Visit Spain in 12 days

You want to discover all of Spain’s most important cities? A mix of urban landscapes and relaxing on the beach represent your perfect vacation? You have 12 days ahead of you and you like the idea of a road trip? Then you will love this itinerary!

Experience Spanish culture through three of its regions, Catalonia, Castile and León, and Andalusia, each with something special to offer.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this 12 days road trip in Spain:

• Enjoy the beautiful view over Barcelona from Montjuic Park
• Have a drink as the locals do in the Ruzafa district in Valencia
• Go see a flamenco show when in Madrid
• Have your breath taken-away when seeing Seville’s Plaza de España
• Immerse yourself in the local Spanish culture when strolling in Malaga’s central market

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Looking to visit the Spanish Basque Country ? Check out our one week itinerary Spanish Basque Country !

Itinerary for a 12 days road trip through Spain’s main cities

Barcelona > Valencia > Madrid > Seville > Malaga

Some practical information before your road trip to Spain

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your 12-day itinerary through Spain? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in Spain are the months of may, june, september and october. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable regardless of the region, and there will be less tourists. More information here.

During your road trip, make sure you try each city’s specialty! In Barcelona, eat some tapas and pintxos, in Valencia enjoy a paella valenciana, in Madrid a cocido madrileño (kind of like a beef stew), in Sevilla some huevos a la Flamenca (fried egg served with vegetables), and in Malaga grilled sardine kebabs.

Contents: 12-day road trip in Spain

1- Barcelona – Stop 1 of the 12-day road trip in Spain
2- Valencia – Stop 2 of the 12-day road trip in Spain
3- Madrid – Stop 3 of the 12-day road trip in Spain
4- Seville – Stop 4 of the 12-day road trip in Spain
5- Malaga – Stop 5 of the 12-day road trip in Spain

12-day itinerary through Spain: step by step

What to do in Barcelona?

A few days in the city of Gaudi, a must of this 12-day road trip in Spain.

• Go down the Ramblas and walk through the neighbourhood of Barrio Gòtic… People, a lot of people, but a must-see!
• On the Ramblas, make a stop at the Boquería market, full of local specialties. We can recommend this great tour in which you will also be able to make your own paella!
• Have a drink on the patio of the 7th floor of La Isabela.
• Be sure to go see the Sagrada Familia, the Parc Güell, the Casa Batlló and the Casa Milà, all designed by the famous Gaudi.
• Head towards the beautiful Montjuic Park, from up there, you will be able to enjoy a great view over the city. Most of summer evenings, a free light and sound show is presented at the fountain.
• Have a traditional paella at Xiringuito Escribà facing the sea.
• Eating out is the best in barceloneta … Enjoy a glass of cava (local sparkling white wine) in the Cava bar called “Can Paixano” (La Xampanyeria).
• Want to chill on the beach? In the city center you will find the beach of Sant Sebastia near the W Hotel. You can even try stand-up paddle! And if you want to get out of the city, head to Castelldefels, at a 30-min drive.
• Our tip: you can buy the Barcelona Card to enjoy public transportation unlimitedly and at a reduced price during your stay. Buy the Barcelona Card there !

If you have more time on your hands and want to further explore the Costa Daurada region towards Valencia, you will find the information you need in this other itinerary!

Where to sleep in Barcelona?

• Mid-range: The Praktik Èssens is located in the centre of the city and has a terrace with great views. It has exceptional bedding but also a tranquillity that is rare in the heart of Barcelona’s city centre.
• High-end: The charming Hotel El Palace Barcelona welcomes you to their elegant, classically styled rooms close to Barcelona’s most popular sights and the Ramblas. The hotel features a luxurious Mayan-style spa and, most importantly, a chauffeur-driven limousine service available on request. Feel free to live the life of a star.

What to do in Valencia?

Where traditional and modern Spain meet. We’re sure you will love this second stop of your 12-day road trip in Spain. 

• Walk around the Turia River Garden and visit the City of the Arts and Sciences.
• Stroll around the charming neighbourhood of El carmen.
• Climb up the 204 stairs of the Micalet and enjoy an 360-view from the top of the bell tower.
• Have a drink in the trendy neighbourhood of Ruzafa.
• Spend a night out on the nicest patio in Valencia, at the Umbracle night club.

Where to sleep in Valencia?

• Mid-range: Located just 2 km from Valencia’s central market, the Ruzafa Centro offers views of the city while combining modernity, comfort and cleanliness.
• High-end: The Palacio Vallier 5* is located in Valencia, 100 metres from the Basilica de la Virgen. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms as well as a restaurant and a reception open 24-hour. Please note that the staff speak almost only Spanish!

What to do in Madrid?

Get to know the Spanish capital city, with bustling streets, great views, and always something to do.  

• Discover plaza mayor and its surroundings, the museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, get something to eat in a tapas bar in Calle de la Cava Baja.
• Be sure to take the time to go to the flea market on a Sunday in El Rastro and take a break in Parque del Buen Retiro.
• Get a feel of the vintage Madrid in the neighbourhood of Malasana.
• Visit the Atocha train station and its tropical garden. Quite unique, huh?
• You will be amazed by the neighbourhood of Salamanca and its main street, Calle de José Ortega y Gasset.
• Go spend some time discovering and admiring Spanish art at the Prado museum. There, you will be able to see masterpieces from Velasquez, Goya or even Le Greco.
• Soccer fan? Maybe you’ll get the chance to see a game in the famous Bernabéu stadium (81000 seats !), or you can also book a tour of the stadium.
• Treat yourself for this stop of your 12-day road trip in Spain by going to a flamenco show! We would recommend this one.

If you are particularly attracted to the Madrid area and want to know more about the surrounding towns and cities, then, our Castilla and León itinerary might interest you!

Where to sleep in Madrid?

• Mid-range: In a quiet and relaxing “modern nature” style, located opposite the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Apartosuites Jardines de Sabatini welcomes you in clean and spacious designed suites. If you want to combine proximity and tranquillity, this is the best place.
• High-end: Renovated in a 19th-century building in the Los Letras district, the Gran Hotel Inglés is 300 metres from Puerta Square. In an elegant and original Art Deco style, the rooms have absolutely incredible bedding! Enjoy, and to get your energy up again, eat at the Lobo 8 restaurant of chef Willy Moya.

What to do in Seville?

Fall for Andalusia’s charming capital. 

• Be sure to go see Plaza de España, incredibly beautiful! Its beautiful architecture and great atmosphere will sure become one of your great memories of this 12-day road trip in Spain.
• Get to meet the locals in the neighbourhood of Alamadeando.
• Tired of the city? Go for a walk in Parque de María Luisa and take your time between the fountains.
• Visit the Cathedral and count the steps when going up Giralda Tower.
• For a unique moment, visit the Alcazar by night (booking required). This beautiful palace is very representative of the city’s cultural evolution, a must-see!
• Stroll through the narrow streets of the neighbourhood of Santa Cruz and step in Hospital de los Venerables and admire its beautiful architecture.
• Buy spices at Triana’s market and spend a day along the calle Betis.
• Take Seville’s gastronomy back home with you after doing a cooking class. Then you will be able to impress your dear ones with delicious and tasteful Spanish dishes.

Andalusia and its Arabian influences will surely charm you. Indeed, if you have more time on your hands, don’t hesitate to discover the white villages and beautiful other cities of Andalusia. You can find more information in our itinerary in Andalusia.

Where to sleep in Seville?

• Mid-range: In a small, quiet alley in the heart of the lively centre of Seville, the Luxury Apartment Sierpes offers free Wi-Fi but above all legendary hospitality from the hosts, who will take care of you.
• High-end: Hotel Unuk, located in the city centre, has a restaurant, outdoor pool, gym and bar. With spacious rooms and a roof top, experience and enjoy your best holiday ever at this hotel!

What to do in Malaga?

City of celebration, get to experience the traditional Spanish night life atmosphere. 

• To discover a beautiful architecture, visit the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba. You can visit them on your own, or take a guided tour to know more about their history. We recommend this guided tour.
• Foodies? Be sure to check out the Mercado Central de Atarazanas.
• Head to the Incarnation Cathedral and get your breath taken away by its beauty.
• After a day of exploring the city, relax and party in the historic city center.
• 1 hour up North of Malaga, go explore the famous Caminito del Rey, in El Chorro.
• It’s nearly the end of your 12-day road trip in Spain, so take time to enjoy the sun and the sea on one of the beaches of Malaga. They’re quite touristic, but it’s better than nothing, and in the area, it is quite difficult to find a deserted coves, but if you do, let us know in the comments!
• End your stay beautifully with a catamaran tour at sunset, you can hardly do better!

Where to sleep in Malaga?

• Mid-range: Welcomed by smiling, multilingual hosts, stay at the Patio de Arance. In a modern tone with grey-white colours, the spacious flat will suit you perfectly for your last stop!
• High-end: The luxurious Gran Hotel Miramar GL occupies a listed 20th-century building in Malaga. Enjoy the beach, which is just 10 metres away. This beachfront hotel offers views of the beach, garden or city, and has a spa and swimming pool open in season.

Learn more about your 12-day road trip in Spain…

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your road trip? We recommend you this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply something to say about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!