This year, we checked off some big bucket/wish list items, including my first time traveling outside of the United States. Our first stop on our international travel? Spain! We decided to try two countries or major cities per international trip given the amount of time it takes to get there from the U.S. For this trip, that was Spain and France.
While in Spain, we actually traveled to three cities including Madrid, Segovia, and Valencia. This gave us a varied taste of the country for our first time visiting, and we would definitely go back to see more of this beautiful part of the world.
Our four days in Spain included our toddler, so our itinerary is both full and still loose enough to accommodate him. While traveling, this means we may not see the inside of museum. Instead we opted for more outdoor activities and walking. Even so, Spain had more than enough to catch everyone’s interests.
Day 1
We stayed at a hotel near the airport. While that was convenient to get to after long flights, it was about 20-30 mins from the city’s center and did not have much that was walkable from the hotel itself. I would recommend staying closer to the center of the city if staying in Madrid.
Lunch: Plaza de Mayor – Get the bocadilla de calamares at a restaurant called La Campana (a favorite of locals for this dish)! This plaza is gorgeous. Need proof? Carolina Herrera recently hosted a runway show there!
El Retiro Park (Parque Retiro) – Rent a boat and float out on the lake in the sunshine. The architecture of the structures around the lake are incredible, and it is a fun way to get the family out in a beautiful setting. There are walking trails and playgrounds for children throughout the grounds.
Royal Palace is a 7 min walk away and offers tours. This is definitely worth it!
Tour Bernabeu – If you are a soccer fan, this is your spot! My husband, Drew, is a huge soccer fan whereas I am not. Even I was in awe of the beautiful grounds of the stadium. Their trophy case is also one of the best-stocked in the world!
Dinner at Grosso Napoletano (Paseo de la Habana, 27. 28036 Madrid)
Walk around the area as it is some of the most beautiful architecture in the city!
Day 2
Viena Capellanes (Calle de Goya 37, 28001 Madrid Spain) for coffee and breakfast
Taxi to Chamartin Train Station – Tip: Taxis line up when there is more than one available for passengers. Always head to the first in line! If you don’t, they will direct you to that driver instead of themselves.
Train from Madrid Chamartin to Segovia Guiomar – You get to see the countryside (including some of the mountains) of Spain on the short trip from Madrid to Segovia.
Lunch in Segovia – Walk under the arches of the Roman Aquaduct into the Plaza Mayor and find a selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from for lunch.
Tour of Alcazar de Segovia – This is an incredible castle nestled on the top of the hill in the city. The aquaduct and cathedral are walkable and within the Plaza Mayor. After touring the castle and seeing the impressive collection of art and history on display, we wandered the streets stepping into a few shops and stopping to play at a park.
Train from Segovia Guiomar to Madrid Chamartin
Dinner at La Mafia se Sienta a la Mesa, Calle de Goya 5. (Reservation required)
Day 3
Head back to Madrid Chamartin Train Station for a train to Valencia Joaquin Sorolla. Pro tip: The train stations in Spain were different than what we tend to experience in the US. The boards within the station are very important and update every few minutes. Your train’s departure platform will not be updated until about 10-15 mins before your train is scheduled to depart. Be ready to merge with a large group of others to head to your platform and board your train. It happens more quickly and closer to that departure time without as much planning in advance as we would expect from an airport or station in the US.
Take a taxi to the hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort. I highly recommend this resort! It was one of (if not the) nicest hotels my husband and I have ever stayed in. With 5 stars, it sits on the beach and includes a spa and multiple restaurants. While we intended to do more in Valencia itself, we ended up staying on the beach and within the resort during our time there and do not regret it in the slightest. It was a fantastic way to relax for a few days in the middle of our trip.
We did venture a walk around nearby on the beach and port area. Beckham was very interested in the shipyard nearby where there is a world-famous repair yard. Head down to Mirador del Puerto, parque los snorkles (a playground on the beach), or Ale-hop novelty shop within 2 mins walk of the resort.
Any of the restaurants on the boardwalk are worth stopping in for a drink or a bite to eat. I sipped on the most incredible mojito I’ve ever tasted while having dinner with the family in a small but very chic little restaurant on the beach while listening to the waves.
Dinner at Tanit or any of the restaurants on the boardwalk as they are all worth stopping in for a drink or a bite to eat. I sipped on the most incredible mojito I’ve ever tasted while having dinner with the family in a small but very chic little restaurant on the beach while listening to the waves.
Day 4
Breakfast at La Ruana – 8 min drive or 23 min walk – Avinguda del Port, 243, 46024 València, Spain
Malvarossa Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
Lunch at La Cabanyita (45-41, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Spain)
Turia Garden is a 15 min drive from the hotel and includes playgrounds and walking through what was once a waterway.
Dinner nearby or on the boardwalk near the hotel
Sunset Catamaran Ride – Junto al Veles y Vents, Carrer del Moll de la Duana, s/n, Poblados Marítimos, 46024 València, Valencia, Spain – We spent an hour on a little boat sipping drinks, listening to music, and seeing the beautiful Spanish coastline set against the mountains.
Pro tip: Most of Spain is not fluent in English. While many who work in more tourist-y areas or hospitality do speak English, taxi drivers and others throughout the city do not. Brush up on your Spanish and be ready to use Google Translate!
