7 Days in Spain Itinerary
Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia: Gaudi to the Alhambra with high-speed trains
Seven days in Spain takes you on an epic journey from Catalan modernisme to Moorish palaces, with the vibrant capital in between. Start in Barcelona with Gaudis masterpieces and Mediterranean beaches, train to Madrid for world-class museums and tapas culture, then south to Andalusia for flamenco, white villages, and the extraordinary Alhambra. High-speed AVE trains make this ambitious route comfortable and scenic, with Spanish landscapes rolling past your window.
Route Overview
This Spain itinerary covers 3 distinct regions via high-speed train:
- Days 1-2: Barcelona - Gaudi architecture, Gothic Quarter, Mediterranean coast
- Days 3-4: Madrid - Prado Museum, Royal Palace, tapas bars
- Days 5-7: Granada & Seville - Alhambra, flamenco, Moorish heritage
- AVE Barcelona-Madrid - 2.5 hours, from 30 GBP advance
- AVE Madrid-Granada - 3.5 hours, from 35 GBP advance
- Bus Granada-Seville - 3 hours, from 20 GBP (or fly out from Granada)
Book AVE Trains Early
Renfe releases tickets 60 days ahead. Advance fares are 50-70% cheaper than walk-up. First class (Preferente) is worth it for longer journeys.
Day 1: Arrive Barcelona
Day 1: Gothic Quarter & Mediterranean Welcome
Airport to City Centre
Aerobus runs every 5 minutes to Placa Catalunya. The metro is cheaper but involves stairs with luggage. Taxis have fixed airport rates.
Gothic Quarter Wander
Drop bags and explore the medieval heart of Barcelona. The Cathedral cloister has 13 geese. Roman walls emerge between medieval buildings. Get lost in the narrow streets.
La Boqueria Market
Barcelonas famous food market on La Rambla. Fresh fruit smoothies, ham, chocolates, and endless colour. Arrive before 5pm when stalls close.
El Born Dinner
Walk to trendy El Born neighbourhood for dinner. Cal Pep for seafood tapas at the counter or Bo de B for legendary sandwiches. The Picasso Museum is nearby for tomorrow.
Day 2: Gaudi Barcelona
Day 2: Sagrada Familia, Park Guell & Modernisme
Sagrada Familia
Book morning tickets months ahead. Gaudis masterpiece has been under construction since 1882. The interior light through stained glass is transcendent. Tower access shows the city.
Eixample Architecture Walk
Walk Passeig de Gracia past Casa Batllo and La Pedrera. Even from outside, the buildings amaze. The Block of Discord has three rival modernista architects.
Gracia Neighbourhood
Head uphill to bohemian Gracia. Local atmosphere, less tourist crowds. Cerveceria Catalana does excellent tapas. Cheaper options around Plaza del Sol.
Park Guell
Book timed entry in advance. The mosaic terrace and gingerbread houses feel like a fairytale. Views over Barcelona to the sea. The free zone outside has good paths.
Beach & Seafood
Take the metro to Barceloneta. Walk the beach as sun sets. Fresh seafood dinner at La Mar Salada or paella at Can Paixano.
Book Gaudi Sites Now
Sagrada Familia and Park Guell sell out weeks ahead for preferred times. Book as soon as you confirm travel dates.
Day 3: Barcelona to Madrid
Day 3: AVE Train & Spanish Capital
AVE to Madrid
High-speed trains from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha run every 30 minutes. The journey crosses dramatic Spanish landscapes. Preferente class includes meals.
Arrive Atocha & Hotel
Madrid Atocha station has a tropical garden inside the old terminal - worth seeing. Drop bags at hotel in central Madrid.
Plaza Mayor & Centro
Walk through Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor. The grand square has been Madrids heart for 400 years. Wander through to San Miguel Market for gourmet bites.
San Miguel Market
This gourmet food hall has excellent Spanish cuisine in small portions. Try jamon, croquetas, tortilla, and wines by the glass.
Royal Palace
Europes largest royal palace with 3000 rooms. The State Rooms are spectacular. Armory collection fascinating for children.
La Latina Tapas
The traditional tapas neighbourhood comes alive at night. Juana la Loca serves gourmet pintxos. Bar crawl style - one drink and tapa per bar, then move on.
Day 4: Madrid Full Day
Day 4: Prado, Retiro & Tapas Culture
Prado Museum
One of the worlds great art museums. Velazquez Las Meninas, Goyas dark paintings, Bosch Garden of Earthly Delights. Focus on highlights - the collection is vast.
Retiro Park
Madrids central park is gorgeous. Rent rowboats on the lake, see the Crystal Palace, watch puppet shows on weekends. Perfect for children to run after museum focus.
Retiro Area
Estado Puro near the park does modern tapas. For traditional, find a bar in Barrio de las Letras nearby.
Reina Sofia or Bernabeu
Art lovers: Reina Sofia has Picassos Guernica and modern Spanish art. Football fans: Real Madrids stadium tour includes trophy room and pitch.
Gran Via & Shopping
Madrids Broadway has theatres, shops, and Art Deco architecture. El Corte Ingles department store has everything including excellent food hall.
Traditional Madrid Dinner
Sobrino de Botin is the worlds oldest restaurant (1725) - roast lamb in medieval cellars. Book ahead. Casa Lucio famous for huevos rotos (broken eggs).
Madrid Dining Hours
Spanish dinner starts 9pm or later. With children, book 8pm reservations or find international restaurants with earlier service.
Day 5: Madrid to Granada
Day 5: AVE to Andalusia & Albaicin
AVE to Granada
The train crosses La Mancha (Don Quixotes country) and olive groves. Granada station is 3km from centre - taxi or bus to hotel.
Hotel & Orientation
Drop bags and orient yourself. Granada is hilly with distinct neighbourhoods. The Alhambra dominates the skyline.
Granada Tapas Culture
Granada has Spains best tapas tradition - free tapa with every drink. Bar Los Diamantes or Bodegas Castaneda. Order drinks and food appears.
Albaicin Walking
The old Moorish quarter climbs the hill opposite the Alhambra. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, hidden carmenes (gardens). UNESCO World Heritage area.
Mirador San Nicolas
The famous viewpoint faces the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada mountains behind. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for best spots. Street musicians add atmosphere.
Albaicin Dinner
Stay in the Albaicin for dinner. El Huerto de Juan Ranas has terrace views. Walk down through the evening atmosphere after.
Day 6: Alhambra & Granada
Day 6: Moorish Masterpiece
Alhambra Palace
Book 2-3 months ahead - tickets sell out completely. Your Nasrid Palace entry is timed. Arrive early to see Alcazaba fortress and Generalife gardens before your slot.
Nasrid Palaces
The heart of the Alhambra. Intricate Islamic geometry, poetry inscribed in stucco, the Court of Lions. Photography allowed but no flash. This is Spains most extraordinary interior.
Generalife Gardens
The summer palace has fountains, pools, and stunning views over the city. Cooler than the main complex. The cypress hedge labyrinth delights children.
Carmen de la Victoria
University restaurant with Alhambra views. Or descend to town for tapas bars near Plaza Nueva.
Cathedral & Royal Chapel
The massive Renaissance cathedral houses the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella, the monarchs who completed the Reconquista. The Royal Chapel is where they rest.
Tea Houses in Albaicin
Calle Calderia Nueva is lined with Moroccan tea houses. Mint tea, honeyed pastries, and cushioned seating. The Moorish influence lives on.
Flamenco Show
Granada is flamencos heartland. Cave venues in Sacromonte are most authentic. Zambra Maria la Canastera or Cuevas Los Tarantos. Book ahead.
Alhambra Tickets Critical
Tickets release 3 months ahead and sell out completely for peak season. Book as soon as they release at alhambra-patronato.es. Third-party sites charge premiums.
Day 7: Granada to Seville & Departure
Day 7: White Villages & Seville Cathedral
Bus to Seville via Ronda
If time allows, break the journey in Ronda - one of Spains most dramatic white villages perched above a gorge. The bridge views are spectacular.
Direct Bus to Seville
Direct ALSA buses run frequently. Arrive Seville with afternoon to explore.
Seville Arrival
Drop bags at hotel or left luggage. Sevilles historic centre is compact and walkable.
Seville Cathedral & Giralda
The worlds largest Gothic cathedral. Columbus is buried here. Climb the Giralda tower via ramps (horses once climbed) for rooftop views.
Real Alcazar or Plaza de Espana
If flying out tomorrow, save Alcazar for Day 8. Plaza de Espana is free and features in Star Wars - the ceramic benches represent each Spanish province.
Farewell Spain Dinner
Barrio Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter with atmospheric restaurants. El Rinconcillo is Sevilles oldest bar (1670). End your Spain journey with local wine and jamon iberico.
Create your personalised Spain packing list with our free tool.
Build My Packing ListGetting Around Spain
- AVE trains - High-speed network connects major cities. Book at renfe.com 60 days ahead for best prices.
- ALSA buses - Extensive and cheaper than trains. Good for routes trains dont serve (Granada-Seville direct).
- Metro - Barcelona and Madrid have excellent metro systems. Day passes available.
- Walking - All three cities have compact historic centres best explored on foot.
- Taxis - Metered and honest. Uber/Cabify operate in major cities.
Renfe Booking Tip
Create a Renfe account before booking. The website can be frustrating. Trainline.com is easier but adds fees. Tickets are mobile - screenshot confirmation.
7-Day Spain Budget
Estimated costs for a family of four:
- Accommodation - 900-1800 GBP (130-260 per night across 7 nights)
- Train/bus travel - 300-450 GBP (AVE trains Barcelona-Madrid-Granada, bus to Seville)
- Attractions - 200-300 GBP (Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Prado, Alhambra, Seville Cathedral)
- Food - 500-800 GBP (Granada free tapas tradition helps)
- Flamenco & extras - 100-150 GBP
- Total - 2000-3500 GBP depending on choices
Spain Money Savers
Granadas free tapas culture is genuine - drinks cost 2-3 GBP and include food. Many museums free Sunday afternoons. Book trains 60 days ahead for 50% savings.
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