10 Day Spain Itinerary for First Timers
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. No wonder, considering its magnificent cities and towns, gorgeous beaches, great food and fantastic nightlife. Most people who visit for the first time spend 7 to 10 days exploring the architectural treasures of Spain.
Our route focuses on most beautiful cities. We begin in Barcelona, Spain’s second largest city. Then we travel south along the Mediterranean Sea to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. From there we turn northwest towards the Spanish Capital, Madrid. We end our itinerary by continuing south to Seville, and Granada.
Barcelona
Barcelona is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It hosts one of Europe’s largest medieval towns famous for its Gothic Quarter and an astonishing number of Art Nouveau (Modernist) buildings.
Barcelona is blessed with a 6 km (4 miles) long beach, great restaurants and fantastic nightlife. Many important artists including GaudÃ, Miró, Picasso and Dalà spent some time in this magical place, leaving their distinct mark throughout the city. Barcelona is a world class destination!
Where to Stay in Barcelona
Barcelona is a huge city made of diverse neighborhoods. Thus, choosing the perfect place to stay depends on what you are looking for. If visiting for a few days, stay in Barcelona’s most central neighborhood, the Eixample. Hotel Murmuri is a modernist building with prime facilities.
If you are into historical places, stay in the Old Town. In el Borne, Hotel Banys Orientals offers authenticity and comfort. If you prefer the young and hip crowd stay in Poble Sec. We guarantee you’ll love the neighborhood. Our favorite hotel is Brummell.
Valencia
Valencia has long been overshadowed by Barcelona for no reason since it has so much to offer: the gorgeous medieval Old Town, elegant classical neighborhoods, a wonderful beach and the one and only City of Arts and Sciences designed by the city’s most famous architect Santiago Calatrava.
The Old Town is full of cool street art, great restaurants and historical architecture. Next to it, you’ll find the gorgeous 5 km (3 miles) former long river bed, now a park perfect to stroll around or bike your way to the beach.
Where to Stay in Valencia
The Catalonia Excelsior Hotel is as central as you can be. This elegant hotel offers comfy rooms and great views. If you are an architecture lover or prefer something different, stay at the Hotel Valencia Alameda overlooking the City of Arts and Sciences.
Once more, beach-goers will be happy to realize Valencia has several nice hotels directly on the beach. Las Arenas Balneario Resort is definitively one of the best.
Madrid
Madrid is Spain’s capital and its largest city. It is the country’s heart and soul and deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. Madrid is a city that never sleeps. Its Old Town is large, beautiful, and full of life. Many of its charming streets and squares are now pedestrian-only and a pleasure to explore on foot.
However, Madrid is best known for its world-class museums. We’re talking about the Prado, Reina SofÃa, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Let’s not forget the imposing Royal Palace and the lush Retiro Park.
Where to Stay in Madrid
Our favorite place to stay is near the bustling Puerta del Sol, the epicenter of the Old Town. The best hotel in the area is the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, a historic building with elegant rooms and lovely views. It also hosts the largest urban spa in Spain.
We always stay at the gorgeous Principe Pio, located right next to the Old Town. It offers elegant rooms with views over the Royal Gardens and the Palace. The Riu Plaza España is nearby, on the monumental Plaza de España. It features a stunning outdoor pool and some of the best views in town.
Seville
According to many, Seville is Spain’s most beautiful city. Although it is an ancient city, it rose to prominence in the 16th century as the main center for trade with the Americas. During and after that period, numerous palaces, churches, and parks were built throughout the city.
Seville’s Old Town is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace, and the General Archive of the Indies. Other highlights include MarÃa Luisa Park with the impressive Plaza de España, the Torre del Oro, and the striking Metropol Parasol. Seville is also the birthplace of flamenco.
Where to Stay in Seville
The best areas to stay are in or around the Old Town. Hotel Alfonso XIII is undoubtedly the best hotel in Seville. This ultra-luxurious hotel is housed in a Neo-Mudéjar building, originally constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. The rooms are individually decorated, and the hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and sauna.
Our personal favorite is Hotel Casa Del Poeta, located near the Cathedral. It’s a 17th-century mansion with just 18 rooms, offering a refined and intimate stay. We also love Eurostars Torre Sevilla. At 180 meters (592 ft), it is the tallest building in Andalusia. Outstanding views guaranteed!
Granada
If there is one place in Spain with a truly unique history, it is surely Granada. The city was the last Muslim-ruled state in Spain, and you can still feel its distinct oriental vibe. It is home to the most impressive palace in the Arab world, La Alhambra.
But Granada is not only about the Alhambra. It is surrounded by stunning hills and mountains, with Europe’s southernmost ski center, Sierra Nevada, just a step away. There are charming old neighborhoods, including one with cave houses dug into a hillside. Granadinos are undoubtedly the most hospitable people in Spain.
Where to Stay in Granada
Granada is all about the views. Therefore, staying across from the Alhambra is a must. Actually, you can even stay inside the Alhambra itself. The Parador de Granada was originally a Moorish palace and later a convent. It is set in beautiful gardens.
The Aurea Washington Irving Eurostars offers amazing views of the Alhambra. The hotel is only about 300 meters (1000 feet) from the palace. It’s a luxury property with a fantastic pool and sun deck. The best rooms overlook the palace. On the other hand, the stunning Casa Morisca is housed inside a 15th-century building and also offers views of the Alhambra.
Traveling Around Spain
We designed this itinerary considering you don’t want to waste time in transport. In fact, you can complete the entire route by train. What’s more, trains in Spain are fast, safe, reliable, and affordable.
There are several trains from Barcelona to Valencia. Talgo is the most comfortable one. From Valencia to Madrid there are numerous fast trains. The same goes to Madrid Seville route. Finally, from Seville to Granada you can also take a comfortable train. You’ll love the experience!
Day 1 – Barcelona
Spend your first day exploring the magnificent Old Town. The Gothic Quarter is where the Cathedral is. Both Plaça Reial and Plaça Sant Jaume are there too. Medieval palaces dot Born, while Raval is the epicenter of the alternative nightlife. Of course, don’t forget to stroll down la Rambla.
Day 2 – Barcelona
On your second day, go to Barceloneta and spend some time on the beach. You can later visit the Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf and Gaudi’s buildings on Passeig de Grà cia. Finish your tour in Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s ultimate masterpiece.
Day 3 – Barcelona
On your last day visit the colorful Parc Guell and discover the small squares of Grà cia. In the afternoon, walk about the several gardens of Montjuic, Barcelona’s nicest park. Don’t forget to visit the monumental square built for the 1992 Olympic Games. Finally, go up to Las Arenas to enjoy outstanding views.
Day 4 – Valencia
Wonder about Valencia’s beautiful old town. Start your walk at the 13th-century Cathedral, pass by the Lonja de la Seda, a Unesco heritage site and end at the colorful Central Market. For a glimpse of Valencia’s medieval walls visit the only remaining towers: Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos. Don’t forget to visit the lavish City Hall and the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas.
Day 5 – Valencia
Historic Valencia is quite nice. But that’s not all. Go down the former river bed to enjoy its cool air and endless parks. Just a few kilometers from the center you’ll find the City of Arts and Sciences, an impressive late 20th-Century complex. Finish your day on Valencia’s long sandy beach.
Day 6 – Madrid
Start your walk at Kilómetro Cero in Puerta del Sol and head straight to Plaza Mayor. Zigzag through the narrow streets until you reach the La Latina neighborhood. From there, walk north to the Catedral de Santa MarÃa la Real de la Almudena and the Royal Palace. End your day at Plaza de España and the Temple of Debod.
Day 7 – Madrid
Start your next day along the Gran VÃa, the lifeline of Madrid. Walk all the way to the Cibeles Fountain and the Puerta de Alcalá. Enter Retiro Park and take a moment to rest. After recharging your batteries, head to the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina SofÃa museums. If you still have time and energy, visit the CaixaForum Madrid.
Day 8 – Seville
Spend your first day exploring Seville’s magnificent Old Town. Begin your walk at the Royal Alcázar of Seville. The palace is big, so take your time. Then head to the Archivo de Indias and the Cathedral. Don’t miss the chance to climb the Giralda Tower. Wander through the streets of the Santa Cruz neighborhood, and end your day by climbing the Metropol Parasol to enjoy some of the best views in the city.
Day 9 – Seville
On your second day in Seville, spend some time in the Parque de MarÃa Luisa. This is where the iconic Plaza de España is located. After enjoying the park, walk along the river to the Torre del Oro. Cross the San Telmo Bridge and explore the Triana neighborhood. Some of the best tablaos (venues where flamenco is performed) can be found here.
Day 10 – Granada
Spend most of your time in Granada exploring the Alhambra. Start with the Nasrid Palaces, then visit the Alcazaba and the Generalife Gardens. The place is huge, so expect to spend at least half a day there. Afterwards, climb up to the AlbaicÃn and Sacromonte neighborhoods to enjoy stunning views and a taste of Granada’s Moorish and gypsy heritage. End your day in the Old Town with a visit to the Cathedral.
