Spain how long to spend

A city this famous hardly needs an introduction. Barcelona is a must-see for any serious traveller. The streets of Barcelona were becoming so packed that it caused an uproar in the community as more and more people got priced out of their own city. Visit outside of the summer tourism high season if you can. Whether you have one day in Barcelona or week, try to fit in a few of these must-see attractions:.

The dramatic, ornate arches and fairytale spires of this Catholic basilica are unmatched anywhere on earth. Getting underneath to witness its glory from below is simply jaw-dropping. Work started well over a century ago in and continues unabated. An end is finally within sight within the next decade. The reality turned out far different. To some, the village-like park resembles a s-era acid-tip hallucination.

The description is not far off. Give yourself a break from it all with a walk through La Boqueria. This large marketplace in La Rambla has a long history as the breadbasket of Barcelona. La Boqueria dates back as far as the 13th century by some accounts. One of the toughest parts of your Spain travel planning experience will be sorting out where to stay in Barcelona.

Keep in mind many of the best hotels get booked up several months ahead. Book well in advance to get your pick of these top choices:. By air : Unlike destinations along the Barcelona-Madrid-Malaga high-speed train route, getting from Granada to Barcelona is best by air. If you purchase anything through these links, I'll receive a commission. It won't cost you anything extra, but it will help keep me trekkin' on and delivering more free and unsponsored!

Thanks :. Get a Quote at World Nomads. Hostal Central Palace Madrid is a budget-friendly hotel in central Madrid. It features spacious rooms with a classic European elegance. Guests will love everything at this full-featured property.

Find Madrid Hotel Deals. Zaida is far finer than its budget-friendly price point lets on. This hotel sits in a lovely Neo-Moorish palace that screams with traditional Andalusian style. Welldone Antiquarium is an excellent self-catering option. The comfortable apartment units are decked out with modern decor. Hotel Gravina 51 is a fantastic mid-range hotel occupying an 18th-century building.

The property is quick to dish out the Andalusian charms. Rooms are spacious and elegant, fusing classic southern Spanish designs with modern amenities. The location close to Plaza de Armas and the Maestranza Bullring is perfect for culture-lovers. This 4-star hotel delights with its crisp traditional designs and warmth unmatched in Seville. The show-shopping Seville Cathedral and Alcazar are within quick walking distance.

Find Seville Hotel Deals. Catalonia Granada is a mid-range hotel in the centre of Granada pushing out an ultra-modern vibe. The scales really tip in your favour, though, with the pool and rooftop sun terrace. Chill out to enjoy views of the city and the Sierra Nevada. Eurostars Catedral is the perfect Granada hotel if getting central is your main concern.

Set in the historic centre, the views from the rooms, especially the junior suites, are spectacular. This luxury hotel is among the best in Granada. The interior is a work of art unto its own, featuring ornate crown mouldings and ceiling frescoes.

Extras like a sauna, Turkish bath, indoor pool, and garden area add even more value. Find Granada Hotel Deals. This hotel features clean no-frills rooms that get the job done. Las Ramblas and the Old Port are just minutes away.

Hotel Casa Camper is sleek boutique hotel dropping in with large colourful rooms and a modern design. Most visitors to Spain opt to spend it in one or two of the country's more famous regions. There's good reason for this: Madrid embodies the sophisticated European capital with medieval roots; Barcelona is a culture unto itself, boasting historic Gothic neighborhoods like nowhere else on earth.

However, there are other equally unique areas, from Spanish Basque Country to the rugged coast of Galicia to the sunkissed beaches and Moorish palaces of Andalusia. Even with five nights to spend in the country you can enjoy the highlights of one region plus embark on day tours.

With a week or more, you could discover multiple regions while acquainting yourself with Spain's world-class food and wine. If the mood strikes, you can jet off to the Balearic Islands , spend time lazing on white-sand beaches, and sailing around Menorca and Mallorca. The sky is the limit.

When is the best time to visit Spain, you might ask? Learn all about it here. Travelers to Spain will likely arrive in Madrid or Barcelona. If arriving in the capital, base yourself in the historic center since the major sights are within minutes walking distance. The epicenter is Madrid de las Austrias , an area built in the 16th-century during the reign of Charles Ist.

After nights out in the city, spend a leisurely afternoon in El Retiro Park , a acre green lung that dates to the s. Besides the over 15, trees, there's a lake, a 4,flower rose garden, and the Palacio de Cristal , a glass conservatory built in Then continue this highlights tour by hopping train south to Andalusia and its capital, Seville. Tour its Gothic churches, Moorish palaces, and take in a flamenco show. After all, it's in Seville where flamenco dancing was invented.

Catalonia is also a great option if you have less than a week in Spain. Upon arrival in Barcelona, stretch your legs with a stroll down Las Ramblas , the main pedestrian thoroughfare. You can also opt for an off-the-beaten-path vacation that includes things like tapas tours and sailboat cruises. But you should also venture outside the city, perhaps to Montserrat , an 11th-century cliffside monastery.

Or visit the Costa Brava , home to stunning beaches and medieval villages. At night it comes alive in a spectacle of light and water and is the best free show in the city. If Tangier isn't on your bucket list, skip Tarifa and go to Ronda instead. This itinerary outlined above is designed for public transportation, but can be done all or partly by car. If you have less time, you could end this trip in Granada or Salamanca and fly out from Madrid. With the exception of the Basque Country, the north is less rewarding per mile and day.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Share. By Rick Steves So much to see, so little time. Shorter Itineraries If you have less time, you could end this trip in Granada or Salamanca and fly out from Madrid.