Spain is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. A week in Spain is the perfect amount of time to explore its different regions and experience its unique charm. Check out suggestions for food, transportation, and some of the best sites to visit in Spain.

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid

Arrive in Madrid, the capital of Spain, in the morning and check into your hotel.

Take a walk around the city center, visiting landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum,

For lunch, try some traditional Spanish dishes at one of Madrid’s many tapas bars. Also known as appetizers, tapas restaurants are famous for Spanish wines and small bites. Some popular tapas include “patatas bravas” (spicy fried potatoes), and “croquetas” (deep-fried balls potatoes and meat or fish).

For dinner, catch a flamenco show at one of the city’s famous tablaos or a small traditional venue.

Day 2: Madrid – Toledo Day Trip

Take a day trip to Toledo, a beautiful medieval city located just an hour’s train ride from Madrid.

Spend the day exploring Toledo’s narrow streets, visiting landmarks such as the Cathedral of Toledo and the Alcázar Fortress in Toledo.

For lunch, try some of Toledo’s famous marzipan sweets, made from ground almonds and sugar and used in cake decorating.

Return to Madrid in the evening for a leisurely and unrushed supper in a quaint café.

Day 3: Madrid – Seville

Take an early morning train to Seville, the capital of Andalusia.

Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring Seville’s many landmarks, such as the Alcázar of Seville and the Giralda Tower.

For lunch, try some traditional Andalusian dishes such as “gazpacho” (a cold soup made of tomatoes and peppers) and “pescaíto frito” (deep-fried fish).

At dinnertime, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city and have dinner at one of Seville’s many traditional restaurants.

Day 4: Seville – Granada

Take a train to Granada, home of the Alhambra, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. Spend the day visiting this palace and fort-like complex from Moorish times. Then take a stroll around the city’s historic center taking in the ancient architecture.  Try some traditional Granadian dishes such as “papas a la importancia” (potatoes cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.)

In the evening, enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife full of clubs, music, and culture including Spain’s noted wines. Cheers!

Day 5: Granada – Barcelona

Take a train to Barcelona, one of the most visited cities in Spain known for bull fights, beaches, and green spaces.

Check into your hotel and spend the day exploring the city, visiting landmarks such as the Barcelona’s Parc de Collserola. This green space is 22 times larger than New York’s Central Park, making it the world’s largest metropolitan park.  Barcelona is also the greenest city in the world, making it climate friendlier than any other European city.

For a mid-day break, try some traditional Catalan dishes such as “pa amb tomàquet” (toasted bread with tomato) and “escalivada” (a dish of grilled vegetables). Lots of healthy food choices in this region of Spain.

In the evening, take a walk around the city’s famous Las Ramblas. Or take a ride around the 112 miles of bike paths throughout the city.

Day 6: Barcelona – Costa Brava

Take a train or bus to Costa Brava, the beautiful coastal region located in the north of Catalonia. This is the best beach in Spain and will give you a full view of the Mediterranean Sea. Prepare for your trip back home and all the memories you have to share.

This schedule can easily be modified for a long weekend, centered around one region or the capitol city. Whatever you decide, book your next travel destination to Spain to experience a rich mix of culture, food, and vast landscapes.  Safe travels.