10 days in Spain is a very good introduction to the country. Like most of Europe, it isn’t enough for an in depth exploration, but it is more than enough to see the highlights and get a good idea of what you want.
In the south, in Andalusia we have the history of the Moors, in Barcelona we have the modern architecture of Gaudi and in Madrid some of the best art in the world. We will start in Madrid as it is easiest to fly in and out of.
Travel Style
This itinerary is great for travel by car or by train. However I recommend the train for multiple reasons.
Within the cities public transport is easier than driving and finding parking. Also trains are quicker from the city center to city center as high speed trains in Spain are very quick.
As we are just looking at the highlights I have not included anything off the beaten track. If you fancy a few more days in the south, then hiring a car locally for that portion would be good, or if you want to head to the Basque country and explore the mountains a car would be necessary there as well.
Essentially travel by train in Spain is quick efficient and relaxing.
10-Day Spain itinerary
The following ten days are an ideal balance of visits and museums interspersed with time to relax and get a feel for the cities as well as the necessary travel time.
Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
Most flights from North America arrive in the Spanish capital in the morning. This gives you a day to wander, see some things and get the feel of the city. Spain’s bustling capital is one of Europe’s largest. Start your day in Plaza Mayor, the central square of the city.
Sit, relax and get a coffee. Especially if you are a bit jet lagged after the flight.
Nearby is the Royal Residence of the Spanish Royal Family. Built with the plundered riches of the era of exploration, this sprawling palace can be visited and a visit is worthwhile. The Almudena Cathedral next door is also worth a quick visit for the vibrant colors of its interior decorations.
Spend the evening in the Barrio de las Letras. Known for its literary tradition it is today a district that maintains this heritage and is also home to many great restaurants and smaller tapas bars. Remember if you are tired after your flight to head back to your hotel for an afternoon siesta as dinner and the evening starts late in Spain.
Day 2: Madrid’s Cultural Gems
Madrid is on of the greatest destinations for art lovers. The Prado Museum home to artworks by Velázquez, Goya, and other Spanish artists as well as those from abroad such as Titian and Raphael. Of course the most famous artist to come from abroad and make his home in Spain is El Greco – the Greek – famous for his paintings of the royal court.
If you are a true art lover then spend the afternoon in the Reina Sofía Museum to see Picasso’s “Guernica,” and works by Dalí and Miró. The artworks here are much more recent compared to the Prado.
If you aren’t a massive art fan, pick one of the two old or new as they are still worth visiting and spend the rest of your day visiting the Santiago Bernabeu – if you have already heard the name, it was probably on top of your list. This is the stadium of Real Madrid – Europe’s most successful football (soccer) team.
Even if you aren’t a sports fan the Stadium of Santiago Bernabeu is a modern version of the Colosseum in Rome. It is one of Europe’s biggest stadiums and a tour will open your eyes to the European football culture. Tickets to games are almost impossible to get but if you are a true football fan, there are ways to get them.
Day 3: Toledo – The Cathedral and Silversmiths
An hour on the high speed train to the south of Madrid lies Toledo. This hilltop walled city was a center of Medieval learning. Known through the middle ages as a center of learning the city was a cultural melting pot.
The cathedral is a must see. It is a blend of Gothic (mostly), Moorish and Baroque styles. Even if you have visited numerous French and Italian cathedrals the intricate carvings and bright frescoes will still blow you away.
The Alcazar on the top of the hill was originally a roman fortress and has been used by the Visigoths, the Moors, and most recently during the civil war of the 1930’s. The outside is from the reign of Philip II in the 16th Century but the interior courtyards still boast the Moorish courtyard styles.
Enjoy wandering the narrow streets of Toledo and don’t forget to go visit some silversmiths. Toledo during the middle ages was known for its intricate metalwork decorations in the churches and for its sword making. The multicultural learning center produced some important advances in the fields of metallurgy.
I recommend spending a day looking around and returning to your accommodation in Madrid for the night if you are traveling by train. By car continue south to Cordoba in the evening. Unfortunately the high speed train line towards Andalusia is separate to the Toledo Line.
Day 4: Andalusia – Islam and Christian Influences
The Southern Province of Andalusia is a large area with many great sights. Distances are quite large but thanks to the high speed train network quite manageable. I recommend basing yourself in Cordoba.
Take a train in the morning from Madrid and 2 hours and nearly 250 miles later you arrive in Cordoba.
This midsize city has a vibrant modern city center. The main attraction though is the old town. The whitewashed walls are typical of Andalusia and the narrow streets are the same as during the Mudéjar Period, often referred to as the Moorish period.
An important part of traveling is relaxing. Stroll around the city and get lost in the old town for the afternoon. Enjoy dinner in a restaurant in one of the cool interior courtyards of the old town buildings.
Day 5: Córdoba – The Mezquita and the Old Town
Today concentrate on exploring Córdoba more mindfully. Visit the famous Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral showcasing a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.
Make sure you take a guided tour of the old city. Local explanations will add so much. The historic Jewish Quarter isn’t much different to the rest of town but a local will tease out the stories and history for you. Though less visible than the Moors and the Christians, the Jews have had a significant influence on the history of the city as well.
In the afternoon visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress for the ‘christian kings’. Make sure you enjoy the gardens. Take time to relax on the city’s picturesque patios and courtyards so typical of the region.
Day 6: Granada – The Alhambra and Albayzín
Granada is not exactly next door and you might prefer to stay overnight but to avoid changing hotels too often it is quite possible as a day trip from Cordoba. Just be very careful about booking train times and stick to the fastest connections.
It is of course possible to put this day after Sevilla and maybe stay overnight before heading north. As always my itineraries are just suggestions.
There is one big reason for visiting. The Alhambra Fortress. It is a combination of both castle and palace. Built by the Moors during the Nasrid Dynasty in the from the 13th Century, the complex is without comparison in Europe.
It is not just the size, it is also the design. The intricate carvings and ornate mosaics are not common parts of the European architectural heritage.
The courtyards, and the Generalife Gardens (pronounce it in Spanish please) are calm oases within the fortress.
Just outside the Fortress but part of the Unesco World Heritage site is the Albayzín. This jumble of streets and whitewashed houses is typical of Andalusia and will probably remind you of Cordoba’s old town. What they have most in common though is that you are guaranteed to get lost among the alleyways – in a good way though.
If you have the time you can also explore the to explore the lower part of town with a visit to the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Royal Chapel where Ferdinand and Isabella are buried. These two royals were of course the pair that sent Columbus on his way to pillage the new world.
They commissioned the Cathedral to commemorate the more famous Spanish date in 1492. This was the year that the famous couple conquered Granada – the end of the Reconquista or “Reconquest” of the Iberian Peninsula.
Day 7: Sevilla – the Andalusian Capital
A much closer day trip from Cordoba is Sevilla. Less than an hour away by train Sevilla is the main city in the south of Spain.
The combination of Moorish and Christian architecture is also a major talking point here. The old parts of town still display their islamic origins.
Standing proud above them though is the Catedral de Santa María de la Sede, better known just as the cathedral. Originally a mosque, it became a cathedral after the conquest by the christians and from about 1400 was modernized in the Gothic style. Today it is the largest gothic cathedral in the world.
Largest doesn’t mean tallest. The adjoining Giralda Bell Tower is just over 100 m tall. While it isn’t the tallest church tower it is still worth the climb for the views.
The adjoining Real Alcázar de Sevilla palace complex is definitely worth visiting. The Mudéjar style, with its stucco decoration is an almost perfect example of the islamic architecture of southern Spain. What we call the middle ages in Northern Europe was down south a period of cultural enlightenment.
Plaza de España, built for an exposition is worth a quick look and is right beside the green Parque de Maria Luisa, an oasis of cool during the heat of the day.
Make sure you also visit the Barrio Santa Cruz, the historic Jewish Quarter. The charming narrow streets have plenty of great places to stop for a coffee or lunch.
Head back to Cordoba and if you are there early maybe you should check out a traditional flamenco show to make sure you get some of the unique dancing and music from the region. While Sevilla might be considered the home of the dance, it is truly part of the culture of the whole region, with subtle variations between the cities.
Day 8: Head North to Modern Barcelona
It is time to head back north. Get an early train to Madrid, and a connecting train East to Barcelona. It will take about 5 hours total from Cordoba to Barcelona.
Barcelona is Spain’s second city but is culturally apart from the rest of the country. While the whole country is proud of their regional cultures, the Catalans in the North East are a bit apart.
Today’s Barcelona is a young dynamic city, a massive draw for Europe’s students and youth. This creates a lively cultural feel.
A lot what is worth seeing in Barcelona is connected to the architect Gaudi. Start off your afternoon with a stroll around the Park Güell. This modern public park is great for stretching your legs after the train ride and a fantastic introduction to the style and imagination of the city’s architect.
In the evening wander down the massive Boulevard of La Rambla. This beautiful tree and restaurant lined street is the center of Barcelona’s food and drink scene. However, there is a lot of better smaller less known restaurants elsewhere. I recommend coming here to people watch – not to eat or drink.
Day 9: Barcelona – Gaudí and the Gothic Quarter
In the morning learn more about Gaudi – visit Sagrada Família his unfinished masterpiece. Contrary to most people’s ideas it isn’t the city’s cathedral, rather just a large church. It is nothing like the gothic or baroque cathedrals that are standard across the continent. The cathedral has taken over 100 years to get this far and is due to be finished in 2026.
After lunch check out the Gothic Quarter to discover its narrow alleys, ancient Roman walls, and charming squares. Montjuïc on the southwest side of the city is a small hill and city offering great views over the city.
Day 10: Departure
As most transatlantic flights are in the afternoon or later there is more than enough time to get a train back to Madrid. If you are flying into Madrid and out of Barcelona, just enjoy the morning, there is plenty more to see in the city. Head down to the beach if the weather is good.
Conclusion
This 10-day itinerary through Spain offers a perfect blend of historic landmarks, and cultural experiences. From Madrid’s art to Granada’s Moorish marvels to Barcelona’s architectural masterpieces these are the highlights of Spain.
There is more and I haven’t ignored it. There just isn’t time in ten days to see everything. The North and Northwest are fascinating lands, culturally distinct from the rest of Spain. In fact different parts of the North are culturally distinct from each other. The Basque Country and Galicia are both worth a visit and quite different to each other as well.
If you have had enough of Spain head north into France from Barcelona. Check out my South of France Itinerary for some ideas.
