Eight to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Spain travelers interested in visiting both Barcelona and Valencia, especially when also including Madrid. For travelers wanting to visit Barcelona and Valencia exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four or five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Barcelona and Valencia, and beyond.

How many days do you need in Barcelona & Valencia?

  • Most travelers spend 6-8 days in Barcelona and Valencia combined
  • Visiting Barcelona and Valencia in 4 or 5 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Madrid, Costa Brava, and Seville

How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona
How Many Days to Spend in Valencia

Recommended Itineraries for Barcelona & Valencia

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

Sunset over Barcelona's Arc de Triomf
Sunset over Barcelona's Arc de Triomf
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Barcelona, Private Extended Sagrada Família Visit Barcelona
Day 2 Self-Guided Beach Day, Sailing Excursion & Winery Tour Barcelona
Day 3 Ancient Bath Experience, Evening Tapas Walk Barcelona
Day 4 Self-Guided Gothic Quarter Walk, Train to Valencia Valencia
Day 5 Old Town Walk & Tapas Experience, Caves of San José Day Trip Valencia
Day 6 Train to Barcelona, Depart  


Feel the vibrant energy of Barcelona and the rich culture of Valencia with this six-day tour of eastern Spain. Enjoy a private encounter with the iconic Sagrada Família and indulge in Catalan tapas. Treat yourself to a spa day and sail toward family-run wineries where the famous sparkling cava is produced. Eat your way across Valencia, the home of paella, then float along an underground river system. This short but immersive trip blends gastronomy, relaxation, adventure, and architectural wonders. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

8-Day Itinerary Including Madrid

Aerial View of Madrid Cathedral
Aerial View of Madrid Cathedral
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

9-Day Itinerary Including Alicante

Spain, Barcelona - Sunrise over Barcelona's beautiful skyline
Sunrise over Barcelona's beautiful skyline
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Barcelona, Explore Barcelona
Day 2 Private Barcelona Gaudí Tour Barcelona
Day 3 Catalan Taste & History, Explore the Gothic Quarter Barcelona
Day 4 Train to Valencia, Private Old Town City Tour Valencia
Day 5 Free Day in Valencia Valencia
Day 6 Train to Alicante & Private City Tour Alicante
Day 7 Taste the Best of Alicante with a Cooking Class Alicante
Day 8 Free Day on Alicante's Coast Alicante
Day 9 Depart Alicante  


With a combination of private, small-group, and self-guided excursions, this lively nine-day itinerary explores the culture and cuisine of Spain's eastern coast. Start in Barcelona and tour Gaudí landmarks and sample Catalonia's best tapas in the medieval Gothic Quarter. Continue south to discover Valencia's historic character while savoring the city's famous paella. End your journey in the port city of Alicante, where you'll learn to cook the regional cuisine, relax on golden beaches, and discover the Costa Blanca coastline. Read more

How to travel between Barcelona & Valencia

The distance between Barcelona and Valencia is 220 miles (354 km). The easiest way to make the trip is by plane, a direct flight that takes less than one hour. Read more

Map

Map of Barcelona & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Barcelona & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas