Spain is beautiful, but I won't go a second time, because it's really...

I'm back from Spain, and the after-effects are so strong I'm losing sleep. Gaudi's interplay of light and shadow, the rhythm of flamenco, the Mediterranean breeze—each one is intoxicating. But it's also a real leg-burner, wallet-drainer, and patience-tester. This post will lay out a 10-day self-guided loop itinerary and all the "pitfalls" I encountered 🇪🇸 🚫 Real pain points that might deter you 🔹 20,000+ steps daily: In Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, I walked everywhere between attractions, and my calves were noticeably thicker when I got back 🔹 High-risk areas for pickpockets: Barcelona Metro, Madrid's Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía—your phone could easily be snatched if you're holding it 🔹 Meal times are out of sync with typical European schedules: Lunch at 2 PM, dinner at 9 PM—you'll be starving 🔹 Getting attraction tickets is incredibly difficult: Sagrada Familia requires booking 2 weeks in advance, and the Alhambra requires securing tickets 1 month ahead 🗓️ 10-day classic self-guided loop itinerary (reverse route version) Day 1–2: Madrid: Prado Museum (Goya's *The Naked Maja*) > Puerta del Sol (Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue) > Mercado de San Miguel (Tapas paradise) > Retiro Park Day 3–4: Seville: Royal Alcázar of Seville (*Game of Thrones* Water Gardens) > Plaza de España (mosaic tiles) > Giralda Tower > Watch flamenco Day 5–6: Granada: Alhambra (Court of the Myrtles + Court of the Lions) > Albaicín (free panoramic sunset view) Day 7–9: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia > Park Güell > Casa Batlló > Casa Milà > Gothic Quarter > La Boqueria Market Day 10: Return from Barcelona 📸 Must-visit core checklist 🏛️ Sagrada Familia: Gaudi's masterpiece, a ceiling of stained-glass light and shadow 🏛️ Alhambra: Peak of Moorish palaces, be sure to book tickets in advance 🏛️ Plaza de España, Seville: Free, the most beautiful square in Europe 🏛️ Royal Palace of Madrid: Third largest royal palace in Europe 🍜 Must-try local delicacies 🍚 Paella: Originated in Valencia, but also excellent in Barcelona 🦐 Iberian ham: Freshly sliced thin, melts in your mouth 🥔 Spanish omelet: Authentic with onions 🍢 Tapas: Can't stop at just one bite 🍷 Sangria: A lifesaver in summer 💰 Budget reference (10 days, 9 nights/person, excluding airfare) · Budget travel: Approximately CNY 7,000–9,000 (hostel + supermarket + Chinese restaurants + free attractions) · Comfortable travel: Approximately CNY 13,000–18,000 · Light luxury travel: Approximately CNY 25,000+ 💡 Crucial tips to avoid pitfalls · 🎫 Book Gaudi architecture/Alhambra tickets 1 month in advance; you might not get tickets if you go last minute · 🛡️ Wear your bag in front: Barcelona Metro has the most pickpockets; don't wear headphones or look at your phone while walking · 💰 Prepare cash: Small shops/street tapas only accept cash · 🧣 Church attire: Cover shoulders and knees · 🥘 Paella: Don't eat near attractions; it's overpriced and inauthentic · ⏰ Check restaurant opening hours in advance: Lunch at 2 PM, dinner at 9 PM 💬 Final thoughts The beauty of Spain is the kind that makes you "tired but happy"—Gaudi's interplay of light and shadow, the strumming of flamenco guitars, the aroma of Mediterranean paella, the scent of olive oil and orange blossoms on the streets. After 10 days, you'll willingly walk 20,000 steps daily for it, but you'll also sincerely advise everyone: Before you go, train your legs, book your tickets, and secure your bag 🇪🇸