30-Day Itinerary for a Memorable Trip to Spain

Overview

This 30-day itinerary will guide you through the vibrant culture, culinary delights, stunning architecture, and rich traditions of Spain. The journey will take you through major cities and hidden gems, incorporating hotel stays, dining options, shopping, and must-visit churches.


Days 1-5: Barcelona

Stay:

  • Hotel Options:
    • Hotel Arts Barcelona: Luxury hotel with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
    • Hotel 1898: A charming hotel located on La Rambla with a rooftop pool.

Food:

  • Restaurants:
    • Casa Mono: Tapas and traditional Spanish cuisine.
    • Tickets Bar: A renowned avant-garde tapas bar by the Adrià brothers.

Culture:

  • Visit Sagrada Família: Gaudí's iconic basilica; don't miss the towers!
  • Explore Park Güell: A whimsical park with colorful mosaics.

Shopping:

  • Passeig de Gràcia: Famous for luxury brands like Gucci and Prada.
  • La Boqueria Market: A vibrant market offering local delicacies.

Public Transportation:

  • Use the Barcelona Metro (L3 line) and buses for easy city navigation.

Days 6-10: Valencia

Travel: Take a high-speed train (AVE) from Barcelona to Valencia (3 hours).

Stay:

  • Hotel Options:
    • Caro Hotel: A boutique hotel in a restored palace.
    • Hotel Las Arenas: A beachfront hotel with luxurious spa services.

Food:

  • Restaurants:
    • La Pepica: Famous for authentic paella.
    • Central Bar: Located within the Central Market for local snacks.

Culture:

  • Visit the Valencia Cathedral and climb the bell tower for panoramic views.
  • Explore the City of Arts and Sciences.

Shopping:

  • Centro Comercial Aqua: A shopping center with various brands and eateries.

Public Transportation:

  • Use Metrovalencia for efficient travel in the city.

Days 11-15: Madrid

Travel: Train to Madrid (1.5 hours via Renfe).

Stay:

  • Hotel Options:
    • Hotel Ritz Madrid: Opulent hotel near Retiro Park.
    • Catalonia Las Cortes: Boutique hotel in the historic district.

Food:

  • Restaurants:
    • Sobrino de Botín: The oldest restaurant in the world; try the cochinillo asado.
    • La Vaca y La Huerta: Known for fresh farm-to-table meals.

Culture:

  • Explore the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace.
  • Attend a Flamenco show in Tablao Villa Rosa.

Shopping:

  • Gran Vía: Major shopping street with high-street and luxury brands.
  • El Rastro: A famous flea market on Sundays.

Public Transportation:

  • Use the Madrid Metro for fast and easy access around the city.

Days 16-20: Seville

Travel: Fast train to Seville (2.5 hours via AVE).

Stay:

  • Hotel Options:
    • Hotel Alfonso XIII: A luxurious hotel reflecting Andalusian architecture.
    • Casa de la Memoria: A charming boutique hotel with a cultural touch.

Food:

  • Restaurants:
    • Bodeguita Romero: Known for its montaditos.
    • El Rinconcillo: The city's oldest tapas bar.

Culture:

  • Visit the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda bell tower.
  • Explore the Alcázar of Seville and its stunning gardens.

Shopping:

  • Calle Tetuán: A street with numerous shops and boutiques.

Public Transportation:

  • Use the Seville Metro and buses to travel around the city.

Days 21-25: Granada

Travel: Bus or train to Granada (3 hours).

Stay:

  • Hotel Options:
    • Parador de Granada: A historic hotel located within the Alhambra grounds.
    • Hotel Anacapri: Centrally located with easy access to major attractions.

Food:

  • Restaurants:
    • Bodegas Castañeda: Exceptional tapas in a local atmosphere.
    • Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán: Great views near the Alhambra.

Culture:

  • Visit the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens.
  • Explore the Sacromonte neighborhood for its cave houses.

Shopping:

  • Calle Reyes Católicos: A vibrant street with many shops.

Public Transportation:

  • Use local buses or taxis; Granada is also quite walkable.

Days 26-30: Bilbao & San Sebastián

Travel: Train to Bilbao (6 hours) and then to San Sebastián (1 hour).

Stay:

  • Hotel Options in Bilbao:
    • Hotel Gran Bilbao: A modern hotel with great amenities.
    • Museum Hotel: Close to the Guggenheim and city center.
  • Hotel Options in San Sebastián:
    • Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: Seafront hotel with stunning views.
    • Hotel Villa Soro: A charming boutique hotel.

Food:

  • Restaurants in Bilbao:
    • Bacas: Known for traditional Basque cuisine.
    • La Statue d'Hercule: Tapas and wine with a coastal view.
  • Restaurants in San Sebastián:
    • Pintxos Bars: Explore bars like Bar Nestor for excellent pintxos.
    • Txfoni: Michelin-starred dining experience.

Culture:

  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
  • In San Sebastián, walk around the beautiful La Concha Beach and visit the Old Town.

Shopping:

  • El Corte Inglés in both cities for a variety of brands and local goods.

Public Transportation:

  • Local buses and the Euskotren for easy travel between cities.

Churches to Visit Throughout the Journey:

  • Barcelona: Sagrada Família and Santa Maria del Mar.
  • Valencia: Valencia Cathedral (also houses the Holy Grail).
  • Madrid: Almudena Cathedral and San Francisco el Grande.
  • Seville: Seville Cathedral and Basilica de la Macarena.
  • Granada: Royal Chapel of Granada.
  • Bilbao: Santiago Cathedral.
  • San Sebastián: Basilica de Santa María del Coro.

Happy travels!

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