WHAT TO DO IN 5 DAYS IN SPAIN – ITINERARY

BEST 5-DAY ITINERARY FOR SPAIN

If you’re planning a trip to Spain but only have five days in Spain to explore this magnificent country, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Spain is a beautiful place, filled with amazing attractions and cultures waiting to be explored. From the stunning coastline to the vibrant cities, Spain has something for everyone.

With over 500 miles of gorgeous coastline, breathtaking beaches, and fascinating history and culture, it’s no surprise that Spain is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe.

But with so many incredible places to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan a Spain itinerary for 5 days that fits in everything you want to see in just five days. While I haven’t seen all the beautiful destinations in Spain, I’ve explored enough to recommend some fantastic places to visit in Spain in 5 days.

This post covers different five-day Spain itineraries. 

1. For one, we have the fantastic city of Barcelona. You can spend a few days here and do a few day trips, and you will have a blast. This way, you will see some of the best places in Spain.
2. Then there is another suggestion on what to see in Spain in 5 days – this one covers the beautiful, beautiful island of Mallorca.
3. My third suggestion for spending 5 days in the country includes the lovely area of Costa Brava.

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR A 5-DAY SPAIN TRIP

So, before sharing my ideal 5-day Spain itinerary, here are some travel tips.

HOW TO GET TO SPAIN

It’s super easy to get to Spain, as there are several major airports, and you can fly into the country with ease. To make things even simpler for you, I’m going to focus on the best way to get to each destination under a specific itinerary, rather than listing every possible option here.

HOW TO GET AROUND SPAIN IN FIVE DAYS

You’ll be pleased to know that the main cities have excellent public transportation options. So, you might not necessarily need to rent a car to get around. However, to make your travels even smoother, I’ll be sharing the best mode of transport for each itinerary.

Let me guide you through the best mode of transport for each destination on your Spain 5-day itinerary. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Spain is undoubtedly one of the most popular countries in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year. But, if you want to avoid the crowds and scorching heat, steer clear of the summer months. I visited Barcelona in August, and it was sweltering hot – not the most pleasant weather.

However, if you’re planning to spend lazy days on the beach, then summer might be the best time to visit. I chilled on the sandy shores of Mallorca and Costa Blanca in the shoulder season (October and November/December), and it was absolutely delightful.

But, let’s face it, weather can be unpredictable. It may rain in the summer months and be surprisingly warm in the winter months. So, as a seasoned traveler, I recommend visiting Spain in the spring or fall – the weather is usually pleasant, and you can avoid the peak tourist season. 

WHERE TO STAY IN SPAIN FOR 5 DAYS

As I have three amazing itineraries for you to choose from in Spain, I’m excited to share some awesome accommodation recommendations that will suit each itinerary perfectly.

5 DAYS IN SPAIN – BARCELONA

Barcelona is a fun city in Spain – with tons of activities offered for people of all ages. It is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region in the northeast of Spain. With more than 1,5 million inhabitants, it is the second biggest city in Spain (after Madrid). 

Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations for tourists to visit in Spain. From its stunning architecture and history to its vibrant nightlife and culture, there’s something here for everyone

From unique art and architecture, from Gaudi’s iconic park, La Sagrada Familia, to the awe-inspiring architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences – there is a lot to see and do.

The city is also home to a variety of fantastic restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife venues, making it an ideal destination for visitors looking for a great time. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, or just want to relax and enjoy the sights, Barcelona is a must-see for tourists visiting Spain. Oh, and if you enjoy football (or soccer as the US-Americans say) then you´ll also Barcelona as you can enjoy some of the most famous stadiums in the world – Camp Nou.

Barcelona is a fascinating city itself, and it is also a good base for some day trips. Think about Montserrat, Andorra (a tiny country between France and Spain), or Girona.

No, 5 days in the area of Barcelona is not too much time. I recommend exploring Barcelona in 2 or 3 days and then planning 2 or 3 day trips from Barcelona.

THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA  

• Visit La Sagrada Familia – one of Gaudi´s masterpieces. The work started in the 19th century, and yet the Roman Catholic minor basilica has to be finished. Make sure to get Fast-Track Access Tickets – the lines are normally insane.  
• La Rambla is one of the main streets – it is lined with bars and restaurants. This place is bustling and a must-see.
• FC Barcelona Museum & Camp Nou Stadium is another top attraction in the city. Whether you are a football fan or not, it should be on your itinerary.
• Stroll Barrio Gotico – the gothic quarter of Barcelona and is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods.
• Explore Park Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is another work of Gaudi and is used as a public park now. 
• Montjuic Hill is one prominent hill in Barcelona – get up there by cable car or hike up and enjoy the views.
• Tibidabo is another hill in Barcelona offering great views of the city.
• Spend time at Barceloneta – the beach area that offers some getaway time in Barcelona.
• Check out my Barcelona post for more tips.
• Here are some tours and activities you can book for Barcelona.

DAY TRIPS FROM BARCELONA

Here are a few suggestions for day trips from Barcelona.

MONTSERRAT

Located just 45 kilometers from Barcelona, Montserrat is a beautiful mountain range with spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. This natural paradise is home to many unique attractions including stunning hiking trails, cultural sites, and incredible wildlife.

With over 100 km of marked paths, Montserrat is perfect for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Catalonia and its many vineyards.

Montserrat is also home to the famous Benedictine Monastery which houses a priceless collection of religious art and relics.

• Though it is close to Barcelona, plan a whole day because of all the activities you can do there – from visiting the Montserrat Monastery Museum to hiking and more. Montserrat is a great place to add to your Spain itinerary.
• It is quite easy to get to Montserrat from Barcelona – you could book tours or rent a car to get there or just use public transportation. It takes about 60-90 minutes (one way) and is worth your time.
• Check out this day trip from Barcelona – you can also book tours including wine tasting.

GIRONA

Girona is a historic city located in the province of Catalonia, on the banks of the River Onyar. It’s one of Spain’s most beautiful cities and is less than an hour away from Barcelona by train.

With its cobbled streets, quaint houses, and tranquil atmosphere, Girona offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Girona is best known for its colorful houses, which were painted by Catalan artist Ramon Casas in the early 20th century.

Other highlights include the ancient walls around the old town, Girona Cathedral, Arab baths, and countless charming cafés and restaurants.

Girona is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to get away from the city and explore some of Spain’s most beautiful sights. The Jewish Quarter is one of the best preserved in Europe. 

Girona has something for everyone, with activities ranging from hiking and river rafting to exploring its many museums and art galleries. So take a break from Barcelona (not that it would be needed) and explore Girona in a day.

• Girona was a filming location of Games of Thrones – but there are more reasons to visit.
• From Barcelona to Girona takes less than 1 hour by train. So, this is another fantastic day trip from Barcelona to take.
• For guided tours from Barcelona to Girona, click here.

HOW TO GET AROUND BARCELONA

Barcelona is a vibrant city full of excitement and wonder, and there’s no better way to explore this beautiful place on foot, especially in the city center where many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

But also using the public transportation system is a good way to get around. With its network of buses, trains, and subways, getting around Barcelona is easy, affordable, and fun!

For starters, the Barcelona Metro is a great way to zip around the city with ease. With its different lines, it covers almost every corner of the city.

Another great way to explore Barcelona is by bus – you’ll get to see some stunning sights along the way, from the Gothic Quarter to the modernist marvels of Gaudi.

You could also rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. Barcelona is a bike-friendly city, with plenty of dedicated bike lanes and rental options available.

Want to explore beyond the city limits of Barcelona? No problem! There are plenty of day tours available to take you on an adventure. You can rent a car and hit the road, or hop on public transportation and navigate your way around. Alternatively, you can book guided tours and let someone else do the driving while you sit back and enjoy the ride! 

➡️ Click here to find the rental car prices for your 5 days in Spain itinerary

WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA

As you can imagine, accommodation in Barcelona is not a bargain. However, you find luxury hotels as well as hostels and more budget-friendly places to stay in Barcelona.

BUDGET – Room018BCN is a modern hostel situated just 450 m from FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium. The hostel offers rooms with free WiFi and individual lockers. The dormitory rooms are air-conditioned and have parquet floors and modern decor. Each bed comes with an LED reading light, and bed linen is provided. You can also rent towels on site, and some rooms have a private bathroom. Check out rates and availabilities here.

HOW TO SEE SPAIN IN 5 DAYS – MALLORCA (MAJORCA)

Mallorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and historic cities. Mallorca is a popular tourist destination with something for everyone – whether you want to relax on the beach all day or explore the island’s culture and history. Not to mention it is a great place for watersports and outdoor activities.

With its cobblestone streets, white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, and diverse wildlife, Mallorca provides the perfect backdrop for your vacation.

If you’re looking for culture there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore as well as historic monuments and churches. Mallorca is also home to some of the best nightlife in Spain with clubs, bars, and live music venues spread across the island. 

It is about 200 km south of Barcelona, and if you stay longer than five days in Spain, you could combine a trip to Barcelona with a few days in Mallorca. However, given that Mallorca is only reachable by plane or ferry, it is pretty time-consuming, and I think 5 days for Barcelona and Mallorca is not enough.

Mallorca is the most popular travel destination for Germans. While many Germans go there for partying and drinking alcohol, (or better went as the local government has tried to stop that kind of tourism), Mallorca is actually one of the most stunning islands in Europe.

It has incredible beaches, beautiful towns and villages, and much more. 

THINGS TO DO IN MALLORCA

• Explore the beautiful coves also known as calas in Mallorca – my favorite was Cala Mondragó.
• Relax at the beaches – there are many beautiful, beautiful beaches to choose from. One would be Cala Millor, but the options are immense.
• Do a boat tour – Mallorca, from this perspective, is also stunning, and you can also hop into the water with hardly any people around. Check out boat tours here.
• Explore the adorable towns and villages on the island. Valldemossa is probably the prettiest, but the others are charming.
• Visit Palma – Mallorca’s capital home to interesting architecture like the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma and visit the stunning Cathedral.
• Drive along the coast and the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range. This is the most scenic part of a road trip.

Check out my more detailed post on Mallorca with more travel tips on what to do and more.

HOW TO GET TO MALLORCA

You can catch a flight from many major cities to Palma de Mallorca Airport and be on the island in no time.

Or take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia and enjoy a scenic journey across the Mediterranean Sea. 

HOW TO GET AROUND MALLORCA 

The most popular and convenient way is to rent a car and explore the island at your own pace. Mallorca is a beautiful island with stunning scenery, and having a car will give you the flexibility to visit hidden coves, charming towns, and breathtaking viewpoints.

But, if you’re not comfortable driving, don’t worry – there are plenty of guided tours available. From boat tours around the coast to cycling tours in the mountains, there’s something for everyone. Plus, guided tours allow you to learn more about Mallorca’s history, culture, and traditions.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore Mallorca on foot? Hiking trails offer some of the most spectacular views of the island, and you can enjoy the fresh air and exercise while exploring hidden gems along the way.

➡️ Click here to find the rental car prices for your 5 days in Spain itinerary

WHERE TO STAY IN MALLORCA

COSTA BLANCA – SPAIN IN 5 DAYS

Costa Blanca is a stunning Mediterranean coastline, located on Spain’s southeastern coast. It’s known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and picturesque marinas, as well as its vibrant nightlife and culture. Costa Blanca boasts a mild climate year-round; making it the perfect destination for beach lovers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the crowds.

With its clear waters and miles of sandy beaches, Costa Blanca is a great place to relax and soak up some sun as well as take part in water sports such as sailing, surfing, and diving. If you’re looking for something a bit more active head inland to explore the region’s history and culture.

The Costa Blanca stretches over 200 kilometers along the Mediterranean coastline. This itinerary will take us from Alicante in the south all the way up to Valencia in the north of Costa Blanca. Along this way, there are many beautiful villages and towns – and let’s not forget the beautiful beaches in Costa Blanca.

5 days in Spain and especially in Costa Blanca is perfect for those who like combining city life with some colorful and charming villages and beach days.

Though Costa Blanca is quite popular amongst Europeans, I often feel it is underrated by Americans or Asians. I might be wrong! Either way, with five days in Spain and Costa Blanca, I recommend staying one day in Alicante and 1,5 days in Valencia. And then visit the cute, charming villages in between and also plan in a day or so for the beach. 

Also, Costa Blanca usually has mild weather in the winter as well. It probably will not be hot, and sunbathing is perhaps not really the best activity. However, in the winter months, you can stroll the beautiful beaches of Costa Blanca which is perfect for sunbathing in the summer months.

THINGS TO DO IN COSTA BLANCA

• ALICANTE – Visit Santa Barbara Castle, a castle located on Mount Benacantil built in the 9th century. Stroll the Esplanade of Spain. It is made up of 6,600,000 tricolor marble tiles and is probably the most beautiful promenade in Spain. Walk to the beach of Alicante and visit the port. Check out my Alicante post for more tips.
• Here are more tips for day trips from Alicante.
• VALENCIA – Visit Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences),  a part of a massive complex with various bright and futuristic buildings. In the city center, you have the Plaza de la Virgen on one side, and the Plaza de la Reina on the other. Both are lovely and lively plazas that you should visit. See the street art – especially in the El Carmen neighborhood. Check out my Valencia post for more tips.
• ALTEA – Whitewashed houses, colorful flowers against white walls, and pretty ocean views. Yes, Altea has a touch of Greece in it and is one of the prettiest villages in Costa Blanca. It is small so it does not have many attractions but is still worth a trip. Check out my Altea post for more tips.
• VILLAJOYOSA – The most colorful place in Costa Blanca is Villajoyosa. It is a small town with a big beach section. Whether you visit for 1 hour or a full day – Villajoyosa should be on your Spain itinerary. Check out my Villajoyosa post for more tips.
• BENIDORM – Though the bigger town is not the most exciting place in Costa Blanca, it is a nice stop along the way. The beach area is charming, and so is the famous Balcón del Mediterráneo, where you have musicians playing.

HOW TO GET TO COSTA BLANCA

Getting to Costa Blanca is easy – you can catch a flight to Alicante Airport or Valencia, which are the main gateways to Costa Blanca. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus or a taxi, and be at your destination in no time.

If you prefer a more scenic route, why not take a train along the coast and enjoy the beautiful views along the way? And for those who love the sea, a ferry from the nearby Balearic Islands is another option.

HOW TO GET AROUND COSTA BLANCA

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around Costa Blanca is by train and tram. The local train service runs along the coast, making it easy to travel between towns and cities.

However, if you want to explore the region at your own pace, renting a car is a great option. It gives you the flexibility to visit hidden beaches, quaint villages, and scenic countryside roads. Plus, with a car, you can easily reach destinations that might not be accessible by public transportation.

If you prefer guided tours, there are plenty of options available, from boat tours along the coast to walking tours in the city. Guided tours offer a unique perspective on the region and provide an opportunity to learn more about the local culture, history, and traditions.

➡️ Click here to find the rental car prices for your 5 days in Spain itinerary

WHERE TO STAY IN COSTA BLANCA

LUXURY – The Caro Hotel is a one-of-a-kind hotel located in a 19th-century palace in central Valencia, just 200 m from Valencia Cathedral. It combines historical features with modern design and has an outdoor pool that’s open all year round. The elegant rooms at the Caro Hotel are each designed by Francesc Rifé and are completely unique, with exquisite minimalist touches. Check out more about it here.

MID-RANGE – Hotel Maya is located at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle, just a 5-minute walk from Alicante Beach and 10 minutes from the city center. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, free WiFi, and a gym with panoramic views. We, a friend and me, stayed at Maya Alicante. It was a decent choice with a friendly and bright interior. Breakfast choices were good, the quality, however, was not great. But in all, you get good value for your money. Check out rates here.

BUDGET – Apartamentos La Mer is located 1.2 km from Cap Negret Beach in Altea and offers accommodation with air conditioning and free WiFi. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, coffee machine, microwave, and toaster. They also have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower, as well as a kettle. Altea is probably the best place to stay for love birds. Small and tiny and yet so gorgeous – I guess this is the most romantic place on the itinerary. Click here to find out about the hotel rates for Apartamentos La Mar

FINAL THOUGHTS ON PLACES TO VISIT IN 5 DAYS IN SPAIN

A five-day itinerary in Spain promises an unforgettable experience. From Barcelona’s architecture and vibrant nightlife to the stunning mountain scenery of Montserrat and Girona, you can explore the country’s unique culture and history. Not to mention the incredible beaches of Mallorca and Costa Blanca which offer the perfect opportunity to relax and soak up some sun.

5 days in Spain is not enough to see all the main places. I would not even try to squeeze in all major attractions in five days. However, it is enough to explore one part of Spain and get an idea of what the country offers.

Whether you opt for Mallorca and some island life, the vibrant city of Barcelona and its surroundings, or explore Costa Blanca – the suggestions for 5-day Spain itineraries give you options to see what you personally like the most.

• READ MORE: Best places to visit in Spain

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