Spain is a country full of vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, stunning scenery and lively cities just waiting to be explored.
With so many amazing sights, trying to experience the highlights of Spain in a short space of time can be challenging. But with careful planning, you can discover some of the best Spain has to offer in just 7 incredible days!
Whether you want to soak up the atmosphere in bustling Barcelona, indulge in tapas and rioja wine in Madrid or marvel at beautiful Moorish architecture in Seville – this action-packed one week Spain itinerary has something for everyone.
Read on for my recommendations on how to spend the best 7 days in Spain!
Day 1: Barcelona
Start your trip in the vibrant Catalan capital of Barcelona. Spend your first day getting lost amongst the quirky architecture and imaginative street art of the El Born neighborhood.
Then head to the buzzing La Rambla boulevard, stopping for some pintxos along the way. As the afternoon draws to a close, visit Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece – La Sagrada Familia. Make sure to get tickets booked in advance!
Spend your first evening hopping between Barcelona’s famous tapas bars and ending the night sipping sangria on the beach.
Top Attractions: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, La Rambla
Day 2: Madrid
Catch the early morning high-speed AVE train to Madrid – Spain’s passionate capital city famed for its nightlife and cultural scene.
Upon arrival, head straight to the oldest restaurant in the world – Restaurante Botín – for a roasted suckling pig lunch.
Spend the afternoon getting lost amongst the lanes of the grand city centre, stopping for churros con chocolate along the way.
As dusk settles, join a guided tapas tour of Madrid’s oldest bars to indulge in some incredible food and wine pairings.
Top Attractions: El Retiro Park, Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor
Day 3: Toledo Day Trip
Escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid for a day and head on a scenic drive to the historic hilltop town of Toledo – the former capital of Spain.
Wander along the narrow cobblestone lanes and soak up the medieval atmosphere. The Cathedral of Toledo is a real highlight thanks to its gothic architecture and abundance of artwork by Spanish masters like El Greco.
Stop for a long lunch to indulge in traditional cuisine like roast suckling pig or marzipan sweet treats.
As the afternoon whiles away, browse the artisan shops and watch skilled craftspeople at work. Return back to Madrid for your third night.
Top Attractions: Toledo Cathedral, The Alcázar, El Greco Museum
Day 4: Seville via Córdoba
Check out early and hop aboard the AVE once more, this time bound for romantic Seville in Spain’s sultry south.
Along the way stop in Córdoba for a few hours to visit the mesmerizing Mezquita – an ancient mosque turned Catholic cathedral.
Marvel at the candy-cane striped arches of this architectural wonder before continuing your journey to Seville.
Upon arrival take an orientation walking tour of the city and climb to the top of the Giralda Bell Tower for unbeatable views across Seville’s sea of terracotta roofs.
Wander through the fragrant orange tree lined streets finishing your evening with a flamenco show and authentic Andalucian dinner.
Top Attractions: Plaza de España, Seville Cathedral, Real Alcázar
Day 5: Day Trip to Ronda
Hire a car for a breathtaking full day trip to Ronda in Spain’s mountainous Andalucia region. This picturesque whitewashed village is split in two by the towering El Tajo gorge and steeped in bullfighting history.
Marvel at the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the 120m chasm below, wander the atmospheric streets and learn about Spain’s controversial bullfighting legacy at the informative museum.
Tuck into classic tapas washed down with sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry before heading back to Seville for the night.
Top Attractions: Puente Nuevo, Plaza de Toros, Baños Árabes
Day 6: Cádiz & Sherry Tasting
Continue your Andalucian adventure with a day trip to sunny coastal Cádiz – one of Europe’s oldest cities rich in history and culture.
Start with a tour of 18th century Cádiz, ticking off sights like the domed neoclassical Catedral de Cádiz and landmarks from the ancient Romans and Moors who also called this city home.
Next, drive inland to Jerez de la Frontera – sherry capital of the world! Here you can tour bodegas like Gonzalez Byass or Tío Pepe and learn about the unique production of Spain’s famous fortified wine.
Cap your day off with a fabulous flamenco show back in Seville.
Top Attractions: Jerez de la Frontera, Catedral de Cádiz, Playa de la Caleta
Day 7: Barcelona via Montserrat
For your final day, make the 5 hour train journey back to Barcelona in the morning, stopping at the incredible mountaintop monastery of Montserrat along the way.
This Benedictine monk retreat is located over 4000 ft up in Catalonia’s striking saw-toothed mountains.
Marvel at the precariously perched monastery, take in panoramas of Barcelona on the horizon below and sample Montserrat’s famed liquor – Patxaran.
Arrive back in Barcelona by mid afternoon with time for some last minute souvenir shopping at Las Ramblas before heading out for a fabulous farewell tapas dinner and flamenco show!
Top Attractions: Park Güell, La Boquería Market, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The Perfect End to an Epic Week!
In just 7 quick days you can soak up the highlights of incredible Spain without missing out on any of the culture, cuisine, history and natural beauty this wonderful country has to offer.
With the perfect mix of world class cities and quaint villages – combined with easy transfers via Spain’s efficient high speed rail network – this jam-packed itinerary will leave you breathless and already dreaming of your next adventure in spectacular Spain!
What destination would you add to this ultimate 1 week Spain itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!
