Top 5 Travel Itineraries for First-Time Visitors to Spain
Embark on some of Spain’s most rewarding travel experiences, from cultural capitals to stunning natural landscapes and the unforgettable flavours of the Basque Country. Spain’s three top cities – San Sebastián, Barcelona and Madrid – are the highlight of this itinerary, taking you from the exotic architecture of the Alhambra to the elegant boulevards of Madrid and the urban beaches of Barcelona. Add a few days for a leisurely visit to the Costa Brava. Begin in San Sebastián, the culinary capital of the Basque Country, where you can enjoy a morning stroll along Playa de la Concha before indulging in pintxos (bar snacks) in the Parte Vieja (Old Town). Don’t miss the modern sculptures of the Peine del Viento at the end of Playa de Ondarreta. In the evening, dine at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, like Arzak or Akelarre. On your second day, travel to Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture. Spend the morning exploring the museum’s avant-garde exhibits and the afternoon wandering through the atmospheric Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you’ll find the city’s best eateries and bars. Venture south to Barcelona, where Gaudí’s whimsical creations await. Start with the Sagrada Família, a towering basilica still under construction, before heading to Park Güell, a surreal garden filled with colourful mosaics and organic shapes. Spend your afternoon strolling along La Rambla, the city’s vibrant central boulevard, and exploring the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets. In the evening, catch a flamenco show or dine at a seaside restaurant in Barceloneta. On your second day in Barcelona, visit the Museu Picasso in the morning, followed by a leisurely lunch in El Born. In the afternoon, explore the modernist buildings of Passeig de Gràcia, including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, two of Gaudí’s most famous works. Don’t forget to stop by the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, a bustling food market. Head to Madrid, Spain’s capital, where you’ll find a wealth of cultural treasures. Start your day at the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, before visiting the nearby Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. After lunch, explore the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe, and relax in the surrounding Campo del Moro gardens. In the evening, catch a show at the Teatro Real or enjoy traditional Spanish tapas in the La Latina neighbourhood. On your second day in Madrid, visit the Reina Sofía Museum, where you can see Picasso’s iconic painting, Guernica. Spend the afternoon shopping along Gran Vía or exploring the trendy Malasaña district, known for its vintage shops and lively nightlife. End your day with a stroll through Retiro Park, Madrid’s green oasis, or visit the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple with stunning sunset views. Conclude your journey in Seville, the heart of Andalusia, where flamenco music and Moorish architecture create a unique atmosphere. Begin your day at the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning royal palace with intricate tilework and peaceful gardens. Next, visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a flamenco show in the Triana district or dine at a traditional tapas bar in Santa Cruz. On your second day in Seville, wander through the narrow streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, stopping to admire the Casa de Pilatos, a beautiful 16th-century palace. Spend your afternoon relaxing in the Parque de María Luisa, where you’ll find the impressive Plaza de España, a semicircular plaza with a canal and ornate bridges. End your trip with a boat ride along the Guadalquivir River or a sunset walk across the iconic Puente de Isabel II.
