Fora’s Take
Make Spain your one stop in Europe! From Moorish architecture to Roman ruins and Arabic neighborhoods — it gives you the best of the Mediterranean region! It's a destination fit for all moods and seasons — food, hiking, culture, history, beaches and mountains!
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Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona
You'll likely arrive in Barcelona by the afternoon. Check in to your hotel and then head to Mercado de La Boqueria after you have freshened up. Right away you can explore and taste the flavors of Spain! Try tapas from various shops.
After the Market, try to squeeze some nap time and be rejuvenated for the evening. In the evening, make your way through La Rambla and to Plaza Reial! A hip plaza with bars under the cool arches and palm trees!
Have dinner at O’Toxo 3 Hermanos, a classic tapas bar, to have your first Paella of the trip!
Then explore the late-night bars in the El Born neighborhood for Cocktails & Samba.
Then retire for a well-deserved sleep!
Day 2: Explore Barcelona
Sleep in and recover from the jet lag! Aim to head out of the hotel by 11 am and straight to La Sagrada Familia (tickets in advance). Give yourself enough time to explore the outside and get those perfect pictures and then head inside.
After that make your way to the following landmarks throughout the day:
El Born neighborhood
Bishop’s Bridge - Marble crossing between two buildings in the Gothic Quarter, marked by a skull pierced with a dagger.
Squeeze a nap hour after lunch and the above excursions!
Book yourself an evening guided tour of Park Guell to see all of Gaudi's grandeur! It is on a hill and has a lot of walking involved, so enjoy it with the evening sun. We recommend taking a cab there and getting off at the entrance up the hill and making your way into the park and exploring as you make your way downhill.
After the park, head to Colom Restaurant, a Columbus-themed place serving local specialties. For a post-dinner walk, head to Columbus monument and walk across the port of Barcelona.
Retire to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
Day 3: Figueres & Costa Brava road trip
Check out and rent a car on day three from Barcelona Sants station and make your way to the dreamy Girona region.
Start with the Dali theater & museum in Figueres for the morning.
Make your way to Tossa De Mar for the Iconic Costa Brava postcard views. Stroll through the medieval town to the beach and lunch after that.
Then drive to Palafrugell to check in to Can Mascort Eco Hotel. Head out for dinner later in the town and retire early for the night.
Day 4: Travel to Madrid
The next morning take advantage of the late checkout and drive to Calella de Palafrugell town in the morning, soak in the beautiful beach lined with white houses from Punta dels Burricaires. Next stop to Cala s'Alguer - Small, rocky beach with surrounding houses tucked away in a quiet cove offering scenic views. Next stop Cala del Pi, another scenic cliffside beach.
Head back to the hotel, check out and drive back to Barcelona (1 hr). Return your car to the Barcelona Sants station and catch an express train to Madrid.
You should reach Madrid in 2.5 hrs, check in at the Hotel Vinci the Mint. The neighborhood is bustling but you can stay in the hotel and enjoy drinks at the quirky reception/bar and eat in!
It's been a long travel day, retire for the night!
Day 5: Explore Madrid
The Next morning, explore Madrid for a few hours. It will be a walking distance to Plaza Mayor. Explore the cafes and landmarks in the vicinity.
Then check-out, rent a car and make your way to Granada - situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the jewel of Spain's Andalusian region. Check-in, rest and head out to an authentic Flamenco show in the caves for the night. Call it a night after, you deserve it!
The next day start your morning with a guided tour of the Alhambra. This is not to be missed. Ensure that you book your tickets at least 1 month in advance. After Alhambra explore the Albaicin neighborhood.
Days 6-10: Andalusia
For the remaining days of your trip, explore the Andalusian region. Towns not to be missed are: Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda and Cordoba! You can take up to 2-4 days to see those towns properly. Drive back to Madrid and after, spend the last leg of your trip there before taking the train to Barcelona to fly back home!
Need to know
October is a great month to visit these parts of Spain as the summer is now starting to end and you will get comfortable weather with minimal rain throughout.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain.