12 days in Barcelona, Madrid & Marbella Itinerary

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at La Boqueria and Casa Gispert. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Basilica de la Sagrada Familia and Las Ramblas. Change things up with a short trip to PortAventura in Salou (about 1h 35 min away). The adventure continues: stroll around Parc Guell, admire the striking features of Casa Batllo, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Barcelona Cathedral, and stop by El Barri Gòtic.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Barcelona trip planner.

Doha, Qatar to Barcelona is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference when traveling from Doha to Barcelona is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Doha in July, you will find days in Barcelona are colder (34°C), and nights are slightly colder (25°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) early enough to fly to Madrid.

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Head to Mercado San Miguel and ABC Serranofor plenty of shopping. Popular historic sites such as Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor are in your itinerary. There's much more to do: admire the masterpieces at Prado National Museum, pick up some local products at Mercado de San Antón, don't miss a visit to Puerta del Sol, and take in nature's colorful creations at Jardines de Sabatini.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Madrid trip itinerary maker website.

Getting from Barcelona to Madrid by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. When traveling from Barcelona in July, plan for a bit warmer days in Madrid, with highs around 40°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Marbella.

Once a village of humble fishermen, Marbella is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on Spain’s world-famous Costa del Sol, boasting swanky nightclubs, classy hotels, and expensive restaurants.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Malaga Cathedral and Alcazaba. Head to eThnoPur and Calle San Miguelfor some retail therapy. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Marbella: Bikestardo (in La Cala de Mijas), Santuario de la Victoria (in Malaga) and Nerja (Fundación Cueva de Nerja & Balcony of Europe). Next up on the itinerary: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, see exotic creatures in open habitats at Born to be Wild, and get some thrills out on the water with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure.

To find maps, reviews, and tourist information, read Marbella trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Madrid to Marbella in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. While traveling from Madrid, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Marbella, ranging from highs of 36°C to lows of 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.