Are you planning your first trip to Spain soon? Looking for ideas on what to do for 10 days in Spain?
I know traveling to Spain for the first time can be a bit overwhelming.
There are so many amazing places to visit, such as beaches, islands, historic cities, and mo
I have created this 10 days in Spain itinerary so that you can see most of the country without exhausting yourself.
In this Spain travel guide 2026, I will be covering the best places like Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia, so that you get the best first taste of this country.
Read on to know more about how you can spend 10 Days in Spain on Your First-Timer Itinerary!
10 Days in Spain: The Ultimate First-Timer Itinerary
Day 1: Begin Your 10 Days in Spain Itinerary by Exploring Barcelona
One of the best places to visit in Spain, Barcelona, should definitely be a part of your Spain itinerary.
I personally recommend that every first visit to Spain begins with Barcelona, as it eases you into the Spanish culture smoothly.
Explore the Gothic Quarter
I would suggest you start your day in Barcelona by exploring the Gothic Quarter. It is the oldest part of Barcelona and one of my favorite areas to wander.
The narrow streets, small squares, and historic buildings give you a glimpse into Barcelona’s history and everyday life.
Make sure not to miss the Barcelona Cathedral and the surrounding alleys, where you’ll find local shops, cafes, and quiet places away from the tourists.
Stroll Along La Rambla During Your 10 Days in Spain
After that, enjoy a walk along La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous boulevard.
You can also stop at La Boqueria Market to check out the colorful food stalls or get a quick snack.
Evening at Plaça Reial
You can end your first day of 10 days in Spain by heading to Plaça Reial, a lively square near the old town.
You can enjoy a relaxed dinner or a drink here while soaking in Barcelona’s evening atmosphere.
Check Price: Barcelona: Gothic Quarter Ghosts and Legends Walking Tour
Check Prices: Barcelona: Ramblas, Old Town & Gaudí Houses Walking Tour
Day 2: Discover Gaudí’s Barcelona When Spending 10 Days in Spain
On the second day of your 10-day itinerary in Spain, it is time to explore the best works of Antoni Gaudí.
Visit the Sagrada Familia
You can start your day at the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most iconic landmark and one of the highlights of this Spain travel guide 2026.
Even if you are not interested in churches, the interiors would really impress you. It is the highest basilica in the world with stunning facades and interiors.
Just book the tickets in advance since it is always busy here.
Explore Park Güell
After that, head to one of the best places to visit in Spain – Park Güell.
This colorful public park filled with Gaudí’s playful architecture offers the most amazing panoramic views over the city.
Walk Passeig de Gràcia
Later, you can walk along Passeig de Gràcia, home to modernist buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.
Check Prices: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell & Gothic Quarter Tour
Check Prices: Barcelona: Tapas Walking Tour with Food, Wine, and History
Day 3: Relax at the Beach or Take a Day Trip from Barcelona
You have two options today – either relax on a beach nearby or go on a short day trip nearby.
Spend Time at Barcelona’s Beaches
If you are a beach lover like me, then you can have a relaxed day and visit Barceloneta Beach or Bogatell Beach.
Both of these beaches are easy to reach by metro and are a nice break from the city sightseeing.
10 Days in Spain: Optional Day Trip to Montserrat
For those who are still not tired of all the sightseeing, a better option is to take a half-day trip to Montserrat.
It is a popular mountain range and monastery located just outside Barcelona, and you can easily take a train to reach it.
Check Prices: From Barcelona: Tossa de Mar Day Tour with Beach Time
Check Prices: Barcelona: Montserrat Tour with Cog-Wheel & Black Madonna
Day 4: Travel to Madrid and Explore the City Center
After Barcelona, the next place on your Spain itinerary should be Madrid.
You can take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and start exploring on foot.
Walk Through Madrid’s Historic Squares
In Madrid, I suggest that you start with a walk from Puerta del Sol, then continue to Plaza Mayor, one of Madrid’s most famous landmarks.
Here, you can find plenty of cafes and shops where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
Visit the Royal Palace When Spending 10 Days in Spain
In the evening, you can visit one of the largest royal palaces in Europe – the Royal Palace of Madrid.
I really find the interiors to be quite impressive and a great way to learn about Spain’s royal history.
Check Prices: Madrid: Panoramic Route City Tour
Check Prices: Madrid: Welcome to Madrid Guided Walking Tour
Day 5: Museums or a Historic Day Trip from Madrid
For history and culture lovers, Madrid is a paradise.
It is also one of the most relaxing places to include in your 10 days in Spain route.
Visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofía Museum
Personally, I feel the Prada museum is perfect for admiring European masterpieces, especially if you like classical art.
For those who are interested in modern art, the Reina Sofia Museum is a great choice. So, you can pick the one that interests you more.
Relax at Retiro Park
After exploring the museums, you can head to Retiro Park. You can walk around the lake, relax under shaded trees, or simply enjoy a slow evening.
Optional Afternoon Trip to Toledo or Segovia
If you want something more fun, then you can take a short train ride to Toledo or Segovia.
For medieval streets and stunning viewpoints, Toledo is a good choice.
But if you want to enjoy an aqueduct and a fairy-tale castle, then head to Segovia.
Check Prices: Madrid: Tapas & Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide
Check Prices: Madrid: Toledo & Segovia Tour w/ Cathedral, Alcazar & Lunch
Day 6: Travel to Seville and Explore the Old Town
Next, you can take a high-speed train to Seville, which will take around 2.5 hours.
Walk Through Barrio Santa Cruz
After checking in, you can keep this day relaxed and just walk around Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s historic Jewish quarter.
You will get your first taste of Andalusia here with the narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, and orange trees.
Evening Tapas in Seville
After all the walking, make sure to go for a tapas dinner at a traditional bar.
Seville is quite famous for casual dining, so ordering small plates and enjoying them is all part of the experience.
Check Prices: Seville: Setas de Sevilla Entry Ticket
Check Prices: Seville: Tapas, Taverns, and History Walking Tour
Day 7: Seville’s Landmarks and Flamenco
Visit Seville Cathedral and La Giralda
Since most of Seville’s main attractions are close by, you can start your day by visiting the Seville Cathedral.
It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world and is home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Next, you can climb La Giralda to enjoy panoramic views over Seville’s rooftops.
Explore the Real Alcázar
After that, you can visit one of the top places to visit in Spain, the Real Alcázar.
This is a royal palace which has detailed Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens. Trust me, it’s one of the most impressive historic sites in southern Spain.
Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
In the afternoon, take a walk through Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park.
Flamenco Show in the Evening
The most exciting thing that you can do is end the day with a flamenco performance.
You don’t want to miss Flamenco dance when in Spain.
Check Prices: Seville: Priority Access Cathedral, Giralda & Alcázar Tour
Check Prices: Seville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater
Day 8: Day Trip to Cordoba
One of my favorite places to visit during a summer Euro trip is Cordoba.
It is an easy and rewarding day trip from Seville, taking a 45-minute train ride.
Visit the Mezquita-Catedral
Once you reach Cordoba, the first attraction that you must visit is the Mezquita-Catedral.
Its red-and-white arches and layered religious history make it one of the most unique buildings in Spain.
Explore the Jewish Quarter
Next, you can walk through the Jewish Quarter and explore the narrow streets, flower-filled patios, and historic synagogues.
Walk Across the Roman Bridge
Finish your day trip to Cordoba with a walk across the Roman Bridge.
You can enjoy scenic views of the city and the Mezquita before heading back.
Check Prices: Córdoba: Jewish Quarter, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour
Check Prices: Córdoba: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour
Day 9: Travel to Granada and Visit the Alhambra
After Seville, it’s time to head to Granada. It is a long drive, so make sure to focus on one main attraction only today.
Explore the Alhambra Palace
Today’s main agenda should be visiting one of the most famous monuments of Spain – the Alhambra.
This is one place I suggest planning around, rather than squeezing in.
It is a huge palace complex with ornate halls, peaceful courtyards, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Walk Through the Albaicín
If you have some time in the evening, then you can explore the Albaicín neighborhood, Granada’s historic Moorish quarter.
Don’t forget to head to the Mirador de San Nicolás to enjoy the sunset views of the Alhambra.
Check Prices: Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets
Check Prices: Granada: Traditional Bath in the Nasrid Palace Hammam
Day 10: Relax in Granada or Visit the Southern Beaches
This would be the final day of your 10 days in Spain, so make the best of it!
There are a couple of options available that also help keep overall travel costs in Spain reasonable.
Relax in Granada
If you have a flight from Granada, you can spend the morning visiting Arab baths, enjoying local tapas, or walking through Granada’s quieter streets.
Later, you can head to the airport.
Optional Beach Day on the Costa Tropical
If you have more time, then you can head to the Costa Tropical and visit towns like Nerja, Salobreña, or Almuñécar.
This is the perfect way to end your Spain trip.
Check Prices: Granada: Albaicín and Sacromonte Guided Sunset Walking Tour
Check Prices: Granada: Los Cahorros de Monachil Canyon Hiking Tour
Ten Days In Spain Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting the beaches of Spain.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you during your 10 days in Spain!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
10 Days In Spain: How to Travel Around on This Itinerary
Traveling by Train in Spain
Traveling on European trains is an experience you don’t want to miss.
And Spain has one of the best high-speed train networks in Europe.
It is really easy and a stress-free way to travel between cities.
If you want a convenient and affordable traveling option, then trains are the best.
Renting a Car in Spain
For those who know how to drive, another great option is to rent a car in Spain, especially when going to the southern side.
Consider a car if you are traveling as a family or a group of friends and are looking for more flexibility.
Where to Stay in Spain on This Itinerary
Barcelona – Hotel Jazz
Hotel Jazz is the perfect choice in Barcelona as it is close to the main attractions and the rooms are quite comfortable as well.
This is a modern hotel perfect for families, couples, and leisure vacationers.
Madrid – Room Mate Óscar
If you are visiting Madrid for the first time, then Room Mate Óscar is a great option.
It is located near Chueca and the Gran Via so you have easy access to shopping streets and museums.
Plus, the rooms are really stylish here.
Seville – Hotel Amadeus
A travel-favorite hotel to stay in Seville is Hotel Amadeus.
This boutique hotel is situated in the historic Santa Cruz area so you have easy access to the Seville Cathedral and the Alcazar.
Granada – Casa 1800 Granada
For Granada, Hotel Casa 1800 Granada is an excellent choice! It is a highly rated boutique hotel located near the Alhambra.
This hotel combines traditional Andalusian design with modern comfort, so you get the best of both worlds.
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