Itinerary Summary
Three days in Barcelona cover the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Park Guell, La Rambla and the Boqueria market, then the AVE reaches Madrid for the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and a full Pra…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona and a first walk through the Gothic Quarter
10:00
2h
Aerobus transfer from El Prat to Placa Catalunya
The blue Aerobus runs from Terminals 1 and 2 to Placa Catalunya every 5-10 minutes, taking about 35 minutes for a flat fare. Buy at the kerbside machine or tap a contactless card before boarding.
📍 Barcelona El Prat Airport
13:00
2.5h
Gothic Quarter lanes and Barcelona Cathedral
Drop bags, then follow Carrer del Bisbe past the neo-Gothic bridge to the cathedral cloister, home to 13 white geese. The cloister is free before 12:45 and after 17:30; shoulders and knees should be covered.
📍 Barri Gotic, Barcelona
19:30
2h
Tapas dinner on Carrer de la Merce
Settle into a small bar near the basilica for patatas bravas, anchovies and vermouth. Kitchens open around 20:00; reserve ahead if you want one of the few outdoor tables on the square.
📍 Barri Gotic, Barcelona
💡 Pro Tip: Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is the main gateway, and Madrid Barajas (MAD) also has direct long-haul flights. Spain runs on UTC+1, or UTC+2 from late March to late October. Entry rules depend on your passport; check the Spain visa section for current Schengen requirements and the EES biometric registration at first entry. Buy a T-casual 10-ride transport card at the airport station if you plan to use the metro.
Days 2-12 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$73035%
Comfort hotels, 11 nights across Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada and Cordoba
Food & DiningUS$42020%
Tapas bars, paella, Gazpacho and churros con chocolate
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Spain for a 12-day trip from Barcelona to Andalusia?+
Entry rules depend on your passport. US, UK, Canadian, Australian and Japanese passport holders can generally stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area without a visa. Other nationalities, including mainland Chinese passport holders, need a Schengen short-stay visa before travel. Check the official Spanish consulate and EU ETIAS rules before booking.
What is the best month to do the Barcelona, Madrid and Andalusia loop?+
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable, with roughly 18-26 C and lighter crowds. Avoid July and August if Seville is on your route, where inland heat can reach 40 C and slows sightseeing. Spring and autumn also make the Alhambra gardens and Granada walking days far more pleasant.
How far ahead should I book the Alhambra and Sagrada Familia?+
Book both well ahead. Alhambra Nasrid Palace tickets are limited and often sell out one to three months in advance, especially for morning slots. Sagrada Familia tower access also fills months out. Reserve through the official monument websites rather than resellers, and keep your passport details ready for named tickets.
Is it easier to travel between these Spanish cities by train or car?+
The AVE high-speed rail links Barcelona, Madrid and Seville quickly and drops you in city centres, so use it for the long legs. For the Granada and Cordoba sections this itinerary uses an ALSA bus and a short drive, since rail connections there are slower. Book AVE tickets early for lower fares.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 12 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,790–2,390 (≈ €1,560–2,080), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: City Explorers
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