First time touring the country? We tell you the essential places to do in Spain in 15 days to do it by car, plane or train.
Spain is one of the main European destination countries. The Roman, Arab and Christian history captured in the cities through their monuments, squares and palaces amaze anyone who visits them.
Gastronomy also plays an important role in the country, with regional dishes with a marked difference between autonomous communities.
In addition, both the south and the north of the country have a wide marine coastline, islands and paradisiacal beaches where you can sunbathe in summer.
If you are traveling for the first time, we recommend you to take this 15-day route through Spain that we have designed based on our experience living and touring the country.
Tips for visit Spain for the first time
- Take into account the travel time from one city to another to set the itinerary. Normally, there is not so much distance between cities and travel can be done in two to four hours, depending on whether you do it by high-speed train, regular train,
car or bus. - Check the weather to see when is the best time to travel to Spain. In summer, in the south of Spain, temperatures are very high. Winter in the north and center of the country is cold and rainy. Spring and autumn are two of the best times to visit Spain in 15 days, since it is not high season and the temperature is moderate.
- For many of the attractions to visit in Spain it is advisable to buy your ticket in advance, especially to visit the Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Real Alcazar in Seville.
- One of the best ways to get to know the history and monuments of Spain’s cities without spending a lot of money is with free tours, which have a specialised guide and are almost free.
- Take advantage of being connected to the Internet all the time. For this you can
buy a simcard in Spain from here .
Itinerary of Spain in 15 days from Madrid – Map
Day 1: Madrid, the country’s capital
Madrid is one of the cities to visit if you are going to Spain for the first time. The historic center with its narrow streets, squares and bars give it a lot of charm, especially at night.
On a walk through the center you can not miss the mythical Plaza del Sol with the Tío Pepe poster, the Plaza Mayor and its bars with terraces, the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Madrid next to the Sabatini Gardens, the Temple of Debod, the San Miguel market and Plaza España with the sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
In the afternoon, if you want a cultural stroll, you should visit the Prado Museum or the Reina Sofia, two of the main cultural centers of the Spanish capital. For relaxation, it is worth visiting the large green space in the city center, the Retiro Garden, where you can rent a boat and sail on the small artificial lake.
At night, the movement and the party congregate in the neighborhood of Chueca, where a large part of the LGBT community resides, and La Latina.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Madrid if you visit it for the first time.
🏨 Find here the best accommodation in Madrid.
Day 2: Madrid and around Madrid
In the morning it is time to visit some of the cities around Madrid. Although there are many towns in the middle of the mountains such as Buitrago de Lozoya or El Escorial, our recommendation if you are visiting Madrid for the first time is to choose between Avila, Segovia and Salamanca (apart from Toledo to which you should dedicate a full day).
With Roman vestiges, Segovia is one of the most beautiful cities near Madrid. The 1st century aqueduct built by the Romans is in a perfect state of preservation. Here you can also visit the Alcazar of Segovia, centuries ago residence of the kings of Castile and the Granja San Idelfonso, which includes the Royal Palace and its gardens with fountains, and was the former summer residence of the kings.
💯 Segovia’s gastronomy is based on suckling pig. There are many restaurants to try it, but the one we recommend and is a classic is called Jose Maria. Suffice it to say that the suckling pig is cut with a plate and not with a knife.
Avila is characterized by its extensive medieval wall that surrounds the historic center and has more than 80 towers. You can even walk on top of the wall!
Salamanca is one of the cities with more student movement in Spain, thanks to the historic University of Salamanca. Among its most emblematic buildings to visit are the New and Old Cathedral, the House of Shells and the Roman bridge over the Tormes River.
In the afternoon and on the way back, if you like sports, one of the attractions to see in Madrid is the tour of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the home of Real Madrid. During the tour you will visit the dressing rooms, the playing field, boxes and the museum with all the trophies on display.
📷 Book your tour of the Santiago Bernabéu here.
If sports are not your thing, then you should go shopping on Gran Vía street, one of the main commercial arteries of the city, where you will find an El Corte Inglés shopping mall and the Primark store, a low-priced English brand.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do near Madrid.
Day 3: The imposing Toledo
Toledo is one of the must-see places in Spain in 15 days. In fact, it deserves a full day. Known as the City of Three CulturesThe city, once populated by Jews, Muslims and Christians, has imposing buildings with a lot of history behind them, such as the cathedral of Santa María, the Church of Santo Tomé, the synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the mosque of Cristo de La Luz.
But the main attraction of Toledo and visible from all points, is the Alcazar of Toledo, originally from the sixteenth century and served as a fortress and royal residence of the court of Charles I of Spain. Currently, the Army Museum is located inside.
💯 If you want to take panoramic photos of Toledo, across the Tagus River there are several viewpoints. For us the best is the viewpoint of the Valley, where the historic center of Toledo is captured along with the watercourse of the Tagus River.
📷 Book here the full day tour from Madrid to Toledo.
Day 4 and 5: Visit Seville, Andalusia’s main city
In Andalusia, Seville is worth at least two days. Its historic center is full of beauty in every corner. You can start your visit on the first day at the Real Alcazar, built in the 10th century during the Arab occupation and which inside is a true work of art in itself. Gardens, arches, tiles and details that stand out at first sight.
Almost opposite, the cathedral of Seville with its Giralda tower is another of the places to visit in Spain in 15 days. Of predominantly gothic style, the main altarpiece stands out in its interior. In addition, you can climb the roofs of the cathedral to view the details of the towers and domes and the Giralda tower to appreciate the views of the center of Seville from the top.
In the remainder of the first day, visit the Plaza España with its semicircular building with murals and the canal. Right next to it, the Maria Luisa Park awaits you for a well-deserved rest after so much walking.
At night, the ideal is to go for tapas in the Alameda area, where the terraces of the bars are full of people. Here you can feel the youthful atmosphere of the city.
The second day you can start in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, one of the oldest in Seville. Its narrow streets invite you to explore ancient gems such as the synagogue.
Before crossing the Guadalquivir bridge, you have the option of contemplating Seville from another panoramic view, taking a
On the other side of the river, you have to go into the Triana neighborhood, one of the most emblematic places in Seville. Great Spanish artists have come from here and it is considered one of the cradles of flamenco. In addition, you will find the tradition of Sevillian tiles in this site with many workshops and stores dedicated to this activity.
To finish off your stay in Seville, there is nothing better than to witness a
The main excursions for your visit to Seville are:
📷 Alcazar, Cathedral and Giralda tour with tickets included: You will visit the three most important monuments of Seville with a guide in Spanish who will explain you all the details. The best thing? Including tickets!
📷 A guided free tour of Triana: Get to know the Andalusian culture by getting to know this neighbourhood with a guide.
🏨 Check out our article on where to stay in Seville with recommendations by area.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Seville in two days.
Day 6: Cordoba and Arab and Christian history
The main attractions to see in Cordoba can be visited in one day. There are two places that stand out above the rest: the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress that was the residence of the Catholic Monarchs, and the Mosque-Cathedral.
In the Alcazar, in addition to getting to know the interior details of the fortress, the gardens and the views from the area of the walls to the rest of the city deserve a special mention.
But the Mosque-Cathedral is the protagonist of Cordoba. On top of an ancient church, the Muslims built the mosque. Later, during the Christian reconquest, the cathedral was built over the mosque. As a result, the ancient arches of the mosque and the imposing Catholic cathedral in the middle of the enclosure can be seen today. Contrast that is a true marvel.
After visiting both monuments, you can lose yourself in the streets of the Jewish quarter, visit an Andalusian patio with its colorful pots and flowers hanging on the walls, cross the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River and relax on one of the terraces of the Plaza de la Corredera.
The best excursions you can do in Cordoba are:
📷 A guided tour in Spanish to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
📷 A guided tour of the Alcazar of Cordoba, which also includes the Jewish Quarter.
🏨 Find here the best hotels in Córdoba.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Cordoba Spain.
Day 7: Granada and its Alhambra, a must-see in Spain in 15 days
Granada is synonymous with La Alhambra, the ancient city fortified on a hill during the 13th and 14th centuries and representing one of the world’s greatest exhibitions of Nasrid art and Hispano-Muslim architecture.
It takes at least four to five hours to visit the Alhambra. The inside is really impressive and varied: from the Nasrid palaces, where the pond and the courtyard of the Lions stand out, through the Lower Gardens, the Generalife Palace and the High Gardens and ending in the Palace of Charles V, built during the Christian reconquest.
💯 Although tickets to visit the Alhambra can be purchased on site, the capacity per day is limited, so you can arrive and miss out. What we recommend is to purchase your ticket in advance, selecting date and time through the official website of the Alhambra.
Before sunset, it is already advisable to approach the picturesque neighborhood of Albaicín, located on a hill. Its cobblestone streets and white-painted houses will surely leave you in awe.
In the neighborhood there are several viewpoints to contemplate the Alhambra. The most popular is the San Nicolás viewpoint. The sunsets over the Alhambra are spectacular.
Don’t miss these excursions if you visit Granada:
📷 A tour of the Alhambra. Essential.
📷 A guided tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte.
🏨 Find here the best hotels in Granada.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Granada and how to visit La Alhambra.
Day 8, 9 and 10: Barcelona, another of the places to visit in Spain in 15 days
Barcelona is marked by the works of Gaudí. Further away from the center, Parc Güell is one of the wonders conceived by this artist, combining nature with his rare and striking architectural designs. But if there is something extraordinary in the city made by Gaudí is the Sagrada Familia, the imposing church where nothing has to do with the traditional in its design.
📷 Book here the visit to the Sagrada Familia with ascent to a tower. It includes entrance without queues, a guide so you don’t miss anything and the ascent to one of the towers.
To close the first day, nothing better than going to Plaza España where the National Art Museum of Catalonia is located.
The second day can be devoted entirely to the center of Barcelona, starting with the other two works of Gaudí that must be seen: the Batlo house and La Pedrera. Continuing along the shopping street Paseeig de Gracia you reach Plaza Cataluña.
From Plaza Cataluña, Las Ramblas promenade starts with restaurants, shops and the renowned San José Market with different stalls selling meat, vegetables, sausages and juices.
Finally, you must visit the Gothic Quarter, the oldest quarter of Barcelona. Here you will find the Basilica de la Merced, the Cathedral of Barcelona, other churches and many small squares. The area also stands out for its nightlife, full of tourists of all nationalities.
The last day may begin with a visit to Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona. On the tour you will visit the museum with interactive displays, Maradona’s jersey and many Lionel Messi’s objects. You will then tour the locker rooms and the playing field.
📷 Book the Camp Nou Tour here.
But Barcelona is not conceivable without its beaches. In the afternoon is the time to go to the central beaches of La Barceloneta, lie in the sun on the sand and if you go in summer, enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean. There are also many beach bars to have a drink and relax watching the sunset.
If you have some time left, one of the things to do in Barcelona is to climb Montjuic, located on the west side of the city. This mountain became famous for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, hosting most of the stadiums. From the top of Montjuic you have very nice views of the port and the beach area.
🏨 Find here the best accommodation in Barcelona.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Barcelona in three days.
Day 11 and 12: Ibiza or Mallorca, a relaxing or party time
Touch the time of the islands and fun if you go looking for it. You can choose between Mallorca and the island of Ibiza.
Palma de Mallorca is the main city of the island and holds places like the Bellver Castle with its wonderful views, the Cathedral or the Royal Palace of the Almudaina. In addition, you also have to stroll around the port and taste the ensaimadas.
Leaving the capital, the island offers many surprises ranging from rural villages in the interior, mountains, cliffs, lighthouses and paradisiacal coves with turquoise water. You can even visit the small island of Cabrera and practice scuba diving.
The other option is Ibiza, synonymous with partying. But before going out, it’s time for a tour of the walled city of Dalt Vila and the neighborhood of La Marina, to learn about the history of the island. You can even cross to the island of Formentera and enjoy its beaches of fine sand and clear water.
Returning to Ibiza, there are many coves worth visiting. We recommend Cala Conta and Cala D’Hort with their beautiful sunsets.
At night it is the turn of the discotheques. Two of the most recognized and where international DJ’s play are Pacha and Amnesia. Fun is guaranteed here.
The best excursions in the Balearic Islands are enjoyed from the Mediterranean:
📷 Boat from Ibiza town to Formentera to discover this paradisiacal island.
📷 Cala Bassa and Cala Conta boat trip, two incredible landscapes.
🏨 Find here the best accommodation in Ibiza.
Day 13 and 14: San Sebastian, touring the Basque Country
San Sebastian is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Its landscapes really shine, starting with the wide beach of La Concha, the favorite postcard.
This wide sandy area is bounded by the Urgull and Igueldo mountains, which you can climb, enjoy the castle and amusement park and contemplate the views of the coast. At the foot of Mount Igueldo, you will find the famous work Peine del Viento, where the waves break strongly on the iron structure.
One of the places visible from La Concha beach is the beautiful island of Santa Clara, accessible by boat.
📷 Check here for a boat trip to Santa Clara Island
The first day can culminate with a tour of the bars in the center of the city to taste the pintxos, the delicacy of Basque gastronomy.
On the second day it is worthwhile to walk through the network of streets in the center. Among the main buildings are the basilica of Santa María del Coro, the church of San Vicente and the convent-museum of San Telmo.
After the walk, cross the Urumea River and visit the Zurriola Beach, the favorite beach of surfers. On this side of the river is the area of Gros, with a young atmosphere and many bars to continue with the pintxos route. On the way, you have to go around the Kursaal Elkargunea Center, a modern building where the San Sebastian Film Festival is held.
🏨 Check out our article on where to stay in San Sebastian with recommendations by area.
🔝 Check out this article on things to do in San Sebastian.
Day 15: 15-day tour of Spain, Bilbao
The last day of our 15-day tour of Spain is dedicated to the most populated city in the Basque Country, Bilbao. The Guggenheim Museum is one of the highlights of the city. With its modernist design, it houses contemporary works of art. On the outskirts of the museum, the figure of Puppy, a giant colorful flower dog, is a real eye-catcher.
📷 If you prefer to take a guided tour of the museum and get the most out of the exhibits, we recommend this guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum, which also includes admission..
The Nervión estuary, which runs through the center of Bilbao, went from being an old industrial area to a pleasant promenade with many modern buildings such as the Iberdrola Tower or the San Mamés stadium. Before the estuary flows into the sea is the beautiful Bizkaia Bridge, which connects Portugalete with Getxo.
📷 Get to know Bilbao and the Bizkaia Bridge, a World Heritage Site, from the Nervión estuary on this boat trip. Check the details and book your place.
Crossing the estuary by the Arenal bridge, you can access the old part of the city. Here you should visit the Arriaga Theater, the Plaza Nueva, the Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao and take a walk through the so-called Siete Calles (Seven Streets). And of course, don’t forget to go on a pincho route through the bars in the area!
🏨 Check out our article on where to stay in Bilbao with recommendations by area.
🔝 Check out this article about things to do in Bilbao.
Things to do in Spain in 20 days
If you have five extra days we recommend adding the following cities: Valencia (2 days), Coruña ( 2 days), Santiago de Compostela (1 day).
What you need for your trips to Europe
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