Been There Read my story Southern Europe

Spain

Duration 12 days Cost ~EUR 2,800 for two Season April-June, September-October Currency EUR (Euro) USD 1 USD = 0.85 EUR Lang Spanish

“I would rather be a foreigner in Spain than in most countries. How easy it is to make friends in Spain!”

— George Orwell

Spain has everything — stunning Moorish and Gaudi architecture, incredible tapas culture, Mediterranean beaches, and nightlife that doesn’t start until most countries are heading to bed.

Why I Want to Visit

The Spanish rhythm of late dinners, siestas, and evening paseos feels like an antidote to everyday rush. I want flamenco in Seville, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona, and a food crawl through San Sebastian’s Michelin-starred scene.

Planned Itinerary

I am envisioning a 12-day trip that covers the highlights:

Barcelona (3 days) - Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Gothic Quarter, La Boqueria, beach time
Madrid (2 days) - Prado Museum, Retiro Park, La Latina tapas crawl
Seville (2 days) - The Alcazar, flamenco shows, Santa Cruz quarter
Granada (2 days) - The Alhambra, Albaicin neighborhood, free tapas culture
San Sebastian (2 days) - Old town pintxos bars, La Concha beach, Basque cuisine

What I’m Most Excited About

The Alhambra at sunset with centuries of Moorish history
A proper pintxos crawl through San Sebastian’s old town
Live flamenco in the heart of Seville
Standing inside the Sagrada Familia seeing Gaudi’s light

Where to Eat

Casa Lucio (Madrid) — Legendary Madrid institution since 1974 in La Latina serving timeless Castilian cuisine. ~EUR 30-50. 📍 Maps
Cal Pep (Barcelona) — Lively counter-seating spot near Born with some of Barcelona’s best seafood tapas. ~EUR 30-45. 📍 Maps
El Rinconcillo (Seville) — Seville’s oldest bar, serving tapas since 1670 with tabs chalked on the counter. ~EUR 15-25. 📍 Maps
Cerveceria Catalana (Barcelona) — Perpetually buzzing tapas bar on Rambla de Catalunya loved by locals and visitors. ~EUR 20-35. 📍 Maps
Bodega Santa Cruz Las Columnas (Seville) — No-frills tapas bar near the Cathedral packed with locals for quick bites. ~EUR 10-18. 📍 Maps

Where to Stay

Hotel Praktik Bakery ★★★ (Barcelona) — Eixample hotel with an artisan bakery on the ground floor; wake up to fresh bread. ~EUR 110/night. Book
Hotel Posada del Leon de Oro ★★★ (Madrid) — Boutique hotel on Cava Baja. ~EUR 95/night. Book
Hotel Casa 1800 ★★★★ (Seville) — Elegant boutique hotel in a converted mansion in Santa Cruz with Giralda views from the rooftop. ~EUR 140/night. Book
Generator Barcelona ★★ (Barcelona) — Stylish budget option in Gracia with rooftop terrace. ~EUR 45/night. Book

Tours & Excursions

Barcelona Gaudi Complete Tour: Sagrada Familia & Park Guell — Skip-the-line Sagrada Familia and Park Guell with Eixample walk. 5h, ~EUR 80. Book
Madrid Tapas & Wine Tasting Evening Tour — La Latina and Lavapies tapas bars with authentic bites and local wines. 3h, ~EUR 55. Book
Alhambra Guided Tour with Nasrid Palaces — Guaranteed access to Nasrid Palaces. 3h, ~EUR 40. Book
Seville Flamenco Show with Dinner — Authentic flamenco in Triana or Santa Cruz with optional tapas dinner. 2h, ~EUR 35. Book
Montserrat Day Trip from Barcelona — Mountain monastery. 5h, ~EUR 45. Book

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