10 Days in Spain - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Spain by Rail: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

Ideal for first-time visitors, this 10-day Spain itinerary combines time in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville for a well-rounded introduction to the country's culture and culinary scene. Throughout the adventure, you'll join an exciting bike journey through Barcelona's vibrant squares, embark on a kayak excursion on the Mediterranean Sea, attend a paella cooking class, and tour an olive oil estate. Top that with scenic train rides between destinations, and you'll leave with a deeper understanding of Spain's vast landscapes.

Welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Barcelona, where you'll get right into the city's renowned culinary scene during a tapas tour of the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, and El Born. Settled in, you'll tackle a morning bicycle trip, whizzing through Plaça Reial Plaza and Ciutadella Park before spending the afternoon relaxing on Barceloneta Beach. A day trip to the Costa Brava awaits you next, and after a scenic hike along the Camí de Ronda, you'll join a leisurely kayaking and snorkeling excursion. Then, pack your bags and transfer to the Barcelona Sants station to catch a train to Madrid.

Over the following three days, you'll delve into Madrid's fascinating history and culture, starting with a Segway tour of the Habsburg district and the square of Puerta del Sol. Then, learn the ins and outs of making paella alongside a local chef and embark on a day trip to Toledo for a guided wander of the city's churches, synagogues, and palaces. Last on your itinerary is three days based in Seville, which will fly by as you admire the famous Seville Cathedral, visit a nearby olive oil estate, and head out on a full-day trip around Andalusia's famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). Learn more

Itinerary #2: Barcelona & the Costa Brava

Embark on a thrilling 10-day coastal adventure through Catalonia, complete with plenty of time to discover Barcelona's highlights and the stunning landscapes along the Costa Brava. Crafted especially for those who want to explore a specific region in depth, coupled with scenic adventures, you'll base yourself in Barcelona and Begur and enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, visiting local wineries, and unwinding on sun-kissed beaches.

Your trip begins in Barcelona, stretching plane legs during an exciting self-guided stroll down La Ramblas and a private walking excursion of La Sagrada Família and other hidden gems off the main tourist trail. Then, join an exclusive tour of Antoni Gaudí's architectural wonders, including Park Güell Casa Milà, and head out on a scenic day trip to the Monastery of Montserrat before treating yourself to visits of the region's premier boutique wineries. Next, you'll transfer to Begur, making stops to admire Girona, a 2,000-year-old city, and Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí.

As the second half of your trip begins, you'll have an entire day to explore the coastal trails and relax on the pristine beaches of the Costa Brava. Then, take to the water and paddle alongside hidden coves and caves on a guided kayak excursion before cycling through medieval villages surrounding Gualta the following morning. On your last full day, partake in a wine tasting in the Empordà region, a smaller wine-producing area near Figueres, and after a relaxing afternoon, transfer to Barcelona to catch your outbound flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore the Spanish Basque Country & More

Taste your way across the Basque country, from Bilbao to San Sebastián, on this 10-day Spain trip, suited to foodies looking for a self-drive experience. Between walking tours and cooking classes in Bilbao and hikes and market visits in San Sebastián, you'll spend two days winery hopping in La Rioja. Plus, with a visit to the famous Guggenheim Museum, day trips to the French border, and an afternoon in historic Pamplona, you'll also get a thorough introduction to Northern Spain's history and culture.

Hopefully, you've arrived hungry, as your Spanish adventure begins with a food and wine tour of Bilbao, complete with stops at the Bilbao Cathedral, Plaza Santiago, and Plaza Nueva. Continue your exploration the following morning alongside an expert local guide checking out the famous Ribera Market and Guggenheim Museum before attending a private cooking class and joining an exciting Txikiteros pub crawl. You'll then pick up your rental car and hit the road to La Rioja, a premier wine-growing region, and spend the evening and next day winery hopping. 

Your road trip continues north to San Sebastián, stopping in Pamplona to visit Castillo Square, the Citadel of Pamplona military fort, and the lively Old Quarter. Get to know San Sebastián highlights on a walking tour, then embark on a self-drive day trip to Biarritz, Bayonne, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the French Basque coast. On your last full day, you'll head back toward the French border, this time for a hike up Mount Jaizkibel, and spend the evening relaxing in Hondarribia before catching your onward flight the following day. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Gems of Southern Spain

Travelers looking for a relaxed trip filled with uncrowded beaches, sunset cruises, and scenic hikes will delight in this 10-day Southern Spain tour. Featuring stays in Málaga, Marbella, and Cádiz, you'll hit all the best beaches and waterfront restaurants. And don't forget about a quick visit to the Morrocan city of Tangier for a memorable day visiting tiny restaurants and roaming mazelike narrow streets—a great option if you want to pack in visits to two countries!

After arriving in Málaga and settling into your accommodation for the first four nights, you'll kick off your Spain adventure during a 3.5-hour tapas tour. See a different side of the city the following morning on a Segway excursion followed by a scenic catamaran ride along the Andalusia coast. Over the next two days, you'll venture outside of the city, first to the Maro Cliffs for a scenic hike, then to a couple of Pueblos Blancos to wander among whitewashed buildings, and finally to a modern oil mill before spending your final evening in Málaga attending a flamenco performance. 

On the morning of Day 5, it's time to pick up your rental car and head down the coast to Marbella for two days of relaxation on the Costa del Sol. Next, treat yourself to a thrilling trip across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Moroccan city of Tangier, where you'll enjoy an evening exploring the Medina (walled old town) and Ville Nouvelle (New Town). After a ferry back to Spain, spend your final days in Cádiz relaxing on uncrowded beaches until it's time to drive to Seville and catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Bask in the Beauty of the Balearics: Menorca & Mallorca

Sink into island time on this sun-drenched 10-day Balearics trip that combines adventure with food experiences and beach time. Starting on the island of Menorca, you'll have plenty of time to relax on soft sandy beaches, kayak in calm bays, and join a sailboat excursion to Cala Galdana. Then, on Mallorca, you'll test your endurance during a scenic hike in the Tramuntana Mountains and spend long days on uncrowded beaches. 

Welcome to the Balearic Islands! Your adventure begins with a transfer to Mahón on the island of Menorca, the second-largest of the four main islands and the ideal place to settle into the archipelago's relaxed pace of life. Spend your first evening roaming the city's charming Old Town, then discover Menorca's sandy beaches and rugged coastlines on a 4WD Jeep journey. Next, enjoy a peaceful day of beach hopping before packing in a kayaking excursion, a cheese and wine tasting tour, a memorable sailboat trip to Cala Galdana, and a cooking class in Citadella. 

The second half of your trip starts with a 40-minute flight to Mallorca, where you'll base yourself for the remainder. After settling into your hotel in Palma de Mallorca, you'll spend the rest of your day on a beach of your choice, followed by a full-day catamaran cruise to Cala Vella. Back on dry land, it's time to challenge yourself with a hike in the Tramuntana Mountains, known for their sharp ridges and stunning coastal views. Then, squeeze in a self-guided walking tour of Palma and a two-hour wine-tasting experience before heading to the airport in Mallorca to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Spain & Portugal Road Trip: Porto to Madrid 

Crafted for those looking to sprinkle in a taste of Portugal on their Spain adventure, this 10-day Iberian Peninsula road trip takes you on a scenic journey from Porto to Madrid. Take a deep dive into history while touring Salamanca's medieval landmarks, pondering Ávila's old city walls, and walking alongside the impressive Roman Aqueduct in Segovia. In addition, you'll take to the skies for a hot-air balloon ride, join a food tour in Porto, and frolic through alpine meadows in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

Your trip begins with two food and culture-packed days in Porto, Portugal. Start by joining a local guide for a food tour, spend the evening learning about port wine, and check out the city's highlights of Boavista, Porto Cathedral, and Ribeira Plaza alongside a city guide. Then, it's time to pick up your rental car and hit the road to Spain–your first stop being Salamanca. Enjoy a morning meander of City Hall and the House of Shells, and be sure to check out the lively nightlife in Plaza Mayor. Next on your agenda is an easy drive to Ávila, the province's capital of the same name.

Fill your two days in Ávila with a tour of the city's medieval center, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, and learning to make traditional yemas de Santa Teresa (candied egg yolks). Continue to Segovia to wander alongside its Roman Aqueduct and 16th-century Segovia Cathedral, then split the following day between a hike in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and a relaxing wine-tasting experience in the Ribera del Duero. Your final drive brings you to Madrid, where you'll have free time to explore the Royal Palace, El Retiro Park, and Mercado San Miguel before catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other 10-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.