Itinerary for a 10 Day Trip to Spain: Top Tips and Advice for the Perfect Journey  

Itinerary for a 10 Day Trip to Spain: Top Tips and Advice for the Perfect Journey  

Planning a vacation to Spain and not sure where to start? How to balance the vibrant energy of Barcelona, the tranquility of Andalusian villages, and relaxation on the Mediterranean beaches? Planning can be challenging, but it’s also the beginning of an adventure. Read our article and find out how to create the perfect itinerary for a trip to Spain! 

Planning a trip to Spain can be an exciting and inspiring experience, but only if you plan everything carefully. This guide will take you step by step through how to prepare an itinerary for a 10-day trip to Spain and offer practical tips on how to make the most of your journey. So, where to begin? 

1. Set a Budget 

When planning your trip, start by setting a budget. This will help you decide where you can save and where it’s worth investing. Typical costs for a 10-day trip to Spain include: 

  • Flights: Round-trip tickets, for example, from Prague to Spain range from 50 to 150 EUR, depending on the destination and season. 
  • Accommodation: Average prices for accommodation in Spain start at 35 EUR per night in hostels and can reach up to 115 EUR in three-star hotels. 
  • Food: Daily meal costs range from 12 to 25 EUR per person, depending on the type of restaurant and region. 
  • Entrance fees: Admission fees to tourist attractions usually range from 8 to 30 EUR. 
  • Car rental: The price for car rental starts at 28 EUR per day, depending on the type of vehicle and season. 

Table for an overview of the trip cost to Spain: 

Item Price Range 
Flight tickets 50–150 EUR (round trip) 
Accommodation 35–115 EUR per night 
Food 12–25 EUR per person per day 
Entrance fees 8–30 EUR per attraction 
Car rental From 28 EUR per day 

2. Choose the Best Time to Visit 

Consider when it’s most convenient for you to travel. Each season offers different experiences and atmospheres that will influence your itinerary. If you plan to visit several cities, avoid the hottest summer months, especially in Andalusia, where temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F). On the other hand, winter months can surprisingly be pleasant for city sightseeing and skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

  • Spring (April-May): Ideal weather for both cities and nature (20-25°C / 68-77°F). 
  • Summer (July-August): Perfect for beaches, but cities like Seville can be very hot (over 40°C / 104°F). 
  • Fall (September-October): Fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures, and a calm atmosphere. 
  • Winter (December-February): A great choice for skiers or exploring Christmas markets. 

3. Recommended Itinerary for a 10-Day Trip to Spain 

Each day of this itinerary is dedicated to one key location or city. There are fast connections between destinations, such as the AVE high-speed trains (Madrid–Barcelona, Sevilla–Córdoba–Granada), which save time. Car routes (e.g., Valencia–Granada) are also manageable. 

Day 1: Madrid—Historic Center and Art 

Start your day at the Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe. Continue to the Prado Museum, where you’ll find iconic works by Spanish masters. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere at Plaza Mayor. 

Day 2: Toledo—Medieval Gem 

Take the train (30 minutes from Madrid). Explore the impressive cathedral and the Jewish Quarter, and enjoy the stunning view of the city from the Mirador del Valle viewpoint. 

Day 3–4: Barcelona—Modernism and Beaches 

Visit the iconic Sagrada Família, take a stroll through Park Güell, and enjoy a walk along La Rambla. Relax at Barceloneta Beach and taste the local specialties. 

Day 5: Valencia—Traditional and Futuristic 

Visit the City of Arts & Sciences and explore the historic center. Don’t forget to try the authentic paella. 

Day 6–7: Granada—Alhambra and Moorish Heritage 

Spend the whole day exploring the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the Albaicín district with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. 

Den 8: Córdoba—Jewel of Andalusia 

Explore the Mezquita, a beautiful combination of mosque and cathedral. Walk across the Roman bridge and through the streets of the historic Jewish Quarter. 

Day 9–10: Seville—Flamenco and History 

Visit the Royal Alcázar Palace, the cathedral, and the La Giralda tower. In the evening, enjoy authentic flamenco in the Triana district. 

4. Practical Travel Tips 

The following tips will help you manage the practical aspects of your trip and ensure that you avoid unexpected complications. 

  • Travel insurance: Never forget to get good travel insurance. It will cover not only potential medical expenses but also situations like flight cancellations, lost luggage, or accidents while renting a car. We also recommend checking whether your insurance covers specific activities, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada. 
  • Mobile apps: Download apps that will make your trip easier. We recommend: 
  • Renfe: For booking train tickets. 
  • El Tenedor/The Fork: For restaurant reservations with ratings and discounts. 
  • Google Translate: A useful tool for communication in less touristy areas. 
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Spain, but it is generally added at 5–10% in restaurants if you are satisfied with the service. For small services like a taxi, rounding up the amount is sufficient. 
  • Exploring local markets: Spanish markets, such as La Boquería in Barcelona or Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, are great places to buy fresh ingredients and sample local specialties at reasonable prices. 
  • Night transport: In most large cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, there are night buses (“búhos”). Use them if you plan on an evening out and don’t want to pay for a taxi. 

Spain is waiting for you 

Spain is a country that offers endless possibilities for all types of travelers—from history and culture lovers to adventurers seeking natural beauty or food enthusiasts. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Madrid, exploring Moorish landmarks in Andalusia, or relaxing on Mediterranean beaches, every moment here will be worth it. 

Thorough planning of your trip to Spain is just the beginning. The real experience begins when you let yourself be swept away by the Spanish atmosphere, local hospitality, and unforgettable moments. Don’t wait too long—for more inspiration on a detailed itinerary for a 10-day trip to Spain, find out more here