An HC reader asks: If I only have 5 weeks in Spain this summer, what are some of the top places I should see? In Spain and Europe?
While five weeks seems like a short amount of time to indulge in your Spanish and European adventures , it’s not. Don’t undermine the 35 days you have to sip Sangria on weekends and travel out of the country if you want. My advice to you is even though you are in Europe — and will be uber-anxious to take on the whole continent — don’t take your host country, Spain, for granted. Spain has so many unique regions and cities to offer that are truly unlike any other in Europe. You will definitely be residing in one of the most beautiful and exciting countries!
Here are the cities you can’t leave Spain without visiting:
Where? Granada
Granada is home to La Alahambra, an old Arabic palace that is one of the most incredible sites you will ever see in your life (I’m serious). It’s full of gardens, beautiful architecture, flowing fountains, and so much more. It’s definitely not one of those boring old castle tours that you can take anywhere in Europe, and there’s an amazing view of Granada from the top where you can also see gypsys living in their mountain holes.
Where? Seville
Seville (where I lived for five months) is known as one of the most Spanish cities in Spain. I usually hear from people that it’s their favorite city in Spain because of its truly unique charm and character. When you’re there take a tour through the Catedral,  walk on the rio, visit La Plaza de Espana, and see the famous gardens in the Alcazar. And you can’t leave without watching a Flamenco show at this bar called La Carboneria. It’s seriously the best Flamenco you will see in Spain, or the entire world, and it’s a really fun place to go for the night.
Where? Barcelona
Barcelona is more of an “Americanized” city in Spain, but it’s also home to some of the country’s most famous sites, beaches, and is filled with Antonio Gaudi’s incredible architecture. It’s probably my second favorite city next to Seville. Make sure in Barcelona to visit the Sagrada Familia, Port Olympico, Parc Guell, and las ramblas.
Where? Valencia
Valencia has a small-town feel to it compared to the other cities, but there is a lot to do to keep you busy for a couple of days. It’s also known as a very Spanish city, but is completely different from Seville. You’re lucky because you’ll be able to visit the La Playa de Malvarossa when it’s the hotspot for locals to flock to on the weekends. Don’t leave without visiting the aquarium!
Since you’re going to be there in the summer, don’t miss the running with the bulls in Pamplona July 6 – July 14!
If you could squeeze in a trip to the islands Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca, I would definitely recommend that, too. Some will argue that you should visit Madrid, but to be honest, with the amount of time you’ll be there, don’t be too bummed if you don’t. I wasn’t impressed.
The  one thing about Spain is that it can be difficult to travel outside of the country due to its location on the map. Be prepared to budget more time and money if you do. Usually, when I ventured out of Spain, I would take a bus from Seville to Madrid and fly out of the Madrid airport because that was the most economical way. However, you can definitely make a trip to Portugal for the weekend and even Morocco, Africa! I did both and didn’t have to board a plane.
As far as European cities go, I would recommend going to Rome, Italy, for a weekend. It’s not that long of a flight from Spain and it is absolutely one of the most amazing cities in Europe.
Have fun on your five-week excursion. Live every moment to the fullest and take tons of pictures!
HC Love,
Nicole, Â Your travel expert
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