Spain in 14 Days: From Madrid to Barcelona

From Barajas, the metro (Line 8) reaches the centre in 30 min for €5. Drop luggage and head out to explore.

Spain's kilometre zero. Gran Vía is Madrid's Broadway with theatres, shops and Art Deco buildings.

Spain's most iconic arcaded square. Have a coffee but don't eat here — it's overpriced and touristy.

The ultimate tapas neighbourhood. Cava Baja has the highest concentration of tapas bars in Madrid. Try Juana la Loca or Casa Lucas.

Madrid at night is a different city. Cibeles lit up, Puerta de Alcalá and the vibe of Malasaña or Chueca.

One of the world's finest art galleries. Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, Rubens. Las Meninas is a must-see.

Madrid's green lung. Crystal Palace, boating lake and the Cecilio Rodríguez gardens.

Gourmet market next to Plaza Mayor. Oysters, Iberian ham, croquetas and draught vermouth.

Picasso's Guernica. Also Dalí and Miró. The Sabatini building and Nouvel extension are spectacular.

Madrid's hippest neighbourhood. Vermouth bars, vintage shops and a young vibe. Bodega de la Ardosa is a classic.

Since 1860: Madrid's best cod croquetas. Cod fritters and house wine for pennies.

The largest royal palace in Western Europe. 3,418 rooms (only 50 open to visitors). Impressive weapons collection.

A 2nd-century BC Egyptian temple gifted to Spain. The best sunsets in Madrid.

30 minutes by high-speed train (from Atocha). Toledo was Spain's capital and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gothic cathedral, Synagogue of El Tránsito, Cristo de la Luz Mosque. Three religions coexisted here.

Toledo is famous for its swords and marzipan. Santo Tomé has made the best marzipan since 1856.

AVE back (30 min). Light dinner in Madrid or tapas in Huertas.

1h45 from Madrid to Córdoba by AVE. One of Andalusia's most fascinating cities.

Spain's most extraordinary monument. 856 bicolour columns, a mesmerising forest of marble and jasper.

The best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Europe. Calleja de las Flores is a living postcard.

Salmorejo is FROM Córdoba (not Seville). Try it at Taberna Salinas (1879) or Casa Pepe de la Judería.

Fortress with spectacular gardens. This is where Isabella and Ferdinand met Columbus before his voyage.

The bridge over the Guadalquivir with the Mosque in the background. Córdoba's most iconic photo.

In May the patios open to the public (Patio Festival, UNESCO Intangible Heritage). The rest of the year, guided tours are available.

12 patios and a garden. The best showcase of Córdoban patio architecture outside of May.

Only 45 minutes from Córdoba to Seville. Andalusia's capital awaits.

Seville's former Jewish quarter. Narrow streets, orange trees, tiles and hidden plazas.

Seville has Spain's best tapas. Try Bodeguita Romero (montaditos) or El Rinconcillo (Seville's oldest tavern, 1670).

Europe's oldest palace still in use. Gardens, Mudéjar arches and Game of Thrones filming location (Dorne).

The world's largest Gothic cathedral. Climb the Giralda (35 ramps, not steps — horses used to ride up).

Cross the Triana bridge to the most traditional neighbourhood. Ceramics, flamenco and classic bars. Dine at Casa Cuesta.

Spain's most spectacular square. Semicircular, with a canal, ceramic bridges representing each province.

Seville's grand park. Fountains, pavilions and shade from centuries-old trees to escape the heat.

Market by the river. Fried fish, gazpacho and shrimp fritters. More authentic than the city centre.

The world's largest wooden structure. Rooftop viewpoint with 360° views of Seville.

The less touristy Seville. Macarena church (the most revered Virgin), Almohad walls and local atmosphere.

Seville is the birthplace of flamenco. La Casa del Flamenco or Los Gallos in Santa Cruz are intimate and authentic.

Breakfast at Confitería La Campana (1885) with toast and coloured lard spread and coffee. Final stroll through the centre.

Direct ALSA bus (3h) or regional train (2h45). Granada sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.

Granada is famous for its FREE tapas with every drink. Order a beer and you get a plate. Bar Los Diamantes.

Arguably Spain's most beautiful street. River Darro with the Alhambra above and the Albaicín alongside.

Spain's most famous view: the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada behind at sunset. Arrive early.

Wander up and down the Albaicín's cobbled hills. Bodegas Castañeda (1934) has the best vermouth and tapas.

Spain's most visited monument. Nasrid Palaces, Generalife and Alcazaba. You need a minimum of 3-4 hours.

The former Jewish quarter, now the most bohemian area. Los Manueles has generous free tapas with each beer.

The Renaissance cathedral and the Royal Chapel where the Catholic Monarchs rest. Art and history united.

The old Arab silk market. Now craft shops, teahouses and spices. It smells of mint and cinnamon.

The teahouse street. Moorish tea with Arabic pastries in a One Thousand and One Nights atmosphere.

Flamenco in Sacromonte's Romani caves. Zambra (cave flamenco) is a unique and intense experience.

Direct ALSA bus Granada-Málaga (1h45). Málaga has transformed from a transit city to a first-class cultural destination.

285 works by Málaga's most famous son in the Palacio de Buenavista. Picasso was born here in 1881.

Málaga's signature dish: sardines skewered on cane sticks and grilled over olive wood embers on the beach.

Málaga's main street. Cathedral (La Manquita, for its unfinished tower), Roman Theatre and Alcazaba.

Málaga's urban beach. Seafront promenade, chiringuitos and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Málaga's most famous bar. Old wine barrels signed by celebrities. Sweet Málaga wine and fried fish.

Frequent direct flights (1h45). Vueling and Iberia have several daily options. Book in advance.

From El Prat, Aerobus to the centre (35 min, €7.75). La Rambla is iconic but don't eat or shop here.

Barcelona's medieval heart. Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Roman alleys and the prettiest square: Sant Felip Neri.

Europe's most famous market. Tropical fruits, ham, seafood and fresh-squeezed juices.

Barcelona's trendiest neighbourhood. Galleries, boutiques, cocktails and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

Cal Pep (legendary tapas bar) or El Xampanyet (cava and tapas since 1929). Spectacular atmosphere.

Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece. Under construction since 1882, expected completion in 2026. A luminous forest interior.

Modernist masterpiece by Domènech i Montaner. World Heritage Site. Often overlooked but spectacular.

Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Milà) by Gaudí, Casa Amatller and Casa Lleó Morera. The 'Block of Discord'.

Barcelona's most popular tapas bar. Always a queue but extraordinary quality. Croquetas and anchovies.

Gaudí's public park with the world's most famous trencadís terrace. Panoramic views of Barcelona.

The village within the city. Plazas with terraces, independent shops and Barcelona's most authentic side.

The old fishing quarter. Seafront promenade, beach and chiringuitos. Breakfast with Mediterranean views.

Cable car from the port up to Montjuïc. Incredible views of the harbour, city and Mediterranean.

The most complete collection of the Catalan artist. Spectacular Sert building with terrace.

Spain's second-oldest restaurant (1786). Escudella, cannelloni and traditional Catalan cooking.

Catalan Romanesque art (the world's best collection), Gothic and Modernisme. The Palau Nacional is stunning.

Water, light and music show. Free. Thursday to Saturday in summer.

The market with Barcelona's most colourful undulating roof. Less touristy than La Boquería with better value.

The world's most impressive Modernist concert hall. Stained glass, mosaics and dreamlike sculptures.

The most multicultural neighbourhood. MACBA (contemporary art museum), galleries and alternative Barcelona.

Barcelona's paella is made with seafood (not chicken). Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria) has cava for €1.

The new trendy area. Former factories converted into lofts, galleries and restaurants. Barcelona's 22@ district.

Barcelona's secret viewpoint. A former anti-aircraft bunker with 360° views of the entire city.

Tickets (the Adrià brothers' restaurant) if you scored a reservation, or Cervecería Catalana for a toast.

The Raval, El Born or Gràcia for independent shops. Take home olive oil, turrón or cava as souvenirs.

Perfect pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and café con leche. Federal Café or Flax & Kale for brunch.

Aerobus (35 min, €7.75) or R2N train (25 min to T1). Arrive 2-3h before an international flight.