From Barcelona to Malaga: What to Do with 8 Days in Spain?

This beautiful country filled with wine, delicious food, and incredible sights is a place that could take a lifetime to truly explore! So how can you get the best of the best with just 8 days in Spain? Check out this itinerary as we take you from the very north all the way down to the sun coast of the south and learn what to do in Spain within 8 days!

(Please keep in mind that this itinerary is adapted for train travel, and that you will need to reserve your train ticket in advance. To move around within the cities, busses are widely used and inexpensive, or bring a pair of comfortable shoes!)

Include choosing the single trip travel insurance policy to your travel preparations to ensure a worry free trip.

Days 1-2: Barcelona

Starting your journey here gives you a magnificent window into the Catalan culture of north-eastern Spain.

What to See

Wandering through the eclectic and beautiful streets of Barcelona, you’ll need at least two days to hit all the sights, starting with Gaudi’s beautiful works of architect. Don’t miss the Parque Güell with the view of the city below, the church Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. Barcelona also has some lovely beaches and a great marina.

Where to Sleep

Barcelona has a huge variety of hotels. You can get top notch 5 star hotels like the Grand Hotel Central or Ohla Hotel. Or if you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, there are many B&B’s or hostels that are very comfortable and well situated.

Get to know what can £100 a day buy you in 5 European cities? , Barcelona is one of them.

Days 3-4: Barcelona to Valencia

Travelling

Taking the train from Barcelona Sants, you’ll make one stop in Madrid before arriving at Valencia Nord station. The total time is just over 3 hours.

What to See

As one of the oldest cities in Spain and the alleged birthplace of delicious paella, you’ll be eating your way through this city in places like the Mercado Central. See the Roman structures scattered throughout the city and the beautiful Valencia Cathedral for some stunning history.

Where to Sleep

The range and prices are very good in Valencia. Check out apartment-hotels like Apartments Trinitarios, or some of its many upper-scale hostels such as Pension Paris, or the Hostal Venecia.

Days 5-6: Madrid

Travelling

At the Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station, take the train for 1 ½ hrs to the central station of Atocha in Madrid.

What to See

This beautiful city is great for strolling through, as its many sights are quite spread out. Take a relaxing walk through the Parque de Retiro and find the beautiful Glass House. There are also many fascinating museums, such as the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology.

Where to Sleep

With prices that are much better than other European capitals, you can get 4 and 5 star accommodation for under 200 euros per night in places such as the Silken Puerta America, the Urban, or the reformed 18^th century palace of Catalonia Las Cortes. There are also some lovely B&B’s which will be easier on your budget but still offer a great stay.

Read also: 8 Things to Check Before Booking a Budget Hotel

Day 7: Seville

Travelling

Your train will leave Madrid from the Atocha station and head to Seville’s Santa Justa station, 2 ½ hrs away.

What to See

This incredibly beautiful city is where Magellan started his first voyage, and has become a city for travellers from all over the world! Visit the majestic Plaza de España and the nearby and beautifully sculpted Maria Lusia Park. Visit Seville’s impressive cathedral (one of the largest in the world) and then make your way towards the waters of the Guadalquivir for some tapas and sangria along this beautiful waterfront.

Where to Sleep

As Seville is home to some lovely 4 and 5 star hotels, you’ll find comfort in places such as the beautiful Eme Catedral Hotel, or the Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia.

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Day 8: Malaga

Travelling

Leaving the Sevilla Santa Justa station, you will arrive in Malaga’s Maria Zambrano station in about two hours.

What to See

Malaga is divided by a dry river between the old and new sections of the city. When wandering on foot through the old section, see the crumbling remains of the Roman Theatre, and travel upwards to see the Moorish outpost called the Alcazaba. As the birthplace of Picasso, you have to see the wonderful museum dedicated to this painter. Don’t forget to take advantage of the beautiful beaches that border this vibrant city.

Where to Sleep

The incredible Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio is a gorgeous (albeit expensive) place to stay the night. AirBnB also has quite a few options in this area, if you’re looking for a cheaper stay.

When to Go

The seasons of spring and autumn feature lovely weather, less crowds, and lower prices. Summers can be quite hot (especially in Seville and Barcelona) reaching upwards of 40 degrees centigrade, and everything is more crowded. Winters are mild in Spain, but you may find that some attractions or hotels are not in operation between the months of December and March.

The warm and vibrant atmosphere of this gorgeous country will leave you with memories that will last forever, along with a burning desire to return.

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