Spain is a heady mix of old and new. Centuries-old Moorish palaces and spectacular cathedrals that tower into the sky are found just steps away from striking street art and lively nightclubs. Every city, town, and village has its own character guaranteed to enchant and delight you.
There are so many incredible places to go that you’ll struggle to pack them all into a 14-day Spain itinerary. Whether you prefer Gaudi’s unique architecture scattered throughout the streets of Barcelona, the enigmatic flamenco clubs hidden away in Seville’s alleyways, or the golden sun-kissed beaches of the Costa del Sol, your 2 weeks in Spain will be some of the best weeks of your life!
Spain is surprisingly large, and because of this, its climate and landscape are dramatically diverse. Explore the northern border of the country, and you’ll be surrounded by lush green grass, verdant rolling hills, and intimidating mountains dusted with snow. Head to the southern coast, and you’ll discover purpose-built vacation resorts, blissful sandy beaches, and whitewashed fishing villages.
Putting your own travel itinerary together can be very tricky. There are so many must-see places in Spain that it can feel overwhelming simply to get started. To give you a helping hand, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a fun-filled travel guide that you can use to explore the best that Spain has to offer. We’ve also put together some tips to make sure your adventure gets off to a great start!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Two Weeks in Spain
Preparing for Spain
Unless you’re planning on spending more than 90 days in the country, you don’t need a visa to get into Spain. A passport that’s valid for at least three months after your departure date from Spain and was issued within the last 10 years is the only official document you need.
This is true for most countries, including the US, but not all of them. It’s always worth checking official sources to find out what paperwork you need to travel.
The euro is the currency in Spain. While you can exchange your money for euros before you travel, it’s a good idea to wait until you land before getting euros. Simply go to an ATM and withdraw the cash directly.
This way is almost always cheaper than using exchanges. If you don’t want to exchange money at all, you don’t have to. Practically everywhere, from tiny grocery stores to fine dining restaurants, accepts all major credit cards.
Things to Know Before You Go
Tipping culture in Spain is likely a lot different from what you’re used to. In Spain, locals mostly never leave a tip when paying for just drinks. It’s customary to tip when a meal and service have been particularly great, but 10% is the accepted amount. People who work in bars and restaurants receive a full wage, so you don’t have to worry that you’re under-tipping them.
Doing things in the middle of the day can be pretty tricky in Spain. With the exception of big tourist attractions, a lot of places close between 2 pm and 5 pm. This includes places like banks, pharmacies, and post offices. Sunday is also a tricky day because almost everything closes so everyone can spend time with their family.
Spain likes to party! If your visit coincides with a local fiesta (festival), it’s definitely worth checking out. There are nearly 900 festivals held each year throughout the country, so it’s almost certain there’ll be at least one going on close to you during your 2 weeks in Spain.
Getting Around Spain
There are airports dotted all over the country, but it’s a good idea to fly into Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona or Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in Madrid so you can start your trip in one of the best places in Spain.
Spain has an excellent public transport network made up of buses, trams, the metro, and trains. You can get around all the major cities exclusively on public transport. But if you’re staying somewhere a little less cosmopolitan, you’ll likely need to rent a car or get around using taxis.
Ridesharing is another option for getting around in Spain, although not all services are available in all cities. Uber, Cabify, Lyft, Ola, and Bolt are some of the most popular options.
If you ever get tired of walking around during your Spain itinerary, be on the lookout for a brightly colored scooter. The ones marked with Lime, Bird, Bolt, Lyft, Jump, Scoot, Razor, Spin, or Skip are available to rent. Simply scan the QR code on the scooter and follow the instructions. Within minutes you’ll be zooming along and packing more into your vacation!
Spain Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country
Madrid – 3 nights
First up on your 2-week trip to Spain is Madrid. The country’s capital city, Madrid is best known for its incredible art galleries that are home to some of the finest masterpieces in the world. The bustling metropolis also boasts stunning palaces, peaceful green spaces, and a drool-worthy gastronomic scene.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Madrid to start your vacation is to fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. This huge international airport has four terminals with connections across the world. When you land, you can easily reach your accommodation via train, metro, or bus. Taxis are also available, but they’re much more expensive than public transport.
Getting around
Getting around in Madrid is fast and cheap. You don’t need to worry about renting a car. A lot of the major attractions are within walking distance. If you want to save your energy, you can also use the local bus, tram, and metro service. These modes of transport go by all the major landmarks and things to do.
Rideshares, including Uber and Cabify, are available throughout Madrid. They’re just as quick as regular taxis but cheaper. You’ll also find electric scooters dotted around the city that you can rent for an eco-friendly travel option.
Things to do in Madrid
You’ll find some of the best places to visit in Spain within Madrid. We suggest starting off with the top museum in the Golden Triangle – the Museo del Prado. If you’re a big fan of art, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza are also worth checking out. El Retiro Park is an excellent place to wander when you need a break from the bustling city, whatever the weather.
Mercado de San Miguel
The Mercado de San Miguel is a must-visit. This busy food market gives you the chance to sample all kinds of local cuisine in one place. Don’t miss the chance to take an evening stroll along Gran Vía. The busiest street in Madrid, Gran Vía always has a dynamic atmosphere and is fantastic to see in person.
Parque Warner
If you feel like a break from the typical sightseeing, we suggest you spend a day at Parque Warner. This theme park is home to some of the most exciting rides in Europe. It also stays open in the evening if you don’t want to dedicate a whole day to it. Whatever you decide to do, a wine and tapas tour is always a wonderful way to end the Madrid chapter of your vacation!
Córdoba – 2 nights
Córdoba is an ancient city located within Andalucía that’s famous for its flamboyant palaces, historic ruins, and charming courtyards. Undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in Spain, Córdoba boasts many colorful festivals and also produces delicious wines you’ll want to fill your suitcase with.
Getting there
It doesn’t take long to get from Madrid to Córdoba. The easiest way is to hop on an AVE train. There are several trains running every day between these cities, and the direct journey lasts around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Getting around
Parking is a big problem in the center of Córdoba, so we don’t recommend renting a car. Instead, we suggest you move between attractions using a taxi or the public bus network. Most bus stops have clearly marked maps showing you where each route goes.
Another option is to buy a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus. You can buy a 1-day or 2-day ticket and get on and off the bus as often as you like. It goes by all the major attractions in Córdoba and even includes several walking tours and good tours.
Things to do in Córdoba
Mosque-Cathedral
Córdoba is home to some of the best places to see in Spain. When it comes to things to do in Córdoba, the Mosque-Cathedral is the first spot you should check out. This incredible building dates back to the 900s and is almost too beautiful to be real. Close by, you’ll find the Patio de los Naranjos, overflowing with beautiful fountains and orange trees.
Jewish Quarter
The UNESCO-protected Old Town of the city is definitely worth exploring. Here you’ll discover countless twisting alleyways that lead to all kinds of stunning hidden places. The Jewish Quarter is also a captivating spot to check out, filled with awe-inspiring architecture. Make sure you stop by the Roman Bridge and take some spectacular shots.
Roman Bridge
Granada – 2 nights
Granada is one of the top places to visit in Spain, boasting a wealth of rich culture, colorful history, and breathtaking architecture. In this mesmerizing city, Europe and North Africa collide, creating a spellbinding place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Here you’ll be spoiled for choice with museums, statues, and monuments just begging you to explore them.
Getting there
The best way to get from Córdoba to Granada is via the RENFE train. There are 10 trains each day connecting the cities, and the journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Direct buses are also available, and while they are cheap, they take a lot longer – around 3 hours.
Getting around
You can skip renting a car in Granada, too. You can explore a lot of the attractions on foot, but some of the landmarks you won’t want to miss are a little beyond walking distance. A bicycle is a cheap, eco-friendly, and healthy way of getting around. But because there are a fair few hills in Granada, you may want to seek out an alternative.
The hop-on, hop-off trains are an excellent way to get around. They stop at many of the major attractions (including the Alhambra) and are very affordable.
Things to do in Granada
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is one of the best Spain attractions, making it a must-visit during your trip. This astonishing fortress dates back to the 9th century and is full of spectacular rooms and courtyards. While you’re there, it’s worth checking out the nearby Generalife gardens, too.
Generalife Gardens
Granada is home to some incredible hammams (Arabian baths). They’re the perfect place to soak and relax while preparing for the rest of your adventure. If you’re fascinated by science, we also recommend you visit the Science Park of Granada. It’s brimming with interactive exhibits that invite you to get hands-on while learning.
Science Park of Granada
This city is an excellent place to see a flamenco show. There are many tablaos (flamenco clubs) throughout the city, but this one is conveniently located in the very center.
Valencia – 2 nights
Now it’s time for a little rest and relaxation while exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Spain at the same time. Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, is located on the coast and feels more modern and innovative than many other places in the country. Here you’ll find miles upon miles of golden sand just steps away from progressive galleries and museums.
Getting there
Getting from Granada to Valencia can be a little tricky. The fastest way is to rent a car in Granada and drop it off in Valencia. It takes around 5 hours to make the drive. If you’re going to do this, we suggest you stop off for lunch and a break in Murcia.
The longer but more comfortable way to get to Valencia is to ride the ALSA bus. Although this journey takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, buses leave just before midnight. This means you can sleep on the bus and start your adventure in Valencia as soon as you arrive!
Getting around
Valencia has an excellent public transport network that makes working your way around the best things to do in Spain easy. We suggest you grab a Valencia Tourist Card for 48 hours and use that to get around. It gives you unlimited travel on the city and metropolitan bus lines, the train, the metro, and commuter trains for two days.
One of the best things about the travel card is that it also gets you free admission into some of the best things to see and do in Valencia, as well as big discounts at major attractions, stores, and tapas bars.
Things to do in Valencia
City of the Arts and Sciences
Start the Valencia leg of your journey with a visit to the City of the Arts and Sciences. Not only is this building stunning, but it’s also home to loads of cool attractions. From a modern aquarium, digital 3D cinema, and science museum to a performance theater, Mediterranean garden, and an exhibition hall, there’s enough to keep you entertained here for two full days.
If you’re feeling a little weary, hit the beach. Valencia is home to several gorgeous golden beaches lined with tempting seafood restaurants and cool beach bars. For something a little more central, check out Jardín del Turia. This dazzling green space is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic, have a relaxed wander, or even doze in the sunshine.
Barcelona – 3 nights
The best 2-week Spain itinerary has got to feature Barcelona, and this one is certainly no exception. Home to some of Gaudi’s most remarkable masterpieces, excellent rooftop bars, stylish green spaces, and thought-provoking art galleries, Barcelona will turn even the most ambivalent traveler into a culture lover.
Getting there
The simplest way to get from Valencia to Barcelona is to hop on a RENFE train. The journey takes between 2 hours and 30 minutes or 4 hours, depending on the route. Buses also leave Valencia for Barcelona every few hours. Bus tickets are typically cheaper than train tickets, and the journey is only 4 hours 30 minutes, making it a great option if you’re trying to keep your spending down.
Getting around
Like all of Spain’s biggest cities, Barcelona has an excellent public transport network. A lot of the best attractions are easily accessible on foot. But if you want to save your energy, you can zip around the city on the metro, tram, and via bus.
Taxis are also in abundance throughout Barcelona, although they can be expensive. Instead, we suggest using Bolt, Cabify, or Uber. The electric scooters you’ll find dotted all over the city are also a fun and affordable way to get around.
Things to do in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
You’ve got to check out at least one of Gaudi’s works of art while you’re here. The Sagrada Familia and Park Guell should be at the very top of your list. If you’ve got time, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are also worth visiting.
Park Guell
La Rambla is an excellent place to wander and get a feel for the real Barcelona. It’s teeming with loads of street performers, cafes, and boutiques. For hands-on fun, spend the day at the CosmoCaixa science museum. Then when you need a bit of a break, head to Parc de la Ciutadella and chill out in an open-air cafe.
For a break from all the typical sightseeing, spend a day at PortAventura or Tibidabo Amusement Park. With loads of high-speed rides and a water park that’s open throughout the summer, PortAventura is a great place for adults with older kids. Tibidabo has more of a retro vibe and is fantastic for nostalgia.
Zaragoza – 2 nights
Your adventure comes to an end in one of the best places to go in Spain – Zaragoza. One of the country’s lesser-known cities, Zaragoza is a real hidden gem with a totally different vibe than the bustling, big metropolises. This small, friendly city is home to mostly locals and is compact enough that you can see pretty much everything it has to offer within just two days.
Getting there
Your last journey between Barcelona and Zaragoza is a relatively short one. There are direct AVE trains running between the cities from early in the morning until late at night. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Prices are also really affordable, with a single ticket usually costing less than €15.
Getting around
Thanks to its compactness, you can get around a lot of Zaragoza on foot. If you’ve had enough of walking over the last 2 weeks (we don’t blame you!), there are other ways to get around the city, too.
The local bus service is fantastic, with clearly marked routes that stop by all the major attractions and towns. No rideshare companies operate in the area, but there are plenty of taxis you can hail or call.
Things to do in Zaragoza
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Whether or not you’re religious, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is an impressive building to see. Combine two activities in one and admire the structure while enjoying a boat ride along the Ebro River.
The Educational Museum of Origami is a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in art. It’s mind-blowing the creations that can be made with a single piece of paper! For more well-known art, spend some time at the Museo Goya fine arts gallery.
Zaragoza is home to a number of Roman ruins which are also worth checking out. The Teatro Romano de Zaragoza and Museo del Foro de Caesaraugusta are some of the best. Here you can see ancient architecture that dates back to the first century. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your perfect 2 weeks in Spain!
There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Spain itinerary. Where will you be visiting on your trip to Spain?
Planning a trip to Spain? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!
SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST
