Are you yearning for an adventure that combines rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine? Then, it’s time to plan a trip to Spain! From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol, Spain offers an intoxicating blend of experiences that will leave you enchanted.
Whether you are in the process of planning a trip to Spain or gathering ideas for a Europe trip or just dreaming that the universe will make the trip happen, this blog post will help you! I’ll walk you through what a 10-day trip to Spain could look like; what not to miss, how to get around, where to eat and where to stay.
Day 1-3: Marvel at Madrid
Where to Stay
There are many areas of Madrid that you can stay in! One of the most popular, and most central to everything, is in the Plaza Mayor area. Staying here makes it very easy to get around to all parts of the city. Another central and nice area to stay is Barrio de las Letras.
An area that is less central (but still close) to the city, and a bit more expensive, is Salamanca.
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Kickstart your Spanish journey in the vibrant capital city, Madrid. With Madrid being the capital, the airport offers some of the best flight availability, especially when coming from North America. After arriving at the airport, grab the train or an uber to your accommodation, and then get ready to explore.
Start with a nice stroll through the historic heart of the city, Plaza Mayor. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, perhaps stopping for some tapas and wine at a traditional tavern. Or savor some traditional churros with hot chocolate – a true Spanish delight. Check out Chocolatería San Ginés, it’s a staple!
Day 2: Cultural Immersion
Take the day to dive deep into Madrid’s rich cultural scene. In the morning, visit the one of the cities art museums like Prado Museum where you can marvel at masterpieces by artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco or Reina Sofia which showcases works of Dali and Picasso.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through Retiro Park, where you can enjoy boat rides on the lake or simply relax under the shade of centuries-old trees. This park is absolutely beautiful, and huge! You could get lost in here for the whole day if you wanted.
If you have some time, maybe grab a drink at Terraza Cibeles in the Palacio de Cibeles or just check out the 6th floor viewpoint. It has gorgeous view of the city.
As evening approaches, embrace the local nightlife at Puerta del Sol, where the city comes alive with music, dance, and laughter.
Day 3: Royal Elegance
Indulge in some royal history today by exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid. Admire the opulent interiors and take in the breathtaking views from its lush gardens. If you’d like to tour the inside, a ticket for a timeslot is required. You can buy them here. Make sure to plan ahead as times will often sell out days in advance!
After the Palace, walk through the two nearby churches, the Catedral de la Almudena and the Real Basilica de San Francisco el Grande. They are amazing pieces of architecture! And they are free to enter.
Day 4-6: The Enchantment of Barcelona
Where to Stay
Barcelona has a few great areas to choose from when looking for hotels!
Of course there’s the Gothic Quarter. This is very central to everything, making it easy to access a lot of the city. There are also many hotel options, a lot of them less expensive, in the La Rambla area. This is also very central to the city, but be a bit more careful of pick-pockets at night!
There’s also some really beautiful hotels along the beach in La Barceloneta that offer amazing views of both the beach and the city. This makes for a slightly longer trip to access the city, but the beaches couldn’t be any closer!
Day 4: Arrival in Barcelona
Hop on a high-speed Renfe train or catch a short flight to the enchanting city of Barcelona. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and acquaint yourself with the surroundings. Take a leisurely walk down the bustling La Rambla, known for its street performers, local vendors, and lively atmosphere.
Day 5: Architectural Wonders
Barcelona is a city synonymous with architectural marvels created by Antoni Gaudí. Explore the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Família, a basilica unlike any other, still under construction after more than a century. Entrance to the basilica requires tickets which should be purchased in advance, as they will sell out. You can purchase tickets that include entrance to the basilica and entrance to one of the open towers. If you are not afraid of heights, I highly recommend doing one of the towers! It gives you sweeping views of the city of Barcelona, and gives you a chance to see the incredible details of the outside design of the building.
Some other amazing Gaudí buildings/works to visit are Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and the Güell Palace. All of these places have their own unique feel and theme. If you enjoy architecture and have the time, I would recommend checking all or most of them out! They all require tickets for entry and advance planning is recommended. At least 1-2 days in advance.
Day 6: Beach Bliss
Indulge in a relaxed day at one of Barcelona’s inviting beaches. Whether it’s Barceloneta Beach or Bogatell Beach, unwind under the Mediterranean sun, take refreshing dips in the sea, and relish in the beachside cafes and restaurants.
In the evening, wander through the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine streets and discover its hidden gems. I could spend days wandering through the Gothic Quarter and not get the slightest bit sick of it. There’s also some amazing restaurants here for lunch or dinner. My favorite was Cañete, absolutely amazing food and great vibe!
Day 7-9: The Allure of Andalusia
Where to Stay
Sevilla is a bit smaller of a city, so it’s easier to get around from almost anywhere you choose to stay. However, the nicest two areas of the city are Santa Cruz and El Centre.
Day 7: Arrival in Sevilla
Fly or train to Sevilla, the heart of Andalusia. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the scent of orange blossoms and the mesmerizing beauty of this historical city. Begin your journey with a visit to the Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views. The design details inside and outside are stunning.
After, you can wander around the streets of Barrio Santa Cruz and get some dinner at one of the quaint tapas restaurants. My favorite was Ovejas Negras, but the owners of this also own a bunch of other restaurants in town and they are all good!
Day 8: Alcazar and Flamenco
Explore the stunning Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a palace complex renowned for its intricate architecture and lush gardens. This requires tickets for entry, which should be bought in advance. We unfortunately tried to get tickets the day before we were there and it was sold out. After this, walk over to the Plaza de España. This plaza is huge and has so many beautiful details. Most days you can even catch a free flamenco show in the shade!
In the evening, immerse yourself in the passionate world of flamenco. Attend a live performance at a traditional tablao, where the soul-stirring music and dance will leave you spellbound. There are many, many options for flamenco, but we went to Teatro Flamenco Triana and really enjoyed it. It was a performance only, but there are some other places that have options for dinner and the performance. Barrio Triana is known for having many flamenco theaters!
Day 9: Cordoba’s Charms
Take a day trip to Cordoba, a city with a remarkable blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. Visit the iconic Mezquita-Catedral, a mosque-cathedral that showcases breathtaking architecture. Stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter and cross the Roman Bridge for stunning views of the city.
Day 10: Farewell, Spain
As your unforgettable Spanish adventure comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve gathered throughout your journey. Depart from Seville’s San Pablo Airport with a heart full of fond memories, a camera filled with captivating images, and a promise to return to this enchanting land someday.
Spain’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality ensure that every traveler finds their own unique connection to this beautiful country. With this fun-filled itinerary, you’ll uncover the hidden gems of Spain while embracing its vibrant culture and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.