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Spain itineraries
A first trip through Spain usually runs from the Mediterranean coast to Andalusia: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville and Granada. The cities feel very different, from Barcelona's Modernista streets to the museums of Madrid and the Moorish palaces of the south, and long lunches and late evenings are part of every stop. Fast trains join them up, so the longer hops take a morning or an afternoon rather than a whole day.
- 5 cities
- 7, 10, and 14 days
Data checked on October 7, 2026
Choose the length of the trip
The order follows the map. Barcelona and Valencia sit on the east coast, Madrid in the middle, and Seville and Granada in Andalusia, so the route never doubles back. Flying into Barcelona and out of Seville, Granada or Madrid saves a return trip east.
The cities on the route
Trains between the cities
Renfe runs the high-speed AVE and Avlo services between most of these cities, and Ouigo and Iryo compete on some of the routes through Madrid. Every seat is assigned when you buy, so popular times sell out and the lower fares go first, which makes it worth booking once your dates are fixed. Granada has fewer direct trains than the other cities, there is none from Valencia, and Madrid has two main stations, Atocha and Chamartín, so check which one your ticket uses.
| From | To | Fastest direct train | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| BarcelonaBarcelona-Sants | ValenciaValència-Estació del Nord | 2 h 47 | Renfe |
| BarcelonaBarcelona-Sants | MadridMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | 3 h 02 | Renfe, Ouigo, Iryo |
| BarcelonaBarcelona-Sants | SevilleSevilla-Santa Justa | 6 h 17 | Renfe |
| BarcelonaBarcelona-Sants | GranadaGranada | 7 h 32 | Renfe |
| ValenciaValència-Joaquín Sorolla | MadridMadrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor | 1 h 56 | Renfe, Ouigo, Iryo |
| ValenciaValència-Joaquín Sorolla | SevilleSevilla-Santa Justa | 4 h 20 | Renfe |
| ValenciaValència-Joaquín Sorolla | GranadaGranada | not confirmedwith a change | Renfe |
| MadridMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | SevilleSevilla-Santa Justa | 2 h 38 | Renfe, Ouigo, Iryo |
| MadridMadrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes | GranadaGranada | 3 h 23 | Renfe |
| SevilleSevilla-Santa Justa | GranadaGranada | 2 h 37 | Renfe |
When to go
April to June and late September to October bring mild weather to all five cities. July and August are very hot in Madrid, Seville and Granada, and the south is best kept for mornings and evenings in those months.
Before you go
- Book the Alhambra and the Sagrada Família before you buy the trains, since their timed tickets set your dates.
- Madrid's Atocha and Chamartín stations are on opposite sides of the centre, so check the station on your ticket and leave time if you change between them.
- Lunch usually starts around 14:00 and dinner rarely before 21:00, so a travel day goes more smoothly if you eat on your own schedule.
- Many museums close on Mondays and a few on Tuesdays, so plan travel days for when the main sights of the city you are leaving are shut.
Common questions
Should I fly into Barcelona and out of Seville or Madrid?
An open-jaw ticket saves the long train ride back east. Barcelona is the natural start for this route, and Seville, Granada and Madrid all work as the way out. Compare fares for both airports before you choose.
Do I need to book trains in advance?
On the fast services, yes. Seats are assigned, so busy dates fill and the cheaper fares go first. Granada has fewer trains than the other cities, so book that leg early.
Can I reach Granada by train?
Yes. Direct trains run from Madrid, Seville and Barcelona, and the ride from Seville is shorter than the one from Madrid. From Valencia you change in Madrid. Granada is also where the Alhambra tickets matter most, so secure those first.