Last updated: May 18 2025
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Exploring Spain in 3 weeks lets you discover many highlights and hidden gems of each city on your itinerary. You can marvel at architectural wonders, indulge in pintxos, and attend a vibrant and energetic flamenco show. Keep reading for tips on where to stay in each city on my sample itinerary to Spain, how to pack for a 3 week trip, and, my favourite, where are the best places to eat.
Getting around Spain
Getting around Spain is easy with the help of high-speed trains, buses, and budget flights. Here are some options you could look into when planning your 3 week adventure in Spain. Flying might be the best option if you’re heading from the very north of Spain (Basque region) to the very South (region of Andalusia).
Opt for Budget Airlines and Buses
Budget airlines include Vueling and Easyjet. Main bus transportation options include Alsa and the main high-speed trains are run by Renfe. Check out their sites to book your tickets in advance and maybe even score some discounted premium seats!
When is the best time to travel across Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is in April or October when it’s not blistering hot. The southern cities will be a tad cooler during April and October, but still fairly hot. The Basque country might be in the rainy season during April.
The Ultimate Itinerary for Exploring Spain in 3 Weeks
One way to exploring Spain in 3 weeks is to start from the middle of the country and move outwards. My itinerary covers the central part of Spain (region of Castile-La Mancha), the north (Basque region), the south (Andalusia region), and Barcelona (Catalonia).
I explored Spain with a mix of trains, flights, and buses. I also opted to take a flight from Bilbao to Granada (from all the way north to all the way south). That was the most comfortable for me, but of course you could opt for more scenic routes if you’re willing to take more time travelling between places.
Here’s a map of how I did my 3 week adventure in Spain.
I went from Toronto to Madrid then Madrid to Toledo (Toledo was only a day trip). Then I hopped on a bus to Saragossa (Zaragoza in Spanish). Then off I went from Saragossa to San Sebastian on a high-speed train. From there I hopped on another train and went to Bilbao. Then I flew from Bilbao to Córdoba and took trains from Córdoba to Seville to Granada. Lastly, I took trains to Valencia and from Valencia to Barcelona. I simply caught a flight back to Toronto in Barcelona afterwards.
Where to Stay in Spain for 3 Weeks
Check out the list below for a list of recommendations on where to stay in each city I’ve covered in this guide. Keep in mind I did my trip back in 2019, so hotel prices where I stayed will definitely vary.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Unfortunately, the hotel I stayed at (Hostel Gala) no longer seems to be available. I highly recommend searching for similar places to stay on Booking.com . You’ll get great suggestions for properties located in downtown Madrid with real, honest reviews from traveller’s who’ve stayed there.
Where to stay in Saragossa
Hotel Name: Hotel Sauce
Location: Calle Espoz y Mina 33, 50003 Zaragoza
Average price: about 45 EUR (back in 2019)
This is a sweet little boutique hotel right in the heart of historic downtown Saragossa. It even has its own pastry shop selling pastel-coloured cakes and other baked goods. It’s within walking distance to the Cathedral-Basilica of our Lady of the Pillar. The rooms are small but very charming. I had a single bed, a desk, and a lovely high-end bathroom. The place is perfect if you’re like me who appreciates a quiet night’s sleep after a long day of sightseeing.
Breakfast package is optional. I added it to my package because I was leaving early the next morning and I’m glad I got to enjoy fresh pastries and coffee before leaving. The staff was friendly and helpful. They made sure I was heading towards the right direction to catch the bus to the airport. I highly recommend this place if you’re here visiting for a day trip and want quick and easy access to all the popular sites.
Where to stay San Sebastian
Hostel Name: A Room In The City
Location: Easo 20 / Manterola 15 – Donostia San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa)
Average price: about 20 – 27 EUR per night depending on the day (from 2019)
I recommend booking hotels at least 6 months in advance of your trip to San Sebastian if staying in hostels are no longer appealing to you. I was only able to book a bed in this hostel since I booked last minute and the hotel prices were way out of my price range, even back in 2015.
But! This has got to be the most well-planned hostel I’ve stayed in. Yes, I shared a room with 4 other travellers, but each bunk bed had curtains and were easy to climb up (I personally hate bunk beds but these were easy to access). The washrooms had lots of stalls and were very clean. Showers were spacious and roomy. The hostel is also secure and has 24 hour concierge service. It’s also easy to find and close to the main train station.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
Hostel Name: Ganbara Hostel
Location: Prim Kalea, 13, bajo, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Average price: about 20 EUR per bed/night (2019)
I also unfortunately booked late and had to stay in a hostel. The hostel itself is very clean and centrally-located. It’s within walking distance to the Guggenheim Museum. If you prefer a bit more privacy, then definitely make sure to book hotels before 6 months you arrive. I highly recommend searching for great places to stay on Booking.com if you’re heading to Bilbao soon!
Where to Stay in Córdoba
If you’re like me who likes to take their time looking for the best places to stay for great value, then check out Booking.com for some great deals. Unfortunately, the hostel I stayed at is no longer available in Córdoba.
My tip is to always look for safe and centrally-located hostels. The hostels should have 24 hour security and concierge to accommodate travellers. And check to see if they’re within short distances to the city centre. You’ll want to maximize your time enjoying your trip, so be sure to find hostels in located in, or near, the city centre.
Where to Stay in Seville
Hotel Name: U-Sense Sevilla Centro (formerly Hotel Alminar)
Location: Avenida Álvarez Quintero, 52, Old town, 41004 Seville, Spain
Average price: between 160 – 180 EUR per night (2019)
This was one of my bigger splurges during my 3 week itinerary in Spain, but I think it was completely worth it! Hotel Alminar (now U-Sense Sevilla Centro) is a luxury 3-star hotel located near tourist sites. But it’s also tucked away in a quiet pedestrian street. I believe a good night’s sleep is extremely important while you’re travelling. So if you prize good sleep, comfort, and a convenient location, then this is the hotel for you. This hotel is also within walking distance to most major tourist sites like the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda.
The rooms are updated and spacious with a large bathroom. The staff is friendly and there is a lounge you can enjoy breakfast and coffee in. I don’t usually opt for breakfast options at hotels because there are so many great restaurants nearby. That’s the perk of choosing a hotel in a prime location. But a breakfast option could be good for you, if you’re checking-out early in the morning. At least you’ll get some pastries and coffee before you have to rush out!
Granada
Hotel Name: Candil Suite Realejo Granada (Carmen Real del Realejo)
Location: Cuesta Del Realejo ,22, Granada City Centre, 18009 Granada, Spain
Average price: about 75 EURO per night (back in 2019)
This has got be my favourite hotel during my entire 3 week trip! This is a lovely boutique hotel literally steps away from the Alhambra Palace. The hallways are lined with mosaic tiles; there’s a lemon tree on the terrace overlooking the pool. I’m from Canada, so seeing a lemon tree is a huge surprise for me. I got a corner room with juliette balconies. It was absolutely gorgeous!
This hotel is a small tropical paradise that’s within easy walking distance of major tourist sites and restaurants. The closest bus stop to this hotel is La Catedral (Granada Cathedral) as of 2019. If you’re taking a bus transfer from the airport, the bus drops you directly in front of the cathedral.
This hotel has been renovated since 2019 and it looks beautiful in the photos! I would absolutely stay here again the next time I’m in Granada.
Where to Stay in Valencia
Hostel Name: Zalamera BnB
Location: Pelayo, 44, Extramurs, 46007 Valencia, Spain
Average price: about 45 EUR/night (back in 2019)
I booked a single private room with a shared bathroom in this hostel. The best part? I never had to wait for the bathroom because the other traveller was never there! Booking a private room with a shared bathroom could be a good alternative option for you if booking a private hotel room is a bit out of your budget. Or if you’re like me, who wants a private room but most hotels were full already.
But this was a very charming bed and breakfast with cute and functional rooms. I had a room where the AC and lights kept turning on and off. So that made for a hot and sleepless night. The nice breakfast and the really friendly woman who served me made up for the night, though! She prepared my breakfast and brought it up with me to the open roof-top bar they had.
This hostel is located just steps outside of downtown Valencia, but close enough to get to the city centre and to the train stations.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Hotel Name: Chic & Basic: Zoo
Location: Passeig Picasso, 22, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
Average price: about 105 EUR per night (back in 2019)
This boutique hotel company is exactly as it name says: chic and basic. All the locations have creative nicknames. The one I stayed in was called Zoo because it was near the park with the Barcelona zoo. Don’t worry! There weren’t any freaky animal sounds at night.
The hotel is quiet, clean, comfy, and, like the name says, chic and basic and in a great location. I’m all about a good sleep after a day of exploring, so this place is out of the way, but only a few minutes to walk to Las Ramblas. It’s also close to Barceloneta beach if you’re looking for a beach in the city.
How to pack for 3 Weeks in Spain
Pack a mix of summer and cooler, or even rainy, weather outfits. Northern Spain in April can be cold and rainy and southern Spain is wonderfully hot even in April. So definitely have a variety of outfits for your 3-week Spanish sojourn.
Some general recommendations I have about packing for Spain are:
- a light rain jacket. It can get cool in northern Spain so a light rain jacket helps a lot.
- good walking sandals and closed-toe shoes. Again, because it’ll most likely be cold and rainy up north. I recommend bringing closed-toes shoes, so you can walk comfortably and avoid wet feet. But definitely bring a pair of good walking sandals for once you hit the tropical weather in the south of Spain.
- summer dresses and early spring outfits. Definitely bring some lightweight, comfy dresses for when you reach the south of Spain, but have some light sweaters and long pants ready for the cooler temperatures up north.
See my posts on Essential travel items from Amazon to pack in your carry-on and Travel items from Amazon you must pack in your travel purse for tips and advice on what to pack for your 3-week Spanish extravaganza.
Exploring Spain in 3 Weeks: Itinerary Breakdown
Here are my suggestions on the some the best things to do in each city while you’re exploring Spain in 3 weeks.
Indulge in the best churros in Madrid and marvel at stunning architecture in Toledo.
Recommended number of nights: 3-4 nights in Madrid with a day trip to Toledo.
Highlights to Discover: San Gines Churros, Botanical Gardens, the Prado, Plaza Mayor, cathedral in Toledo.
Enjoy the most delicious churros of all time at San Ginés in Madrid. Stroll through Plaza Mayor and relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Then take a high-speed train to Toledo for a day trip to gaze and admire the monumental Cathedral of Toledo.
Read my post Chloe’s Ultimate Travel Guide to Madrid and Toledo for all the details on getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Explore the cathedral at Saragossa, savour pintxos in San Sebastian, and admire the most famous museum in Bilbao
Recommended number of nights: 1 night in each city.
Highlights to Discover: Cathedrals, pintxos, Guggenheim Museum
Admire the Cathedral of Saragossa, savour pintxos galore in San Sebastian, and take a day to view modern art (or even just admire the architectural design) of the Guggenheim in Bilbao.
Read my post Day Trips to San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Saragossa for all the details on getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Wander the ancient grounds of the Alhambra in Granada
Recommended number of nights: 2 -3 nights
Highlights to Discover: Alhambra fortress, Sacromonte caves.
The absolute jewel of the Andalusia region. Granada is most well-known for its Alhambra fortress; there’s even a whole guitar concerto dedicated to it! You’ll need to spend a whole day touring the grounds and to view the Generalife and Nasrid Palaces which house the most stunningly crafted fountains and marble lions. Then hike up to the Sacromonte Caves to view the ancestral homes of the Roma who migrated to Granada.
Read my post Chloe’s Ultimate Travel Guide to 2 Days in Granada for all the details on getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Stroll through the mosque-cathedral in Córdoba and enjoy flamenco in Seville
Recommended number of nights: 1 night in Córdoba and 3 nights in Seville
Highlights to Discover: The Royal Alcazar of Seville, flamenco dancing, the Mosque-Cathedral.
Appreciate the vibrant energy of the flamenco dancers and the singers who accompany them in Seville. Then admire the grandiosity of The Royal Alcazar of Seville. In Córdoba, get up early to enter the Mosque-Cathedral and take a meditative walk through the forest of arches.
Read my post Chloe’s Ultimate Travel Guide for Day Trips to Córdoba and Seville for all the details on getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Gaze in wonder at the City of Sciences in Valencia and admire the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Recommended number of nights: 2 nights in Valencia and 2 nights in Barcelona
Highlights to Discover: paella, City of Sciences, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, St. Joseph’s Market.
Paella, a wonderful rice dish, originated in Valencia and I think anyone who’s a rice dish fan should definitely give it a try. Head over to the ultra-modern City of Sciences afterwards and marvel at the enormous structures rising out of the grounds. In Barcelona, visiting the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell is a must. There’s quite a hike to get to Parc Güell so make sure to wear comfy shoes. And all fish lovers must have some scrumptious seafood at St. Joseph’s market.
Read my post Chloe’s Ultimate Travel Guide to Barcelona and Valencia for all the details on getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Conclude your journey in Barcelona
At least that was where I concluded my 3-week Spanish journey! Depending on where you go, of course, the end of your 3-week extravaganza could be anywhere in Spain, but one thing is for certain: the trip should definitely have been full and satisfying.
Happy travelling!
