How many days do you need in Barcelona, Madrid & Costa Brava?
- Most travelers spend 9-11 days in Barcelona, Madrid, and Costa Brava combined
- Visiting Barcelona, Madrid, and Costa Brava in 6 to 8 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Seville, Valencia, and Mallorca
How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona
How Many Days to Spend in Madrid
How Many Days to Spend in the Costa Brava
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Barcelona, Madrid & Costa Brava
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Madrid, Flamenco & Tapas Night | Madrid |
Day 2 | Private Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour, Explore Madrid's Local Markets | Madrid |
Day 3 | Self-Guided Walking Tour, Jamón Ibérico Workshop | Madrid |
Day 4 | Train to Barcelona, Dark History Night Walk | Barcelona |
Day 5 | Local Market Visit & Cooking Class, Private Gaudí Architecture Walk | Barcelona |
Day 6 | Self-Guided Gothic Quarter Walk, Ancient Bath Experience | Barcelona |
Day 7 | Drive to the Costa Brava, Self-Guided Begur Walk | Costa Brava |
Day 8 | Tossa de Mar Active Adventure | Costa Brava |
Day 9 | Day Trip to Cadaqués, Figueres & Palafrugell | Costa Brava |
Day 10 | Drive to Barcelona, Depart |
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and flavors of Spain with this exciting 10-day journey. Start by savoring tapas and flamenco in the elegant capital of Madrid before taking a high-speed train to Barcelona to experience Gaudí's architectural wonders and get lost in the Gothic Quarter. Then rent a car and journey north to the Costa Brava, where lesser-known coastal villages—and fun adventures in the Mediterranean Sea—await your discovery. Read more
How to travel between Barcelona, Madrid & Costa Brava
How to get from Madrid to Barcelona
Madrid and Barcelona are 386 miles (620 km) apart, and the quickest way to make the trip is by plane, which will take just over an hour. There are other options to consider, including by train, car, and bus, depending on your preference. Read more
How to get to the Costa Brava
Costa Brava is Spain's stretch of coastline that starts north of Barcelona and ends on the border with France. It’s known for impeccable scenery and picturesque coastal villages, as well as wild, rocky cliffsides. Traveling to Costa Brava is best started in Barcelona, which makes for an excellent base for enjoying the rest of the area or connecting to other cities. Read more