Best 3, 4, 5 Days Spain Tours

How Many Days Are Enough for a Trip to Spain?

Generally speaking, 7 days is an appropriate length of time for a trip to Spain. However, a 3- or 4-day Spain tour is sufficient to visit Madrid or Barcelona and take day trips to surrounding cities. A 5-day Spain tour gives you more time to explore a second city.

Best Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers

For first-time visitors to Spain, Madrid or Barcelona are the best choices.

Madrid, the capital, offers a more traditional Spanish experience, complete with world-class museums such as the Prado, vast parks like Retiro, and a thriving tapas scene. Its central location also makes it the perfect base for day trips to historic cities such as Toledo and Segovia.

Barcelona is known for its relaxed vacation atmosphere, clean beaches, and Antoni Gaudí's surrealist architecture, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. It is a great choice for those who enjoy art and ocean views.

Classic 3, 4, or 5-day Itinerary in Spain

To help you have a wonderful time in Spain, we have put together itineraries for different days to give you some inspiration.

3-Day Itinerary: Madrid or Barcelona

A 3-day itinerary in Spain is best focused on one city, so that you can get a better understanding of the city's culture. This will also give you enough time to visit the main attractions and sample the local cuisine.

● 3 Days in Madrid, Spain: Day 1, you can visit Madrid's historic center, namely Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid. The two attractions are only a 7-minute walk apart. In the afternoon, head to Retiro Park to enjoy this urban oasis. Day 2, visit the Museo Nacional del Prado and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, both of which house extensive collections of precious paintings.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple. It is most beautiful in the evening. Or if you are a soccer fan, Bernabéu is Real Madrid's stadium, and regular matches are held there.

Day 3, head to Mercado de San Miguel to sample the delicacies of different vendors, or consider a day trip to the historic city of Toledo.

● 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain: Day 1, visit the famous Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. In the afternoon, walk along Pg. de Gràcia and visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Day 2, head to the Gothic Quarter and visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, then relax at Barceloneta Beach. Day 3, climb Montjuïc, which offers seaside views and a historic castle. Or you can visit Mercat de la Boqueria, a busy market offering fresh produce and delicious food.

4-Day Itinerary: Madrid or Barcelona with a Day Trip

A 4-day Spain tour allows for deeper exploration and a chance to start a day trip.

● 4 Days in Madrid & Segovia: The itinerary for the first three days can follow the one provided, or you can visit some different places. For example, on Day 1, start with the landmark Puerta de Alcalá, then visit the Cibeles Fountain and the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum along the way. Day 2, visit the Jardín del Capricho, an 18th-century landscape garden on the outskirts of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Mercado de San Ildefonso, a popular local food market. Day 3, head to Segovia, a historic city located one hour's drive from Madrid. It is renowned for its medieval walls, Romanesque churches, and other architectural landmarks.

Day 4, use the remaining time to shop at Centro Comercial Príncipe Pío, which has a variety of stores, and buy some souvenirs before leaving.

● 4 Days in Barcelona & Montserrat: Day 1, drop off your luggage and head to Barcelona Beach to enjoy the sun and sea breeze, spending a relaxing day. Day 2, return to the city center to visit the main attractions, the Sagrada Familia and Casa Vicens Gaudí, and in the afternoon, visit the Picasso Museum Barcelona to admire Picasso's early works. Day 3, head to Montserrat, an astonishing mountain range and monastery just an hour's drive from Barcelona. Day 4, visit Mercat de Sant Antoni for fresh produce and a variety of delicacies. Or head to Arenas de Barcelona for shopping.

5 Days in Spain Itinerary: Two-City Tour

A 5-day Spain tour allows you to combine two cities, typically Madrid and Barcelona. Take the high-speed train AVE and experience the differences between the two cities.

● 5 Days in Madrid and Barcelona: You can choose from the above Madrid itineraries based on your interests. Day 3, take the high-speed train to Barcelona in the morning. Upon arrival, you can begin exploring the city, perhaps visiting La Rambla. Day 4 is dedicated to visiting Gaudí's main attractions, while Day 5 can be spent exploring the Gothic Quarter before departure. This 5-day Spanish itinerary combines the popular attractions of both cities.

Tips for Visiting Spain

Spain Weather: The best time to visit is during the off-season in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller. For example, in Madrid, summer temperatures can soar above 90°F (32°C), while spring and fall average temperatures are 65-70°F (18-21°C).

Transportation in Spain: For traveling between major cities, the AVE is the best option. It is fast, comfortable, and reliable. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure the best fare. For getting around within cities, Madrid and Barcelona both have excellent metro and bus systems connecting all major attractions and neighborhoods. Other cities, such as Valencia and Seville, have metro systems covering major areas, while Murcia and Bilbao offer public transportation options such as buses and trams.