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10 day Spain Itineraries

Are you looking to book a  holiday in Spain  for around ten days? Here are the best travel itineraries covering everything from the most popular destinations to off-the-beaten-path experiences in just under two weeks. Explore our sample itineraries ranging from short journeys across Northern Spain to longer trips combining Spain and Portugal .

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Our top ten-day Spain itineraries

• Barcelona   - Explore the city and take a stroll along the famous Las Ramblas or explore Gaudí's fascinating Güell Park.
• Pamplona - Continue to Pamplona in the region of Navarre, famous for the Running of the Bulls festival. Stroll to the famous Estafeta Street.
• Bilbao  - Be sure to visit Bilbao's groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum, designed by the architect Frank O. Gehry.
• San Sebastián - Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk. The harbour is filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, so you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach.
• Burgos  - Journey south through the Pyrenees foothills and the land of 'El Cid' to stop in Burgos where you can see his burial place in the cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 
• Barcelona  - Explore the streets of the old Gothic Quarter, check out the Picasso Museum, wander the tree-lined pedestrian boulevard of Las Ramblas, or take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of Barcelona and the harbour.
• Logrono  - Go on an evening walking tour of the Old Quarter, wandering down Calle del Laurel and the 60 or so taperias (tapas bars) that line the way. This is the perfect opportunity to sample regional delicacies; snack on grilled chorizo or wild mushrooms, and wash them down with a glass of the region’s famous red.
• Picos de Europa National Park - Covering some 647 square kilometres, Picos de Europa is Spain's second-largest national park and spans across the three provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon. Work up an appetite for tonight’s meal with a walk through this stunning landscape. 
• Oviedo  - At the heart of the town sits the impressive Gothic San Salvador Cathedral, built between the 14th and 16th centuries and adorned with a staggeringly elaborate altarpiece. Enjoy an introduction to wonderful local products of Asturia at El Fontan market, home to excellent fish stalls beneath a canopy of wrought-iron and glass.
• Santiago de Compostela - Take a walk around the Old District lit up at night, through the arcaded stone streets, the spacious Plaza del Obradoiro and past the Archbishop’s imposing palace. Santiago is home to more than just pilgrims, with the large population of students from the university enhancing the city’s nightlife.

Eight-day Spain getaway ideas

• Madrid  - Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.
• Granada - Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
• Cordoba  - Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba.
• Seville - Explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, and then visit the true heart of Seville: the Santa Cruz quarter — a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.
• Barcelona  - Start your day by exploring the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas — two of Barcelona’s most picturesque and well-known districts. In the evening, learn to make authentic Spanish food at a tapas cooking class.
• Barcelona - Go on a walking tour to cover the city’s famous sights, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
• Pyrenees - Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore a beautiful medieval hilltop village.
• Bilbao - Visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
• San Sebastián  - Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. Stop in a bar for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. 
• Logroño - With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.

The ultimate twelve-day Spain itinerary

• Valencia - Tour the Valencia Cathedral, Puerta del Real, Puerta de la Trinidad and Puerta de las Serranos. Walk through the lively streets of Barrio de Carmen and finish at the Gothic-style La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange).
• Granada - Visit the Alhambra Palace, a lasting reminder of Moorish rule in Spain spanning centuries. Then tour Generalife Gardens, the idyllic summer retreat for the emirs of the Nasrid dynasty.
• Seville - Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria where Christopher Columbus is buried, the impressive Royal Alcazar and the historic Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz.
• Jerez de la Frontera  - The city is known for its production of the sweet fortified wine, sherry. Tour a sherry wine cellar, learn about the grape variety required to make this well-loved tipple, see the barrels the sherry matures in and enjoy a tasting.
• Cordoba - The stunning white city of Spain is home to the country’s hottest summers. Filled with orange groves, cobblestone streets, and Moorish architecture, Cordoba houses the impressive Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque that holds a Christian church inside.

The best way to travel around Spain & Portugal in ten days

• Barcelona - Orient yourself with the city by strolling along Las Ramblas. Then visit the Gaudí buildings and explore the Gothic Quarter.
• Madrid - Spend your time in Spain's beautiful capital visiting its many sites, from art museums to sprawling squares, and sampling its best culinary delights.
• Seville - Visit the Real Alcázar, a Moorish palace, or take part in an evening flamenco show.
• Lagos - Spend the day on the Algarve with free time for hiking, water activities, or relaxing by the ocean. 
• Lisbon - Visit Cristo Rei for sweeping views of the area, check out the monuments of the Belem neighbourhood, or relax in one of the city’s inviting cafés.
• Toledo - Head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. With its Gothic architecture and impressive cathedral, you’re sure to fall in love with this charming medieval town.
• Ronda - Visit this town located on both sides of the El Tajo gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Admire the spectacular views from the bridge before taking a leisurely lunch.
• Seville - Seville is famous for flamenco, tapas bars and its colossal Gothic cathedral. Get lost among the cobbled streets of the old town, and be sure to visit the Metropol Parasol, the palaces of Alcázar Casa de Pilatos and the Museum of Flamenco.
• Porto  - Visit Ponte de'Luis, a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Afterward, enjoy a tasting of Portugal’s most famous export: port wine.
• Avila - Avila is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well-preserved medieval walls.

Ten-day Spain tour with Ibiza

• Barcelona - You can cycle around the city from the Gothic Quarter to Las Ramblas, and then sign up for a traditional Flamenco Show over tapas and drinks.
• Ibiza - Explore charming food markets and secluded coves, and then kick back on the beach and catch some rays. When the sun goes down, experience the island’s notorious nightlife.
• Valencia  - Stroll through beautiful Valencia, where historic buildings sit alongside modernist architecture, and parks and fountains fill the streets. Sign up for a paella cooking class in the evening. 
• Madrid - Uncover the city's Gothic cathedral, the famous Renaissance sculptor, painter and architect El Greco’s house and the site of sieges, revolutions and treason.

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Ultimate 10 Days In Spain Itinerary (Guide for First-Timers)

Planning your first trip to Spain? You’re in the right place, this Spain in 10 days itinerary covers the best of what Spain offers.

For those visiting for the first time, this article outlines a perfect itinerary combining Spain’s famous landmarks and hidden treasures for the ultimate adventure.

From Madrid to Seville, Cordoba, Valencia to Barcelona, this 10 days Spain itinerary covers all the highlights! Whether you want to take a road trip or use trains – this self-guided tour is perfect for first-time visitors to the country.

Continue reading and discover the best 10 day Spain itinerary to make sure you experience it all along with our useful first-hand insider tips. Ready? Let’s go!

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Table of Contents

The Best 10 Day Spain Itinerary

This Spain 10 day itinerary is divided into sections.

The first part covers the best places to visit in Spain in 10 days, as well as a day-by-day overview. Then we’ll give you useful details about each destination, practical insider tips, and the best way to get there.

Top Things to Do in 10 Days in Spain

• Parc Guell to Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
• Moorish influence in Plaza de España, Seville
• The Alhambra Palace in Granada
• Mezquita Mosque and Cathedral of Cordoba
• The UNESCO cities of Toledo, Segovia and Avilla
• City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
• The culture and bustling streets of Madrid
• Beaches of Barcelona
• Indulge in the local cuisine
• Watch a live flamenco show

10 Days Spain Itinerary – Know Before You Go

If you want to experience the culture, history, and beauty of Spain, this is the itinerary for you!

This 10 day itinerary for Spain starts in Madrid, exploring its vibrant streets and rich cultural heritage.

Then, head south to Andalucia, one of Spain’s most beautiful regions, before continuing north along the coast, with stops in Valencia and Barcelona.

👉 If you’re looking for something more relaxed, then you might be interested in this 7 day trip around Andalucia instead.

10 Days in Spain Itinerary Day-By-Day Breakdown 

👉 You might be interested in tagging on some travel in Portugal, and doing a Spain and Portugal itinerary instead.

Spain Travel Itinerary Map

This map shows where all the locations I just mentioned above are located for this 10-day Spain itinerary.

Best Way to Get to Spain

Our 10 day Spain itinerary starts in Barcelona and ends in Madrid – but there’s no reason why you can’t do it in reverse.

Choosing the best way to get to Spain depends on your starting location and budget constraints.

✈️ European travellers benefit from low-cost airlines allowing budget-friendly air travel, while train routes offer scenic journeys, albeit with longer travel times – but it’s a great way to travel around Europe.

✈️ For longer distances, like from the United States or Australia, air travel is the primary mode of entry, typically through Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN) airports.

Getting Around Spain

Getting around Spain is relatively easy.

This 10 days itinerary in Spain can be done via public transport. Buses and trains are accessible and affordable in most cities, making them a great option for getting from place to place.

Rental cars are also available, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You could follow this guide as a Spain road trip 10 days itinerary. Self-driving is the best option for more convenience or if you have a larger group.

10 Days in Spain Itinerary – Guided Tour Options

If you don’t like the idea of navigating the public transport system or driving yourself then book a 10 day Spain tour instead and let someone else deal with the logistics.

Here are two great options for small group tours that cover most of the locations in my suggested itinerary.

Discover Moorish Spain

✅ 8 Days from Madrid to Seville

✅ Inlcudes the UNESCO cities of Toledo, Granada and Cordoba

✅ Max of 16 in group

Best of Southern Spain

✅ 8 Days from Madrid to Barcelona

✅ Includes the highlights of Andalucia; Granada, Cordoba and Seville

Best Spain in 10 Days Itinerary

This Spain itinerary 10 days guide is ideal for first-timers to the country, who want to see a lot in a short space of time.

Although full-on, it’s the perfect way to experience some of the country’s most iconic cities and attractions.

Spain Itinerary Day 1 & 2: Madrid 

You’re starting your 10 days Spain itinerary in Madrid , the vibrant and exciting Spanish capital. You have plenty of time here to explore the culture, art, and history on offer. Pretty much all travel itineraries for Spain will include one or two days in Madrid .

The city is fairly spread out, so to get your bearings and to orientate yourself join a Madrid guided city tour .

You’ll get to see some of Madrid’s top landmarks including the official centre of Spain at Puerta del Sol. Here you’ll be able to see Point 0 – look out for the plaque on the ground. If you’re visiting during the Madrid winter season, this square is where the largest New Year’s Eve celebration happens in Spain.

Walk along Gran Via, and head towards Callao Metro Station and look up. This is how you’ll see the iconic Schweppes Building.

Madrid is home to some of the most iconic museums in Europe, including the world-renowned Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía , allow at least an afternoon to visit these.

Other places worth exploring in Madrid are the Palacio Real de Madrid (the Royal Palace) as well as the historical Plaza Mayor which dates back to the late 1500s. Escape the bustle of the city and hire a bike or segway to go around Retiro Park .

Top 3 Things To Do In Madrid

• Visit the nation’s top museums: Museo Nacional del Prado and Arte Reina Sofía
• Relax and wander in the expansive Parque El Retiro
• Discover the lavish Palacio Real de Madrid

👉 Insider Tips for Visiting the Prado and Reina Sofia: The museums are up there with the likes of the Louvre, in Paris and the Uffizi in Florence.

Because of their international acclaim, they do attract crowds. The best way to avoid them and make the most out of your precious time in Madrid is to book your tickets in advance and aim to visit early in the day.

Getting to Madrid from Madrid Airport

There are a few ways to get to Madrid from the airport.

• Taxi: Available outside arrivals, takes 30-40 minutes to Madrid City.
• Private transfer: Pre-arrange for a better price and no waiting in the taxi queue.
• Airport shuttle bus: This takes around 45 minutes, and stops at O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles, and Atocha.
• Metro: Line 8 from Terminal T2 or Terminal T4 to Nuevos Ministerios Metro station (12 minutes), then walk or catch another Metro to your hotel.

Where to stay in Madrid

5* Gran Hotel Ingles, Madrid

✅ Central location

✅ On-site spa & fitness centre

✅ 24-hour front desk

Ok! Hostel, Madrid

✅ Options for private or dorm rooms

✅ Wifi in all rooms and on-site bar

Day 3 & 4 – Seville

The next leg of your Spain itinerary 10 days trip takes you to the stunning capital of Andalusia, Seville . Bursting with beautiful architecture, landmarks like UNESCO Heritage sites, and home to flamenco.

Seville is just an hour from the Portuguese border, so instead, you have the option here, of doing 10 days in Spain and Portugal itinerary instead and heading up to Lisbon and Porto.

In 2 days, you’ll be able to see the best of Seville .

Start your exploration by visiting the historical centre, including Barrio Santa Cruz – the old Jewish District. You’ll also want to see the iconic Cathedral de Seville and Real Alcazar de Seville. I recommend booking tickets in advance for both as the queues can get busy.

Other things to visit here are the enormous Plaza de Espana and Parque Maria Luisa. And of course, no visit to Seville would be complete without watching a Flamenco show in the evening – it’s an experience like no other!

Alternative Option: If you want a little rest and relaxation on this itinerary, then you could trade one of your days in Seville for some beach time instead at one of the nearest beaches to Seville or you could explore more of the region around Seville .

Top 3 Things To Do In Seville

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Alcazar, Seville Cathedral & Giralda
• Wander the historical Barrio Santa Cruz and Plaza de Espana
• Watch a flamenco show

👉 Insider Tips for Visiting The Alcazar and Seville Cathedral: I highly recommend booking advanced tickets for Seville Cathedral and Alcazar as soon as you know your visit dates. The Alcazar has a daily limit of 750 visitors and can sell out quickly during peak season.

Inside the Alcazar, don’t miss the Salón de Embajadores and Patio de las Doncellas. At Seville Cathedral don’t miss the tomb of Christopher Colombus and climbing up the Giralda tower.

Getting to Seville from Madrid

Here are your options for getting from Madrid to Seville.

• Train: High-speed trains connect the two cities, with the fastest journey time of just over 2½ hours on the AVE train. Departing from either Atocha or Chamartin station in Madrid, it terminates at Seville’s Santa Justa station. Book travel in advance to get the best prices .
• Bus : Daily departures from Madrid’s Estacion Sur. Although the journey time is slightly longer than the train, the luxury coaches provide a comfortable trip.
• Driving: Hire a car in Madrid and drive to Seville, it takes approximately four and a half hours. Take the A-4 motorway to Carmona, then switch to the A-92, which continues to Seville.

Where to stay in Seville

5* Hotel Alfonso XIII, Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville

✅ Rooftop swimming pool

✅ Centrally located in a historic building

✅ Variety of onsite bars and restaurants

Petit Palace Vargas, Seville

✅ Modern and clean decor

✅ Centrally located

✅ Excellent breakfast

Day 5 – Cordoba

Day 5 of your Spain travel itinerary 10 days tour, brings you to the stunning city of Cordoba .

With its abundance of historical sites, including a UNESCO-listed historical centre, the beautiful Alcazar and the incredible Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, it is easy to understand why this city is such a must-see destination.

You could easily spend more than 1 day in Cordoba , getting lost in all that this ancient city has to offer.

To make sure you get the most out of your time here, I recommend starting with Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral or Mezquita as it’s also known. Book skip-the-line tickets for the Mosque-Cathedral so that you can avoid long lines and maximize your time exploring this breathtaking site.

As you enter the Mezquita through the Patio de Los Naranjos, one of the oldest parts of the Mosque-Cathedral, be sure to take in the beautiful columned archways with their characteristic red and cream-coloured blocks.

In the centre, marvel at architecture more in line with Christian design, including a high ceiling that is extravagantly decorated and extends up into a great spire. Allow yourself a couple of hours to take in all the beauty this site has to offer. Signage is limited at the Mosque-Cathedral, so it’s worth booking a guided tour .

Spend some time exploring the historical centre and Jewish Quarter of Cordoba while wandering its quaint cobblestone alleyways and courtyards.

Another must-see landmark in Cordoba is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos , a beautiful building that once served as both a fortress and a palace. Highlights include the Hall of Mosaics, the Arab baths, and the Mudejar court.

In the evening, for a picturesque sunset view of the city, don’t miss the Roman Bridge of Cordoba – cross over and take a photo of the city as it starts to light up at night. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Plaza del Potro and indulge in some tapas or a glass of Rioja while enjoying the atmosphere.

Top 3 Things To Do In Cordoba

• Visit the UNESCO Heritage-listed Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral and Patio de Los Naranjos
• Lose yourself in the Historical Centre and Jewish Quarter.
• Discover the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

👉 Insider Tip: If you’re lucky enough to visit Cordoba in May, you’ll get to experience the vibrant Los Patios festival. During this time, hundreds of patios and courtyards throughout the city are adorned with colourful flowers. They are mostly free to enter but will have a donation pot for local charities.

Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral will be a highlight during your 10 days in Spain. The Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba is the most popular tourist attraction here, so I advise booking your entry tickets in advance . If possible, try to arrive early to dodge the crowds.

You can explore inside by yourself. Just wander freely around the 856 columned arches. Don’t miss the Capilla Mayor with its gigantic central dome and the intricate Marsura Dome.

Book a guided tour or hire an audio guide to find out more about the building. Also, because this is still an active place of worship, check opening times as it’s closed to the public during religious ceremonies.

Getting to Cordoba from Seville

The journey from Seville to Cordoba is straightforward.

• Trains depart regularly throughout the day, taking just over two hours. Tickets can be purchased online or at Santa Justa station in Seville.
• Driving directly to Cordoba is also an option, taking around 1.5 hours.

Where to stay in Cordoba

Balcón de Córdoba

✅ Located in the heart of Cordoba’s historic centre

✅ Rooftop terrace with views of the Mezquita

✅ Three secluded patios for guests to relax in

Eurostars Patios de Cordoba

✅ Set in the 12th century architectural remains

✅ Views over the Mezquita

Day 6 – Granada 

No 10 day trip to Spain itinerary would be worth it without a trip to Granada .

Although you could easily spend more than one day in Granada , there’s one item that needs to be on the top of your to-do list. Home to one of Spain’s most spectacular attractions, the UNESCO Heritage Site and the Moorish complex of Alhambra which earns a worthy spot on most people’s Spain bucket list .

The city of Granada buzzes with students (it’s home to a major university) as well as international tourists and if souvenirs or delicious street food are on your list, then head to the Alcaiceria Bazar and Albaicín district.

As a vegetarian, I loved the abundance of Middle Eastern-influenced foods on offer, falafels, stuffed vine leaves, hummus…you’ll find it all in copious amounts here.

You can also enjoy some pampering at the Arab Baths or explore the autonomous district of Albaicín and its ancient winding cobbled streets and Miradors. If you’re interested in cathedrals, then Granada Cathedral is another popular place to visit in the city centre.

Top 3 Things To Do In Granada

• Explore the Alhambra complex including the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife
• Watch the sunset from one of the Miradors (Mirador San Nicolas, San Miguel, San Cristobal)
• Wander the pretty cobbled streets of the autonomous district of Albaicín

👉 Insider Tips for Visiting The Alhambra: To ensure your visit to the Alhambra is smooth, book your tickets ] early, as they can sell out quickly due to the site’s limited capacity. Remember, the Nasrid Palace requires a timed entry slot you select during booking.

Also, the Complex sits on top of a hill, if you’re feeling energetic, it’s a steep 30-minute uphill walk from Granada’s town centre or take via shuttle bus – although I enjoyed the walk up it’s an absolute killer on the legs and lungs.

Also, I recommend arriving early to enjoy the stunning Generalife gardens and the impressive Palace of Charles V without the crowds.

Getting to Granada from Cordoba

Here are you travel options to get from Cordoba to Granada.

• Train from Cordoba to Granada takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Book train tickets in advance for the best deal.
• Bus from Cordoba to Granada takes around 3 hours
• To self-drive to Granada from Cordoba will take just over 2 hours

Where to stay in Granada

5* Haxaris Casa Boutique, Granada

✅ Full living facilities

✅ Panoramic city views

TOC Hostel, Granada

✅ Options of private or dorm rooms

✅ Onsite bar and social areas

✅ Great location close to attractions

👉 If you’re a fan of this gorgeous Moorish-style architecture that you’ve seen in Seville, Cordoba and Granada – then you could tag on a day trip to Morocco. You can actually see Morocco from the south coast of Spain .

To get there, pick up the ferry from Tarifa and take the 90-minute ride to Tangier to explore the ancient hilltop medina.

Day 7 & 8 – Valencia

For days 7 and 8 of your Spain in 10 days trip, you’ll be leaving the region of Andalucia and heading to the vibrant city of Valencia.

Valencia is a stunning city located in the eastern part of Spain. Its unique combination of fascinating historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine – it’s the home of paella!

The most famous attraction here is the grandiose City of Arts and Sciences. On your first day in Valencia , dedicate a big chunk of time to explore this. Valencia is also a great place for shopping, it’s filled with a mix of colourful markets where you can find fresh produce and handmade goods.

On the second day, take time to explore the old town and Valencia’s iconic monuments such as the Plaza de la Virgen or the Cathedral of Valencia. Then in the second afternoon head out along one of its many beaches or if you’re after something more active, then into one of its nearby mountains for hiking .

Top 3 Things To Do In Valencia

• Explore the city’s historic old town
• Visit the City of Arts and Sciences
• Enjoy time on the beaches or mountains

👉 Visiting the City of Arts and Sciences: Compared to lots of the historical places you’ve visited so far during this 10 day Spain trip, the City of Arts and Sciences is the polar opposite!

This complex was designed to reflect the city’s commitment to science, culture, education and technology and covers an area of 350,000 square meters.

The most iconic structure is probably the impressive Hemispheric IMAX dome theatre , with its curved roof symbolizing a giant eye looking up at the sky. Other attractions include the interactive Príncipe Felipe Science Museum , and El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía opera house – one of Europe’s largest and most modern opera houses.

Getting to Valencia from Granada

• Train: Fastest option, takes about 6.5 hours. Book in advance for best prices
• Bus: Slower option, takes about 8 hours.
• Car: Quickest option, takes about 5 hours. Enjoy stops in Murcia or Alicante along the way.

Where to stay in Valencia

5* Hospes Palau de La Mar, Valencia

✅Onsite spa, gym and hot tubs

✅ Stunning decor in a historical building

Home Youth Hostel by Feetup Hostels, Valencia

✅ 24-hour reception and plenty of social areas

✅ Free tea and coffee all day

Day 9 & 10 – Barcelona 

The final destination on your 10 day itinerary Spain trip is the incredible city of Barcelona.

There’s an abundance of stuff to do here, including fantastic architecture like Antoni Gaudi’s iconic La Sagrada Familia . I couldn’t argue that this was the best Spain itinerary if I ignored Spain’s most visited attraction!

On your first day, visit some of Gaudi’s famous buildings such as Casa Milà , Casa Batlló and Park Güell . I recommend buying tickets before your visit to avoid long queues; this is especially important for Park Güell – I arrived before the gates opened and there was already a queue of people!

Another place I adored in Barcelona was the Gothic Quarter . While you’re in that part of town be sure to visit La Ramblas – a bustling and vibrant tree-lined pedestrian street – as well as Mercado de La Boqueria.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed, then visit one of Barcelona’s many beaches or if you’ve got more energy to burn then hike (or catch the cable car) up Montjuïc Hill for some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.

Top 3 Things To Do In Barcelona

• See the beautiful Gaudi architecture; La Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and Park Güell
• Wander along La Ramblas and visit Mercado de La Boqueria
• Explore the Gothic Quarter and historical centre

👉 Visiting La Sagrada Faimilia:

La Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in 1882, is an unforgettable experience. Its intricate blend of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles is laced with hidden messages within its decorations.

To appreciate the basilica’s architectural feats, book tickets ahead of time and consider a tour with access to the roof .

Gaudi’s legacy lives on, with only a quarter of construction finished at the time of his death in 1926. La Sagrada Familia is funded through private donations. Arrive early to fully appreciate the details on every surface and pay respects at Gaudi’s crypt.

Getting to Barcelona from Valencia

• By Train: Departing from Valencia Nord Station to Barcelona Sants station, train travel is the most direct route. The journey typically takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, book your ticket in advance for the best price .
• By Bus: Multiple bus companies offer daily schedules connecting Valencia and Barcelona, with options for daytime and overnight travel. The bus journey usually takes between 3.5 to 4 hours.
• By Car: Driving from Valencia to Barcelona takes roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes. Consider a rest stop in Tarragona to break up the drive and explore more of the scenic route.

Where to stay in Barcelona

5* Monument Hotel, Barcelona

✅ Swimming pool, sauna and fitness room

✅ Exquisite interior design

Primavera Hostel Barcelona

✅ Opt for a private or dorm room

✅ Excellent location, less than 8-minute walk to Sagrada Familia

✅ Ultra clean with a wide range of facilities

10 Days In Spain FAQs

So I’ve gone into details about what to see in this Spain 10 days guide. Here are answers to questions that frequently come up about travel in Spain.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Spain?

The best time to visit Spain is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). These seasons boast mild temperatures, longer days and fewer crowds. In addition, during these months, many attractions tend to be cheaper and easier to access.

During the summer (June-August) temperatures are high and the skies are sunny, however, keep in mind that this is the peak holiday season, and many places can become quite crowded as well as expensive.

The winter (December-February) can also be a great time to visit Spain, particularly if you’re looking for something more low-key. Temperatures tend to be cooler during the winter months, however, many cities across Spain still offer plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Many festivals, concerts and other cultural events take place during this season as well, (the Spanish celebrate Christmas in a big way!) so be sure to check local listings before you go.

No matter when you decide to do this Spain travel itinerary, you’ll have a wonderful experience!

Do I Need Travel Insurance For Spain

Ideally, yes. You should always travel with travel insurance . It will give you peace of mind and cover any medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, flight accidents and other losses incurred while travelling domestically or internationally.

Two companies I recommend are True Traveller and Safety Wing. True Traveller specialises in adventure travel and you can build your own policy based on the cover you need.

Safety Wing offers medical cover for digital nomads , you can also buy policies while you’re on the road.

10 Days In Spain Where To Go?

If you’ve asked the question, 10 days in Spain what to do, then I’m guessing you didn’t read the section at the top. This guide covers all the highlights of Spain and includes the Alhambra in Granada, Gaudi’s stunning buildings, like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the awe-inspiring Mosque Cathedral in Cordoba.

Can I do a guided 10 day tour of Spain instead?

If you don’t want to hire a car or navigate public transport, then you could join a 10 day tour Spain. They don’t cover all the locations that I cover in this self-guided itinerary, however, they’re pretty close. These are my top suggestions for small group guided tours.

Discover Moorish Spain – Which visits Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba and Seville – Read more about Discover Moorish Spain tour here.

Best of Southern Spain – Which visits Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Seville and Barcelona – Read more about Best of Southern Spain tour here.

How To Get Around Spain

Between the cities, you can use public transport. Generally, I’d opt to go by train as they are a similar price but a lot quicker than the bus. Use Omio App to get the best prices and timings for both.

If you’re after more freedom during your ten days in Spain, then the best way to get around Spain is by driving. Car rental is available in every city on this itinerary. The roads are well maintained and well signposted.

Within each city, the best way to get around is by the local bus or Metro. You can buy tickets at kiosks and self-service machines at the stations.

Is 10 Days Enough For Spain?

On this 10 day trip to Spain, you’ll get a good all-round experience of what the country has to offer. If your goal is to see the main attractions of the country, then 10 days should be enough.

If you have longer than 10 days in Spain?

After doing the route in this article, from Barcelona, head north into Basque country and visit some of the beautiful buildings like the San Sebastian cathedral, or the beaches on the northern coast.

Naturally, you could spend months here exploring each region, visiting the smaller towns or venturing off the beaten path.

Alternatively, you could travel to Portugal (Seville is just an hour from the border) and make this into a full Spain and Portugal itinerary .

Is Spain Good For Families?

Yes, Spain is a great destination for families. Spain is an incredibly family-friendly destination, and children are well cared for. You’ll have no issues travelling for 10 days in Spain with family.

What To Pack For Your Trip To Spain

First, ask yourself when are you planning to do this itinerary for Spain 10 days trip. When it comes to packing for a trip to Spain, it’s important to consider the climate and activities you plan on doing.

Depending on when you’re visiting, you may want to bring light summer clothing like shorts and tanks for warmer months or layers like sweaters and jackets for cooler ones. Be sure to also bring comfortable shoes for walking around.

During winter, if the sun is out, it can feel very warm. However, evenings in the winter can get cold so if you’re planning to visit Europe in winter , then bring a warm jacket.

Entry Requirements For Spain

This will depend on where you’re from. To enter Spain, most foreign nationals outside of Europe will require a valid passport and visa.

Citizens from EU/EEA countries can enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Travel Cost For Ten Days In Spain

If you’re wondering how much money your 10 day Spain trip itinerary will cost, then the answer is that it depends. Spain is an affordable European destination, especially compared to Northern Europe.

If you’re travelling on a budget, then allow around $50 per day per person for accommodations, public transport between cities, food, and activities.

However, if you’re opting for upscale restaurants and high-end lodgings might quickly increase your budget to around $200 a day per person.

How’s Your 10 Days Spain Itinerary Shaping Up?

After spending 10 days in Spain, you can truly say that it was an unforgettable experience! From exploring vibrant cities like Madrid and Barcelona to experiencing historical Andalusia, Spain has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural adventure, there is always something new to discover, hopefully, this 10 days in Spain itinerary will leave you with the urge to come back and explore more.

If you enjoyed this 10 day itinerary Spain travel guide, you might also like…

• 52 Things For Your Spanish Bucket List
• The Perfect 2 Days in Granada
• Spain and Portugal 14 Day Itinerary
• 36 Incredible Landmarks in Spain

Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed DIY travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a solo traveller on a mission to experience the best adventures our fabulous little planet offers. I love creating my own itineraries that focus on unforgettable experiences, from climbing mountains and scuba diving to spotting wildlife and exploring ancient ruins.

When I'm not on an adventure, you'll probably find me sipping coffee or with a glass of wine in hand, planning my next journey.

The Ultimate 10 Days in Spain Itinerary (+ Travel Tips)

If you’re planning your first trip to Spain and are hoping to sample a variety of what makes this sun-drenched country special, we designed this 10 day Spain itinerary for you!

Spain has had a special place in our hearts ever since we landed in Madrid for the first time when kicking off our supposed “6-month” round-the-world trip (that was almost 7 years ago, and that trip arguably never ended).

In the years since, we have been lucky enough to visit Spain so many times that we’ve lost count, exploring countless cathedrals, castles, alcabazas , beaches, and cities along the way.

We’ve explored the country via train, car, bus, and ferry, sampling iconic attractions and little-known villages alike, traveling both alone and with various groups of family and friends.

This itinerary for Spain in 10 days has been curated for first-time travelers based on our lived experiences in Spain, and we hope that you walk away loving this beautiful country as much as we do!

Here’s how to fall in love with Spain in 10 days.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Spain Itinerary

Getting around during your 10 days in spain, the ultimate 10 days in spain itinerary, the best time of year to enjoy this itinerary for spain, more than 10 days in spain, what to pack for your trip to spain, your 10 day spain itinerary map.

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We structured this 10 day Spain itinerary to cover many of the country’s most popular destinations in a “U” shape, beginning in Madrid and ending in Barcelona.

In addition to the ever-popular Madrid and Barcelona, this itinerary also loops through Toledo, Seville, Granada, and Cordoba in a quest to sample a variety of what makes traveling in Spain special.

With the help of the high-speed train between Madrid and Barcelona , you can easily enjoy this trip by either flying round-trip to and from Madrid, or booking an open-jaw ticket where you fly into Madrid and leave from Barcelona.

And, while we opted to start this itinerary for Spain in the capital, you can easily reverse it and start in Barcelona instead, if the flights work out better that way!

Since this 10 days in Spain itinerary is focused on cities, there’s no need to rent a car or drive on this route!

The simplest (and most fun) way to travel between each destination on this itinerary is via train.

For most places, you’ll have the choice of a high-speed train (more expensive but much faster), or a slower regional train.

We recommend comparing train schedules and prices via Omio , the service we use to book many trains around Europe.

Spain’s high-speed AVE trains, like many high-speed trains around Europe, use dynamic pricing–in other words, you should lock down your fares as soon as you can commit to dates!

Once you’re in a given destination, each city is walkable (with the help of public transportation and/or cab rides in certain places).

Shop train tickets for your trip to Spain today!

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid and start sightseeing.

There’s nowhere better to kick off your 10 days in Spain that in the vibrant capital city of Madrid!

Often underestimated compared to popular Barcelona, Madrid is beautiful, endlessly interesting, and pulsates with life from every corner.

It’s one of our favorite cities in Europe to fantasize about living in, and who knows–one day we might just make it happen.

On your first day in the city, tour the (gigantic, opulent) Royal Palace , check out the cathedral, meander through Plaza Mayor, and stop by the Templo de Debod.

And, of course, your first day in Spain can’t be complete without tapas!

Head to Mercado San Miguel for endless options, or opt for this popular tapas tour to learn the ins and outs of this tradition (knowledge that will be very useful for the rest of your time in Spain).

Book your Madrid tapas tour today!

Where to Stay in Madrid

Hostal Adis  — Located just off Puerta del Sol and boasting excellent reviews, you couldn’t ask for a better location in Madrid–and at a budget price, too!

Hostal Adis is an excellent property for budget travelers looking for an excellent location and plenty of privacy–rather than being a traditional hostel, Hostal Adis is more like a budget hotel.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostal Adis today!

Hotel Regina  — Featuring plush beds, spacious rooms, excellent customer service, and a perfect location near Puerta del Sol, mid-range travelers can’t go wrong with a stay at the popular Hotel Regina.

If you’re feeling like a bit of a splurge, upgrade to a room with a panoramic view for an experience you won’t forget anytime soon!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Regina today!

Catalonia Las Cortes  — Simultaneously sleek and cozy, modern and traditional, Catalonia Las Cortes is housed in an 18-century building in the heart of Madrid and has blended together all the best of classic atmosphere and modern convenience.

We’ve stayed at a few Catalonia hotels over the years and have always been impressed.

An excellent location near Puerta del Sol, rave reviews and beautiful rooms make Catalonia Las Cortes the perfect luxury hotel choice for those looking for a blend of traditional and modern during their 3 days in Madrid!

Check rates & book your stay at Catalonia Las Cortes today!

Day 2: Enjoy a second day in Madrid.

The second day of this itinerary for Spain opens with one of the most memorable art museums in the country: Spain’s National Art Museum, the Prado.

Packed with masterpieces (primarily Spanish, but also from across Europe), the Prado is one of those museums that we never get tired of.

Skip-the-line tickets are a great idea here, but for the most context (and efficient sightseeing), consider taking a tour in order to make sure you see the best of Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and beyond!

Book tickets to visit the Prado today!

Once you’re ready to move on, head to the delightful Retiro Park.

With gardens to explore, rowboats to rent, statues to admire, lawns to lounge on, and even the Palacio de Cristal to enjoy, Retiro Park is a wonderful place to relax.

Eventually, make your way to the exit by the Puerta de Alcalá and head up Gran Vía to check out some of Madrid’s most famous architecture!

This shopping street is where you’ll find the iconic Metropolis Building (the rooftop bar and restaurant on top of the Círculo de Bellas Artes has an amazing view of it!), as well as the Cybele Palace.

Branch off to explore the Puerta del Sol and lively La Latina neighborhood in the afternoon and evening!

Don’t wrap up your last (full) day in Madrid without at least one round of churros con chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés , either.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Toledo.

Today, it’s time to leave the capital behind and take a day trip to the beautiful medieval city of Toledo.

Set about 35 minutes away from Madrid by high-speed train (or about an hour by bus or car), beautiful Toledo is easily one of the best day trips from Madrid.

Surrounded on 3 sides by the Tagus River, Toledo is as charming to look at as it is historically relevant.

The city once briefly served as the capital of Spain, and was even an independent kingdom at one point!

Some of the best things to do in Toledo include visiting the magnificent Toledo Cathedral, touring the Alcázar, stepping inside the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes, and meandering through the city’s charming streets.

Don’t miss the viewpoints of the town from across the river, either!

You can easily take the high-speed train to Toledo yourself for the day, but if you prefer the context of a tour (and/or want the easiest access to the viewpoints from across the river), this popular day trip is also an excellent option.

Book your day trip to Toledo today!

Day 4: Head south to Seville.

Sunshine, sour orange trees, flamenco, and some of the most fascinating architecture in Europe await in the next part of this Spain itinerary: welcome to Andalucia.

This is one of our favorite regions in Spain, and it always seems to keep drawing us back.

A roughly 2.5-hour high-speed train journey will deliver you from Madrid to Seville, the capital of the Andalucia region and an excellent jumping-off point for your explorations.

We recommend taking an early train down from Madrid, dropping off your luggage at your hotel (most are happy to hold it until check-in for you), and starting your sightseeing.

Today, be sure to check out the stunning Seville Cathedral , climb to the top of the Giralda (bell tower) for beautiful views of the city, wander through the famous Plaza de Espana, and explore the delightful neighborhood of Barrio Santa Cruz.

The Royal Alcazar of Seville is stunning, and also one of the best attractions in town–but we’d only recommend visiting today if you’re a really big architecture fan.

As amazing as the Alcazar is (and it is, truly), it’s somewhat overshadowed by the Alhambra, which you’ll see in another couple of days when following this 10 day Spain itinerary.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in adding a flamenco show to your Spain itinerary, Seville is the place to do it.

Andalucia is widely considered the birthplace of flamenco (though the specific origins are debated), and a flamenco show like this is a wonderful way to close out your evening.

Book your flamenco show in Seville today!

Where to Stay in Seville

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far-from-guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular  Hotel Rey Alfonso X  is an excellent choice, and its rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget,  Hotel America Sevilla  gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning  Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 5: Take a half-day trip to Cordoba.

Less than an hour from Seville by train or car, you’ll find the captivating Andalucian city of Cordoba–which happens to be one of our favorite places in the region!

Once the most powerful city in Islamic Spain, the Cordoba of today is small and manageable, a bite-size tourism destination that nonetheless leaves a big impact on visitors.

Cordoba is most famous for its incredible Mosque-Cathedral –literally a former mosque with a cathedral built into its center–which is one of the most memorable buildings we’ve had a chance to visit anywhere.

The Mosque-Cathedral should absolutely be your top priority when visiting Cordoba, but beyond that, there’s still plenty to see within a short walk!

Snapping photos of the picturesque Calleja de las Flores, relaxing in the Patio de los Naranjos, wandering through the Jewish Quarter, and checking out some of the beautiful patios of Cordoba should also be on your to-do list.

After seeing the best of Cordoba, you have two options for the rest of your day: first, you could enjoy another evening in Seville.

Or, if you’d rather make today particularly busy in favor of having more time for sightseeing tomorrow, you could head onto Granada.

Granada, home to the Alhambra, is about 3 hours from Seville by train or car and is your destination for tomorrow.

You could opt to continue sleeping in Seville and take a long day trip there on day 6, or, if you’re open to packing and unpacking an extra time, you could sleep in Granada starting tonight to give yourself more time in the city.

Personally, we love Granada and would recommend spending extra time there, but both options are compatible with this Spain itinerary.

Where to Stay in Granada

When spending a few days in Granada, we opted to rent an apartment from  Mosaiko Homes and could not have had a better experience: the owner was responsive, the apartment fantastic, and the location unbeatable!

Mosaiko Homes  is located on a quiet street a short walk from many of Granada’s top sights, offering the combination of a convenient location and a lack of noise at night–two things that can be difficult to find together in Andalucia!

Another excellent option with near-perfect reviews is the incredibly unique  Casa de Reyes  (that decor!).

For a bit of luxury, the popular  Shine Albayzin  is not only housed in a 16th-century palace, it overlooks  the Alhambra .

Generally speaking, lodging in Granada is much more affordable than in, say, Barcelona or even Seville.

If you’re going to splurge on a luxury property during your 10 days in Spain, Granada is a fantastic place to do so!

Check rates & book your stay in Granada!

Day 6: Explore Granada and tour the Alhambra.

Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Seville or spending the whole day in Granada (we recommend the second, but the first is doable too), there is one major item on the agenda today: the Alhambra.

This collection of centuries-old palaces (plus a fort, gardens, ruins of a medina, and more), is one of the most unique groupings of architecture in Europe, and the most-visited tourist attraction in Spain!

We wrote about visiting the Alhambra extensively here , so I’ll try to keep this (kind of) brief, but the long and the short of it is that this is a place you need to plan ahead for.

Tickets often sell out, and a tour is a great idea here if you like historical context ( we enjoyed this one ).

If you’re visiting from Seville, we recommend booking a day trip , because 3 hours of transit each way plus navigating to and from the complex is a headache in a short time frame (we rarely suggest taking day trips this long, but the Alhambra is worth it).

However you decide to visit, make sure that you book a ticket or tour that includes the Nasrid Palaces!

These magnificent palaces, the final stronghold of Islamic Al-Andalus before the Reconquista was officially completed by the Catholics in 1492, are the jewel of the Alhambra and an absolute must-visit.

Not all tours and tickets include them, though, so book yours carefully .

Once you wrap up at the Alhambra, if you’re staying in Granada, be sure to wander through the Albayzin neighborhood, admire the views of the Alhambra from a distance at the beautiful Mirador de San Nicolas, and visit the beautiful Granada Cathedral.

Granada is also a fantastic place to enjoy Spain’s tapas culture, so be sure to indulge in some snacks along with a tinto verano .

Day 7: Head north to Barcelona.

Today, say goodbye to Andalucia and head north to Barcelona!

This is the longest travel day included on this 10 days in Spain itinerary, and you can expect to spend 6+ hours on a train from Granada to Barcelona.

We recommend booking this trip at least a few weeks in advance, as you’ll want a choice of schedules and to get the best price possible.

If you’re on a budget, you can price out flights too, but traveling by train is much more fun!

Once you arrive in Barcelona, you can check into your hotel, get unpacked, and start exploring.

Meander through the Gothic Quarter, check out the Barcelona Cathedral, sample the Santa Caterina Market, stroll down Las Ramblas, and soak up the beauty of Plaça Reial.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

When deciding where to stay in Barcelona, it’s important to keep in mind that this sprawling city requires some effort to move around–there’s no way to stay near all the best things to see in Barcelona, but it’s best to stay by some of them!

We checked into Citadines Ramblas Barcelona and were extremely satisfied–to the point that we may just keep going back on additional trips.

Our room was spacious, complete with a kitchenette, and extremely quiet despite the hotel being located in a prime spot right along Las Ramblas.

The view of the Barcelona Cathedral from the rooftop deck of the Colón Hotel Barcelona is pretty incredible too, though, and we have it bookmarked for a possible future trip.

If you’re traveling on a bit more of a budget, Hotel Nouvel also gets excellent reviews and is in a wonderful location.

Check rates & book your stay in Barcelona today!

Day 8: Explore Barcelona’s unique architecture.

On your first full day in Barcelona, start with a visit to either Casa Milà or Casa Batlló , two of the most famous homes designed by Gaudi!

They’re fairly close together, but with only a couple of days left in Spain, we recommend only going inside one and seeing the other from the outside.

You’ll also want to get an early start–personally, we recommend pre-booking tickets for Casa Batlló when it opens).

From there, explore any nooks and crannies of the Gothic Quarter you didn’t get to see yesterday, including Catalunya Plaza and Mercado de la Boqueria.

If you’re excited about all of Barcelona’s Catalan modernism architecture, we can also heartily recommend a visit to Palau de la Música Catalana .

Though not designed by Gaudi, it’s an amazing (and compared to much of Barcelona, uncrowded) example of the style and a memorable place to visit!

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is also only a 10-minute walk away.

From there, you’ll be about a 25-minute walk from Barcelona’s beaches and bustling coastline.

Day 9: Dive deeper into Barcelona (and possibly take a day trip).

With its long list of incredible attractions, it would be very easy to spend the penultimate day of your Spain vacation exploring the city in-depth–but another option would be to add on a trip to the monastery of Monserrat.

This mountain retreat away from the city is known for its incredible views, and a half-day trip there is a wonderful way to get a taste of Catalonia beyond Barcelona itself.

However, staying in the city also has its charms: the views from Park Güell  and/or Tibidabo, the incredible Picasso Museum (which holds over 4,000 of the artist’s works), and a visit to Camp Nou are possible additions to your list.

And, of course, we can’t forget the Sagrada Familia : Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece of a cathedral is an absolute must-see when visiting Barcelona!

We visited in the early evening after hearing that the interior’s light was at its best then, and we were not disappointed–the colors were phenomenal.

If you wrap up at the Sagrada Familia before sunset and would like to enjoy the Mediterranean while in Barcelona, consider wrapping up your evening with a sunset catamaran cruise .

Book skip-the-line tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia today!

Day 10: (Maybe) head back to Madrid and say goodbye to Spain.

How the final day of this itinerary for Spain works for you depends on one factor: whether you’re flying home from Madrid or Barcelona.

If you’re taking an evening flight home from Madrid, you’ll need to take the high-speed train back to the capital (we highly recommend booking this in advance ).

If you’re leaving from Barcelona, you may have time for one more round of pan con tomate enjoyed while admiring the bustling of the city before you catch your flight!

However you close out your 10 days in Spain, we hope you say goodbye already dreaming of your trip back.

Shop train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid today!

Spain is the definition of a year-round destination, and that includes this Spain itinerary!

That being said, though, if you have flexible dates and are trying to pinpoint the ideal time to travel Spain, we recommend enjoying this itinerary in the spring or fall.

Summer in Spain, especially in Andalucia, can be brutally hot (we shudder to think of visiting the Alhambra at noon in July).

Winter is perfectly doable, but the weather can be rainy and less predictable than in spring or summer.

On the plus side for winter, though, you’ll experience few crowds, low prices, and still have a decent chance at soaking up some Spanish sun, albeit with a jacket at hand.

The sweet spot for this 10 day Spain itinerary, though, which travels a decent chunk of the country and therefore needs to take multiple climates into account, is the spring and fall.

We have visited Spain in every season, and while each trip was a delight, we have a special place in our hearts for our spring and fall visits!

Lucky enough to have longer than 10 days in Spain? If so, congratulations!

Our first recommendation with a couple of extra days to add to your Spain itinerary is to slow down: every destination covered in this travel guide could easily use another day or two at least.

While it’s doable to travel Spain at a breakneck pace for a week and a half, the longer you’re there, the slower you’ll want to travel.

Alternatively, if you want to keep the speed going, you could add on another day trip: visit Girona from Barcelona, Segovia from Madrid, or Ronda from Seville, for example.

If you have closer to 2 weeks in Spain, consider adding Basque country to your itinerary!

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and beyond makes for a wonderful extension to round out a couple of weeks in Spain.

Alternatively, you could opt to extend the Andalucia portion of your trip to include a couple of days on the Costa del Sol.

With near-limitless ways to enjoy a Spain vacation, it’s safe to say that wherever you head, you’re bound to have a wonderful trip.

Our detailed packing lists for Europe in summer , fall , and winter cover just about everything you’ll need to bring on your 10 day Spain vacation!

To get you started on your list, though, here are a few essentials to add to your packing list:

Travel Adaptors for Spain — If you’re coming from outside of mainland Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics. 

Camera  — We completely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories! 

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use   Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Sunglasses  — They’re not kidding about the Spanish sun! I find myself reaching for sunglasses regularly even when visiting Spain in winter.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing in Spain: bring a USB charger along for the ride.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

66 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Days in Spain Itinerary (+ Travel Tips)”

Great overview and suggestions, Kate!

Any suggestions you can offer for an afternoon of wine tasting along the journey?

Thanks, Rob!

We haven’t done a lot of dedicated wine tourism in Spain, though of course, the local wines are delicious. You’ll be near wine regions in each stop, though, so can easily opt for a half-day wine tasting outside the city somewhere.

Alternatively, every city has more excellent wine bars and wine shops than you can count!

Amazing!! Thank you so much for all of this!!

Kate quick question if I may bother you for a bit.

I went through everything you wrote and I calculate maybe about $5,000 would cover the hotel, train and eating expenses between cities for a family of three (My husband and I and our baby girl, toddler) This does not count the air flight ✈️ to Spain.

We were thinking of visiting ending of May or Beginning of June.

Does this sound about reasonable amount to take ??

$5000 (USD, I’m assuming) is very doable, especially if you’re conscious of your budget when booking hotels! I’d recommend booking your train tickets in advance too, as those can be pricier at the last minute.

Generally speaking, Barcelona will be the most expensive stop on this itinerary and Andalucia the most affordable.

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for creating this! This is extremely helpful and I appreciate all your tips. I am going to Spain in the middle of Semana Santa, but flying into Barcelona and departing from Madrid. I would love to visit the cities you mentioned, but this is the current itinerary I have going. Do you think that this is doable?

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN BARCELONA DAY 2 – BARCELONA DAY 3 – BARCELONA Easter DAY 4 – Fly to GRANADA DAY 5 – GRANADA (Alhambra visit) DAY 6 – SEVILLE DAY 7 – SEVILLE (day trip to Cordoba) DAY 8 – SEVILLE DAY 9 – MADRID DAY 10 – MADRID DAY 11 – Fly home

Yes, that sounds like a very reasonable itinerary! You’ll have a great time.

I’d definitely have some food/snacks with you as you’re traveling on Easter Sunday, as you’ll no doubt run into lots of closures.

The week of Easter is also VERY busy in Spain (and in much of Europe), so expect higher-than-usual prices and crowds. I’d recommend booking your hotels ASAP and Alhambra visit ASAP!

I love your site and this itinerary for Spain. We’re spending about 12 days in Spain in early April (unfortunately also over Easter, like Chloe in the message above), and using your itinerary as our template, we want to add a day or two in Gibraltar & Tangier. Have you done this? Too ambitious to add to the itinerary? It would look something like this:

1 – Arrive in BARCELONA 2 – BARCELONA 3 – Fly to GRANADA 4 – GRANADA (Alhambra visit) 5 – GIBRALTAR 6 – TANGIER 7 – SEVILLE 8 – MADRID 9 – MADRID (Toledo) 10 (Easter) MADRID 11 – Back to BARCELONA 12 – Fly home

That is a very packed schedule, but I do get the temptation of adding on a quick day in Morocco (and the UK, in a manner of speaking).

If you want to add on Gibraltar and Tangier, I’d consider trimming a different destination to give yourselves more breathing room, as that’s a tough pace to keep up for 12 days (though doable, if you are dedicated to seeing every last place).

Seville is a gorgeous city, but taking it off your itinerary would give you another day to work with, which you could then add to Granada or Gibraltar, since you’ll really only have an afternoon and evening there.

If you really want to see Gibraltar, of course it’s worth seeing, but if it’s more or less just a stop on the way to Tangier, you could also look at Tarifa, a beautiful Spanish beach city (no passport control) that you can access Morocco from (I believe the ferry is slightly shorter from there, too–we’ve taken that one ourselves).

Alternatively, the high-speed trains do run on Easter, so if that day is more or less just a holding day on your calendar (since the Madrid sites will be closed), you could travel back to Barcelona then, which would give you day 11 back to see a bit more of that city.

Any high-speed trains you do opt for, though, I’d book ASAP. It’s often a mad rush for trains over Easter with people traveling for the holiday.

Thanks Kate. After doing some more reading and research, we’re going to bypass Tangier. Instead, we’ll use that time to explore the towns between Granada and Seville (Thinking Nerja and Ronda) by car. Have you rented a car and driven in southern Spain? Any issues we should know about or is it a pretty standard car rental experience?

Gracias! Chris

We’ve driven in southern Spain many times(including Granada, Seville, Ronda), but generally by renting cars in Portugal and then driving them over.

It’s a pretty standard European driving experience, though–parking outside of historic centers and walking in, etc. If you’re a confident driver I wouldn’t be worried. The driving is also stunning–plenty of chances to enjoy gorgeous views along the way!

There is no condensed itinerary on this page

Here you go, Sarah. :-)

Day 1: Arrive Madrid Day 2: Madrid Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo From Madrid Day 4: Travel to Seville Day 5: Half- Day in Cordoba Day 6: Granada and the Alhambra Day 7: Travel to Barcelona Day 8: Barcelona Day 9: More Barcelona or Day Trip Day 10: Travel Home

This is a GREAT article. I’m going to follow your itinerary. I’d also like to visit San Sebastián and Cadiz. Could you recommend a way to incorporate these into your itinerary? Thank you!

So glad you found our post helpful!

There’s not an incredibly efficient way to add San Sebastian to this itinerary, as it’s several hours out of the way regardless of where you add it on. It is a gorgeous city, though!

Your best bets would probably be either visiting after Madrid and then flying to Andalucia from San Sebastian, or visiting after Barcelona (especially if you’re flying out of Madrid) and then taking the train back to Madrid to head home.

Of course if you find a good flight to or from San Sebastian you could use it as a starting or ending point, but Madrid and Barcelona tend to have the best deals for transcontinental flights (assuming you’re not coming to/from Europe).

Cadiz is much easier to add on–it’s just an hour or so south of Seville by car, so you can easily add it to your Andalucia leg. Some people even visit it as a day trip from Seville.

Hi! Your trips look amazing! Wondering if you could offer advice. I have 10 days to plan. In my head I will be able to see Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, a beach town, Lisbon or some location in Portugal, and Morocco. As I’m researching, this looks like it might be impossible. Knowing my family would like to hit all 3 countries, what would you offer as a reasonable way to spend these days without feeling crazy and traveling constantly. It is myself, my husband, and kids age 13 & 17 who travel very well. Thanks for any help!

You know, I actually have it on my list of future blog posts to write some sample itineraries combining Spain and Portugal. Thanks for the reminder!

If you want to see all 3 countries in 10 days, the most realistic way is to do it via a sampler platter style, meaning 1-2 base destinations in each of Spain and Portugal, depending on whether you want to take a day trip to Tangier or you plan to spend a few days in Morocco.

One option could be 3 days in Lisbon (with a possible day trip), 3 days in Seville (with day trips further afield–possibly Granda/the Alhambra and Cordoba), 2 days in Tarfia (pretty Spanish beach town with ferries to Tangier), and then a couple days in Tangier. But that’s already pushing it as far as what you can fit in!

Keep in mind that unfortunately, Spain and Portugal are not very well-connected to each other by rail. When you’re short on time, your best options will be renting a car and driving across the border (in the south/if you want to go to the Algarve) or flying (between major cities).

Hi, Thank you for this great itinerary! My husband and I are planning a trip on similar lines this year and I had a few questions I was wondering you could advice us on: 1. Is early September a good time to visit? Would August be too hot?! 2. Is one day in Granada enough? I have heard that Alhambra itself can take quite a while and hence was wondering if one day would be too tight a squeeze 3. Between Barcelona and Madrid, if you had to suggest one for first time travellers, which would you recommend?!

Hi Rushali,

Of course, happy to help!

Early September is definitely preferable to August. It’ll still be warm, especially in Andalucia, but it’ll be much less crowded. It often feels like all of Europe heads to the beaches or mountains in August and then promptly goes home by September 1–so September will be much more pleasant from that angle.

One day being enough in Granada is all dependent on how much else you want to do! In a perfect world, I’d love to rent an apartment in Granada for a few months and take advantage of all the food and nearby hiking. :-)

But for the purposes of a short trip, one day is enough to see the Alhambra (it will take up the bulk of your day) and then do a quick pass through the rest of town, hopefully prioritizing the Albayzin neighborhood, the Mirador de San Nicholas, and tapas.

If you’re able to add on a second day (or even half day, like I laid out as an option above), you won’t be sorry, though.

Barcelona vs Madrid… that’s an intense debate! Personally, we prefer Madrid, but we’re in the minority. Barcelona is wildly popular (deservedly so!) and has the beach, more outlandish architecture, and a more fast-paced vibe.

Madrid is arguably more elegant, with world-class museums, and is a bit cheaper.

Both are incredible–if you are struggling to decide, I’d make a list of the top 3-4 things you want to see in each city and see which ones pull to you more.

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Hi Kate, Would you recommend activities like River Rafting, Hot Springs, Walk in the wild while in Spain? We are planning a trip during early May

If they’re priorities for you and you have time, absolutely! Andalucia in particular has great options for all of those. You might want to look into extending your time in Granada if you want to get outdoors during your trip.

Hi! My husband and I are going on a 10 day trip starting in Barcelona. We go to Mallorca then Seville. Were having a hard time deciding if we want to end in Madrid or Lisbon, any recommendation?

Hi Samantha,

That’s a hard call, as they’re both wonderful but very different!

Very generally speaking, I’d say that Madrid is best if you’re looking for museums, the royal palace, and a chance to travel overland from Seville (it’s an easy train ride).

Lisbon is best for views, being near the coast (you can easily take a day trip to Sintra, Cascais, or both), and the chance to sample another country during your trip. There’s no train service from Seville, you’ll need to fly, drive, or take a bus.

Both offer popular food options, but Lisbon has a bit more of a seafood focus while Madrid tends toward pork.

This is all very general, but I hope it helps a bit!

If you haven’t seen them, our guides to spending a few days in each city will give you a feel for them:

Madrid: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-madrid-itinerary/ Lisbon: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-lisbon-itinerary/

Good luck deciding! :-)

Hi Kate! Would recommend Lisbon or Madrid if we can only go to one on our trip? Were going to Barcelona, Mallorca and Seville before.

Hi Kate! Thank you for this great itinerary. My husband and I are planning to visit Spain this September (finally will be going on our honeymoon!). We are thinking of being out there for about 10-12 days. I have two questions that I would love your insight on. First, considering we may have extra days, any suggestions on which cities we should extend our stay at? We love wine, great food, and the outdoors. Second, what, if any, restrictions are still in place due to COVID that we should keep in mind? Thank you in advance for your help!

Congratulations on your marriage!

Honestly, any of these cities are worthy of spending more time in, but if I absolutely had to pick, I’d recommend Granada (because your time there is really compressed in the original 10-day itinerary and there’s lots of great hiking just outside of town) or Barcelona (the most popular day trips include the Penedes Wine Region and the beautiful small towns along the Costa Brava–a different kind of nature to appreciate).

I could make a case for any of them, though!

As far as COVID, there aren’t any current restrictions that are likely to impact your trip. I believe masks are still required in pharmacies and hospitals, but that’s about it.

Hope you guys have a fantastic honeymoon!

Hi! Thanks so much for this super helpful blog.. I have a question about transportation. We are a group of 3 ladies arrving from US to Madrid in the afternoon and would like to start our trip in Barcelona and end in Madrid for return flight. I think we will travel via train same day to Barcelona but my concern is luggage. Do you know if trains allow for larger suitcases or will we be met with bag costs?

Thanks so much for any advice!

You can take your luggage onto the train without issue! European trains are much more flexible with bags than any plane is, you’ll even see people bringing sporting equipment and such onboard, depending on the place.

We have many more tips on what to expect on trains here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/travel-europe-by-train/

Have a great trip!

Hi Kate! I am planning a two-week trip to Spain for my husband and me for next spring. (Your 10-day Spain itinerary has been super helpful!) So far, I am generally following that itinerary with a few extra nights in some places (we have 3 nights in Madrid with a day trip to Toledo, 3 nights in Seville with a day trip to Cordoba, 2 nights in Granada, and 4 nights in Barcelona with a day trip to Girona). My question is, if we still have 2 more nights we can add on somewhere, would you recommend renting a car and seeing some of the White Hill Towns of Spain (with 2 nights in Ronda), or using the Lisbon stopover program and spending those 2 nights in Lisbon (with a day trip to Sintra)? I can’t decide between the two! Any thoughts or suggestions you have would be great! Thanks!!

Definitely a very hard decision! And unfortunately, there’s no right answer.

I’d opt for the hill towns if you’re looking for more peace and quiet with a side of nature, and Lisbon if you’re looking for a city break and palaces (in Sintra). The hill towns are gorgeous but aren’t as heavy on sightseeing as a capital city is.

Lisbon definitely adds more variety to your trip, so I’m inclined to lean that way (the stopover program is very convenient, we used it ourselves several years back), but if hill towns definitely make for a more relaxing trip since you’ll be spending a full week in Andalucia that way.

Hope that helps a bit, but I’m afraid there’s no clear winner or loser here!

I think we are going to spend a few days in Lisbon! Thank you!! :)

Hi, how would you recommend adding Ibiza to this itinerary in a 2 week trip?

Hi Rebecca,

Assuming you’re trying to fit everything within 14 days, the only realistic way to do so would be to trim another destination or two. Personally, I’d recommend visiting either Madrid or Barcelona (whichever appeals to you more/has better flight options for you), then Ibiza by plane, then fly to Andalucia from there.

You can take the ferry to Ibiza as well, but I’d recommend looking into an overnight route so you don’t lose one of your days to traveling there.

If you have longer than 14 days and want to add Ibiza as an addition, I’d probably leave from Barcelona and then fly to Andalucia afterward.

Hi Kate, we will be visiting friends who live in Madrid in later March-early April of 2023 (exact dates still TBD). We’re spending a week 3/23-3/31 with them at a rental house in Benimeli, but will likely travel around on our own for another week or two on our own. Your itinerary sounds lovely. Can I ask why you don’t include Valencia? My sister studied there in college and loved it.

For the same reason we didn’t include Basque Country, Mallorca, Galicia, and many more… simply time! Can’t see it all in 10 days, as lovely as that would be, so we focused on the destinations that tend to be a priority for first-time visitors.

Valencia is a beautiful city, though, and would definitely allow you to trim the budget a bit if you swapped it for Barcelona. :-)

Hi Kate! This is SO helpful!

I’m planning a trip for December, which will be winter and on Christmas Eve/Day. Do you have advice or tips for travelling, where to go, what to do/not do or anything that would be useful for being in Spain at this time?

Thank you!!

In general, expect for things to be closed and everything to be VERY quiet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Some places will be open the morning of the 24th and then close around midday.

I’d recommend stocking up on groceries and planning to spend a relaxed day exploring places that can’t “close”–parks, plazas, etc.

If you’re there before Christmas, check out any Christmas markets that are around! They don’t have quite the same atmosphere as the ones in Central Europe, but they can still be lots of fun.

We’ve already been to Seville (loved it of course), any thoughts on swapping it with Valencia? Curiously nobody in the comments has mentioned it, and you don’t either…we travel in January and seems like a really nice place to visit that time of year. Looks beautiful. 10ish days split between Madrid/Valencia/Barcelona seems easy travel wise too.

Valencia is a beautiful city, and very popular with expats! It doesn’t tend to call as many tourists as Seville, probably due to both location and fame. I don’t know anyone who has visited who didn’t love it, but as most people are working with very limited time, the most iconic cities tend to pull visitors.

I’d have a hard time suggesting someone skip Andalucia entirely if it’s their first trip to Spain (it’s one of our favorite regions, and we’re far from alone in that), but you’re obviously in a different position!

We are planning this trip from Jan 1-11th. Thank you so much for sharing your trip. The only place we are skipping is Granada. Should we try to accommodate a stop there, or leave it for another trip.

1st DAY- MADRID (1)(Hotel Regina, RIU, or any other) 2nd Day- TOLEDO (2) (35 mins highspeed train) 3rd Day- MADRID TO SEVILLA (3) (2.5 hrs highspeed train) 4th Day- Still in Sevilla (Day trip to Cordoba (4)) 5th Day- Sevilla to Cadiz (5) 1hr 24 mins 6th Day- Cadiz to Malaga (6) 3hrs 48 mins (day trip to Marbella(6)) 7th Day- Malaga to Barcelona (7) 6hrs 17 mins 8th Day- Barcelona 9th Day- Barcelona 10th Day- Madrid

Your itinerary is already very full, so if Granada isn’t at the top of your priority list, I think it makes sense to leave it off for this trip!

I’m not sure if you’re planning to sleep in Toledo on day two or take a day trip, but personally, I’d recommend opting for a day trip to keep the transition simpler.

The other day that sticks out is day 6. It doesn’t seem like you have enough time to explore both Malaga and Marbella, so I’d recommend choosing one of them and staying there. If you’re mostly hoping to appreciate Marbella, in other words, I’d just head right there and spend the night instead of taking a half-day trip after spending several hours getting there from Cadiz.

Hope that helps and that you have an incredible time in Spain!

Kate and Jeremy,

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to educate those of us who will be traveling to Spain for the first time. My wife and I, who are around 70, are planning a 10 – day trip to Spain in September. Your 10-day intinerary sounds fantastic. While we are both in good health, my wife does have a knee that can act up. Based on your experience, is this itinerary a reasonable one for people our age?

The other question I have is whether there is a travel agent you would recommend to help us coordinate everything? We are spoiled as we just returned from a trip to Argentina and worked with an amazing person — both professionally and personally. Plans came together perfectly. Does anyone come to mind?

Thank you, again, for your thoughtful recommendations. It is incredibly helpful and reduces the anxiety of being completely overwhelmed by all the touring options. Happy holidays.

Gayle and Alan

So happy you’ve found our site helpful!

Everyone is different at any age, of course, but I’d say you’d have better luck with this Spain itinerary than, say, a similar one in Italy–fewer hills. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of tours to smaller towns (with possibly some hop on/hop off bus tours), including Toledo, to limit walking in hilly places. For the Alhambra, definitely take transportation up to the palace–it’s a long, steep walk from town.

But Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville all offer lots of flatter walking areas.

Anecdotally, we visited Seville and Cordoba last year with my grandparents in their late 70s, and they found it very doable.

As far as travel agents, no advice to offer there, I’m afraid–we’ve never worked with one ourselves.

Hope you guys have an incredible trip!

I have been practicing Spanish for the goal of traveling to Spain in 2024 or 25 with my family. I wanted to do 10 days and capture all the popular and non-popular but recommended spots. I think this is perfect – going to save it!

That’s great to hear, thanks Anita! Good luck with your Spanish studies–it definitely does a lot to enhance a trip. :-)

HI KATE HOPE YOU DOING GOOD . UR DETAILED ITENIARY ABOUT SPAIN IS AMAZING . WE ARE PLANNING A TRIP IN START OS MAY . THOUGH WE ARE CONFUSED WHETHER WE SHOULD DO SPAIN OR ITALY . WE HAVE 10 TO 12 DAYS IN HAND , COULD YOU PLEASE SHARE SOME OF YOUR VIEWS TO IT . THANK YOU MARISHA

So happy you found our posts helpful, Marisha!

Choosing between Spain and Italy definitely isn’t easy! Personally, we have a slight preference for Italy, but both countries count among our favorite places to travel. You truly can’t go wrong, so I’d decide which is home to your absolute top 1-2 destinations, whether that’s Madrid, Cinque Terre, etc, etc, and then go with whichever country that is.

Alternatively, you could of course enjoy one city in each country with a flight betweeen!

Here’s our recommended 2 week Italy itinerary if you want to compare: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/2-weeks-in-italy-itinerary/

Thank you for all your wonderful tips! My husband and I are planning a 10-12 day trip to Spain this year and wanted to ask for some advice on cities to see. We love architecture, churches, markets, and music and enjoy walking and exploring new sites.We were thinking of doing the following cities: Madrid (fly in/out of), Toledo, Seville, Cordoba, Granada but wanted to know what other day/overnight trips you would recommend to places such as Ronda, Nerja, Malaga, Andalusia or Estepona. As much as we would love to visit Barcelona we would rather do that on another trip.

Hi Melinda,

There are definitely more than enough day trip options (or overnights) to keep you busy with that timeline! Truly you don’t necessarily need to add any others–slowing down a bit in the places you mentioned will still leave plenty of stones unturned–but if you would like, the white villages (including Ronda, Setenil de las Bodegsas is also very memorable, among others) are a great option.

The Costa del Sol is a bit further, but if you want to spend some time on the beach, Estepona, Malaga, Cadiz, Tarifa, etc, are all wonderful bases as well.

Our Seville day trips guide might give you some ideas, it covers the general area pretty well: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/day-trips-from-seville/

Thank you Kate for the info! Do you mind giving recommendations on day trips vs. overnight stays? I don’t want to feel rushed when visiting a city but don’t mind spending a night or two in places where there’s plenty to see and do.

In your case, if you’re hoping to spend time on the Costa del Sol, I’d pick one base to spend a night or two in down there and potentially visit another spot from that base. Personally, we love Tarifa, while Malaga is very convenient for hopping from village to village. The smaller beach towns are lovely, but I’d opt for one of those if you’re hoping to stay in one place for a bit, as opposed to using it as a place to take day trips from.

The small white villages, like Setenil de las Bodegas, can easily be done as a day trip. We spent a few days in Ronda and loved the slower pace, but you can easily cover over half its main attractions on a day trip as well–just depends on your priorities!

Hi Kate, thank you for creating this itinerary! We used your Portugal itinerary last year and loved it! Planning a 12-day family trip to Spain in July with 3 kids ages 14-17. Currently considering the following: Fly into Malaga (2-3d) Granada (1d) Seville (1d) Cordoba (1d) Madrid (1-2d) /Toledo day trip (opt) Barcelona- remaining time/fly out of Main question- is Malaga worth visiting? Or we can do start/ end in Barcelona. Is it too much? Remove/add something? We don’t plan to rent a car, but may consider if it makes sense for a portion of the trip. Thank you in advance!

That’s amazing you hear you enjoyed our Portugal suggestions, thank you for sharing!

First, Malaga–if you’re wanting to spend a couple days relaxing on beaches, I’d consider going a bit further afield, perhaps to Nerja, Estepona, etc. If you’re just wanting some general sightseeing, a full day in Malaga is probably enough, and I’d consider trimming a day or two there and giving it instead to Seville, Granada, or Madrid.

Malaga has some cool places, and it’s definitely worth seeing the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, Cathedral, etc. if you fly into there, but I would say that personally, we find it the least compelling city on your list (which is admittedly a list with very stiff competition).

You may already be planning on this, but I’d definitely take a day trip to Cordoba from Seville rather than spending the night there to avoid the hassle of changing hotels again–it’s a very easy day trip.

If you trim a bit from Malaga, I think you’ll be moving at a very doable pace, and agree there’s no need for a car on this route.

Enjoy some tapas for us!

Hi Kate, thank you so much for your reply and additional tips! I was thinking the same regarding Malaga, given the competition :). So reworked the itinerary as follows: D1 Fly into Madrid (seems to be doable with current flight options) D2 Madrid /Toledo day trip D3 Seville D4 Seville/Cordoba day trip D5 Granada D6 Granada D7-D12 Barcelona- /fly out of

A couple of questions: 1. Would you recommend adding a day or two D1-D6, and if so, where? 2. In addition to sightseeing in Barcelona, we hope for some beach time. Would you recommend staying in Barcelona for the beaches? Or is there one that is a reasonable day trip and is worth it. 2a. I looked into Cala sa Boadella, do you have any thoughts on that or any other one? Thank you so much!

Personally I’d suggest adding one day to Madrid to give you time to see a bit of the city in addition to visiting Toledo. Gives you a little more time after the flight to get settled, and Madrid is also a very cool city (we love it there).

Barcelona’s beaches are expansive, sandy, and good for relaxing on, but they’re generally not considered the best beaches in the region. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a little beach time, Sitges is a very easy and popular day trip, and Tossa de Mar offers a combination of beach + castle. There are lots of beach towns nearby, though! A Barcelona expat we know wrote up several day trip options from Barcelona for us and she included quite a few beach destinations: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/day-trips-from-barcelona/

Hi Kate! I am so sorry, somehow I missed your reply, just saw it. Thank you so much, I greatly appreciate it! Love Barcelona day trips, we will plan to do at least one. Thank you again!

Hi Katie I just read through your entire itinerary and it sounds great. My husband and I and our two adult children are flying into madrid, arriving on 4/15 and out of Barcelona on 4/24. We want to visit Sevilla during the Feria de Abril. I was thinking 4/15 and 16 in Madrid. Should we take train to Sevilla on the 17th or plan to leave Madrid on the evening of the16th? Want to do a day trip to Cordoba and see Granada before heading to Barcelona, Could you give me your thoughts how we should alot time in each city

Hi Suzanne,

If you are open to a more fast-paced itinerary, I’d definitely consider an evening train to Seville on the 16th, since it sounds like you’re hoping to fit in quite a bit down there.

From there, I’d recommend spending the 17th-19th in Seville (with one day allotted for Cordoba), then head to Granada on the 20th, see the Alhambra on the 21st, and head to Barcleona the 22nd.

That leaves you with only enough time for a very whirlwind tour of Barcelona, but since you’re hoping to enjoy the Feria de Abril, you won’t want to cut Seville short!

Kate This might be a duplicate comment. Going to Spain arriving in Madrid 9am on 4/15/24 and leaving from Barcelona on 4/24/24. We want to see El Palacio Real and Prado museum for sure. We are thinking of just staying one night in Madrid and then heading to Sevilla. We would like to go to Toledo. Should we go from Madrid or Sevilla? We are not interested in other museums in Madrid but have considered 2 nights in Madrid. We also want to go to Granada before Barcelona. Not sure how to split up our days. Any suggestions? We are traveling as a family with my husband, 31 yr old daughter and 28 yr old son. Also what are would you suggest if we would rather get an apartment than hotel in Madrid

Just saw you left two comments! I also have a message for you under your other one. :-)

For Toledo, I’d recommend taking a day trip from Madrid and not changing hotels. You will have to double-back slightly that way, but overall it should be more efficient than changing hotels again, as the city is really very close to Madrid.

As far as using a hotel vs apartment in Madrid, there are pros and cons to both (and we use both depending on the trip). For such a short trip, though, we’d personally probably opt for a hotel unless you’re planning on eating most of your meals in an apartment versus going to markets/restaurants. If you do opt for an apartment, I’d carefully peruse the reviews for noise, as it can be an issue in Madrid depending on the street and neighborhood!

Not sure about the festival but we will be there during that time. How much time should we consider spending in Sevilla? If we want more time in Barcelona would you give up Cordoba or Granada?

I’d recommend making your you have one full day in Seville itself, excluding days you arrive, depart, or take a day trip to Cordoba. Here’s what we’d recommend doing with one day in the city: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/one-day-in-seville-itinerary/

As far as Granada versus Cordoba, they’re both wonderful.

Based purely on sightseeing, I’d recommend Granada, as it’s a distinct city that has a very different feel than Seville, and it also has the Alhambra, which is easily one of the best historic sites to visit in Spain.

However, Granada can’t easily be done as a day trip from Seville (you really need an organized tour for it, and even then, it’s a very long day), so I’d make the decision based on whether you want to keep your pace of travel slower (in which case I’d visit Cordoba), or if you want to prioritize seeing as much variety as possible in limited time, in which case I’d visit Granada but make sure to spend at least one night there.

That being said, we love Cordoba too! The Mosque-Cathedral is an unforgettable building, and either city will be a great addition to your trip.

Hi Kate, What a great life you lead travelling around the world.

I am planning a trip to Spain in January with my 2 children aged 15 and 18 years. My son is attending a soccer clinic so we need to end in Madrid to join the group heading to Valencia.

We will have ~10 days ( we could add a couple of days) prior to the clinic so I am thinking that we try and fly to Barcelona Day 1-4 Barcelona Day 5- Granada Day 7- Seville Day 8 – Seville Day 9- Madrid Day 10-Madrid

Is it worth going to Granada? Is the fast train the best way to get around? Am I giving each city enough time? Also is it with going to those cities in winter? Where would you recommend?

Sounds like a very exciting trip!

If you want to cover everything you outlined, it would be great to add those extra couple of days if you can! You’ll have much more breathing room in your schedule that way.

As far as Granada goes, I personally love the city and the Alhambra, so I think it’s worth it. In order to do it justice though, you really need a full day there–the evening after arriving from Barcelona can’t really “count” in the sense that the Alhambra is a bit of a commitment and needs the bulk of a day.

If the city doesn’t appeal to you as much as Seville, it is justifiable to skip it rather than rushing through it–but I’d personally keep it in.

The high-speed train will be the best option between the cities you’ve listed, yes!

As far as enough time, that’s a subjective question, but while all of those cities could easily eat up more than 2 days, you’ll be able to get a sample of them within that time, though it’s a very fast-paced trip. I wouldn’t keep up that pace for any longer, though–you’ll be very tired by the end. If you’d like to travel at a more leisurely pace, I’d consider trimming one city and taking a more in-depth look at the others.

Personally, I love visiting Spain in winter–it can get extremely hot in the summer, especially in Andalucia, and crowded as well. Yes, you may have some more rain and gray weather over winter, but all the areas you mention have a mild climate, and I personally don’t mind the trade-off. I wouldn’t let the season keep you away!

Thanks for your advice!

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Travel Home > Spain > Itineraries > 10 Day Tour

Ten Day Spain Tour Itinerary

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Flexible rescheduling, best of spain 10 day itinerary.

This exciting ten day Spain itinerary has been prepared to help you discover highlights across the 3 main regions of the country, Barcelona in Catalonia, Madrid in central Spain, and Sevilla & Granada in Andalucia.

Our local tour planning specialists would love to discuss tailoring any aspect of this itinerary to suit your tastes, so if you are planning a 10 day vacation in Spain, get in touch with our team for your tailored custom tour itinerary.

Tour Highlights

• Royal Madrid and Catalan Barcelona
• UNESCO Heritage sights in Seville
• Authentic Tapas, Flamenco & Spanish traditions
• Alhambra Palace and Granada
• Ancient heritage & castles in Toledo

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Day 1: Arrival in Madrid

Welcome to Spain! 

Although international guests can fly into the country from other major cities such as Barcelona and Seville, our itinerary assumes you will fly directly to the Capital, Madrid.

We would suggest taking advantage of your first night and acquainting yourself with the layout of the city on a private walking tour. Here your guide will discuss the centuries of history, classical architecture, and historical figures that played such prominent roles throughout the history of Madrid as you walk the grounds of Plaza Mayor, Retro park & gardens, Plaza de Santa Ana, and more.

To conclude your first night in Madrid, our team would be happy to reserve a table at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants or Opera spectaculars for you.

Day 2: Guided Madrid Tour

We’ve created an itinerary for our clients who want to visit some of Madrid’s most iconic sites, including the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, beautiful Plaza de Oriente, historic city squares and cobbled streets, and the Royal Palace among others.

Highlights on your guided tour of Madrid include:

• Skip the line guided tour of Prado Museum
• Private Tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid
• San Miguel Market
• Almudena Cathedral

Day 3: Private Toledo Excursion

This morning you can choose to enjoy a driver-guided trip to Toledo in one of our luxury air-conditioned vehicles, or we can reserve high-speed train (journey time approx 30 mins) tickets for you.

Toledo was once the capital of Spain. It earned its nickname as the “Ciudad de tres culturas” the city of three cultures thanks to the influence of its successive Moorish, Jewish and Christian dynasties.

Its historic quarter –a UNESCO World Heritage Site– still preserves its original medieval layout, making it a fascinating place to visit. On tour through its narrow, winding streets you will discover a series of incredible buildings, still very much alive both inside and out.

Guided tour of Toledo highlights:

• Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo
• Toledo Alcazar
• Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes

Day 4: Transfer Madrid to Seville

Day 5: seville highlights tour.

Sevilla is famous for its passion for Flamenco music and dancing, the smell of orange trees that grow throughout the city, fantastic gastronomy, tapas culture, rich and full wines, and a particular sense of humor unique to the locals called “Cachondeo”. 

On your specialist tour of Seville, your guide will take you to visit:

• Royal Alcazar of Seville: Constructed for the Christian King Peter of Castille in 1248 on the site of the Abbadid Muslim alcazar the current Palace showcases strong influences of both cultures.
• Plaza De Espana: The largest Gothic Cathedral in Spain
• Cathedral of Seville: Also containing The Tomb of Christopher Columbus
• La Giralda Bell Tower: Enjoy views across the city from the top of the tower
• Flamenco Dance Museum

Day 6: Seville to Malaga Transfer and Malaga City Tour

Spending the afternoon and evening in Malaga is the perfect way to relax and unwind before you continue with your busy schedule on this ten day best of Spain itinerary.

To relax after making the transfer from Seville, we suggest that you take a stroll along the waterfront at one of Malaga’s sandy beaches. Enjoy the harbor while sipping on a sangria from a classically Malaga-style bar. For your evening meal, we would suggest some traditional fare at  Cortijo de Pepe, or for something caught fresh in the harbor that day you can make your way to Maricuchu restaurant to sample the seafood.

Day 7: Granada and Alhambra with Private Driver and Guide

There are several great sights to see in Granada including the Alcazar, Nazarín palaces, the palace of Charles V, and the Generalife gardens. All with a wonderful view of the small town of Granada down below.

Must see Granada Locations:

The Alhambra Palace: The most famous icon of Islamic architecture in Spain, this magnificent palace combines its Moorish origins with Spanish Renaissance Architecture. Allow your guide to bring to life the centuries of history, wars, and famous historic characters as you explore the complex together

The Royal Monastery of St. Jerome: The first church to be built after the Christians conquered Granada in 1492

Museum of Fine Arts of Granada: Contained within the Palace of Charles V, the stunning architecture is just as exhilarating to gaze upon as the collections which feature work by Juan Sanchez Cotan, Alonso Cano, Mariano Fortuny, and many more.

Plaza de Toros de Granada: Classic Bullring venue in Neo-Mudéjar style also used to host music events

Day 8: Transfer from Granada to Barcelona

On day 8 you will take the fast train from Malaga to Seville and take your place on the short 1hr 40minute flight to the Catalan capital Barcelona!

Day 9: Guided Tour of Barcelona

Barcelona is a dynamic city known for its eclectic designs, regional pride, and world-class gastronomy. 

Private tour experiences include:

• Gaudi Architecture tour: Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, & Parc Guel
• Jewish Quarter
• Barrio Gotico old town.
• La Rambla District
• Cathedral of Barcelona

Your last evening in the city, and the final night of your 10 day Spain itinerary should be spent sampling some of Barcelona’s famous gastronomy. Our team will consult with you beforehand to understand any dietary requirements and cuisine preferences to reserve a 5-star dining experience for you.

Day 10: Transfer To The Airport For Your Flight Home

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The Best of Spain: Ultimate 10 Day Spain Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Spain? This popular destination has so much to see that it can be tricky to plan the perfect Spain travel itinerary for a short amount of time. The first time I visited Spain, all I knew was Barcelona and Madrid . So that’s all I visited! But after living in Spain for over two years now, I have put together this perfect Spain itinerary for ten days.

This ten day Spain itinerary of course hits the two big destinations of Barcelona and Madrid . But it also includes the arguably much more interesting destinations of Seville, Granada, and Cordoba. That way, you can return back home from Spain having seen more than just the basics!

But, I must warn you. This Spain itinerary is very detailed . Like, how-on-earth-do-you-have-time-to-write-all-this detailed. That’s on purpose. You can go to any old travel blog to get a vague “two nights in here” and “one night here,” bare-bones itinerary for Spain. But those itineraries don’t tell you what to do in each destination, or how to get from each city to city. You would have to go look that up after. But not with this itinerary.

In short, what I am trying to say is: get ready for a long article! (About a 20 minute read.) You will probably want to save this for later right now by bookmarking it or saving it on Pinterest, just in case you don’t finish all in one go. Then, sit back, kick your feet up, and let’s get to it!

The Perfect 10 Day Spain Itinerary

Let’s begin with an overview of this epic, ten day Spain itinerary, so that you can have an idea of what to expect for your trip.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Spain?

Spain has the reputation of eternal warmth and sunshine. It’s true Spain’s weather is quite good year round in many places. But after having lived here, I can report back that winter definitely gets chilly in many of the destinations in this ten day Spain itinerary. I can also report that summer gets unbearably hot in many of these destinations! People say that about a lot of destinations in Europe. But trust me – avoid doing this Spain itinerary in summer. Because of that, I recommend you visit Spain during the shoulder seasons of April – May and September – October . This lets you enjoy every destination in this ten day Spain itinerary in mild weather.

BUT, I do recommend avoiding the week leading up to Easter . This week, called Semana Santa, is a very big deal in the region of Andalusia (which includes Seville, Granada, and Cordoba). Streets get blocked off for daily processions that last through the night. Hours change for even the most popular of attractions. Everything shuts down except restaurants on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. And the cities are just very crowded overall. So unless you particularly want to see the processions (because they are quite interesting!), I recommend avoiding Easter time for this ten day Spain itinerary.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Spain?

There is a lot of debate about the best way to travel around Spain. For some parts of the country, a car is definitely ideal. But for this ten day Spain itinerary, you won’t need one. This Spain itinerary is completely car-free , relying solely on Spain’s extensive train network. You can purchase all the train journeys I mention in this itinerary in advance at the official Renfe website . You can also download their app ( Apple and Android ) so that you have all your tickets in one, convenient place.

Free Printable 10 Day Spain Itinerary E-Book

But once you are actually in Spain, you definitely don’t want to be walking around on your phone all trip trying to get to each next spot. So, I’ve made a printable, condensed version of this post with every important detail from this ten day Spain itinerary you’re about to read. Just download the PDF, print it double-sided (so three pages total), and you’re good to go for your trip. It even has a map to help you visualize! Click below to get it.

(Finally) The Actual Ten Day Itinerary for Spain

Beforehand, I just want to let you know you can do this itinerary in the order I have it or in the exact reverse. Just look up flights and see which direction is cheaper. Also, at the very end of this page, I have a section on how to adjust this itinerary if you need to. Ready?!

Barcelona is Spain’s most-visited tourist destination , boasts unique Gaudi architecture, and is home to one of the most famous football (soccer) clubs in the world. Thus, it is an absolute must on any first-time Spain itinerary! Located towards the eastern end of Spain’s southern coast, Barcelona offers all the perks of big-city life, but in a setting of palm trees, ocean breezes, and sandy beaches . Barcelona is also the capital of Catalonia, a region which has been trying to separate from Spain since 2017 .

How to Get to Barcelona

As the starting point of your Spain trip, you will need to fly into Barcelona. Barcelona’s international airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) . To get from BCN airport to the city center, you have three options.

• Option 1: Take a bus. From BCN, you can take the Aerobus to Plaça de Catalunya in the Barcelona city center. This leaves every 5 minutes during peak hours, costs €5.90 one way (€10.20 roundtrip), and takes around 30 minutes. From Plaça de Catalunya, you can either walk to your accommodation, or use the Metro to take the subway if your accommodation is further away. Be very careful of pick-pocketers in Plaça de Catalunya and on the Metro! You can find the Aerobus schedule and purchase tickets in advance at the official site . Be careful to purchase your ticket for the correct terminal (A1 for Terminal 1 and A2 for Terminal 2) if you select this option.
• Option 2: Take the train. Follow signs in the airport to the Renfe train station. (If you arrive in Terminal 1, you will need to take the free airport shuttle bus to Terminal 2 first.) From BCN, take the R2 Nord line to either the Barcelona-Sants or Passeig de Gràcia stops. This train leaves every 30 minutes, costs €4.60* one way, and takes around 25 minutes. From either of these, you can walk to your accommodation if it is nearby, or use the Metro to take the subway if your accommodation is further away. These stations are a little less central than Plaça de Catalunya. *If you select this option, consider buying the T-Causal 10-ride ticket for €11.35 instead.
• Option 3: Take a taxi. Taxis from BCN are not a fixed fare. The price ranges from €25 – €30. You can find the official yellow-and-black taxis lined up outside the arrivals terminals. The drive should take 20 to 40 minutes.

What to Do in Barcelona (Three Days)

Three days in Barcelona is the minimum amount of time to “see everything.” Take it easy on day one , since it’s the day your flight gets in. But feel free to interchange days two and three as works best for you. If you get in way too late on day one, you can tack the first three bullets onto day two and the fourth bullet onto day three.

Walking straight through this route as I have it below is 45 min (3.5km or 2.25 miles), just to give you an idea of total distance on day one.

• Plaça de Catalunya: This plaza is considered the center of Barcelona. You may find yourself here without even trying, since it’s the starting point for many tours and where many forms of transport meet. It marks the northern end of the famous La Rambla street. You should be very careful of pickpockets in this square!
• La Rambla: This wide, tree-lined pedestrian street is the most famous in Barcelona and runs right through the heart of the city. It is often referred to in the plural, “Las Ramblas,” and it marks the western edge of the Gothic Quarter. Again – be very careful of pickpockets on this extremely busy street!
• Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquerìa: While making your way down La Rambla, be sure to stop by Barcelona’s most famous and beloved food market. It is more often simply called Marcet de la Boqueria. Here, you’ll find the quintessential €2 fruit smoothies and juices, along with other food items like jamon, empanadas, sweets, and more.
• Playa de La Barceloneta: There’s already so much to do in Barcelona, ignoring the fact that it’s on the coast. But it is indeed on the coast! I have to say, Barcelona city is not home to the best beaches in Spain. But a stop at La Barceloneta beach is still an absolute must. Even if you don’t care to walk on the sand or get in the sea, you can walk along the long promenade.
• Basilica de la Sagrada Familia: This still-under-construction church is the most famous thing to see in Barcelona. It was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and he is buried in the church’s crypt. He is also responsible for designing many other popular attractions in Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia is definitely his most famous work and an absolute must to visit. Be sure to purchase tickets that include both the Sagrada Família and Towers ! These come with an app audio guide and will set you back €36 per person. Definitely purchase your tickets in advance online from the official site during high season, as certain time slots do sell out.
• Parc Güell: If you’ve ever watched the Cheetah Girls 2, or had anyone on your social media study abroad in Barcelona, this is that mosaic park! This UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute can’t-miss thing to do in Barcelona and – surprise, surprise – was designed by Antoni Gaudí. You can buy tickets, which are €10, in advance from the official site to ensure you get a time slot that works for your schedule.
• Gràcia: On your way towards the historical center from Parc Güell, wander through one of Barcelona’s most beloved neighborhoods. Gràcia is a lot calmer than the touristy parts of town, but has many less-popular Gaudí works hidden inside it.
• Casa Milà: Casa Mila is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. You can enter this UNESCO World Heritage site for €25 if you purchase tickets online from the official site , or for €3 more in person. But if you are short on time, even just admiring it from outside is better than nothing!
• Casa Batlló: Located not too far away from Casa Mila, Casa Batllo is another Antoni Gaudí masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. Like Casa Mila, you can also enter. Tickets are €35 if you purchase tickets online from the official site , or for €4 more in person. Again, you can simply admire from outside if you are short on time.
• Barri Gòtic: Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the city’s historical center. This charming area of the city is many visitors’ favorite part of the city, due to its narrow streets and bustling atmosphere. It might be worth doing a free* walking tour of this area, depending on your group’s travel style. But whether you join a tour or wander solo, be sure to pass under the famous Pont del Bisbe while in this neighborhood! *Tips are expected at the end of these tours.
• Catedral de Barcelona: Finished in the 15th century, the Cathedral of Barcelona is worth a stop while in the Gothic Quarter. Entry is €9 and dress code (no shoulders, no knees) is enforced.
• Museu Picasso de Barcelona: Consider a stop by this museum to enjoy the work of (arguably) Spain’s most famous artist. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of modern art, it’s fun to view his many different styles and debate works which you like best – or perhaps which works you even consider “art!” Tickets for the main collection plus temporary exhibits are €15 at the door or €14 if purchased online from the official site in advance. ​​
• Parc de la Ciutadella: In this park, you’ll find some more iconic structures of Barcelona. These include the Arc de Triomf and the Cascada del Parc de la Ciutadella . Entry into the park is free.

Though Madrid is the capital and largest city in Spain , it is not known for as many impressive monuments as some of the other destinations in this ten day Spain itinerary. With only one week in Spain, I would actually recommend skipping Madrid. But for a ten day Spain itinerary, I really do think a quick stop in the heart of the nation is necessary! Madrid has the liveliness of a big, international city. But its tourists don’t overrun it, allowing you to feel like you are experiencing it authentically. 

How to Get to Madrid

Take the high-speed AVE or AVLO Renfe train from Barcelona-Sants station to Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes station . This takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. If you purchase an AVLO journey a few months in advance, it only costs €7 for the earliest AVLO train in the morning or the latest AVLO train at night! It costs €15 for the other AVLO train times. But the ticket prices increase as each fare sells out , so if you purchase on the day of, expect to pay anywhere between €40 and over €100, depending on the day of the week, time of day (more inconvenient times usually are cheaper), and the time of year (tickets sell out faster for holidays).

From within Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes train station, you can take the Metro or Cercanias to get to your accommodation if necessary. Or, you can exit the station and take a taxi .

What to Do in Madrid (One and a Half Days)

As the capital of Spain, you might think Madrid would warrant more days than some of the other destinations on this ten day Spain itinerary. And while I’ve loved living in Madrid (I could never see myself living in Barcelona!), it doesn’t boast as many tourist draws as some other cities in Spain. Between one and two days is the perfect amount of time to “see it all” and get a small flavor for the city before moving south!

I know the below will look like a lot to squeeze into just half a day in Madrid. But central Madrid is super compact ! Walking straight through this route as I have it below without stops is 50 min (3.7km or 2.3 miles), just to give you an idea of total distance you’ll be covering.

• Gran Via: Gran Via is Madrid’s most famous street. Its name translates into “Great Way,” and it boasts a host of eateries, international shops, and even Broadway hits like The Lion King. Some of Madrid’s most famous buildings line Gran Via, like the Edificio Metrópolis , the Fundación Telefónica, and the Schweppes Sign on Edificio Carrión. I recommend starting at Plaza del Callao and walking east along Gran Via until reaching the next spot on the list – Plaza de Cibeles.
• Plaza de Cibeles: Palacio Cibeles was once the headquarters for the Spanish Post Office. It is literally my favorite building in Madrid! It’s the first image of Madrid that I ever had in my head, back from when the Spanish national soccer team won the Euro Cup, then the World Cup, then the Euro Cup back-to-back-to-back. The team always passed between this building and the majestic Fuente (fountain) de Cibeles in front of it on their victory parade route. So I began to view the building as emblematic of Spain well before ever arriving! It is also where Real Madrid FC passes by during their celebration parades.
• Puerta de Alcalá: This triumphal arch was once the main entrance to the city of Madrid, putting into perspective just how much the city has grown over the centuries! It’s located right outside the most popular entrance to El Retiro Park.
• El Buen Retiro Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been called “the Central Park of Madrid,” and you can understand why. Set right in the heart of Madrid, this green oasis is popular with locals and tourists alike. The most famous area of El Retiro is the artificial lake, where you should definitely rent a rowboat (€6 per boat weekdays and €8 weekends). I personally also love the Jardín del Parterre and would recommend either entering or exiting El Retiro park through this garden.
• Palacio de Cristal: Also in El Retiro is the Palacio de Cristal. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and such a pretty building, especially from across the pond in front of it. But ironically, its history is nowhere near as pretty. The Palacio de Cristal was built as a greenhouse for plants and fauna from the Philippines, which was a colony of Spain at the time. Some sadly like to claim that was all, but it soon went on to become the site of one of Europe’s many human zoos. Igorot people were brought from the Philippines and made to live and fish in a replica village while visitors watched. To see some photographs and sketches of the human zoo, definitely check out this post .
• Museo Nacional del Prado: The Prado Museum is definitely the most famous art museum in Madrid, and probably all of Spain, too. It is home to the most extensive collection of Spanish painting in the world. Some of its most famous works include those by Murillo, Velázquez, and Goya. Tickets are €15 and can be purchased in advance online at the official site . Entry is free during the last 90 minutes (online it says the last two hours, but you must leave the building 30 minutes before close time). You used to be able to book the free entry online to secure your time slot, but now you unfortunately have to wait in line. This may affect how feasible it is to squeeze this in to your itinerary, depending on your preferences.
• Fuente de Neptuno: Real Madrid has the Fountain of Cibeles, and Atletico Madrid has the fountain of Neptune, located just down the road. It’s not an attraction by any means, but it’s a pretty fountain that you might as well pass by, since it’s nearby the Prado Museum.

Note on Day One : The order listed above allows you to visit the Prado during the free hours towards the end of the day. If you love paintings more than I do and want to spend several hours at the Prado Museum, consider doing this day one itinerary in the exact reverse order of how I have it above.

• Puerta del Sol: The Puerta del Sol is located smack dab in the center of Madrid. And if you’ve looked at a map, you’ll see that Madrid is located smack dab in the center of Spain! So this square is literally the center of Spain. There is even a plaque in the ground called Kilometre 0 , from which all major radial roads in Spain leave. It’s quite popular to take a picture of your feet standing at the bottom edge of the plaque! But the most famous part of Puerta del Sol is the building behind Kilometre 0 – the Casa de Correos . It is home to Madrid’s regional government, and its famous clock is part of a huge Spanish NYE tradition. Be ultra on-alert for pickpockets everywhere in Madrid, but particularly in and around Sol!
• El Oso y el Madroño: While in Puerta del Sol, be sure to check out the statue of el Oso y el Madroño (the bear and the strawberry tree). These two together are the official symbol of the city of Madrid, so keep an eye out for them as you tour the city! 
• Plaza Mayor: This is Madrid’s main square and has been for many centuries. Three of the four sides of the square are lined with eateries and outdoor seating, though most will recommend that you skip a full meal here, simply opting for a coffee or another drink instead. The third side of the square boasts a pretty fresco of zodiac signs and gods. 
• Mercado de San Miguel: This gourmet indoor gastronomical market is located right outside the western end of Plaza Mayor. It boasts fine foods from all of the country, and some food stands have even been awarded Michelin stars! If you’re not hungry, you can still just pass through and gaze into all the various food stands.
• Catedral de la Almudena: Be sure to stop by this cathedral while visiting the Royal Palace (they’re located right next door to each other). There is often some sort of performance happening outside the steps facing the palace. And to the side, there is also an observation deck offering sweeping views. For those who want to view the inside as well, the cathedral requests a €1 donation.
• Palacio Real de Madrid: Madrid’s Royal Palace is the largest in Western Europe by building size (i.e. gardens excluded). It was built under King Phillip V, who was born in Versailles and designed it to be his Versailles. Tickets are €12 and can be purchased in advance at the official website .
• Plaza de España: This square recently just completed a redesign to make it more pedestrian friendly! It’s now the perfect intersection between Gran Via, the Royal Palace, and the Temple of Debod. Across the square also happens to be the largest Zara in the world, for any fans of the store.
• Templo de Debod: This real-deal Egyptian temple may feel a little random on this list of things to see in Madrid! It dates back to around 200 BC and was donated to Spain by the Egyptian government. Entry is free. Afterwards, take a lap around Parque de la Montaña (where the Temple of Debod is located) to enjoy views over the Royal Palace and Catedral de la Almudena. The view is especially nice during sunset.

Located in the Andalusia* region of southern Spain, Granada is most famous for its architecture dating back to when the Muslim Moors of northern Africa ruled much of modern-day Spain and Portugal. Granada was actually the final city to be reconquered by the Spanish Catholic Monarchs from the Moors . And at certain points, you may feel like you have been transported to Morocco! Aside from the astounding Moorish architecture, Granada is also simply in a stunning location. Sitting right at the foot of the often-snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains , Granada offers amazing vistas from all angles.

*Andalusia (or Andalucía in Spanish) is home to many of the most “typical Spanish” things. It’s the birthplace of tapas, flamenco, and bullfighting as we know them. So be sure to (ethically) take in these things in particular while in the region! 

How to Get to Granada

Take the high-speed AVE train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Granada . This takes around 3.5 hours and makes three stops on the way. It will be the longest travel day in this ten day Spain itinerary. If you purchase this ticket a couple months in advance, tickets can be as low as €25, depending on the day of the week. But as already mentioned, ticket prices increase as each fare sells out . So if you purchase on the day of, expect to pay anywhere between €80 and over €100.

What to Do in Granada (Two Days)

Feel free to interchange day one and day two however you like.

• Basílica de San Juan de Dios: Even if you don’t enter this pretty baroque church, the little courtyard in front is worth a peek while en route to the city center from the train station. Tickets are €7 and can be bought in person.
• Monasterio de San Jerónimo: This historic monastery began to house monks in the early 1500s. The building warrants a visit from even just the outside, but tickets to enter are €5. You can purchase them in person on the day of or in advance from the official site .
• Plaza de Bib-Rambla: Also known as Bibarrambla, this is the main square in central Granada. Take a stroll around and perhaps stop for a drink at one of the many cafes.
• Alcaicería: Originally located across Granada’s old mosque (and now its main cathedral), the Alcaicería is an open-air, Arabic-style bazaar. It features little alleys, full of vendors selling colorful shawls, hats, purses, lamps, jewelry, and so much more.
• Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación: Granada’s most famous cathedral is hard to miss. It was built shortly after Spain’s reconquest of the city from the Moors, right atop a destroyed mosque. Tickets are €5 and can be purchased on the official site for all Granada’s main Christian buildings.
• Capilla Real de Granada: Adjacent to the cathedral is the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel). This chapel houses the tombs of King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castille. They ruled during the end of the reconquest and are considered Spain’s first great royals. Tickets are €5 and can be purchased on the official site for all Granada’s main Christian buildings.
• Plaza Nueva: Even though its name translates into “new square,” it is actually the oldest square in Granada. Stick around this area long enough, and you might just catch a little performance! I saw two different ones in this area during my own visit to Granada. The plaza connects the modern city center and the Carrera del Darro.
• Carrera del Darro: This scenic walk up a cobblestoned street follows the Darro river. It is considered one of the most romantic walks in Spain.
• Paseo de los Tristes: The Paseo de los Tristes starts where the Carrera del Darro ends and continues along the Darro River. The path offers great views of the Alhambra. At the end of the road, you can turn left to climb up to the Albaicín neighborhood. You can also turn cross the Puente del Aljibillo on the right, to cross over the river and walk up to the Generalife entrance/exit of the Alhambra.
• Albaicín: Also spelled Albayzín, this picturesque neighborhood of winding, cobbled streets and white, Moorish-style buildings is located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. (Yes, Granada is quite hilly!) It is the oldest area of Granada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Mirador de San Nicolas: This viewpoint of the Alhambra is located in the Albaicín. You’ll find it on the terrace in front of the Iglesia de San Nicolas.
• Mezquita Mayor de Granada: The main mosque of Granada is literally right next to the Iglesia de San Nicolas. It is not a typical tourist “must-see.” But it has a cute garden and offers similar views to the Mirador de San Nicolas, but with fewer crowds. The mosque does close in the middle of the day (as do many things in Spain), so be sure to time your visit correctly if you care to enter.
• Sacromonte: This is another historical neighborhood of Granada and is home to the Roma community. It borders the Albaicín and is known for its houses built into rock as caves. The area’s main street is Camino del Sacromonte , which is dotted with many tourist-geared artisan shops and cave restaurants offering nightly La Zambra performances. La Zambra is a type of flamenco dancing and singing that originated in the Sacromonte. 
• Sacromonte Abbey: Further away from town, further along the Camino del Sacromonte, is the Sacromonte Abbey. It does offer lovely views over both Granada’s main hills at once, but I would only recommend this trek if you are interested in entering the abbey or have ample time.
• Alhambra: This stunning Moorish palace and fortress atop a hill is the biggest tourist draw in Granada. In my opinion, it should be the biggest tourist draw in all of Spain ! It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and without-doubt the most unique palace you’ll see in Europe (I’ve seen quite a few!). There are many different things to see in the Alhambra, but the Nasrid Palaces are the most famous part of the Alhambra. You will need to select a specific time to enter these when purchasing your entry ticket. Another main part of the visit is the Generalife’s Palace , which was the summer palace of the Moorish sultans. To get from one palace to the other, you will walk through El Partal , another main part of the visit. Tickets to the Alhambra tend to sell out months in advance, except in the low season. So be sure to purchase your tickets on the official site once you have your dates. You can choose from several different packages to purchase, including a nighttime visit. But the general daytime visit is €19. Plan to spend a minimum of half a day at the Alhambra.
• Calle Elvira and Calderería Nueva: These two streets are towards the bottom of the Albaicín hill. They are filled with small dessert shops, tea shops, and souvenir shops selling artisanal items. I personally felt like I was transported to Morocco and feel like the area warrants passing by,
• Bañuelo: Also known as Hammam al-Yawza or Baño del Nogal, this hammam (a type of public bath or spa popular in the Arab and Muslim worlds) is thought to be from the 1100s or earlier. It’s the only hammam in Granada that has been restored and is open to the public. Tickets are €7.42 and include entry into a few other monuments as well. They can be purchased online from the official site .
• Ermita San Miguel de Alto: For the best view over not just the Alhambra, but all of Granada and beyond, you can make the hike up the hill behind the Albaicín. From the Albaicín, the hermitage of San Miguel Alto is about a 30 minute walk. I recommend packing some food and drink beforehand, picking out a nice spot to sit once at the top, and watching the sunset over the city.

Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish, pronounced Sev-EE-ya), is the largest and capital city of Andalusia, making it a must in any visit to southern Spain. It is home to the oldest tapas bar in Spain and final resting place of Cristopher Colombus (of whom Spain unfortunately still seems very much proud, as you will definitely notice when you follow this Spain itinerary in person!). Seville also served as filming site of the beautiful Game of Thrones kingdom of Dorne and of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones , and is honestly just an all-around stunning Spanish city .

How to Get to Seville

Take the AVE or AVANT train from Granada to Sevilla-Santa Justa . This takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. If you purchase your ticket for this journey a couple months in advance, the only option will be the AVE trains. Tickets can be as low as €32, depending on the day of the week. If you wait until a few weeks out or even purchase on the day of, the AVANT-MD ticket will be available to purchase. This ticket can be as low as €29 (even if purchased on the day of). Other ticket types range between €45 and €78 when purchased on the day of.

What to Do in Seville (Two Days)

You can exchange day one and day two however you like.

• Catedral de Sevilla: This is the third-largest church in Europe and the largest Gothic church in the world. It is also the final resting place of Cristopher Columbus (and his son). The cathedral was built over a destroyed mosque, but the courtyard of orange trees and the mosque’s minaret still remain. The minaret was turned into a bell tower, which tourists can climb up (no elevator) for sweeping 360-degree views over Seville. Tickets to the cathedral and bell tower are €11 and can be purchased online from the official site . Tickets cost €1 more if purchased in person. You might also want to consider the €20 tickets for a guided tour on the cathedral rooftop! You can also purchase these on the official site .
• Plaza de Toros (de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla): This bullring is the largest and most significant in Spain. Taking a lap around the outside and peering inside the ring whenever there was an opening was enough for me. But those wanting to enter the bullring without attending an event can join a tour. You can purchase €10 tickets online from the official site or in person.
• Barrio de Triana: This historic neighborhood in Seville is across the river from the main part of the city center. One of the main attractions here is the Mercado de Triana . It is a cute, indoor food market with a lot less-touristy feel than the popular markets of Barcelona or Madrid. It sits next door to the remains of what once was Castillo de San Jorge .
• Museo de Bellas Artes: Seville’s Museum of Fine Arts was originally a convent. Now, it is home to some of the most important Spanish paintings. Entry is €1.50.
• Setas de Sevilla: Also known as the Metropol Parasol, this is apparently the largest wooden structure in the world. It was built in a shape that resembles mushrooms (setas, in Spanish) and offers one of the best viewpoints in Seville. You can get a discount by booking in advance online at the official site , where general entry tickets are €13. Even if you don’t decide to go up, the building is pretty cool from the bottom and warrants a visit.
• Calle de las Sierpes: This is central Seville’s main shopping street, running between Plaza de San Francisco and Calle Campana. Enjoy a slow stroll up this pedestrian zone, popping in and out of the shop geared towards tourists and locals alike.
• Iglesia Colegial del Salvador: Entry into this beautifully salmon-colored church is free with your ticket to the Seville Cathedral!
• Real Alcázar: This once-fortress is where the Moors ruled from while they were in Seville. After the Christian monarchs reconquered Seville, they added to it and used it as a royal palace. Game of Thrones fans will recognize many different parts of the Alcázar as film sites (especially Dorne!). Check out this post for a full run down, so you can recognize it all when you go. General entry tickets are €13.50, and you can add a tour of inside the royal rooms for €5.50. Personally, I didn’t think the royal rooms tour was super worth it. I found the rest of the Alcázar to have the best parts. But I know others have loved it! I think it depends on how many European palace tours you’ve done or if you tend to love or hate royal room tours. Either way, you can buy the tickets online from the official site . ​​
• Plaza de España: This stunning square is the most iconic image of Seville. You might even recognize it from some films, like Star Wars: Attack of the Clones . The plaza is located inside the Parque de María Luisa (which also deserves some exploring), and its name translates to “Spain Square.” When you visit, you’ll understand why! Each block of tiles in the semicircle creates an image of a province of Spain. You can also rent a boat and row along the plaza’s canal , or wait around near the two central bridges to catch a flamenco performance .
• Torre del Oro: Originally part of the city’s Moorish walls, the name of this former military watchtower translates into “Tower of Gold.” The tower sits along the river and marks the starting and ending point for Spanish ships bringing spoils from the Americas. Today, you’ll find the Museo Naval de Sevilla inside the tower. There, you can learn about Spain’s naval history and enjoy the panoramic terrace. Entry is free, but a €3 donation is requested.
• Barrio Santa Cruz: This beautiful neighborhood of narrow alleys and peaceful plazas is where Seville’s Jewish community was once mostly concentrated. It is located just across the main cathedral.
• Museo del Baile Flamenco: The famous Spanish dance originated in southern Spain, and those interested can view some of Andalusia’s best flamenco at a show here. Shows are nightly, and you can book your tickets online at the official site .

I notice Cordoba gets skipped on some Spain travel itineraries. But its world-famous mosque -slash-cathedral alone is good enough reason to squeeze a day trip here from Seville into your ten day Spain itinerary. Add to that the picturesque winding and flower-pot-laden streets with the old town’s seamless mix of Jewish, Moorish, Catholic, and Roman architecture… Well, Cordoba simply is a no-brainer to visit when traveling through Spain.

How to Get to Cordoba

Take the MD or AVANT train from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Cordoba . Then, take the same journey the reverse direction, and return to Seville to spend the night .

The MD train is €11.20 and 1.5 hours each way. It is available for purchase beginning around two months in advance. The AVANT train is €17.85 and 40 minutes each way. It is available for purchase beginning a few weeks in advance.

These prices are only if you purchase round trip (ida y vuelta) tickets. That means you must select your return train departure time in advance. If purchased as separate tickets rather than round trip, the MD train is €14 each way and the AVANT train is €22.30 each way. I recommend choosing times that essentially give you a full day to explore Cordoba!

What to Do in Cordoba (One Day)

• Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba: This was once the main mosque of Cordoba and today is a cathedral. But it isn’t a cathedral built over a mosque, like oftentimes happened. Rather, it is a cathedral blended into the center of a mosque, creating the most unique blend of two architectural styles that I personally have ever seen. Definitely purchase tickets in advance online from the official site . Entry into the mosque is €13, and tickets up the bell tower are €3. I recommend choosing the first entry time of the day for the mezquita. That way, your pictures of the iconic columns and arches will have a lot less people in them.
• Puerta del Puente: Outside the mosque-cathedral, in front of the river, is the Gate of the Bridge. It is located where the Roman gates into the city used to be.
• Puente Romano: Cross the Roman Bridge over the river. From there, you can enjoy the typical postcard views of the famous mosque and Cordoba’s old town (though the river is quite drier these days).
• Torre De Calahorra: At the end of the Roman Bridge is the Calahorra Tower. You can enter the tower to enjoy its museum on life in Cordoba during Al-Andaluz (the name of the Muslim-ruled area of the Iberian Peninsula). You can also enjoy views over Cordoba from its top. Tickets are €4.50 and can be purchased in person, but check the official site for hours.
• Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: This medieval fortress-palace is located right by the famous mosque-cathedral and the river. It houses a few Roman mosaics, but visitors most-enjoy its gardens. Tickets could only be purchased in person when I went. They were €5.
• Almodovar Gate: In between the Alcázar and the Jewish Quarter is the Almodovar Gate. It is the only remaining medieval gate of the original nine into the city.
• Judería: Cordoba’s historically Jewish quarter is a UNESCO World heritage site. The well-preserved neighborhood is very pretty, but my favorite part was the synagogue . It’s absolutely stunning and one of the three best-preserved Medieval synagogues in Spain. Entry was free when I went.
• Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba: If you are visiting Spain in early May, you can enjoy this festival celebrating the potted-plant-courtyards that Cordoba is famous for. But even if you are visiting during another time of year, you’ll still notice beautiful potted plants adorning walls around the city center. One of the most famous streets for a great view of the mosque-cathedral bell tower behind an alley of potted plants is Calleja de las Flores .
• Templo Romano: In the middle of Cordoba, right next to the city hall, you can find the remains of a Roman temple. It was discovered in the 1950s while expanding the city hall. It’s not often listed as a tourist attraction to see, but I thought it was pretty cool (and it’s free)!

How to Get Out of Seville

Alas, your epic ten day Spain vacation has come to an end! You’ll need to get out of Seville. Seville’s airport is Seville Airport (SQV), sometimes called San Pablo Airport . There are a couple ways you can get from Seville’s city center to SQV.

• Option 1: Take a bus. From any of the available stops (which include the Sevilla-Santa Justa train station), take the urban bus transport line (Line EA) bus from the Seville city center to the Seville airport. Tickets are €4 and are paid to the driver on board. You can check the timetable and map of the stops here .
• Option 2: Take a taxi. The fare for this 25 minute ride is fixed at €26. Make sure you get into an official taxi. They should accept card, and you can double check this as well as fare before getting in.

Adjustments to this 10 Day Spain Itinerary

• Starting in Seville instead of Barcelona: You can totally do this ten day Spain itinerary in the reverse order. Check what flights work best for you, and decide off of that.
• Flying out of Madrid instead of Seville: Your flight out of Seville will almost certainly involve a connection in Madrid if you are flying to the Americas. So, you might prefer to take a train from Seville to Madrid’s airport (3 hours) rather than a flight from Seville to Madrid (1 hour). If that is the case, you can definitely change this itinerary to do that.

Any Questions on this Spain Itinerary for Ten Days?

Phew – I know that was A LOT! If you’re planning your own ten day itinerary for Spain soon and want some personalized advice, drop a comment below with your questions . I love playing travel agent for people!

And in Case You Need One Final Summary

Spain Itinerary 10 Days:

• Day 1: Barcelona
• Day 2: Barcelona
• Day 3: Barcelona
• Day 4: Madrid
• Day 5: Madrid
• Day 6: Granada
• Day 7: Granada
• Day 8: Seville
• Day 9: Seville
• Day 10: Cordoba

Save this Spain Ten Day Itinerary on Pinterest

Further Reading...

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One Week in Croatia: Ultimate 7 Day Croatia Itinerary

The Best (Easy) Day Trips from Milan

76 comments.

WOW. Your blog is insightful, informative & so very helpful. I’ve read through all of your Spain (& Morocco) posts. Thank you! I’m planning a 10-12 day trip around October 2025 with a great group of 10-12 friends. Some have been to Spain, and others have not (including me). We are planning a coastal tour from Barcelona south, stopping along the way (Valencia, Cartagena, Granada?), and arriving in Seville. We might also do a side trip to Morocco then fly out of Madrid (or, reverse order). We do enjoy meeting/interacting with local people & getting off the beaten path once in a while. Can you give me any advice for a coastal tour or reasons not to tour along the coast? Are there enough interesting and varied sites to see? In your opinion, do you think we’re trying to do too much in under 14 days? Thank you, Em!

That Travelista

Thanks for the kind feedback on my blog! I’m glad it’s been helpful.

Yes, I would say that is a bit too much in under 14 days. If you visit just, let’s say, Tangier in Morocco, since it’s closest to Spain, that’d be 7 different cities. So with 14 full days, that makes 2 days in each stop, and that’s accounting for zero travel time (which is a lot to exclude lol).

Spain is a lot larger than it seems, and it does take a lot of time to move around if not using the high speed trains (or planes, but those require extra time getting to the airport, arriving early there, and getting out of the next airport). The high speed train network isn’t really along the coast. So that is the reason I would have in response to “why not to tour the coast” – that it takes a lot of time to move up/down the coast and most people have limited time. With enough time, I think touring the coast is a lovely idea!

Depending on what you want to see in Morocco, I’d consider saving it for another trip. It could justify it’s own entire vacation, between Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Ait Ben Haddou, a desert glamping experience, and even more.

Will this be a road trip, or do you guys prefer public transport? The rest of my recommendation depends on that!

Hi Em. Normally we prefer road trips, but we have used public transportation in some larger cities (Amsterdam, Prague, Rome) to avoid driving & parking issues. Looks like my group will need another planning session to discuss your reply. As you said, Spain is much bigger than we thought. Valencia, Cartagena, Granada were just random cities along the coast to give you an idea of the path we’d like to take. Maybe we can tailor this down but still travel along the coast. Thanks again. Your thoughts are very helpful.

That’s good, because you can use public transport for Barcelona to Valencia, but from there on south, it’s hard to stay along the coast and not move at a glacial pace unless you have your own set of wheels. Your trip will be a lot better with a rental. So I would just use google maps to see driving time between each of the stops you all would like to see (make sure you are looking at the option hugging the coast, because the one first-suggested by google can go inland to save time), consider how much time you would like to overnight in each place, and then make the decision from there!

I’m sure you guys will figure out something nice! There are a lot of cute stops to choose from. 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this great information. I’m in Spain starting 10/26 departing 11/8 which comes out to like 11 full days. I fly in and out Barcelona so i’m trying to figure out how to adapt this itinerary. I think the city I’m least interested in is Madrid and I also want to take a bit of a slower pace. this is a bit full for me. Any thoughts? I guess I am interested in Toledo which would bring Madrid back in. Ah.

With 11 days, you can easily do this itinerary and fly back to Barcelona from Seville in the end. If you don’t care for Madrid, you can use the full day in Madrid that I have here as a day trip to Toledo.

If you prefer to omit Madrid, you can just fly to Granada from Barcelona instead of passing through Madrid first by train. This second option would allow you to tack on 3 extra days (maybe one more night in each of your remaining stops?) and thus go slower.

Hope that helps!

My husband and I were planning a trip to Italy next May and decided against it last night due to Jubilee and were thinking about Spain instead and I said “let me see if I can find a 10 day itinerary ” and yours popped up! We read through it, loved all the details and immediately booked following your suggestions. We are SO excited – even though it’s 9 months away – ha ha. Thank you so much!

Wow, that’s so great! Thanks for letting me know I was able to help in that way. 🙂 I definitely feel you about that excitement post finalizing the details on what is sure to be an awesome trip!

Hi Em! Really insightful article. My wife and I are planning to be in Spain from August 23rd to September 10th and we’ve planned Malaga(2 nights) , Seville(3 nights), Madrid(4 nights) and Barcelona(3 nights) in this period. The missing 7 nights I am spending at a beautiful place in Gaucin which is in the Andalusian area. I have a couple of questions and any help would be really appreciated….I can’t find any travel options to return to Malaga from Gaucin (I am staying at Karma La Herizza), do you have any ideas? A lot of people are telling me to hire a car, but I am not too comfortable driving in a foreign land. Second, do you think 4 nights in Madrid is too much or is it good, if I decide to do day trips to some of the other close by places like Toledo, Segovia and Avila? Please drop me a line at your convenience! Thanks in advance! Cheers!

I’m glad you like the article! When I went to google Gaucin just now, I saw that I already had it saved on my google maps for places to visit. The pueblos blancos are just so hard to get to/around without a car!

There is one train from Estación de Gaucin to Ronda (other pueblo blanco, quite popular, as you may know). From Ronda, you can take another train to Málaga. They seem to run 3x a day on weekdays and 2x a day on weekends. Just search “Gaucin” and “Ronda” on the Renfe site . I can’t find local buses between the station and the village online (though there is always more info once there at the station with these pueblos, in my limited experience), but I imagine you can grab a cab worst case or set pick up with the place you are staying.

As for Madrid, I think your idea to do 4 days if you plan multiple day trips is fabulous. If you don’t mind joining a group tour one of the days to be able to combine 2 of the 3 you listed, or if you plan to only visit 2, then you can do 2 days of day trips and 2 days in Madrid. If you want to DIY all three (I outline how for Ávila and Segovia , but haven’t published one on Toledo yet, but it’s the most straightforward), I would say consider 5 nights in Madrid to have 2 days to see the city and 3 days for day trips. If you just want to get a feel of Madrid though and don’t mind rushing around in one day, as you can see from this itinerary, it can be more or less “done” in one day without entering any attractions, if necessary.

You’re going to have a great time! Looks like a great trip that you have planned with a lot of diversity in the places you’ll visit, between the pueblo blanco and the day trips on top of the cities!

Thanks for the reply, Em! Do you have any suggestions our tour guides/companies who do the group tours for out of Madrid, as also the sights to see in the city? As always, any help appreciated tons.

If you prefer to buy them in advance, you can check popular tour sites like Viator and GetYourGuide. But once in Madrid, there are tons of tourist kiosks throughout the center (especially Gran Via) all selling the same day trip tours to these places for the same prices, so you shouldn’t have much issue to book one of these once there. The prices for these tours are typically not much more than the price of DIY transport, so they’re not a bad option.

If you want something like a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for Madrid city, you can book that in advance from the hop-on-hop-off website. There are also options for private tours where the guide cycles you around, which you can also arrange once there, or try to find in advance on the two sites I mentioned above. But as I mention in this guide, assuming everyone in your group is able to walk, which may not be the case, the sites in Madrid are quite compactly located.

Thanks tons, Em! Cheers till next time! If you’re ever in India, drop me a line. Would be glad to help. Will try to drop a line when I’m in Madrid!

Ooo I’ll definitely take you up on that! I was in India for a month for work and loved it. It’s such a huge country, and I want to return to see more!

This is a great itinerary, thank you so much for all the info! My family and I are planning to fly into Madrid and landing in the morning. We will then have 7 full days and then fly out from Madrid in the afternoon on the 8th day. What do you think is the best way to tweak this itinerary to fit our schedule? We ideally would still like to visit every city if possible.

Thanks for the kind feedback on the itinerary!

I’d say that 7 days is really not enough time to see every place I’ve recommended in this itinerary and do them all justice/not waste a lot of time moving around.

But if just checking them each off your bucket list and feeling like you at least got a taste is more of a priority to you and your fam than having enough time to truly “see everything” in each place, I guess I’d recommend: Madrid (1 day) > train to Barcelona (2 days) > flight to Granada (1.5 days days) > train to Seville (1.5 days) > train to Cordoba (day trip and find luggage storage near train station) > train back to Madrid evening of same day to flight out the next day.

Mala Naamdhew

What a comprehensive, well explained itinerary for first-timers to Spain. Thank you! We are looking at coming through 9-10 nights end November to December. We aware of the cooler temperatures. Is there any other reason most people on this thread are NOT travelling to Spain at this time of year?

Nope! There’s really no downside to doing this Spain itinerary at that time of year except for the colder temps. (The upside is lesser crowds and lower prices!) If you don’t mind colder weather (I recommend googling the monthly average for each city and checking the low), just pack accordingly and have a great trip! 🙂

Hi! Thank you for this detailed Itinerary. My husband and I are planning to go to Europe to spend Christmas together and Spain is one of the countries we’ve been eyeing to go to. Can we still use the same itinerary late December?

Yes, if you are OK with cold weather, then you can totally do this same itinerary in late December. The attractions on this itinerary are all cultural and not really nature-based. Barcelona is of course on the coast, which is part of its appeal, but its beach isn’t one I’d particularly recommend going out of your way to swim at, so you’re not loosing anything itinerary-wise. I would just do a google search of “[city name] monthly weather” for each stop on this itinerary and double check you are fine with the avg temps (lows too, for evenings) and avg rainy days in December.

The other thing to consider is attraction closures on Christmas Day and New Years. So I would click through the links I have in this guide for each attraction, head to their pages on hours, and make sure the date you plan to see them doesn’t fall on a date the attraction is closed.

I hope that helps!

Hi Em..I have the utmost respect for you in answering all these questions. Thank you so much. My hubby and I plan on visiting Spain maybe Sept/Oct. One of the main places I want to visit is the Rock Of Gibraltar. We are thinking about coming for 9 days and would like to fly in and out of one airport since it’s more cost effective for us. If we fly into Madrid or Barcelona how can we get to the Rock of Gibraltar and can this be a day trip. Also if we are interested in doing Day Trips to Seville and other cities should our Base be Madrid or Barcelona. Thank you so much and I thoroughly enjoy your articles. Best of luck to you !

I’m glad to know you enjoy my articles!

I’ve never been to Gibraltar, but I understand Malaga to be the entry point many visitors use to day trip in. Madrid and especially Barcelona are quite far from this southernmost part of Spain. So if your main destination is Gibraltar, I would suggest focusing on the region of Andalusia and leaving Madrid and Barcelona for another visit. You could teeeeeeechnically day trip from Madrid to Seville (the train is 3 hours), but that would mean a very short amount of time in Seville, and it deserves more than one full day anyways, let alone less than one full day.

Off the top of my head, I would personally recommend moving around at least between Malaga, Seville, and Granada as bases in Andalusia. From Seville, you can day trip to Cordoba (as I suggest in this itinerary), as well as to Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, etc. From Malaga, you can day trip to Gibraltar, Nerja and Frigiliana (as a combined day trip), Ronda, etc. Depending on whether you are flying from within Europe or not, you could try to fly into Malaga or Seville. If you need to fly into either Madrid or Barcelona, you can fly into Madrid, spend 1-2 days there, and then train south to Andalusia, coming back via train to Madrid to fly back out.

Hope some of those suggestions help!

Thank you for all the tips Em ! We are considering delaying our Trip for now since we’re seeing so much coverage of tourists not being welcome in Spain and I can respect that. I know i’s not everywhere in Spain but we just need to do some more research. You’re the best !

That’s really awesome of you and your party to consider the opinion of residents when planning your trip!

Whenever you do decide to visit Spain, I know that the main dislike is of AirBnb stays and touristic rentals in general, as opposed to hotel stays, which don’t spill over into the local housing markets around Spain and price locals out of their homes while mostly only pumping money into the hands of a small group. The other issue in cities with reputations for partying is the noise, drunkenness, and trash from tourists partying. Tourists who avoid contributing to those two issues seem, at least to me, to still be happily received.

Happy travels wherever you go!

Hi! Thank you so much for this itinerary! It’s very detailed and will help me with planning for my 9-10 day trip this October. How would you adjust the itinerary given that I am flying in and out of Barcelona? Would you recommend just taking a flight from Seville back to Barcelona? Or other ideas? Thanks!

I’m glad this itinerary has been helpful! And, yep, that’s exactly what I’d suggest to do – a short domestic flight from Seville to Barcelona. (Or from Granada to Barcelona, which is also an option, in case you like those flights better. In that case, you would go from Madrid > Seville > Granada instead of Madrid > Granada > Seville.) 🙂

Hi Travelista, This was quite a good read, & we’re planning our trip on similar lines, just a quick question? We’re a bunch of friends visitng the country during Aug end/Sept 1st week & are planning on visitng Ibiza, how is it to best fit in the above itinerary? We plan on staying for 3 nights in Ibiza, however our overall stay in spain is for 12 days, so if you had to which of the above place would you crop depending on logistics issues? Thanks in advance.

Based on logistics, I would cut out Cordoba, because it sounds like you only need 1 less day, and Cordoba on this itinerary only occupies 1 day. Also, this allows you to keep Madrid and Barcelona as your airports of entry/departure, which is logistically easiest. So I would do something like fly into Barcelona > fly to Ibiza > fly to Granada/Seville > train to Seville/Granada (whichever you didn’t fly into) > train to Madrid > fly out of Madrid OR the exact reverse.

Hi Em, Your itinerary is perfect for the amount of time we have to explore the country. Can I ask if you know anything about trains over the Pyrenees from France? I was hoping to enter Spain by train from Toulouse and wanted to try to line up a trip on the Little Yellow Train as well. However, although it looks possible to go from Toulouse to Latour de Carol by train, then hop on the Little Yellow Train to Villefranch-de- Conflent and then change to a commuter train to Barcelona. I cant actually find any connecting trains. The other problem I’m having is trying to book trains for October 2024, seems to be too far in advance as zero information shows for the dates I enter into the booking system. I’d be very appreciative if you’re able to shed any light on this

I unfortunately don’t know too much about the Pyrenees, though I would love to explore them someday!

As for the train tickets, I usually try to see the furthest out day from today that I am able to view tickets for the journey I want to purchase. That lets me know how far out in advance I can purchase them and also gives me an idea of what might later be available on my travel date. Then, I set an alarm for that number of days out before my travel dates, reminding me to go check tickets, now that they should be available. So if I can see tickets for, let’s say, 60 days out from today, but starting at 61 days out from today, I can’t, I’ll plan to check tickets again 60 days prior to the date I want to travel on.

I hope that makes sense!

Hi! My boyfriend and I were thinking about planning a trip at the end of January 2024. Do you think January is a time that would be worth visiting Spain still? We are planning for 8 or 9 nights. Is there anything you would modify with your itinerary for January?

If you are OK with cold weather, then you can totally do this itinerary in late January without modifying it. The attractions on this itinerary are all cultural and not really nature-based. Barcelona is of course on the coast, which is part of its appeal, but its beach isn’t one I’d particularly recommend going out of your way to swim at, so you’re not loosing anything itinerary-wise. I would just do a google search of “[city name] monthly weather” for each stop on this itinerary and double check you are fine with the avg temps (lows too, for evenings) and avg rainy days.

Wow, this itinerary is so well detailed and thought out. Thank you for taking the time to put all of this together. We are planning a trip to Spain and Portugal towards the end of June. 10 days in Spain and a few days in Portugal. Portugal will either be at the beginning or the end of the trip. We haven’t decided on that yet. We’ve left things a bit late and your itinerary has helped SOOOO much.

Thanks for taking the time to let me know how helpful for you it’s been! I’m glad to know that. 🙂 Portugal + Spain together is a great idea!

Have a nice trip!

Ayie Melendez

Thank you so much for sharing this! I was just wondering what would you suggest if we wanted to squeeze Donostia? We are willing to forego Granada or even Madrid if we have to. We are also look at about 12 days in September and will be flying all the way from Hawaii. Thank you for any insight you can share!

Since my itinerary is 10 days and you have 12, you could just add two days minus the travel time to Donostia. If you need more time there, which I’d probably recommend, I’d recommend having Madrid as first on the chopping block. I am saying this as someone who has voluntarily been living in Madrid for two years now. It’s a very nice city to live in, but I think the other spots on my itinerary offer more touristically. (I would put Cordoba as second on the chopping block.)

So, if removing Madrid, I would recommend something like Barcelona > fly to Donostia > fly to Granada > train to Seville (1 day trip to Cordoba).

That would give you 4 nights in Donostia. If you’re willing to just have 3 nights there, you could squeeze in some Madrid and also make things easier for your flights from the US. You could do Barcelona > fly to Donostia > fly to Grandada > train to Seville (1 day trip to Cordoba) > train to Madrid in the morning before final night in Spain, and fly out of Madrid.

I loved reading your 10 day trip to Spain. We are going in July – we are flying into Madrid and out of Barcelona. So I was thinking of doing it in the order – Madrid, Seville, Granada and then Barcelona. Do you think that works well? Also – any hotel suggestions? we are traveling with two adult children (ages 20 and 24) – will need two room every night. would love suggestions and restaurants too.

Thanks for letting me know you love the itinerary! I’m glad it’s been helpful.

The way I have it laid out in this itinerary (or the exact reverse) is the most ideal in terms of efficiency and not requiring any additional flights, but you can just fly from Granada (or Seville) to Barcelona to make your itinerary work.

I don’t have hotel suggestions, as I tend to just book the most reasonably priced thing that is walking distance to the train station available at the time I am booking, especially since I tend to travel solo. As for restaurants, if you like history and meat, Botin in Madrid is the oldest consecutively running restaurant in the world. It will require reservations in advance online. San Gines in Madrid is accredited with being where churros *con chocolate* was first sold. I didn’t enter El Rinconcillo in Seville and just passed by, but it’s supposed to be the oldest tapas bar in Spain.

I hope some of that helps!

You’re welcome! 🙂

I will finish the Camino Frances on September 15 and spend two nights in Santiago de Compostela. My husband and I are then planning to travel in Spain until our flight out of Madrid on September 25. We love culture, art, history and nature and tend toward smaller towns instead of really big cities. How would you recommend doing your itinerary if we have September 17-25 to see parts of Spain? We can travel via train, bus, plane or car during that time. By the way, I love your information on Spain!

If you don’t prefer really big cities and are fine passing on seeing Barcelona and Madrid, you might consider just doing the Andalusia part of my itinerary, and then adding some more day trips! I always tell people that I don’t understand why this region isn’t the main touristic draw in the country instead of Barcelona and Madrid.

The north of Spain isn’t as well connected on the high speed train network, so I would recommend flying into Seville from there. You can do some day trips from there in addition to the one I recommend in this itinerary to Cordoba. By public transport, you could see Cadiz, and also Jerez de la Frontera which is part of the sherry triangle and home to the famous Tío Pepe bodegas, if sherry tastings interest you. If you rent a car, you could visit a couple of the famous pueblos blancos in a day (I’m sure you could also find a group tour, if you don’t want to rent the car). Then, continue the itinerary through to Granada. If you want to fly out of Madrid, you can take the train there on your final evening.

There is also the option to add on Malaga instead of Cadiz/Jerez. I haven’t been because the timing’s not worked out for me yet, but it’s high on my list! In that case, you could then also fly into Malaga. You could do a pueblos blancos day trip from there, too (Ronda + Sentenil de las Bodegas is a popular one you can book as a group tour). You could also day trip to Nerja and Frigiliana, or do the Caminito del Rey hike. Then, from Malaga, you can take the train to Granada and follow the rest of my itinerary from that point on. OR do the exact reverse (start in Seville and end in Malaga). You can fly out of Seville/Malaga with a likely connection in MAD or BCN, or train to Madrid on your final evening for a flight out of MAD the next morn.

I hope some of those ideas help! September is a great time to visit Spain, and I know you’ll have a great time!

Such an excellent, detailed guide!! I’m wondering if you have a suggestions for accommodations while in each of these locations? Specific hotels would be welcome or even suggestions for good locations within each city. Thanks so much!!

Hi Kristin,

Thanks for letting me know that you like my guide!

I unfortunately don’t have specific recommendations, but I can add that to my to-do list and let you know when the post is live, if your trip isn’t for some time. Otherwise, I can say that I usually use Booking.com to search, because I like that their interface allows you to filter criteria and then move to a map view, which allows me to see where the accommodation is relative to the train and attractions. I’m not currently affiliated with Booking.com.

As far as location, it’ll depend on if you’re prioritizing walkability from the train stations, or if you plan to take cabs/the metro to reach your accommodation once arriving in the city via train to get to the trendiest area, or most historical area, or most upscale area, or whatever your preference would be. For Madrid, where I currently live, you don’t lose much by booking near Atocha station, because it’s just on the border of the city center, and the center is quite compact. In the other cities on this itinerary, there’s a bit more walking distance between the stations and the center, so you’ll have to decide if you prefer to be close to the train or in the historical center, or the trendy neighborhood, etc.

Sorry to not be of more help!!

Hello!! I’m looking to book a 10-day trip to Barcelona for my parents and I (I am 24, my parents are in their 60s) in July. I read online, as well as your other comments, that some parts of Spain are unbearably hot in July, do you think that includes Barcelona? Which parts should we stick to that time of year? Perhaps 10 days would be too long if we can only really enjoy Barcelona at that time? I would greatly appreciate any insights.

I’ve never visited Barcelona in summer, just in spring and winter. But due to it being on the coast, I think it should be the only stop in my 10 itinerary that will be hot but bearable! And based off Barcelona’s recorded temps from last July , that seems to have been the case last year.

If you want to stick within Spain, you could add more stops along the Costa Brava. There are day trip-able places, like Stiges, Tarragona, etc. or you could stay overnight in a place like Tossa de Mar, Cadaqués, etc. They could also fly to the Balearic islands or the north of Spain, if they are willing to leave the greater Barcelona area.

I hope some of those suggestions help!

I am in my early 20s and going to Spain/Europe for the first time. I am going for 11 days in late May.

We are wanting a balance of nice beach days and cool architect and cultural sightseeing. I really like your 10 day plan but want to add more beach days. Do you recommend any specific beaches off of Seville and Granada? Also would you say it is worth it to go out to the Baleric Islands as first timers? Or are the beaches on the mainland comparable?

Thank you in advance! Jay

I haven’t been to any Spanish islands yet (the train system on the mainland is just so convenient! A car rental seems necessary to get to the best beaches on the islands), but from what I’ve experienced on the mainland coast and what I see online of the Balearic Islands, I think you will find more large sand beaches on the mainland, but not as many of those cliff/stone beaches you see in pictures of the islands. From Seville, you could day trip to Cadiz (or other beach towns), and Barcelona has some day-trip-able beach towns too, like Stiges.

I’ve of course made this itinerary with what I think are the best things to visit in Spain, but if your interests are different, you can definitely fly to an island instead of seeing everything I suggest. 🙂

Hope that helps! You’re going to love your trip!

I’m planning a trip for my mom and I (34 and 62) in Sept or October of 2024. We’ll only have about 8 days and we want to do some relaxing on a beach/tropical location while we are there. How do you recommend we tweak your itinerary?

Barcelona is the only place on this itinerary that is on the coast. But the city beaches aren’t too special in my opinion. Maybe you could just focus on Madrid and Barcelona for the 8 days, and take day trips from each (Toledo, Segovia , and/or Avila from Madrid, and some nicer beach towns like Stiges from Barcelona).

Hello, thanks for all the detailed information! I just wanted to clear up how I would switch it around if I was starting and leaving from Barcelona instead. Thanks! ☺️

I’m glad you’ve found the information helpful!

You can follow this itinerary and then take a domestic flight from Seville to Barcelona at the end. 🙂

First time to Spain in mid june. We’re cuban Americans and our parents & grandparents were born in spain. we have 10 days Starting in Madrid for 3 days of business then 7 days of vacation. what do you recommend for first timers? Father & daughter trip. We’re in our early 40s & 60s we love art, architecture & nature.

How cool to be visiting your family’s homeland for the first time soon! 🙂

Will you be returning to Spain in the future? If so, I’d consider using the 7 days to do a day trip or two from Madrid (Toledo, Avila , or Segovia ) and then visit Granada, Seville, and Cordoba via train (basically this itinerary from Madrid onwards). And save Barcelona for a return trip to Spain. I say that because Barcelona only connects conveniently to Madrid via train. So you would need to take a domestic flight or double-back through Madrid to see anything else besides Barcelona and Madrid.

The other option would be to just stick to Madrid and Barcelona as bases and do day trips from there. So 2 – 3 days as day trips to Toledo, Avila , and/or Segovia . And then the remaining 4 – 5 days for Barcelona and a day trip or two from there (maybe Montserrat, Stiges, or Girona).

You will get fine art museums in Madrid and Seville. You have the Picasso museum in Barcelona, and all the Gaudi architecture around the city. You will have really amazing Moorish architecture in Andalusia. And you will have nice medieval architecture in the 3 day trip options from Madrid. Granada is at the seat of a mountain range. Barcelona is on the coast. Montserrat is in cool-shaped mountains and you take a funicular to get up. But I wouldn’t really rank any of the locations particularly high for nature seekers.

Hi, thank you so much for sharing your detailed itinerary, it’s super helpful.

We are going to have the first part of our trip in Ireland (October). Considering flying into Seville from Dublin, and then following your itinerary in reverse from there. We’d love to stay in an agriturismo at some point in Spain. Any ideas where that could fit in?

We will be flying back home to Australia from Barcelona.

Thanks so much!

Hi Veronica,

I’m glad this itinerary has been super helpful for you!

I haven’t done agriturismo, but from what I’ve learned about Spain while living here, it seems like a lot of agriculture is in Andalusia. So just off of that, I would think you might want to squeeze it in from either Seville or Granada (both in Andalusia)?

Sorry to not be of more concrete help!!

That really helps, thank you for the tip!

Hi, I have 10 days in spain. Would it easier if i drive for the 10 days? I would need to get back to barcelona on the last day of my drive for my flight out?

You can typically drop off your rental car in a different city than you picked it up, usually for an additional fee.

However, if you are seeing the spots I’ve listed on this itinerary, the train is going to save you several hours. Spain’s trains are very fast and cover what would be 6 hours in the car in under 3 hours, for example.

If you want, you can rent a car for day trips (for example the pueblos blancos in Andalusia, or driving around a particular coast). But if you are sticking to the mains spots (the spots on this itinerary), the train is best in my opinion.

Hi Em! Thank you for sharing all of this insight. Can you elaborate on what the day to day temperature might be for June, July, August? I hear you saying unbearable; can you share the actual temperature/ avg temp for those months. Thank you ☺️

Hi Jennifer,

You can Google the monthly average by month by city (just type “Madrid monthly weather”) and you will get the average high and low by month. However, in the few summers I’ve spent in Spain so far, the temperature has surpassed what I see online as the average (I assume because it’s recently getting worse).

But just to give you an idea of last summer, which I spent entirely in Madrid, the first half of June in Madrid was pouring, so not hot but also not nice lol. From there it was about 100-104 F degrees half the time and 94-100 F the other half until early September, with a day of 89-92 F sprinkled in once in greeeat while. The thing about Spain though is that the hottest part of the day is around 6 pm. So it feels like that “high” temperature all day, because in the late morning, the temp is not yet at its peak, but the sun is, so it makes it “feel like” the peak temp for that day already. Then, as the sun sets, you no longer have the heat from the BUT but now the temp itself has actually hit its peak. So you’re feeling that “high” temp for a good 9–10 hours straight. (Unlike where I am from, where a forecast of 100F would mean about 4-5 hours around that peak temp around 11am – 2pm). I hope I make sense lol.

I’ve never spent the summer in the south (and never plan to), but I hear it’s worse there if not on the coast.

Muhammad Amin

Good Evening, Hope you will enjoy your good days, I am from Pakistan, interested to visit Spain in the month of September 2024 or October 2024, I need an itinerary for submitting in embassy with my Visa application. Thank you

Hi Muhammad!

How long does your itinerary need to be, and what details does it need to include?

Thank you so much for such an amazing detailed itinerary, it’s my family’s first time going and I’m super stressed about the travel plans. What is your opinion on doing Barcelona > Valencia > Seville > Granada? then last day taking a train back to Barcelona from Seville ? we found a good flight round trip from Barcelona to ewr to we are trying to leave from BCN.

I’m glad you like the itinerary!

The reason I have the itinerary laid out the way it is is due to the high-speed train routes between the cities. It will take 4.5 hours minimum by train from Valencia to Seville, and you’ll detour through Madrid rather than going in a straight line from point A to point B. And the same is true of the train between Barcelona and Seville; it’s 5.5 hours minimum and goes through Madrid. If you are OK with those travel times, then you can definitely do the itinerary you’ve laid out!

Hi! We are going 8 nights in/out of Barcelona in April. I saw that you recommend skipping madrid if only one week in Spain. Any suggestions? Two adult travelers one has visited Barcelona a long time ago!

If Madrid piques your interest, by all means follow my itinerary through there and just cut out two days from what interests you least in the rest of the itinerary! 🙂

Just for me personally, who has been living in Madrid for 2 years now by choice (so I definitely like the city!), Madrid doesn’t offer things as touristically impressive as the 3 cities in Andalusia do. And that statement about skipping Madrid if you only have one week is more directed at people who might only be making one trip to mainland Spain in their lifetimes and trying to see the best of the best in that one week. But if you’ve already been and might return, you can just see Barcelona, Madrid, and do day trips from both on this trip, and then visit Andalusia on its own in the future (it definitely has more than enough to see!).

Madrid is the transfer point that connects Barcelona to Andalusia via train in my 10 day itinerary. So to do my 10 day itinerary in 8 days by removing Madrid, you’d need to take a domestic flight from Barcelona to Granada, then train to Sevilla like in my itinerary, and then a domestic flight back to Barcelona from Seville at the end (also already baked into my itinerary. That would be my suggestion if you were wanting to see as much of my 10 day itinerary with two less days.

Hello! Such a helpful itinerary! My husband and I are looking to visit in September. Do you have any advice on luggage? If traveling in the morning, do you just leave the luggage at hotels before check in ? What other options do we have?

Hi Eugenia,

I’m glad my itinerary is helpful!

Yes, I just leave my luggage with reception if I arrive earlier than check-in time, which I usually do. If I’m not leaving til the afternoon, I leave my luggage with reception after I check-out. This is pretty common in hotels and hostels, but I would double check with airbnbs or anything similar.

Other options include luggage storage. You can google “luggage storage [insert city name here]” and see what options you like. They tend to be around (or even inside) train stations.

Hello, I want to make sure I understand this itinerary. Am I sleeping in Barcelona 2 nights, Madrid and Granada 1 night each and Seville 2 nights?

You’re sleeping 3 nights in Barcelona, 2 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in Granada, and 3 nights in Sevilla. So 10 nights total.

Hope that clears it up!

This is great information! We are planning a November 4-12 stay in Spain and would love your input on how to tackle or modify our plans. I have been before, but my husband and adult daughter have not. We would fly into Madrid from the US and were thinking of visiting Barcelona, Segovia, possibly Toledo, and Seville. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Hi Melissa,

I’m glad the post is helpful!

Is your flight roundtrip from Madrid? If so, I would suggest something like:

Madrid (3-4 days: 1-2 days Madrid, 1 day Segovia day trip, 1 day Toledo day trip) > train to Barcelona (2-3 days)/Seville (2 days) > flight to Seville (2 days)/Barcelona (2-3 days) > train to Madrid for flight

If your flight isn’t round trip and you can fly out of Barcelona, I would suggest something like:

Madrid (3-4 days: 1-2 days Madrid, 1 day Segovia day trip, 1 day Toledo day trip) > train to Seville (2 days) > flight to Barcelona (2-3 days)

There are tour groups to Toledo and Segovia individually, or you can DIY your own day trip to Toledo by train and day trip to Segovia by bus . But if you end up short on time in the itinerary and don’t mind rushing through the two places, there are options to combine both into one tour group day trip. You can purchase the tours in person in Madrid. There are lots of kiosks all over the center that advertise them for the same price.

I hope that helps and that you love Spain!!

I loved reading this. I used to live in Spain about 20 years ago and am going back with my family for the first time. I have a question if you don’t mind helping me. I’m planning a 11 day trip to Spain early July with the family (including 3 boys ages 5-14). I am arriving in Madrid where we stay for 5 nights. I need help planning the remaining days. We definitely want to go by the water for at least a few days. I was thinking of doing Sevilla then Marbella/malaga. But now I think Sevilla will be too hot and need advice for different cities. I’d like to stay in the south. We love happening cities with nightlife, restaurant scene, (water) activities for kids, shopping (if possible), etc. Maybe a total of 3-4 cities for the 11 days, with Madrid being the first 5 nights. Any advice would be appreciated. I have been to Marbella about 20 years ago and loved it. Not sure what it’s like now. And not looking to going to the islands. Thank you.

I’m glad that my post was enjoyable to read! 🙂 And that you’re going to be able to go back to Spain after such a long time! I’m sure it will have changed a lot.

Seville will be unbearable in July, so good call on removing that. Even Madrid is very uncomfortable in summer (I hear it’s been getting worse over the years, so maybe it was more bearable back when you lived in Spain. But I can attest personally that last July was horrible lol), so do come prepared for that (hats, sunscreen, clothes, water spray bottles, etc.).

These might not be considered south, but they are on the Mediterranean coast, so you might consider Valencia and Alicante. Valencia is the 3rd largest city in Spain, so no shortage of nightlife there. And I haven’t been to Alicante yet (I’m going in a few days!), but it’s also in the community of Valencia and is the 8th largest metropolitan area in Spain. There are a lot of nice beach towns between the two cities, so you could do a lot of nice day trips to nice beaches. Valencia has an aquarium that people seem to like (I didn’t enter), so the kids might like that.

I haven’t been to the Malaga area yet, but there is the day trip of Nerja (on the coast) from there, and Marbella is not too far either, as you know.

Cádiz might potentially also fit the bill as one of your cities. It’s in Andalusia, on the coast, and is a fan favorite. It’s also day-trip distance from Seville, so if there’s a random day where the weather is bearable for some strange reason, you could go up for a day from there. It might not have nightlife in the way that large cities do (I only went on a day trip, so I can’t say), but I find that almost any place in Spain has people out and about at night. I find that to be even more true in summer, because the middle of the day is so hot that many people hide lol (*raises hand*).

There’s a 3.5 hour Avanzabus between Cádiz Station and Marbella. So assuming no car rental, an itinerary with all the above could look something like:

Madrid > train to Valencia > bus to Alicante > fly to Cadiz > bus to Marbella > train to Malaga > train back to Madrid

or excluding Cadiz, it could be:

Madrid > train to Valencia > bus to Alicante > fly to Malaga (day trip to Marbella one day) > train back to Madrid

Valencia and Alicante both have airports, so either one can be excluded, if you just want to use one as the base while in the community of Valencia. And you could also do the exact reverse directions of what I’ve outlined above, too.

I hope some of that helps, at least as a jumping off point!! Let me know what you think. 🙂

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Segovia Day Trip from Madrid: One Day Itinerary

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The ultimate 10 day spain itinerary.

I’ve got to say, I’m very excited that you’ve clicked to read this article about the best 10 day travel itinerary for Spain because it probably means you’ve booked, or are about to book, a seriously brilliant holiday!

Yes, when it comes to amazing trips that cover a lot of different landscapes – from historic cities to glorious coastline, soaring mountains to cute traditional villages – and wrap them all up in one culturally vibrant, culinary wonderful package that is super easy to get to and super safe to travel (wow this is a long sentence!), it’s hard to beat Spain!

Yes one of my favourite countries to visit in Europe (I’d probably live there if it wasn’t for Brexit tbh), Spain is also a treat for your wallet because, despite being in Western Europe it costs a fraction of the price that it does to adventure in France, the UK or any of the Scandinavian countries.

Hoorah for travellers everywhere looking for a bargain!

So if I’ve wet your wanderlust appetite for a slice of Espagne, then read on – I’m about to share with you the best possible 10 day itinerary for travelling in this fab country, which will have you seeing the best of it and (v. likely) wanting more… not problem FYI, you can always just book another trip!

And if you’d rather take the stress out of organising your trip to Spain, and instead take a 10 day tour of this country, then check out these fantastic, well-priced options which really do showcase the best of this country…

Related Posts

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Day 1-2: Barcelona

I think a great place to kick off your 10 day Spain itinerary is one of the country’s iconic cities.

First off, with a large international airport, it’s really easy to get there.

Second of all, if you haven’t been to Barcelona before, you simply must!

Situated in the fiercely independent Catalonia region in the northeast of the country, Barcelona is a must-visit destination for culture vultures, arty types, foodies, history lovers, beach go-ers, hikers… ok just about any type of traveller there is!

And that’s mostly down to the wealth of different attractions this city has, both within in its central part, as well as in the area around it.

With only 2 days in the city, you probably won’t have time to fit it all in however, so my suggestion is to spend one full day exploring the city and its highlights – including Las Ramblas, the historic Gothic Quarter, the Santa Caterina Market , Sagrada de Familia and Parc Guell.

With only one day here to get round all the sights, I suggest buying skip-the-line tickets if you can – get yours for the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell by clicking the links – and check out this post I wrote about how to spend the best 1 day in Barcelona for more info.

And on your second day here, I either recommend exploring other parts of the city you didn’t see on day 1 – such as the Poble Sec and Paral.lel barrios in Montjuïc – or taking a day trip out of Barcelona, perhaps to the beach, perhaps to the famous Monastery at Montserrat or perhaps to the former spot Salvador Dali called home – Figueras .

All these day trips offer a good dollop of culture and natural beauty and, if you head to Montserrat, a splash of hiking thrown in too!

Finally, bed down at one of these great Barcelona accommodation options and try to get a good night’s sleep – you’ll need to be ready for an early start on the morning of day 3!

Day 3-4: Valencia

And that’s because we’re now off to the next destination on your 10 day Spain itinerary and that is the wonderful city of Valencia!

I’ve chosen Valencia as the next spot for 2 reasons – firstly it’s easy to get to from Barcelona, with direct and regular trains running between the 2 cities in around 3 hours.

Secondly, after the crowds and tourist hype of Barcelona, you’re likely to be ready for a quieter more lowkey, local city and Valencia is just the chestnut!

Situated on Spain’s east coast, Valencia is calmer than Barcelona in terms of visitor numbers, but that doesn’t mean it lacks vibrancy and appeal.

On the contrary, Valencia is one of my favourite cities in Spain and a must for your 10 day itinerary here in my opinion.

Don’t miss the amazing architecture of this city (it’s pretty hard to, to be fair!) which combines traditional buildings with some striking modern pieces that really showcase what an exciting, progressive city Valencia is.

Taking a city tour like this bike option , or this Segway slice of fun , is a great way to get to grips with the city and to learn more about its history and culture.

Top of the list of attractions is the City of Arts and Sciences – a museum hub with some incredible structures to marvel at and fantastic exhibitions to visit within the planetarium and the oceanarium in particular.

Don’t miss the beaches of Valencia either – they are a great spot if you want a day to chill after all the city sightseeing, and the nearby Albufera Park boasts some lovely walking trails too.

Finally, you absolutely have to sample some delicious paella in Valencia – this city is rumoured to be the home of the famous Spanish dish.

Lastly, bed down in one of these great Valencia accommodation options .

Day 5: Madrid

What, only one day for the capital I hear you cry!

Yes I know, it’s controversial, but seriously if you’re only spending 10 days in Spain and you want to see a lot of the country, then there’s a heck of a lot to get through and although Madrid is a fab city, it’s not as amazing as many of the others on the list in my opinion – eek!

Plus it’s actually pretty small for a capital.

Which is why I’m allocating it just one day – sorry Madrid!

My tip is therefore to leave Valencia as early as possible on the 5th day of your 10 day itinerary in Spain so that you arrive into the capital by lunchtime – direct, regular trains taking about 2 hours make this pretty easy.

Then find your accommodation (check out these options ), drop your bags (you probs won’t be able to check in yet) and head out to explore the highlights of Madrid including Retiro Park (for the botanic gardens and the Palacio de Cristal), the Prado Museum (book your skip-the-line tickets here to save time) and the Royal Place (again I recommend booking skip-the-line tickets here ).

Then head to the west of the city to visit the Mercado de la Cebada, Mercado de San Miguel, the main square of Plaza Major and the Cathedral de la Almudena if you have time; otherwise head for drinks and food either in the hip Lavapies district or else opt for something more classic in the Malasana district.

If you can extend your Spain itinerary by an extra day, then check out this great 2 day itinerary for Madrid I created.

Day 6-7: Seville

Next on this 10 day Spain itinerary it’s time to head south and to my favourite region of Andalusia, where I suggest you spend the rest of your time in this country.

With North Africa just a hop, skip and jump across the sea here, evidence is everywhere of the fact this part of Spain used to be ruled by Moorish leaders and the weather in this region is some of the hottest and sunniest in Europe.

Needless to say, I love Andalusia and one of my fav spots is the regional capital of Seville.

A major transport hub, you can reach Seville from Madrid easily by train in under 3 hours, which should give you plenty of time to explore the city with the remainder of day 6.

An elegant and proud Spanish city, the centre here is full of historical and architectural icons and you should be able to tick most off your list with 2 days here.

Don’t miss the huge Cathedral here (it’s one of the largest in Europe), the Giralda Tower, the Triana District (which is the other side of the river from the city centre) or the modern architectural wonder that is the Setas de Sevilla .

For more ideas about what to do in Seville, as well as where to eat and drink, check out my list of the top 19 things to do in this city , which includes some seriously handy travel tips too.

Round off your time in Seville at a flamenco show. The famous Spanish dance is rumoured to have originated in this city, which makes catching a show here a key part of your Spanish itinerary.

This top-rated flamenco option is an awesome one to go for before you head back to your great Seville accommodation pick.

Day 8-9: Granada

But the sightseeing doesn’t end there, because I’ve got yet another gem for you on this Spanish tour de force and that is, of course, the one and only Granada!

Also situated within the region of Andalusia, you can reach Granada from Seville using train or bus, and I highly recommend using Trainline to compare journey times and prices for this trip (as well as all your other journeys across Spain too).

Once in Granada, drop your bags at your accommodation (check out these top choices ) and then head out to enjoy the city.

The centre here is pretty compact and easy to navigate on foot, so this should prove to be a leisurely afternoon.

Don’t miss the Cathedral, or heading up to one of the great lookouts in the Albaicín neighbourhood for sunset where you can also enjoy the beautiful whitewashed buildings of this historic area – discover my top 10 things to do in Granada for more ideas.

Finish off your first night in Granada by eating as much tapas as you can!

Granada is meant to be the home of tapas and it’s crazy cheap here (think often free if you buy a beer!)

To learn more about the culinary traditions of this city, check out this great Granada food tour , which is sure to wet your appetite.

And then, on your second day in the city, it’s time to visit the UNESCO-gem this city is most famous for, yes it’s the mighty Alhambra.

Towering over the city, I’ve written a whole article about how to get the best from your visit to this top Spanish icon, as well as the best type of tickets to buy and how to buy them, so check that out here .

Otherwise, it pays to know, that you probably want to leave a whole day to explore the palaces and gardens of this Moorish treasure, which means that’s day 9 pretty much taken care of!

Day 10: Malaga

And finally, it’s the 10 th and last day of your great Spanish itinerary… and what better way to finish your trip than at the coast?!

Easily accessible from Granada by bus in just a few hours – book your coach via Trainline here – Malaga is a charming city, which many dismiss because of its location on the infamous “brits abroad” Costa Del Sol.

But dismiss this spot at your peril, because Malaga is actually a very authentic and charming city full of historical treasures and local culture, as well as great food and a young, vibrant population – here’s my list of the best 15 things to do there .

If you have time, then I’d check out the historic quarter first – including the still unfinished Cathedral, as well as the Picasso Museum – before heading to the beach to swim in the sea, eat freshly grilled sardines, relax and enjoy the sunset with a beer.

You’re on holiday after all!

And then sadly, it’s time to leave Spain, but thankfully Malaga has a good international airport, which is another reason I chose to finish this itinerary here.

Simply book your flights out of this city safe in the knowledge you’ve rounded off your 10 day Spain itinerary in style!

More Time on Your Spain Itinerary?

If you have more than 10 days to explore Spain, first up lucky you!

And second of all why not head to some of these other fantastic parts of the country…

• San Sebastian

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Mini Travel Guide to Spain

How to Get to Spain?

If you’re coming from an international destination, particularly one further away, it’s likely you’ll be flying into Spain.

The country has many international airports, but for the sake of this itinerary, the best to fly into will be Barcelona.

As always, I suggest Skyscanner for bagging the best flight deals.

Otherwise, you can also use buses or trains to travel to Spain from nearby countries easily, including France, Portugal and Italy.

In the long run, coach or rail travel may prove more cost-effective for getting to Spain and will certainly be better for your carbon footprint.

I highly recommend Trainline for booking train and bus journeys to Spain, as they make it easy, quick and simple to compare hundreds of rail and coach journeys to the country from across Western Europe.

When to Visit Spain?

No question in my mind that the best time to visit Spain is during the months of April through June, plus September and October.

This is when the warm weather will allow you to take full advantage of the country’s beauty at its best, but you won’t be wilting in the summer heat, which regularly sees temperatures in parts rising to 40+ degrees.

I’ve visited Spain across all these recommended months and found the climate ideal for sightseeing as well as hitting the beach!

5 Packing Essentials for Spain

• UV sunglasses
• Trail shoes for walking
• Natural 30 SPF sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Sony A6400 camera

Travel Insurance for Spain

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money for Spain

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, I always travel to Spain with my Wise card.

It works just like a debit card… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here .

Where Travel After Spain?

If you still have time for more travelling after Spain (and lucky you if so!), then you may want to head to France, Portugal or Italy – all top destinations within western Europe that can easily be reached from Spain by driving, train or a short flight.

Check out these articles for some inspiration…

• Ultimate Guide to Visiting France’s Alsace Wine Route
• Ideal 7 Day Itinerary for Puglia, Italy
• Top 21 Things to Do in Lisbon

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it folks, my ultimate guide to seeing Spain in 10 days.

I hope I’ve inspired you to believe that even a short trip to this country really can make for a wonderful adventure.

Do you have a fave Spain destination that didn’t make the list?

Just drop it into the comments below if so – I’d love to hear them…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ The Ultimate 10 Day Spain Itinerary ”

This looks very doable. Planning to visit Spain in the coming year and will definitely bookmark this

Fantastic Seema, great to hear this and hope you have a fantastic trip. Best wishes and happy travel planning, Steph 🙂

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Home > Itineraries > 10 Day Southern Spain

10 Day Southern Spain Itinerary

Expert guides, luxury vehicles, your 10 day tour of the south of spain.

Unveil the enchanting allure of Southern Spain as you embark on an extraordinary 10-day itinerary.

Experience the intoxicating fusion of cultures in cities like Sevilla, Granada, and Málaga, where Arabic, Christian, and Jewish influences blend seamlessly. Traverse the winding streets of ancient Moorish quarters, gaze upon the awe-inspiring architecture of colossal cathedrals, and savor the tastes of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine.

This 10-day journey through Southern Spain promises the perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and epicurean delights. So pack your bags and prepare to embark on a captivating journey that you’ll cherish forever.

Day 1: Málaga - The Melting Pot of Flavours

Your southern Spain adventure commences the moment you step off the plane at Pablo Picasso Airport. A friendly driver awaits your arrival post-customs, ready to transport you comfortably to your hotel in Málaga’s quaint Old Town.

Once you’ve had the chance to freshen up, your local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to embark on a culinary journey unlike any other – a traditional Spanish Tapas Tour. This cultural culinary expedition follows the local pre-dinner tapas ritual, traversing the bustling Larios Street into the heart of the city’s vibrant open-air market.

As you navigate this local gastronomic haven, witness the diversity of regional cheeses, fresh produce, crusty breads, and aromatic wines. Observe the unique Spanish presentation of fish and meats, a visual feast as tantalizing as the flavors they hold. As your guide unravels the secrets of essential ingredients behind iconic Spanish dishes such as paella and migas, you’ll gain insider knowledge of the culinary traditions of this vibrant region.

Next, step into the warm, nostalgic ambiance of the city’s oldest tavern. Here, a smorgasbord of fresh seafood awaits your palate. As you continue your journey, move deeper into the Old Town, a historical stage set for the fusion of modern and traditional tapas and ‘raciones’ – larger portions of classic Spanish dishes. Each bite introduces you to an array of local gourmet food, taking your taste buds on a journey through the rich and diverse culinary history of Málaga.

This gastronomic adventure not only satiates your appetite but also quenches your thirst for culture. As you indulge in the local fare, you’ll find yourself wandering past a tapestry of Málaga’s historical treasures – the ancient Roman Theater, the fortified palaces of Alcazaba, the humble birthplace of Picasso, and the towering majesty of the Cathedral. This blend of cuisine and culture offers a holistic introduction to the vibrancy of Málaga, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Granada - Echoes of the Last Arabic Kingdom

Your second day commences as you rendezvous with your driver in the hotel lobby, ready to embark on an eastward journey to the historically rich city of Granada. As the last stronghold of Arabic power in Spain until 1492, Granada is a living testament to a bygone era that blends the nuances of Arabic and Spanish cultures.

Upon arrival, you’ll deposit your luggage at the hotel before meeting your guide at the grand entrance of the Alhambra. This architectural marvel, often referred to as the 11th Wonder of the World, offers a captivating journey back through 900 years of history.

Prepare to be swept off your feet as you explore the expansive grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will lead you through the tranquil Gardens of Paradise, a verdant oasis echoing with the gentle whispers of its past. Next, the imposing Alcazaba Fortress will hold your gaze, its formidable walls and towers testament to the strategic importance of Granada during the reign of the Nasrid Dynasty.

The tour continues to the renowned Nasrid Palaces, the heart and soul of the Alhambra. These palaces, known for their intricate design and ethereal beauty, were the home of kings, a testament to a period when art, science, and culture flourished.

Post the palace visit, the afternoon presents the opportunity for some leisure time in the old town of Granada. Traverse the labyrinthine alleys, browse through traditional bazaars, or simply soak in the ambiance of this ancient city.

As the day turns into evening, your driver will transport you to the vibrant district of Sacromonte, situated on the outskirts of Granada. Here, you’ll be treated to an authentic Flamenco performance. Revel in the electrifying rhythms of guitar strumming, soulful singing, and passionate dancing, a cultural experience that promises to be the perfect crescendo to your day. While immersing yourself in the mesmerizing art form, enjoy a local dinner, capping off a day filled with historical exploration and cultural immersion.

DAY 3: Free Day

Day 4: córdoba - a sojourn through a historic-cultural melting pot.

The fourth day of your Spanish adventure begins as you meet your driver in the hotel lobby for the picturesque drive to Córdoba, an ancient city renowned for its rich tapestry of cultural and religious influences.

Once in Córdoba, your guide awaits you at the entrance to the grand Mezquita-Catedral, a striking testament to the city’s eclectic architectural heritage. This splendid edifice, originally a mosque and later converted into a cathedral following the Reconquest in 1236, represents an intriguing fusion of Moorish and Christian design elements. As you step into its hallowed interiors, listen to the fascinating tales narrated by your guide about the sultans and commoners who jointly contributed to the creation of this unique monument.

The tour continues through the narrow, winding lanes of the Arab Quarter. Although less well-known than the Jewish Quarter, the Arab Quarter is equally enchanting with its quaint, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant, red gardenias. This area provides a genuine window into the city’s Moorish past.

After exploring, take a leisurely break to savor a local lunch. Perhaps sample some of Córdoba’s culinary delights, such as ‘salmorejo,’ a thick tomato soup, or ‘flamenquín,’ breaded pork rolled with ham.

Post-lunch, check into your hotel before walking to the traditional Hammam Al Ándalus. Here, immerse yourself in the rejuvenating Arabic bath ritual. This centuries-old practice, inspired by the Roman tradition of thermal baths and adopted by the Arabs, allows you to experience the ultimate in relaxation. Bask in the warm, tranquil waters, allowing the day’s explorations to melt away under the hammam’s enchanting, starlit ceiling.

Day 5: Sevilla - Olive Groves, Ancient Fortresses, & River Cruises

Welcome to the fifth day of your Spanish exploration, where we will navigate west towards Sevilla, the city where the treasures of the New World flowed in. As we journey through the heart of Andalusia, gaze out at the endless expanses of olive groves, the very lifelines of this region.

Arriving in Sevilla, check into your centrally located hotel. Soon after, your local guide will greet you for an immersive walking tour of this captivating city. Your explorations start from the imposing city walls that stand as silent protectors of Sevilla’s historical treasures.

From there, walk through the lush greenery of the Murillo Gardens, a haven of tranquility in the heart of the city. Enjoy several halts in the enchanting Barrio Santa Cruz, the city’s old Jewish Quarter. This district, with its labyrinth of narrow alleyways, old whitewashed houses, and secret plazas, exudes a charm that’s hard to resist.

Soon you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Alcázar, a splendid Moorish fortress now a royal palace. Just a stone’s throw away, marvel at the grandeur of the Sevilla Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Don’t miss the Giralda, the city’s iconic minaret-turned-bell tower, soaring into the sky with its intricate design and commanding view of the city.

The final stop of the day is the Torre del Oro, or the “Tower of Gold,” located on the bank of the Guadalquivir River. Here, embark on a leisurely cruise along the river, which has played an instrumental role in shaping the history of southern Spain. As you glide along the water, take in the sights of Sevilla from a unique perspective and reflect on the day’s journey into the past of this incredible city.

Day 6: Jerez de la Frontera - A Gastronomic Delight in Andalucía

Prepare for a flavorful day six as we delve into the culinary heart of Southern Spain in the charming town of Jerez de la Frontera. Gather in your hotel lobby to meet your driver, who will whisk you away to this gastronomic paradise.

The day commences at the Alcázar, a magnificent Moorish fortress in the old town, where you’ll meet your local guide. Embark on your culinary adventure as you step into the buzzing local fresh and fish market. Immerse yourself in the riot of colors, aromas, and lively chatter as you and your guide hand-pick the freshest ingredients for your cooking lesson later in the day.

From the market, continue your journey through the atmospheric Jewish Quarters and into the city center, navigating the labyrinthine streets to reach the esteemed Bodegas Díez Mérito. Here, discover the art of making the town’s famous sherry and indulge in a tasting session. Select a vintage that suits your palate to accompany your meal.

Next, your guide will lead you to a traditional Andalusian home situated in the heart of the town. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the locals as you’re welcomed into a typical Spanish kitchen. Under the guidance of a professional chef, learn the secrets of creating delectable Andalusian dishes.

The highlight of your day comes as you finally sit down to savor the fruits of your labor. Delight in a three-course meal you’ve helped prepare, perfectly paired with the local wine you selected earlier. Revel in the rich flavors of Southern Spain before bidding farewell to Jerez de la Frontera and returning to Sevilla in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Day 7: White Villages and Ronda - A Journey into the Heart of Andalusian Tradition

Start your day by meeting your driver in the hotel lobby for a journey south from Sevilla, carving a path through the rugged Spanish mountainscape. Today, we’ll delve into the heartland of Andalucía, exploring quaint white villages where time seems to have stood still.

Our first halt is the picturesque village of Arcos de la Frontera. Perched atop a rocky limestone ridge, this charming town bears the scars and stories of past battles between Moors and Christians. You’ll roam its narrow, winding streets, soaking in centuries of history etched into the ancient stone.

Next on our itinerary is Zahara de la Sierra, the birthplace of Arab noblemen, conquistadors, and bandits. Explore its vibrant botanical gardens and steep, narrow streets that meander uphill before heading to an olive mill for an informative tour and tasting session. Delight in the robust flavor of freshly pressed olive oil, a staple of the local cuisine.

Continuing our journey, we reach Grazalema, a village tucked away within a sprawling natural park. Embrace the serene beauty of its surroundings as you embark on an easy, relaxing hike along a babbling stream. After working up an appetite, savor a leisurely lunch in this tranquil setting.

Post-lunch, your driver escorts you to the historic town of Ronda, renowned as the birthplace of bullfighting. Step into the sand-filled ring and experience the thrill of being a matador. Later, you’ll cross the iconic New Bridge, a stone marvel perched over a dizzying gorge, dividing Ronda into its Old and New Quarters.

Once across the bridge, your guide continues the journey down the cobblestone streets, leading you to the Collegiate Church and Don Bosco’s Medieval Palace. Admire the architectural elegance of these historic structures before bidding adieu to a day steeped in Andalusian tradition and natural beauty.

Day 8: Sailing the Mediterranean - An Excursion on the Azure Waves

Begin your day with a rendezvous with your driver in the hotel lobby. Today, we chart a course for the glamorous seaside town of Marbella, located at the foot of the majestic Sierra Blanca mountains. En route, we pause at the vibrant port of Estepona. Here, your captain eagerly awaits to welcome you aboard our plush Bénéteau Oceanis 351 sailing yacht.

As the yacht cuts through the serene, crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, prepare for a day filled with exhilarating experiences. Watch out for playful dolphins, engage in thrilling deep-sea paddle surf, or immerse yourself in the underwater world with a snorkeling adventure. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, just dive into the Mediterranean for a refreshing swim. To keep you energized, we’ve arranged a selection of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks onboard.

Upon return to the port, seize the opportunity to indulge in the region’s culinary delights, sampling the finest local seafood. With your palate satiated, proceed to your Marbella hotel to rest and reminisce about the day’s maritime adventures.

Day 9: Marbella - A Day at Leisure

This day is yours to enjoy as you please. Revel in the laid-back luxury of Marbella, lounge on its sun-soaked beaches, explore its glamorous boutiques, or simply relax at your hotel. This is a perfect day to tailor your own experiences, whether you prefer leisure, exploration, or a bit of both.

Day 10: Departure - Farewell to Southern Spain

As your Spanish adventure draws to a close, meet your driver for the final journey back to Málaga airport. Imprint the memories of this unique journey in your heart as you board your flight back home, carrying a slice of Southern Spain with you. Safe travels!

Meet Your Personal Tour Planner!

Say Ola to Emily, your personal tour planner at Guided Spain Tours. Get in touch by filling in the form below and requesting your complimentary itinerary!

Let us know your questions!

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Contact Our Tour Planners For A Bespoke South Spain Itinerary

The beauty of Southern Spain is such that even a lifetime may seem too short to explore its charm completely. Each town, each city has its own story to narrate, making every visit an experience as unique as a fingerprint.

If you are left wanting more or wish to explore different facets of the region, we’d be delighted to help tailor a new itinerary that caters specifically to your interests and preferences. Spain, with its rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and welcoming people, always has more to offer. We invite you to contact us for your bespoke version of this Southern Spain itinerary.

Adiós for now, and we look forward to assisting you in your future travel adventures!

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How to travel sustainably around Europe by train

We're celebrating our favourite way to see Europe , by rail , in this episode of Travel Smart .

We look at how to see the best of France , Spain and Italy in the most sustainable way possible and Simon Calder answers your questions with Annabel Grossman on how to get the best ticket prices when travelling in Europe by train . So whether it's a short city break or an overnight sleeper, let Travel Smart get you to your destination.

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Andrew Strauss says Saudi is an eye opener

Saudi Arabia is ‘pushing limits’ of fashion creativity

Saudi Cup could become ‘the best race in the world’

Horseracing chiefs praise Saudi Cup

Saudi will become a ‘worldwide, year-long’ horseracing destination

Arabian horses ‘big part’ of global racing culture, says Damien Oliver

Galaxy the ripple effect.

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on the imposter syndrome epidemic

Finance coach Ellie Austin-Williams on the psychology of money

Ebony Rainford-Brent MBE on how to tackle imposter syndrome

Simple ways to boost your money situation with Ellie Austin-Williams

E.on next power switch.

Episode One - Cooking

Episode Two - Entertainment

Episode Three - Body Care

Episode Four - Lighting

Big in america.

Can Willsow’s children’s books pique the interest of the US market?

Will the founders of Spice Kitchen be able to find US retailers?

Co-founders of See.Sense bring their cycle safe tech to New York City

Collctiv fintech founder Amy Whitell tries to crack the US tech market

The maritime tech guru taking high-speed ferries across the Atlantic

Saudi green initiative.

Saudi government doesn’t ‘pay lip service’ on climate action

SGI ‘seems like a nest of harmony’, journalist says

SGI ambitions are ‘extremely high’, says Saudi climate envoy

Saudi Green Initiative aims to ‘not just preserve, but create’

Expert explains how ‘blended finance’ can help achieve net zero

SGI can be a ‘catalyst’ for Saudi Arabia, head of SABB says

Kaust professor ‘inspired’ by Saudi efforts to save coral reefs

Watch in full: Day two of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum

Gérard Mestrallet on the challenges of bringing infrastructure to the region of AlUla

Sir George Iacobescu, chairman of the Canary Wharf Group on the investment into the historic region of AlUla

Oliver Ripley of sustainable hotel group Habitas talks about how AlUla challenged his preconceptions of Saudi Arabia

Thomas Kaplan of wild cat conservation charity Panthera on the mission to save the Arabian Leopard

How AlUla’s sustainability plan will stand the test of time - webinar

Discover AlUla: The Journey Through Time

AlUla Oasis View Trail

Stargazing Experience