Spain Travel Insights

The best boutique hotels in San Sebastián (photo courtesy of Lasala Plaza Hotel)

The 13 Best Boutique Hotels in San Sebastián

San Sebastián's boutique hotel scene matches its foodie, with some of the best options offering hip downtown locations, delicious Michelin-starred restaurants, unique settings like restored 19th-century villas, and rooftop terraces with outdoor pools. As a bonus, as a laid-back city, some of San Sebastián's best hotels fall into the more affordable mid-range and standard categories. After visiting this Basque hub and searching for the top accommodations, kimkim staff recommends these 13 options.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Seville

By staying in boutique lodgings, you'll get a more personalized stay while enjoying amenities like on-site eateries, outdoor pools, and rooftop terraces. Some of the best boutique hotels in Seville offer all the perks right in the city center, so you can stay within walking distance of all the main sites.

Stay in Pestana Plaza Mayor for a stay right on Plaza Mayor

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Madrid

Choosing a boutique hotel is an excellent way to experience hints of Madrid's glamorous past. Many of these properties channel the city's history, offer that personal feel, and provide amenities like trendy cocktail bars, cozy fireside lounges, and stylish eateries, plus excellent locations in the city center.

Lush valleys and volcanic mountains on the largest Canary Island of Tenerife.

Wild Canary Island Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 9 Days

Explore the natural wonders of the Canary Islands on this 9-day itinerary that celebrates the beauty of Spain's remote Atlantic paradise. Your adventure begins in Tenerife, where volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and ancient woodlands beckon. Continue to the neighboring island of La Gomera to explore its Indigenous culture, see diverse marine life, and discover rare, subtropical rainforests. Return to the mainland to spend a final night in the lively capital of Madrid.

The 8 Best Boutique Hotels in Barcelona

Barcelona's hotels are as varied as the city's many attractions, whether you see it as the city of Gaudí and Picasso or a foodie haven. Choose a place to stay that reflects your favorite aspect of the city's scene with one of our top picks for the best boutique hotels in Barcelona, whether in hip El Born or the grandiose Eixample neighborhoods.

View from the Valencian town of Peniscola

Family-Friendly Spain: Barcelona & Valencia - 6 Days

There's fun for the whole family on this relaxed six-day tour of eastern Spain. Starting in Barcelona, you'll ascend Mount Montjuïc via cable cars, take a sunset sail around the harbor, and wander the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. After a day trip exploring the wonders of surrounding Catalonia, head down the coast to finish your trip in Valencia, where all ages can marvel at underwater wonders in Europe's largest aquarium and sample the city's signature dish of paella.

Stay in a lighthouse at the 'end of the world'

6 Unique Places to Stay in Spain

From palaces to Picasso, Spain has character to spare—and the lodgings to prove it. Rather than staying in a traditional hotel, explore the range of the country's culture and history with a different kind of stay. Whether you opt for an eco-friendly treehouse, island dome, palatial visit within the walls of the Alhambra, or a cutting-edge glass art stay, these lodgings will add an extra element to your trip.

Best of Paris & Barcelona - 8 Days

Enjoy the top offerings of Paris and Barcelona — from historic sites to culinary delights — on this 8-day trip. You'll start your trip in the City of Lights for a visit to the artistic Montmartre neighborhood and a wine & cheese tasting in a medieval cellar. Continue to Spain to see impressive Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture and feast on traditional Catalonian fare.

Discover the Flavors of Southern Spain - 12 Days

Explore the highlights and flavors of Spain with visits to the cities of Madrid, Granada, Málaga, Cádiz, and Seville on this 12-day trip. You'll enjoy private tours of the historic old towns, visit ancient religious sites, and taste Spain's best culinary offerings. Start the trip in Andalusía to see the Alhambra in Granada, visit Málaga to learn to cook in a traditional finca, and then wrap up the trip in Seville to enjoy a flamenco show.

Epic Wine & Culinary Trip Though Spain - 12 Days

If food and wine are your passions, then this unparalleled 12-day trip through the heart of Spain's Basque Country has your name on it. You'll see Barcelona's highlights — including the Sagrada Familia — as well as the coastal towns of the Bay of Biscay. Tour family wineries, visit shepherds, and hop from pintxos bar to pintxos bar, grazing until your heart's content.

Ultimate Canary Islands Tour & Madrid - 8 Days

This 8-day trip covers the archipelago's three easternmost islands. Traveling by road and ferry, you'll discover historic villages, orchards, forests, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, and vineyards to understand just what makes this region of Spain so unique. There will be plenty of free time to explore each isle's capital—especially in the evenings—to round out this fun adventure.

Catalan coast and the Pyrenees Mountains

10 Days in Spain - 5 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

With 10 days and a rental car, you can go deeper into Spain's cultural scene, hitting both popular hotspots and lesser-known areas. With a focus on Northern and Southern Spain, these five itineraries explore regional highlights, hidden towns, beautiful nature, and local food and wine. With easy-to-navigate roads and routes, you can go at your own pace and enjoy a trip that's uniquely your own.

1 Week in Spain - 5 Unique Road Trip Itineraries

Spain is an ideal road trip destination, and these five itineraries highlight the country's diversity. Our recommendations let you explore relaxed beachside towns, take a deep dive into the Basque Country with its world-class gastronomy, or visit Andalusia's slow-paced villages and discover its history.

Madrid or Barcelona: Which City is Best for You?

Madrid or Barcelona? These cities have different characters and attractions, so spending time in both places on a moderately paced trip works well. But Spain's two top cities provide a tough choice for travelers with less time. Here are some essential things to consider if you have to choose between Madrid or Barcelona, with advice from kimkim's local specialists.

Ultimate Spain Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days

We interviewed local experts, scrutinized hundreds of actual trips, and considered the feedback of intrepid travelers in order to put together the very best Spain itineraries for first-time travelers. Plan for five days to two weeks with the itineraries below, all crafted by local travel specialists.

Highlights of Spain & Portugal - 19 Days

This 19-day itinerary allows you to visit three different regions of Spain, including Madrid, Basque Country, and Catalonia, as well as the Balearic Islands and Portugal. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy great food, wine tours, a flamenco show, historic Gothic architecture, and even make time for a bit of island-hopping in Ibiza and Mallorca. You'll also fly into Portugal to explore the cities of Porto and Lisbon, as well as the wine region in the Douro Valley and the famous palace of Sintra.

Explore the Cities, Islands, and Culture of Spain - 14 Days

This 2-week trip leads you through Spain's major cities while also experiencing unique nature and beaches in the Canary Islands. Explore the historic city centers of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville with tapas tours, flamenco dancing, bike rides, and sailing excursions. Enjoy a Jeep safari on the slopes of a volcano, go whale watching, and hike the Caminito del Rey trail, plus tour the famous Alhambra and enjoy a sherry tasting in Jerez.

Explore the Cities & Culture of Spain: Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona - 8 Days

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.

Cities & Culture in Spain: Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona - 10 Days

Discover the culture of Spain's cities on this nine-day trip, starting with a tour through Madrid and an evening of flamenco and tapas in Seville. Then, make your way to Granada, passing through the village of Ronda and a winery along the way. You'll explore Granada's famous Alhambra palace and gardens, then fly to Barcelona for a cycling tour of its historic districts and a visit to the sites of Gaudí's.

Cities & Culture in Spain: Madrid, Seville & Granada - 9 Days

This nine-day road trip includes stops at some of Spain's most historic locales, including Madrid, Toledo, and the Andalusian cities of Seville and Granada. Celebrate rich Spanish culture as you tour historic Old Towns by foot and bike, all while tasting delicious tapas and enjoying a flamenco show. You'll explore the southern countryside with a tour of an olive oil farm and a hike along Caminito del Rey, and then visit Granada to discover one of the most impressive Moorish palaces in Europe, the Alhambra.

City Highlights Tour: Madrid, Seville, Granada & Barcelona - 9 Days

Explore Spain's lively cities and vibrant culture, starting with a gourmet food tour in Madrid and a flamenco show in Seville. Stop in Córdoba to tour the Mezquita, then discover Granada's most popular site, the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Meander the historic district of Albaicín with a personal photographer before ending the trip in Barcelona by touring the works of Gaudí and enjoying a day trip.

Views of the Mezquita-Catedral and Puente Romano

Highlights of Madrid & Andalusia - 8 Days

Explore some of Spain's best cities on this eight-day trip to Madrid and the region of Andalusia, starting with private tours of Madrid's historic neighborhoods and its royal past. Board the train to the city of Seville for tapas and flamenco, as well as a day trip to the town of Ronda and a winery. You'll end the trip with Granada for a tour of the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens before returning to Madrid.

Highlights of Madrid & Andalusía - 8 Days

Explore the highlights of Spain by visiting the cities of Madrid, Córdoba, and Granada on this eight-day trip. You'll enjoy private tours of the historic old towns, as well as a day trip to Toledo to learn about its historic steel production and marzipan. End the trip in Spain's southern region Andalusía with tours of the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Córdoba, and the famous White Villages in the countryside.

Explore Madrid & Seville - 8 Days

This eight-day itinerary focuses on Madrid and Seville, leading you through the historic centers of both cities, as well as day trips to Córdoba and Toledo. You'll explore the cities with food and biking tours, visits to tapas, bars, and flamenco shows, plus a private tour of the El Prado museum in Madrid. End the trip with a visit to the famous White Villages of Andalusia and the town of Ronda, plus tours of an olive oil farm and a vineyard.

Santa Maria Cathedral in Girona, Catalonia, Spain along the Costa Brava

Barcelona & the Costa Brava: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that seven to nine days are perfect for a well-paced Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava. It's possible to hit the highlights in five or six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—one of the best-loved trip extensions includes the medieval town of Vic. See more ideas and itineraries below.

Bridge spanning the gorge in Ronda, Spain

Seville, Granada, & Ronda: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Spain typically plan a trip for 12 to 14 days when combining Seville, Granada, and Ronda, including a few days in Barcelona and Madrid. If you're not interested in Barcelona and Madrid, 8 days is enough for your Seville, Granada, and Ronda trip. Check out our favorite Seville, Granada, and Ronda trips below.

Discover Barcelona - 6 Days

Barcelona is one of Spain's most beautiful and vibrant cities, and on this six-day tour you can really focus on what makes it so special. With a combination of time in the central city and surrounding areas, focusing on culture as well as natural attractions, you'll experience the best of Barcelona. Learn about its history and iconic architecture, get a taste of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea along the Costa Brava, and take your pick of nearby day trip destinations.

Take a day trip to the Gothic-style Segovia Cathedral

Off the Beaten Path in Madrid - 6 Days

On this immersive 6-day itinerary, you'll get a local's eye view of Madrid as you explore its culture and cuisine with a series of guided walks and excursions. After visiting the capital's landmarks and sampling its best tapas, set out on a selection of easy day trips into the surrounding countryside of Castilla y León. Visit the historic towns of Segovia and Pedraza as you tour and taste your way through cheese farms, olive groves, and wineries, returning to the bustle of Madrid each evening.

Enjoy a road trip with your family in southern's Spain Andalusia

Family Adventure in Southern Spain: Málaga, Granada, Seville & More - 10 Days

During this fun, family-friendly 10-day tour, you'll experience the natural beauty of southern Spain and its cultural highlights. Activities like treasure hunts and canyon walks suit families with kids who want a combination of action and downtime. You'll start in Málaga and end in Seville, visiting Ronda, Granada, and Córdoba along the way—all home to a wealth of Spanish culture and history.

Hiking & Biking the Canary Islands - 18 Days

This tour of Spain's Canary Islands allows you to discover the entirety of this famous archipelago, exploring Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, and La Graciosa with hikes, mountain biking, and snorkeling, as well as road trips through the core of the islands and along rocky coastline. You'll discover traditional alpine villages, sand dunes, national parks, and idyllic beaches, as well as forests, waterfalls, and arid deserts. Highlights include exploring the volcanic activity on Lanzarote, hiking the Caldera de Taburiente, and visiting the highest villages of Gran Canaria.

Discover Spain, North to South - 18 Days

Discover the highlights of Spain's cities and nature on this tour, starting in Picos de Europa National Park near Bilbao, and heading into Madrid via the UNESCO city of Segovia with its ancient Roman aqueduct. Visit the region of Andalucía, exploring the cities of Granada, Seville, and Ronda, plus hiking the Caminito del Rey, exploring the white villages, and enjoying an optional beach day. End your trip on the island of Mallorca, discovering its historic inland villages and coastal harbors, as well as its caves, mountains, and wineries.

Barcelona & Madrid: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 6 to 9 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in both Barcelona and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as about 5 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Seville, Valencia, or Córdoba. See more ideas for Barcelona and Madrid itineraries below.

Taste your way through a culinary tour of Spain

Barcelona, Seville, & Madrid: Best Itinerary Ideas

For most travelers, 8 to 10 days is the perfect amount of time for a Spain trip with stops in Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 6 or 7 days. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Granada or Valencia. Keep reading for more inspiring Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid itineraries.

Highlights of Spain, from Barcelona to Andalusia - 16 Days

This tour takes you from the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the vibrant streets of Madrid, finishing in the historic region of Andalusia in Spain's south. Along the way, visit the cities of Segovia and Toledo, as well as Ronda and the traditional white villages of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, including a hike along the Caminito del Rey. Enjoy a guided visit through the Alhambra in Granada, and ample time to explore Córdoba, Seville, and Cádiz on your own, all while enjoying traditional tapas, local wine, and a flamenco show.

How Many Days to Spend in Seville

Seville offers the perfect mix of culture, architecture, and gastronomy. With Neo-Moorish structures, beautifully manicured parks, and a welcoming spirit, the Andalusian capital is one of Spain's best cities. Although Seville is relatively small, you should plan to spend at least two to three days visiting its major landmarks, catching flamenco shows, and indulging in tapas to your heart's content.

Culture & History in Spain: Madrid to Andalusia - 21 Days

This three-week tour takes you from Madrid in Central Spain to Cádiz in the south, stopping to enjoy personalized walking tours in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. Experience the best of Spain's architecture (like the works of Gaudí in Barcelona), art (like the Picasso Museum in Málaga), and history (like the distinctive cultures of Toledo) while enjoying organic wine tasting, hiking in the scenic karst region, and visiting unique towns in Andalusia.

Sweeping views over Barcelona from the Modernist Parc Güell.

Spanish Food, Culture & Folklore: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville -14 Days

This comprehensive two-week itinerary spotlights the cultures and cuisines of Spain with an immersive blend of self-guided, small-group, and private tour experiences. Starting in the Catalonian capital of Barcelona, you'll discover Modernist architecture and Catalan tapas before heading down the Mediterranean coast to Alicante for fresh seafood and the charms of the Costa Blanca. Tour Madrid's grand palaces and monuments, soak up Seville's vibrant Andalusian character, and wander the hallowed interiors of Granada's famed Alhambra. End your journey on the coast in Málaga, where you'll savor locally-grown delicacies from the region's olive and almond groves.

Sunrise over Barcelona's magical skyline.

Spanish Food, Culture & Folklore: Barcelona, Valencia & Alicante - 9 Days

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.

Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 16 Days

Combine Spain's historical culture with its unique island landscapes in this trip that takes you from tapas tours through Madrid's winding streets to windsurfing at some of the world's best beaches. Explore the Canary Islands by riding camels along sand dunes, hiking to the tallest peak, and traversing the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, plus perusing idyllic villages and noshing on exceptional local cuisine. Before heading back to Madrid, experience the artistic works of architect Manrique, take a tour of La Graciosa Island, and try your luck surfing or scuba diving in the warm waters of Lanzarote

Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 15 Days

Combining the historical culture of Spain's capital city with its rugged and unique landscape of the Canary Islands, this trip takes you from tapas tours in literary quarters to windsurfing at some of the world's best beaches. Traverse the islands by hiking to the tallest peak, walking the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and riding camels along sand dunes, plus relaxing at renowned beaches, eating local cuisine, and exploring idyllic villages. Try your luck with surfing or simply spend hours lounging on white-sand beaches, then explore the creative works of famous architect and activist, Manrique, all before returning to Madrid for one last night perusing its monuments.

The harbor in Arrecife, Spain, remodeled by architect Caesar Manrique

Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 14 Days

After enjoying the splendor of Spain's buzzy capital city, with its endless tapas bars, historic sights, parks, and monuments, head to the dynamic Canary Islands, starting in Gran Canaria. Discover the island with a guided tour of all four coasts, followed by free days to further indulge in its historic cultural and renowned nature, including windsurfing, sunbathing, and hiking. Head to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote for idyllic villages and beaches, camel rides through sand dunes, a guided tour of the unique Timanfaya Park, and a hike to the islands' tallest peak, plus delicious, locally-sourced cuisine and an unforgettable experience with the works of the famous architect, Manrique.

Morro Jable Beach on the island of Fuerteventura

Madrid & the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, & Lanzarote - 13 Days

Start your 2-week trip in the Canary Islands by exploring the four dynamic coasts of Gran Canaria and spending a day within the historic significance of its seaside capital city. Discover other islands with trips to idyllic beaches and villages, guided tours through Timanfaya Park, hikes to scenic vistas, and camel rides along sand dunes, plus visits to the impressive works of the artist Manrique. End your trip in Spain's bustling capital city where you can peruse its historic streets in search of tapas and cañas, as well as its beloved parks, monuments, and museums.

Exploring the Canary Islands: Gran Canaria to Madrid - 12 Days

Go beyond Spain's mainland by discovering the beauty of the Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. Explore charming island villages, white-sand beaches, locally-sourced cuisine, and scenic outlooks on all three islands, plus enjoy a guided tour of the four famous coasts of Gran Canaria. Be active with an array of water sports, hiking the islands' tallest peak, traversing the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and riding a camel along sand dunes, all before polishing off your trip with a night in buzzy Madrid.

Madrid to the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura & Lanzarote - 11 Days

Explore some of Spain's most treasured destinations, starting in the buzzy capital of Madrid where you'll discover its multicultural neighborhoods and nosh on tapas in the city's literary quarter. Then fly to the Canary Islands, enjoying idyllic coastal towns, white-sand beaches, lively port cities, and locally-caught cuisine, plus trips to smaller islands and leisurely days spent at renowned beaches. Get active with surf lessons, scuba-diving excursions, a guided tour of the unique terrain in Timanfaya Park, camel rides along sand dunes, and a hike to the highest peak on the islands.

Stunning Beaches of Fuerteventura, Spain

Madrid to the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura & Lanzarote - 10 Days

From the buzzy, tapas-filled streets of energetic Madrid, to the quiet nature of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, this tour hits some of Spain's best highlights. After exploring the capital city, fly to the Canary Islands to enjoy charming villages, scenic vistas, idyllic white-sand beaches, and local cuisine sourced straight from the Atlantic Ocean. Get your adrenaline pumping with a camel ride across sand dunes, a hike to the islands' tallest peak, a guided tour of the lunar-like terrain of Timanfaya Park, and a surfing excursion in the famously warm waters.

Exploring the Canary Islands: Madrid, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote - 9 Days

Starting in Spain's buzzy capital, this trip takes you from the energetic streets of Madrid to the incredibly unique nature of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. You'll discover your adventurous side with hikes in lunar-like terrain, camel rides through beachfront sand dunes, and surfing in the area's warm waters. Visit charming island villages and idyllic white-sand beaches, plus taste local cuisine straight from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Volcanoes of Timanfaya National Park

Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 8 Days

This week-long trip takes you to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, two of the incredible Canary Islands, where you'll enjoy charming island villages and idyllic white-sand beaches, as well as delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. Discover your adventurous side with camel rides through beach dunes and hikes to the highest peak on the islands, plus surfing and mountain biking. The highlight of the trip is a guided tour of the unique and otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya Park.

Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 7 Days

Get ready for an adventures across two of the incredible Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Start your trip by driving through charming island villages, discovering white-sand beaches, eating locally-sourced fish straight from the ports, riding camels through sand dunes, and hiking to the highest peak on the islands. End with a sports day enjoying surfing and mountain biking, plus a guided tour of the unique and otherworldly landscape of Timanfaya Park.

Exploring the Canary Islands: Fuerteventura and Lanzarote - 6 Days

Discover the unique beauty of Spain's Canary Islands on this 6-day tour covering both Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. With your own rental car, you'll explore the islands' charming villages, pristine white-sand beaches, and quirky terrain and rock formations that'll make you wonder if you're on another planet. Ride camels on sand dunes, hike to the tallest peak on the islands, and nosh on freshly-caught seafood like a local.

How Many Days to Spend in Valencia

Valencia is a Mediterranean city with a legacy as rich as Barcelona. Its historic Old Town is a walkable area whose highlights, like the Valencia Cathedral and Quart Towers, you can see on a day trip. With more than 24 hours, there are beaches and paella food tours you can indulge in. And in five days you can do all of the above plus visit can't-miss attractions like the famous aquarium at the City of Arts and Sciences.

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