10 days in Spain itinerary: Your epic adventure all planned out

¡Hola! Welcome to Spain, where siestas are sacred and every day is a reason to celebrate. Get ready for ten days of non-stop fun, from feasting on delicious paella to flamenco dancing in bustling squares. This travel-ready 10-day Spain itinerary is your golden ticket to diving headfirst into Spain’s buzzing culture, jaw-dropping scenery, and memories you’ll be bragging about for years.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Madrid, Spain

Day 1-3: Madrid, the heart of Spain

Day 1: arrival and Royal Palace

Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel. Make sure you stay in the city center near the Puerta del Sol square for easy access to everything.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Royal Palace — did you know it’s the largest royal palace in Europe by floor area?
Take a leisurely stroll through Plaza Mayor and treat yourself to a traditional Spanish dinner. Don’t miss out on some patatas bravas and a glass of Rioja wine.

🚊 Trainline tip: check out our guide for the best things to do in Madrid for more inspiration.

Day 2: art and history

Kick off your day at the Prado Museum, where you can feast your eyes on masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Take a refreshing stroll through El Retiro Park, Madrid’s lush urban oasis. Make sure to check out the stunning Crystal Palace while you’re there!
Next, head over to the Reina Sofia Museum to marvel at Picasso’s iconic Guernica.
Wrap up your evening with a tapas tour in the La Latina district. Pro tip: order a variety of small plates to taste as many flavors as possible!

Day 3: markets and football

Start your day with breakfast at Mercado de San Miguel. Grab some churros and hot chocolate to fuel up.
Explore the historic Malasaña neighborhood, where cool vintage shops, trendy bars, and awesome street art make for the perfect hangout spot.
Football fan? Don’t miss a tour of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the legendary home of Real Madrid.
End your Madrid adventure with a flamenco show. You’ll be clapping and tapping along in no time!

Train from Madrid to Seville:

Take a high-speed train from Madrid to Seville (from 2h 33m). Trains run frequently, so book a time that suits you. Read more about travelling by train in our guide about the best way to get from Madrid to Seville.

Image Credit: Getty Images, SeanXu. Image Location: Seville, Spain

Day 4-5: Seville, the soul of Andalusia

Day 4: arrival and Seville Cathedral

Catch a morning train to Seville. Pro tip: Book a window seat for those stunning views of the Spanish countryside and check out our Seville city guide for extra inspiration.
After checking into your hotel, head to a local tapas bar for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Seville Cathedral — the world’s largest Gothic cathedral — and don’t miss the climb up La Giralda for amazing city views.
For dinner, head to the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood. Treat yourself to some delicious espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and a cold cerveza (beer).

Day 5: Alcazar and flamenco

Start your day at the Real Alcázar, a breathtaking palace with gorgeous gardens.
Take a leisurely stroll through Plaza de España and the nearby Parque de María Luisa, both perfect for soaking up Seville’s charm.
In the evening, immerse yourself in a flamenco show — after all, Seville is the birthplace of flamenco!
Wrap up your day with a serene walk along the Guadalquivir River, enjoying the city’s beautiful nightscape.

Image Credit: Getty Images, WillSelarep. Image Location: Granada, Spain

Day 6-7: Granada, the jewel of Moorish Spain

Day 6: travel to Granada and Albayzín

Take a morning train from Seville to Granada (from 2h 30m).
After checking into your hotel, head to a local restaurant for lunch. Pro tip: Try the tortilla del Sacromonte, a unique Spanish omelet from Granada.
Spend your afternoon wandering through the Albayzín neighborhood, with its narrow, winding streets and breathtaking views of the Alhambra.
For dinner, dine at Restaurante Carmen El Agua, where you can enjoy a meal with a sweeping view of the Alhambra. It’s a sight you’ll never forget.

Day 7: Alhambra Palace

Start your day with a visit to the Alhambra Palace. Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance as they sell out fast.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the breathtaking Generalife Gardens and the intricate Nasrid Palaces.
For dinner, head to the city center and dive into the local wine and tapas scene. It’s the perfect way to cap off your day in this enchanting city.

🚊 Trainline tip: check out our guide for more ideas on what to do and see in Granada.

Train from Granada to Barcelona:

Catch a high-speed train from Granada to Barcelona (from 6h 19m). This is a longer journey, so why not save on a hotel and take the night train?

Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain

Day 8-10: Barcelona, the vibrant Catalonian capital

Day 8: arrival and Gothic Quarter

Arrive in Barcelona and check into your hotel. Hint: stay near the Gothic Quarter for easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Spend your day exploring the Gothic Quarter, including must-sees like the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Reial.
For dinner, head to a local tapas bar and indulge in some pan con tomate and jamón ibérico.

Day 9: Gaudí and the Beach

Kick off your day with a visit to the Sagrada Familia — this jaw-dropping church has been a work in progress since 1882. Talk about the ultimate procrastination project!
Next, swing by Park Güell for more of Gaudí’s funky, whimsical creations.
Spend your afternoon chilling at the beach. Barcelona’s beaches are prime spots for relaxing and some top-notch people-watching.
As the evening rolls in, take a leisurely stroll along La Rambla and soak in the vibe; then cap off your day with a mouthwatering dinner at a seafood joint.

Day 10: markets and Montjuïc

Start your day with breakfast at La Boqueria Market. Grab some fresh fruit and a smoothie to kick things off right.
Hop on the cable car up to Montjuïc for stunning views of the city, and check out the Magic Fountain for a little extra magic in your day.
Spend your final evening enjoying a leisurely dinner in the El Born district. Treat yourself to some local Catalan cuisine like escalivada (grilled vegetables) and finish off with a delicious crema catalana (similar to crème brûlée) for dessert.

🚊 Trainline tip: keep reading our guide for more cool things to do in Barcelona!

Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain

Departure from Barcelona

Spend your final morning in Barcelona shopping for souvenirs and enjoying one last stroll through the city’s picturesque streets. Don’t forget to grab some local cava and a few Spanish treats to take home.

In just 10 days, you’ll get the best of Spain: the elegance of Madrid, the fiery spirit of Seville, the historic charm of Granada, and the artistic flair of Barcelona. By the end, you’ll have enough memories to fill a scrapbook — and might even find yourself browsing Trainline for your next Spanish getaway. ¡Vamos!

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Michael Cook - Altai World Photography. Image Location: Granada, Spain

10 days in Spain: your epic adventure planned out