2 Weeks in Spain

EuropeSpain
Written By Jessica Bergin

Tomato-throwing contests and vibrant fiestas set the scene for your 14 days in Spain. Your Spanish getaway promises plenty of food, fiestas and siestas in both the big cities and bucolic villages. Here’s how to spend 2 weeks in Spain.

Coined for its bullfighting history, blissful beaches and architectural wonders, Spain is on practically every traveller’s bucket list. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, this country in southwestern Europe is rich in historical, cultural and culinary delights.

alhambra complex in granada in spain

Stroll the ancient palaces in Granada, indulge in authentic tapas in Seville and let loose in Barcelona’s wild nightlife scene. Whether you want to sip sangria in Madrid’s rooftop bars or kayak on the Costa Brava’s coast, this 14 day Spain itinerary includes all the highlights, hot spots and hidden gems.

Having lived in Barcelona for 7 years, I’ve roamed the panoply of popular cities and road-tripped to lesser-known locations. Every corner of this country is coloured with unique experiences, from the Baleric Islands’ Menorca to the Canary Islands’ Tenerife.

Barcelona’s awe-inspiring architecture and Madrid’s world-class art galleries deserve your full attention. The country’s rival cities serve as the ideal base to kickstart your 2 weeks in Spain. Find the right fit for you with this guide on Madrid vs Barcelona.

No matter where you begin your travels, this guide will help make your holiday in Spain unforgettable. Vamanos!

 

How to Spend 14 Days in Spain

In this Spain itinerary for 14 days, we cover the best time to visit, how to get around, places to stay and local travel tips. If your first time in the land of fun, food and fiestas, don’t miss this guide on the Best Places to Visit in Spain for First-Time Visitors.

Here’s a summary of how to spend 2 weeks in Spain:

madrid spain rooftop bars

  • Day 1 - 3: Madrid

  • Day 4: Toledo

  • Day 5 - 7: Seville

  • Day 8: Ronda

  • Day 9 - 10: Granada

  • Day 11 - 14: Barcelona

Day 1 - 3: Madrid

2 weeks in Spain starting in Madrid promises plenty of fun, so let’s kick off this itinerary in the beating heart of the country.

Rooftop drinks and hearty cuisine set the scene for your adventure, from churros con chocolate at San Ginés to cocido madrileño, this place will have you drooling.

Spain's capital city, Madrid mixes modern and old, from the manicured gardens to the world-famous museums. Whether you want to taste jamon iberico or marvel at the awe-inspiring architecture, the capital serves as the ideal base to begin your trip.

Wander around the ancient Temple of Debod, step inside the Royal Palace and roam around the Prado Museum. Enjoy a picnic in El Retiro Park or escape the cold winter inside the Reina Sofia Museum. Tick all the highlights off your bucket list with this 3 Day Madrid Itinerary. Alternatively, you could opt for 2 weeks in Spain starting in Barcelona.

Things to do in Madrid

  • Taste the best food on a wine & tapas tour

  • See everything in one day on the hop-on hop-off bus

  • Feel the magic of an Andalusian-inspired flamenco show

  • Watch a football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

  • See the street art in the Lavapies neighbourhood

Day Trips from Madrid

Explore the surroundings on one of these Best Day Trips from Madrid, Spain.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Go luxe in Salamanca, get rowdy in Malasaña or soak up the local vibes in La Latina.

 

Day 4: Toledo

This part of your 2 weeks in Spain itinerary invites you to Toledo! History buffs and culture vultures will find delight in the array of attractions, from the Gothic Cathedral to the panoramic Alcázar Fortress.

Located in Castilla-La Mancha in southcentral Spain, Toledo is crowned with churches, mosques, synagogues and convents. This unique town is steeped deep in history, culture and tradition, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Discover the maze of streets of Toledo’s Old Town and admire the mix of Islamic, Jewish and Christian influences. This UNESCO-listed site has over two millennia of history. Make the most of your stay in Spain with this Complete Guide to Toledo. Appreciate the history in the Alcázar of Toledo and admire the Tagus River from the Mirador del Valle.

Things to do in Toledo

  • Get immersed on a Three Cultures Walking Tour

  • See the sights on a historical day trip

  • Combine art and history at El Greco Museum

  • Stroll along the Tagus River for scenic city views

Where to Stay in Toledo

2 weeks in Spain promises plenty of sightseeing, so stay near the Jewish Quarter for easy access to sights.

 

Day 5 - 7: Seville

No 14 days in Spain is complete with a trip to Seville. With culture tucked in every corner, there’s a huge haul of highlights to uncover. Peer up at Las Setas de Sevilla, stand in awe at Plaza de España and sip salmorejo, a classic cold tomato soup.

Southern Spain is famous for its flamenco shows, bullfighting and awe-worthy architecture. Seville is one of the best places to stay in Spain for first-time visitors.

There are many things to do in Seville, from the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Royal Alcázar to the Guadalquivir River. Stroll through the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, don’t miss a traditional flamenco show and get pampered with a spa treatment in the Arab Baths.

Seville is one of the best places to visit in Spain in April, thanks to the Feria de Abril (Seville Fair). This local festival takes place over an entire week. With traditional music, food and dance performances, this is a truly unique experience. If you want to know how to spend 2 weeks in Spain, Seville is a bucket list destination for culture lovers and foodies alike!

jess bergin in seville spain

Things to do in Seville

Day Trips from Seville

Spice up your sightseeing with a day trip from Seville.

  • Explore the Nasrid Palaces in Granada

  • Eat fresh seafood on the coast in Cadiz

  • Cross the iconic Puente Nuevo Bridge in Ronda

  • Admire the architecture in Cordoba

  • See the cave town of Setenil de las Bodegas

Where to Stay in Seville

Stay in Santa Cruz’s historic streets or opt for the local vibes in Triana on your Sevvile trip.

 

Day 8: Ronda

This leg of your Spain itinerary for 2 weeks invites you into a character-packed, cliff-hanging village. Replete with ancient bullrings, a plundering bridge and authentic Andalusian charm, Ronda is one of the most unique places to stay in Spain.

Ronda sits on the cusp of a canyon and is famous for its deep-rooted traditions. Meander through the cobbled Old Quarter, relax at the ancient Arab Baths and don’t miss the Moorish King’s Palace and Mondragon Palace.

Tempt your tastebuds with tapas in Plaza Durquesa de Parcent and don’t leave without trying a summertime staple, gazpacho soup. This Andalusian soup is served cold and made using blended vegetables. It’s a classic dish in the region, especially during the scorching hot summer.

Amp up your Spain trip and squeeze in a trip to Setenil de las Bodegas, a quaint cave town in Southern Spain. Ronda is around a 20-minute drive from Setenil de las Bodegas, so you could combine the two. Want to spend more time in Andalusia? Combine this travel guide with this Southern Spain Itinerary for 7 Days!

Things to do in Ronda

Where to Stay in Ronda

 

Day 9 - 10: Granada

Ancient architecture and jaw-dropping palaces paint the picture for your Spain vacation. Granada is a traveller’s treasure trove, making it a must-see for many.

This 14 days in Spain itinerary really just gets better and better. As you move around the country, you will experience an eclectic mix of culture and cuisine. Granada exudes Andalusian charm, from its flamenco shows to its ancient Nasrid Palaces.

Granada is one of the best places to stay in Spain for food and culture. The tapas scene isn’t plagued by tourism (like in Barcelona), meaning that it’s easier to find well-priced food that lives up to the hype.

Get immersed in the history on a sunset walking tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte, explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and don’t miss the city’s ancient Arab Quarter, Albacín area.

After you’ve got a taste of Granada’s rich Islamic heritage, spend a few hours in the mountain-hugging Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces and Generalife Gardens. Don’t miss a thing with this guide on the Best Things to do in Granada, Spain.

Things to do in Granada

Day Trips from Granada

Dip in and out of rural villages and beautiful beaches with this guide on the best day trips from Granada.

Where to Stay in Granada

The best Spain itinerary for 2 weeks includes a mix of everything. Soak up the Old Town vibes in Albaicín or feel like a local in Realejo.

 

Day 11 - 14: Barcelona

Let’s wrap up your 2 week itinerary in my hometown, Barcelona! This buzzing city is best for beach lovers, architectural enthusiasts and nightlife nuts. From the Modernist masterpieces to the Roman ruins, there’s no better city to wrap up your trip.

Catalonia’s capital city is nestled in northeastern Spain. Barcelona is a real-life playground, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe.

From Picasso’s masterpieces to Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, there are so many things to do in Barcelona. Sip cava (Catalonia’s version of champagne), shop til you drop in the best vintage stores and indulge in Catalan culinary culture. Must-try food includes pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée)

Roam the Gothic Quarter, peer up at La Pedrera and admire the colourful mosaics in Park Guell. See the best city panoramas at sunset from Bunkers del Carmel. There’s a huge haul of attractions in Barcelona, and the interactive museums and outdoor activities make it an ideal place to spend 2 weeks in Spain with kids.

If you tire of the city buzz, swim to hidden coves in the Costa Brava and dig your feet in the golden sands in Tarragona. If you want to know how to spend 2 weeks in Spain, Barcelona is well worth visiting. Save at least three to four days to see the best attractions with this 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary.

tibidabo in barcelona spain

Things to do in Barcelona

Day Trips from Barcelona

Sip cava in local vineyards, discover hidden beaches and roam ancient alleyways with this guide on the best day trips from Barcelona.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Stay close to big attractions in El Born, swim at the nearby beach in Barceloneta or soak up local life in Gràcia on your trip to Barcelona.

 

Best Time to Visit Spain

Now that you know how to spend 14 days in Spain, let’s get straight into the logistics. This country is widely considered a year-round destination, making it a popular place to visit in Europe.

The best time to visit Spain is during the shoulder seasons of April and May or late September and October.

These off-peak travel seasons have budget rates on accommodation, transport, airfares and activities. With far fewer crowds and pleasant weather, this is the ideal time to visit Spain.

If you want to embark on a summer getaway, July and August boast the hottest temperatures for a beach vacation. Avoid sightseeing in the big cities during this time, unless you’re comfortable with huge hoards of tourists.

 

How to Get Around Spain

Get around like a local with this travel guide! This part of Europe is well-connected with public transport, so here’s a summary of everything you need to know.

Train

Spain is home to a well-developed train network, with fast and frequent options that link major cities and some small towns.

High-speed trains operate in places like Seville, Barcelona, Madrid and Granada and are run by the national train service, Renfe Cercanias. It’s easy to travel around Spain by train, especially if you want to visit the main cities. If you want to plan a Spain road trip, there are a couple of things to take into consideration.

Here’s how to make your multi-destination trip better, and, more affordable. European residents can purchase an Interrail pass and non-European residents can purchase a Eurail pass. Before you book your train tickets, be sure to compare your options using Omio and Trainline.

Bus

Buses in Spain are the best mode of transport for budget travellers and backpackers. Your 2 weeks in Spain don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, especially most of the country is so well-connected.

Although buses aren’t the most timely way of getting around, you can see big cities and smaller towns for a fraction of the cost. Flixbus and ALSA are two great options, but you can also compare other options using Busbud.

Aeroplane

Catching a flight is the fastest way to get around Spain, especially between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Before you book your tickets, compare costs and times using Skyscanner.

Book at least two to four months in advance if you’re a budget traveller or backpacker. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed for more than three hours, claim your money back with Compensair.

Car

Renting a car in Spain offers you the freedom to set your own route. And it doesn’t get much better than driving through the Spanish countryside to hidden beaches and mountain villages.

If you start your Spain itinerary for 14 days from Madrid, rent a car directly from the airport. With your own vehicle, you can see the top attractions, visit rural towns and discover hidden gems along the way. If you’re a non-EU resident, be sure to get an International Drivers License.

Renting a car also means you won't be restricted by tight transport schedules and tour group timetables. Driving in Spain is an immersive experience, especially in the Pueblos Blancos and coastal regions of Andalucia.

 

Top Travel Tips for Your Spain Itinerary

To ensure that your 2 week Spain itinerary goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few things to take into consideration. Here are some local tips to help you make your trip:

 

FAQs

Is 2 weeks in Spain enough?

If it’s your first time in Spain, 14 days is enough time to see the big cities and discover rural towns. With two weeks in Spain, you can explore Madrid and Barcelona and spend time in the main cities of Andalusia (Southern Spain).

How much should I budget for 2 weeks in Spain?

The total cost comes down to your preferences and travel budget. A two week trip to Spain costs roughly $2,750 for one person and $5,000 for two people. This cost includes basic accommodation, meals, local transport and some sightseeing.

How many days is good for Spain?

I’d recommend at least one to two weeks in Spain. During this time, you’ll visit iconic cities like Barcelona and Madrid, and you’ll have time to head down south to the rural villages and beautiful beaches in Andalusia.

Is it easy to travel around Spain by train?

It's easy to get around Spain by train. The Renfe Cercanias runs across the country and connects major cities like Cordoba, Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. Trains are a quick and comfortable way to see it all in a short amount of time.

Why Visit Spain for 2 Weeks?

A 2 week Spain itinerary allows you plenty of time to see big cities and rural towns. With this 14-day guide, you’ll eat tapas in Andalusia, swim at the beaches in Barcelona and party at the rooftop bars in Madrid.

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural and culinary experiences, and I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. Now that you know how to spend 2 weeks in Spain, be sure to save this guide for your next getaway!

Jessica Bergin https://www.jessbergin.com
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