10 Days in Spain: A Full Detailed Planing . Spain is a country bursting with rich culture, stunning architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re drawn to the cosmopolitan energy of Barcelona, the history of Madrid, or the flamenco rhythms of Seville, a well-planned 10-day trip can give you a taste of Spain’s diverse offerings. This guide provides a day-by-day breakdown to help you experience the best Spain has to offer. We’ll include prices, timings, and essential tips to make your trip enjoyable and smooth.
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Your Spanish adventure starts in the bustling capital, Madrid. Home to some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks, the city is the perfect introduction to the country’s history and culture.
- Arrival: If you’re flying from the U.S., flights typically range from $600 to $900, depending on the season and the city you’re departing from. You’ll likely land at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, located about 20 minutes from the city center by taxi, which costs around €30. Alternatively, you can take the Cercanías train for about €3.
- Check-in: Settle in at your accommodation. Mid-range hotels in Madrid cost between €80 and €150 per night. For a budget option, you can find well-rated hostels for €20 to €30 per night.
- Evening Stroll: After unpacking, take an evening stroll through Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, two of Madrid’s most famous squares. End your evening with some tapas at a local bar. Expect to pay around €15 to €25 for dinner.
Read also: Digital Nomad Visa for Spain: Everything You Need to Know
Day 2: Exploring Madrid’s Highlights
- Morning: Start your day early by visiting the Royal Palace (entry fee €12). This stunning palace is one of the largest in Europe and provides a glimpse into Spain’s royal history.
- Lunch: Grab a traditional Spanish lunch of Bocadillo de Calamares (fried calamari sandwich) near Plaza Mayor for about €8.
- Afternoon: Visit the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces from artists like Velázquez and Goya (entry fee €15). Plan for 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the extensive collection.
- Evening: Head to the Retiro Park to relax and maybe rent a rowboat on the park’s central lake (€6 for 45 minutes). Enjoy a light dinner in the nearby Salamanca district, with many restaurant options costing around €20 to €30 per person.
Day 3: Day Trip to Toledo
Take a day trip to the medieval city of Toledo, just a 30-minute train ride from Madrid. A return train ticket costs about €20. Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its history and its mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences.
- Morning: Start with a visit to the Toledo Cathedral (entry €10), one of the most beautiful Gothic structures in Spain.
- Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch at a local restaurant, with a three-course menu costing around €20.
- Afternoon: Explore the winding streets, visit the El Greco Museum (entry €3), and the Alcázar of Toledo, an ancient fortress with breathtaking views over the city (entry €5).
Return to Madrid in the evening and relax.
Day 4: Madrid to Seville
It’s time to head south to Seville, the heart of Andalusia. You can catch a high-speed train from Madrid to Seville, which takes about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost around €60 if booked in advance.
- Check-in: After arriving in Seville, check into your hotel. Mid-range hotels in Seville cost around €70 to €120 per night.
- Evening: Take a relaxing walk along the Guadalquivir River and enjoy the local nightlife. Dinner in Seville typically costs around €15 to €25 for tapas and drinks.
Day 5: Exploring Seville
Seville is a city of Moorish architecture, flamenco, and orange trees.
- Morning: Start at the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning royal palace known for its intricate Islamic art and lush gardens. Entry costs €12.50, and it’s best to book tickets online to avoid long lines. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here.
- Lunch: Have lunch in the Santa Cruz neighborhood, where you can find charming outdoor cafes. A traditional meal will cost around €20.
- Afternoon: Visit the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, the city’s famous bell tower. Entry to the cathedral costs €9. Don’t forget to climb La Giralda for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Experience authentic flamenco at a tablao. Shows cost between €20 and €40, depending on the venue.
Day 6: Day Trip to Córdoba
Take a day trip to Córdoba, a 45-minute train ride from Seville (round-trip ticket around €40). Córdoba is famous for its Mezquita, a former mosque-turned-cathedral that is one of Spain’s most impressive historical sites.
- Morning: Explore the Mezquita (entry €11), marveling at its stunning arches and architecture.
- Lunch: Try some salmorejo, a cold tomato soup, for lunch. Expect to pay €15 to €20 for a meal in a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Wander through the Jewish Quarter and visit the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs (entry €4.50).
Return to Seville for the night.
Day 7: Seville to Granada
Take a bus or train to Granada (2.5 to 3 hours, tickets costing €25 to €35). Granada is home to the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pinnacle of Moorish architecture.
- Check-in: Hotels in Granada range from €60 to €100 per night for mid-range accommodations.
- Evening: Explore the Albayzín neighborhood, a maze of narrow streets with stunning views of the Alhambra. Grab dinner at a local restaurant for around €20.
Day 8: The Alhambra and Granada
- Morning: Spend your morning exploring the Alhambra (entry €14). Be sure to book tickets in advance, as this is one of Spain’s most popular attractions.
- Lunch: Stop for a leisurely lunch in a local plaza. You can enjoy a traditional meal for around €15.
- Afternoon: Visit the Generalife Gardens, located next to the Alhambra, to soak in the beauty of the palace gardens.
- Evening: Granada is known for offering free tapas with drinks at many bars, so enjoy a light dinner and tapas hopping, spending about €10 to €15.
Day 9: Granada to Barcelona
Take a domestic flight or high-speed train from Granada to Barcelona (flights cost around €50 to €100; train tickets €60 to €80). Barcelona, located in Catalonia, is a city known for its unique architecture and vibrant arts scene.
- Check-in: Hotels in Barcelona cost between €100 and €150 per night for a mid-range option.
- Evening: Head to La Rambla, the city’s most famous boulevard, to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants along the way, spending €20 to €30.
Day 10: Exploring Barcelona
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic basilica. Entry costs €26, and it’s best to book your tickets online in advance. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore this masterpiece.
- Lunch: Head to the Gothic Quarter for lunch at a traditional Catalonian restaurant. Expect to spend around €25 for a three-course meal.
- Afternoon: Explore Park Güell (entry €10), another of Gaudí’s creations. The park offers stunning views of the city and showcases Gaudí’s whimsical designs.
- Evening: End your day by visiting the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which puts on a spectacular light and music show. The show is free and runs in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday.
Budget Breakdown for 10 Days in Spain:
- Accommodation: €70 to €150 per night (total: €700 to €1,500)
- Transport: International flight €600 to €900, domestic trains and flights €300 to €400
- Food: €20 to €50 per day (total: €200 to €500)
- Attractions: Entry fees total approximately €150 to €200
Total Estimate: €1,950 to €3,500 (depending on preferences and choices)
This 10-day itinerary gives you a taste of Spain’s diversity—from its dynamic cities to its historical landmarks. Whether you’re drawn to the beaches, the art , or the food, Spain offers an unforgettable experience that suits a wide variety of travelers.
