Discover Spain: 10-Day Itinerary with Free Downloadable Template

Is Spain on your bucket list? Are you confused about what to plan for your trip to Spain? Do you need a detailed Spain itinerary 10 days? Then Cabin Zero has your back. In this article, you’ll get to learn about the most popular destinations in Spain, like Madrid and Barcelona. Not only that, there will be tailored activities to each spot along with real-life tips so you can visit them with peace of mind. Read on to start preparing your trip to one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. 

Is 10 Days Long Enough in Spain?

How many days are needed in Spain? Credit: @olanda_Pinheiro

Ten days is an ideal time to explore Spain. It may be a bit rushed, but it’s enough to visit the most famous places, such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. If you are still unsure, Cabin Zero has compiled a detailed Spain itinerary 10 days below. It will provide you with places to go, must-do activities, and useful tips so that you can enjoy the trip with peace of mind.

How to Structure Your Trips

Choose your destinations

Decide whether you prefer mountains or beaches, central locations or remote destinations, adventure or leisure travel, solo or with family. Each location will offer you a different experience, so consider your preferences carefully to avoid disappointment. For example, if you want to travel light, consider visiting big cities like Madrid, which offer plenty of entertainment and facilities, or relaxing on the beaches of Benidorm.

Pick a season

Each season has its own characteristics. The peak season is mainly between July and August, with a large number of tourists, especially in famous places. The low season is between May, June, and September, with cool weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, when it’s most suitable for outdoor activities. Winter, in the last months of the year, is better for leisure travel. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose the most suitable season for yourself.

Plan your days

Planning your trip is important, especially for those who are visiting Spain for the first time. You need to learn about the places you plan to visit in advance, then find restaurants and hotels nearby for convenient sightseeing and relaxation. Use Google to read reviews from people who have been there before, or join Facebook groups to get the most authentic view of Spain. Book a hotel room at least 2 weeks before your trip to secure a room near the centre.

Specific details about the 10-day Spain tour plan are below.

Spain Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1-3: Madrid

Start your trip at the vibrant capital - Madrid. Photo by Gabriele Maltinti on Adobe Stock

As the capital of Spain, Madrid has many places of entertainment that attract millions of visitors every year. 

Retiro Park

The first place you should visit is Retiro Park, after having breakfast and resting after the flight, this will be an ideal start. You will spend about 1.5 hours here, immersing yourself in the cool and quiet atmosphere of the park, visiting the Palacio de Cristal museum, or taking a boat to explore Estanque Grande lake.

Major Attractions

Next, head to Puerta del Sol, a famous and bustling public square in Madrid. Take pictures with the legendary Puerta del Sol Clock, Kilometer 0, and the "Bear and the Strawberry Tree" Statue. These destinations are mainly for checking, so you don't need to spend much time here. 

Puerta del Sol is a must-visit place in Madrid. Photo by rabbit75_fot on Adobe Stock

Then, move to the Gran Vía, the "Spanish Broadway," one of the most important shopping areas in the city, with many restaurants and large cinemas. Spend some time shopping and taking photos of buildings with typical architecture here, while having a snack to recharge.

Another popular attraction is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city of Madrid. For a basic experience, the main rooms, courtyards, and gardens are enough.

Remember to book tickets online in advance to avoid queues and guided tours in English or Spanish for about €12.00 at the official website of the Royal Palace. There are also many good tapas bars nearby for lunch, like Casa Labra or Cervecería Sol Mayor. 

Another unmissable attraction is the Prado Museum, which owns many of the world's most important collections of paintings. The museum is free to enter from 6 pm, so there will be more visitors; make sure to come early to line up at around 17:15. 

The above locations are quite close to each other, so walking is also comfortable, but if your legs are tired, you can take the metro for comfort. The transportation system here is very modern and convenient.

Toledo Day Trip (Optional)

Toledo is a famous stop for every Spain itinerary 10 Days. Photo by vichie81 on Adobe Stock

Toledo is a city located 70km south of Madrid. The fastest way to get there from Madrid is by train, and it’ll only take you about 30 minutes for €13 - €23/ one way. 

Start your morning at Toledo Cathedral, one of the most impressive churches in Spain and a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Tickets are available on the official website, along with an audio guide if you want to learn more. We’ll spend around 1.5 hours here, taking in the basic sights such as the main nave, chapel, choir, and sacristy before moving on to the Alcázar of Toledo, a 5-minute walk away. 

The Alcázar of Toledo is a stone fortress located at the highest point of Toledo with several areas to explore, including a military museum. Typically, 2-3 hours is enough to see the highlights, but some areas may be under renovation, so check the official website for more information. 

Toledo tends to get very crowded at lunchtime, so try to eat early to avoid long waits.

You can visit nearby restaurants such as Restaurante La Malquerida or Taberna El Botero. After lunch, if you are into art, the El Greco Museum, about a 10-minute walk away, is a great choice. 

Otherwise, head to the Jewish Quarter (Barrio Judío) and spend the afternoon there. There are plenty of things to explore, such as the Synagogue, Jewish Museum, cemetery, market, cafes, street art, and ruined bars. 

Wear comfortable shoes as Toledo has many rocky slopes and cobblestone streets. Bring water and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially in the summer. Keep your important belongings close, ideally in a bum bag or pouch, as pickpockets might be present.

Day 4-7: Seville

Soaking up the solemn atmosphere at Seville Cathedral is a must-do on your Spain itinerary 10 days. Photo by Alfredo on Adobe Stock

To get to Seville, the AVE high-speed train is the most convenient option. Book online at Renfe or Omio around 7:00 - 7:30 am to arrive in Seville before 10:00 am. Tickets range from €40 - 70, depending on the time. Then take a taxi from Seville Santa Justa to the city center or take the C1/C2 bus. 

Historical Sites

First, visit the Seville Cathedral. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Then, climb the Giralda Tower for a panoramic view of Seville – yes, climb, there are no stairs. Consider buying a combination ticket that includes a guided tour (in English or Spanish) to learn more about the history of the area. 

Next, move to the Real Alcázar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the filming location of the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral, and similarly, book your tickets online for around €13. You will spend around 1.5 hours here to explore the main attractions. Make sure to visit the Casa de Contratación (House of Commerce) to learn about Spain’s exploration of the New World.

You can have lunch at La Azotea for modern, chic tapas or Bodeguita Romero to try a montadito de pringá.

Plaza de España Park

After a good rest, Plaza de España & Parque de María Luisa, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, should be the perfect next stop. You can ride a small boat around, relax, enjoy the view, and take pictures. 

The walk from the Alcázar takes around 15-20 minutes, but if you are tired and the weather is hot, take a taxi for around €6. Finally, return to your hotel in Barrio Santa Cruz to prepare for the next day.

Barrio Santa Cruz

You’ll start exploring Barrio Santa Cruz around 9:00. This is an old Jewish quarter with pretty alleys, bougainvillea balconies, and small cafes. Consider taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Barrio Santa Cruz, or take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets. 

Take great photos at Barrio Santa Cruz early in the morning to avoid harsh sunlight. Photo by johnkruger1 on Adobe Stock

Afterwards, stop at Plaza de Doña Elvira for a stroll and some photos. This area is known for its orange trees and traditional Spanish atmosphere. After about 1.5 hours here, have breakfast and a cup of coffee at one of the cafes, like Paradas 7 in the centre.

From noon onwards, you have free time to shop and relax. You can head to Las Setas (Metropol Parasol) in the meantime, a complex popular for its distinctive mushroom-like design and large wooden canopies. There is a market, a museum, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city inside. 

Flamenco

You would want to experience a Flamenco show to complete your last day in Servile. Tickets range from €25 - €65, depending on the venue and what is included. If you don’t want to move around much, you can choose a ticket at a higher price that includes food such as tapas while enjoying the music. 

All tablaos (flamenco performance venues) have convenient online ticketing websites. Some options to consider are La Casa de la Guitarra and Museo del Baile Flamenco; these are two of the most famous flamenco performance venues to explore the art. 

Since the itinerary will pass by famous locations, we recommends purchasing the Seville Pass for skip-the-queue entry and possible discounts at other attractions.

Córdoba Day Trip (Optional)

La Mezquita is massive and will be a highlight for your Spain itinerary 10 days.Photo by FredP on Adobe Stock

The best option to travel from Seville to Córdoba is by Renfe AVE train. The ticket price will be around ~€10 - €25 if you book early on Renfe. We recommend taking the 7:00 - 8:00 train, arriving in Cordoba at 7:45 - 8:45. This way, you can avoid the heat and start your journey early. 

The first place to visit is La Mezquita-Catedral, one of the oldest structures since the time the Muslims ruled Al-Andalus. If you want a free entrance and don’t mind a high chance of a queue, come early between 8:30 and 9:30. Consider coming back here in the evening to admire the cathedral with lights, sounds, and projections. 

After about 1.5 hours at La Mezquita-Catedral, visit Calleja de las Flores, a small alley famous for its flower trellis and view of the Mezquita tower, just a 2-minute walk from the Mezquita. Tourists come here mainly to take pictures, so 15-30 minutes is enough to experience. 

Then, go to the Roman Bridge, take pictures with panoramic views of the Mezquita and the Guadalquivir River. You can walk from Calleja de las Flores; the walk is only about 5 minutes. 

From the bridge, in about 7 minutes, we will reach Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, an ancient fortress with a magnificent garden. You’ll have to queue for tickets in 15-20 minutes, so it’s ideal to spare yourself more time at the fortress. There are many places to visit inside, so you should spend about 2 hours experiencing and exploring. 

After visiting the fortress, it’s already time for lunch. Some popular lunch spots in Cordoba include Bodegas Mezquita Cruz Del Rastro, which serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine with Michelin-starred dishes like Iberian ham and oxtail stew. There’s also Sibuya Urban Sushi Bar Córdoba, which serves sushi and a great four-course meal. After you’ve eaten and rested, you can catch the train back to Seville or explore the old town.

Day 8-10: Barcelona

Welcome to the last stop in your Spain itinerary 10 days. Photo by rh2010 on Adobe Stock

Barcelona is one of the best places to visit for family in Spain. To travel from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station to Barcelona Sants station, the AVE or AVLO train is the most suitable option. It’ll take you about 3 hours to travel. Be sure to book your tickets in advance on the Renfe website to secure a good price and a seat. Once in Barcelona, take the metro to Diagonal station to get into the city centre. 

La Sagrada Família

The first place to visit is La Sagrada Família, an architectural masterpiece and symbol of Spain. You should buy tickets online in advance and choose a ticket with an audio guide, which costs around €26.

There are many beautiful spots to visit, so allow ample time of at least 90 minutes to explore both inside and outside the Basilica. Don't forget to take a panoramic photo of La Sagrada Família from Plaça de Gaudí as a memory of your 10-day Spain itinerary.

Gothic Quarter

Here you can stroll around the labyrinthine streets and explore many buildings and cathedrals with beautiful architecture. 

Stop by El Quim de la Boqueria inside La Boqueria market for tapas. There are many other dishes for sale in the market, so take your time to explore more and take a break. 

Passeig de Gràcia

Alternatively, visit Passeig de Gràcia, the busiest and most famous shopping area in Spain. You’ll get both shopping and sightseeing experiences thanks to the unique architecture here. Make sure to take photos with Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, architectural masterpieces that will surely leave you deeply impressed.

Unique Buildings

The entrance fee to Casa Batlló is €30, and La Pedrera is €39, or if you don't want to go inside, you can visit the outside and take pictures. When you’re tired, stop by the nearby cafes to rest. We recommend Café El Magnífico, which sells delicious local coffee and attracts many tourists. 

The evening is usually spent walking around and exploring the cuisine. There is the Ciudad Comtal restaurant, which is famous for its tapas, but you may have to queue, or if you want a change, go for seafood at La Paradeta.

Park Güell

Our last day of this Spain itinerary 10 days will start at Park Güell as we want to avoid the crowds and the sun. Like other attractions in Barcelona, you have to book tickets in advance for €10.

The must-see destinations are the Salamander Stairs, the Gaudí House Museum (additional ticket), and the Greek Theatre. You can take a guided tour for a better understanding of the park and Gaudí’s works. 

Park Güell is famous for its interesting architecture. Photo by rh2010 on Adobe Stock

About 2-3 hours is enough to explore Park Güell, then it’s time for lunch. Nearby, La Panxa del Bisbe serves some pretty good tapas, or El Tribut for a more upscale experience. 

Alternatively, you can head to Barceloneta Beach, which is a completely different experience from the previous 9 days of your Spain itinerary 10 days. Remember to buy a 10-trip T-casual card (€12.15) to save on metro/bus fares and wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing quite a bit of walking.

Day 11: Fly Home

Try arranging your time according to your flight schedule to avoid being late as you need to be Barcelona Airport (BCN) at least 3 hours before your departure.

To get to the Barcelona Airport (BCN), you can take the Aerobus shuttle bus directly from the city center, the R2 Nord RENFE train, or the L9 Sud metro line. Or, if you like a more private and convenient experience, taxis are optimal.  

Spain Budget Travel

Food

Tapas is a famous dish in Spain, so at tapas bars, there is often a program to buy 1 drink like beer for €2-€3 and get free tapas, especially in Granada. You can choose Menu del Día with prices around €10-€15, including starter, main, dessert, and drinks. Food at local bars is cheaper, only around €8-€15, but if you want a more luxurious experience at high-end restaurants, the price can be double.

Transportation

Book tickets via ALSA (bus) or Renfe (train) for cheaper tickets for long-distance trips. For getting around the city, you can prioritize walking (as the attractions are quite close to each other) or the metro/bus instead of taxis. Metro in Madrid/Barcelona is quite cheap, around €1.5-€2.5/trip, with a 10-trip pass ~€12.

Accommodation

Compared to a central hotel, you can stay in a hostel or Airbnb for as little as €20/night. A 3-star hotel in a big city like Madrid/Barcelona will cost from €70/night, convenient to the metro, but the rooms are quite small. Read reviews carefully to avoid poor-quality accommodation. There are many beautiful hostels, decorated in vintage or modern style, with shared kitchens so you can cook to save money.

Download Your 10-Day Spain Itinerary

We love Spain, so we’ve put together our perfect 10-day itinerary to save you the planning headache. Download our free, customisable spreadsheet for 10 days in Spain and get your trip sorted instantly.

Grab Your Packs and Explore Spain

Spain will definitely fill you up with many interesting experiences with its beautiful landmarks, unique architecture, eye-catching flamenco, and delicious food. Cabin Zero believes that the Spain itinerary 10 days, with the knowledge and tips we have compiled, you will have the most memorable trip.

Don't forget to check our social media pages as well as leave comments about what you need and want to know for your upcoming trip. Last but not least, stay tuned for more interesting and useful articles from Cabin Zero.

Duyen Pham