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Spain Itinerary 10 Days – Northern Spain Road Trip
If you haven’t been to Spain. or want to see more of this incredible country, now is the time to go.
I first traveled to Spain, just after graduating from college. Staying with a family in Barcelona was such a fun experience and a great way to learn about the culture- my Spanish improved, I learned how to salsa dance, and ate lots of delicious Spanish food.
While traveling around Southern and Central Spain, I learned about the beautiful beach town of San Sebastian, in the north. I wasn’t able to get there on that trip, but I knew I’d be back.
Since then, Northern Spain has become a traveling hot spot, with good reason. Many come to trek on the famous Camino Trail, which runs all the way across Northern Spain, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the incredible Santiago de Compostela.
Traveling across Northern Spain and ending in Madrid is perfect for a road trip in Spain. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Europe- green with huge mountains, and an aqua-blue ocean.
There are quaint small towns, delicious regional food, friendly locals, and cooler temperatures in the summer (when much of Spain is HOT). San Sebastian in the Basque area was even better than I had expected.
This is the ultimate 10 days Spain itinerary. If you have less time, this can easily be a 7 day Spain itinerary. For a Spain itinerary 7 days, you can speed up your pace, or just travel to the places that seem most interesting to you (and save the rest for a future Northern Spain itinerary).
Whether you have 7 days in Spain or 10 days in Spain, read below to plan your perfect trip to Spain.
Get the best Spain Itinerary for 10 Days…
*For a Spain and Portugal itinerary, see the link to an incredible Portugal Itinerary at the bottom of this Spain blog post
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10 Day Spain Itinerary
2 Days Santiago De Compostela itinerary
GET THERE
How to get to Santiago De Compostela
- Fly into Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia, Northwest Spain
- Rent a car at the airport. This is a one-way rental, dropping off in San Sebastian or Madrid
STAY
Where to stay in Santiago de Compostela
- Stay in the town of Santiago de Compostela, or out on the beautiful countryside
Looking for the best place to stay in Santiago? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Os Vilares– We loved this bed & breakfast, just outside of the city center! Maika will make you feel like family in her charming stone country house, with a fireplace, shared kitchen, and breakfast provided for a small fee. Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel Spa Relais & Chateaux A Quinta da Auga– A little bit of luxury just outside of the city center, stay in this 18th-century eco-hotel and enjoy the spa! Click here for the latest prices
- Parador Hostal Dos Reis Catolicos– Once a hotel for the Pilgrims, this beautiful 15th-century splurge is right next to the Cathedral Click here for the latest prices
- San Nicolás– Charming guesthouse with a restaurant serving local cuisine, only a few minutes walk to the Historic center Click here for the latest prices
- Casa Grande Do Bachao– Located 1/2 hour from Santiago, this 18th-century stone farmhouse hotel is a retreat, with a pool, a restaurant, and breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa or apartment
Spain 10 days itinerary
DO
Things to do in Santiago De Compostela
- Bike or hike on a section of the famous Camino de Santiago trail
- See Casca Historico, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (try to catch a Botafumeiro ceremony inside and sit on the sides to get best views of the swinging arc), Parador Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, Plaza del Obradoiro, Hostal de Los Reyes Catolicos,
- At Plaza del Obradoiro (the main square, in front of the Cathedral), watch the people finish their long pilgrimage on the Camino Trail
- Take a day trip from Santiago to see some of the Western coast or head north to visit A Coruna.
EAT
- Collect food at Mercado de Abastos de Santiago, the old food market (lunch hours 1:00-3:00)
- Typical Spanish foods to try: tortilla de potatas (potato omelet), ham, local cheeses, quince paste, olive oil, bread, and of course, wine
- La Tita and Petiscos do Cardeal have delicious Spanish food and great prices
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Spain in 10 days itinerary
2 Days Asturias Region
GET THERE
- Drive from Santiago
Option: Take a detour (half-hour round trip) into the Medieval town of Oviedo
STAY
- Stay around the town of Llanes
Looking for the best place to stay near Llanes? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Hotel Rural Valleoscuru– Cozy countryside hotel (“rural hotel”) with a nice terrace with views and a restaurant using local ingredients (and some from their garden) Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel Rural Cuartamenteru– Nice rural inn, located 1 mile outside of Llanes Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel Don Paco– Restored 17th-century convent turned hotel, located in the center of town Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa or apartment
DO
- Walk from Llanes west along green bluffs overlooking the ocean
- Visit the beautiful Playa Torimba Beach
- Get an early start, and take a drive into the striking “Picos De Europa” mountains for some hiking at La Ruta del Cares. Visit the historical Covadonga, the town where the Christian reconquest of Spain began when the Moors were defeated in the Battle of Covadonga (c. 718–725) by Pelayo, the first Christian king of Asturias (a fun fact!). Drive to Cangas de Onis for lunch at El Polesu (tapas at a cider house) or El Palco .
- Visit the town of Santillana del Mar and tour the nearby Alta Mira Caves (or save this for a stop on your drive to your next destination, Santander)
EAT
- Cider is made in this region of Spain, and there are many cider houses (“Chigres”) restaurants, which I highly recommend for good, local, casual meals
- Try the cider (“sidra”) and other regional specialties like fabada (bean stew) and cachopo (fried meat & cheese dipped in breadcrumbs)
10 days in Spain itinerary
1 Day in Cantabria Region
GET THERE
- If you haven’t taken a trip to Alta Mira Caves and Santillana del Mar, then get an early start and visit the caves, then Santillana for lunch
STAY
- Stay in or outside of the town of Santander
Looking for the best place to stay in Santander? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Hostal Jardin Secreto– Exceptional guesthouse conveniently located in the town center, with a nice garden to relax in Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel Bahía– Big centrally located hotel overlooking Santander Bay and the Cathedral Click here for the latest prices
- Gran Hotel Sardinero– Sitting just in front of Sardinero Beach, go for the sea view in this elegant hotel with family rooms Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa or apartment
DO
- Relax or walk at El Sardinero Beach
- Walk around Santander
- Walk on the headlands, Peninsula de la Magdalena
- Cantabria is a region that is known for having one of the world’s highest concentrations of prehistoric art. If you want to see more Palaeolithic sites, check out Monte Castillo.
3 Days San Sebastian itinerary
GET THERE
How to get to San Sebastian
- Drive to a parking lot in San Sebastian to park your car. Alternatively, you could drop your car here and take the train to Madrid
STAY
Where to stay in San Sebastian
- Stay in the historical center or in along the oceanfront in a hotel or apartment
Looking for the best place to stay in San Sebastian? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
- Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel– Award-winning grand Belle Epoque hotel since 1912, opulent and on the waterfront Click here for the latest prices
- Casa Nicolasa– Boutique hotel/guesthouse with a convenient location in the old town Click here for the latest prices
- Legazpi Doce Studios Suites– Perfectly located in the heart of San Sebastian, they have stunning apartments (and rooms) that are contemporary and comfortable Click here for the latest prices
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra– Mahestic hotel overlooking the famous La Concha Beach (great for a summer stay) Click here for the latest prices
Click here to read reviews and see prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa or apartment
DO
What to do in San Sebastian
- Relax at the gorgeous beach, La Concha, one of Trip Advisor’s World’s Best Beaches for 2019!
- Walk on the trail along the beach to the end (on the west side)
- Hike up the hill on the east side to a castle and breathtaking view, one of the best photo opportunities in Spain!
- In the evening, stroll the promenade and watch the fun street performers
- EAT, this is one of the great food capitals!
Day Trips from San Sebastian
- Visit the famous town of Pamplona, where the “Running of the Bulls” takes place every July
- Go into France for the day to experience the French Basque. St. Jean de Luz is a great little beach town, as well as the posh city of Biarritz. Try some of my favorite cheese from this area, Petite Baque.
Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now
EAT
Where to eat in San Sebastian
- San Sebastian is one of the top places to eat in Europe! Get ready for a self-guided tapas crawl for dinner, which is a very fun way to eat with kids. If there are more than 2 in your group, get an early start to avoid crowds.
Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class or go on a food tour with locals
*San Sebastian Travel Tip: Plot all of the “Best Pixtos” on your offline map to use as you walk and eat
Best Tapas (“Pixtos”) in San Sebastian
Bar Ganbara
Ganbara
Bar Sport
Bar San Telmoko Goilarea
Cafe Santa Lucia
Asador Sagartoki
Asador Extebarri
Bar Borda Berri La Vina for cheesecake
Other: Bar Martinez, Bar Aralar, Munt, Txandorra
Local restaurant: Bodega Donostiarra
Pastries: Pasteleria Oiartzun
Ice cream: Gelateria Boulevard or Heladeria Arnoldo
Crepes, Waffles, and Hot Choc: Quebec Krep Herria
Coffee and Sweets: Old Town Cafes Especiales
Cheesecake: La Vina
*Some restaurants are closed on Mondays, check before you go
Spain Itinerary Options: This itinerary continues on to Marid. You can also spend your entire vacation at the places above, flying out of San Sebastian. Another option is to shorten any stay above to allow more time for Madrid. If you want to tour a winery and so some tasting, take the detour below…
La Rioja Wine Detour Option:
If you want to visit the nearby wine region of La Rioja, then visit Laguardia.
2 Days in Madrid itinerary
GET THERE
If you dropped your car in San Sebastian, take the train to Madrid. Otherwise, drive to your car rental company to drop your car off and taxi to your hotel.
Madrid Travel Tip: Try to choose a car rental drop off office that is not in the center of the city, where driving can be a bit more challenging.
STAY
Where to stay in Madrid
- Stay at a hotel in our near the Historical center, “Centro.”
Looking for the best place to stay in Madrid? Find the best prices at top-rated hotels here
Click here to read reviews for Madrid hotels and apartments
Click here to see the latest prices on Booking.com or Agoda.com
Click here to search for a villa or apartment
DO
What to do in Madrid
- Take a free walking tour in Madrid
- Go on a Bravo Bike tour 10:-1: or 3:-6:
- Take a self-guided audio tour of the Royal Palace.
- Visit the beautiful Retiro Park
- See all of the incredible art at the Prado. Check here to see the current FREE entry hours
- On Sunday, shop at one of the flea markets
- Watch a live flamenco music performance
- Sit and see Madrid from the Madrid Vision hop on hop off bus
- Watch a professional soccer game: Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, or Rayo Vallecano
- Take a day trip from Madrid on a train to the ancient hill town of Toledo
Click here to book a good tour, activity or get tickets now
EAT
- Indulge at the historic San Gines (since 1894) in Madrid for delicious Churros y Chocolate
- Find local Spanish food near your hotel by looking on Trip Advisor– select local Spanish food, sort by ranking, and select the price range (for family travel, we like the “cheap eats!”)
Click here to join a dining experience, take a cooking class, or go on a food tour with locals
GET HOME
- Fly home from the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, or fly to another country in Europe
For a Spain and Portugal Itinerary, please read
The Ultimate Fun In Portugal Itinerary: Best of Algarve, Sintra, Lisbon, and Porto
Northern Spain Map
For more tips on Europe travel, please read:
Top Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Morocco Itinerary: Everything You Must See, Do, and Eat
The Ideal Italy Itinerary: Best of Rome, Tuscany and Cinque Terre and The Perfect Rome Itinerary: Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City
The Perfect Greece Itinerary to Take Now! (Don’t Miss the Amazing Athens Itinerary)
The Perfect Croatia Itinerary: Istria, National Parks, Beaches, & Dubrovnik
Exploring the Beautiful Places of Switzerland Itinerary
Best of Sicily Itinerary: Palermo, Syracuse & Taormina (delicious local food included!)
2 Day Amsterdam Itinerary: Top Things to Do In One of the Best Cities in Europe
The Perfect Rome Itinerary: Top Things to Do In Italy’s Eternal City
More Travel Resources
Rick Steves Lonely Planet, Travel and Leisure, Forbes Travel, Travel Channel