1-3 days
If you've only got a few days in Spain it would be best to base around one of the main cities. Most people would choose to make this either Barcelona and San Sebastian in the north, the capital Madrid in the centre or Seville and Granada in Andalucia. Look at our city guides for more information on all three or a shortened version below. Alternatively try to base your holiday around one of the country’s many and exciting festivals

1 week
Spend a couple of days each in Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.

2 weeks
As above plus add some of the following places as well San Sebastian in northern Baque country; Toledo, Salamanca and/or Cuenca in the central regions, Cordoba and/or Granada in the southern region of Andalucia and maybe Caceres and/or Trujillo to the central west.

3 weeks
As above plus concentrate on a region like Andalucia with it's Moorish architecture, bullfighting and whitewashed houses visiting places like Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda. Or the Basque country in the north highlighting San Sebastian, Pamplona and Bilbao.

4 weeks
With a whole month itinerary you could do a combination of the above plus include some walking like the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain, hiking in the Sierra Nevada near Granada (or skiing if it's winter). Alternatively head over to the Spanish islands off the coast like Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca.

Itineraries in Barcelona:
This city needs little introduction and is famous for it's Catalonian culture and modernist architecture, or if you prefer world events, the 1992 Olympic Games. Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona's celebrated architect and his combination of Art Nouveau, Gothic and Moorish styles feature in the La Sagrada Familia church and Parc Guel. There are also world class museums including two devoted to Picasso and Miro. The Barri Gotic cathedral and it's surrounding old quarter are fine places for wining, dining and exploring. Plus you should wander down La Rambla at least once, check out the night life and see the famed Sardana dancing outside the cathedral.

Itineraries in Madrid:
The capital of Spain is not as glamorous as other cities but has a number of museums and galleries including Museo del Prado with its emphasis on Spanish, Flemish and Italian art; and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia with some of Picasso's greatest works.
There are also a number of nice parks and gardens including the Real Jardin Botanico next to the Prado, and Parque del Buen Retiro with it's statue dedicated to the devil. Of course the capital is also home to Real Madrid, and you may want to check out a soccer/football match while you’re here too.

Itineraries in Granada:
Granada was capital of the last Moorish kingdom in Spain and has the greatest Moorish monument n Spain, the Alhambra. The Alhambra is set in magnificent gardens and surroundings, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance which you may also like to visit on foot, bike, skis or in a car. Interesting districts include the Albayzin Moorish district and Sacromonte's Gypsy caves. There are numerous teteria's, Arabic bath houses and fantastic sunny squares. You could easily spend considerable time in Granada.

Itineraries in Seville:
Seville is famous for many things - bull fighting, fiesta's, flamenco, beautiful parks and Cathedrals. Hence it is one of the most interesting and exciting places to visit. The Alcazar is the largest cathedral in the world and next to it is the residence of Muslim and Christian royalty. There are several museums, a bullring and nightly flamenco shows. Seville is also famous for its festivals that incorporate many of the renowned activities of the city, most are held around Easter time.

Itineraries in San Sebastian:
This is one of northern Spain’s best beaches and most popular tourist centres. Spend a few days lounging on the lovely crescent shaped beach and try swimming out to the island in the middle. If you get up enough energy stroll up Monte Urgull to the huge statue of Christ for sweeping views of the bay. A free museum is at the base of the hill. The churches in the old town are worth a poke and you must sample local Basque tapas and San Sebastian nightlife – just remember it only gets going after 1am!