Planning a Perfect Trip to Barcelona

Located on the Mediterranean coast more than 300 kilometers from Madrid, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. Most famous as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is a charming town where the historic and modern seamlessly coexist. The town features a quaint old town made up of winding cobblestone streets, as well as the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. It is home to a vibrant culinary scene, historic buildings, a lively atmosphere and pristine beaches. If you are planning to travel from Madrid to Valencia, here are the best options for all travel styles and budgets:

Malaga is a southern Spain metropolis on Costa del Sol’s Mediterranean coast. One hundred kilometers west is Ronda, a small city perched on the edge of Tajo Gorge. Ronda is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country, complete with stunning ancient architecture, rock caves, and Andalusia’s most famous pueblos blancos (white villages). A day trip from Malaga to Ronda is the perfect excuse to get out of Spain’s 6th largest city and discover the mountainous countryside and fascinating history of Malaga province.

Seville is known as one of Spain’s most flamboyant and vibrant cities and is an unmissable stop on any visit to Andalucía. Well-connected by train and bus, travelling from Malaga to Seville is an easy journey and one that is a must.

Toledo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Located just 70 kilometers south of the Spanish capital of Madrid, Toledo is a walled city that dates back to 192 BCE. Famously known as the City of Three Cultures, Toledo’s architectural style reflects its diverse and rich history that includes successive Islamic, Jewish and Christian occupants. Sitting high above the Tagus River is the centerpiece of the city, the Toledo Cathedral. This massive building offers stunning views of the town as well as the surrounding countryside. As you make your way down and around the city you’ll encounter a myriad of religious sites, museums, restaurants, and shops just waiting to be explored. Taking a day trip to Toledo couldn’t be easier. Here are the best transportation options to get from Madrid to Toledo:

Located on the coast, about 60 kilometers east of Malaga, the sleepy fishing town of Nerja has become a popular destination for holiday-makers on the Costa del Sol. Although its most famous attraction is the Bálcon de Europa, a promontory offering impressive views up and down the coast, the town also features quaint back streets to explore as well as some excellent beaches. The Nerja Caves, a few kilometers out of town, feature the world’s largest known stalactite. It is easy to reach Nerja from both Malaga city and Malaga airport. Here are the travel options:

From tapas to architectural marvels, culture, and art, Spain and Portugal are two fabulous European countries that —luckily for us—border each other. These Iberian neighbors share a similar landscape, with cobblestone streets and terracotta rooftops that envelope the Mediterranean. They also share similar culinary experiences and traditions, yet still retain their own individuality and unique character. There are several reasons, including their close proximity and shared history, why Spain and Portugal are best explored together, on a culture-packed best-of-both-worlds adventure.

Only a few places leave an impression of world’s colliding as does the trip from Spain to Morocco. At its narrowest point, Spain and Morocco are separated by just 15 km by the Strait of Gibraltar. The closeness of the two countries tells a story of the history and power each country had with one another. Spain ruled a part of Morocco for 44 years and a lot of that influence is still quite evident today. The blending of both flavors, colors, and cultures of the two countries is an adventure not to be missed. You’ll explore the fullness of what Spain and Morocco have to offer, both independently and as countries, together.

Located 90 kilometres northwest of Madrid, Segovia is a charming and historical town. The city is famous for its 28-meter-tall Roman aqueduct. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive 894-meter long feat of engineering dates back to the late first century and is a sight to behold. But that’s not the city’s only draw. Segovia is also home to a spectacular Alcazar, quaint narrow streets, and delightful bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s easy to travel to Segovia from both Madrid and the city’s main airport. Here are the recommended travel options:

Granada is home to the Alhambra, the greatest Moorish monument in Spain and one of the country’s most unmissable attractions. Luckily, it also lies within easy visiting distance (just 125 km) of Malaga. There are several options for travel between Malaga and Granada, making a visit there easy to organize.

Cordoba is a vibrant and lively town in the centre of Andalucía in Spain. Home to approximately 350,000 residents, this charming Spanish town has a rich and diverse history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s style and flare is a direct result of it’s varied cultural background. A centre for the arts, culture and leisure, there’s much to see, do and enjoy in Cordoba. It’s easy to visit Cordoba from Madrid. Here are the best travel options:

For some, a trip to Spain stands for sea, sand and sun. Whilst it can easily live up to this stereotype, Spain’s diversity far surpasses this simplified notion of what the country is all about. The long ribbons of sandy beaches decorating Costa del Sol and Mediterranean islands are as Spanish as the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains or the dramatic Pyrenees in the north. The spiritual Camino de Santiago and Semana Santa are balanced by the rowdy festivities of bullfighting, the Carnival and La Tomatina. The zest for good wine is answered by the delicious Asturian cider. And the splendid historical monuments and palatial architecture stand side by side with modern structures like Bilbao’s Guggenheim and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. To truly understand Spain is to immerse yourself in its complexity and stretch beyond the temptation of its pristine beaches and decadent sun loungers. Let yourself be inspired to plan a uniquely diverse trip to Spain that promises to bring you fond memories for years to come.

As one of the most enchanting cities in the world, Barcelona is never likely to fall short on things to see or do. It boasts of a beautifully preserved historic city center and its architectural wonders date back almost 2000 years. From the mystical genius of Antoni Gaudi (one of the greatest architects of all time) to unparalleled artworks by grandmasters such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Joan Miro, a quick tour around Barcelona is enough to understand the rich offerings this city holds. Better yet, the fascinating art and architecture is beautifully complimented by a magnificent dining and drinking scene, a fabled culture and limitless possibilities. Here is a list of some of the top 10 best things to do in Barcelona.