No matter how long it’s been since my last Spain trip, or how much longer left I have until I go again, the country is never far from my mind. From the amazing weather, to the delicious food, to the beautiful people, there’s just nowhere in the world like it.
Of course, as a travel blogger, I’m not just thinking about the wonderful parts of my time there, but also some of the mistakes I made—especially during early trips. Namely, about how when I first started visiting Spain, I usually didn’t spend enough time there.
When it comes to the topic of how many days in Spain, you’re probably going to need more than you expect. But don’t worry: They will be days well-spent.
Why Spain Keeps Drawing Me Back
I’ll risk canceling out the need for this post by telling you a simple truth: No matter how long in Spain I spend each time I go, every trip makes me want to come back for more. Over the years I’ve gone for as little as a few days and as long as a few weeks. This is largely because different parts of Spain are so different from one another; each makes me not only want to dig deeper, but to cast my net wider.
If anything, of course, this should inspire you: Traveling to Spain is anything but a gamble, even if you don’t have the requisite amount of travel time available for a sweeping survey of the country. Speaking of gambling, this page tells you all you need to know about online casinos, whether or not you think you’ll visit any while in Spain. (The country, for what its worse, has its share of physical ones as well.)
Where to Go on Your Trip to Spain
Madrid
I don’t love Madrid as much as I used to—there are more interesting cities in Spain; in spite of this, it has become increasingly overrun with tourists. At the same time, I do usually spend at least a couple of days there when I get to Spain, even if that’s just to have a tortilla española along one of the city’s many plazas, or to take day trips to Toledo or Segovia.
Barcelona
Likewise, no matter how many days in Spain I spend, I do like to at least touch the ground in Barcelona, in spite of how many times I’ve been there in the past. I typically avoid tourist traps like the Sagrada Familia, whether that entails me sunning myself on Barceloneta Beach, having a drink in El Born or L’eixample, or watching the sunset from Parc Güell.
Andalucia
For my money, Andalucia is the best region of Spain, and the most satisfying as a traveler. This is true whether I’m watching flamenco in Granada, exploring the contrasts between classical and futuristic architecture in Seville, enjoying the sea breeze (and views) in Cádiz, or slurping down refreshing salmorejo soup on the streets of Córdoba.
The Basque Country
If your quandary is one about how many weeks in Spain rather than how many days you should spend, then the Basque Country might be a good place for you to visit. However, I would encourage you not only to spend time in the foodie city of San Sebastian (whose pinxtos are indeed amazing, but is still slightly overrated in my opinion), also make sure to explore (and, ideally, even stay in) Bilbao.
Other Spain destinations
While I’ve so far covered the main areas of Spain, the reality is that I’ve only scratched the surface. From secondary cities like Zaragoza and Salamanca, to regions like Cantabria and Asturias, to outlying islands like Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, Spain is basically never-ending when it comes to places to explore. All you need is time and a sense of adventure!
When is the Best Time to Visit Spain?
In spite of its southerly latitude within Europe, Spain experiences all four seasons, particularly in the mountainous inland regions of the country. It’s not uncommon for snow to fall around Madrid, and in some cases even in the city center. At the same time, while winter in Spain can be very beautiful, my opinion is that like much of the rest of Europe, the atmosphere of summer creates the best travel mood.
If you want to enjoy warm weather but want to minimize costs and crowds, then “shoulder” months like May and September might be the best choice for you. Although most of Spain is very warm (and, usually, sunny) during these periods, the crazy tourist throngs of summer will either not be there yet or will have gone for the season, and prices of everything from accommodation, to flights, to meals should reflect that as well.
Other FAQ About How Long to Spend in Spain
Is 7 days enough to visit Spain?
With a full week, you can either split time between Madrid and Barcelona, or explore either of these cities and then some other city or region nearby. However, 7 days is definitely not enough to see “all” of Spain, particularly not if you plan to visit any outlying islands.
How many days are enough to visit Spain?
If you want to visit all major cities and regions of Spain, you really need a minimum of two weeks in Spain, and ideally 3-4 if you plan to spend time on islands like Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza. Spain might look small on the map, but it’s home to such a diverse array of destinations and experiences that it simply demands a longer stay.
How much does it cost to go to Spain for 2 weeks?
Spain is one of the most affordable destinations in Western Europe. Most travelers can get by on anywhere between 100-250 USD per person, per day, based on double occupancy. As a result, you can expect to spend around 1,400-3,500 to go to Spain for 2 weeks, as of 2025.
The Bottom Line
Many travelers are curious about how many days in Spain they need—few get an honest answer from bloggers. The reality is that unless you are deliberately taking a short trip (you’re coming for the weekend from somewhere else in Europe, or just want to spend a few days in a particular city or region as part of a larger trip to Europe), you really need a minimum of two weeks to get a comprehensive picture of mainland Spain, to say nothing of outlying islands. The good news? You can get personalized advice about how best to construct your trip to Spain when you hire me as your Travel Coach.
