8 days in Spain starting in Barcelona

Even if you have 8 full days on the ground (9 nights) and no jetlag (arriving from same or close time zone), going to 5 places in 8 days is too much. Think about how much time you'll spend traveling vs. how much time you'll have to sightsee. Remember a 1 hour flight includes time to pack, get to the airport, go through the hoops and board the plane (at least 15-20 minutes before takeoff), then in reverse to drop off your luggage before you go out to explore. Train travel is much the same, though somewhat less time in the train station.

4 days in Barcelona
4 days in Madrid
Don’t waste your time traveling.

Even though fairly small, Santiago de Compostela merits 2 nights (a full day) by itself if you’ve never been to it before. With only 8 days I’d stick with Madrid with a possible day trip and Santiago de Compostela. That would minimize travel time and actually give you time to see something without always being on the go.

What davebarnes said above. Also, look into trains if you are concerned about luggage (I am assuming most of the luggage is for the kids who are being dropped off - 8 days doesn't warrant much packing imo). Train from Barcelona to Madrid is pretty basic. Train from Madrid to Santiago takes 3.5 hours, but in some ways might be less hassle. Are you flying home then from Santiago or coming back to Barcelona or Madrid?

Thank you all for your feedback. We are heading to Santiago on the 9th day, dropping our kids off until the 30th when we fly home.

My first time, in 10 days, I did Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, and all the way back up to Barcelona again, and I was happy with the trip. Obviously people have different travel styles.

Barcelona - you must see the Sacred Family church, and probably go up to the top of the hill and see the Gaudi park. Walk the Ramblas, walking down to the harbor, and making sure to stow away your valuables from the many pickpockets. 2 days but you could do 3-4 too.

Madrid - Just 2.5 hours on HS train. You can do it in a day - maybe 2 as most. From train station to city center is maybe a mile.

Seville is another 2.5 hours on HS train. I would spend 2-3 days.

Granada - getting there by train took a fair amount of time. Of course go to the fortress. Then climb the mountain with the people living underground. There is an iconic photo vista point where RS filmed. I found it by luck. The city itself is just a touch run down. 2 days max.

So thats 7-11 days.

To echo railrider's post, a couple days in major cities can be quite satisfying and rail system makes traveling between cities rather painless. We've been to Spain a 1/2 dozen times now. Our first was a 15 day tour of Portugal and Spain and we never spent even 3 days in the same place -- and we still had plenty of down time. Loved it!

Of course others are right about there is more see in a city such as Barcelona or Madrid if you have the luxury of more time. How fast or slow you travel is matter of taste. I find now that I can tolerate slower paced trips-- a side effect of getting older I suppose. I now follow the two museums a day max rule-- unless my wife forces me to a third (or fourth)! Ouch!

I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what you choose. Spain is great!

Happy travels!