Spain

Popular Spain Vacation Itineraries

Our suggested Spain private tour itineraries allow you to enjoy a stress-free multi-destination tour with ease and are designed to give you an overview of the many options you have. These are based on our own travel experience regarding what works well together but we are happy to make adjustments or build a whole Spain itinerary from scratch based on your preferences. Whether it's your first time visiting Spain or your fifth, our Spain travel experts have plenty of surprises waiting for you. Packed with Spain vacation ideas, our comprehensive travel packages make traveling in Spain hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions, and activities. You'll also find here some itineraries combining Spain with her Iberian neighbor, Portugal.

Spanish Sampler

Barcelona, Seville, Madrid

8 Days

Spain from North to South

Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Malaga

10 Days

Seductive Sumptuous Spain

Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Seville, Malaga

15 Days

Top vacation destinations in Spain

Santiago de Compostela

Valencia

Spain Tours & Vacation Packages

A country full of rich traditions and customs combined with warm and welcoming locals make Spain the perfect place to get away from it all. Spain’s mild climate also makes it ideal for travel year-round. A family-friendly destination, Spain has something for everyone. Foodies will awaken their taste buds with mouthwatering tapas and world-class wine. Sports fans can catch a soccer game from the heights of the Bernabeu in Madrid or even below ground level in Barcelona’s famed ground, Camp Nou. Culture-lovers will be enchanted by the country's many museums and art galleries, starting with the world-famous Prado Museum in Madrid, UNESCO world heritage sites, or everything Gaudi related.

It is widely known that the Spanish know how to have fun. With nightlife that ends in the morning hours, world-famous fiestas, and events such as the Running of the Bulls, Seville Fair, Tomato Festival, and Las Fallas, it’s hard to dispute this. Nature lovers may simply want to get lost on the endless islands, mountains, or Spain’s 3,000 miles of coastline. Whatever draws you to Spain, let JayWay take care of the hassle so you can enjoy an unforgettable vacation.

We're Spain travel specialists

Whatever you need, we got you covered during your trip to Spain. With local JayWay staff in both Madrid and Barcelona, we’re always just a phone call away if something comes up during your vacation. Our Spain vacation packages are the best way for visitors to tour this amazing country and see all that it has to offer. We cover Spain in its entirety, from inland cities to the islands and the coast, there is a special destination in Spain waiting for you. We’ll customize your vacation based on what you would like to see and do - from tapas tasting to private museum tours or sunset cruises, we’ll put together a trip that’s unique for you. Don’t stress about getting around either, we include train tickets, private transfers, or even rental cars in your vacation package so getting from one place to the next is worry-free.

Spain's most beloved destinations

We plan trips to the very best destinations in Spain for your vacation. Spain offers a bit of everything, and our expert travel advisors can help guide you if you aren’t sure where to start! Smack in the middle of Spain sits its capital, Madrid. Madrid is a bustling city filled with shopping, cafes, culture, museums and art galleries, and more. World-famous Barcelona is just a train away, along the coast of the Balearic Sea. An escape to Barcelona must include its beaches, nightlife, and Gaudi architecture sprinkled throughout the city. Travel a bit further south along the coast from Barcelona and you’ll find yourself in Valencia, with its unique mix of futuristic buildings and Roman ruins - Valencia is also the birthplace of perhaps Spain’s most famous food, paella. In the south, dance flamenco in Seville, admire the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada or visit the ancient Mediterranean city of Málaga, where Pablo Picasso was born. Northern Spain is often overlooked, but is the last stop on the world-famous “Way of St. James” Catholic pilgrimage, culminating in the city of Santiago de Compostela. You’ll also be enchanted by San Sebastian, Spain’s northern resort town in the Basque region famous for its beaches, old town, and vibrant pintxo bars. And don’t forget about the islands, where you can soak up the sun in Palma de Mallorca. We can create a customized itinerary of Spain just for you, any time of year.

Visit Portugal too

While Spain takes up most of the Iberian Peninsula, don’t forget about her little sister, Portugal, sitting right next door! Our expert travel planners can easily include an extra stop or two to create a Spain and Portugal itinerary so you can add another country to your collection. Many of Spain’s major cities are well connected to Portugal, offering the perfect opportunity for an overnight visit or even a day trip while you are in Spain. From Seville, you can reach the Southern Portuguese region of Algarve in just over two hours, and in the north, Santiago de Compostela to the lively city of Porto is a mere hop, skip, and a scenic transfer away. Portugal is a relatively small country, and all of its highlights can be reached within a couple of hours’ drive from our chosen overnight destinations there.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Spain

What's the best way to get around Spain?

With the relatively long distances between Spain's main attractions, the most efficient form of transport is high-speed train. Private transfers or car rental are also an option but taking the train is both more cost-effective and environmentally sound. It takes just two and a half hours to travel from Barcelona to Madrid. Between the most distant destinations, for example if traveling from somewhere on the north coast to the south, internal flights are also an option.

When is the best time of year to visit Spain?

Due to its size and unique geography, wth coasts on three sides, there are several different climate zones in Spain. Generally in summer it is hot everywhere. In winter (November to February) the coasts are mild and rainy, with a Mediterranean climate, though the southern coast is usually warmer than the north and east. The vast central area, with its continental climate, has cold and frosty winters. All this leads us to say that the best time to visit Spain depends on the purpose of your trip. If your interests are cultural or culinary, then spring (March-May) and fall (September and October) are ideal. For a sun-drenched beach vacation then it has to be summer (June-August). If you prefer outdoor activities such as biking, hiking or surfing then much of the year (March-October) is ideal, with coastal and mountain locations. Don't discount visiting Spain at Christmas-time too. Germany may steal the show with its Christmas markets but Spanish cities are beautifully illuminated and have markets and festivities enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Are there direct flights to Spain from the US?

There are regular direct flights from many cities in the US to Spain, specifically to Barcelona and Madrid.

How many days do I need to see Spain?

Spain is a large country with many fascinating places to visit. If you've never been to Spain before you'll want to visit at least Barcelona, Madrid and somewhere in Andalusia, such as Seville, Malaga or Granada, for which at least a week and ideally ten days is needed. This will give a good introduction to Spain but consider it just an appetizer of what this wonderful country holds in store, with gems like San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela in the north, Palma on the island Mallorca, and Valencia on the east coast all worthy of your time.

What is a good Spain itinerary if I only have a week?

The components of a short vacation in Spain depend on your interest. We would encourage you to visit the capitals of multifaceted Spain. Start in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, where Gaudí's architectural heritage overwhelms the city and La Boqueria market provides delights for all the senses. Madrid, the capital of the whole country, should not be missed either. Seville, the main city of the autonomous region of Andalusia, will take you to another different world.

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites does Spain have?

Spain is second only to Italy in Europe when comparing the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spain has a total of 48 sites listed, including those you'll undoubtedly have heard of such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granda, and another 27 on the Tentative List. We will happily craft a UNESCO-themed tour of Spain for you.

What is Spanish cuisine like?

The remedy called the Mediterranean Diet derives from Spanish gastronomy. Of course, every nation has its siren-call dishes, which you should consume in moderation (such as churros, but who can resist churros?!), but Spanish cuisine is healthy, rich in fresh vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, rice, fish, seafood, meat, with much variety among them. It has an Arabian touch, a little bit of a Jewish flair, with typical dishes of the different and autonomous regions like Catalonia, the Basque Country, or Andalusia. Splendid, delightful, all that's left is to decide to accompany your meal with a light, local beer or well-bodied Spanish wine. You'll almost certainly have heard of the tradition of tapas, and this style of grazing from sharing plates is a big part of Spanish culture. We suggest learning all about Spanish food by taking some cooking classes and food tours.

How is the public transportation in Spain?

Spain has a well-developed network of intercity train and bus lines. Trains and buses are modern and comfortable. However, there are some huge distances or routes that are not so practical. For example, traveling from Seville to Santiago de Compostela would be a 10-14 hour challenge on land. For some journeys, abundant and affordable internal flights may be a better alternative. All of Spain's city airports are well connected, with the downtown reachable in under an hour.

What are the beaches like in Spain?

Apart from France, Spain is the only European country that has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Beneath Santiago de Compostela, four estuaries slash the coastline, taming the waves of the Atlantic Sea into the happy tears of a laughing child. The region enjoys natural protection and is worth visiting on a day trip. On the edge of the Bay of Biscay, at Donostia-San Sebastian, surfers and sunbathers will find their paradise. A culinary day trip to a more urbanized part of the Basque Country in France, Biarritz, with a seaside dinner is another highlight. In the coastal cities on the Mediterranean, more specifically, the Balearic Sea, you will both find sandy and rocky beaches. Infrastructure at beaches all around Spain is well-developed and you will not lack anything.

What should I pack for a trip to Spain?

Beyond the basics of a good (phone) camera and a phrasebook in case your high school Spanish is a bit rusty, it's important to consider the parts of the country you're visiting and the season of your trip. Winters can be wet and rainy on the coast and frosty in Madrid. Layers are the answer for spring and fall. In summer, dress for heat, with a hat. Women should carry a light scarf for entering places of worship. Comfortable shoes are a must. Spanish cities invite you to explore on foot!

Is Spain safe for tourists?

Spain is among the ten safest countries in Europe. It is enough to exercise the same caution that you would anywhere else, especially in big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. But, as everywhere, there are some scams which are better to bear in mind, like 'trileros' (the shell game) or the Rosemary gift. These are little risks, and nothing to keep you away from a trouble-free vacation in Spain.

What should I know about the siesta in Spain?

Please note that the siesta, the midday break, is taken very seriously in Spain. Many institutes operate with opening hours in accordance with the siesta time, which is usually between 3 PM and 5 PM. Restaurants, museums, bars or even public toilets in parks and gardens shut down for the time of the siesta. There are always exceptions and places to go and things to do however, as long as you plan accordingly. Our team in Spain will help you with this.

Can I leave some free days in my itinerary?

Absolutely. It's your vacation after all. Not every day has to be packed with a full-day guided tour. Enjoying the opportunity to spend the day privately wandering on your own or relaxing on the beach is a big part of what makes a trip to Spain so special.

Can I mix private and group excursions and activities in my Spain vacation package?

In many locations, we offer both options; either with a private guide just for you and your party or small group tours. Although your overall Spain tour will be a private one, based on your dates and preferences, you can enjoy the social aspects of a group tour by opting to take some group excursions. We emphasize small group sizes wherever possible on the group excursions we offer. A bike tour is often more enjoyable in a small group.