Spain trip itinerary – Complete Guide (2026)

According to Madrid Bullfighting, the official English guide to bullfighting in Madrid, the main bullring Las Ventas is considered the cultural heartbeat of Spain’s capital—and a highlight many travelers add to their Spain trip itinerary.

This Spain Trip Itinerary – Complete Guide (2026) is designed to help you plan a seamless journey through the country’s great cities, coastlines, and culinary capitals while weaving in Spain’s living traditions.

You’ll find 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day itineraries; transport tips; seasonal notes; budget guidance; and how to time your visit to the 2026 bullfighting calendar. Where relevant, we’ll point you to official dates and easy ways to Book tickets and check the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026.

“Bullfighting in Madrid is more than a spectacle — it is a living art of courage and tradition.” — Javier R., cultural historian

🧭 How to Use This Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

This Spain trip itinerary is built around logical rail corridors, realistic daily pacing, and generous time for long lunches, museum visits, and evening strolls. Each day includes a “what to see,” “how to get there,” and a human tip you’d hear from a local. You can swap days freely—Spain rewards curiosity.

Key planning notes for 2026:

  • High-speed trains (AVE/Avlo/OUIGO) link Madrid–Barcelona in ~2.5–3 hours, Madrid–Seville in ~2.5 hours, and Madrid–Valencia in ~1.8 hours.
  • The bullfighting season at Las Ventas typically runs March–October, with San Isidro in May–June and Feria de Otoño in October. For exact dates and lineups, see the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026 and remember you can Book your tickets directly in English.
  • Shoulder seasons (April–June, September–October) strike the best balance of weather, crowds, pricing, and cultural depth—ideal for a Spain trip itinerary that includes both cities and countryside.

🚄 The Essential 7-Day Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

Who it’s for: First-timers who want Madrid, a taste of Andalusia, and one coastal city without rushing.

Day 1 – Madrid: Royal Axis & Barrio Life

  • Morning: Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor.
  • Afternoon: Prado Museum or Thyssen; coffee at Plaza de Santa Ana.
  • Evening: Tapas hop in La Latina (Cava Baja) or Huertas.
  • Local tip: In Madrid, dinner after 9 pm is normal. Wander under the jacarandas in late spring.

Day 2 – Madrid: Las Ventas & Retiro

  • Morning: Tour Las Ventas (neo-MudĂ©jar façade, 23,000 seats, museum).
  • If traveling March–October: consider a corrida at Las Ventas. Check the 2026 schedule and Book your tickets early for San Isidro (May–June).
  • Afternoon: Retiro Park (Crystal Palace, rowing boats), Gran VĂ­a for architecture.
  • Reflection: Whether you view it as ritual or controversy, bullfighting mirrors Spain’s history and passion.

Day 3 – Day Trip: Toledo or Segovia

  • Toledo: El Greco, synagogues, cathedral.
  • Segovia: Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale AlcĂĄzar, suckling pig.
  • Train time: ~30–35 minutes to either, making it easy on a tight Spain trip itinerary.
  • Evening: Return to Madrid for vermouth and a late paseo.

Day 4 – Seville: Orange Blossoms & Flamenco

  • Train: Madrid–Seville, ~2.5 hours AVE.
  • Highlights: Cathedral & Giralda, Real AlcĂĄzar, Santa Cruz.
  • Night: Tablao flamenco (book ahead) and tapas in Triana.
  • Tip: Avoid peak afternoon heat with a siesta; Andalusia shines at dusk.

Day 5 – Córdoba (Half-Day) + Seville Evenings

  • Train: Seville–CĂłrdoba ~45 minutes each way.
  • See the Mezquita’s forest of arches, stroll the JuderĂ­a.
  • Back in Seville: sunset by Plaza de España or the Triana Bridge.

Day 6 – Valencia: Paella & Modernism

  • Train: Seville–Valencia (~4–5.5 hours with connection) or Madrid pivot.
  • Visit: City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Gardens, Malvarrosa Beach.
  • Eat: Traditional paella at lunch (not dinner)—ask for wood-fired if available.

Day 7 – Barcelona: Gaudí & Mediterranean Light

  • Train: Valencia–Barcelona ~3–3.5 hours.
  • Sagrada FamĂ­lia (pre-book), Passeig de GrĂ cia (Casa BatllĂł/La Pedrera), Gothic Quarter.
  • End: Seafood on Barceloneta or a sunset from Bunkers del Carmel.
  • Optional: Swap Valencia for Granada if the Alhambra is your dream.

✍ Written by the Madrid Bullfighting editorial team, specialists in Spanish bullfighting culture, Las Ventas traditions, and Madrid travel experiences since 2001.

đŸ—ș Classic 10-Day Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

Who it’s for: Travelers wanting Madrid, both Andalusian showstoppers (Seville and Granada), and a finale on the Mediterranean.

Days 1–2 – Madrid
Combine royal sites, the Golden Triangle of Art, and Las Ventas with a possible corrida (in season). For official calendar and English-friendly booking, use Madrid Bullfighting to Book tickets during your stay.

Day 3 – Toledo or Segovia Day Trip
Pick one; both are superb. Toledo skews medieval-mystical; Segovia skews Roman-regal.

Days 4–5 – Seville
Cathedral, AlcĂĄzar, flamenco, and Triana ceramics. Linger over oranges in spring, cool courtyards in summer, and velvety sunsets in autumn.

Day 6 – Córdoba (Stopover) → Granada
Spend 4–5 hours in Córdoba, then continue to Granada by train or bus. Evening teterías (tea houses) in Albaicín.

Day 7 – Granada: Alhambra & Albaicín
Pre-book the Alhambra’s Nasrid Palaces; explore Sacromonte’s cave-flamenco after dark.

Day 8 – Valencia
A breath of Mediterranean air: paella, modernist markets, bike the Turia Riverbed gardens.

Days 9–10 – Barcelona
Gaudí’s masterpieces, Montjuïc, Picasso Museum, and a final evening on a rooftop overlooking the sea.

Swap-ins for a themed 10-day Spain trip itinerary (2026):

  • Wine lovers: Replace Valencia with La Rioja (Logroño/Haros tastings).
  • Atlantic vibes: Swap Barcelona for San SebastiĂĄn (pintxos heaven).
  • Festivals: If traveling in May–June, calibrate Madrid around San Isidro and Book your tickets early.

🌞 Grand 14-Day Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

Who it’s for: You want a deeper, slower Spain: art, ritual, gastronomy, and coastlines—without the rush.

Days 1–3 – Madrid Deep Dive

  • Day 1: Royal sites + La Latina tapas.
  • Day 2: Las Ventas tour or corrida (seasonal). Check 2026 dates here and Book your tickets.
  • Day 3: Two museums (Prado + Reina SofĂ­a) and Retiro picnic; Malasaña for indie cafĂ©s and nightlife.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Ávila & Salamanca (by car or combo)
Walled city + golden sandstone university town: a perfect pairing for architecture lovers.

Days 5–6 – Seville
AlcĂĄzar gardens at opening time, rooftop by the Setas at sunset. Deep-dive flamenco and Triana pottery workshops.

Day 7 – Jerez de la Frontera or Cádiz
Sherry bodegas and Andalusian horse culture in Jerez; seaside forts and Atlantic breezes in CĂĄdiz.

Days 8–9 – Granada
Alhambra by morning; evening strolls above the city lights from San NicolĂĄs. Try piononos (local pastries).

Day 10 – Córdoba (Slow Day)
Mezquita early, patios, Roman bridge at blue hour.

Days 11–12 – Valencia
Paella day trip to Albufera lagoon; cycle to the beach; Mercado Central food crawl.

Days 13–14 – Barcelona
GaudĂ­ finale, day trip to Sitges or Montserrat, farewell seafood rice facing the Mediterranean.

Customization ideas:

  • Add Zaragoza for Mudejar art.
  • Add Bilbao for the Guggenheim and Basque design.
  • Beach focus: Split time between Valencia and Costa Brava coves.

đŸŽŸïž Bullfighting in Your Spain Trip Itinerary (2026): How to Plan It In

Understanding the phases (tercios):

  1. Tercio de varas (testing and picador lances), 2) tercio de banderillas, and 3) tercio de muerte (final passes and estocada). Knowing the structure helps you read the artistry, not just the spectacle.

Key Madrid dates to watch:

  • Easter corridas (March–April), season opener vibe.
  • San Isidro (May–June), the world’s most important fair, with nearly daily corridas.
  • Feria de Otoño (October), the season’s contemplative close.

Tickets & seating:

  • Shade (sombra) costs more but is cooler; sun (sol) is cheaper and intense in late spring and summer.
  • Ruedo-level seats deliver drama; upper tiers offer grand views of choreography and crowd ritual.
  • For verified dates and English-language assistance, see the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026 and Book your tickets.

Human reflection: Whether you see it as art or controversy, bullfighting remains a window into Spain’s codes of courage, ceremony, and collective memory.

🧳 Budgeting Your Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

Per-day estimates (pp):

  • Budget: €70–€110 (hostels/pensions, menus del dĂ­a, intercity buses).
  • Mid-range: €130–€220 (3–4★ hotels, AVE trains, dinners with wine).
  • Upscale: €250–€400+ (boutique stays, guided tours, tasting menus).

Where to splurge: A guided Alcázar or Alhambra slot, a Gaudí interior pass, and a Las Ventas evening during San Isidro. For the latter, it’s simple to Book tickets in English.

🚆 Transport: Trains, Buses, Flights, and Drives

  • High-speed rail (AVE/Avlo/OUIGO): Fast, comfortable, city-center to city-center. Book earlier for deals.
  • Regional trains & buses: Fill gaps (e.g., Granada–CĂłrdoba, Jerez–Seville).
  • Domestic flights: Useful for long jumps (e.g., Barcelona–MĂĄlaga/Canaries).
  • Driving: Perfect for white villages (Pueblos Blancos), Rioja vineyards, or Basque coast. Avoid city centers with low-emission zones and tricky parking.

Metro to Las Ventas: Lines 2 and 5 stop at Las Ventas station; arrive 45–60 minutes before an event to soak up the atmosphere.

đŸ›ïž Where to Base Yourself (Strategic Hubs)

  • Madrid (3–4 nights): Central to rail network; easy day trips; Las Ventas nearby.
  • Seville or Granada (3–4 nights): Andalusian essence.
  • Valencia or Barcelona (2–4 nights): Mediterranean finale.

Two-base model for a 10-day Spain trip itinerary (2026):
Madrid (5N) + Barcelona (5N), with a two-day jaunt to Seville or Valencia by train.

đŸœïž Eating Spain: Practical Gastronomy

  • Meal times: Lunch 2–3:30 pm; dinner 9–11 pm.
  • What to try: Madrid cocido, Andalusian salmorejo, Valencia paella, Basque pintxos, Galician octopus.
  • Markets: Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid), Central (Valencia), La Boqueria (Barcelona) early morning to avoid crowds.

📅 When to Travel in 2026 (and Why)

  • Spring (Apr–June): Flowering patios, long evenings, and the Madrid San Isidro fair.
  • Autumn (Sept–Oct): Harvest festivals, mellow seas, Feria de Otoño.
  • Summer (July–Aug): Beaches and late nights; plan siestas.
  • Winter (Nov–Feb): Cheaper, cozier, excellent for cities and museums.

For timing a bullfight within your Spain trip itinerary, always verify dates on the official 2026 schedule and remember you can Book your tickets securely in English.

🧠 Cultural Etiquette & Smart Planning

  • Greet with a cheerful “hola”; say “por favor” and “gracias.”
  • Dress codes vary; smart-casual works for most city evenings and cultural events.
  • Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for great service is appreciated.
  • Festivals sell out accommodations—reserve early, especially around San Isidro (Madrid), Feria de Abril (Seville), and major city marathons.

đŸ—“ïž Plug-and-Play Daily Templates

City day template:

  • Morning: Big monument + neighborhood coffee.
  • Midday: Museum or market + long lunch.
  • Afternoon: Park or riverfront.
  • Evening: Sunset viewpoint + tapas crawl or tasting menu.
  • Bonus: If it’s bullfight day in Madrid, aim your city template to end at Las Ventas; check times and Book your tickets.

Coastal day template:

  • Morning swim/walk, market breakfast.
  • Midday seafood lunch.
  • Late afternoon siesta or gallery visit.
  • Twilight promenade; late dinner outdoors.

đŸ§© Sample Theme Routes for a Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

Art & Architecture (10–12 days): Madrid (Prado/Reina Sofía, Las Ventas), Zaragoza (Mudejar), Barcelona (Gaudí), Valencia (Santiago Calatrava).
Food & Wine (10 days): Madrid, Ribera del Duero/La Rioja, San SebastiĂĄn, Bilbao, back to Madrid.
Soul of Andalusia (9–10 days): Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz/Jerez; return through Madrid for one night and, if in season, an evening at Las Ventas to Book tickets.

đŸ›Ąïž Safety, Money, and Practicalities

  • Spain is among Europe’s safer destinations; watch for pickpockets in crowded hubs.
  • ATMs are widespread; cards are accepted almost everywhere.
  • Museums often close on Mondays; double-check hours.
  • Sun is strong May–September—carry water and a hat.

đŸ§Ÿ Quick Checklist Before You Go

  • Pre-book: Alhambra, Sagrada FamĂ­lia, and—if interested—Las Ventas corridas (in season).
  • Rail passes vs point-to-point: Compare prices and flexibility.
  • Travel insurance that covers tickets and delays.
  • Offline maps and restaurant reservations for popular neighborhoods.

❓ FAQ — Spain Trip Itinerary (2026)

What’s the ideal length for a first-time Spain trip itinerary in 2026?
Ten days balances Madrid, Andalusia, and the Mediterranean without rushing; seven days works if you focus.

How do I include a bullfight at Las Ventas in my plan?
Check the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026 and Book your tickets for dates during your Madrid stay.

When is the bullfighting season in Madrid?
Typically March–October, peaking during San Isidro (May–June) and closing with Feria de Otoño (October).

Should I choose Seville or Granada if I only have time for one?
Seville for urban energy and flamenco; Granada for the Alhambra and mountain horizons.

Is Barcelona necessary on a Spain trip itinerary?
It’s not mandatory, but its Gaudí landmarks and Mediterranean vibe make a satisfying finale.

What’s the best way to get around Spain in 2026?
High-speed trains for long hops; regional trains/buses or a rental car for countryside routes.

How far in advance should I book tickets for Las Ventas?
For San Isidro weeks, several weeks in advance is wise. Use Madrid Bullfighting to Book tickets in English.

What are realistic daily budgets?
Budget €70–€110; mid-range €130–€220; upscale €250–€400+ per person.

Are Sundays and Mondays tricky for museums and restaurants?
Some museums close Monday; many restaurants open Sunday lunch but reduce Monday hours—check ahead.

Can I visit Toledo or Segovia as a half-day trip?
Yes. Fast trains make both easy from Madrid; a full day lets you slow down.

Is summer too hot for Andalusia?
It can be. Plan early visits, long lunches, and evening outings—or favor spring/autumn.

Where should I stay in Madrid for Las Ventas access?
Salamanca and Goya areas have quick metro access to Las Ventas (Lines 2 & 5).

Are there English-friendly resources for bullfighting schedules and tickets?
Yes. See the Madrid Bullfighting Schedule 2026 and Book your tickets directly.

What’s the best month overall for a Spain trip itinerary?
May and September blend weather, festivals, and manageable crowds.

How can I add wine country to my 10-day route?
Swap Valencia for La Rioja or Ribera del Duero, basing in Logroño or Burgos for tastings.

Is it safe to attend a bullfight solo?
Yes—Las Ventas is well-organized, with clear seating and metro access. Arrive early and follow staff guidance.

Do I need Spanish to travel comfortably?
No, but a few phrases help. In cities, English is widely understood in tourism.

👉Ready to secure your spot? Book your Las Ventas official tickets today or check the updated Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.