Spain has one of the world's most extensive high-speed rail networks, linking Madrid with Seville, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and the north in a few hours. For villages, coasts and natural parks a hire car is better. See getting around Spain.
A week in Andalusia
- Seville, two days: the cathedral, Alcázar, Santa Cruz, Plaza de España and flamenco.
- Córdoba, one day: the Mezquita and the Jewish quarter.
- Granada, two days: the Alhambra, to be booked, the Albaicín and Sacromonte.
- Ronda and the white villages, one day.
- Málaga or Cádiz, one day, by the sea.
See also cities of Andalusia.
Madrid and the art cities of Castile
Three days in Madrid, with the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen, then day trips or stops in Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca, Cuenca and Alcalá de Henares, all under an hour and a half by train.
Barcelona and Catalonia
Three days in Barcelona, then Girona and the Costa Brava, with Tossa de Mar, Calella de Palafrugell and Cadaqués, the Dalí triangle with Figueres, Montserrat monastery and Tarragona. See Catalonia.
The green north, by car
From Bilbao to San Sebastián, then along the coast to Santander, Santillana del Mar and the Picos de Europa, Oviedo and Asturias, on to Galicia with A Coruña, Santiago and the Rías Baixas of Vigo. Ten days, ideal in summer.
The wine route
From Logroño and Calle Laurel to Haro, Laguardia, Elciego and the San Millán monasteries, with a detour to Burgos or the Ribera del Duero near Valladolid. See Spanish wine.
Two weeks: the grand tour
Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona by high-speed train: a classic route through the main art cities, with a few days by the Mediterranean.
Themed routes
- The Way of St James, on foot or by bike.
- UNESCO heritage: see UNESCO sites.
- Nature: see national parks.
- Islands: see Spain's islands.
- The sea: see the finest beaches.
See also when to go.