How many days do you need in Barcelona, Madrid & Valencia?
- Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia combined
- Visiting Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia in 6 or 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Seville, Costa Brava, and Vilafranca del Penedès
How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona
How Many Days to Spend in Madrid
How Many Days to Spend in Valencia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Barcelona, Madrid & Valencia
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Madrid, Evening Tapas Tour | Madrid |
Day 2 | Tour the Prado Museum & World's Oldest Restaurant Lunch | Madrid |
Day 3 | Free Day in Madrid or Optional Day Trip | Madrid |
Day 4 | Drive to Valencia, Walking Tour & Paella Tasting | Valencia |
Day 5 | Train to Barcelona, Sailing Excursion | Barcelona |
Day 6 | Barcelona Food Tour | Barcelona |
Day 7 | Free Day in Barcelona or Optional Day Trip | Barcelona |
Day 8 | Depart Barcelona |
This eight-day tour takes you through the historic districts of Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, starting with a tapas tour and a visit to the famous El Prado Museum in Spain's capital. Enjoy a day trip to a medieval city near Madrid before driving to the coast and eating paella in Valencia. End the trip in Barcelona by sailing its coastline and exploring its culinary scene. Read more
How to travel between Barcelona, Madrid & Valencia
How to get from Madrid to Valencia
The distance between Madrid and Valencia is 222 miles (357 km). The quickest mode of transportation to get from one city to the other is by plane, a quick one-hour flight. You can also take a two-hour train ride or a leisurely 3.5-hour drive (with a rental car or private transfer), depending on your preference. The bus is the longest option available and offers a four-hour route. Read more
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