Part of our Spain guide.
This page gathers six itineraries and guides from our Spain coverage. Whether you have a single day or a full week, the specifics below will get you straight to the sights, routes, and practical details.
Related travel guides: Top 25 Best Cities to Visit in Spain and Surprising Methods To Order A Beer In Spain.
How To Do A Day Trip To Spain
If you have only one day, base yourself in a city with a major airport or high-speed rail hub. From Madrid, a day trip to Toledo takes about 30 minutes by AVE train; from Barcelona, a day in Girona is roughly 40 minutes by train. Start early, pick one destination, and focus on its historic core. In Toledo, walk the medieval streets, visit the Primate Cathedral, and see El Greco’s works. In Girona, explore the Jewish Quarter and walk the city walls. Return to your base in the evening. This approach works for any region: choose a single town or landmark, use public transport, and skip the padding.
How To Spend A Weekend In León, Spain: Things To Do And See
León, in northwest Spain, is a weekend destination built around its well-preserved medieval architecture. Arrive by train from Madrid (about 2 hours 20 minutes on the AVE). Day one: visit the Gothic León Cathedral with its 1,800 square metres of stained glass, then the Basilica of San Isidoro, home to the Royal Pantheon. Walk the old town’s Plaza Mayor. Day two: explore the Casa Botines, a Gaudí-designed building now housing a museum, and the MUSAC contemporary art museum. Sample the local cocido leonés stew and cecina cured beef. The city’s compact centre makes everything walkable.
Reasons To Visit The Murcia Region Of Spain + One Week Itinerary & Guide
Murcia, in southeastern Spain, offers a week’s worth of coastline and inland heritage. Start in the capital city, Murcia, with its Cathedral of Santa María and the Salzillo Museum. Day two: drive or take a bus to the Costa Cálida beaches—La Manga del Mar Menor is a 45-minute drive. Day three: visit the Roman Theatre of Cartagena, a 1st-century BC structure rediscovered in 1988. Day four: explore the Caravaca de la Cruz, a holy town with a castle and the True Cross relic. Day five: hike in the Sierra Espuña Regional Park. Day six: tour the vineyards of Jumilla, known for Monastrell wines. Day seven: relax in the historic spa town of Archena. The region’s hidden gems in Spain include the salt flats of San Pedro del Pinatar, where flamingos gather.
How To Spend A Weekend In Oviedo, Spain: Things To Do
Oviedo, capital of Asturias, sits among green mountains in northern Spain. Fly into Asturias Airport (40 minutes by bus) or take the train from Madrid (about 4 hours). Day one: walk the old town, see the Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador, and visit the pre-Romanesque churches of San Miguel de Lillo and Santa María del Naranco—UNESCO World Heritage sites on Monte Naranco. Day two: explore the Archaeological Museum and the Campo de San Francisco park. Eat fabada asturiana (bean stew) and drink local cider poured from a height. The city is small enough to cover on foot in a weekend.
The 5 Best Day Trips From Benidorm
Benidorm, on the Costa Blanca, is a base for five distinct day trips. 1. Guadalest: a mountain village 25 km inland with a 14th-century castle and reservoir views. 2. Altea: a whitewashed coastal town 12 km north, known for its blue-domed church and art galleries. 3. Alicante city: 45 km south, home to the Santa Bárbara Castle and Explanada de España promenade. 4. Terra Mítica: a theme park in Benidorm itself, with rides and shows based on ancient Mediterranean cultures. 5. The Algar Waterfalls: natural pools and cascades in Callosa d’en Sarrià, 20 km northwest. Each trip takes under an hour by car or bus.
How To Spend A Weekend In Valladolid, Spain: Things To Do
Valladolid, in the heart of Spain, was the capital under King Philip II. Arrive by AVE train from Madrid (under 1 hour). Day one: visit the National Museum of Sculpture, housed in the Colegio de San Gregorio, and the Valladolid Cathedral. See the Church of San Pablo with its intricate façade. Day two: tour the Royal Palace (where Philip II was born) and the Casa de Cervantes, where Miguel de Cervantes lived. Walk the Campo Grande park. Try lechazo (roast suckling lamb) and local Ribera del Duero wines. The city’s historic centre is compact and walkable.
