This article provides all the details needed to plan for 2 weeks in Spain!
Tapas. Sangria. Siestas. Flamenco. Paella.
What all those have in common?
You bet! All of them represent the marvelous country of Spain.
If I must describe Spain in one word, I would call it vibrant. It is easy to succumb to a place full of bubbly locals, markets stock with all sorts of delicious goods, and buildings soaked in thousands of years of history. In other words, if you love the good things in life (and I think you do), you want to visit Spain!
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty details. The country is not exactly what we call tiny. To be precise, it has a geographical extension of 505,000 square km or 195,000 square miles. It is in the top five largest countries of Europe, it is made of 17 autonomous communities and is home to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For those who live on the other side of the world, it is larger than California and 25% smaller than Texas.
You may be thinking, “Gosh! That is a lot of country right there,” but, do not worry, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yes, you will need several trips to absorb the entire essence of the space. However, a one or two weeks visit will give you an excellent idea of what the country is all about (and, maybe, make you an addict to all things Spain).
Here is my suggested 2 in weeks Spain itinerary.
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Table of Contents
2 Weeks in Spain – When to Go
Choosing when you travel to a country is a personal choice and it depends on many factors. But, if you are open to a bit of advice, avoid visiting Spain from June to August.
The heat is brutal (yes, I have experienced it). We are talking about a daily max over 110 degrees Fahrenheit (Madrid and its vicinity and Andalucia). It is highly probable that you will not be able to sightsee during the hottest part of the day (12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) If you want to make the most of your vacation, I would avoid those months.
Shoulder season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) is an excellent time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant and rainy should be at a minimum. With respect to rain, I will go prepared with an umbrella and/or plastic poncho. I have experienced rain in Madrid and Barcelona (for short periods, though) in Madrid and Barcelona).
The Northern part of the country (Navarre, Basque County, Asturias, Galicia) is colder than the rest of the country. I would go prepared with layers because you do not know how cold and windy it would get. Expect several gloomy days in there.
As for winter, it is still a good time to visit Spain (especially Andalucia). After all, the country is one of the warmest in Europe. Expect daily highs around 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2 Weeks in Spain – Itinerary at a Glance
In summary, this is the itinerary I am discussing below:
In transit (1 day) -> Madrid (4 days) -> Valencia (2 days) -> Barcelona (4 days) -> Bilbao (1 day) -> San Sebastian (2 days) ->
This itinerary keeps you put in the major cities for several days. I believe this is more enjoyable than moving around every other day.
2 Weeks in Spain Itinerary – Details
I absolutely love this itinerary since it takes you to three of Spain’s most popular cities. Using those cities as a base, I have a good proposal of day trips so you can explore more awesome places.
The last couple of days are spent in the Basque country, a criminally underrated part of Spain. Once there, you will know what I am talking about. The energy, architecture, landscape, and people captivate you. And, did I mentioned they have the most delicious food? It is a bold statement but one with a lot of bases.
DAY 1
This day will be spent in transit. Sit back, relax and enjoy your flight!
DAY 2
The time has come! Your feet have touched Spanish territory.
Tiredness and jet-lagged may be debilitating your body but forget about them. Proceed to the hotel, check-in, secure your valuables and refresh. Sunny Madrid is welcoming you with open arms.
Madrid is a big city. However, for tourist purposes, it can be divided into two parts: the Old/Historic Town (the Habsburg Madrid) and the Modern Town (where the Big Museums are).
On your first day, it would be interesting to take a tour of Old Madrid. You will be shown the Plaza Mayor, the oldest restaurant in the world (Sobrino de Botin), the old city town hall, the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Royal Theather and much more.
Several companies offer free tours departing throughout the day. After the tour, you can walk a bit more to see the Plaza España, and its famous fountain Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. Then, you can return to the center through the Gran Via, the most famous avenue in the capital.
Remember to check out Plaza Sol and the Mercado San Miguel.
Madrid is one of the most buzzing cities I have visited. After more than a day of travel, some rest is needed in order to survive a night in the city. Go back to your hotel and rest for a couple of hours. You can go out again around 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. (and that is early). Have dinner or go on a tapas crawl. Follow the crowds and start a conversation with the locals. People stay out till very late (think 5:00 a.m.).
To me, the hundreds of people on the streets of Madrid at night is what makes this city unique. Try to follow the same routine every day. Sightsee, rest some hours, go for a night stroll, sleep, and repeat.
Tip: Choose centrally located hotels, within walking distance of main attractions. They may be a bit more expensive but will maximize your time on a location.
Tip: A multi-day or weekly Metro/train pass may be more cost-effective than individual rides.
Where to Eat: Mercado San Miguel (a bit touristy and more expensive than local places), Museo de Jamon, Restaurants in Cava Baja Street (Casa Lucio, Casa Lucas), Lamiak, Juana La Loca, Mercado San Anton, places you see full (follow the local lead)
RELATED: Strolling Around Madrid Centro
Day 3
After getting a glimpse of the city and getting some good rest, it is time to get more intimate with Madrid.
Once again, I am recommending a walking tour. This time get to know the modern part of town. On a tour, you are going to be shown the Barrio de las Letras (the Writer’s Neighborhood), the Paseo del Prado, the three major museums, the Cibeles fountain and palace and more.
After the tour, you can head to the viewpoint at the top of the Cibeles Palace or to the rooftop of the Circulo de Bellas Artes (the views are better from here).
Hop-on hop-off buses are a good option too. They have two circuits (you can guess them); historical Madrid and modern Madrid.
Other ideas include the following:
- Museum extravaganza (El Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza)
- Outdoors (Parque El Retiro, Puerta de Alcala, Palacio de Cibeles)
- Royal Tour (Palace, Gardens, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Espana, Templo de Debod)
- Weekend Markets (El Rastro)
Do not forget to rest before another tapas crawl!
RELATED: Mercado San Miguel
Day 4
It is time for a day trip. Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its Roman Aqueduct, Alcazar and massive Cathedral.
How to Get from Madrid to Segovia: Using the metro, you will need to get to the Chamartin station. From there, high-speed trains make the trip to Madrid to Segovia in 30 minutes. There is no reason to pre-book since trains depart every hour. Remember the train doors close two minutes before departure.
From the Segovia train station, you need to take a bus to the center of town. The bus follows the train itinerary and will be waiting for arriving passengers outside the terminal.
In an ideal world, I would stay overnight in Segovia. It is a superb city!
RELATED: Day Trip to Segovia
2 Weeks in Spain – Day 5
Are you ready to experience a mix of Arabic, Jewish and Christian architecture? I hope so because this is the day you are going to visit Toledo, the city of the Three Cultures.
This city is located in a picturesque bend of the Tajo River. At first glance, it enormous Alcazar and Cathedral dominate the landscape. A closer inspection will reveal old bridges, narrow alleys, synagogues, and Moorish influences. In addition, the city has been touched by one of Spain’s master painters, El Greco.
How to Get from Madrid to Toledo: Using the Metro, you will need to get to the Atocha station. From there, trains leave to Toledo every 2.5 hours. Because of this, you will need to check the timetable and select a departure time. I would be at the train station at least 45 minutes before departure. And, I will leave as early as possible since there is a lot to see in Toledo.
Once in Toledo, you will need to take a bus to the center of the city. There are buses (more like tour buses) driving around the bus station, the city’s main gate and several viewpoints outside the city. This is the way to go if you want transportation to and from the city and if you want to take the famous photo of the city of Toledo and the Tajo River.
Tip: Since Madrid is in the geographical center of Spain, many cities full of history and culture can be visited from it. Segovia and Toledo are the most outstanding examples of national heritage but Avila, El Escorial, La Granja, Cuenca and, even Salamanca, can be visited too.
RELATED: A Perfect Day in Toledo
Day 6
I am sure you do not feel like leaving Madrid but new horizons are calling your name. Take a train (2 hours) or bus (3 hours) to Valencia.
Once you are settled in at your accommodation, grab a map and start exploring the Old Town. Valencia has a decent sized historic core, therefore, take your time to explore the many plazas and regal structures.
Ideas for the day: Silk Exchange, Central Market, Cathedral, City Gates, Barrio del Carmen
Where to Eat: Central Market (go early), Bar La Pilareta, Casa de las Clochinas, Federal Cafe, Bar El Tostadero, Sidreria El Molinon, Casa Carmela (for paella, outside the city center)
What to Drink: Do not leave Valencia without trying the horchata (or orxata). This drink is prepared with a tuber called chufas (tiger nuts). The result is delicious! Head to Horchateria Santa Catalina to give it a try. The drink is usually paired with a pastry called farton. Also, you will encounter ladies selling the drink all around town.
Tip: Arrange transportation in the morning hours in order to maximize your time at different destinations
Tip: You must have heard about Valencia’s most famous dish: the paella. This is not only the city’s “it” dish but one of the country’s gastronomical achievements. As a result, visitors are eager to try the “authentic” version of the dish. Beware, a lot of businesses advertise the best paella in town but they actually serve a frozen (translation, nausea-inducing) version. Research or ask about how to find the real deal.
RELATED: Valencia’s Old Town
Day 7
There are several options for the day. In my opinion, you cannot miss the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. The structures designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, a native son, are like nothing you have seen before. An entire day can be spent visiting the museums and aquariums inside these buildings.
Or, you can spend a couple of hours seeing the exterior of the buildings and using the rest of the day for something else. For example, you can shop along Colon Street, get the hip vibe in Russafa or take the family to the BioParc.
In season, you can stop by the city’s boardwalk, beach, and marina.
RELATED: City of Arts and Sciences
Day 8
Time to move again. I want you to get really excited because Barcelona is the final destination today. Take the train (3 hours) or bus (4 hours) to this city by the sea.
Start your sightseeing by hitting all the classics: Passeig de Gracia (including Gaudi’s and other Modernist buildings), Plaza Catalunya, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria, Plaza Real, the Waterfront and the Marina.
Or, take a free walking tour around the Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, Port Vell, and El Born District. Close to El Born, a fantastic market called Santa Caterina is located. This place is 100 times more authentic (and less crowded) than La Boqueria. I invite you to check it out.
Where to Eat: Bar La Plata, Bar Pinotxo Bar, El Quim de la Boqueria, Bar Calders, Quimet & Quimet, Bar Electricitat, La Cova Fumada, El Nacional, Bar Ramon, Tapas 24, Tickets (if you want to go fancy and experience Albert Adria’s genius).
Tip: Las Ramblas is pickpocket central. Take care of your valuables.
Tip: If La Boqueria (market) is packed (when you cannot even walk the halls), come at another time.
Tip: Las Ramblas get packed too. Use Via Laietana, to walk between L’Exaimple neighborhood and the waterfront, if you want to avoid the hordes of human bodies.
RELATED: Barcelona’s Markets
Day 9
Planning is the only way to avoid deception in Barcelona. Having said that, I hope you bought and reserved tickets (online) for the Sagrada Familia before leaving your house.
Since this is one of the city’s most popular attractions, chances are tickets are not going to be available for reasonable times or for the day. I recommend selecting the day and time of your visit beforehand. Plus, it would be nice to get those early spots when the crowds are not that thick.
I am not going to pretend here. Touring the Sagrada Familia is expensive but I believe it is a worthwhile experience because of the symbology and genius behind it.
After that, stroll the Gothic Quarter and stop by the Palau de la Musica Catalana. This is a seldom visited Modernist masterpiece. You will not regret visiting this place.
If you are visiting during the warm season, head to the beach. For sunset, head to Tibidabo or Bunkers del Carmen.
RELATED: Palau de la Musica Catalana
2 Weeks in Spain – Day 10
Don’t you love day trips? I do and that is why today you can chose to visit Monserrat, Girona or the Costa Brava.
Go back to the city and watch the sunset from Plaza España.
Day 11
This is your last day in Barcelona. Make sure you have a good time.
Options are endless. You can start by visiting the famous Parc Guell, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. You have to arrive early if you want to get in right away (advance reservations are not available). Make sure you get out of the train at the correct stop. If not, you may end up walking a lot (painful walk, yes, it happened to me).
Other ideas for the day: La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Casa Batllo, Parc de la Ciutadella, Zoo, El Poble Sec, El Raval
Tip: Check if the FC Barcelona Club is playing during your stay on the city. Not many things can top a soccer match at Europe’s largest stadium.
Tip: It may not look like this but I have packed quite a lot sightseeing in this short itinerary. Notice you are not going to be able to see a lot of the city if you do not reserve tickets with anticipation. I am not kidding when I say hours can be spent on lines (under the sun).
Day 12
After visiting Spain’s most famous cities, you deserve some rest. Well, at least you are going to have to settle in for about six hours. There are no high speed trains connecting Barcelona and Bilbao. After experiencing Basque Country, not even one complain will come out of your mouth. I promise!
Why Basque Country? Well, it doesn’t sound like the most straight forward option but that is the exact reason to pay a visit to the area. This part of Spain feels like a different country. Their heritage and traditions are very strong and you are going to feel the difference right away.
Plus, since it is not that popular, it does not feel overwhelming. That is a welcomed change after hanging with the crowds in Madrid and Barcelona. Can I say something else? The food in Basque Country is super, mega delicious! To me, it was the best I had in Spain (that is a bold statement and reason enough to make it to any Spain itinerary).
So, cheers all the way to Basque County! Use your half day in Bilbao (most of the day is going to be spent on the train) to have one of those outstanding meals and visit the Guggenheim Museum.
RELATED: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Day 13
Most people stop by Bilbao only to see the Guggenheim Museum. I get it. That museum is striking.
But, let me tell you something, Bilbao’s Old and New Towns are full of charm and good vibes. I will spend half-day walking around and discovering museums and curious structures.
After lunch, you can get a bus to San Sebastian (1 hour). Once in town, stroll La Concha and get prepared for a glorious sunset.
The day is not over yet. San Sebastian has an impressive amount of pintxos (similar to tapas) establishments. You NEED to experience these flavor bursting, little pieces of goodness. I repeat you need to go from establishment to establishment eating as much as possible. You will think about food in a different way after experiencing this type of gastronomy.
Where to Eat: Borda Berri, Casa Urola, Juantxo Taberna, La Cuchara de San Telmo, Bar Txepetxa, Bar Nestor, Aste 148 Gastroleku
Tip: Pintxos bars are probably going to be packed. You need to know how to grab the bar tender’s attention to order and get the bill.
Tip: A lot of pintxos bars are open for lunch and the crowds are considerably less.
RELATED: Bilbao: A City Full of Surprises
Day 14
Let’s see more of Basque Country! The traditional frontiers of this region extend to France. It is very easy to take the Spanish train to the border, cross by foot and then use the French trains to town hop. I recommend visiting St. Jean de Luz and Biarritz.
Once you are back in San Sebastian, prepare for another pintxos crawl
Where to Eat: Today, head to Gros, a trendy neighborhood, for a pintxos crawl. Stop by Bergara, Bar Roberto, Bodega Donostiarra, Bar Juanjo, Bar Iraeta
RELATED: St. Jean de Luz: Pure Basque Charm
2 Weeks in Spain – Day 15
All good things come to an end. This will be your last day exploring Spain (insert sad face).
Use the morning to go to the top of Mount Igueldo and do a walking tour of San Sebastian.
RELATED: San Sebastian seen from Monte Igueldo
Day 16
Say bye, bye to Spain and start the journey back home.
And, that’s it! My two weeks Spain itinerary! No excuses now. You have most of the information you need to plan an excellent trip to the Iberian country.
Bottom line: Spain is a country full of history, exciting cities and finger licking food. There is a lot to see but you have to start somewhere. I hope this itinerary will help you to plan that dream trip!
Sightseeing Gear
Get ready for a trip to Spain by having the right gear. Below you will find recommendation that would help you to enjoy your trip to the max
- Walking Shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I recommend investing in a good pair. My go-to brands are Clarks, Tevas, and Sketchers.
- Anti-Theft Bag – Keep your belongings safe by keeping them in an anti-theft bag. The ones manufactured by Travelon have a 5-points security system including an RFID blocking pocket. >>Check out their crossbody bag here If you prefer a backpack, this one is a good option
- Sweatshirt – A sweatshirt is a must to keep me warm during chilly mornings and nights. >Click to see a nice option here
- Sun Block – Do not leave the house (or the car) without applying sunblock. I repeat, always wear sunblock when outdoors. >Buy sunblock here
- Lip Balm with Sunscreen – Protect your lips by applying a balm with sunscreen. >Get one of the best lip balms here
- Wide Brim Hat – A wide brim hat is a great way to protect your scalp, face, and neck. The ones manufactured by FURTALK come with an anti-UV function. >Buy this amazing hat here
- Hand Sanitizer – Do not forget to pack hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Sunglasses – These are another must when it comes to protecting from the sun. A polarized, sporty pair works better outdoors. >Take a look at this wonderful pair
- Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle. >Check out the insane options here
- THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours. >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
- Camera – I have never gotten used to taking pictures exclusively with my phone. I prefer to use the Sony Alpha a6000. It is compact and takes gorgeous pictures. >Buy Sony Camera here
- Tripod – A compact tripod to take your photos and videos to a different level. >>Check out this popular option here
- Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged on trips (more if you are taking pictures, posting on social media, and navigating). Having a power bank is a lifesaver. The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
What do you think of this 2 weeks in Spain itinerary? What would you add or take out?
Pin “2 Weeks in Spain Itinerary” for later!
Lorelle Catalano says
What a wonderful detailed post about Spain. We have only been to Barcelona briefly. This makes me want to head back and check out the rest of this wonderful country 🙂
Ruth says
I want to check more of the country too! As a matter of fact, I would like to stay there for an extended period of time. That would be fantastic!
Photo Cache says
Yeah, well done. Quite comprehensive too. I’m looking into a Spain roadtrip (with a side trip to Portugal, of course). I’ll definitely make this post one of my reference.
Was this the one you used for your trip?
Ruth says
I am planning a trip to Southern Spain (with some days in Portugal). Not sure when I will be able to do it but I hope it is sooner than latter.
riitta k says
What a great tour through Spain. I love Spain and have visited Madrid, Toledo, several cities of Andalucia, Barcelona… And in September it’s going to be Gaudi’s city again <3 Great photos – maybe one day also Bilbao and Valencia…
Ruth says
I see you really like Spain! Wish you the best on your September trip (I am a little bit envious about that).
jesh StG says
Would personally take it easier to visit all these places (thinking of the loads of shots I could take!)/ Didn’t realize that it the Gaudy (my son worked next door on his internship!) would require an entrance fee, but reasonable since they are still building on it!
But this is a killer trip! Hope you’ll have a link list on Thursday again now you’re back home:)
Ruth says
Everything related to Gaudi has an entrance fee. And, most places charge over 20 euros which is very expensive (at least in my opinion). Seeing several Gaudi sites in a single trip is almost impossible (due to the high costs).
jesh StG says
Thanks for fixing it Ruth! Am not surprised – in Europe art has a much higher value than here in the States (money wise)…
artmusedog and carol says
Makes me want to travel there ~ Wonderful post and great photos ~ love the church one ~ ^_^
Ruth says
Ahhh, thank you! The Sagrada Familia is a so beautiful!
Jim, Sydney, Australia says
Great shots.
Ruth says
Thanks Jim!
Katherine says
Wow, I had no idea that Spain had so many outside influences. The Roman aquaducts and Cathedral would definitely be on my list of things to see! I’ve only been to Barcelona in Spain and loved it. So I may have to take a longer trip next time and see lots more! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Yes, it is true. Spain has been influenced by many empires and cultures. And keep in mind this post does not include any cities in Andalucia where the Moorish influence rules.
Gin says
Wonderful itinerary! 2 weeks seems like the perfect time to visit! you managed to see so much!!
Ruth says
I like the idea of traveling in periods of two weeks. I have to fly more than 12 hours to reach Europe. Therefore, I want to be there for a decent amount of time. I may try to stay a bit longer in the future but I am not sure if I am going to miss home (maybe I need to take it easy for a couple of days).
Jeanna says
Great group of photos, I’m enamored withf the City of Arts and Sciences.
Ruth says
That part of Valencia is awesome! I do not think there is something similar on other parts of the world.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
This itinerary looks wonderful! I’ve never been to Spain but this is packed with so many places that I’ve wanted to see. Maybe one day…!
Ruth says
I know, it is not easy to decide where to go in Spain. There are still so many places I want to see. I have a road trip guide and use it to plan future trips (at least, I use it to get ideas).
ladyfi says
What a wonderful trip and gorgeous shots! I’m off to Andalucia at the end of next week!
Ruth says
Oh, that is wonderful! Never been to Andalucia, so, I am eager to see your photos and recommendations.
Lolo says
Fantastic road trip! There’s so many wonderful things to see in Spain. I want to spend at least 2 weeks just in Andalusia! #CityTripping
Ruth says
We are on the same boat! I already have my Andalucia itinerary planned. Now, I need to find the time to execute it!
tots2travel says
I love this. We’re considering a road trip next year so I’ve bookmarked this and will email it to Mr Husband. #citytripping
Ruth says
Hope Mr. Husband gets the hint and starts to plan (with tons of inputs from you, of course).
Vanessa Brune says
I’m totally intrigued by Valencia! Read so many great things about the city and it definitely seems to offer quite a lot! There’s still so much for me to explore on the Spanish mainland anyway…
Ruth says
Valencia, the city and the region, is full of gorgeous places. I have seen itineraries that take you from Valencia to Barcelona through the coast. That is a road trip I would like to do.
Esther says
I love it that you spend time in both wellknown and lesser known places, like Segovia, Toledo and the Basque Country. I studied Spanish in Salamanca when I was 19 and I consider Spain to be my first big love 😉 This year I visited Malaga and everytime I go to Spain, I don’t remember why I don’t visit more often. Thank you for your blog!
Found you through #WanderfulWednesdays
Ruth says
Well known places are great but it is a pleasure to visit lesser known cities and towns. The crowds are thinner and I feel like life moves at a slower pace (sometimes I need a bit of that). It must have been experience to study in Salamanca. Spain was the first country I visited in Europe and it would hold a special place on my heart because of that.
Bumble Bee Mum says
Argh, I want to go to Spain so badly!! Thanks for planning it all out for me. Hahaha.. Now I need to think of how to convince the husband to go there. We were just talking about Spain recently (coz Barcelona is kind of top on my bucket list), but my husband refuses to go to Spain for now. Because I just got our bag stolen in Finland. He swears that if I can get my bag stolen in Finland, I will be totally robbed in Spain. Oh wells oh wells…. I shall just read your blog for now. #CityTripping
Ruth says
Wow, what happened in Finland? Pickpocketing is a real problem in Spain. It is worst in Madrid and Barcelona since the crowds are huge. I do not consider the cities unsafe but you have to protect your valuables.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
Your itinerary is action-packed and chock full of wonderful images. Thanks for linking up your journey at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/06/shades-of-purple.html
Ruth says
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the post.
Sharon says
What a fun trip! I like the way you describe the country as “vibrant.” It’s certainly colorful and lively. That’s what I love about Italy — so full of life, people singing out loud on the streets at midnight, and history and art everywhere. I’ve yet to make it to Spain. You did a fine job planning your itinerary. Five places in 2 weeks is about the pace I like, too. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip!
Ruth says
Thanks Sharon! If you like the lifestyle in Italy, you would enjoy Spain too. Even though the countries are very different, you can feel the zest for life in both. You reminded me I haven’t been to Italy in a really long time.
Elizabeth says
This is quite the itinerary of Spain! We’ve done San Sebastian and Bilbao and I traveled a bit in Spain when I was in high school but we have not really revisited it since moving to the Netherlands. Your post is inspiring me to explore a little bit more. #TravelPhotoThursday
Ruth says
It should be awesome to be based in the Netherlands. There are so many places to visit in the surroundings (I will go crazy on the weekends). Spain has a lot of advantages as a travel destination and the low prices make it very attractive.
Rachel Heller says
This is a great itinerary for a first-time visit to Spain! And your pictures are gorgeous! There’s so much to see in Spain that you could spend months and still only skim the surface. At a minimum I would add going to Granada to see the Alhambra to enjoy the Moorish architecture in the region.
Ruth says
Rachel, I agree with you. I have lived in California for more than 10 year and I still have to see a lot. Imagine trying to see Spain in a couple of trips. Makes no sense, really. I will make it to the south one day!
jill says
So many people I know claim Spain as their favorite country ever. I’ve never been – and my husband has a good friend from work who lives in Bilbao so we would have a host there. Isn’t that a shame that we haven’t been to visit him? I keep thinking it will happen soon! Thanks for sharing your itinerary and lovely photos.
Ruth says
Knowing somebody who lives in Bilbao is like a dream come true. You will be blown away by the Basque Country. It is beautiful and, like I mentioned in the post, beyond delicious.
Sharon Wagner says
What a trip! Everyone will be jealous after this.
Ruth says
You are so funny! Glad you liked it.
Cathy (Mummytravels) says
I absolutely love this itinerary – ridiculously I have only visited Barcelona of this list (although I have been to a few other cities) and would love to follow your trip through the country. It’s close enough that I really should arrange it too! Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ruth says
Cathy, you have the blessing of being a short plane, train or ferry ride from Spain. This is a fun itinerary to do with the family (with some changes to cater to the kids).
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me) says
This is really helpful. I’m desperate to see the City of Arts and Science – it looks and sounds out-of-this-world. It made me smile that Spain is 25% smaller than Texas, one of your States. Your country is just so huge!
Ruth says
I have to provide a comparison point to get people on the right frequency. In this side of the world, a lot of people talk about how small Europe is. That mentality is associated with seeing a few popular cities in a country and moving on. But, in reality, a country is much more than a couple of cities. I think that is clearer when we start talking about sizes (and comparing to what we know).
Shelley says
Wonderful comprehensive itinerary! I’ve only visited Spain once, way back in 2008, and only made it to Barcelona and Sevilla. It’s a country I definitely want to get back to, to explore more fully, and it looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m really interested in seeing more of Andalusia and the checking out Bilbao! #citytripping
Ruth says
Amazing how time flies, right? I visited Spain for the first time when I was out of college. Hard to believe that was about 15 years ago. I was very happy to return to the country after all those years. No doubt I want to visit again!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields says
I am going to pin this for later. David and I are planning a trip to Spain next year and this will come in very handy.
Ruth says
I am glad this will be useful for planning purposes. Hope you have tons of fun planning your trip to Spain.
Rhonda Albom says
It’s hard to do Spain in 2 weeks but you seem to have experienced a lot. I was in Spain for about 10 weeks and still didn’t get to see it all (Valencia and the lower eastern Mediterranean coast between Barcelona and Malaga).
Ruth says
Wow Rhonda, 10 weeks in Spain sounds like an absolutely dream to me. I wouldn’t mind spending an entire summer there. Oh, the possibilities!
Annabel says
I would love to do an itinerary like this! I’m particularly keen on visiting Segovia’s aqueduct. And I’m really surprised that Texas is so big, totally hadn’t realised that! #theweeklypostcard
Ruth says
The Aqueduct is a marvel of engineering and I cannot recommend it enough (the entire town of Segovia). Yes, Texas is huge! It would be a major task to see “at least” the highlights of the state.
Sallie (FullTime-Life) says
It’s amazing to me how much you cover in so short a time. We are old and slow — but even when i was as young as you are I was never able to do that much. Love to travel but need my down time (or if i were in Spain, my siestas). Thanks for the great travelogue though, even though it would take us at least a month to do that much. Sigh! So many beautiful places, so little …..
Ruth says
Sallie, I get it. Travel styles are completely personal. I know people cram more than this on a trip. I try to stay put in a city for about 4 days. A lot of people stay on a city one or two days.
julz says
I have never really been to Spain and would love to go – this seems like a great itinerary!!
Ruth says
Thanks! Hope you make it there one day.
Anda says
Beautiful tour, Ruth. You chose a great itinerary and the perfect amount of time for it. We took a similar road trip in Spain about 15 years ago and visited some of the same places that you did. There is still a lot though that we haven’t covered and your post gave me some great ideas. I’d love to go back to Spain and see Valencia and Segovia. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
When I make plans for Europe, I try to stay at least two weeks. It would be hard for me to endure all that travel time for a week or less. I may try a longer amount of time in the future.
Pat says
My husband has relatives moving to Spain from Italy so I can see us traveling there is a few years to visit them. I’m going to pin this post as a reminder of what I’d like to see as you did an excellent job condensing it all down to two weeks. So much beauty there!
PS: Ruth, when I try to link up Mr Linky tells me I have no backlink? I do have a link to tanamatales.com listed as one of the sites I am linking to at the end of my post, so i don’t know why I get this message? It says the following after I enter my blog post’s url: “This link-up requires a backlink to budgettravelerssandbox.com ”
It says my link up needs approval? Your link up is the only one that I have had this trouble with. Is there something I am doing wrong? Thanks for your help!
Ruth says
Pat, it would be great to visit those relatives who are moving to Spain ;0)
To put in simple words, the linky is owned by Nancie of Budget Travels Sandbox. I am a contributor to the link party and do not have control over the set up. You are getting an error since you do not have a link on your site to Nancie’s website. I need to verify if she is going to require a link from now on. Sorry for the inconvenience.
jesh StG says
Hello Ruth, have tried to put in my thumbnail photo, but for some reason I keep getting “error link” It says to put in the link anyway (supposedly I don’t have a back link, but I put in my perma link to your post, but my pic doesn’t appear here?
Ruth says
Jesh, I am providing you the same answer I gave to Pat (comment before you). Need to consult the situation with Nancie (the linky’s owner).
“To put in simple words, the linky is owned by Nancie of Budget Travels Sandbox. I am a contributor to the link party and do not have control over the set up. You are getting an error since you do not have a link on your site to Nancie’s website. I need to verify if she is going to require a link from now on. Sorry for the inconvenience”
jesh StG says
My perma link is https://artworksfromjeshstg.wordpress.com/2017/06/24/summer-simplicity
Hope you know what can be done:)
Ruth says
Checking this. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Anisa says
So much to do in Spain, it’s really hard to fit it all in 2 weeks. I am going back to Madrid later this year, so I think I will try some of those day trips. The one thing I would try to squeeze in would be a day in Rioja. I love the wine there. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Oh my, Madrid is the bomb! It is my favorite city in Spain. I researched how to visit La Rioja but it is very difficult in the off season (lots of businesses are open only on the weekends). And, it is more difficult if you do not have a car. Therefore, I had to scratch it from my plans. I do not loose hope of visiting on the future.
Connie says
This itinerary just took me right back to our various travels through Spain, a country which I absolutely adore! Loved reading about spots like Toledo and Valencia which I’m yet to visit – more reason to head back to my favourite country! #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
I read your post about Seville this week and I knew you love Spain too. Toledo and Valencia are great cities. I only had a day on each of them but could have stayed longer.
Allison says
This sounds like an awesome itinerary. I actually had a friend who lived in Basque Country for awhile and she loved it. #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
I can understand why she loved it. It is such a gorgeous place. Weather wasn’t that good when I visited, so, I would love to stop by during summer.
Katy says
Ruth this is a great itinerary for discovering the northern half of Spain. You’re absolutely right it is such a vibrant and diverse country. We havent been back since we got engaged in Barcelona so I am hoping to get there within the year. Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Oh, I didn’t know you got engaged in Barcelona. That is fabulous. I see why Spain is a country with a special place in your heart.
Sheree says
I have visited Spain before but never any of these places. They will definitely be on the list for when I return, thanks for the advice 🙂 #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Where have you been? The list of places I want to visit in the country is very long!
Kat says
Wow, excellent post, Ruth, I really love it! I have been meaning to travel to Spain (perhaps next year, this year is Portugal) and this 2-week itinerary sounds perfect. The country is quite big, so there were times when I read about Spain, I have often wondered, where do I start aside from Madrid and Barcelona? 🙂 Your post is really helpful! #TheWeelyPostcard
Ruth says
Kat, I am sure Portugal would be great. That is a country I would love to visit. Something tells me I am going to love it as much as I love Spain. Have a great time there.
Kat says
Great detailed post. I’m pinning this for future reference next time I go to Spain!
Been to Madrid (although I wish I’d known about the amazing aqueduct in Segovia because I would have loved to have seen that… must add to the list for next time!) and Bilbao but Barcelona is still on my list and a few others now!
#FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Interesting that you have been to Bilbao but not to Barcelona. Looks like half of the planet wants to visit Barcelona (not a fan of the city). I am interested in visiting the Costa Brava.
jo says
You had me at tapas and siestas, but throw in the wow factor of all those different destinations and it’s a yes from me! What a totally awesome trip around Spain, I’d absolutely love to do this. I love your photos too. #Wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Thanks Jo! Spain has a bit of everything. I am surprised at how much a country can pack. Would not mind living there.
Mapping The Map says
Great post! Glad you could manage to visit all those places in 2 weeks. For visitors with more time the south of Spain (Andalusia) could be also a good idea. And with respect to day trips from Barcelona, well, one of the reasons why we created our blog is to share experiences and destinations in Catalonia, and as you say Girona, Montserrat or the Costa Brava are a must. Thanks for sharing in #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Your blog is full of so many great destinations. I am glad you share all those with all of us.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
This looks like a perfect two week itinerary Ruth. Valencia is a good choice. Thanks for linking up this week with #wkendtravelinspiration!
Ruth says
Oh, Valencia! I feel like I didn’t spend enough time in there.
Scarlett Begonias says
The futuristic city of Arts and Sciences looks amazing, and this looks like a perfect Spain itinerary. We will save this for later 🙂 #weekendwanderlust
Ruth says
Thanks! I am sure we can come up with thousand different itineraries for Spain but this one helps you to see a lot.
Anna says
You covered a lot in 2 weeks! I really want to visit Spain someday. When I think of it, I think what you said – vibrant. I would probably just eat tapas and pinxtos every single day!!
Ruth says
Believe me, I ate tapas and pintxos every day! In some places, they give you something to eat when you but something to drink. So, even if you “do not want to eat,” you are force to eat ;0)
Jonny (daisythebus) says
Very nice. I like the way that you don’t rush to cram TOO much into the itinerary, and the way that you have linked many tips to a more detailed article. Having visited many of these places myself, I can confirm that this would be a great Spanish trip for the urban-inclined. Greetings from Luxembourg! #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Thanks Jonny, I would like to explore the natural areas of Europe too. But, there are so many great cities!
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Thanks for the useful facts at the top, Ruth. I’m just staggered that Spain is SMALLER than Texas! Spain is such a massive country compared to the UK that I can hardly comprehend the size of the United States. I really like your choice of cities to visit in Spain, Ruth. I’ve been quite a few times but still haven’t made it to Segovia, Valencia or Bilbao. I’d probably want to take it at a slower pace than this but will save your itinerary for future Spanish inspiration. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Thanks Claire! I can see myself spending an entire week in one of these cities. Every trip is a juggle between doing to little or doing too much.
eileen g says
This is a great itinerary. You pack a lot in. Spain is large and it’s many smaller cities are beautiful and historic so if you just hit Madrid and Barcelona, you miss a lot. it also has some interesting rural regions worth exploring. This is a good start to it all.
Ruth says
Agree with you Eileen. I would like to visit every province in Spain. Each is unique, so, it feels like you have many countries in one.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
We’re in! When do we leave? We have just barely scratched the surface in Spain and are eager to see more. Especially the City of Arts & Sciences – it looks completely out of this world! Definitely pinning this one for future reference. Thanks for all of the planning, Ruth, and for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Ruth says
You can leave anytime! I am glad the City of Arts and Sciences got your eye. I am telling you, I have never seen something like it.
Anna says
Perfect itinerary – so many things covered! Completely agree: the difference between North and South in Spain definitely feels like a different country, so you´d need to make several trips to experience it fully… San Sebastian is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, while Asturias nearby the Basque country is also amazing and Andalucia also has so much to offer: like this list never ends…. I live in Spain 6 years, travel so often and still have a couple of places to see…. Great post! #theweeklypostcard
Ruth says
Anna, I totally get you. I have been more than 10 years in California and I am still discovering places. That is why I want to do a trip dedicated to the South and another to the North. I know there are a lot of fantastic places along those areas.
Kana says
Oh my gosh, best itinerary for Spain ever!!! I’ve bookmarked this already for my Europe trip next year so thank you for that! Thanks for joining #FlyAwayFriday – hope to see you again tomorrow! xo
Ruth says
Kana, hope the article help you to plan your trip.
Janine Good says
Very cool! I have only been to Barcelona and hope to get back to explore more of Spain. This looks like the perfect itinerary. Hope to see you tomorrow at the new #flyawayfriday!
Ruth says
Hello Janine, Barcelona is great but there is so much more to see. I still have tons to see in Spain.
Michael - The Boys Abroad says
Thank you for making such a detailed post! We’re looking at going to Spain next year and this is almost the exact route we were looking at taking, except we split it into two 9 day trip so we maximise our annual leave and get the most number of weekends possible 🙂
Even if we don’t get to see anything but spend all our time on Tapas crawls I think I’d still be happy!
David | Travelsewhere says
Such a great itinerary Ruth! I absolutely love Spain and have visited twice the last few years, yet I still could use almost this entire itinerary, just leaving off Basque Country as that was where I visited this year. I really want to visit both Segovia and Toledo, I always hear such great things. Great stuff!
California Globetrotter says
Such great itinerary and I hope to be able to use it one day! I’ve only seen Barcelona but there is soooooo much more I want to see! #feetdotravel
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
I knew Spain was a big Country but until you told me the stats, I hadn’t realised just how big! There is so much to Spain I want to explore and you have helped show me that. I went to La Tomatina in Valencia which is held on the last Wednesday of August which happened to have been my birthday one year and I have also been to Barcelona … I must be the only person who was underwhelmed by Sagrada Familia, no one told me it was still under construction and it was like a building site inside when I was there, however, yes I do agree the architecture and constructions are stunning! #feetdotravel
Paul and Carole says
Agree Spain is certainly vibrant and Paella should be compulsory on all visits! Really detailed post for visiting this diverse country. Have pinned for future reference. #feetdotravel
Carmen Baguio says
This looks like a very doable itinerary. I haven’t been to Spain, but it is on the horizon. Barcelona would be top on my list!
Shruti Sutwala says
I totally love Spain and loved reading your itinerary! Inspired me to go back there again… Basque Country has been on my to-do list for some time and after reading this I am thinking I should do it soon 🙂
Tracy says
We were just saying how little we have explored Spain – we have been to the Canary Islands and Majorca and Ibiza etc but not seen much of the mainland except Barcelona. Though my Dad took me and my brother to some of the seaside resorts in the 70’s but I have never been back! (Benidorm Loret de Mar) Will pin this as we will get there one day to see more!
Audrey Giam says
hey which hotel did u stayed in Madrid? or recommend?
Spain Visa says
Wow! Such an interesting & engaging post! Spain has always been on my bucket-list. However, due to the pandemic I had to cancel my visit to this enchanting country last year. But now, your post has nudged me to get my Spain Visa Online fly to this beautiful nation with my friends. I couldn’t be more thankful to you for these itinerary guidelines. They are certainly going to be of great help during my stay in Spain.