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Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain by Train
There are so many fantastic places to visit in Spain from vibrant cities to picturesque beaches. And the best part? You can explore this beautiful country without the need for a car. The efficient public transport system will take you everywhere you want to go.
I won’t lie to you, even with the best 10-day itinerary in Spain you can’t see it all. But with this amazing 10 days in Spain, you can explore some of the country’s top spots and get a taste of what this beautiful place has to offer.
I’ve been to Spain multiple times and in this post, I’m going to share with you the places that made me fall in love with Spain and that make me keep coming back to this beautiful country.
10 Day Itinerary in Spain Overview
| City | Transportation | |
| Day 1 | Madrid | |
| Day 2 | Barcelona | Madrid-Barcelona: 2.5 – 3 h train |
| Day 3 | Barcelona | |
| Day 4 | Barcelona | Barcelona-Valencia: 3-4 h train |
| Day 5 | Valencia | |
| Day 6 | Valencia | Valencia-Córdoba: 4.5 h train |
| Day 7 | Córdoba | Córdoba-Seville: 1 h train |
| Day 8 | Seville | |
| Day 9 | Granada | Seville-Granada: 2.5-3 h train or bus |
| Day 10 | Granada |
Day 1: Madrid
Madrid is the bustling capital of Spain. It’s the easiest point of entry when you arrive from overseas. When you arrive in Madrid, take advantage and spend a day in Madrid exploring the city.
However, I’ll be honest with you, if Madrid is not your entry point to the country, I don’t think Madrid is worth a detour. In that case, I recommend starting your ten days in Spain straight in Barcelona and adding a day somewhere else.
What to Do in Madrid for 1 Day
Begin your day with the best vegan breakfast in Madrid at Frutas Prohibitas! Then, explore the nearby Royal Palace of Madrid and the cathedral before you head to the city center around Puerta del Sol and Retiro Park.
In the afternoon, you can either visit the famous Museo Nacional del Prado, home to iconic Spanish art pieces, or do a half-day trip from Madrid to Toledo. It’s a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping back in time. It’s one of the best day trips from Madrid.
I know it’s a very fully packed first day, but ultimately when you think about how much time you need in Madrid, the answer is one day is enough. There’s so much more to come and I’d rather spend more time in the following Spanish cities.
🤩 See Toledo and Segovia on one epic day tour from Madrid!
Days 2-4: Barcelona
Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Spain. The city has everything, a sandy beach, stunning architecture, interesting museums, lively nightlife, beautiful parks and there are also so many delicious vegan restaurants in Barcelona.
With 3 days in Barcelona, you have time to explore the city on the first two days and you can do a day trip from Barcelona on the third day.
🤩 Get skip-the-line entrance tickets to Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
What to Do in Barcelona for 2 Days
On your first day, visit Gaudi’s main masterpieces, Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. You can either visit them on your own or do a guided Gaudi tour to learn more about this fascinating architect.
Other Gaudi buildings, like Casa Battló and Casa Milà, can be admired from the outside while you walk down Passeig de Gràcia on your way to the Gothic Quarter with its charming narrow streets and buildings.
You might also want to walk down the famous street Las Ramblas on your first day in Barcelona, although to be honest I think La Rambla is the most overrated attraction in Barcelona.
For your second day, head to the beach and soak up some sun. Stroll through the beautiful Ciutadella Park on the way. In the afternoon, visit Montjuïc Castle for a panoramic view of Barcelona. Finish your day by watching the light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
🤩 See the highlights of Barcelona on a guided walking tour!
What Day Trip to Do from Barcelona
One of the most popular day trips from Barcelona is visiting Montserrat Monastery. It’s a breathtaking mountain with an impressive monastery on top. You can also take a cable car to the summit for even more stunning views.
If you want a beachy day trip, Sitges is a great option. It’s a gorgeous coastal town with beautiful beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. Even though Sitges is quite small, there are some cool things to do in Sitges like going on a coastal walk from Sitges to Vilanova.
One of my personal favorite day trips is to Girona. It’s a charming medieval town with colorful houses, an impressive cathedral, and historic city walls. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this is the perfect day trip for you as many scenes were filmed there.
Another great option is a trip to Tarragona, it’s already about halfway between Barcelona and Valencia. The ancient Roman Amphitheater is the main attraction in Tarragona.
🤩 See Montserrat monastery and have a wine tasting in one day with this amazing tour!
Days 5-6: Valencia
Valencia is often overlooked by tourists but it’s definitely worth a visit during your 10 days in Spain. Known for its futuristic architecture and as the birthplace of paella, there’s a lot to love about this city.
What to Do in Valencia for 2 Days
On your first day after you arrive in Valencia, visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex that includes multiple museums and a garden. The museum complex is located inside Turia Park, a beautiful green space that used to be a river.
One of the coolest things to do in Valencia is renting a bike and riding through the park as it’s a great way to see the city. In the afternoon, head to Malvarrosa Beach for some sun and sea.
🤩 Take a private walking tour in Valencia and see all the best sights!
For your second day in Valencia, explore the historic center of the city. Visit the cathedral and climb its bell tower for stunning views. Then, stop by Mercado Central, one of Europe’s largest food markets, and try some delicious Spanish paella.
While you stroll through the city keep your eyes open for street art in Valencia. The city has a very vibrant street art scene.
In the evening catch the train to Córdoba so you can start exploring the next day.
Day 7: Córdoba
Córdoba is a beautiful city with a rich history and fascinating culture. It’s famous for its stunning Mezquita, a mosque turned cathedral, which is definitely worth a visit.
People often visit Córdoba on a day trip from Seville. However, if you take a train to any city in Andalusia, the south of Spain, it passes through Córdoba. It would be a shame not to stop in Córdoba right away and start your itinerary in Southern Spain there.
What to Do in Córdoba for 1 Day
Spend your day wandering through the streets of the old town, admiring the traditional Andalusian architecture. Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval palace with beautiful gardens and a stunning view of the city.
Of course, the highlight of Córdoba is the Mezquita. The combination of Islamic and Christian architecture makes it truly unique and breathtaking.
Make sure to also visit the Jewish Quarter, a charming neighborhood with narrow streets and traditional houses.
🤩 This Córdoba walking tour includes entrance tickets!
Days 8: Seville
Seville is a must-visit on any trip to Spain. The city is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. You can easily spend 3 days in Seville without getting bored but you can see the best things in one day.
🤩 Get a good overview of Seville with this Tuk Tuk tour!
What to Do in Seville for 1 Day
Start your day by visiting the Alcázar of Seville, a stunning palace with intricate Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens. Then, make your way to the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🤩 See the best attractions in Seville without queuing for tickets!
In the afternoon visit the Plaza de España, a beautiful square with stunning architecture and a small canal. The square inside the Parque de María Luisa, the city’s biggest park.
In the evening head up to the Las Setas, a modern structure with a rooftop viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the city. After sunset, they have a light show which is definitely worth seeing.
You might be tempted to see a flamenco show in Seville, but I recommend holding off and seeing one in Granada instead.
Days 9-10: Granada
Granada is a charming city in southern Spain. It’s most famous for its stunning Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress that is a must-visit on any Andalusia itinerary.
It might be a bit surprising that I put Granada down for two days but I love Granada and I think it’s highly underrated. There are so many reasons Granada is worth visiting for more than just a day trip.
What to Do in Granada for 2 Days
On your first day, explore the Alhambra complex. You can easily spend a half day wandering through the different areas and admiring the intricate details of the palace. Make sure to book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
🤩 Get your Skip the Line Alhambra Ticket!
In the afternoon, head to the Sacromonte neighborhood for a taste of traditional Andalusian culture. This neighborhood is known for its flamenco shows and cave houses. The best way to visit a cave house in Sacromonte is by seeing a flamenco show inside a cave house.
On your second day, explore the charming streets of the Albaicín neighborhood, also known as the old Moorish quarter. Go for some tea in a tea house and stroll through the bazaar-like shopping streets. You can find even more shopping stalls next to the cathedral of Granada.
In the afternoon relax in one of the Arab baths in Granada and treat yourself to a massage. This is the perfect way to end your 10 days in Spain and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
🤩 Discover hidden treasures in Albaycín on this unforgeettable walking tour!
Customize your Spain Itinerary for 10 Days
It’s important to prioritize and choose the destinations and activities that interest you the most.
Maybe one of the destinations I loved doesn’t sound that appealing to you, or perhaps there’s another city that you’ve always wanted to visit.
Don’t be afraid to mix things up and make this itinerary your own!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and create unforgettable memories during your 10 days in Spain.
Best Time to Visit Spain
The best time to visit Spain is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-November).
The Spanish weather is still very warm, but there are fewer crowds, and prices are generally lower.
During summer Barcelona for example gets extremely overcrowded and it gets very hot in the south of Spain, like up to 40°C hot (about 104°F).
How to Get Around in Spain
One of the easiest ways to get around Spain is by using the train or bus network. The high-speed train, also known as AVE, are efficient and comfortable, while buses are a more affordable option for longer distances.
All of the places on this Spain itinerary are easily accessible by public transportation.
I recommend booking your train tickets online before your trip as they can sell out.
Final Thoughts: Spain in 10 Days Itinerary
Let’s recap all the amazing things you get to see on this 10-day itinerary which focuses on the middle and south of Spain.
We’ll start off in the country’s capital, Madrid, to see the Royal Palace and art museums. In Barcelona, you get to see the unique architecture by Gaudi. Valencia is the home town of paella and the perfect place to try this Spanish dish.
Start exploring Southern Spain in Córdoba by visiting the fascinating mosque-cathedral. Head on to Seville, one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia and finish your 10 day itinerary Spain in Granada, a true hidden gem.
Don’t forget to take some time for yourself during this trip. Whether it’s relaxing on a beach, enjoying a massage in Granada, or simply people-watching in a plaza, take some time to slow down and savor the beauty of Spain.
And who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with Spain as well and next time you can explore the Basque Country in Northern Spain.
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