10 Day Spain Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine & Coastline
This summer, we’ll be heading out on a 10 day itinerary through Spain—something we’ve been wanting to do for a while. Our route goes from Madrid to Mallorca, passing through wine country, coastal towns, and cities with their own distinct rhythm and personality. Some places are new, others are familiar, but each stop was chosen with intention: not just for what there is to see, but for how we want to travel—slowly, with room for good food, conversation, and moments that aren’t always on the itinerary.
If you’re thinking about planning a 10 day trip through Spain, this route might offer a helpful starting point. Here’s how we’re planning it.
Madrid (2 nights) – Off to a Good Start
We’ll begin in Madrid, giving ourselves a couple of days to settle into the trip. The goal isn’t to pack in every landmark but to ease in slowly. We’re planning to visit the Prado, walk through El Retiro Park, and spend time in neighborhoods like Malasaña and Barrio de las Letras. Maybe browse a few local bookstores, catch a sunset from Templo de Debod, or wander through Lavapiés in search of something good to eat. But more than anything, we’re looking forward to the small, meaningful moments—finding a table at a café, sitting for a while, and letting the pace of the city guide us.
Rioja (1 night): A Taste of Wine Country
From Madrid, we’ll drive into La Rioja for a one-night stay in wine country. We’re planning a visit to Marqués de Riscal, a winery that’s been on our list not just for the wine, but for its iconic architecture and beautiful setting. If time allows, we might also pass through Burgos or Valladolid—even just for a walk or a meal. It’s a short stop, but we’re carving it out to pause between the cities and soak up a quieter landscape.
San Sebastián (2 nights): A Place I’ve Always Wanted to Visit
San Sebastián has been on my radar for a while. We’ll be walking both La Concha and Zurriola Bay, spending time in the Old Town, and dedicating at least one afternoon to eating our way through pintxos bars. We’re also planning to explore Gros, a neighborhood that feels a bit more lived-in and less curated, and take a walk up Monte Urgull for a quieter view over the city.
Tarragona (1 night): A Slower Stop Along the Coast
We decided to skip Barcelona this time—not because it isn’t worth visiting (it is), but because we’ve been before and wanted to explore something different. That’s how Tarragona ended up on the list. We’ll stay at Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno, a boutique hotel in the Priorat wine region, just outside the city. With Roman ruins, sea views, and a relaxed pace, Tarragona offers something quieter and more grounded. For those building a 10-day itinerary in Spain for the first time, this leg could easily be swapped for Barcelona.
Valencia (2 nights): A Mix of Old and new
From Tarragona, we’ll head to Valencia for two nights. We don’t have firm plans yet, but we hope to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, stop by the Central Market, and spend time in neighborhoods like Ruzafa. We’ll leave room to wander, try whatever food catches our eye, and get a feel for the city without rushing through it. It seems like a place that’s easy to settle into, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it fits into the rest of the trip.
Mallorca (2 nights): Mountains & slowing down
We’ll finish the trip in Mallorca, flying in for two nights of nature and rest. We’re staying at La Residencia in Deià, a small village in the Tramuntana Mountains. It’s a part of the island I am especially drawn to—not just for the views, but for the access to quiet trails, sea air, and time outdoors. We’ll spend time hiking, exploring small towns like Sóller, and finding quiet coves when the weather allows. It’s a slower pace to end on, and one we’re really looking forward to.
Wrapping up the trip
I’ll be sharing updates from each stop—what I loved, what surprised me, and what I might do differently next time. If you’ve done a similar route or are planning your own 10 day itinerary in Spain, I’d love to hear your tips and thoughts.
And if you’re looking to plan a similar itinerary through Spain or Portugal, feel free to reach out—happy to help however I can.
