10 days in Spain: 5 Spain Itineraries for 10 days

updated 01.10.2024

If you're looking for a destination that offers a bit of everything, Spain is a great option, and ten days is just enough time to really dive in. We've put together five different 10-day Spain itineraries that make it easy to focus on the highlights while sneaking in a few hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re into art, architecture, beaches, or just want to hop between tapas bars, there’s something here for you. 

Trip #1: Andalusia Explored

Get set for a sun-drenched 10 days on the Andalucía Explored itinerary. On this trip, you’ll explore stunning palaces, churches, and world-class museums and vineyards. Between sights, you'll wind through a landscape of charming pueblos blancos, rugged mountains, and scenic coasts as you make your way to Granada, Seville, Ronda, and Jerez de la Frontera.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day Spain itinerary begins with your arrival in Malaga and a transfer to Ronda, where you'll explore the charming old town. On the first day, you'll visit Ronda's iconic spots, like the Puente Nuevo Bridge and Plaza de Toros. The second day takes you to Jerez de la Frontera, with a scenic stop at Arcos de la Frontera along the way. In Jerez, you'll enjoy experience equestrian performances and local sherry culture.

The third day is spent taking a city tour of Jerez through its diverse architecture, wine traditions, and flamenco culture. On the fourth day, you’ll head to Seville, starting with a flamenco experience and a nighttime river cruise. The fifth and sixth days are reserved for Seville’s rich culture—with visits to the Alcázar, La Giralda, and Seville Cathedral, plus some tasty culinary experiences in traditional neighborhoods.

On the seventh day, you'll travel to Granada, where you'll explore the Albaicín quarter and relax in Arab baths. The eighth day is spent with a visit to the stunning Alhambra palace complex. Your trip wraps up on the ninth day with a scenic drive back to Malaga, where you can soak up some last bits of the great culture in Andalucia with visits to the Picasso Museum and Alcazaba before heading home on day ten.

Trip tip: skip the hassle of planning and booking, and let our local travel experts create a custom Andalucia trip for you.

Caminito del Rey, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain © Shutterstock

Caminito del Rey, Malaga, Andalucia, Spain © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrival at Malaga Airport, transfer to Ronda.
  • Enjoy scenic coastal and mountain views along the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
  • Check-in at your hotel
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Ronda's old town, stopping at local tapas bars to sample regional specialties.

Day 2

  • Visit Puente Nuevo bridge connecting old and new city areas.
  • Explore Casa Don Bosco and Mondragon Palace.
  • Visit Plaza de Toros, one of Spain's oldest bullrings.
  • Enjoy a sunset walk along the Tajo Gorge, then have dinner at a restaurant with panoramic views of the countryside.

Day 3

  • Transfer from Ronda to Jerez de la Frontera.
  • Stop at Arcos de la Frontera, one of Andalusia's famous white-washed villages.
  • Attend a performance at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art ("How Andalusian horses dance").
  • Visit a local tabanco (traditional sherry tavern) to experience Jerez's unique drinking culture.

Day 4

  • Half-day city tour of Jerez de la Frontera.
  • Explore the city's churches and the cathedral (mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles).
  • Option to focus the tour on wine, equestrian art, or flamenco themes.
  • Visit a bodega to learn about sherry production and enjoy a tasting session.
  • Attend a flamenco show at one of Jerez's peñas flamencas (flamenco clubs).

Day 5

  • Transfer from Jerez to Seville (approx. 1-hour drive).
  • Visit the Museum of Flamenco in Seville.
  • Attend a flamenco performance from 7-8 pm.
  • Evening free in Seville: Take a nighttime river cruise on the Guadalquivir to see Seville's illuminated landmarks.

Day 6

  • Begin your cultural tour of Seville
  • Visit the Alcázar, a Moorish palace where Christopher Columbus met King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.
  • Explore La Giralda and Torre de Oro.
  • Lunch in a traditional Andalusian restaurant.
  • Visit the Metropol Parasol (Las Setas) for panoramic views of the city.
  • Enjoy a tapas crawl in the lively Triana neighborhood.

Day 7

  • Continue your exploration of Seville
  • Visit Plaza España and Seville Cathedral.
  • Tour the Museo de Bellas Artes.
  • Wander through the charming streets of Santa Cruz neighborhood, stopping at artisan shops.
  • Attend an evening concert at Casa de la Guitarra to experience traditional Spanish guitar music.

Day 8

  • Transfer from Seville to Granada.
  • Explore Granada's old Arab quarter, Albaicín.
  • View the Alhambra from a lookout point.
  • Relax at a traditional Hammam Arab bath, then enjoy dinner at a Carmen (traditional house with gardens) in the Albaicín.

Day 9

  • Half-day visit to the Alhambra, depending on availability.
  • Explore the Nasrid Palaces, Palacio de Carlos V, and Alcazaba citadel.
  • Visit the Palacio Generalife gardens.
  • Join a tapas tour to experience Granada's unique free tapas culture.

Day 10

  • Private transport from Granada to Malaga.
  • Enjoy scenic views along the Sierra Nevada en route to the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Explore Malaga, including the Picasso Museum, Alcazaba, and take a relaxing walk along La Malagueta beach promenade.

Make sure to read our article about the best things to do in Spain.

Most beautiful country in the world Ronda and its historic bridge in the late afternoon sun. Province of Malaga, Andalusia, Spain

Ronda and its historic bridge in the late afternoon sun © Shutterstock

Trip #2: A Spanish Honeymoon

From the  streets of Seville to the historic charm of Córdoba, the Moorish beauty of Granada, and the coastal vibes of Marbella, this Spanish Honeymoon is a fantastic balance of culture, food, and luxury. You’ll get to visit all the must-see landmarks at a relaxed pace, take an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride, and wrap things up with a luxury boat trip from Marbella.

Itinerary overview

On the first day, you’ll arrive in Seville and start exploring its lively neighborhoods, visiting landmarks like the Seville Cathedral and Alcázar, and experiencing local culture with flamenco and tapas. The second day is spent exploring Seville before you head to Córdoba on the third day, where the highlight will be a visit to the stunning Mosque-Cathedral.

On the fourth day, you’ll dive deeper into Córdoba’s Jewish heritage and traditional crafts, with the day ending in an Andalusian equestrian show. The fifth day takes you to Granada, where you’ll explore the Alhambra Palace and unwind with a relaxing hammam experience. 

The sixth day is dedicated to wandering through the Albayzin quarter, with views of Alhambra. On the seventh day, you’ll visit the cave homes in Guadix, followed by an early morning hot air balloon ride on the eighth day

For the last part of your honeymoon, the ninth day is spent in Marbella, where you’ll enjoy a boat cruise, visit Puerto Banús, and have a goodbye dinner. You’ll wrap up your trip on the tenth day with a departure from Malaga.

Tip trip: ready to see Spain? Skip the hassle of planning and let our local travel experts design a trip for you.

seville-plaza-de-espana-shutterstock_546660205

Seville Plaza de Espana  © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Transfer to your hotel.
  • Explore Seville's districts: Santa Cruz, Triana, and La Macarena.
  • Visit landmarks like the Seville Cathedral, Giralda, and the gastronomic markets at Lonja del Barranco and Triana.
  • Visit the Baile Museum of Flamenco, with a live flamenco performance.
  • Enjoy tapas hopping in the lively Alameda de Hércules area.

Day 2

  • Visit the Alcázar, a Mudejar architectural palace.
  • Explore landmarks like La Giralda, Torre de Oro, Plaza España, Seville Cathedral, and the Fine Arts Museum.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Andalusian cuisine.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Guadalquivir River, then enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city.

Day 3

  • Morning transfer by car from Seville to Córdoba.
  • Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
  • Explore the charming Calleja de las Flores (Flower Alley) and enjoy dinner in the picturesque Jewish Quarter.

Day 4

  • Guided tour focusing on Córdoba's Jewish history.
  • Visit one of Spain's last remaining synagogues.
  • Explore plazas, the souk, and the orange trees courtyard of the Mosque-Cathedral.
  • Visit traditional craftsman workshops: saddlers, ceramicists, and silversmiths.
  • Attend a traditional Andalusian equestrian show at the Royal Stables of Córdoba.

Day 5

  • Transfer from Córdoba to Granada.
  • Visit the Alhambra Palace complex, showcasing Granada's Islamic history.
  • Enjoy a relaxing hammam experience at a traditional Arab bathhouse, followed by dinner at a cave restaurant in Sacromonte with views of the Alhambra.

Day 6

  • Visit the old Arab quarter, Albayzin.
  • Watch the sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolás for spectacular views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains.

Day 7

  • Transfer to Guadix.
  • Explore the unique cave dwellings of Guadix and visit the Cave Interpretation Center.
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner in a cave restaurant, experiencing the local troglodyte lifestyle.

Day 8

  • Early morning hot air balloon ride over stunning mountain scenery (1-hour flight).
  • Enjoy an Andalusian breakfast with Cava sparkling wine.
  • Transfer from Guadix to Marbella.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through Marbella's charming Old Town and enjoy dinner at a beachfront chiringuito.

Day 9

  • Cruise in a Lagoon 380 boat, with a panoramic saloon and dining table for six.
  • Relax and enjoy your time on the water.
  • Visit Puerto Banús for some luxury shopping and people-watching, followed by dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Day 10

  • Take a final walk along Marbella's Golden Mile or relax at a beach club.
  • Transfer to Malaga International Airport for your onward flight.

Want to discover more of Spain? Dive into our curated itineraries.

Exterior and garden of Real Alcazar Destination in Sevilla, Spain © Shutterstock

Exterior and garden of Real Alcazar Destination in Sevilla, Spain © Shutterstock

Trip #3: Cities, mountains, and beaches of Northern Spain

Southern Spain has always been a popular tourist hotspot, but this self-drive Cities, Mountains, and Beaches of Northern Spain trip steers clear of the crowded southern coast. Instead, you’ll explore the best of the north, with stunning natural beauty and rugged beaches. This itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to try amazing food while soaking in the beauty of northern Spain’s scenery.

Itinerary overview

You’ll start this 10-day Spain itinerary in San Sebastián on the first day, exploring the Old Town and enjoying some pintxos (Basque tapas). The second and third days are all about taking in the coastal scenery, doing some outdoor activities, and learning about Basque culture at the San Telmo Museum. 

On the fourth day, you’ll drive to Pamplona for a guided tour of the city’s top sights, then head to Logroño in the evening for a tapas crawl. The fifth day is dedicated to the vineyards of Logroño, where you’ll get to do some wine tasting before traveling to Burgos for a tour of its famous cathedral.

The second half of your journey kicks off in Oviedo on the sixth day, where you’ll tour the town squares and sample local dishes. The seventh day takes you on a stunning adventure to Picos de Europa National Park, where you’ll ride a cable car and go on a guided hike. The eighth and ninth days are spent exploring Bilbao—its museums, historic center, and modern architecture. You’ll wrap things up with a river cruise along the Nervión before heading home on the tenth day.

Tip trip: don't sweat the details and book this trip today.

Gran Canaria tapas © Shutterstock

Spanish tapas are a must for any 10 day Spain itinerary © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrival at the airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel.
  • Evening walking tour of San Sebastián's Old Town, including a pintxos tasting 

Day 2

  • Visit fishermen's houses and modern districts.
  • Enjoy the natural scenery and beaches.
  • Evening cooking class featuring traditional Basque cuisine.

Day 3

  • Delve into local cuisine.
  • Afternoon visit to the San Telmo Museum 

Day 4

  • Drive in a rental car from San Sebastián to Pamplona.
  • Half-day guided tour of Pamplona's iconic sights: Chapel of San Fermin, Pamplona Cathedral, and Diocesan Museum.
  • Continue driving to Logroño (about 1 hour).
  • Evening tapas crawl along Calle del Laurel in Logroño.

Day 5

  • Explore the vineyard region of Logroño, with activities like horseback riding, biking, kayaking, paragliding, or balloon flights.
  • Visit one of the ancient wine cellars, the Centennial Cellar.
  • End the morning with a wine-tasting session.
  • Drive from Logroño to Burgos (about 1.5 hours).
  • Evening guided tour of Burgos Cathedral and its surroundings.

Day 6

  • Drive 2 hours from Burgos to Oviedo.
  • Explore Oviedo's famous squares: Cathedral Square, Square of Alfonso II, Plaza de Trascorrales, Constitution Square, and Daoíz y Velarde.
  • Enjoy gastronomic tastings along the tour, sampling local cheeses, fabes, seafood, and traditional desserts.
  • Evening concert at the Príncipe Felipe Auditorium.

Day 7

  • Drive 3 hours from Oviedo to Picos de Europa.
  • Take a cable car ride to 1850 meters above sea level in five minutes.
  • Picnic lunch with stunning mountain views.
  • Afternoon guided hiking tour in Picos de Europa National Park.

Day 8

  • Drive from Picos de Europa to Bilbao.
  • Return the rental car.
  • Afternoon visit to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Day 9

  • Explore Bilbao's historical center, tapas bars, and the Artxanda funicular.
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum, a cultural landmark of the region.
  • Evening river cruise along the Nervión River.

Day 10

  • Departure from Bilbao.

Short on time? Our 7-day itineraries in Spain might be the perfect fit for you.

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona © Shutterstock

Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona © Shutterstock

Trip #4: Unique Spain Cultural Getaway

On this Unique Spain Cultural Getaway, you’ll visit three of the country’s must-see cities: Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. It’s a journey packed with history, stunning landscapes, and cultural highlights. You’ll spend your time on walking tours through the heart of each city, trying local dishes, and learning about the fascinating folklore that makes each city unique.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day itinerary kicks things off in Barcelona, spending four days soaking up the city's incredible architecture and lively culture. On the first day, you’ll join a walking tour to get your bearings. The second day is spent visiting Gaudí’s famous works like La Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Park Güell. On the third day, you’ll dive deeper with a guided tour of La Sagrada Família, a stroll down Las Ramblas, and a visit to the Picasso Museum. The fourth day is more laid-back, with time to relax at Barceloneta Beach, followed by a tapas tour and a flamenco show in the evening.

On the fifth day, hop on a high-speed train to Madrid for three days in the capital. The sixth day includes big cultural spots like the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, and the Royal Palace. On the seventh day, explore Gran Vía’s architecture, Puerta del Sol, and the Reina Sofia Museum.

Next up is Seville, where you'll arrive by train on the eighth day and take an evening river cruise to unwind. On the ninth day, you’ll visit Seville’s historic center, including the cathedral and the Real Alcázar. Finally, wrap up your adventure on the tenth day by visiting Plaza de España and the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood.

Trip tip: our tailor made trip service makes traveling easy by taking care of the planning and booking. 

Roof of modernist house Case Mila also known as La Pedrera designed by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona © Shutterstock

Case Mila ( or La Pedrera) designed by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrive in Barcelona.
  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
  • Join a walking tour in the evening to get acquainted with the city.

Day 2

  • Visit La Sagrada Família.
  • Explore Casa Batlló.
  • Tour Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
  • Visit Park Güell and explore the Gràcia neighborhood.
  • Enjoy an evening at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc light show.

Day 3

  • Join a group tour of La Sagrada Família with skip-the-line tickets.
  • Stroll down Las Ramblas and explore the La Boqueria market.
  • Visit the Picasso Museum in the afternoon.

Day 4

  • Spend the morning at Barceloneta Beach.
  • Join a small group tapas tour in the evening.
  • Experience a public flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

Day 5

  • Take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid.
  • Join a free evening walking tour to get oriented in Madrid.

Day 6

  • Visit the Prado Museum.
  • Explore Retiro Park.
  • Tour the Royal Palace with an audio guide.
  • Spend the evening in Plaza Mayor, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Day 7

  • Visit Gran Vía for its architecture.
  • Explore Puerta del Sol.
  • Tour the Reina Sofia Museum.
  • Enjoy the evening in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood.

Day 8

  • Travel by train from Madrid to Seville.
  • Take an evening river cruise on the Guadalquivir to see Seville from the water.

Day 9

  • Walking tour of Seville's historical center.
  • Visit Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower with an audio guide.
  • Explore the Real Alcázar.

Day 10

  • Spend the morning at Plaza de España.
  • Take a final stroll through the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood.
Madrid La Latina district © Shutterstock

Madrid La Latina district © Shutterstock

Trip #5: Spanish Discovery

This 10-day Spanish Discovery trip is perfect if you're looking to experience the real Spain. You'll dive into Barcelona's nightlife, try tapas in Seville, explore the scenic landscapes of Córdoba and the Pueblos Blancos, and take in some of Madrid's most iconic cultural landmarks.

Itinerary overview

This 10-day Spain itinerary begins in Barcelona, where you'll dive into the city's buzzing nightlife and famous sights. On the first day, you'll go on a night tour, catch the Magic Fountain show, and take in panoramic views from a sky bar. The second day takes you to Figueres and Girona, where you'll explore the surreal Dalí Museum and wander through Girona's ancient quarters. On the third day, you’ll learn all about Gaudí, with visits to the Sagrada Família and Park Güell.

On the fourth day, you head to Seville, where you'll sample local tapas and stroll through the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood. The fifth day digs deeper into Seville's history, with tours of the city's landmarks and expansive center. The sixth day takes you on a day trip to the scenic Pueblos Blancos and Córdoba's stunning Mezquita.

Next, you'll travel to Madrid on the seventh day, taking in the energy of the capital. The eighth day is spent touring Madrid's cultural highlights, from the Habsburg district to the famous Prado Museum. A day trip to Toledo on the ninth day lets you explore the "City of Three Cultures" with its medieval charm. The adventure wraps up on the tenth day with some final exploring in Madrid before you depart.

Trip tip: let our local travel experts handle the details so you can enjoy your Spanish Discovery trip fully.

buen-retiro-park-madrid-spain-shutterstock_144494458

Buen Retiro Park in Madrid — a great addition to a 10 day Spain itinerary © Shutterstock

Day 1

  • Arrive in Barcelona 
  • Join a Barcelona Night Tour
  • Watch the Magic Fountain show
  • End the night with a cocktail in a sky bar

Day 2

  • Take a day trip to Figueres to visit the Dalí Museum.
  • Explore the Theatre Museum created by Salvador Dalí, including the Mae West room and the Rainy Taxi.
  • Continue to Girona 
  • Walk through the Roman Força Vella and the Medieval Quarter.
  • Cross the iconic Eiffel Bridge 

Day 3

  • Tour Gaudí's masterpieces
  • Visit Park Güell
  • Explore La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, and Casa Vicens

Day 4

  • Fly from Barcelona to Seville.
  • Stroll through the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood 
  • Try local tapas

Day 5

  • Tour Seville's vast historical center
  • Walk through the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz
  • Visit the Royal Alcázar
  • Climb La Giralda tower
  • End the day with a visit to Plaza de España

Day 6

  • Take a day trip to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages) and Córdoba.
  • Stop at Arcos de la Frontera or Grazalema.
  • Visit Córdoba's Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral)
  • Explore the Arab baths, Alcázar, and the charming Jewish quarter
  • Walk across the Roman Bridge

Day 7

  • Travel by high-speed train from Seville to Madrid.
  • Walk through Puerta del Sol
  • Try Madrid's famous churros con chocolate at a historic chocolatería like San Ginés.

Day 8

  • Take a walking tour through Madrid's old town, including the Habsburg district.
  • Visit the Prado Museum
  • Explore Retiro Park with its Crystal Palace and an artificial lake.
  • End the day with a visit to Mercado de San Miguel

Day 9

  • Travel by high-speed train to Toledo 
  • Visit Toledo's impressive Gothic Cathedral
  • Explore the Santa María la Blanca Synagogue and the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz.
  • Visit a traditional sword-making workshop 

Day 10

  • Consider a final stroll through Madrid's Paseo del Arte or a quick visit to the Royal Palace if time allows.
  • Transfer to airport
Dre Roelandt

written by
Dre Roelandt

updated 01.10.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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