Spain Travel Insights

The Ultimate Beauty of the Canary Islands

Explore Madrid and the Canary Islands: Tenerife and La Gomera - 14 Days

A perfect combination of nature and city culture, this 2-week tour starts in the bustling capital of Madrid where you can explore its dazzling palaces, parks, and restaurants while sampling tapas and local cuisine. Fly to the Canary Islands, stopping in Tenerife to explore its stunning natural beauty, historical vineyards, and culinary significance before taking a ferry to nearby La Gomera. Enjoy a little adventure by hiking in Anaga Park, summiting Spain's highest peak, star gazing, finding whales and dolphins while cruising on a yacht, and exploring the rich forests of the islands.

Sunset over Los Roques in Garajonay National Park.

Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 13 Days

Lose yourself in the rugged beauty of Spain's Canary Islands with this adventurous 13-day itinerary. Start in Madrid, where you'll savor the local cuisine of the capital before catching a flight to Tenerife. Here you'll hike through ancient forests, stargaze under pristine skies, and scale the towering Mount Teide. Continue to the remote island of La Gomera to explore lush volcanic landscapes and go whale and dolphin watching along its stunning northern coast.

Sunrise over Tenerife's volcanic Mount Teide.

Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 12 Days

Blessed with fertile volcanic soils and delicate microclimates, the Canary Islands are a paradise for nature lovers. This exciting 12-day itinerary starts on Spain's mainland, where you’ll sample the culture and cuisine of Madrid before flying to the Canary’s largest island of Tenerife. Hike through ancient forests, horseback ride through almond groves, and scale the towering Mount Teide before catching a ferry to the magical island of La Gomera. Here you’ll explore lush mountainous landscapes, get lost in subtropical rainforests, and spot whales and dolphins along its rugged northern coast.

The road toward Masca village and Los Gigantes mountain, Tenerife.

Wild Canary Islands: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 11 Days

Explore the rugged beauty of the Canary Islands on this adventurous 11-day itinerary. Starting in Madrid, you’ll fly southwest over Spain and the Atlantic to reach the largest island of Tenerife. Hike through ancient ecosystems, climb volcanic mountains, and roam pine forests on horseback before catching a ferry to the small, remote La Gomera. Discover its pristine subtropical landscape on foot, then set sail for a whale-watching excursion around the dramatic coastline. Your final day takes you back to Madrid for a night on the town as you bid "adios" to island life.

Tenerife's mountainous coast near Anaga.

Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Madrid, Tenerife & La Gomera - 10 Days

The dramatic beauty of Spain's Canary Islands is the backdrop to this active 10-day itinerary. Starting in Madrid, you’ll have a day to explore the vibrant capital before flying southwest down the coast of Africa to reach the Canary’s largest island of Tenerife. Here you’ll explore black sand beaches, hike through ancient ecosystems, and climb volcanic mountains before catching a ferry to the small, remote island of La Gomera. Discover its pristine subtropical countryside on foot, then set sail for a whale-watching excursion around the dramatic coastline. Your final day takes you back to Madrid for a night on the town as you bid adios to island life.

Discover Tenerife's volcanic Roque Cinchado in Teide National Park and marvel at Pico del Teide

Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 8 Days

Escape to an unspoiled island paradise on this 8-day exploration of Spain's remote Canary Islands. Start on Tenerife, where lush rainforests and towering mountains welcome you to a unique ecosystem. Hike through ancient woodland, climb Spain's tallest volcano, and discover idyllic Canarian villages. End your stay on the neighboring island of La Gomera, where you'll venture deep into its volcanic landscapes and spot whales along its northern coast.

The lush landscapes and turquoise waters of Tenerife

Wild Canary Islands Road Trip: Tenerife, La Gomera & Madrid - 7 Days

Get lost in the wild beauty of Spain's Canary Islands on this adventurous seven-day itinerary. Explore ancient forests, rural villages, black sand beaches, and the towering Mount Teide on Tenerife, before journeying to the smaller island of La Gomera to discover lush volcanic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Your final day takes you back to the mainland, where you'll depart from the capital of Madrid.

How Many Days to Spend in Spain

More a combination of culturally distinct regions than one homogenous country, Spain is almost too diverse to experience in a single trip—almost. You can enjoy the major areas of this Iberian gem no matter if your interests are leisure and gastronomy, culture and history, or road-trip adventures. See our travel recommendations below to enjoy Spain to the fullest, whether you're here for five days or two weeks.

How Many Days to Spend in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city where you can get happily lost—in its energy, culture, and cuisine. With as little as 24 hours in Catalonia's capital, you can see the highlights, but with multiple days you'll discover even more of its treasures. Continue reading for the best options for activities in Barcelona, whether you're there for one day or five.

How Many Days to Spend in Madrid

If you're planning a vacation in Spain, most likely you'll arrive in the capital of Madrid. Not only is this the seat of Spain's government, but you couldn't imagine a more fun city—practically every block is home to world-class dining and drinking options. Even with just a day or two, you can have a great holiday in Madrid, but with four or five you'll be able to explore beyond the city limits.

Pick up your rental and tour the Balearic Island of Menorca making stops at the Cavalleria tunnel to check out Faro de Cavalleria (Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse)

6 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In six days, you can fully immerse yourself in one or even two regions in Spain. Those looking for something a bit different can choose off-the-beaten-path tours of major cities like Barcelona and Madrid, visiting the Moorish alcázars of Andalusia, and horseback riding to secluded beaches on Menorca. The more adventurous could take a road trip to La Mancha, head north into Basque Country for great food and rich culture, and travel up the eastern coast above Barcelona to the stunning Costa Brava.

Explore Menorca and visit sites like Mahón's Tre Cavalli monument

11 Days in Spain - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Eleven days are long enough to comfortably immerse yourself in up to three regions of Spain. Sunseekers can opt for the beaches in Barcelona and the Balearics and tours of the Moorish alcázars of Andalusia. Intrepid travelers can enjoy a self-drive road trip from Madrid to Seville, and foodies can go on a gastronomic odyssey to feast on the best tapas in Madrid and Andalusia—plus enjoy a flamenco show.

Discover the Palamós coast when you set out to explore the province of Girona

9 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days, you could plan a grand tour of Spain that not only includes Barcelona but lesser-visited locales along the coast. The stunning Costa Brava is one option, as are the white sands of the Costa de la Luz, in the Andalusia region. You could also take road trips to the north of Spain for a food tour of Basque Country, or south to La Mancha to see the land of Don Quixote.

16 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In sixteen days, you could experience two or even three different regions of Spain. You can combine a highlights tour of Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia with an island hop around the Balearic Islands. There's also the option for a self-drive road trip to either Basque Country or southern Spain, and you could indulge your appetites by visiting the best tapas bars and taking the best wine tours in the country.

Checkout out Madrid and the equestrian monument to Philip IV in the gardens of the Royal Palace in the Plaza de Oriente

15 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

There are no limits to the type of Spanish vacation you can plan with 15 free days. You can revel in the Moorish history of Andalusia, take a road trip into Spanish Basque country, go off the beaten track in La Mancha, and even hop a border into Portugal. If an island holiday is more your speed, consider horseback riding along the rugged coast of Menorca and sailing to secluded coves on the larger and equally beautiful Mallorca.

13 Days in Spain - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In just under two weeks, travelers can experience most of Spain's most beloved highlights without rushing. First-time visitors will enjoy spending time in Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Barcelona, with day trips from each. You can also opt to spend your whole trip in either the north or south, combining well-known points of interest with deeper cultural dives: think farm stays, coastal drives, and a cooking class in the Andalusian countryside.

12 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Twelve days in Spain is a great trip duration for getting to know two of the country's regions. Pair six days in Barcelona with a sun-filled week exploring the Balearic Islands or the Costa Brava, or hop between the major cities of central and southern Spain. Or, stick to one region or theme and do a deep dive: take a Southern Spain road trip inspired by local expertise, or see the country through the lens of food and wine on a culinary tour.

2 Weeks in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two free weeks to spend in Spain, all options for fun and adventure are on the table. You can embark on food and wine tours throughout the country, laze on the white-sand beaches, tour the Moorish palaces of Andalusia, and even make a jaunt to Portugal. The six itineraries below represent a diverse array of options to craft the perfect European vacation.

Visit the Cíes Islands from Vigo in Galicia

5 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

A memorable vacation in Spain doesn't require a minimum of two weeks—in just five days you can stick to one or two major cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, or see the highlights of a specific region. Head to Andalusia for Moorish history and architecture, get your fill of artistic and culinary masterpieces in Basque Country, or make it a laidback island vacay on idyllic Mallorca.

Book yourself to see Andalusia's iconic Alhambra palace and fortress complex in spring or fall

Best Time of Year to Visit Spain

Spain is best visited in the shoulder season months of late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). Countrywide, the weather is warm, there is little to no rain (except for along the Atlantic coast), and you'll be ahead of the peak crowds July and August bring, particularly to the islands and coast.

Spain Highlights: Madrid & Seville - 5 Days

Take a break from the real world and lose yourself in Spain's rich culture over five brisk days. You'll arrive in Madrid and immerse yourself in history while learning how to prepare a mean Sangria. Then you're off to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, where you'll tour its ancient alcázars and cathedrals, plus enjoy a live flamenco performance you won't soon forget.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 6 days

This six-day road trip includes stops at some of Spain's most historic locales. It's a celebration of rich Spanish culture as you drive from Madrid to Seville and partake in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Spanish cuisine. Then, you'll drive to Granada and visit one of Europe's most magnificent Moorish palaces, the Alhambra.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 7 days

In a single week, you can enjoy the road trip of a lifetime. The destination is Spain, and beginning in Madrid, you'll drive south to Seville, the capital of the culturally rich Andalusia region. You'll tour many Moorish landmarks and even take a trip to Granada to see the mother of them all, the 9th-century Alhambra Palace.

Visit Córdoba's Calahorra tower on your road trip of Andalusia

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 8 days

In a little over a week, you can embark on the road trip of a lifetime through Spain. After enjoying a city tour in Madrid, you'll pick up your car and hit the road south to Andalusia, stopping at the ancient Roman city of Córdoba. From there, you'll visit Andalusia's capital of Seville, with its famous Gothic cathedral and Islamic architecture, before the trip culminates in the coastal city of Málaga.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 9 days

Due to its abundance of natural beauty and historic cities, Spain's southern Andalusia region is perfect for a road trip. This nine-day self-drive adventure begins in Madrid and stops in Toledo, one of Spain's most well-preserved medieval cities. In Andalusia, you'll visit cities like Córdoba and the capital of Seville for tapas tours and visits to Moorish landmarks.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 10 days

On this 11-day self-drive adventure you'll visit not only the most historic cities in Spain, bust some of the most beautiful countryside in the Andalusia region. From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces, and expansive plazas. You'll also visit other Andalusia gems like Córdoba, the famed white villages, and the mountaintop city of Ronda.

Views of the canyon from atop El Tajo Gorge in Ronda, Spain

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 11 days

A road trip is the best way to see the most historical sites in Spain. This 11-day self-drive adventure begins with city tours in Madrid, and then you'll hop in your car and head south to Toledo, once the capital of the nation in the Middle Ages. You'll continue to Andalusia and marvel at the region's Moorish alcázars and royal palaces while also stopping in historic cities like Córdoba.

Visit the incredibly historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 12 days

Enjoy a road trip through Spain that takes you from Madrid to Málaga through Toledo and the three jewels of Andalusia: Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Beyond the cities, you'll enjoy cultural excursions like sherry wine tastings and horse competitions. And at each destination, you'll meet a private guide who will reveal the hidden treasures of these historic and beautiful locales.

Watch the sunset over Córdoba's famed Roman bridge

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 13 days

Prepare for a memorable road trip through southern Spain, emphasizing many of the nation's highlights. The adventure begins with city tours of Madrid before hitting the road south, stopping in La Mancha and Córdoba before reaching Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region. You'll visit historic Moorish and medieval landmarks, tour authentic tapas bars, and even hike along the side of a gorge near Ronda.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 14 days

In two weeks, you can enjoy a road trip that takes you to some of the most historic and beautiful locales in Spain. It begins in Madrid, and from there, you'll travel south through La Mancha into Andalusia and visit Moorish cities like Granada, Ronda, Córdoba, and Málaga. You'll also enjoy wine and sherry excursions, eat delicious tapas, and even witness a traditional equestrian show.

Relax in the courtyard of Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 15 days

It's almost impossible to design a more comprehensive Spanish holiday than this 15-day road trip. Beginning in Madrid, you'll drive south to historic locales like Toledo and La Mancha on your way to Andalusia, where Moorish history and amazing food await. Besides enjoying wine and tapas tours, you'll visit incredible cities like Seville, Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 16 days

This comprehensive 16-day road trip includes all the highlights of Spain's Andalusia region, from the capital of Seville to the Moorish palaces of Granada and even the coastal retreat of Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. As an added bonus, you'll also visit La Mancha, an arid plateau region home to great wine and historic villages.

Enjoy visiting scenic and historical cities, including Toledo, once the capital of Old Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 6 days

In less than a week, you can visit some of Spain's most historic cities while touring its lesser-known La Mancha region. This road trip begins in Madrid, followed by a trip to Toledo, once the capital of Old Spain. Before returning to Madrid, you'll hit the road and drive into La Mancha, the protagonist's home in "Don Quixote," enjoying wine tours and stops at the region's famous windmills.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 7 days

In a mere week, you can take a road trip through one of the most beautiful yet little-visited areas of Spain: La Mancha. The adventure kicks off straight away as you'll hop in a rental car and drive from Madrid south to medieval towns like Almagro and Villanueva de los Infantes. You'll also stop for a wine tour and visit storybook national parks like Ruidera Lakes.

The Consuegra windmills in Castile-La Mancha, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 8 days

In central Spain lies the region of La Mancha, an arid plateau first brought to international attention in the classic novel "Don Quixote." It's a stunning area in real life, and you'll discover its historical towns, castles, and unspoiled national parks on an eight-day self-drive road trip. On top of this, you'll also tour Valdepeñas, one of Spain's most productive wine regions.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 9 days

See a different side of Spain on a nine-day road trip that takes you from Madrid to the arid plateau region of La Mancha. This land of Don Quixote is a major wine-producing region, which you'll discover on a tasting excursion. You'll also visit historic medieval towns like Villanueva de los Infantes and the romantic waterfalls of Ruidera Lakes.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 10 days

Over 10 days you'll leave the tourist traps and discover the real Spain, the ancient Spain—Don Quixote's Spain. From Madrid, you'll embark on a road trip into the plateau region of La Mancha, famous for its medieval towns, national parks, and vineyards. By the time the adventure ends, you'll have experienced a region that has captivated the world ever since Spain's golden age of literature.

The famous windmills of Consuegra, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha, & Extremadura - 10 days

Get lost in La Mancha on a 10-day road trip in this historic region in central Spain. It begins in Madrid and from there you'll travel south to the arid plateaus famous for being the homeland of the fictional character Don Quixote. Between wine tours and visits to national parks, you'll head to the Extremadura region and tour medieval cities like Cáceres, birthplace of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

Stroll through the historic streets of towns like Trujillo, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 11 days

An adventurous alternative to the popular beach holidays and major city tours of Spain is to embark on a road trip through La Mancha. This plateau south of Madrid is a vast and beautiful expanse filled with castles, vineyards, and medieval towns. After experiencing La Mancha's highlights, you'll continue to western Extremadura and tour historic cities like Mérida and Cáceres.

Discover the iconic windmills of La Mancha, Made famouse by Cervantes' "Don Quixote"

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 12 days

Spain is filled with historic regions abounding with well-preserved ancient cities, like La Mancha. This dry plateau region is located south of Madrid, and you'll discover its historical and literary legacy (it's Don Quixote's home region) on a self-drive road trip. Along the way, you'll imbibe in La Mancha's wine, visit its national parks, and travel farther west to Extremadura and medieval cities like Mérida and Cáceres.

Extremadura and the Tajo River in Monfragüe National Park

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 13 days

Over 13 days, you'll discover historic Spain, the Spain of conquistadores and Cervantes. It's a road-trip adventure that begins amid the windmills of La Mancha, the home region of "Don Quixote." After wine excursions and visits to national parks, you'll explore medieval cities of the Extremadura region, including Cáceres, the birthplace of Francisco Pizarro.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 14 days

Just south of Madrid is a wildly beautiful region little-visited by tourists in Spain. This is La Mancha, an arid plateau famous as the home of Cervantes' legendary protagonist, Don Quixote. Fables aside, La Mancha is real. On a road trip, you'll discover its fertile vineyards, unspoiled national parks, and the well-preserved medieval cities of Spain's western Extremadura region.

Iglesia San Martín, a 16th-century church in Trujillo, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 15 days

This 15-day road-trip adventure allows you to experience regions of Spain most tourists never see. It begins in Madrid, and you'll quickly hit the road south to La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote, windmills, arid plains, and stunning national parks. From there, you'll head west to the Extremadura region, home to some of the most well-preserved medieval towns in the country.

Discover the land of "Don Quixote" (and its famous windmills) in Spain's La Mancha region

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Extremadura - 16 days

Get ready to travel the route of Don Quixote on a road trip through Spain. It begins with a city tour of Madrid before you hit the road, driving amid the arid plateaus and windmills of La Mancha and into the Extremadura region of western Spain. Here you'll tour historic towns like Cáceres and Trujillo while sampling delicious local cuisine and visiting unspoiled national parks.

Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Elciego

Ultimate Tour of Basque Country: Bilbao & San Sebastian - 5 Days

In a mere five days, you can enjoy an memorable Spanish vacation. This is possible when you make the culturally rich Basque region your destination. This itinerary includes tours of Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, plus a coastal drive to San Sebastián, a seaside resort city of singular beauty.

Ultimate Tour of Basque Country: Bilbao & San Sebastian - 6 Days

In less than a week, you can visit the highlights of Spain's northern Basque Country while enjoying its rich culture. It begins in Bilbao with city tours, then a Basque cooking class followed by a visit to the famous Guggenheim Museum. Then, you're off to the Cantabrian Mountains to see how rural Basque residents live before heading to one of the most beautiful seaside cities in the country, San Sebastián.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Basque Country - 7 Days

In just a week, you can embark on the road trip of a lifetime from Spain's capital to its stunning Basque Country. The adventure begins in Madrid with city tours before hopping in your rental and driving north to La Rioja, one of Spain's most beautiful wine regions. After a tasting, you'll continue on to Basque Country, where tours of San Sebastián's historic center and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum await.

Discover El Flysch, a hiking area, in Spain's Basque Country

Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Basque Country - 8 Days

Eight days are enough to road trip through northern Spain. On this itinerary, you'll drive from Madrid north through the stunning La Rioja wine country, of course stopping for a tasting or two. The experience culminates on the coast of Basque Country with city tours of Bilbao and San Sebastián, both home to a rich culture and incredible food.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Basque Country - 9 Days

Nine days is enough time to immerse yourself in a couple of areas of Spain, ensuring you get the most out of the experience. This itinerary begins with a road trip from Madrid to wine country for a tasting of Spain's world-renowned varietals. You'll finish the trip on the Basque coast and its most beautiful cities, San Sebastián and Bilbao.

Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Basque Country - 10 Days

Over 10 days, you'll embark on a gourmet road trip from Madrid to Spain's northern Basque Country. This unforgettable excursion is a delight for the eyes and taste buds that includes tapas tours in Madrid, wine tasting in La Rioja, and sampling the great cheese and seafood of the Basque coast. A visit to the famous Guggenheim caps the trip, adding a cultural cherry atop an epic vacation sundae.

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