Spain itineraries: 6 great routes that cover the whole country

19.09.2024 - 14:41 / lonelyplanet.com / El Greco

Sep 19, 2024 • 15 min read

It’s no exaggeration to say that Spain has it all.

A rocky northern coast with some of the world’s best food; white-sand beaches and white-washed villages in the sunny south; Moorish castles and Modernista architecture: no matter where you go in Spain, it will be epic. 

These six itineraries cover the whole country and show off the best it has to offer. We’ve kept our suggestions to trips of one to two weeks long – though we encourage you to add on stops or combine two (or more!) itineraries to build the Spanish trip of your dreams.

Allow at least 7 days 
Distance: 780km (485 miles) 

With a week, you’ll want to explore Spain’s three major cities, which, happily, are linked by high-speed train (an adventure in itself). This culture-packed journey combines the thrills of Mediterranean-hugging Barcelona and Valencia with the Spanish capital’s art-world riches and enchanting Toledo. Expect terrific food at every turn.

Start with the irresistible Catalan capital, Barcelona. Explore the old medieval center, drink in the jewels of Modernisme, laze on the Mediterranean beaches and roam around the outstanding galleries – until the tapas bars, cocktail spots and Michelin-star menus pull you away.

Next stop: Take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia (around 3 hours). 

Detour: Mystical, unmissable Montserrat is an easy day trip from Barcelona (add 1 additional day). 

Sunny, cycling-loving Valencia delights with its magnificent markets, golden beaches, lively green spaces, dynamic dining (there’s much more than paella here), impressive eco credentials and local-vibe neighborhoods like Russafa and El Carmen.

Next stop: Take a train from Valencia to Madrid (around 2 hours). 

Extension: Catch the ferry from Valencia or Dénia for a few days in beachy Mallorca or Ibiza (add 2–3 days). Or stop over in Cuenca en route to Madrid (add 1 day). 

While you could spend weeks in Madrid and only scratch the surface, a couple of days in the capital provides a good intro. Cycle around Retiro park, wander the renowned galleries and dive into the tapas scene and lively markets. Time permitting, take a day trip to the stately royal monastery-palace at El Escorial.

Next stop: Take a train or bus from Madrid to Toledo (around 1 hour). 

Detour: Add on one of southern Castilla y León's historical cities, Segovia or Ávila (add 1 day). 

Spending a night in Toledo will introduce you to this former capital, one of Spain’s most mesmerizing cities. Stroll around the UNESCO-listed old town, where traces of three cultures (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) famously mingle; learn about El Greco; and dig into Castilla–La Mancha’s culinary specialties.

Extension: Go wine-tasting in Valdepeñas or bird-watching in the Parque