledo.

Next, spend a couple of days in Seville, where attractions include the Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral and the Giralda Tower, and the beautiful Barrio Santa Cruz.

Don’t miss seeing an authentic flamenco show while in town, and also look to take a day trip to Córdoba.

Granada is your next stop, where you can while away a day in the Albayzín neighborhood, with its narrow streets and Moorish architecture. Come the evening, dine in a restaurant that serves views of the Alhambra.

Finally, spend your last days in Barcelona. Alongside diving deep into the city’s top cultural attractions, you could take a day trip to Montserrat and visit the beach town of Sitges.

Editor’s tip: want more ideas for how to spend a longer vacation in Spain? Discover Hidden Spain from Barcelona to the Basque, or spend a few weeks on an Spanish Immersion itinerary from the south to the north.

Step 3: Where to go in Spain

Having read our suggested ways to spend 7, 10 and 14 days in Spain, you’ll most likely already have an idea of where you most want to go in Spain.

Still making up your mind? Read on for an overview of the best cities to visit in Spain, and the best regions, along with a run-down of some of Spain’s best beaches. 

Best cities to visit

Madrid

Why visit: the capital of Spain is a vibrant cultural hub with world-class museums, grand boulevards, and a lively nightlife. 

Also known for its delicious tapas and traditional Spanish festivals, Madrid isn’t short of wonderful places to stay

Highlights: Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Short on time? Book our 4-day Madrid Getaway trip.

Barcelona

Why visit: famous for its unique mix of modernist and Gothic architecture, stunning beaches, and dynamic culture, Barcelona is an arty city that offers travelers the chance to enjoy a vacation that blends urban attractions with natural beauty.

Highlights: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, La Rambla, Gothic Quarter, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Seville

Why visit: Known for its historic architecture, Seville is the heart of Andalusian culture, alongside being renowned for flamenco dancing, tapas, and its annual Feria de Abril festival.

Highlights: Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, Real Alcázar, Plaza de España and Barrio Santa Cruz.

Find out why Seville is the place to visit for a quintessential Spanish vacation.

Granada

Why visit: home to the Alhambra, one of Spain's most iconic landmarks, Granada’s Moorish heritage is evident in its architecture, cuisine, and culture.

Highlights: Alhambra, Albayzín, Sacromonte and Granada Cathedral.

Discover the best things to do in Granada.

Valencia

Why visit: combining a rich history with futuristic architecture, Valencia is famous for its paella, beautiful beaches, and vibrant festivals like Las Fallas. 

Highlights: City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, Turia Gardens, La Lonja de la Seda and Central Market.

Find out why Valencia is the perfect place for a Spanish city break before booking our Valencia City Break trip.

Bilbao

Why visit: Bilbao is a city of contrasts, known for its industrial past and modern art scene, with the Guggenheim Museum a world-renowned architectural masterpiece. The city's food scene, particularly pintxos, is also a major draw.

Highlights: Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Zubizuri Bridge and Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Read up on where to stay in Bilbao.

Málaga

Why visit: located on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving art scene, as befits the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. 

The city's beautiful beaches and lively nightlife also make it a popular summer destination.

Highlights: Alcazaba, Málaga Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Gibralfaro Castle and Costa del Sol beaches.

Best regions to visit in mainland Spain

Here’s a rundown of the best regions to visit in Spain, with overviews of the reasons you might want to include them in your itinerary.

Andalusia

Key destinations: Seville, Granada, Córdoba and Málaga.

Known for its rich Moorish heritage, Andalusia is home to iconic landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the Real Alcázar in Seville. 

The region also offers stunning beaches along the Costa del Sol, vibrant festivals such as Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, and traditional flamenco music and dance.

Catalonia

Key destinations: Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona and Lleida.

Catalonia boasts a unique culture and language, with Barcelona as its vibrant capital. The region is known for Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava, and Girona’s historic sites.

Catalonia is also celebrated for its cuisine, especially tapas and seafood.

Madrid and Central Spain

Key destinations: Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca and Ávila.

Located in the heart of Spain, Madrid offers world-class museums like the Prado and vibrant nightlife. 

Beyond the capital, Central Spain is rich in historic and architectural wonders, including the ancient city of Toledo, Segovia’s aqueduct, and Ávila’s medieval walls. 

The region also encompasses diverse landscapes, from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains, to rolling plains.

Basque Country

Key destinations: Bilbao, San Sebastián and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Renowned for its unique culture, language, and culinary scene, the Basque city of Bilbao boasts cultural landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, while San Sebastián is known for its beautiful beaches and world-class gastronomy. 

In addition, the region also offers lush landscapes that are ripe for outdoor activities.

Galicia

Key destinations: Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Vigo and Lugo.

Located in the northwest of Spain, Galicia is known for its rugged coastline, green landscapes, and Celtic heritage, with Santiago de Compostela a major pilgrimage destination.

The region is also celebrated for its seafood, particularly octopus and shellfish.

Valencia Community

Key destinations: Valencia, Alicante and Castellón.

The Valencia Community offers a mix of vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and historic sites, with Valencia itself famous for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and for being the birthplace of paella. 

In addition, the region's Costa Blanca coastline includes popular beach resorts like Alicante and Benidorm.

La Rioja

Key destinations: Logroño, Haro and Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

La Rioja is Spain's premier wine-producing region. The region’s capital, Logroño, offers vibrant tapas bars, while Haro hosts an annual Wine Battle that has to be experienced to be believed.

The region is also rich in history and culture, with a bounty of beautiful monasteries and medieval architecture.

Best beaches to visit in mainland Spain

Given that Spain is packed with so many beautiful beaches, here we highlight just a handful of the country’s best in a few regions, covering everything from busy urban hotspots that offer water-sports and waterfront dining, to peaceful retreats.

Basque Country

Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián
Located in the heart of San Sebastián, this iconic beach is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe.

Renowned for its picturesque crescent shape, golden sand, and clear waters, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, while offering views of Santa Clara Island and easy access to excellent restaurants.

Playa de Zarautz, Zarautz
Known as the Queen of the Beaches, at over 2.5 km Playa de Zarautz is the longest beach in the Basque Country.

Popular for surfing, the beach's lively promenade is loaded with bars and restaurants. 

Playa de Itzurun, Zumaia
Famous for its dramatic cliffs and unique geological flysch formations, Playa de Itzurun offers breathtakingly wild vistas near the town of Zumaia.

Andalusia

Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa
Known for its expansive sand dunes, the unspoiled beach of Playa de Bolonia, Tarifa, is perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

If that wasn’t enough, it’s also near the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.

Playa de la Caleta, Cádiz
Located in historic Cádiz, golden-sand Playa de la Caleta is flanked by two castles — Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastián.

Serving stunning sunsets, calm waters, and a rich historic backdrop, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of cultural and recreational activities. 

Playa de Matalascañas, Huelva
Located near Doñana National Park, family-friendly Playa de Matalascañas boasts a long expanse of sandy beach and offers plenty of amenities within easy reach of walks on the wilder side.

Catalonia

Playa de la Barceloneta, Barcelona
One of the most famous beaches in Barcelona, Playa de la Barceloneta is known for its lively vibe. 

Located in an area that’s packed with beach bars (chiringuitos) and restaurants, various water sports activities are also on hand.

Cala Sa Boadella, Lloret de Mar
Looking for a quieter Costa Brava experience? Head to Cala Sa Boadella. 

With clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere, this small, less-visited cove is surrounded by cliffs and pine trees and offers excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions. 

Cala Aiguablava, Begur
Famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine sand, Cala Aiguablava is another stunning cove on the Costa Brava.

While the beach itself is perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the surrounding coastal paths also make it a great spot for hiking.

Step 4: How to get to Spain

Traveling from the United States to Spain is straightforward, with numerous airlines operating direct and connecting flights. 

Here's an overview of the key US cities offering flights to Spain, the main Spanish destinations served, and airlines operating these routes.

Major US cities with direct flights to Spain

New York City (JFK/EWR)

• Airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Europa, LEVEL, Norwegian Air Shuttle.
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), plus some seasonal flights to Valencia (VLC) and Málaga (AGP).

Miami (MIA)

• Airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, Air Europa, British Airways.
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN).

Los Angeles (LAX)

• Airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, LEVEL, Norwegian Air Shuttle (seasonal).
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN).

Chicago (ORD)

• Airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, United Airlines.
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN).

Boston (BOS)

• Airlines: Iberia, American Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle (seasonal)
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN)

Philadelphia (PHL)

• Airlines: American Airlines
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN)

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

• Airlines: American Airlines
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN)

Atlanta (ATL)

• Airlines: Delta Air Lines
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN).

San Francisco (SFO)

• Airlines: Iberia (seasonal), LEVEL, Norwegian Air Shuttle (seasonal).
• Destinations: Barcelona (BCN), Madrid (MAD) (some routes may be seasonal).

Washington D.C. (IAD)

• Airlines: Iberia, United Airlines.
• Destinations: Madrid (MAD).

Connecting Flights

While direct flights are convenient, other US cities offer connecting flights to Spain via major European hubs, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. 

Airlines facilitating these connections include British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM.

Step 5: How to get around Spain

Good news — if you’re planning a longer trip and need to get around different regions of Spain, most of the country is well covered by public transport, and self-driving is also pretty easy.

By train

An extensive rail network reaches all the provincial capitals and main towns along the inter-city lines. In addition, an ever-expanding high-speed network offers slashed journey times on major cross-country routes from Madrid. 

By bus

On a budget? You’ll be pleased to hear that inter-city bus services are cheaper and often more frequent than trains, and also usually take you closer to your destination as some train stations are a few kilometres outside the town or village they serve. 

By car

Car rental is cheapest arranged in advance through a multinational agency like Rentalcars, Avis, Budget, EasyCar, Europcar, Hertz, Holiday Autos, National or Thrifty.

There are hundreds of pick-up offices in Spain, including regional airports and major train stations. 

Rates start from around $200 a week for a two-door Renault Clio or similar. Expect to pay more for larger vehicles, and during peak vacation periods. 

A few things to note if you’re planning to hire a car — you drive on the right, and speed limits are enforced throughout the country. On most autopistas this is 120kph, on the autovía 90kph, and in towns and villages 50kph. 

To rent a car in Spain, you need to be 21 or over, and have been driving for at least a year.

An EU driver’s licence is sufficient to drive in Spain. US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand licences should also be enough, though you may want to get an International Driver’s Licence.

For more detail, read up on getting around Spain.

Step 7: Book accommodation and attractions

While you might be the kind of traveler who likes to wing it, we suggest booking accommodation and tickets to major attractions in advance, especially during peak tourism periods.

Booking your hotel, guest house or resort ahead of traveling will enable you to secure your preferred place to stay at a better price, and give you peace of mind. 

Meanwhile, booking advance tickets to attractions might enable you to skip long lines, and enable you to visit in your preferred time slot, so you can stick to your overall trip itinerary. 

Step 8: Where to visit on a first trip

Like we said at the start in relation to the best time to visit Spain, where to visit on a first trip depends entirely on the kind of vacation you have in mind i.e. are you looking for a trip that’s entirely devoted to the beach, or do you want to also cover culture and adventure activities?

Generally, though, to experience a diversity of Spain in a single trip, we suggest curating an itinerary that covers city and coastal experiences and — if you’re short on time — to heed our earlier advice about focusing your attention on a couple of cities, or a single region.

As covered above, first-time visitors to Spain might want to book a dual city vacation that covers Madrid and Barcelona.

If you have time, we recommend including Seville and other areas of Andalusia on your first Spanish vacation.

Before you make up your mind, re-read our suggested itineraries, and our run-down of the best cities and regions to visit in Spain. Next, talk to our local experts to curate your bespoke vacation.

Step 9: How much does a Spain trip cost?

It goes without saying that the cost of your trip to Spain will depend on how long you stay, and the kind of budget you have in mind when it comes to accommodation, eating out and excursions.

The good news is, Spain can be enjoyed on all kinds of budgets, with lots of attractive accommodation available at either end of the scale — from well-kept hostels offering basic facilities, through to luxury stays in opulent hotels and resorts, be they of the modern or historic variety.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.

Budget travel

• Accommodation: €30-€60 per night for hostels and budget hotels.
• Food: €10-€25 per day.
• Transportation: €10- €20 per day.
• Activities: €10-€20 per day to cover free or low-cost attractions.

Mid-range travel

• Accommodation: €70- €150 a night for mid-range hotels or private apartments.
• Food: €25-€50 per day.
• Transportation: €20-€40 per day for a mix of public transport, taxis, car rentals, and regional train travel.
• Activities: €20-€40 per day to cover entry to major attractions, plus a few guided tours.

Luxury travel

• Accommodation: €150+ per night to stay in 4 to 5-star hotels and luxury resorts or villas.
• Food: €50-€100+ per day to dine in high-end restaurants.
• Transportation: €40+ per day for luxury car rentals, private transfers and first-class train tickets.
• Activities: €40-€100+ per day to cover exclusive tours, private experiences and high-end cultural activities.

Decided to travel to Spain for your next vacation? Browse our customizable itineraries to help you perfect your itinerary, or talk to our local experts — they’ll curate your ideal vacation on your behalf.