Spain in 10 Days: Itinerary Ideas for a Self Guided Trip
Want to explore Spain in 10 days, but at your own pace? Need help with how to divide your time? Not sure which cities to visit? I got you!
I’ve traveled to Spain multiple times over the years, and even lived there (in my favorite city, Valencia) for a time. I promise you my tips are good!
To give you options, I have two itineraries depending on the airports you’ll use.
Here they are- especially perfect for first time visitors, my ideas for a Spain 10 day itinerary:
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!).
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Option 1: Flying in and out of Madrid
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Option 2: Flying in to Barcelona, out of Madrid (or reverse)
OPTION 1 ITINERARY: (Madrid roundtrip)
Day 1- MADRID: Upon arriving into the city and checking in to your hotel, there are plenty of options of things to do.
After settling in, read my post on how to best see Madrid in one full day, and do the first half of it (you’ll have more time in Madrid at the end of this itinerary!).
LODGING: Hotel Moderno (Puerta del Sol)
Day 2- MADRID: To get your first taste of medieval Spain and its amazingly well preserved cities, use this day to take a day-trip out of the city to one of two places.
I suggest going to Segovia- This city is famous for its ancient Roman aqueducts (a UNESCO world heritage site!) and beautiful castle and alcazar.
You can combine a Segovia day trip with a visit to the medieval town of Ávila (of Saint Teresa fame). Many guided tour companies will take you to both in the same trip.
⇒ Book your Segovia & Ávila day trip!
Other ideas include visiting the Escorial and Valley of the Fallen, or heading into wine country for some tasting fun!
⇒ See other Madrid day trip options
When you return to the city in the evening, check out the La Latina district for the best food finds! 
LODGING: Hotel Moderno (Puerta del Sol):
Day 3- MADRID to GRANADA: As early as you can, head to the Atocha train station. This is one of the longer travel days as the train ride takes anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours.
On the train, you’ll next head to Granada. In Spain’s southern Andalucía region, this town is a stunning combination of its Arab, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish history.
⇒ Reserve your Madrid to Granada train tickets!
Once in Granada, start strolling the Albaicín district and its narrow cobbled streets. They can be a bit maze-like, but the buildings and flowers are so beautiful! 
Eat at a Moroccan food spot for lunch, as there are many authentic options here. You can also stop in a Moroccan tea house for some hookah too!
Next, book a slot at one of the hammams in town. Andalusian-Arab baths are so relaxing! These bath houses have water pools at various temps, and offer a variety of relaxing spa-like experiences. 
⇒ Reserve your hammam experience!
Next, go see a flamenco show! Book a performance inside one of the “gypsy caves” of Sacromonte, it has such a memorable ambiance. 
LODGING: Casa Bombo
Day 4- GRANADA: Today is the day to experience the gem of the city: The Alhambra! Given its popularity, you MUST reserve your tickets in advance.
This is a palace and fortress complex built in 889 AD, then later converted into a royal palace. Its Islamic palaces were built for the last Muslim emirs in Spain, and the details and architecture are incredible!
⇒ Book your Alhambra tickets in advance!
The Alhambra is naturally one of Spain’s biggest tourist attractions, and a UNESCO world-heritage site. It’s definitely a “must visit”! Exploring it in full will take about 4 hours, so plan accordingly.
Next, go shop the historic location of the old silk market and grand bazaar, the Alcaiceria. This is your best spot to find souvenirs. 
Around sunset, go to the Mirador San Nicolas for the best view of the city. The view of the Alhambra from here is unbelievable!
If you still have energy, head out for tapas or go dancing at one of its many fun discotecas!
LODGING: Casa Bombo
Day 5- GRANADA to SEVILLE: As early as you can, head to the train station to make your way to Seville. The fastest options are 2.5 or 3 hours, so this will be a longer travel day too.
⇒ Reserve your Granada to Seville train tickets!
With your half day, first go see the Cathedral of Seville. It is the largest in Spain, and third largest church in the entire world. It has also been around since 1520- pretty impressive!
Walk its interior, and see the supposed tomb of Christopher Columbus. Then, head up the long ramp path to the bell tower, known as the Giralda.
It takes a decent amount of time to get up there, but is absolutely worth it! You’ll have a full panoramic view of the colorful city. Plan on spending ~2 hours at the cathedral. 
From there, begin the twenty minute walk to the Plaza de España. The square and beautiful display are a must-see attraction, and an important part of the city’s cultural heritage.
At dinnertime, make sure to go out for tapas. This is the self-proclaimed “tapas capital of Spain”, and there are SO many delicious options. Take your time, grab a pitcher of sangria, and enjoy! 
LODGING: Hotel Gravina 51 (old town)
Day 6- SEVILLE: Start your full day in Seville by going to the Alcázar de Sevilla. It’s a centuries old royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort, and still in use today.
It has been around during all of the different cultural conquests, so it has Arabic influences as well as Christian. Spend a few hours exploring the intricate grounds, full of baths, patios, and gorgeous gardens!
⇒ Be smart, get your Alcázar tickets in advance!
The architecture and artwork are really similar to the Alhambra- so while it is gorgeous and a fun day, you’ll definitely get your fill of admiring intricately carved walls!
Next, walk along the river to the Torre del Oro. It’s a 12th century military watchtower, and a unique icon of the city.
A nearby fun stop, if it interests you, is the Plaza de Toros (bullfighting arena). You can go in to see the museum, and get a glimpse into the interior. 
It teaches you the history of bullfighting, which is maybe a better option than going to an actual bullfight show! You’ll see old matador outfits, learn the traditions, and more.
Stop next at Las Setas. It’s a bit of a strange structure that looks like a giant mushroom. Supposedly it’s an architectural “must see”. 
Around dinnertime, head out for more tapas and go dancing! The Alfalfa neighborhood is a favorite.
LODGING: Hotel Gravina 51 (old town)
Day 7- SEVILLE to CORDOBA: Take the train from Seville to the town of Córdoba. This train ride takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
⇒ Reserve your train tickets!
Once in Cordoba, settle into your hotel, then head out to explore. This town is smaller than the others on this trip so far, and highly walkable.
Start by visiting the city’s gem, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba! Built around 600 AD, it’s a UNESCO site and main attraction for the city. In its prime, it was the heart of the city, and I’d say it still is today.
⇒ Buy your Mosque-Cathedral entry ticket in advance!
Roam the interiors, be impressed by the tall ceilings, and intrigued to see how the Moorish architecture is combined with Catholic decorations over it.
Once you’ve seen most of the inside, head to the courtyard orange gardens (Patio de las Naranjas). From there you can see the cathedral bell tower, which was the minaret when it was an Islamic structure.
Next, walk over the bridge to cross the Guadalquivir river for a nice view of central Cordoba!
The next spot to visit is the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos. This building has such a fascinating history. It’s a palace and a fortress built in 1328, but has hosted so many significant figures and events.
The famous royals Ferdinand and Isabella lived here when Columbus asked them permission to take a ship in search of an alternate passage to India. It’s also where the Spanish Inquisition began!
The view from the tower is great, and you can visit the old Arab baths and gardens.
After the Alcazar, explore the charming city blocks in the Judería (Jewish Quarter) area of the old city. Visit souvenir shops, and enjoy its artsy environment!
LODGING: Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba
Day 8- CORDOBA to MADRID: In the morning, make the 2 hour train ride back to Madrid. Once in the city, get lunch at the fun food stalls of Mercado San Miguel.
⇒ Reserve your train tickets to Madrid!
Use this time to visit El Museo del Prado, and enjoy this world famous art museum. 
While there’s plenty more to see on foot, you might just want to stroll aimlessly through the streets, and maybe spend a longer time in Parque del Retiro.
Really, use this time to see anything from my “one day in Madrid” itinerary you didn’t see yet! If you’re up for a night out, check out the Malasaña area!
LODGING: Hotel Atlántico
Day 9- MADRID- Day Trip to Toledo: Today you’ll head away from central Madrid to explore the medieval town of Toledo.
While possible to visit Toledo on your own (it’s a 1 hour train ride away), I recommend going with an organized tour. It’s less stressful, and you’ll have a guide to explain the history!
⇒ Book your Toledo day trip now!
Toledo is a historic city known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to its blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritage.
On a hill above the Tagus River, it has stunning medieval architecture, including the Cathedral and Alcazar.
The city is also famous for its connection to the painter El Greco, and is truly beautiful and perfect for walking!
Most tours take around 8 hours, but you’ll still be back in Madrid with plenty of time to go out for tapas one more time, and pack for your departure home.
LODGING: Hotel Atlántico
Day 10- Departure: Sadly you will have to leave- OR, if you have more time it would be easy to head to either Barcelona or my favorite Spanish city of Valencia next!
OPTION 2 : ITINERARY
(Flying in to Madrid and out of Barcelona, or reverse)
This itinerary is similar to the one above, but with less time in Madrid. It also excludes the day trips to Segovia and Toledo. It does not include Cordoba, but adds in Valencia and Barcelona instead.
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1) Madrid
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2) Madrid to Granada
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3) Granada
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4) Granada to Seville
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5) Seville
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6) Seville to Valencia (read about all my suggestions on Valencia!)
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7) Valencia
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8) Valencia to Barcelona
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9) Barcelona
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More time? Add on Cordoba or Palma de Mallorca!
More Helpful Links:
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♥ Browse my favorite travel essentials for your Spain trip
♥ Book your hotels in Spain
♥ Follow me on Instagram, and send a DM with any questions
♥ Find a Spain tour or activity to book
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