The perfect 7-day itinerary for exploring Central Spain: must-see cities & travel tips

When I first started planning this trip, I wanted to see as much of Central Spain as possible — without feeling like I was constantly rushing from one place to the next. I wanted a mix of famous landmarks, hidden gems, and, of course, plenty of time to enjoy Spain’s incredible food. And after experiencing it myself, I can confidently say that this 7-day itinerary is the perfect way to explore the heart of Spain!

This route takes you from the stunning cliffs of Cuenca to the artistic soul of Madrid, the medieval magic of Toledo, and the Mediterranean charm of Valencia. It’s designed for travellers who, like me, love a balance between sightseeing and soaking in the atmosphere. Plus, I’ve included my best travel tips — how to get around efficiently, where to eat without overspending, and little tricks to make your trip even better.

If you’ve been dreaming of exploring Spain but don’t know where to start, this guide has everything you need. Trust me — after this trip, you’ll be booking your next Spanish adventure before you’ve even unpacked!

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If you want to truly experience the heart of Spain without rushing, seven days is the perfect amount of time. This gives you the chance to explore a mix of historic cities, stunning landscapes, and cultural highlights at a comfortable pace. In one week, you can visit Madrid, Toledo, Cuenca, and Valencia — each offering a unique perspective on Spain’s history, architecture, and gastronomy. You'll have time to admire world-class art in Madrid, wander through Toledo’s medieval streets, marvel at Cuenca’s hanging houses, and enjoy the Mediterranean vibes of Valencia. Of course, you could try to see these places in fewer days, but that would mean sacrificing depth for speed. With seven days, you can fully appreciate each destination, enjoy leisurely meals, and even squeeze in a few hidden gems along the way.

For our trip, we chose early May, combining German public holidays with a weekend. This turned out to be the perfect time—warm but not too hot, with pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Spring in Central Spain is beautiful, with blooming landscapes and longer daylight hours. Plus, compared to the peak summer months, there were fewer tourists, making popular attractions like Toledo and Cuenca much more enjoyable to explore.

I've heard that other great months to visit include September–October, when the weather is still warm, but crowds have thinned after summer. This is also the season for local festivals, such as Madrid’s Autumn Festival, featuring cultural events and performances. Winter can be a great option for those who prefer lower prices and a festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets and illuminated streets in Madrid. However, some smaller towns might feel quieter during this period. Summer is the busiest and hottest time, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, but it’s also when many festivals, like Madrid’s San Cayetano and La Paloma celebrations, take place.

From the fairytale-like town of Cuenca to the vibrant streets of Madrid, the coastal charm of Valencia, and the medieval beauty of Toledo — this week-long adventure captures the essence of Central Spain. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:

📍 Days 1-2: Arrival in Madrid & Cuenca
Instead of staying in Madrid right away, head straight to Cuenca, a breathtaking town known for its hanging houses and dramatic cliffs. Spend two nights exploring this hidden gem, wandering through the old town, visiting the Ciudad Encantada, and taking in the stunning views. Check out my full Cuenca itinerary here.

📍 Days 3-4: Madrid – landmarks & museums
Return to Madrid and dive into the Spanish capital’s rich culture. Spend one day exploring major landmarks like the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, and Gran Vía, and dedicate another day to Madrid’s world-famous museums. The Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza form the city’s Golden Triangle of Art and are absolutely worth a visit. Here’s my full Madrid guide and a detailed post on how to visit the Golden Triangle museums.

📍 Day 5: A day trip to Valencia
Take a high-speed train to Valencia, a city where historic charm meets futuristic architecture. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, explore the old town, and relax by the beach before heading back to Madrid in the evening. See my one-day Valencia itinerary here.

📍 Day 6: Toledo & final hours in Madrid
Spend a day in Toledo, a city filled with medieval charm, stunning viewpoints, and historical significance. Wander through the Jewish Quarter, visit the Toledo Cathedral, and immerse yourself in the world of El Greco. After returning to Madrid, enjoy your last evening strolling through the vibrant neighborhoods of Malasaña or La Latina. Here’s my full Toledo guide.

📍 Day 7: Departure
Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a relaxed morning coffee at a local café or visit a final spot before heading to the airport.

This itinerary balances sightseeing with downtime, allowing you to experience Spain’s diverse cities without feeling rushed. Ready to start planning? Check out my detailed posts for each destination and get inspired for your adventure!

In my opinion, the best way to travel between cities in Central Spain is by train or bus — both options are efficient and budget-friendly, depending on your priorities.

Trains for speed & comfort. For long distances, high-speed trains (AVE and Ouigo) are the most convenient. The AVE train from Madrid to Valencia takes just 1h 40m, while the budget-friendly Ouigo option offers tickets from €9 if booked in advance. Similarly, Madrid to Cuenca is only 1 hour by train, making it the fastest way to reach this charming town. Keep in mind that train stations in smaller cities are often located outside the centre, so a short bus or taxi ride may be needed.

Buses for budget travellers. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, buses are a great choice. The journey from Madrid to Toledo takes just 1 hour, and the Madrid-Cuenca route is around 2.5 hours with Avanza. Unlike trains, bus tickets don’t fluctuate in price, so you can book last-minute without extra cost. Most buses depart from Estación Sur in Madrid, and tickets can be easily purchased online via BusBud or directly at the station.

For this itinerary, a mix of trains and buses works best: take the train for long distances like Madrid — Valencia and Madrid — Cuenca, and opt for the bus for shorter routes like Toledo. By booking tickets early and choosing budget-friendly options, you can save money while travelling quickly and comfortably!

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on amazing experiences! With a few smart tricks, you can explore Central Spain without overspending. Here are some of my favourite budget-friendly tips:

• Stay in one place for longer. Instead of switching accommodations every night, rent an apartment for a week in Madrid or another central location. Many platforms like Airbnb and Booking offer discounts for longer stays, and you’ll save money on transport and check-in fees.
• Fly with low-cost airlines. If you’re coming from Europe, budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet have plenty of affordable flights to Madrid or Valencia. Check routes from your city and book in advance for the best deals.
• Take advantage of "Menu del Día". Many restaurants offer a set lunch menu (Menu del Día) for around €10-15, which includes a starter, main course, dessert, and a drink. It’s a great way to enjoy local cuisine at a fraction of the price! In the evening, opt for tapas instead of a full dinner to keep costs low.
• Book trains & buses in advance. High-speed trains (AVE & Ouigo) can be expensive if booked last minute, but early bookings often come with big discounts. The same applies to bus tickets from ALSA and Avanza – check prices in advance for the best deals.
• Visit museums for free. Many museums in Madrid, like the Prado and Reina Sofia, have free entry during certain hours. Plan your visits accordingly to save on entrance fees!
• Shop at local markets or supermarkets. Instead of dining out for every meal, buy fresh food from markets like Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid or Mercado Central in Valencia. Picnics in parks or scenic spots can be just as enjoyable as a restaurant meal.
• Explore on foot or use public transport. Central Spain’s cities are very walkable, and public transport is cheap compared to taxis. Grab a multi-day metro/bus pass in Madrid for extra savings.

I hope this itinerary inspires you to explore Central Spain and helps you plan an unforgettable trip! Whether you follow it exactly or tweak it to fit your own travel style, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these incredible cities just like I did.

As for me? I’m already planning my next adventure — this time to Southern Spain! Think Málaga, Granada, and whitewashed Andalusian villages… Stay tuned because new posts about Spain are coming soon.

In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out my previous guides on Madrid, its world-class museums, Cuenca, Toledo, or Valencia, head over to the Spain tag and dive in. And don’t forget to subscribe for updates — there’s so much more travel inspiration coming your way!