In September 2022, we went on a 10-day Spain trip with some of our friends. We were so excited to return to Europe and explore the vibrant cities, charming towns, and relaxing beaches Spain has to offer. The incredible architecture, delicious food, and warm hospitality made us fall in love with Spain and we can't wait to start planning another trip soon.

We decided that a 10-day trip would be a great start to exploring Spain for the first time. This itinerary will enable you to immerse yourself in a wide range of experiences, from large cities, to small towns, and even an island getaway. Join us on this journey through our guide while creating your very own adventure from our recommendations.

Barcelona - 3 nights

Barcelona is nestled along the northeastern coast of Spain and stands as the country's second-largest city. This city is renowned for its artistic architecture, combining colorful and vibrant Gaudí works with the classic European buildings. Explore Barcelona's picturesque tree-lined streets, local bars, restaurants, and shopping!

How to Get There

The easiest way to arrive in Barcelona is to fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) located just south of the city. Whether you opt for a taxi, an Uber/Lyft ride, or public transportation, it's easy to get to the city center.

Getting Around

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will take about 20-minutes. During our stay, we mainly relied on taxis or walked. We also noticed that Uber and Lyft came with higher prices and lengthier wait times compared to local taxi services. Although we didn't take advantage of the public transportation, it's worth noting that like many major Spanish cities, Barcelona has an expansive and convenient public transportation network.

Where to Stay

Luxury Apartment through AirBnB

• 2 bed/2 bath apartment in the L'Eixample neighborhood

• Located within a 20-minute walk from major Barcelona attractions including Casa Battló and the Sagrada Familia

• Book here

Photo Credit: Luxury Apartment on Valencia Street with Personal Assistant via Airbnb.com

H10 Casa Mimosa

• Boutique hotel featuring private terraces with views of Casa Milà!

• Website

Photo Credit: H10 Casa Mimosa via H10hotels.com

Majestic Hotel Barcelona

• Located on the Paseo de Gracia and in the heart of the L'Eixample neighborhood

• 5-star hotel with a rooftop terrace, pool, and spa

• Website

Photo Credit: Hotel Majestic via Majestichotelgroup.com

Things to Do

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a world famous Barcelona icon known for being an unfinished basilica even after 140 years. As Barcelona's number-one tourist attraction, its a good idea to purchase tickets ahead of time to avoid the line. We opted for the guided tour and spent about 2 hours exploring the basilica. We definitely recommend setting aside at least 2 hours for this must-see attraction.

Photo Credit: Sagrada Familia via brtiannica.com

Park Güell

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell is a vast park with gorgeous scenery, amazing views of Barcelona, and colorful mosaic buildings. Purchase tickets ahead of time to skip the line and give yourself a couple of hours to explore!

Casa Batlló

Located in the center of Barcelona, Casa Battló,is another work of Antoni Gaudí. Purchase tickets ahead of time to experience the whimsical interior of Casa Battló.

Dow Jones Bar

For a unique experience, visit the Dow Jones Bar where drink prices run like the stock market. Play the market and opt for in-demand drinks at a premium or take a risk with wallet friendly shots.

Where to Eat

Casa Lolea

• $$

• Tapas bar

• We loved their sangria, patatas bravas, beef carpaccio, and salmon blinis!

• Website

ELJ APO NÉS

• $$

• Sushi bar

• Located in L'Eixample near luxury shopping

• Our favorite was the foie gras nigiri

• Website

Vinitus

• $$

• Tapas and wine bar

• Great lunch spot

• We recommend the croquetas and the seafood pasta

• Website

Epicerie

• $

• Quick breakfast spot

• C. de Pau Claris, 145, 08009 Barcelona, Spain

Seville - 3 nights

Seville is the capital of Spain's Andalusia region known for its cathedrals, the Real Alcazar, delicious food, and so much more. We loved our time in Seville from learning about the history and culture to eating amazing food!

How to Get There

A quick 2-hour flight from Barcelona brought us to Seville (SVQ). A short taxi or Uber ride will get you from the airport to the cathedral within 20-minutes. Alternatively, the airport bus is another option and will take about 30-minutes. If you have more time, the scenic train ride on a Renfe train will take about 5.5 hours from Barcelona.

Getting Around

Seville is a very walkable city and you can get from one side to the other in about 45-minutes. If you don't want to walk, there is plenty of public transportation available!

Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay in Seville, opting for accommodations within 10-minutes walking distance from the Cathedral is your best bet. This assures that you'll be close to plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops to make the most of your stay in Seville!

Hotel EME Catedral

• Located across the street from the Seville Cathedral

• Chic boutique hotel with private balconies, a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar

• Website

Photo Credit: EME Catedral Hotel via Booking.com

Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel

• Located next to the Real Alcazar palace

• Luxury hotel with great amenities

• Website

Photo Credit: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel via Marriott.com

Hotel Casa Del Poeta

• Authentic Sevillian mansion turned luxury boutique hotel

• Located in the center of Seville

• Private rooftop terrace and daily live Andalusian music

• Website

Photo Credit: Hotel Casa Del Poeta via Booking.com

Things to Do

Paella Cooking Class

Learn to cook paella with amazing views of Seville! We booked this class through AirBnB experiences and you can find it here.

Real Alcazar

The Real Alcazar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique history, Moorish architecture, and beautiful gardens. You can explore the palace and gardens on your own or with a tour guide. We recommend spending at least 2 hours and purchasing tickets in advance to skip the line. We purchased tickets with GetYourGuide.

Drinks at La Terraza del EME

Located in the Hotel EME Catedral, this rooftop bar provides stunning views of the Seville Cathedral.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower

The Seville Cathedral, once a Moorish mosque combines Gothic, Christian, and Moorish elements. We recommend visiting the Giralda Tower - it's definitely worth the climb for the amazing views of Seville. We purchased our tickets and tour through GetYourGuide which included skip the line entry, a live guide, and access to the Giralda Tower.

Bar Rinconcillo

Bar Rinconcillo is the oldest bar in Seville, dating back to 1670. We enjoyed getting drinks here after dinner for a fun experience. Sip drinks, eat tapas, and watch jamón sliced behind the bar!

Metropol Parasol

Located in the old quarter of Seville, The Metropol Parasol is the worlds largest wooden structure. Visit on top for a bird's-eye view of Seville or walk beneath this iconic structure.

Food

El Pinton

• $$

• Tapas bar with outdoor seating

• We loved the steak tartare, gazpacho, and mussels

• Website

Filo

• $$

• Brunch

• We recommend the pan con tomate, eggs Benedict, and cappuccinos

• Website

Mariatrifulca

• $$

• Fine-dining restaurant on the river

• We loved the croquettes, mushroom risotto with caramelized foie gras, and scallops

• Website

Taberna Coloniales

• $

• Tapas restaurant with outdoor seating

• Website

Madrid - 2 nights

Madrid is the capital of Spain and known for its historic buildings, The Royal Palace, bustling markets, and futbol! We loved exploring the city, admiring the beautiful architecture, and cheering on Real Madrid at a soccer match!

How to Get There

A trip from Seville to Madrid is an easy 3-hour train ride that offered us a glimpse of the Spanish countryside. Alternatively, a 1-hour flight for about $80/person is a quick travel alternative. Once we arrived in Madrid, a taxi quickly took us to our AirBnB. However, there's plenty of public transportation for a more budget-friendly option.

Getting Around

Navigating Madrid is easy with major landmarks conveniently accessible by foot or connected by public transportation. If catching a futbol match is on your agenda, keep in mind that the stadium is located outside the city center. Whether you opt for Uber, taxi, or public transportation, it's well worth it for the excitement of the game.

Where to Stay

Malasaña

The Malasaña neighborhood offers art, lively bars, nightlife, restaurants and shopping.

Apartment through AirBnB

• 2 bed/2 bath apartment

• Located near restaurants, bars, and shopping

• Book here

Photo Credit: Splendid and Radiante Apto. en C/Manuela Malasaña via Airbnb.com

INNSIDE by Meliá Madrid Gran Vía

• Located along Gran Vía

• Luxury amenities with a convenient location

• On-site restaurant, fitness center, and rooftop bar

• Website

Photo Credit: INNSIDE by Meliá Madrid Gran Vía via Booking.com

Salamanca

An upscale neighborhood with many deluxe hotels, Michelin-starred dining and luxury shopping. Explore the 19th-century boulevards, shop the Golden Mile's high-end boutiques, and visit museums. This exclusive neighborhood isn't within walking distance to top tourist locations, so you will need to take the metro to visit these spots.

Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel

• 5-star hotel near the Golden Mile

• Rooftop terrace and fine dining restaurant

• Website

Photo Credit: Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel via Booking.com

VP El Madroño

• Located near shopping, restaurants, and museums

• Each room has a kitchenette

• Website

Photo Credit: VP El Madroño via Booking.com

Things to Do

Watch a Soccer Match

Madrid is home to two of the world's best fútball teams, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. Tickets were about $150/person and catching a match in Madrid is a must!

Palacio Real

This palace is the official residence of the Spanish Monarchy and the largest royal palace in Western Europe with over 3,400 rooms! With so much art, architecture, and history, this palace was incredible to explore. We highly recommend the audio tour and purchasing tickets ahead of time to skip the line!

Mercado de San Miguel

This busy food market is a must-visit with a wide variety of food in one area. From sipping sangria to wandering between stalls, it's a great place to explore and people watch.

Shop Along Gran Vía and the Golden Mile

The Gran Vía and the Golden Mile are known for the best shopping in Madrid. Gran Vía is lined with popular retail shops and the upscale Golden Mile offers high-end boutiques. Explore these popular streets while shopping and taking in the historic architecture.

Food

Amazónico

• $$$$

• Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian fusion

• We loved the unique cocktails, tandoori rolls, river prawn and coconut curry, and duck chaufa.

• Website

La Mucca - $$

• $$

• Located in Malasaña

• Pizza, burgers and more

• Website

Chocolatería San Ginés

• $

• Churros con chocolate

• Website

Mallorca - 2 nights

Mallorca is the largest of the Balaeric Islands known for its luxury resorts, serene beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Mallorca is a top vacation destination for Europeans and one of the hottest resort destinations in the Mediterranean. A trip to Mallorca is a perfect island getaway with crystal clear-waters, hidden caves, and historic towns.

How to Get There

It's very easy to travel to Mallorca from the mainland by plane or ferry. Our 1-hour and 20-minute flight from Madrid's Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) was quick and simple. Another option is a scenic 5 to 7-hour ferry ride from Barcelona.

Getting Around

If you are staying for more than a couple of days and plan to beach hop, renting a car is the best way to explore Mallorca. However, if you stay near Palma, you can easily get around by taxi or on foot. If we had more time in Mallorca, we would have rented a car and explored more of the beaches.

Where to Stay

Palma

As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is a perfect area for sightseeing, luxury resorts, and shopping. Just minutes from the airport, Palma is a great place to stay for a quick trip to Mallorca.

Hotel Nixe Palace

• Luxury 5-star hotel

• Private beach

• Website

Photo Credit: Hotel Nixe Palace via hotelmallorcanixepalace.com

Sant Francesc Hotel Singular

• 5-star hotel in Palma's old town

• Central location near restaurants and attractions

• Website

Photo Credit: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular via www.hotelsantfrancesc.com

Ses Saline

The charming town of Ses Saline offers local restaurants and shops. With a rental car you can explore nearby hiking and beaches.

Finca Hotel Rural Es Turn

• Family-owned intimate resort with just 17 suites

• Country club, restaurant, and spa.

• Website

Photo Credit: Finca Hotel Rural Es Turn www.myboutiquehotel.com

Es Capdellà

Es Capdellà is mountain village in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. This village is a 30-minute drive from Palma and a great place to enjoy nature and to take in the breathtaking views.

Castell Son Claret

• Luxury hotel located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana

• Offers two on-site restaurants, a spa, and outdoor pools

• Website

Photo Credit: Castell Son Claret via castellsonclaret.com

Deià

Deià is a coastal and artistic town with less than 1,000 residents. Deià is perfect for outdoor activities like exploring beaches, hiking, and cycling.

La Residencia

• 5-star hotel located on the hillside of the Serra de Tramuntana

• Offers pools, gardens, world-class spa, art installations, and an on-site restaurant

• Website

Photo Credit: La Residencia via www.belmond.com

Things to Do

Relax on the Many Beaches of Mallorca

From resort beaches to secluded shores, you can explore some of the best beaches in the world.

Explore Mallorca by Boat

A boat cruise off Palma's coast was one of our favorite experiences in Spain. Guided by Guillermo, we cruised from Palma bay to hidden coves with crystal water to swim and snorkel. This 4-hour trip with snorkel gear, a tapas lunch, and drinks is a must-do in Mallorca.

Food

Ombu Tapas & Cocktails

• $$$

• Innovative tapas restaurant located in Palma

• We loved their wine, cocktails, toasted bao bun with truffled burrata, patatas bravas, and hamachi tiradito.

• Website

Ca'n Manolo Palma - $$

• $$

• Mediterranean restaurant in Palma with an outdoor patio

• Known for its Mallorcan-style grilled fish, paella, and seafood

• Our favorites were the squid and the seafood paella

• Website