Planning 10 days in Spain? Whether you’re more interested in history, food, culture or where to find the best views, this itinerary covers four of the must-visit cities in Spain – Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Madrid – while also including must-visit day trips in Spain and optional starting points. This bespoke itinerary will help you design your trip to Spain with ease, whether you’re setting out on a fully escorted tour or traveling independently.
Start Planning Your 10 Day Spain Itinerary!
Day 1-3: Barcelona
Barcelona Highlights: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, Barceloneta Beach
We recommend starting your journey in Barcelona – with international flights from all over the world and great connections to the rest of Spain’s big cities, it’s an easy and convenient location to start a Spanish adventure.
This Mediterranean city is alive with colour thanks to its Gaudí architecture and lively atmosphere. Visit the Sagrada Familia – Barcelona’s most emblematic structure – and admire creativity like you’ve never seen it before. If you’re still after more Gaudí architecture look out for Park Güell, Casa Batló and the lesser known Casa Vicens. Get lost exploring the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter where a vermouth or cava is never far away.
On your second day, spend the morning diving into the bustling La Boqueria Market located on La Rambla – Barcelona’s busiest street. After a busy morning, opt for a relaxing afternoon at Barceloneta Beach. End the day with tapas at a traditional Catalan restaurant. We recommend Bar Alegria!
Don’t forget to enjoy the nightlife of Barcelona while you’re there – from mainstream clubs to alternative concerts, there’s plenty to do here. Check out the view from W hotel with a drink or for something a big edgier see what events are on at Razzmatazz.
What to Eat in Barcelona
Try traditional Catalan food such as pan con tomate (tomato with bread – an absolute must), Crema Catalana (a type of sweet flan) and Escalivada (smoky grilled eggplant and peppers). As such an international city, you can find food from everywhere here.
Optional Day Trips from Barcelona
You can use your 3rd day to take a day trip from Barcelona. We’d recommend heading out to Montserrat Monastery for unforgettable mountain landscapes, a scenic train ride to Sitges for beautiful beaches or surreal sightseeing in Figueres, the home of the famous Salvador Dalí.
Day 4-5: Valencia
Valencia Highlights: City of Arts and Sciences, Old Town, Turia Gardens, Albufera Natural Park
Any 10 day Spain itinerary should include Valencia. Take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Valencia, to discover this Mediterranean gem on Spain’s east coast. Seamlessly blending historic architecture (spanning Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque eras) and the truly futuristic structures in the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia has something for everyone.
An easily walkable city, you can explore the exhibitions of the City of Arts and Sciences in the morning, take a stroll through the Turia Gardens and have a leisurely paella lunch on the beach. Did you know that Valencia is the birthplace of paella? Try the original dish with chicken, rabbit, white beans and green beans.
On your second day, you can explore Valencia’s charming Old Town starting with a must-see destination in Valencia – Mercado Central. The city’s central market is the perfect place to explore local cuisine, picking up breakfast and snacks for the rest of the day. While in the Old Town, make sure to look at La Lonja de Seda (the historic silk exchange building) and Valencia Cathedral. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even climb to the top of the bell tower (the Miguelete) and see views of the whole city.
What to Eat in Valencia
Definitely paella! There’s no better place to try paella than the place it was invented. You could even make your own with a paella cooking class. For those with a sweet tooth, check out horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts) accompanied by a farton (a sugar glazed sponge finger which can be dipped in the drink). Visiting during the famous Fallas festival? Get the full Fallas experience and try buñuelos (pumpkin donuts) with chocolate.
Where to Visit from Valencia
There are plenty of amazing and easy day trips from Valencia. For nature lovers, there’s no better way to spend the day swimming in the hot springs of the Valencia mountains. Wine lovers can head out to the wine region of Utiel Requena and try a wine experience visiting a local vineyard. Looking for history and culture? Why not check out Peñiscola for medieval forts and stunning coastal views.
Day 6-7: Seville
Highlights: Alcazar of Seville, Plaza de España, Seville Cathedral, Flamenco Shows
From Valencia, you can take a train or even plane to Seville – the heart of Andalusia. There are so many buildings to marvel at here, starting with the Alcazar of Seville and its stunning moorish architecture. Also make sure to see the impressive Seville Cathedral and stroll through the Plaza de España where you might even catch some street flamenco.
On your second day in Seville, take a stroll along the river, eat delicious tapas and make sure to watch an authentic Flamenco performance in the Triana neighbourhood.
What to Eat in Seville
Seville is known for its tapas and tapas bars line the streets. It’s near impossible to eat bad food in Seville so just try whatever sounds good! The beauty of tapas is that the dishes are small so you can try loads of different things. The south of Spain is also famous for manzanillas (a type of sherry wine), jámon (Iberian ham) and salmorejo (think Gazpacho but thicker).
Day Trips from Seville
Seville is only a small city so if you wanted to use your second day, you could go to Córdoba to visit the stunning Mezquita (a truly unique building where catholic church meets ancient mosque) or bathe in the Arab baths.
Day 8-10: Madrid
Highlights: Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel
An easy train journey from Seville gets you to Spain’s capital – Madrid. This lively city is known for its world-class art museums, palatial buildings and vibrant nightlife. Start with a visit to the Prado Museum – Spain’s most famous art museum spanning centuries of art including Velázquez, El Greco and Goya. Take a leisurely stroll through the Retiro Park or take a pedalo out on the lake. Admire the Royal Palace of Madrid.
On your second day, wander down Gran Vía admiring the incredible Beaux-Arts buildings such as the Edificio Metrópolis – you can also go to the bar at the top for a great view! Eat lunch at Mercado de San Miguel to have a selection of local and international foods. Visit the mystical Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple in the heart of Madrid before heading for dinner and a night out in the trendy Malasaña district.
What to Eat in Madrid
Must try dishes in Madrid include Tortilla de patata (the famous Spanish omelette can be found all over Madrid – the runnier the better!), churros con chocolate or on a cold day try typical cocido – a hearty stew with chickpeas, meat and veggies.
Day Trips from Madrid
Use your final day to take a day trip from Madrid. Toledo and Segovia are easy options, both with enchanting medieval structures that are sure to impress.
Madrid is another Spanish city with convenient flight routes and transport links so a great place to end your adventure.
Want to make your trip even longer? Check out our 2 week Spain itinerary!
Alternative Starting Points for Your Spain Itinerary
10 Days in Spain Starting in Valencia
If starting in Valencia, spend your first two days exploring the city, then heading south to Seville, up to Madrid, and across to finish in Barcelona.
10 Days in Spain Starting in Seville
Want to start in Seville? No problem. Travel from Seville to Madrid, across to Valencia and up to finish in Barcelona for a grand finale on the Mediterranean coast.
10 Days in Spain Starting in Madrid
Starting in the capital allows you to explore central Spain first, then head south to Seville, east to Valencia, and finishing in Barcelona for a mix of architecture and beach time.
Design your 10 Day Spain Itinerary
This 10 day Spain itinerary is just a template to give you a balance of history, culture, gastronomy and relaxation with various options for easy day trips. If 10 days is too long, we also offer a 7 day Spain itinerary or, if it’s not long enough, we have a 2 week Spain itinerary. Whether you opt for a fully escorted tour of Spain or plan your own bespoke itinerary, this route covers the best of Spain while leaving room for flexibility. Looking to customize your trip? Design your trip to Spain with a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences! Contact us today.