2 Weeks in Spain Itinerary: How to Spend Two Weeks in Spain

If you’re reading this article, you probably love Mediterranean destinations just as much as we do — and Spain is easily one of our all-time favorites.

As one of the largest and most popular countries in Europe, Spain truly has it all: dramatic landscapes, a rich and colorful culture, world-famous cuisine, and that vibrant, unmistakable Mediterranean vibe. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Spain never fails to surprise and inspire — there’s always something new to discover.

We first traveled to Spain in 2015, and it quickly became one of our favorite countries. Since then, we’ve returned multiple times, taking several 10- to 14-day road trips across different regions. Over the years, we’ve spent many weeks exploring every corner of the country, from the scenic white villages of Andalusia to the lively coastal cities of the east.

One of our most exciting trips was a two-week road trip through Spain, where we visited some of the country’s most iconic sights, along with a few lesser-known gems.

In this post, we’re sharing our ultimate 2-week Spain itinerary, packed with must-see cities, hidden spots, and useful tips to help you get the most out of your 14-day Spain road trip.

Map of the 14-day Spain trip

Take a look at the route on the map too:

General questions about traveling to Spain

There are a few important things to keep in mind if you want to do this two-week trip to Spain:

• If you want to see almost all of Spain in two weeks, the pace will be pretty fast. So, if you have more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to plan for extra time.
• Don’t forget to include the time it takes to get there and back (whether by car or plane), as travel times can be different for everyone.
• You can start your trip anywhere you like, depending on where you arrive. We decided to start in Barcelona because, when traveling by car, you usually enter Spain through Catalonia, and many flights land in Barcelona.
• We definitely planned this as a road trip, as it’s quite difficult to do this kind of trip with other forms of transport. But don’t worry, even though Spanish driving might seem chaotic at first, you’ll get used to it quickly.
• If you’re thinking about renting a car, we recommend checking out the comparison site Rentalcars.

Here are some more common questions you might have about a 2-week visit to Spain:

Is 2 weeks enough in Spain?

Two weeks in Spain is just enough time to get a taste of the country and see the highlights, but it won’t be enough to explore everything in depth. That’s why this itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, travelers coming from far away, or anyone who wants to see as much as possible in a short amount of time.

In 14 days, you can visit some of Spain’s most famous cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid, explore the beautiful eastern and southern coastlines like the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, and discover a few lesser-known but fascinating spots we’ve included along the way — perfect if you’re looking for something a little more unique.

While 14 days isn’t a lot in such a large and diverse country, it’s enough to enjoy a rich mix of culture, food, scenery, and unforgettable experiences. You’ll go home with a real feel for Spain’s charm and atmosphere.

However, if you prefer to travel at a slower pace, or you’re lucky enough to have more time, this itinerary also works great over 3 or even 4 weeks. That way, you can spend more time in each place, take day trips to hidden gems, and really soak up the atmosphere.

How much time do you need to explore Spain?

If you want to see everything and explore the whole country — both northern and southern Spain — you’d really need at least a month. But let’s be honest, most travelers don’t have that much time.

That’s why we put together an itinerary that shows you Spain’s top sights within a reasonable time frame: 14 days.

How to get to Spain

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, so there are usually no border checks when entering by land (unless temporary controls are put in place). This means you can arrive by car from France or Portugal without any problems. You can also take a ferry from Morocco — but in that case, there will be a border check.

Flying is the most popular way to get to Spain. The two biggest international airports are in Barcelona and Madrid. In our itinerary, we start in Barcelona, which has flights from many parts of the world. But of course, you can start your trip wherever your flight lands — it’s easy to adjust the route to fit your plans.

If you’re an EU citizen, you only need a passport or national ID card to enter. If you’re from outside the EU, make sure to check the Schengen visa requirements before your trip.

How to get around in Spain

The best way to explore Spain is by going on a road trip. But if you prefer not to drive, you can also consider traveling by train.

Let’s take a closer look at both options:

By car

Since this is a road trip itinerary, we definitely recommend renting a car at the airport or city where you arrive in Spain. All major airports have plenty of rental options, and having your own car gives you the most flexibility.

If you can bring your own car, that’s also a good option, especially if you’re traveling from a nearby country.

But one important thing to know: minor crime can sometimes be a problem in Spain, especially around tourist areas. Unfortunately, we’ve had a bad experience ourselves — someone once tried to break into our car trunk. So we strongly recommend getting full insurance when renting a car, just to be safe.

Also, be aware that low emission zones have been introduced in big cities like Madrid and Barcelona, and more cities may follow in the future. In these cases, you need to buy a sticker or get special permission to drive into certain areas. These rules can be confusing and are often updated, so always check the latest info before you drive into a city.

Parking is usually easy to find in most cities, we rarely had any issues. The only exception was Barcelona, where it can be a bit tricky. In all other places, we could always find a parking garage or street parking without trouble.

By train

Spain has a great high-speed train network that connects the major cities, so you can get from one big city to another quickly and easily by train. You can check train schedules and prices on Google Maps or the Renfe website (Spain’s national railway).

However, if you choose to travel by train, keep in mind that our road trip itinerary would need to be changed quite a bit to fit train travel.

Best time to visit Spain

Although this itinerary includes both northern and southern destinations, it spends more time in the south. And since the south has a Mediterranean climate, summers can get extremely hot, sometimes even unbearable. Just an example: we once saw a street thermometer in Seville showing 47°C (116°F)!

So, we only recommend traveling in summer if your main goal is to go to the beach. But even then, there might be better options.

The best time to visit Spain for this kind of road trip is May, June, or September, and even October can be a good choice. Prices are usually lower, the weather is pleasant, and if you go in late June or early September, you can still enjoy the beach without the big summer crowds.

We don’t really recommend doing this trip in winter. It’s not impossible, and much of Spain still has mild weather, but we think this kind of road trip is simply more enjoyable in warmer, sunnier months.

Is it worth visiting Portugal during your trip?

It’s hard to fit Portugal into this two-week trip. But if you have more time to explore the Iberian Peninsula, we definitely recommend visiting Portugal too!

If you want to include Portugal in this itinerary, a good option is to go to southern Portugal (Algarve) after visiting Seville, then continue to Lisbon, and from there head toward Madrid. Just keep in mind that Córdoba is not on this route, so you’ll either have to skip it or find another way to fit it in.

Detailed 2-week Spain itinerary: How to spend 2 weeks in Spain

Day 1: Barcelona

The first day of our 2-week Spain itinerary is all about exploring Barcelona.

Since there’s so much to see, it’s a good idea to plan 2–4 activities in advance and book your tickets online.

Here’s a plan for your first day:

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Sagrada Família, one of the most famous churches in the world. Its unique design will impress you!

It’s very important to buy your ticket online before you go, and be ready for a security check.

Lunch break

If you get tired during the day, take a break at a Spanish restaurant like Madre Taberna Moderna or Zed. In the afternoon, it’s a great idea to relax at a rooftop bar, for example, Bar-Terrassa Sercotel Rosselló, which has a beautiful view of the Sagrada Familia.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, hop on one of Barcelona’s Big Bus tours and visit famous landmarks like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Evening

Then, in the evening, head to Park Güell. It’s usually quieter during the last hours before closing, giving you a more relaxed experience.

Day 2: Barcelona

Your second day in Barcelona is perfect for discovering a few more highlights of the city, it really has a lot to offer!

Morning

• In the morning, visit the Gothic Quarter. Wander through the narrow streets, explore small local shops, and don’t miss the Barcelona Cathedral. If you like markets, stop by Mercado de la Boquería on La Rambla for fresh fruit, snacks, or a quick lunch.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you have two great options, depending on your mood:

• If you want to relax by the sea, head to Barceloneta Beach, the city’s most popular beach. It’s perfect for a swim or just enjoying the sun and the lively atmosphere.
• Or, if you feel like exploring more, take the Montjuïc cable car up to Montjuïc Hill. Enjoy beautiful views over the city, visit Montjuïc Castle, or check out the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

Evening

In the evening, don’t miss the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. The colorful light and music show is a lovely way to end your day.

Pro tip: If you still have energy in the evening, it can be a good idea to drive to Valencia on the second day. This way, you can spend the whole next day in Valencia. Plus, hotels in Valencia are usually cheaper than in Barcelona.

Day 3: Valencia

We plan the third day of our 2-week Spain trip in Valencia.

Valencia is not the most popular tourist spot in Spain, but it has some great places to see.

Whether you arrive the night before or in the morning, take some time to enjoy this beautiful city.

Morning

Start your day at the Turia Garden. It’s a long park that stretches across the city for many kilometers, perfect for a walk or bike ride.

Next, visit the City of Arts and Sciences. Even if you don’t go inside, the buildings are amazing, and you can take some great photos outside.

Afternoon

Visit the Serranos Gate. You can also climb to the top for a nice view of the city.

After that, walk around the city center. It’s one of the most authentic places in Spain, with narrow streets, cozy cafés, and beautiful buildings.

We liked Plaça de la Reina with the Valencia Cathedral the most, but it’s also a good idea to take a walk around Plaça de l’Ajuntament.

Evening

Have dinner at a local Spanish restaurant or tapas bar. Try some typical dishes like gazpacho, paella, and tapas — they are full of flavor and perfect after a long day.

Day 4: Benidorm, Alicante

In the morning, let’s continue towards Alicante. But along the way, there are also some interesting stops, like the beautiful town of Benidorm.

Benidorm

Benidorm looks like a big city, but it’s easy to explore in a short time. You can stop for a quick visit, have lunch, or enjoy a short walk.

My favorite spot in Benidorm is the Balcon del Mediterraneo, which offers a wonderful view of the sea. A bit further east, the La Creu de Benidorm viewpoint gives you great views of the city and is perfect for photos.

A little later, you will arrive in Alicante, a bigger city on the east coast. This is a great place to spend the afternoon of your fourth day.

Alicante

Here are the best places to visit in Alicante for a half-day trip:

• Santa Barbara Castle: a 9th-century Muslim castle with amazing panoramic views of the city and the sea. You can drive up to the castle, so it doesn’t take much time. There’s also an elevator from Carrer de Jovellanos, near the beach.
• Passeig Esplanada d’Espanya: a famous promenade with a beautiful wave pattern. It’s a popular photo spot on social media, but it can get quite crowded during the day.
• El Carrer dels Bolets: a fun street decorated with fairy-tale mushroom statues, nice for a short walk.
• Playa del Postiguet: if you still have energy, this beach is perfect for a swim or a relaxing walk by the sea.

In the evening, book a hotel in Alicante and get ready for the next day.

Day 5: Alicante, Granada

Day five of the two-week Spain itinerary will be a bit tiring, with a long drive ahead.

In the morning, if you missed any of Alicante’s attractions, it’s a good time to see them.

After that, continue your trip to Granada, one of the most popular cities in Andalusia.

The road from Alicante to Granada is long and can feel a little boring, but there are some nice views along the way. If you want to stop, we recommend stopping near Murcia, where you’ll find more shops and restaurants than later on the empty highway. You can expect to arrive in Granada in the afternoon or evening.

If you still have time in Granada, check out some of the best viewpoints in the city:

• Mirador de San Nicolás: Parking can be a bit tricky here. We recommend parking at Parking San Cristóbal Albaicín, which is a short walk from the viewpoint. On the way, enjoy walking through the authentic streets of Granada’s old town.

• Mirador de San Miguel: This viewpoint is next to a small chapel and gives you amazing panoramic views over almost all of Granada.

From both viewpoints, you can see the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada mountains behind it. There are other viewpoints in the city too, but we think these are the best.

In the evening, stay overnight in Granada and get ready to explore more the next day.

Day 6: Granada, Málaga

On the sixth day of the two-week Spain itinerary, your real Andalusian experience begins. Even though you arrived in Granada just yesterday and have already seen a bit of Andalusia, the next few days will let you explore some of the very best places in this region.

Granada

It’s best to book your Alhambra ticket for the morning. You really need to book your ticket in advance, because it’s very hard to get one on the spot. Surprisingly, parking is quite easy, the parking lot is big, and you can drive almost right to the entrance. Plan about 2 to 4 hours to explore the Alhambra. You can see most of it in that time. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking a lot!

In the afternoon, continue your trip to Málaga. You’ll have the afternoon and evening free to explore the city and its coastline.

Málaga

One easy and relaxing way to spend your afternoon is at Playa de la Malagueta. It’s a nice beach, perfect for a walk or a swim, especially in summer.

In the evening, take a walk along Paseo del Muelle Uno. Here, you might see local Spanish dancers performing. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a delicious Spanish dinner by the beach, with live Spanish music in the background.

Day 7: Málaga

Morning

In the morning, explore the main sights of downtown Málaga. Visiting these places takes time and involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water.

The three main attractions are:

• Málaga Cathedral
• Alcazaba
• Gibralfaro Castle

You can buy a combined ticket for the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle, so you can visit both with one ticket. There’s an elevator that takes you up to the Alcazaba (you’ll find it marked on Google Maps). But to reach Gibralfaro Castle, you need to walk uphill. If you prefer not to walk, you can also park your car at the top, near the large roundabout by the castle.

In our opinion, the best photo spot is from the Alcazaba. From there, you get an amazing view of Málaga’s port and the Plaza de Toros La Malagueta (the bullring) next to it.

Lunch break

In the early afternoon, enjoy a Spanish lunch in the city center.

Two great places are:

• Illari Vinos y Tapas: a cozy tapas bar with delicious small plates

• La Fontana Málaga: this is an Italian restaurant, but it has the best view of the Cathedral

Afternoon

For the afternoon, we recommend two options.

• You can either spend a relaxing time at the beach, Playa de la Malagueta, perfect for swimming and enjoying the sun in summer.
• Or, after so many days of sightseeing, you might want to take a break and enjoy some shopping. Our favorite spot for this is the Plaza Mayor shopping center, just outside Málaga. It’s a great place to spend your late afternoon and evening in a more relaxed way.

In the evening, take a good rest, because another busy day is waiting for you tomorrow.

Day 8: Benalmádena, Ronda

On the eighth day of the two-week Spain itinerary, you’ll visit some of the very best places in Andalusia.

In the morning, leave Málaga and head towards Ronda.

On the way, we highly recommend stopping in Benalmádena to visit the Colomares Monument.

In our opinion, this castle is one of the most beautiful and Instagram-worthy spots in Spain. We’ve been here twice: once in the morning and once in the afternoon. We found the light is much better in the morning for taking photos, so we suggest visiting early. Keep in mind, it’s a popular place, especially in summer, so expect lots of tourists.

The opening hours at Colomares Castle are quite strict, so plan your visit carefully. You can park close to the entrance, and usually you don’t need to buy tickets in advance.

Pro tip: Try to be the first one inside when it opens, so you have a few quiet minutes for photos.

In the afternoon, continue your drive to Ronda. The road to Ronda takes you up into the mountains, with steep climbs and stunning views. At some rest stops, you can see the sea stretching for many kilometers.

Spend the afternoon exploring Ronda. For most people, an afternoon is enough to see the highlights. But if you want more time, you can also stay the next morning.

The most famous sight in Ronda is the Puente Nuevo de Ronda, the big stone bridge in the center of town. The views from the bridge, and of the bridge itself, are amazing for photos.

Other places worth visiting in Ronda include:

• Puerta de Almocábar, the old stone gate

• Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the historic bullring

• Plaza del Socorro, a lively square near the bullring

In the evening, you can either stay overnight in Ronda, or continue your trip towards Seville, which is about a two-hour drive from Ronda.

Day 9: Seville

The 9th and 10th days of our two-week Spain itinerary are planned for exploring Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

Seville has many tourist attractions, so we recommend spending two days here. Even though two days is not a lot of time, it’s enough to see the main highlights of the city.

Morning

Start your morning at the Plaza de España, one of the most famous landmarks not only in Seville but in all of Spain. You can easily spend 2–3 hours here. It’s a very photogenic place and also very big, so if you want great photos, take your time. You can reach the square on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. In addition, you also have the chance to go boating on the small canal in the square.

Parking in downtown Seville is not easy. For visiting Plaza de España, we found the Parking Saba Muelle de las Delicias underground garage to be the most convenient.

Lunch break

When you’re in Seville, you must try an authentic Andalusian restaurant. Close to the main sights, we recommend Restaurante Cristina Bistró or Uno de Delicias, both are great places to enjoy a local meal.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, explore more of Seville’s old town.

Some of the other must-see landmarks are:

• Seville Cathedral, where you can see the tomb of Columbus
• La Giralda, the tower next to the cathedral

Both require entry tickets, which you can buy on-site or online. You can climb up La Giralda, not by spiral stairs, but by sloped walkways. It takes some time to get to the top, so only do it if you have enough time. But the views are really worth it!

• Real Alcázar: a Moorish-Renaissance royal palace. It’s beautiful but very big, so visiting inside takes a lot of time. Its style is similar to the Alhambra in Granada. We suggest it as an optional visit, it’s fascinating but time-consuming.
• Torre del Oro: a tower by the Guadalquivir River. It’s a great photo spot, and you can see it quickly from the outside.

Evening

In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of downtown Seville. This is the perfect time to sit down for a Spanish dinner, listen to live Spanish music, and maybe watch some traditional Spanish dancers performing.

Day 10: Seville

On Day 10, continue exploring Seville. If you missed anything on Day 9, this is the perfect time to catch up and visit the places you didn’t have time for.

We also recommend adding the following sights to your day:

• Casa de Pilatos (optional): a beautiful Andalusian palace, worth visiting if you enjoy historic buildings.

• Palacio de las Dueñas (optional): another historic palace, also a great option if you love art and architecture.

• Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol): a cool modern structure with great views from the top.

Day 11: Córdoba

On Day 11, continue your road trip to Córdoba. Córdoba is a wonderful town in Andalusia and definitely worth spending the day here.

The drive from Seville to Cordoba takes a little less than two hours by car.

Morning

The most famous attraction is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. You’ll need a ticket to enter, and remember to dress appropriately for visiting.

Another great place to see is the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, which is close to the mosque-cathedral and perfect for taking photos.

Afternoon

If you still have time in Córdoba, visit the Jardines del Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. This is a beautiful garden where you can walk along lovely paths, see fountains, and enjoy plenty of photo spots.

While walking around the streets of Córdoba, you’ll find narrow streets with white houses, decorated walls, and colorful flowers—also perfect for taking photos!

Parking in the town center is easier than in other Andalusian towns, so it’s more convenient if you’re arriving by car.

Evening

In the evening, stay overnight in Córdoba and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city.

If you’re less interested in spending time in Córdoba and prefer to have more time in Madrid, you can skip staying in Córdoba and continue your journey to Madrid.

The drive from Córdoba to Madrid takes about 4 hours by car, so make sure to plan this into your day.

In this case, you’ll arrive in Madrid in the evening, and it’s best to stay overnight in Madrid to get ready for exploring the city the next day.

Day 12: Madrid

Whether you arrive in Madrid on the evening of Day 11 or during Day 12, we recommend spending this day as much as possible exploring Madrid, the capital of Spain.

Honestly, Madrid was one of my favorite cities in Spain. Even though it’s a big city, I found it very cultured, pleasant, and welcoming when we visited. But as a tourist, there aren’t a huge number of must-see attractions, so we planned to spend just 1 or 2 days in Madrid as part of this 14-day itinerary.

Luckily, Madrid’s city center is easy to walk around once you’re nearby. One of the most beautiful spots is the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Cathedral right across from it. From the square between them, you can watch an amazing sunset. Around this area, you’ll also find several nice parks with interesting statues and beautiful fountains.

Another popular attraction is the Plaza Mayor. It’s very busy almost all day, so it can be hard to get a good photo. But the buildings are so impressive that it’s worth sitting at one of the outdoor cafés or restaurants to admire the Spanish architecture.

Just be aware: the square is full of street vendors and, unfortunately, pickpockets, so it’s not the most peaceful spot for tourists. If you want a quieter visit, try going in the morning.

If you still have time, check out Plaza de España and Gran Vía. Gran Vía is one of the main streets in central Madrid. Sometimes called the “Spanish Broadway,” it’s a lively area with lots of shops, hotels, and old movie theaters.

Day 13: Madrid, Zaragoza

Morning

On Day 13, make sure to visit any sights in Madrid that you missed the day before.

• If you’re a football fan, you can visit the stadium of Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid.
• If you feel like taking a relaxing walk, or even want to go boating, visit El Retiro Park. Inside the park, you’ll find the Great Pond of El Retiro, where you can rent a boat, and the beautiful Crystal Palace.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, start your drive towards Zaragoza. The road between Madrid and Zaragoza has such beautiful scenery that I couldn’t resist taking photos. You’ll see red rocky mountains that almost feel like being in Arizona or Utah!

It’s worth stopping in Zaragoza for a few hours in the afternoon. The riverside area of the city is stunning, especially at sunset.

One of Zaragoza’s main attractions is the Aljafería Palace. If you’re short on time, you can admire it from the outside—it’s very impressive even without going in. But if you have more time, it’s worth buying a ticket to visit the inside too.

Evening

In the evening, continue your journey to Barcelona. Expect to arrive late at night.

Day 14: Barcelona

The last day of your Spain road trip is spent again in Barcelona.

If you missed any activities or sights in Barcelona during the first days of your trip, now is the perfect time to catch up. If you want to retake photos or get better shots at your favorite spots, this is your chance to do it again.

Barcelona has so much to see and do—we don’t think you’ll get bored!

With the end of Day 14, our amazing two-week road trip in Spain comes to an end.

In these 14 days, we tried to show you the most beautiful parts of Spain, take you around the most interesting cities, and highlight all the must-see attractions that can fit into two weeks.

We hope you enjoyed our two-week Spain itinerary and that it gave you lots of ideas and inspiration to plan your own road trip in Spain.

If it did—don’t wait! Book your next trip to Spain today: get your flight tickets, hotel, and rental car, and soon you’ll be enjoying the sunshine, food, and beauty of Spain!