Best of Spain:10-Day Itinerary
- Maddy Williams
- Aug 24, 2023
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2024
In September 2022, we spent 10 days exploring Spain with our friends. We were so excited to return to Europe and explore the vibrant cities, charming towns, and relaxing beaches Spain had 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.
This 10 day itinerary will allow 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 to Barcelona
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 Barcelona
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 to get around. 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 in Barcelona
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
Photo Credit: Luxury Apartment on Valencia Street with Personal Assistant via Airbnb.com
Boutique hotel featuring private terraces with views of Casa Milà!
Photo Credit: H10 Casa Mimosa via H10hotels.com
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
Photo Credit: Hotel Majestic via Majestichotelgroup.com
Things to Do in Barcelona
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, it's 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
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!
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.
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 in Barcelona
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Tapas bar
We loved their sangria, patatas bravas, beef carpaccio, and salmon blinis!
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Sushi bar
Located in L'Eixample near luxury shopping
Our favorite was the foie gras nigiri
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Tapas and wine bar
Great lunch spot
We recommend the croquetas and the seafood pasta
Epicerie
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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 to Seville
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
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 in Seville
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!
Located across the street from the Seville Cathedral
Chic boutique hotel with private balconies, a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar
Photo Credit: EME Catedral Hotel via Booking.com
Located next to the Real Alcazar palace
Luxury hotel with great amenities
Photo Credit: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel via Marriott.com
Authentic Sevillian mansion turned luxury boutique hotel
Located in the center of Seville
Private rooftop terrace and daily live Andalusian music
Photo Credit: Hotel Casa Del Poeta via Booking.com
Things to Do in Seville
Take a 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.
Visit the 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.
Get Cocktails at La Terraza del EME
Located in the Hotel EME Catedral, this rooftop bar provides stunning views of the Seville Cathedral.
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.
Get Drinks at 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!
Visit Metropol Parasol
Located in the old quarter of Seville, The Metropol Parasol is the world's largest wooden structure. Visit on top for a bird's-eye view of Seville or walk beneath this iconic structure.
Where to Eat in Seville
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Tapas bar with outdoor seating
We loved the steak tartare, gazpacho, and mussels
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Brunch
We recommend the pan con tomate, eggs Benedict, and cappuccinos
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Andalusian restaurant located within a historic manor
We loved the classic decor and atmosphere and recommend the foie gras
Photo Credit: Casa Manolo León via Andalucia.org
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Fine-dining restaurant on the river
We loved the croquettes, mushroom risotto with caramelized foie gras, and scallops
$
Tapas restaurant with outdoor seating
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 to Madrid
A trip from Seville to Madrid is an easy 3-hour train ride that offers 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 Madrid
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 in Madrid
Malasaña
The Malasaña neighborhood offers art, lively bars, nightlife, restaurants and shopping.
2 bed/2 bath apartment
Located near restaurants, bars, and shopping
Photo Credit: Splendid and Radiante Apto. en C/Manuela Malasaña via Airbnb.com
Located along Gran Vía
Luxury amenities with a convenient location
On-site restaurant, fitness center, and rooftop bar
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.
5-star hotel near the Golden Mile
Rooftop terrace and fine dining restaurant
Photo Credit: Relais & Châteaux Heritage Hotel via Booking.com
Located near shopping, restaurants, and museums
Each room has a kitchenette
Photo Credit: VP El Madroño via Booking.com
Things to Do in Madrid
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!
Visit 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!
Explore 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.
Where to Eat in Madrid
$$$$
Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian fusion
We loved the unique cocktails, tandoori rolls, river prawn with coconut curry, and duck chaufa.
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Located in Malasaña
Pizza, burgers and more
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Churros con chocolate
Mallorca - 2 nights
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic 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 to Mallorca
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 Mallorca
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 in Mallorca
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.
Luxury 5-star hotel
Private beach
Photo Credit: Hotel Nixe Palace via Hotelmallorcanixepalace.com
5-star hotel in Palma's old town
Central location near restaurants and attractions
Photo Credit: Sant Francesc Hotel Singular via 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.
Family-owned intimate resort with just 17 suites
Country club, restaurant, and spa.
Photo Credit: Finca Hotel Rural Es Turn Myboutiquehotel.com
Es Capdellà
Es Capdellà is a 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.
Luxury hotel located at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana
Offers two on-site restaurants, a spa, and outdoor pools
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.
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
Photo Credit: La Residencia via Belmond.com
Things to Do in Mallorca
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.
Where to Eat in Mallorca
$$$
Innovative tapas restaurant located in Palma
We loved their wine, cocktails, toasted bao buns with truffled burrata, patatas bravas, and hamachi tiradito.
Ca'n Manolo Palma - $$
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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
The Perfect 10-Day Spain Itinerary Takeaways
After a thrilling 10-day Spain adventure with friends we were filled with memories of vibrant cities, charming towns, and relaxing beaches. We also gained some valuable travel tips, such as choosing accommodations within walking distance of key attractions, pre-booking tickets for popular sites, and considering public transportation in major cities. Looking back on our adventures in Spain, we encountered amazing hospitality, savored delicious food, and immersed ourselves in unique experiences that leave us eager to plan another trip soon!
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