Spain is a land of passion, flavors, and a sprinkle of chaos that somehow adds to its charm. If you have two weeks to spare, buckle up for an adventure that takes you from the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol. This itinerary is designed to capture the essence of Spain in a way that makes you feel like a local while also allowing you to chomp down on tapas like a true Spaniard. Let’s dive into your two-week travel plan.
Your travel plan overview
Get ready for a whirlwind of culture, food, and a few siestas. This itinerary will have you spending time in:
- Madrid - 4 days
- Toledo - 1 day trip
- Seville - 3 days
- Cordoba - 1 day trip
- Granada - 2 days
- Malaga - 2 days
- Costa del Sol - 3 days
Each destination offers a unique slice of Spanish life, with local festivals, mouthwatering dishes, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching, which is basically a sport in Spain.
Madrid - Days 1 to 4
Start your journey in Madrid, the vibrant heart of Spain. Your first day should be a slow introduction. Arrive, check into your hotel, and go for a stroll around the Plaza Mayor. Grab a snack—maybe a bocadillo de calamares (fried squid sandwich). Then kick off your next few days with a mix of art, history, and food.
- Day 2: Visit the Prado Museum in the morning. Take your time with Velázquez and Goya. In the afternoon, wander through Retiro Park, and maybe even rent a rowboat. Dinner should be at the San Miguel Market—just follow your nose.
- Day 3: Day trip to Toledo (30 minutes by train). Explore its medieval streets, visit the stunning cathedral, and indulge in marzipan. Return to Madrid for a late-night flamenco show—because who doesn’t love a bit of passionate foot stomping?
- Day 4: Spend your last day shopping in Gran Vía and visiting the Royal Palace. Don’t forget to try churros con chocolate at San Ginés before you leave.
Seville - Days 5 to 7
Next, hop on a train to Seville (2.5 hours). This city is famous for its flamenco, tapas, and, yes, the heat. Plan to spend three days here to soak it all in.
- Day 5: Arrive and explore the historic Santa Cruz neighborhood. Visit the Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower for breathtaking views. Dinner should be at a local tapas bar—try patatas bravas and jamón ibérico.
- Day 6: Visit the Alcázar of Seville in the morning. Trust me, it's worth the hype. Spend your afternoon wandering through Plaza de España. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance.
- Day 7: Take a day trip to Cordoba (45 minutes by train). Visit the Mezquita and stroll through the beautiful streets of the Jewish Quarter before returning to Seville for a late dinner.
Granada - Days 8 to 9
Travel to Granada (3 hours by train). This city is all about the Alhambra. You’ll need two days to fully embrace its rich history and stunning architecture.
- Day 8: Arrive and check into your hotel. Visit the Alhambra in the late afternoon. Book tickets in advance; you don’t want to miss this gem. Enjoy a sunset view of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- Day 9: Explore the Albaicín neighborhood and its winding streets. Have lunch at a local café with views of the Alhambra, then visit the Generalife Gardens. Grab some tinto de verano to cool off.
Malaga - Days 10 to 11
From Granada, make your way to Malaga (1.5 hours by train). This coastal city offers a mix of beaches and culture.
- Day 10: Arrive and hit the beach. Spend your afternoon exploring the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba. Dinner at a beachside chiringuito (beach bar) is a must.
- Day 11: Take a day trip to Ronda (1.5 hours by bus). Visit the stunning Puente Nuevo bridge and enjoy some local wine before heading back to Malaga for a relaxed evening.
Costa del Sol - Days 12 to 14
Your final destination is the Costa del Sol. Spend the last three days soaking up the sun and unwinding.
- Day 12: Arrive in a beach town like Nerja. Explore the cliffs and nearby caves. Dinner with a view of the Mediterranean is a perfect way to end the day.
- Day 13: Rent a car or take public transport to visit Marbella. Stroll through the old town, hit the beach, and indulge in some shopping.
- Day 14: Spend your last day lounging on the beach or enjoying water sports. Grab a final plate of paella before you leave—trust me, you’ll dream about it.
Spain will embrace you with open arms and a plate of delicious food. This itinerary allows you to experience the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. Just remember to embrace the chaos, take lots of pictures, and maybe even practice your best flamenco moves. Your two weeks in Spain will fly by, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime—just like that last piece of churro you can’t stop thinking about. ¡Hasta luego!
