15-Day Complete Spain Itinerary: Overview
This 15-day itinerary covers Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Santiago de Compostela with a budget of €1,800-2,500 per person (excluding international flights). This complete Spain route is designed for energetic travelers who want to experience the cultural, gastronomic, and scenic diversity of the peninsula in record time. It’s ideal for those seeking a modern “Grand Tour,” combining the imperial history of the center, the flamenco soul of the south, Mediterranean innovation, and the lush green of the north.
| Día | Ciudad Base | Highlights | Traslado / Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madrid | Llegada, Puerta del Sol, Tapas | – |
| 2 | Madrid | Museo del Prado, Palacio Real | – |
| 3 | Toledo / Sevilla | Catedral de Toledo, Alcázar | Madrid-Toledo (75km) + Tren a Sevilla |
| 4 | Sevilla | Real Alcázar, Catedral, Barrio Santa Cruz | – |
| 5 | Granada | La Alhambra, Albaicín | Sevilla-Granada (256km) |
| 6 | Valencia | Traslado y Ciudad de las Artes | Granada-Valencia (Avión/Tren) |
| 7 | Valencia | La Lonja, Mercado Central, Paella | – |
| 8 | Barcelona | Traslado y Sagrada Familia | Valencia-Barcelona (349km) |
| 9 | Barcelona | Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Gótico | – |
| 10 | Bilbao | Museo Guggenheim, Casco Viejo | Barcelona-Bilbao (607km) |
| 11 | San Sebastián | Monte Urgull, Playa de la Concha | Bilbao-San Sebastián (102km) |
| 12 | San Sebastián | Ruta de Pintxos, Peine del Viento | – |
| 13 | Santiago | Traslado al Norte | San Sebastián-Santiago (Vuelo/Coche largo) |
| 14 | Santiago | Catedral, Pórtico de la Gloria | – |
| 15 | Salida | Compras finales, regreso | – |
Day 1: Arrival in the Capital and First Impressions
Morning
- Arrival at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and transfer to the city center.
- Check-in at your accommodation and a gentle walk to combat jet lag.
Recommended breakfast: Traditional café in the Sol or Gran Vía area. Coffee with milk and toast (€3-5).
Midday
Where to eat: Traditional tavern near Plaza Mayor. Try the Bocadillo de Calamares (fried squid sandwich), an essential classic (€8-12).
- Stroll through Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol (Kilometer Zero).
Afternoon
- Visit the Mercado de San Miguel to see the gastronomic variety (without eating too much to save room for dinner).
- Walk through El Retiro Park to relax.
Night
Dinner: Restaurant in the Las Letras or Huertas neighborhood. Option of a light tasting menu or shared plates (€25-40).
Atmosphere: Quiet drinks on a terrace on Calle Huertas.
Day 2: Imperial and Artistic Madrid
Morning
- Visit the Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado National Museum). Dedicate at least 2 hours to the masterpieces of Velázquez and Goya.
- Walk to the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid) and the Almudena Cathedral.
Recommended breakfast: Churratería San Ginés (famous for chocolate with churros) or similar (€5-8).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant specializing in Castilian cuisine. Order the Cocido Madrileño (Madrid-style chickpea stew), a hearty stew perfect for recharging your energy (€15-25).
Afternoon
- Tour of the Salamanca neighborhood to see architecture and luxury shop windows.
- Optional visit to the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (Reina Sofía National Art Museum) if you’re interested in modern art (Guernica).
Night
Dinner: Malasaña or Chueca area. Younger, more modern atmosphere. Try the Huevos Rotos (broken eggs) with ham (€20-30).
Day 3: Medieval Toledo and Journey South
Morning
- Early transfer to Toledo (75km, 55 min by car or 30 min by AVE).
- Visit the Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo (Primate Cathedral of Toledo) and the Alcázar de Toledo (Toledo Fortress).
- Walk through the Jewish quarter visiting the Sinagoga del Tránsito (Synagogue of El Tránsito).
Recommended breakfast: Café in Plaza de Zocodover before starting your visit (€4-6).
Midday
Where to eat: Toledo restaurant. It’s a must to try Perdiz a la Toledana (Toledo-style partridge) or Carcamusas (pork stew in tomato sauce) (€15-25).
- Buy Mazapán (marzipan) souvenirs at a historic confectionery.
Afternoon
- Return to Madrid and immediate transfer to the AVE station bound for Seville (approx. 2h 30min journey).
- Arrival in Seville, check-in, and first walk around the Plaza de España area.
Night
Dinner: Tapas in the Triana or Santa Cruz neighborhood. Order Espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and Pescado frito (fried fish) (€20-30).
Day 4: Seville, the city of the Giralda
Morning
- Priority visit to the Real Alcázar de Sevilla (Royal Alcázar of Seville) (book tickets in advance).
- Entry to the Catedral de Sevilla y la Giralda (Seville Cathedral and the Giralda) to see Columbus’s tomb.
Recommended breakfast: Classic Seville bar. Mollete with olive oil or tomato toast (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Traditional tabanco or bodega. Try the Solomillo al whisky (pork loin in whisky sauce), a very popular local specialty (12-18€).
Afternoon
- Boat ride on the Guadalquivir or a walk through the Santa Cruz neighborhood.
- Visit the Archivo General de Indias (General Archive of the Indies) (exterior or interior if time allows).
- Afternoon snack: Ice cream or Gazpacho andaluz (Andalusian gazpacho) if it’s hot.
Night
Dinner: Flamenco show with dinner included or high-end tapas in the Alameda area (35-50€).
Day 5: From the Alhambra to the coast
Morning
- Transfer from Seville to Granada (256km, 2h 45min by car or bus).
- Arrival in Granada and check-in.
Recommended breakfast: On the road or upon arrival in Granada. Toast with tomato and Alpujarra ham (4-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant in the center. Try the Plato Alpujarreño, a hearty dish typical of the nearby mountain area (15-20€).
Afternoon
- Visit to La Alhambra y el Generalife (the Alhambra and the Generalife). It is crucial to have tickets purchased months in advance.
- Walk through the Albaicín, the Moorish quarter, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás to watch the sunset with the Alhambra in the background.
Night
Dinner: Free tapas dinner (a Granada custom) on Calle Elvira or Plaza Nueva. Order a drink and they bring you food. Try the Habas con jamón (broad beans with ham) (15-25€ total for several rounds).
Day 6: Transfer to Valencia and modernism
Morning
- Transfer from Granada to Valencia. Recommended option: Direct flight (1h) or train with connection in Madrid (approx. 4-5h total).
- Arrival in Valencia and settling in.
Recommended breakfast: Horchata with Fartons at a traditional horchatería (4-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant near the Mercado Central. Option of rice or Esgarraet (salted cod and roasted pepper salad) (15-25€).
Afternoon
- Visit to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) (exterior and Hemisfèric).
- Walk through the Turia Gardens.
- Visit to La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange) (World Heritage Site).
Night
Dinner: El Carmen or Ruzafa area. Alternative and gastronomic atmosphere. Try the Paella Valenciana (although traditionally it is a midday dish, many places serve it at night for tourists) or creamy rice dishes (20-30€).
Day 7: Historic and gastronomic Valencia
Morning
- Visit to the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia (Valencia Cathedral) and climb up the Miguelete bell tower.
- Tour of the Mercado Central de Valencia, one of the most beautiful markets in Europe.
Recommended breakfast: Coffee and pastry in the area around the Market (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Arroz a banda or All i Pebre in the Port area or La Albufera if you take an excursion (20-30€).
Afternoon
- Free time for shopping on Calle Colón or relaxing at Malvarrosa beach.
- Visit to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (exterior).
Night
Dinner: Modern tapas or author cuisine in the Ruzafa neighborhood (25-40€).
Day 8: Heading to Barcelona
Morning
- Transfer from Valencia to Barcelona. AVE or Euromed train (349km, 3h 00min). This is the most comfortable and fastest option.
- Arrival at Barcelona Sants and transfer to the hotel.
Recommended breakfast: Pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) at a café in the station or city center (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Bodega or restaurant in the Eixample. Try the Escalivada (roasted vegetable dish) as a starter (15-25€).
Afternoon
- Exterior visit to the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia. If there is time and tickets are available, visit the interior.
- Stroll along Paseo de Gracia to see Casa Milà – La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.
Night
Dinner: Tapas in the Gothic Quarter or El Born. Try the Calçots with romesco sauce (if in season) or Crema Catalana (Catalan cream) for dessert (25-40€).
Day 9: Barcelona, Gaudí and the Sea
Morning
- Full visit to Park Güell (monumental zone). Panoramic views of the city.
- Walk down toward the Gràcia neighborhood.
Recommended breakfast: Churros or coffee at Plaza de la Virreina (4-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant in El Born or Barceloneta. Fresh fish or seafood (20-35€).
Afternoon
- Stroll along Las Ramblas (be cautious of pickpockets) and visit the Mercado de la Boquería.
- Beach afternoon at Barceloneta or the Olympic Port.
Night
Dinner: Farewell dinner to Catalonia. Option of a tasting menu in the Eixample (40-60€).
Day 10: The Long Journey North (Basque Country)
Morning
- Transfer from Barcelona to Bilbao. By car it is 607km (6h 15min). Note: For this 15-day itinerary, it is strongly recommended to take a direct flight (1h 15min) so as not to lose an entire day driving.
- Arrival in Bilbao and check-in.
Recommended breakfast: Quick coffee before leaving or en route (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Arrival in Bilbao. First taste of Basque cuisine. Pintxos (Basque tapas) in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) (15-25€).
Afternoon
- Visit to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Architectural icon by Frank Gehry.
- Stroll along the estuary and the Puente Bizkaia (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Night
Dinner: Pintxos crawl along Calle Ledesma or Plaza Nueva. Try the Bacalao al Pil-Pil (cod in garlic and olive oil sauce) or Kokotxas de merluza en salsa verde (hake cheeks in green sauce) (30-50€).
Day 11: From Bilbao to San Sebastián
Morning
- Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastián (102km, 1h 00min by car or bus).
- Arrival in San Sebastián (Donostia) and check-in.
- Stroll along Playa de la Concha.
Recommended breakfast: Coffee with sea views on the Paseo de la Concha (4-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant in the Parte Vieja (Old Town). Try the Marmitako, a northern bonito stew (20-30€).
Afternoon
- Climb up Monte Urgull to see the Castillo de la Mota and the Christ statue.
- Visit the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium (exterior).
- Walk to the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) at Playa de Ondarreta.
Night
Dinner: Fine dining or upscale pintxos. San Sebastián has many Michelin stars. Try the Txuleta (T-bone steak) or the Gilda (anchovy, olive, and guindilla pepper skewer) (25-60€).
Day 12: San Sebastián and heading to Galicia
Morning
- Leisurely breakfast and last-minute shopping for Basque products (cheese, txakoli).
- Visit the Basílica de Santa María del Coro (Basilica of Saint Mary of the Choir).
Recommended breakfast: Tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelette) at a bar in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) (4-6€).
Midday
Where to eat: Set lunch menu in the city center (15-20€).
Afternoon
- Transfer to Santiago de Compostela. Recommended option: Flight from San Sebastián/Bilbao to Santiago (approx. 1h flight time + transfers). By car it’s over 5 hours.
- Arrival in Santiago and first impression of the Plaza del Obradoiro.
Night
Dinner: Welcome dinner to Galicia. Pulpo á Feira (Galician-style octopus) and Pimientos de Padrón (Padrón peppers) (25-40€).
Day 13: Santiago de Compostela, end of the Camino
Morning
- Visit the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela (Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela).
- Attend the Pilgrim’s Mass (if scheduled) to see the Botafumeiro.
- Visit the Pórtico de la Gloria (Portico of Glory) (reservation required).
Recommended breakfast: Coffee on Rúa do Vilar (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Restaurant near the cathedral. Try the Empanada Gallega (Galician pie) with tuna or meat (15-25€).
Afternoon
- Stroll through the Hostal dos Reis Católicos (Parador) and its courtyards.
- Climb up to Monte do Gozo to see the city from where pilgrims see it.
- Walk through the streets of the historic center (Rúa Nova, Rúa do Franco).
Night
Dinner: Farewell dinner to Spain. Tarta de Santiago (almond cake) as a mandatory dessert (30-50€).
Day 14: Free day or excursion in Galicia
Morning
- Option A (Culture): Museums of Santiago (Centro Galego de Arte Contemporánea).
- Option B (Nature): Half-day excursion to the Costa da Morte or the Ría de Arousa.
Recommended breakfast: Local café (3-5€).
Midday
Where to eat: Seafood feast at a restaurant in the area (30-50€).
Afternoon
- Shopping for last souvenirs (herbal liqueur, Sargadelos ceramics).
- Packing suitcases.
Night
Dinner: Light tapas dinner in the university area (20-30€).
Day 15: Departure
Morning
- Breakfast and transfer to Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ).
- Return flight.
Recommended accommodation
For a mid-range budget on this route, look for 3-4 star hotels or well-rated tourist apartments.
- Madrid: Sol, Gran Vía, or Huertas areas. Range: 100-150€/night.
- Seville/Granada: Near the historic center but away from the noisiest areas. Range: 80-120€/night.
- Valencia/Barcelona: Eixample or Gràcia (BCN), Ruzafa or Centro (VLC). Range: 100-160€/night.
- Basque Country (Bilbao/SS): Prices are higher. Look in Indautxu (Bilbao) or Centro/Parte Vieja (SS). Range: 120-180€/night.
- Santiago: Historic center. Range: 90-130€/night.
Transport between cities
To complete this 15-day full Spain trip realistically, combining options is key:
- High-Speed Train (AVE): Essential for Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Valencia-Barcelona. Renfe connects these cities in record times (e.g. Madrid-Seville in 2h 30min).
- Rental car: Recommended for the Seville-Granada stretch (2h 45min) and Bilbao-San Sebastián (1h). Also useful for exploring the surrounding areas.
- Plane: Highly recommended for the long “jump” stretches such as Barcelona-Bilbao (607km by car takes 6h 15min) and San Sebastián-Santiago. You’ll save an entire day of travel.
Estimated budget
Average budget per person (excluding international round-trip flights):
- Accommodation: €1,600 (14 nights x €115 average).
- Food: €750 (€50/day).
- Internal transport: €400 (trains, domestic flights, petrol).
- Entrance fees and leisure: €300 (Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, museums).
- Estimated total: €3,050 per person (or €1,525 if travelling as a couple sharing a room).
Independent travel or organised tour?
This full Spain route presents a logistical challenge.
- Independent travel: Pros: Total flexibility to eat wherever you want and change schedules. Cons: Requires a lot of advance planning (buying Alhambra or Sagrada Familia tickets months ahead) and managing complex transfers (e.g. Bilbao-Santiago). Ideal for experienced travellers.
- Organised tour: Pros: Convenience, coach transfers included, a guide who explains the history. Cons: Less free time, strict schedules, can be more expensive. Ideal for those who don’t want to worry about the logistics of 9 cities in 15 days.
Practical tips
- Book the Alhambra NOW: Tickets for the Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces) sell out weeks in advance. Without them, visiting Granada loses much of its appeal.
- Meal times: In Spain, lunch is eaten late (14:00-15:30) and dinner is eaten late (21:00-22:30). Many kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00.
- Safety: In Barcelona and Madrid, be very careful with pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport.
- Weather: If you travel in summer, the south (Seville/Granada) can exceed 40°C. Plan outdoor visits for first thing in the morning.
- Water: Tap water is safe to drink in almost all of Spain, but in some southern areas it can have a strong limescale taste. Bottled water is cheap.
- Rest: This itinerary is intense. Consider cutting one city (e.g. Valencia or Bilbao) if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to do this route using only public transport?
Yes, it is entirely possible. Spain has an excellent rail (Renfe) and bus (ALSA) network. Combining the AVE for long distances and urban buses or taxis within cities works very well. Only the stretch between some smaller towns or getting to the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) in San Sebastián might require a taxi or local bus.
What is the best time of year to take this 15-day trip?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. In summer it is too hot in Seville and Granada, and in winter it can be cold and rain a lot in the north (Bilbao, Santiago). May and September offer the best climatic balance for exploring all of Spain.
Do I need to carry cash?
Although cards are accepted in almost all establishments, it is advisable to carry some cash (50-100€) for small tapas bars, local markets or tips, especially in more traditional or rural areas.
How far in advance should I book tickets?
For the Alhambra (Granada) and the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), it is recommended to buy tickets 2-3 months in advance, especially in high season. For the Museo del Prado or the Alcázar of Seville, 2-3 weeks is usually enough, but it is always better to secure them.