From Madrid to Barcelona, passing through Andalusia and Valencia: 7-day itinerary in Spain to organize a trip alone.
Would you like to organize a holiday on your ownSpainbut you don't know how to do it and where to start? No problem, this article is exactly for you!
The Spainit is a wonderful country, full of unique places, good food and a welcome very similar to the Italian one. If you have decided to organize a road trip in Spain on your own for your summer, know that you have had a perfect idea. Below you will find an example of a 7-day itinerary for your trip to Spain.
What to see in Spain in 7 days: travel itinerary
Madrid, Valencia,Granada, Barcelona: Spain is a country rich in beauty from a historical, artistic and naturalistic point of view. It is an ideal destination if you want to take a week-long trip - or even longer - in total autonomy and freedom. You will be able to choose the stages based on the time available and, once you arrive in the country, decide whether to rent a car or travel by train or bus. All vehicles are very comfortable and efficient.
Although it is possible to do some "touch and go" in the different cities, to have a general overview of Spain, I recommend you take a trip of at least 7 days. To help you choose what to see and what not to miss, I offer you a mini guide with a day-by-day itinerary, perfect if you don't want to rely on a travel agency.
Day 1: Madrid
The best idea to start an itinerary in Spain in the best possible way is to leave Italy for Madrid, the capital, early in the morning. Numerous low-cost airlines serve the Spanish airport and, therefore, it should not be difficult for you to find a low-cost flight (especially if booked well in advance).
Madrid is known for its elegant avenues, numerous museums and green parks. Starting fromPlaza Mayor, renovated in the sixteenth century at the behest of Philip II of Habsburg, go toRoyal Palace, where the Spanish royal family stays, et alTemple of Debod, very impressive indeed! For lunch I recommend you try one of the many restaurants in the streets of the historic center or directly at theSan Miguel market, the most popular among tourists. An absolute must try is a paella accompanied by a good glass of sangria!
In the afternoon, after making a stop atBuen Retiro Park, you can visit the Prado Museum. Keep in mind that there are times when you can enter for free:
- From Monday to Saturday -> from 6pm to 8pm;
- Sunday and public holidays -> from 5pm to 7pm.
To end the first day of your self-organized trip to Spain in the best possible way, I suggest you savor thenightlifeSpanish inCalle Huertas, near thePuerta del Sol,or an evocative flamenco show.
READ ALSO:The best things to do and see in Madrid
Day 2: Cordoba
After spending the first night in Madrid, the second stop on the 7 day Spain itinerary isCordoba, to the south, reachable in about 2 hours and 40 minutes by train. I recommend leaving early in the morning so you can make the most of your second day in Cordoba. Over the centuries, this Andalusian city has been influenced by the Romans, Islam during the Middle Ages and the Byzantines, and the mix of cultures can be felt throughout the city.
READ ALSO:The best things to do and see in Cordoba
Two things absolutely to see in Cordoba are the Mezquita, the mosque from 784 AD with ancient Byzantine mosaics (I recommend youbook entry in advancein order to avoid queues and long waiting times), and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a palace-fortress dating back to the Middle Ages which was built on the remains of an Islamic caliphate building.
Day 3: Seville
The third day of this itinerary in Spain is aboutSeville, about 1 and a half hours from Cordoba. The capital of Andalusia is known for its extraordinary monuments, such as the Alcazar, the bullfighting arena, theGiralda and the Gothic cathedral, where the tomb of Christopher Columbus is located. For the evening I suggest a tour of the city streets to enjoy the nightlife and, if you can, even watch a flamenco show!
WHERE TO SLEEP IN SEVILLE: Find all offers for accommodation
Day 4: Granada
Organizing a trip to Spain on your own may seem difficult and yet, if you structure the trip well, stage by stage, everything will be very simple! For the fourth day I propose you leave forGranada, which is located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, about 2 and a half hours away from Seville.
READ ALSO:Itineraries on the road among the greenhouses and valleys of Andalusia
The complex ofAlhambra, the cathedral and the royal chapel and the Generalife Gardens are just some of its most beautiful attractions. Granada is not large so you can easily dedicate a day to it and, in the evening, say goodbye to it and leave for Valencia. By traveling overnight by train or bus, you can arrive early in the morning on the fifth day.
Day 5: Valencia
In Valencia it is a must to go to the City of Arts and Sciences. In addition to visiting its five museums, including the Oceanografic and the Science Museum, the palace is worth admiring for its architectural beauty. In fact, the design of the building was done by the well-known architect Santiago Calatrava.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN VALENCIA: Find all offers for accommodation
In Valencia I also recommend a stop in the Barrio del Carmen, the ancient neighborhood full of monuments, shops and restaurants. After exploring this picturesque city, I recommend leaving in the evening for Barcelona, the last stop on this 7-day itinerary in Spain, where you will arrive after approximately 3 and a half hours of travel.
Day 6: Barcelona
Barcelonait is the capital of the Catalonia region and is one of the best-known cities in the world. Among the things not to be missed in Barcelona, a visit to the Sagrada Familia stands out (I recommend you book your ticket in advance online). The majestic Gothic cathedral was built by Gaudi and is undoubtedly the symbol of the city. Other works by the architect around Barcelona are the Casa Milá, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Other things to do and see in Barcelona include a visit to the Picasso Museum, with more than 4000 works by the artist, a walk through La Rambla, the busiest street in Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta, the beach city. If you have time, in the evening you can also go to the Parc de Montjuic to admire the water and light show of the Magic Fountain.
Day 7: Barcelona
Barcelona is large and has many unique attractions, which is why I advise you to dedicate the last day of this itinerary in Spain to exploring the other wonders of the city, perhaps taking advantage of the option ofBarcelona Hop-On-Hop-Off bus che ti permette di salire e scendere in tutte le principali tappe pagando un solo biglietto. Consigliatissima la visita e la passeggiata al Parc Guell, nonché uno dei musei sparsi per il centro! Una volta che avrai finito di deliziare i tuoi occhi con le meraviglie, potrai concludere il tuo viaggio in Spagna organizzato da solo prendendo un aereo dall’aeroporto di Barcellona El Prat.
