July-August, 2017
somewherenice.blog
Discover Spain: A 12-Day Itinerary for the First Visit
When planning a trip to Spain, there are a wealth of cities and attractions to explore. In Barcelona, take in the architectural marvels of La Sagrada Familia, or take a stroll through the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter. Valencia is a great spot to sample authentic paella, while Murcia has plenty of art galleries to explore. Granada is home to the majestic Alhambra palace, and Seville's lively tapas bars make for a great night out. Madrid is home to iconic art galleries and world-famous nightlife, and Zaragoza is a great spot for day trips and natural wonders.
Highlights
Barcelona
Barcelona is an amazing city to explore, with a vibrant culture and countless attractions. Visitors can marvel at architectural gems like the Sagrada Família, stroll through lush parks such as Parc de la Ciutadella, or visit world-renowned museums like the Picasso Museum. For a truly unique experience, take a walk down the famous Las Ramblas, a bustling street full of cafes, street performers, and colorful markets. Don't forget to take a day trip to the breathtaking Montserrat mountain range or spend a few hours soaking up the sun at the beautiful beaches of the Costa Brava. With so much to do, Barcelona is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Valencia
Valencia is full of unique attractions and experiences. Whether it's the City of Arts and Sciences, La Lonja de la Seda, or the iconic Turia River Park, Valencia is full of history and culture to explore. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés to enjoy, as well as beautiful Mediterranean beaches to take a dip in. With so much to do, it's easy to have a fantastic day in Valencia, no matter your interests or budget.
Murcia
With a Mediterranean climate and vibrant culture, Murcia offers plenty of sights and sounds to explore. Visitors can take in the region's historical architecture, including its many churches, palaces, and old city walls. Outdoor activities abound in Murcia, with options like hiking, cycling, and kayaking to enjoy. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can explore the region's stunning natural landscapes or soak up the local culture at markets, festivals, and outdoor concerts.
Granada
Begin your day with a walk through the winding cobblestone streets of the Albayzin neighborhood and take in the spectacular views of the Alhambra palace. Take a stroll through the gardens of the Generalife and be captivated by the beautiful fountains and cascading greenery. Enjoy a tapas lunch at one of the many outdoor restaurants and relax in the sunshine.
Seville
With so much to see and do, visitors are sure to have a full day of fun and adventure. From visiting iconic monuments such as the Alcázar of Seville and the Seville Cathedral, to exploring the cobbled streets of the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood, to sampling the delicious local cuisine, a day in Seville is sure to be filled with wonderful memories.
Madrid
Madrid is an amazing city filled with countless attractions of all types. With iconic architecture such as the Royal Palace and Plaza Mayor, art galleries and museums such as the Prado and the Reina Sofia, and lush green spaces such as the Buen Retiro Park, there is something for everyone in Madrid. There are also many cultural activities to experience, such as flamenco performances, unique food tours, and traditional Spanish festivals.
Zaragoza
From the beautiful old town, to the wonderful gastronomy and the vibrant cultural life, there is something to be discovered and enjoyed around every corner. You can spend your day strolling the picturesque streets, visiting the ancient churches and monuments, or relaxing in one of the many parks and plazas. Whether you are a fan of architecture, culture, history or simply enjoy the taste of delicious local cuisine, Zaragoza is sure to have something for you.
Tricks and tips
Loop route - start wherever you want
You can choose flight to any of these cities. The route makes full circle allowing arriving and departing in the same city. Best options will be Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville with so much to do.
Don't skip less popular destinations
I've added Murcia and Zaragoza to the route to break long way between other cities and was not disappointed. The places have much less tourists, offer affordable stays in historical center and fantastic local cuisine.
Buy entrance tickets in advance
Some of the attractions are so popular among tourists that you need to buy tickets several days or even months prior to planned visit. This includes Alhambra in Granada and Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
Itinerary
Days 1-3: Barcelona | Arrival
I've decided to start and end my journey in Barcelona, allocating most days there. It gave me second chance to buy entrance ticket to Sagrada Família for later date, as they were already sold out for several days ahead when I arrived.
Day 4: Valencia
From Barcelona to Valencia there is a 3-3,5hr train and 4,5hr bus which I chose. The city is quite big and offers a lot to explore. You might want to spend more than one day here, especially if you plan to relax by the sea.
Day 5: Bonus destination: Murcia
It is 8-9hr long trip from Valencia to Granada, better take a break in a bonus destination along the way. Great options are Murcia, Alicante or Cartagena. Spend a relaxing day there and continue the journey with new energy.
Days 6-7: Granada
After a long way you can spend evening exploring the city and watching flamenco show. Make sure to allocate a full day for exploring Alhambra and Generalife.
Day 8: Seville
Continue exploring Andalusia going to Seville, possibly stopping by Cordoba. Unlike Alhambra, you can visit Alcazar without prior reservation; it takes less time but worth a visit.
Days 9-10: Madrid
There is a comfortable high-speed train from Seville to Madrid. In two days you can explore the capital and maybe even take a short trip to Toledo or Segovia.
Day 11: Bonus destination: Zaragoza
On your way back from Madrid to Barcelona you might make a stop in Zaragoza. Take a walk, look at architectural monuments and sample local cuisine.
Day 12: Barcelona | Departure
Arrive back in Barcelona where you started, see the sights you didn't have time for, revisit your favorite places or just enjoy a day on famous Blue Flag beaches before the departure.
Final thoughts
Who is this itinerary for
This route covers most of the major places in Spain. It combines active sightseeing with relaxing days on the beaches and quiet towns. The formula of sightseeing in the morning, riding to the next destination in siesta hours and relaxing in the evening helps staying energetic.
What would I've done differently
There are so many nice places in Spain you couldn't possibly cover them all in one trip. I regret not being able to include Bilbao in the journey as it is considerably far from both Madrid and Barcelona. Nevertheless, I wouldn't make changes to this itinerary unless I had more days available.
Overall impression
The journey was intense but absolutely satisfying. The major cities are definitely worth return visit, maybe with different bonus stops in between. Depending on what you want to include, the trip can stretch to 10-14 days.
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