Andalusian Golden Triangle
Duration : 8 days
Route : Madrid (2 nights) → AVE train to Cordoba (1 night) → Seville (3 nights) → Granada (2 nights)
Custom travel to Spain
Spain is a country-continent where every region reveals a strong character: Castilian Madrid and its world art, avant-garde Gaudí Barcelona, Moorish and flamboyant Andalusia, gastronomic Basque Country, Celtic Galicia, Mediterranean Balearics, volcanic Canaries. From the Camino de Santiago to Alhambra palaces, evening tapas to Andalusian ferias, the country offers a diversity of landscapes, flavors, and traditions that makes it one of Europe's most complete destinations.
Highlights
- Madrid: Prado, tapas, nightlife
- Andalusia: Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Moorish heritage
- Barcelona and Catalonia: Gaudí, beaches, Costa Brava
- Basque Country: San Sebastián, pintxos, exceptional gastronomy
- Balearics: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca
Sample itineraries
Full Spain
Duration : 14 days
Route : Madrid (2 nights) → AVE Cordoba (1 night) → Seville (3 nights) → Granada (2 nights) → AVE Barcelona (3 nights) → Costa Brava or Basque Country/San Sebastián (3 nights)
Authentic Spain: Basque Country & Galicia
Duration : 12 days
Route : Bilbao (2 nights) → San Sebastián (3 nights) → Basque coast & Vitoria (1 night) → flight Santiago de Compostela (3 nights) → Rías Baixas/A Coruña (3 nights)
When to go
Spain can be visited almost year-round depending on the region. April–June and September–October offer the ideal balance everywhere: mild temperatures, fewer crowds, reasonable prices. Summer (July–August) is extremely hot in Andalusia and Madrid (40 °C) but stays pleasant in the Basque Country, Galicia, and Asturias thanks to the Atlantic. Winter is mild in the south (ideal for Andalusia without crowds) and cooler in Madrid. The Canaries enjoy a year-round springlike climate.
- Spring (April – June) — Green Andalusia, Easter in Seville, empty beaches
- Summer (July – August) — Basque Country, Galicia, Pyrenees, Costa Brava, Balearics
- Autumn (September – October) — Harvests, Madrid without crowds, cooler Andalusia
- Winter (December – March) — Andalusia without crowds, skiing, Canaries at 22 °C
Practical information
Spain is very safe — main risks are pickpockets in tourist areas (Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Madrid metro). A few cultural codes are worth knowing: meals are eaten VERY late (lunch 2-3pm, dinner 9-10pm) and shops often close 2-5pm for siesta; tapeo is practiced in groups and standing at the counter; tipping (5-10% in restaurants) is appreciated but not mandatory. Tap water is drinkable. A few Spanish words (gracias, por favor, hola) are always appreciated.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Spain trip?
April–June and September–October offer the ideal balance everywhere. Summer is very hot in Andalusia and Madrid (40 °C) but pleasant in the north. Winter is mild in the south and ideal for Madrid without crowds. The Canaries remain springlike year-round.
How long for a Spain trip?
8-10 days are enough for the Andalusian Golden Triangle or Madrid + Barcelona. 14 days allow combining Andalusia + Catalonia + Basque Country. 16-21 days to also explore Galicia or the Balearics.
What budget for a custom Spain trip?
As a guideline, €1,400–€2,000 per person for 8-10 days at mid-range comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with exceptional paradores and bespoke experiences, the budget is €3,500–€6,000.
Do I need a visa to travel to Spain?
Spain is part of the European Union and Schengen Area. No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss, and EU citizens.
Should I rent a car in Spain?
Recommended for Andalusia (white villages), Basque Country, Galicia, and Balearics. Not needed for cities (AVE trains more practical). Go for a compact car with full insurance.
How do I get around in Spain?
The AVE network is one of Europe's best: Madrid-Barcelona 2h30, Madrid-Seville 2h20. Car for the hinterland. Domestic flights for the Balearics and Canaries. The metro is efficient in big cities.
How to pay in Spain: card or cash?
Cards are accepted everywhere. Cash remains useful for markets, traditional tapas bars, and tips. Spain is part of the eurozone.
Is Spain suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Safety, warm welcome for children (Spaniards adore niños), kid-friendly experiences, family beaches, paradores with pools. Children particularly enjoy Spanish cuisine and ferias.
Can you do a honeymoon in Spain?
Spain is an exceptional honeymoon destination. Between historic paradores, romantic Mallorca boutique hotels, Basque starred dinners, and intimate Seville flamenco shows, experiences for two abound.
Are there cultural rules to know for a Spain trip?
Meals are eaten VERY late (lunch 2-3pm, dinner 9-10pm). Shops often close 2-5pm for siesta. Tapeo is practiced in groups and standing. Tipping (5-10%) is appreciated but not mandatory. Covered clothing in churches.