travel to spain and portugal itinerary

The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)

Tempted by the cultural charm and natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula and hoping to plan the perfect 2 week Spain and Portugal itinerary?

If so, we’ve designed this itinerary for Portugal and Spain for you!

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Europe, planning a combined trip to Spain and Portugal over 2 weeks is as invigorating as it is challenging.

After more than a year of living in Lisbon as American ex-pats and more trips to Spain than we can count, we have quite a few opinions about planning the perfect 14 days in Portugal and Spain!

These two countries–both of which feature a list of bucket-list destinations that could take months to see if given the opportunity–are fascinating and engaging places, though with more differences between them than might be immediately apparent on the surface.

If you’re hoping to enjoy a whirlwind, fast-paced, crash-course in what makes traveling in Spain and Portugal special, this itinerary is for you.

Here’s how to make the most of 14 days in Spain and Portugal!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Getting around during your 14 days in portugal and spain, the ultimate 2 weeks in spain and portugal itinerary, possible alterations to this 14 day itinerary for spain and portugal, the best time of year to enjoy this portugal and spain itinerary, how to extend your iberian peninsula vacation (+ morocco advice), what to pack for your 2 weeks in portugal and spain, faq about planning a spain and portugal vacation, more portugal and spain travel tips, your 14 day spain and portugal itinerary map.

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We structured this 14 day itinerary for Spain and Portugal as a “U” shaped route beginning in Barcelona and ending in Porto.

In addition to those 2 cities, we also cover stops in Seville , Cordoba , Granada, the Algarve, Lisbon , and Sintra .

In other words, this is a very, very fast-paced itinerary!

While very doable, I’ll be perfectly honest: this is a mildly exhausting pace, and if you prefer a more relaxed itinerary, trimming the stop that appeals to you the least is a very reasonable option.

We agonized over what destinations should make the cut (and it took me a long time to come to the conclusion Madrid wasn’t doable on top of everything else, though you could easily swap it for Barcelona or Porto if you prefer), but ultimately, we decided to suggest an ambitious but realistic plan that is as varied as possible.

Major cities, legendary architecture, stunning coastlines, and small towns all feature on this itinerary for Spain and Portugal, and we truly believe that you’ll walk away from this trip with a wonderful snapshot of both destinations.

In order to fit it all in, though, be prepared to lace up your most comfortable shoes, plan your transportation in advance, and squeeze lots of sightseeing into one day!

Oh, and pack as light as you can–trust me, unpacking and re-packing this many times in a row is not a blast.

What About Morocco?

When planning a combined vacation to Spain and Portugal, there’s another country that tends to draw the eye: Morocco, which sits a tantalizingly short ferry trip or plane ride away from the southern edge of the Iberian Peninsula.

We opted not to include Morocco here due to sheer logistics.

The reality is that 14 days is barely enough time to do justice to Spain and Portugal, let alone add on a whole additional country (with a wildly different culture, packing list, and attractions to consider, too).

When you add in the fact that Tangier, the Moroccan port city reachable by ferry from the Iberian Peninsula, isn’t typically the favorite destination of visitors to Morocco, it simply doesn’t make sense to add it to this route.

Now, that being said, Morocco is unforgettable–we still count our time there camping in the Sahara Desert as one of our favorite travel memories of all time.

If you have 3 weeks to work with instead of 2, you might consider adding a Morocco leg onto your trip.

We wouldn’t recommend a day trip, though: about 5 days, enough to see the Sahara Desert overnight as well as Marrakech and/or Fes, is enough to give you a solid taste of the country (though of course, 7-14 days would be even better).

With more time, the Blue City of Chefchaouen and the coastal city of Essaouira offer wonderful experiences.

This itinerary for visiting Spain and Portugal in 2 weeks is best accomplished with a mix of transportation.

Between each Spanish city, the best way to get around is typically via high-speed train, though a flight is an option on one route.

In order to pull this itinerary off effectively, you’ll want to purchase tickets in advance and make sure you’re using the most direct routes!

Spain’s high-speed AVE trains, like many high-speed trains around Europe, use dynamic pricing–in other words, you should lock down your fares as soon as you can commit to dates.

(Be sure to show up early, too, as high-speed train routes in Spain require a security check before boarding).

We use and recommend Omio , a ground transportation aggregate that is popular for traveling in Europe, for checking timetables and purchasing tickets.

For traveling between Spain and Portugal, which in this itinerary means traveling from Seville to Lagos, you’ll want to book a bus ( you can also do this through Omio , and the journey takes around 5 hours).

While it is possible to rent a car for this part of the route too, one-way drop-off fees between countries are generally astronomical.

Once you’re in Portugal, depending on your travel style, you might prefer to rent a car for the Algarve portion of your trip and then drive the car to Lisbon, or to do without and take the train to Lisbon.

Taking the train between Lisbon and Porto is very simple, but if you’d rather step off the beaten path and visit somewhere like Óbidos , the Alcobaca Monastery, or Tomar along the way, driving can also be fun!

This guide for traveling between Lisbon and Porto breaks down your options in detail.

Shop rental cars  and  train tickets  for your 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal today!

Here on Our Escape Clause, we have written (and continue to write) extensively about traveling to Spain and Portugal.

Those guides include (but are far from limited to) standalone trip itineraries for Spain , Portugal , and Andalucia , as well as detailed itineraries for most cities covered in this itinerary (for example, here are our suggestions for Madrid , Seville , and Lisbon ).

For that reason, I’ll try to keep the descriptions of each day semi-brief, as this Portugal and Spain travel guide will no doubt be extremely long regardless!

For more detailed day-to-day advice, I’ll continue to link to additional relevant guides throughout the itinerary, and you can also peruse all of our Portugal blog posts here and/or Spain blog posts here .

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona and hit the ground running.

For the purposes of this 2 week Spain and Portugal itinerary, we’ll assume you arrive in Barcelona in the morning, jet-lagged but excited to start exploring!

(This is an extremely common schedule for flights from North America to Spain).

Once you drop off your language at your hotel (most are more than happy to store bags for you until check-in), it’s time to explore Barcelona’s iconic architecture.

On your first day in Barcelona, start with a visit to either  Casa Milà  or  Casa Batlló , two of the most famous homes designed by Gaudi!

They’re fairly close together, but given how much there is to see in Barcelona, we recommend only going inside one and seeing the other from the outside.

Personally, we recommend  pre-booking tickets for Casa Batlló  for as early a time in the day as possible.

After hitting up your first major attraction, take some time to explore the Gothic Quarter, including the Barcelona Cathedral, the Santa Caterina Market, the famous Las Ramblas, and Plaça Reia.

If you have time (and energy) Catalunya Plaza and Mercado de la Boqueria are also worth a look.

If you’re excited about all of Barcelona’s Catalan modernism architecture, we can also heartily recommend a visit to  Palau de la Música Catalana .

Though not designed by Gaudi, it’s an amazing (and compared to much of Barcelona, uncrowded) example of the style and a memorable place to visit!

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is also only a 10-minute walk away, and Ciutadella Park is just beyond it.

From there, depending on your energy, it might be time for a (brief) afternoon nap!

If you can pull together enough energy in the late afternoon or early evening, though, heading down to Barcelona’s coastline and soaking up some sunshine on the beaches (whether that means a swim or just grabbing a bench and enjoying the environment) is a memorable way to close out your first day on the Iberian Peninsula.

Where to Stay in Barcelona, Spain

When deciding where to stay in Barcelona, it’s important to keep in mind that this sprawling city requires some effort to move around.

In other words, there’s no way to stay near all the best things to see in Barcelona, but it’s best to stay by some of them!

We recently stayed at  Citadines Ramblas Barcelona  and were extremely satisfied–to the point that we may just keep going back on additional trips.

Our room was spacious, complete with a kitchenette, and extremely quiet despite the hotel being located in a prime spot right along Las Ramblas.

The view of the Barcelona Cathedral from the rooftop deck of the  Colón Hotel Barcelona  is pretty incredible too, though, and we have it bookmarked for a possible future trip.

If you’re traveling on a bit more of a budget,  Hotel Nouvel  also gets excellent reviews and is in a wonderful location.

Check rates & book your stay in Barcelona today!

Day 2: Dive deeper into Barcelona.

After your first full day of exploring, it’s time to dive even deeper into Barcelona!

Today, plan to head further afield, starting with a visit to  Park Güell  and/or Tibidabo for one of the best views over sprawling Barcelona!

(Keep in mind that these are a bit of a trek from the city center, especially Tibidabo, so plan on using a chunk of time for transportation).

Later on, the incredible Picasso Museum (which holds over 4,000 of the artist’s works), is a must-see for art lovers in Barcelona, while Camp Nou is a popular pilgrimage for football lovers.

And, of course, we can’t forget  the Sagrada Familia : Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece of a cathedral is an absolute must-see when visiting Barcelona!

We visited in the early evening after hearing that the interior’s light was at its best then, and we were not disappointed–the colors were phenomenal.

If you wrap up at the Sagrada Familia before sunset and would like to enjoy the Mediterranean while in Barcelona, consider wrapping up your evening with  a sunset catamaran cruise .

Book skip-the-line tickets to visit the Sagrada Familia  today!

Day 3: Enjoy a morning stroll in Barcelona and then head to Seville.

After a last look at Barcelona–perhaps one more pass through the Gothic Quarter, a stroll along the beach, or a leisurely breakfast in a cafe–it’s time to head south to Andalucia!

Seville, the capital of Andalucia and one of the best places to visit in Spain, is a 6+ hour train ride from Barcelona.

Alternatively, it’s about a 2-hour flight between the 2 cities.

While we personally find the train more comfortable and pleasant (and it saves you the time and hassle of getting to and from the airports), there’s another factor to consider: flying is sometimes cheaper than traveling by train.

We recommend considering and pricing out both options, but either way, most of day 3 will be eaten up with getting to Seville!

Once you arrive, meander through Barrio Santa Cruz, grab dinner (or just a bunch of tapas– this popular tapas crawl is a fun option if you want to find the best spots with ease) and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Shop train tickets from Barcelona to Seville today!

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

When deciding where to stay in Seville, location is key as ideally, you’ll want to stay within walking distance of Seville’s best attractions.

We had a fantastic experience at  Petit Palace Puerta de Triana  on our most recent trip to Seville.

The hotel  has a fantastic location (central but also quiet–a far-from-guaranteed combination in Spain), a delicious breakfast, and comfortable rooms.

Looking for something a bit different?

The incredibly popular  Hotel Rey Alfonso X  is an excellent choice, and its rooftop views are sublime!

If you’d like to stick to more of a budget,  Hotel America Sevilla  gets wonderful reviews and doesn’t sacrifice too much in terms of location.

Meanwhile, for the height of luxury, you can’t beat the absolutely stunning  Hotel Alfonso XIII !

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 4: See the best of Seville.

Today, it’s all about appreciating the beauty of colorful, vibrant Seville!

Don’t miss the chance to visit the gilded and glamorous Seville Cathedral (with a side of dark history: you’ll find the tomb of Christoper Colombus here).

Climbing the cathedral’s bell tower (Giralda) for incredible views of the city is also incredibly memorable, and included with your ticket for visiting the Seville Cathedral .

The tiled Plaza de Espana, which is one of the most photographed spots in the city, is also a must-see!

One of Seville’s top attractions, the Royal Alcazar of Seville , is definitely worth experiencing–but depending on your sightseeing style, you may prefer to skip it and enjoy relaxing in the city more.

The Alcazar, with its complex of intricate palaces and beautiful gardens, is incredible… but it is outshone by the Alhambra in Granada , which you’ll be seeing in a couple of days when following this itinerary for Spain and Portugal.

If you’re a traveler who likes to leave no stone unturned, we recommend visiting the Alcazar first thing in the morning–otherwise, you have a more leisurely pace to work with.

Regardless of what you decide about the Alcazar, though, we highly recommend ending your evening with this wildly popular flamenco show , which is held in a venue dating to the 15th century and will give you an excellent taste of flamenco culture.

Flamenco is widely associated with Spain as a whole, but it originated in the south of Spain–and, according to some sources, it originated in Seville itself, making this the perfect place to pause for a show!

Book your flamenco show in Seville today!

Day 5: Take a half-day trip to Cordoba.

Less than  an hour from Seville by train  or car, you’ll find the captivating Andalucian city of Cordoba–which happens to be one of our favorite places in the region!

Once the most powerful city in Islamic Spain, the Cordoba of today is small and manageable, a bite-size tourism destination that nonetheless leaves a big impact on visitors.

Cordoba is most famous for its incredible  Mosque-Cathedral –literally a former mosque with a cathedral built into its center–which is one of the most memorable buildings we’ve had a chance to visit anywhere.

The Mosque-Cathedral should absolutely be your top priority when visiting Cordoba, but beyond that, there’s still plenty to see within a short walk!

Snapping photos of the picturesque Calleja de las Flores, relaxing in the Patio de los Naranjos, wandering through the Jewish Quarter, and checking out some of  the beautiful patios of Cordoba  should also be on your to-do list.

After enjoying the best of Cordoba, head back for a relaxing night in Seville.

You’ll need the rest: tomorrow will be one of the busiest days during your Spain and Portugal vacation!

Day 6: Experience the legendary Alhambra.

Today is all about enjoying one of the giants of tourism in Spain: Granada’s legendary Alhambra.

This collection of centuries-old palaces (plus a fort, gardens, ruins of a medina, and more), is one of the most unique groupings of architecture in Europe, and the most-visited tourist attraction in Spain!

We wrote about  visiting the Alhambra extensively here , so I’ll try to keep this (kind of) brief, but the long and the short of it is that this is a place you need to plan ahead for.

Tickets often sell out, but coming from Seville for the day, we highly recommend booking an organized day trip (and as a bonus, that means you won’t need to book as far in advance as travelers hoping to score tickets independently).

Why take a tour?

While the Alhambra is absolutely worth seeing–it’s truly one of the most incredible places to visit in Spain, and worth going out of your way for–it’s in Granada, which is 3 hours, each way, from Seville.

Add in getting to and from the Alhambra itself and wanting to leave a small amount of time to sample the rest of Granada (we love this city!), and letting someone else take the lead will make your life much easier.

If that doesn’t appeal, there are two alternatives.

First, you could spend the previous night in Granada ( we stayed here and loved it )–but that will add on hours of travel to your journey to Portugal tomorrow.

Alternatively, you could opt to enjoy the Royal Alcazar in Seville instead, perhaps take a half-day trip to a closer town like Ronda or Setenil de las Bodegas, and save the Alhambra for another trip.

If you don’t expect to be back in Andalucia soon, we believe the Alhambra and Granada are worth the headache–but with only 14 days to visit Spain and Portugal, it’s completely understandable if you’d rather slow down a bit, too.

If you do want to experience the Alhambra, this day trip gets great reviews and covers transportation, the Alhambra (including the essential tickets to the Nasrid Palaces), and time in Granada’s beautiful Albayzin neighborhood.

Don’t miss the view from the Mirador de San Nicholas!

Book your day trip to the Alhambra in Granada today!

Day 7: Say goodbye to Spain and hop over to Lagos, Portugal.

As you hit the halfway point of your Iberian adventure, it’s time to trade Spain for Portugal!

The simplest and most efficient way to travel from Seville to Lagos will be to travel by bus , which takes about 5 hours.

Unfortunately, with no trains between Seville and the Algarve, and no direct flights, there are limited transportation options to work with.

However, the good news is that if you haven’t been on a bus since you were school-aged, these buses are likely much more comfortable than you may think!

Considering driving?

Unfortunately, picking up a rental car in one country and dropping it off in another tends to incur extreme fees–think around 1000 Euro, give or take.

Once you arrive in Lagos, check into your hotel and head to the sea!

If you’re ready to stretch your legs (and have enough time in the day–summer visitors will likely have better luck here than winter ones ), consider hiking the Ponta da Piedade coastal trail to one of Portugal’s most famous viewpoints.

It takes a bit over an hour each way, though you can trim time on the way back by simply hiking along the road instead of the trail (though it’s much less scenic).

Want to enjoy the views from Ponta da Piedade, but without the hike?

Calling a ride share (we tend to use FreeNow in Europe, though Uber works too) will get you there from the historic center of Lagos in just a few minutes.

Where to Stay in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos’ central location, beautiful beaches, and convenient town center make it a fantastic place to base yourself during your time in the Algarve!

Each of these properties boasts excellent reviews and a prime location within walking distance of many of the top things to do in Lagos.

For budget travelers, a fantastic included breakfast, private room, and free parking are all waiting for you at Dream Lagos B&B  –and as the rave reviews indicate, you won’t be disappointed.

The trade-off is staying a bit further from the town center, though still within walking distance.

For mid-range travelers, Hotel Lagosmar features excellent reviews and a perfect location right across from the Lagos Marina, plus a rooftop terrace with gorgeous views of the sea and town.

If you’d like to splash out a bit (and by the standards of much of Europe, the Algarve is a very affordable place to do so outside of the peak summer months), Tivoli Lagos makes a wonderful base in Lagos.

We adored our stay at this 4-star resort and would be thrilled to return to enjoy the beautiful property, gorgeous pool, restaurants, and delicious included breakfast again.

With free parking (almost) on-site, comfortable rooms, and incredibly easy access to Lagos’ attractions, Tivoli Lagos is a fantastic place to stay.

Check rates & book your stay in Lagos today!

Day 8: Soak up Algarve views.

With one full day to enjoy the Algarve, the best way to spend your time depends on a few factors, including your travel style, the season, your energy levels now that you’re past the halfway point of your 2 week trip through Spain and Portugal, and whether you feel like driving.

First things first, though: want to find a beach and spend all day on it?

You’re in a great place for that (though fair warning for those who grew up in hot climates like us: the water is quite chilly in the Algarve, even in summer).

Praia Meia, Praia do Camilo, Praia dos Estudantes, and Praia do Pinhão are just a handful of the many dreamy beaches in the immediate vicinity of Lagos (some within walking distance) that are excellent places to relax.

Praia do Camilo in particular is so scenic that it’s worth stopping by just to admire it for a minute!

Craving more activity?

Heading back to Ponta da Piedade, this time from the water, is an incredible experience!

Whether you want to kick back and relax on a boat ride or join an adventurous kayaking tour , you’ll be treated to unforgettable coastal views.

With any luck, you may spot a few dolphins, as well (though if that’s your focus, a dolphin spotting cruise might be more your speed).

Willing to head 30-45 minutes away from Lagos by taxi, ride-share, or rental car?

The famous Benagil Cave can be visited from the charming town of Carvoeiro, and the magnificent Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and Marinha Beach can also be accessed nearby!

If you want to actually walk inside Benagil Cave, though, prepare to sweat for it: popular boat tours like this can enter the cave but can’t land there.

If you want to land… you’ll need to visit by kayak or SUP (but don’t worry–it’s only a 200m distance or so from the shore).

Book your Benagil Cave kayaking tour  or  small boat tour  today!

Day 9: Make your way to Lisbon.

After a last breakfast, a local beach stroll, and possibly even a quick morning visit to Ponte da Piedade, it’s time to say goodbye to the Algarve and head north to Lisbon–our former home for more than a year and a downright delightful city to visit.

The fastest way to get to Lisbon from Lagos is to drive, however, since you won’t need a car once you arrive (and you’ll incur a one-way drop-off fee for returning the car to a different city), you’ll likely want to opt for a train or bus instead.

The train is the most comfortable option, but generally takes between 4 and 5 hours and requires you to make a change, as there are no direct routes between Lisbon and Lagos.

The bus, while less comfortable, is cheaper, doesn’t require a change, and is a bit faster.

You can check both train and bus prices and times here.

Once you arrive in Lisbon, it’s time to check into your hotel and then hit the ground running with sightseeing!

We loved this food tour , which starts later in the afternoon, and it is an excellent way to get introduced to the city.

Alternatively (or in addition!), head to the top of Lisbon to enjoy the gorgeous views from the remains of Castelo de São Jorge , and meander through Alfama.

Here, you’ll see many Lisbon postcards come to life, including the views from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the famous Tram 28 (though we don’t recommend riding it–just snap photos from outside) and the Lisbon Cathedral.

As you head downhill from the heart of Alfama, you’ll reach the riverside neighborhood of Baixa (where the food tour starts).

Be sure to check out Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square, and the Church of São Domingos while there!

If you’re interested in experiencing an evening Fado show in Lisbon, tonight is a great opportunity to do so.

Book your Lisbon food tour today!

Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

While there are plenty of excellent neighborhoods to stay in throughout Lisbon, we recommend picking somewhere central with good transportation connections around the city.

Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Principe Real, and Barrio Alto are great names to keep an eye out for when browsing places to stay.

For a budget-friendly hostel experience (with private rooms available), the  Sunset Destination Hostel  is a great, centrally located option.

At a mid-range price tag, you can’t beat the location or rave reviews for  Tempo FLH Hotels Lisboa .

Looking for a splurge?

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa  is part of the much-acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, and offers stunning views that you won’t forget anytime soon!

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Day 10: Enjoy sightseeing in Lisbon.

Today is all about sightseeing in Lisbon–and wear some comfortable shoes, because it will be a long (and hilly) journey!

First things first: if you didn’t visit Alfama yesterday, take a quick stroll through there and the neighborhood of Castelo (and stop for some pasteis de nata at Pastelaria Santo António while you’re at it).

If you’ve already visited Alfama, start your morning in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto (high town) and Chiado, exploring a corner of the historic center that you didn’t get to see yesterday!

Highlights include the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara, the overwhelming Church of São Roque, the Carmo Convent, and a stop at Livraria Bertrand , the oldest still-operating bookstore in the world.

If you’re a fan of glitzy cafes, consider also grabbing a coffee and pastry at A Brasileira.

From there it’s time to head over to the popular riverside neighborhood of Belém (taxi or ride share will be the easiest way to get there).

Here, you’ll find the famous Jerónimos Monastery and accompanying church (the church is free to enter, the monastery is not), the gorgeous Belém Tower (you don’t need to go in, but it’s worth seeing the exterior), the Monument of the Discoveries, and stunning views of the Tagus River.

You’ll also find the wildly popular Pastéis de Belém, which serves up the original pastéis de nata.

Yes, they are worth the long line (hint: the table service line is often much shorter than the takeaway line!), but if standing in line for carbs isn’t your thing, Manteigaria, another popular Lisbon bakery, has a location just down the street.

Meanwhile, the Jerónimos Monastery, while a must-see, is home to some of the longest lines for any tourist attraction in Portugal!

Pre-book your ticket and, since you’re visiting Belém in the afternoon, consider going close to closing time.

In the evening, close out your day with a sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River, soaking in some of the best views of Lisbon, the Tagus, and the Ponte 25 Abril Bridge from the water.

We absolutely loved our sunset cruise experience in Lisbon and highly recommend it–kicking back and relaxing with beautiful views is the perfect way to end a busy sightseeing day.

Book your sunset cruise in Lisbon today!

Day 11: Take a day trip to Sintra.

Set in the hills just outside of Lisbon, the beautiful town of Sintra–complete with several fantastic palaces–is easily among the most popular places to visit in Portugal.

From the beauty of the distinctive yellow-and-red Pena Palace to the quirky Alice in Wonderland vibes of Quinta da Regaleira to the stunning views from the Moorish Castle and beyond, visiting Sintra is incredibly memorable and worth the effort.

… But, its popularity also has another side effect: the palaces of Sintra are among the most crowded places included on this Iberian Peninsula itinerary, so be prepared for that.

With only 2 weeks to cover both Spain and Portugal, you’ll want to visit Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon, and that essentially leaves you 2 options: travel by public transportation, or on a guided day trip like this .

This day trip is one of the most popular tours in Portugal and includes visits to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira as well as Cabo da Roca (long believed to be the westernmost point of mainland Europe, now simply a stunning viewpoint), and a short stop in the resort town of Cascais .

The pros of taking a tour are simple: as the palaces in Sintra are far enough apart that you can’t walk between most of them and parking is very tricky, it saves you time and allows you to see more.

The cons are simple too: with so many stops to make, you won’t have much time to linger.

If you’d rather travel independently, you can absolutely do that as well, though we recommend nabbing your tickets for Pena Palace and other popular places in advance.

The train takes about 40 minutes from central Lisbon.

Once you arrive in Sintra, you’ll board one of 2 buses that will take you to your first palace, and then (depending on which palaces you choose to see) another to your second and maybe third, depending on how fast you explore.

When you’re finished, you can head back to Lisbon via train or simply call an Uber (which is what we tend to do).

Book your day trip to Sintra today!

Day 12: Make your way from Lisbon to Porto.

All aboard to Porto!

The final destination of this itinerary for 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal, the beautiful city of Porto is compact and memorable, featuring stunning river views, endless port (and if you don’t think you like port… try it here before you commit to that opinion), and oodles of azulejos .

Easy sightseeing and a relaxed vibe make it the perfect final destination of your trip–but first, you need to get there!

The easiest way to travel from Lisbon to Porto is to take the train, which travels directly between the 2 cities and takes about 3.5 hours.

Most trains leave from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia Station and run consistently throughout the day.

We go into more detail on managing the journey between the 2 cities in this blog post .

We recommend booking your train tickets for the earliest time you feel comfortable with–the sooner you get to Porto, the better!

Once you arrive in Porto, drop your bags off at your hotel (if it’s not time for check-in yet, they should be able to hold them in the lobby for you) and get ready to explore!

If you’re looking for a quick lunch, the roast pork and soft cheese sandwich at Casa Guedes is a great place to start.

From there, we recommend checking out some of Porto’s attractions that are further from the river, such as the Chapel of Souls, the Church of Saint Ildefonso, and Rua Santa Catarina.

If you have time, head over to the Church of Carmo, as and soak up the view from Miradouro da Vitória (and if you don’t have time to visit the Church of Carmo today, add it to your list for tomorrow).

And, of course, you can’t forget the very first attraction you’ll see as you arrive in Porto: the interior of the São Bento train station is magnificent!

Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

We’ve visited Porto several times now, and have made a habit of staying at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira or NH Hotel Porto Batalha during our visits.

Both hotels are beautiful, with excellent customer service and incredibly central locations that both make it easy to explore Porto on foot and easy to check in when arriving by train.

(They both also welcome Ranger, a must for us).

If you’re traveling Spain and Portugal on a budget, the Zero Box Lodge Porto gets excellent reviews.

Check rates & book your stay in Porto today!

Day 13: Get to know Porto (and Vila Nova de Gaia).

After a leisurely brunch (we can heartily recommend Floresta Cafe and Esquires Coffee, both of which we’ve eaten at many times), make your way to Clerigos Tower to enjoy one of the most stunning views of Porto!

From there, check out the Porto Cathedral–while the church is free to enter, it’s well worth forking over a few Euro to explore the cloisters and attached museum, too.

Meander down toward the gorgeous Bolsa Palace (if you want to go inside, you’ll need to book a 30-minute guided tour ) and the Church of San Francisco, which is home to a downright stunning interior!

At this point, you’ll be very close to Porto’s vibrant, famous, and colorful riverside, also known as the Ribeira District.

Once the haunt of fishermen and sailors, and now the haunt of tourists, the Ribeira district is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy views of Porto.

Like many picturesque neighborhoods around the world, the restaurants here tend toward being expensive and mediocre, but you can find occasional gems (we enjoyed our meal at Grupo Desportivo Infante D. Henrique, which has a great view but is a bit out of the hustle and bustle).

From Ribeira, make your way across the (lower level of the) Dom Luis I Bridge, to Vila Nova de Gaia.

This charming riverfront destination is technically a separate city from Porto, but it’s also home to all of the port lodges, and no trip to Porto is complete without a port tasting!

This port cellar tour and tasting will give you a good idea of what to expect from a typical tasting, and you can either opt for an organized tour or a build-your-own adventure experience ( Quinta dos Corvos is a personal favorite lodge of ours).

This is also where you can hop on a 6 Bridges Cruise to experience Porto from the water for an hour–a delightful experience in and of itself.

Once you wrap up exploring Vila Nova de Gaia, ride the cable car back up to the top of the Dom Luis I Bridge, where you’ll be treated to gorgeous views over the city and an easy walk back to your hotel.

Day 14: Say goodbye to the Iberian Peninsula and head home.

As you come to the close of 14 (hopefully) perfect days spent exploring Portugal and Spain, there’s one more challenge ahead: getting home!

By far the simplest method for closing out this itinerary is to fly out of Porto, however, for many North Americans, there’s a chance that will be a less ideal option due to scheduling, price, or both (Porto’s airport is much smaller than Lisbon’s).

It’s worth considering, but most likely, you’ll want to head back to Lisbon either the night of day 13 or this morning in order to catch a flight home.

However you say goodbye, be sure to make time for at least one more pastel de nata as you bid adios and adeus to the Iberian Peninsula!

I mentioned this above, but it bears repeating here: while realistic, this itinerary is jam-packed, and one of the fastest-paced itineraries that we’ve published here on Our Escape Clause.

If you’re a traveler who loves to move fast, doesn’t mind changing hotels, and is hoping to see as much variety as possible on their Spain and Portugal vacation, you’ll love it (and be very excited to get home to your own bed afterward).

If you prefer a slower pace, or are enjoying 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal as part of an even longer adventure, you’ll likely want to slow it down a bit.

Here are a few good options for personalizing this itinerary.

Skip Porto to spend longer in Lisbon and the Algarve.

I debated for a long time whether or not to include Porto in the original itinerary above, as it adds quite a bit of travel time!

However, Porto is a small city that can be thoroughly sampled in a day, and it’s a very different city from the other cities featured on this itinerary.

Plus, port!

However, while we definitely consider Porto well worth a visit, if you’re flying out of Lisbon and want to limit your train time toward the end of the trip (it’s about 3 hours each way by train), skipping northern Portugal is definitely a valid option.

If you decide to spend longer in Lisbon, you might even want to add on an easy additional day trip to see a different side of Portugal, such as to Cascais or Óbidos ( here are the best day trips from Lisbon ).

Start your itinerary in Seville.

While Barcelona is wonderful, there’s no doubt that you can cut your travel time significantly by flying straight to Seville to start your trip!

The downside of this route is that you’ll only see one region of Spain ( Andalucia ), but the upside is, you’ll move at a much slower pace.

Skip the Algarve and head right to Lisbon.

We decided to include the Algarve in this 14 day itinerary as it is not only beautiful and an incredibly fun place to visit, but a great change of pace from the more city-sightseeing-and-history-focused stops that make up most of the itinerary.

However, while swapping city streets for sandy beaches and seaside hikes is a wonderful addition to this trip, you can definitely save time by heading right from Seville to Lisbon.

If you’re more interested in cities than coastlines, or the weather isn’t cooperating for your trip, this might be a great option.

Visiting Cabo da Roca from Lisbon as part of your day trip to Sintra, or taking a day trip to Cascais , will also give you a small chance to appreciate the beauty of the Portuguese coastline offers without leaving the Lisbon area.

Swap Barcelona for Madrid.

This change isn’t a matter of timing, but of taste (and flight schedules).

We included Barcelona in this itinerary over Madrid as there’s only room for one of Spain’s two most famous cities, and Barcelona is both the most popular and arguably the most unique.

However, while Barcelona’s Gaudi architecture, Catalan culture, and seaside location are phenomenal, Madrid also has a lot to offer!

If you’re a big fan of art museums and royal palaces, you might prefer the Spanish capital ( our recommended Madrid itinerary is a great guide to what to expect).

Not sure which you’d prefer?

Let flight deals dictate which city you visit!

Spain and Portugal are both the definitions of year-round destinations, and that includes this Spain and Portugal itinerary!

That being said, though, if you have flexible dates and are trying to pinpoint the ideal time to travel Portugal and Spain, we recommend enjoying this itinerary in the spring or fall.

Summer in Spain in particular, especially in Andalucia, can be brutally hot (we shudder to think of  visiting the Alhambra  at noon in July).

Winter is perfectly doable, but the weather can be rainy and less predictable than in spring or summer (it is, however, a fantastic time to go hiking in the Algarve, as long as you don’t mind skipping the swimming).

On the plus side for winter, though, you’ll experience few crowds, low prices, and still have a decent chance at soaking up some sunshine, albeit with a jacket at hand.

The sweet spot for this 14 day Spain and Portugal itinerary, though, which travels across a decent swath of both countries and therefore needs to take multiple climates into account, is the spring and fall.

We have spent time in both Portugal and Spain in every season, and while each trip was a delight, we have a special place in our hearts for the spring and fall!

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal, you have a chance to do two things: first, add Madrid to this itinerary (it was very hard leaving it off!).

And, second, slow down as much as you can: every one of the destinations included in this itinerary has plenty more to see, and also boasts far more incredible day trip options than there is time to cover in 2 weeks.

A day trip to Toledo from Madrid , to Monserrat from Barcelona, to Ronda from Seville, to Cascais from Lisbon , or to the Douro Valley from Porto, just barely scratches the surface of the options out there!

For even more ideas, here are the best day trips from Lisbon , and here are the best day trips from Barcelona .

By adding day trips instead of overnights, you’ll be able to slow down the pace of travel and enjoy your trip even more.

If you have close to 3 weeks on the Iberian Peninsula, that’s when I would start to potentially consider adding on a Morocco leg, if that’s something you’re interested in.

As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, we’d recommend concentrating on the Sahara Desert , Marrakech and/or Fes, and if you have time, Chefchaouen and/or Essaouira.

Taking the ferry from Spain or Portugal to Tangier, Morocco, is a cool experience (though if you have a tendency toward seasickness like me–fair warning, it was also a nauseating experience), but Tangier is quite far from the most popular places to visit in Morocco.

Unless you’re particularly interested in traveling overland for its own sake, flying will likely make more sense, and there are tons of budget airline routes between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Our detailed packing lists for visiting Europe in the spring ,  summer ,  fall , and  winter  cover just about everything you’ll need to bring on your 14 day Spain and Portugal vacation!

To get you started on your list, though, here are a few essentials to add to your packing list:

Travel Adaptors for Spain and Portugal  — If you’re coming from outside of mainland Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics!

Spain and Portugal use the same plugs/voltage, so you won’t need anything different when moving between them.

Travel Insurance  — No one like to think about the possibility of canceled or interrupted trips, let alone accidents on the road.

Anything can happen while traveling, though–and that’s where travel insurance can help.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices with  Safety Wing  for your trip here.

Camera  — We completely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use   Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Sunglasses  — The sun in Spain and Portugal is famous for a reason!

I find myself regularly reaching for sunglasses even in the winter when on the Iberian Peninsula.

Apple Air Tags  — Air Tags are a relatively new addition to our packing list, but we’ve absolutely loved having the extra security when checking our luggage!

They’ll be coming with us from now on.

Reusable Water Bottle  — Save both money and plastic during your 14 days in Spain and Portugal and add a reusable water bottle to your packing list for Europe!  I love this metal one .

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re sightseeing in Portugal and Spain: bring a USB charger along for the ride.

How many days do you need for Portugal and Spain?

Personally, we recommend visiting for a minimum of 2 weeks if you want to have a solid overview of both Spain and Portugal.

If you have less time to work with, consider sticking with fewer destinations, and perhaps sampling one city in each country instead.

Can you do Spain and Portugal on the same trip?

Yes, you can absolutely visit both Spain and Portugal on the same trip!

As next-door neighbors located in the far southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal and Spain make a great combination when planning a European vacation .

Is it possible to visit Spain and Portugal in 7 days?

Yes, you can visit both Spain and Portugal in 7 days–but don’t expect (or try) to see everything!

If you have a week in Spain and Portugal, we recommend picking one city in each country to focus on, with a possible day trip from each.

You’ll likely want to fly between the two countries in this scenario as well unless you happen to pick Lisbon and Seville, which are fairly close together (about 4.5 hours by car).

Can you drive a rental car from Spain to Portugal?

Typically, yes, you can drive rental cars between Spain and Portugal.

Be sure to confirm with your rental car company, though, and as always, make sure you tell them you plan to cross borders!

Can you rent a car in Spain and return it in Portugal (or vice versa)?

Yes, it’s technically possible to rent a car in one EU country and return it to another, but be prepared for an eye-watering fee for doing so!

One-way rental fees are almost always a bit pricey, but when it comes to crossing borders, it can get very expensive: we’ve been quoted around 1000 Euro (not a typo) more than once for the privilege.

If you plan to rent a car for your trip to Spain and Portugal, be sure to build extra fees into your budget… or just plan on returning it to the same country you picked it up in.

Check prices and shop rental cars for your Spain and Portugal road trip today!

Which is cheaper to visit, Spain or Portugal?

We go into this in a bit more detail in our Spain vs Portugal comparison post , but the basic answer is that while online resources and blog posts tend to state that Portugal is cheaper to visit than Spain, the reality on the ground is a bit more complex.

The cost of travel in Spain (and Portugal, for that matter) varies dramatically based on where you visit.

Barcelona, for example, clocks in as a pricey destination on par with  Paris  or  Milan , while other regions like Andalucia can be  far  less expensive–including less expensive than popular places in Portugal’s Algarve.

Overall, from the perspective of planning a vacation, I would say that the Spain leg of this trip and the Portugal leg probably cost about the same, with the most expensive destination (Barcelona) being balanced out by Andalucia being among the more affordable stops.

Can you take the train between Spain and Portugal?

Technically, you can take trains between Spain and Portugal… but for this trip, you probably won’t want to.

Spain and Portugal are not well-connected by train, and doing so requires going out of your way from most major tourist destinations (there’s a train from Porto to Vigo in the north, and alternatively, with multiple stops, you can cobble together a very long route through the center of Portugal into Spain).

Lisbon and Madrid used to be connected via a night train, but that was discontinued in 2020 and talk of bringing it back (or installing a high-speed rail) is stalled at rumor level indefinitely.

There are no trains connecting the Algarve to Andalucia.

Looking for more tips for visiting Spain and Portugal?

We’ve written about both countries extensively, with many more blog posts to come in the future!

You can scroll through all of our Portugal articles here , our Spain articles here , or check out these guides:

• The Ultimate 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
• Visiting the Alhambra in Granada: 21 Important Tips (FAQ + Tour Info!)
• 17 Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal (+ Nearby!)
• The Ultimate 3 Days in Madrid Itinerary
• How to Travel From Lisbon to Porto (By Train, Car, or Bus!)
• 19 Best Day Trips from Barcelona (+ How to Get There!)

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)”

This Spain and Portugal itinerary is a fantastic guide for planning my upcoming trip – it covers all the highlights I’ve been dreaming of! 🌍🌟

Thanks so much! Have a great trip. 🙂

Wonderful info in this guide. Planning our Portugal and Spain trip for April/May 2024 including 10 day Portuguese Camino de Santiago walk. I will be using lots of the tips you have included in this itinerary. Thank you.

Thanks so much, Glenda–hope your Camino is wonderful!

Hi. Thanks for the tips & advice. What’s the best way to visit sights in each city? Uber? And did you book your accommodation in each city in advance?

Within each city, a combination of walking, tram/metro, and occasional taxi or Uber is best–it depends on which city and which specific sites you’re trying to visit! We have written detailed itineraries on several of the included cities that break those steps down in more detail. For example, here’s one of our Lisbon itineraries: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-lisbon-itinerary/

We do recommend booking your accommodation in advance. Personally, we never choose to arrive in a city without knowing where we’re staying. 🙂

Any suggestions re: going “counter clockwise” from Barcelona to Lisbon? We’d like to catch San Sebastian/Bilbao and maybe part of the Camino on the way to Porto then head home from Lisbon (2-3 weeks). Thank you for sharing your great insight!

My understanding is that you’re wanting to cover Barcelona, San Sebastian/Bilbao, some of the Camino (we’ll call that 5-7 days), Porto, and Lisbon–but nowhere else on this itinerary.

If so, that’s doable over 3 weeks, though I’d consider trimming one stop (probably the Camino, as it’s a bit of a commitment even when doing a section) if you need to trim the trip down to 2 weeks.

You’ll also be in the lucky position of being able to take the train from Spain to Portugal, which is typically out of the question for most standard itineraries! There is a route from Vigo (you can connect there from Santiago de Compostela in Spain) to Porto that will get you across the border.

Great insight. Thank you!

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Perfect Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 days to 2 weeks

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Spain and Portugal are two of the popular destinations that can be easily explored in one mega Europe trip . These two countries make up most of the Iberian peninsula, and they are so different from other European states. In this Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 days to 2 weeks, we will discover the best of city landmarks, history, culture, cuisines, and sightseeing tours.  

As a bonus, we will be including day trips from Spain and Portugal to nearby countries like Andorra, Gibraltar, and Morocco. Follow our footsteps and see how we made the most of our time in Europe.

Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 days to 14 days – Preparing for your trip 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

To make the most of your trip to Spain and Portugal, you will have to prioritize. Geographically it makes sense to book a flight to Spain, and then head to Portugal . You will find tons of flights, connecting Barcelona and Madrid to the rest of the world.

To choose which Spanish cities you should visit is a big task. Spain has a very distinct culture in each of its regions. Catalonia in the north with Gaudi’s architecture is very different from Moorish castles laden Andalucía.

A popular Spain vacation idea is to take a road trip to the southern region. The capital city of Madrid is a world-class urban hub, with tons of history. So which cities you wish to explore is up to you!

Pro-tip: You can select based on cheaper/shorter flights from your home country or personal taste and interests!

We have written a detailed one week Spain itinerary with 4 samples. We recommend giving it a read if you are unsure about where to go in Spain !

For the purposes of this itinerary, we will explore one major city in Cataluña and one in Andalucía – this allows a traveler to get a taste of both regions. We will start with Barcelona (northern Spain), explore nearby areas and finish the itinerary in Seville (with a flight back to Barcelona after 10-14 days).

Snapshot: Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 – 14 days with Andorra, Gibraltar, and Morocco

Spain and Portugal Itinerary with optional countries : Travel Guide

• Day 1:  Arrive in Barcelona Spain. Half-day exploration
• Day 2:  Full day city highlights of Barcelona
• Day 3 : More of Barcelona sightseeing, in-depth exploration of favorite spots
• Day 4 : Day trip to Montserrat, Girona, or Andorra
• Day 5 : Fly to Lisbon Portugal, and explore city highlights
• Day 6 : Explore Belem and other areas of Lisbon
• Day 7 : Day trip to Sintra Portugal (or choose from a list of 16 other options), overnight bus to Seville Spain
• Day 8 : Explore Seville city highlights
• Day 9 : More of Seville – culture, offbeat places
• Day 10 : Take a day trip to Granada (or any of the Andalucian cities – Ronda, Cadiz, Cordova, etc.)
• Optional Day 11:  Extend stay to another Spanish city in the south (pick any from the list in the itinerary)
• Optional Day 12 : Seville to Gibraltar day trip
• Optional Day 13 : Seville to Tangier Morocco day trip (or 2 days). Fly to Barcelona for the flight back home on day 14. Tangier has an airport and seaport
• Optional Day 14 : Travel from Seville to Barcelona

Alternate Route (Madrid as a starting point and more time in Portugal)

Option 1: 

• To include Madrid in the itinerary for  14 days:  On day 11, take a train to Madrid from Seville and explore the capital city for 2-3 days. On day 14 fly to Barcelona.

Option 2: 

• To start the trip in Madrid, you can customize the itinerary as follows: Start day 1 in Madrid. Explore for 2-3 days (switch Barcelona for Madrid). Take an overnight train to Seville (explore Seville, take day trips to Granada, Gibraltar, and/or Tangier Morocco). Take an overnight bus from Seville to Lisbon Portugal. Explore Lisbon and Sintra as outlined here.
• By doing this route, you will miss Barcelona, Andorra day trip, and Montserrat. From Madrid, you can take a day trip to Toledo – a charming medieval city located an hour away from the capital city.
• Our guide to Airbnbs in Spain

Pre-packed Itinerary Vacations

Traveling with a small group guided tour is a good option if you do not wish to plan, research, and manage all the bookings. Here are 2 tours that we recommend.

• Spain & Portugal in 14 days by G Adventures : This is one of the best small-group tours. It is conducted by G Adventures – one of our favorite tour providers and they are Canadian! They focus on cultural and local experiences in Spain and Portugal.  Check out their pre-packed tour here
• Spain & Portugal in 9 days (Madrid to Madrid):  Another great group tour option, doable in 9 days.  Click to check prices and dates here

Day 1 Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 days – Barcelona – Arrival and city highlights

We landed in Barcelona on day 1 of our Spain and Portugal Itinerary. Flights to Barcelona were cheaper than Madrid and we were super excited about the tons of day trip opportunities from here.

Arrival and getting to the hotel in Barcelona 

El Prat Barcelona Airport is an international airport connecting Barcelona Spain to the world. Once you are at the airport, here are a few options to reach the city center or your hotel.

• Metro Train – Take a metro train to the city center for 4.20 euros. Barcelona public transportation is very efficient and connects the city very effortlessly. (The Airport Metro line is called L9 Sud). If you plan on using transit extensively it is worth purchasing a pass for 2-3 days. We saved quite a bit doing this on our first trip to Barcelona (also useful if your hotel is located further away from the city center). Buy your Barcelona metro pass here.
• Aeroport Bus  – Take an airport bus (Aeroport bus from terminal 1) to the Plaza Espanya and the metro from there to your destination (or walk if it’s located nearby). It takes about 40 minutes. We utilized this service on our first day in Barcelona.  Book your bus tickets here.
• Taxi  – Private taxi to your hotel.  You can reserve your private airport transfer here.

Where to stay in Barcelona 

For a quick 3 day Barcelona trip, we recommend staying near the city center. Hotels in Barcelona get filled really fast, so plan and book rooms ahead of time.

One of the hotels we stayed in Barcelona was Hotel Garbi Millenni. It was close to the city center and also had quick access to the metro station. All of our day tours were a breeze from here, as we could just walk down or take the train. Check out hotel Garbi Millenni here.

Search for other hotels in Barcelona Spain.

Depending on your flight arrival to Barcelona, you will be able to explore a few of the city’s highlights on day one.

Here is what you should check out on day one (options for both half-day or full-day sightseeing)

• Las Ramblas – Head to Las Ramblas in the city center. It is a leafy boulevard lined with restaurants and shops, just a stone throw’s away from the famed Gothic Quarter. La Rambla is easily connected via the metro or just walk down from Hotel Garbi Millenni.
• Gothic Quarter – One of the few Roman remnants that the city of Barcelona has – is the Gothic Quarter. You can take a walking tour of the neighborhood, snap photos and learn about its history. Book this guided walking tour here.
• If you are in Barcelona for a full day (on day 1), you can also include a Gothic quarter plus Picasso Museum and El Born guided tour. This is a 3.50-hour tour – more details here.
• The gothic quarter also has tons of cafes and restaurants for meals. We recommend choosing the Gothic quarter over Las Ramblas for dining or lunching!

• La Boqueria – One of the oldest markets in Barcelona and located near Las Ramblas is La Boqueria. Here you will find tons of local delicacies to try out, in tapas-style. Explore the market late evening and eat your heart out.
• Port Vell – Finish day one, with an evening or sunset cruise from Port Vell. Port Vell is home to the Monument of Christopher Columbus and his sea voyages from 1493. Check out this evening cruise tour.
• If you are into scenic viewpoints like us, Barcelona has TONS. Head up to the top of the monument of Christopher Columbus to see the night lights of the city. Get tickets to the Christopher Columbus Monument.

READ: More Barcelona Tips and Tricks for your visit

Day 2 – Barcelona – Hop on and hop off sightseeing tour, with Gaudi’s creations

For day 2 and 3 in Barcelona , purchase a hop on and hop off bus tour so that you can explore more of the city in less time. We bought the bus tour (or part of the Barcelona Card) in addition to the BCN Metro Card , which gave us discounted train rides.

BCN Card – The BCN Metro Card is handy for commuting in the city. You will need tickets to travel to and from the airport, to get to your hotel every day, etc. Read more about the  BCN Metro Card here

Choose one hop-on and hop-off sightseeing line to kick off city exploration. We began with the popular Sagrada Familia. So here is how we did it, 

• We arrived at the Sagrada Family early morning. There is a train station right outside the famed church. Hop on and hop off tours can be redeemed here as well.
• Sagrada Familia – The iconic church – Sagrada Familia is a MUST visit for everyone, heading to Barcelona. The church is currently incomplete, with plans to finish the project by 2024 – on the death anniversary of Anthony Gaudi – the Catalan hero. Allot 2-3 hours at the Sagrada Familia. Take a guided tour , explore the interiors, and its beautiful stained glass windows, and also climb up their towers to look at the city from up there.
• Casa Milà or La Pedrera – From Sagrada Familia, explore Casa Mila – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a modernist building designed by Gaudi. Casa Mila was constructed as a residence for the Mila family – Pere Milà and Roser Segimon. Today you can access the rooftop for scenic views.
• Casa Batllo – Another modernist building by Gaudi. Built as a residence for the Batllo family, Casa Batllo is unique with gorgeous glass window panes and balconies – that almost look like a dragon’s mouth. Exploring the Casa Batllo will take you 1-2 hours. Here are the entry tickets.

• Arc de Triomf Barcelona – This one is no comparison to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but still worth a sight. It was built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. 
• Park Guell – Park Güell is another of Gaudi’s creations. It was built as a housing oasis for the rich – far and away from the crowded city center. We booked our entry tickets for 06:00 pm so that we could see the sun go down on Gaudi’s tiled creations. Entering the parking area is completely free, but to access the monument buildings, there is an entry fee (with an entry time slot on it). We loved the views from there – of the city, the Gaudi Museum, and the park complex itself. Expect a line up here, pretty much at any time of day. So booking tickets online is recommended. Book it here.
• Magic fountain show – Magic Fountains are a free light show that happens every night in Barcelona’s Plaza Espanya area, near Montjuic. The fountain show has been in operation since the 1992 Olympics that Barcelona (we will explore more of that tomorrow). If you are using the hop on and hop off tour, get down near the Plaza de Espanya, have dinner and then proceed to the Magic fountains area by 09:15 pm. The area gets pretty crowded so watch out for your belongings. You can also book a night lights tour on a bus with a guide to see the Magic Fountain show.

Day 3 of Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 days – More of Barcelona

For day 3 of Barcelona , explore the other popular landmarks of the city like the Montjuïc Castle, Mont Tibidabo, MNAC – Museum of Natural Arts of Catalunya, and more. Use the hop on and hop off tours to streamline the trip.

Today’s itinerary highlights are centered around the 1992 Olympics that were hosted in Barcelona. If we backtrack a little bit here, Spain was under dictatorship for a long time. The Spanish Civil War of 1936 saw conflicts between the Republicans (leftist side comprising of the government with unions and workers) and the Nationalists (rightists comprising of the bourgeoisie, the landlords, and the upper classes). 

Followed by decades of dictatorship rule. (There is a similarity here with Portugal’s political scene around this time)

Spain became a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government in 1975. Their current constitution was adopted in 1978. A lot of the royal palaces and residences are located in Madrid and not in Barcelona.

However, both cities saw a lot of destruction during the Spanish Civil War.

• Mont Montjuïc – Mont Montjuïc is a hill in the southwestern part of Barcelona and was home to the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Montjuic word is derived from the Catalan meaning ‘Jewish Mountain’ and was it home to the city’s Jewish community. You can reach Montjuic via a cable car ride or get down at one of the hop on and hop off stops. Every first Sunday of the month you can visit the Montjuic castle for free. Here is the round trip cable car ride to Montjuic. 

• Palau Nacional and MNAC – The Palau Nacional or the National Palace was the site of the 1929 International Exhibition. It is located on the hill of Montjuïc. The MNAC or the  Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is one of the finest art museums in Spain. Entry  is free with the Barcelona Pass.
• From the MNAC’s balconies, you can absorb amazing city views. Here are more scenic viewpoints of Barcelona
• Mont Tibidabo – Head to Mont Tibidabo to admire the Sagrat Cor church/Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as well as the entire city of Barcelona. This is the highest point in the city, and you can also enjoy these city views from the Tibidabo Amusement Park – one of the oldest parks in Europe. Get entry tickets to Mont Tibidabo. 
• Camp Nou – For football lovers, a trip to Camp Nou is a must. Join in a guided tour of Camp Nou Experience – the largest football stadium in Spain and Europe. It is also home to Barcelona FC. 
• Spanish Villages – Explore Poble Espanyol or the Official Spanish Village. It is an open-air architectural museum in Barcelona, originally built for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. 
• All the above attractions are located in and around Montjuic and Tibidabo, and it will easily occupy the majority of the day. After exploring these two areas, get down at Park Guell stop, if you are using the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing tour. From the Park Guell stop, walk to the Bunkers – MUHBA Turó de la Rovira
• Bunkers del Carmel/MUHBA Turó de la Rovira – Bunkers del Carmel was a Spanish Civil War bunkers and anti-aircraft gun installation site. The views from up here are FREE and so very stunning. Come here for sunset views after a day’s sightseeing in Barcelona. 

Day 4 of Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 or 14 days – Take a day trip from Barcelona to another city or country!

Now, here is what gets exciting. One of the reasons, we chose particular cities in this Spain and Portugal Itinerary is the feasibility of exploring other countries, or other cities if you prefer that. 

We don’t believe in counting countries, BUT….there are some places or countries in the world that you may or may not re-visit. Or it is too difficult to fly to. That’s why combining day trips to those countries is worth it – especially when you are flying miles away from home.

So, for your day 4 Spain Portugal Itinerary, you can explore a beach town like Costa Brava, nature/monastery in Montserrat, or a new country.  

Another option is to fly to San Sebastian from Barcelona, and in this itinerary, we recommend allotting 2 days for the resort town.

Costa Brava – You can visit Costa Brava for a day, chill at the beach and explore Dali’s museums. There are so many day tours, starting from Barcelona to Costa Brava. Check out this Costa Brava and Girona day trip from Barcelona here. 

Montserrat – Montserrat is a mountain range near Barcelona. This is an easy day trip and a perfect option, if you like hiking, stunning landscape, and religious site. We visited Montserrat for its views alone!

The beauty of Montserrat is that (other than the mountain shape) you can explore this in a half-day tour or full-day. If you are using public transportation it will take one full day to explore. There are day tours available for 4 hours, and you can also drive there if you are renting a vehicle. 

If you wish to explore a nearby beach in Barcelona, head to La Barceloneta beach in the morning and then take a half-day tour to Montserrat in the afternoon. 

Andorra – Andorra is a small country, also known as a microstate in Europe. Andorra de Vella, its capital is the highest capital in Europe. The country is ski heaven and a shopper’s paradise.

Andorra has no airport, so in order to visit this country, you have to fly down to the nearest city with an international airport. So make use of your trip to Barcelona and explore their capital!

You can also take a day tour to Andorra with a stop in France’s Ax de la Thermes . On this day trip, you will notice how the landscape of Catalonia is different from Barcelona.

If you are visiting Spain and Portugal for 14 days, then use one day to visit Andorra (make it day 5). 

Click to book a day tour from Barcelona to Andorra

Day 5 of Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 days – Arrive in Lisbon and explore

We flew to Lisbon from Barcelona on day 4. Local flights are cheaper at night. We started at 09:30 pm and we arrived in Lisbon Portugal in an hour and a half.

Lisbon is served by Humberto Delgado Airport (also called Lisbon Airport or Portela Airport.) Lisbon international airport is located about 7 kilometers northeast of the city center. Lisbon metro is located right outside the airport. Or if you prefer you can book an Aero-port bus that drops you right in front of the hotel.

Reaching the city center or hotel from Lisbon Airport 

• Lisbon Aerobus – Lisbon Aero bus is a convenient way to reach your hotel room from the airport. They only stop at hotels – over 100 spots. This service is available between 8:00 AM and 9:10 PM. Reserve your Aerobus seat here
• Lisbon Metro line – Lisbon metro is efficient and affordable. Use a metro pass to get free unlimited rides for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This Lisbon Card is also handy for the airport to the hotel and the return trip, to get to tours and for sightseeing. Buy Lisbon Card here 
• Private Transfer – Or use a one-time private transport from Lisboa airport to hotel. 

Where to stay in Lisbon Portugal 

We stayed at the easyHotel Lisbon which is located super close to the Marques de Pombal Square. Marquis de Pombal Square is like a transportation hub – a great place for metro, bus, and tour connectivity.

There are hotels located right in the square area. Our hotel – easyHotel Lisbon – was a 5-minute walk away from the square. easyHotel had standard hotel rooms, it was an affordable stay. You have to pay for wifi, breakfast, and storing your bags here. 

Another option is to stay at the city center itself. Affordably priced and located at the heart of the city, Hotel da Baixa is a great option – access to restaurants, metro lines, and sightseeing attractions, all in one place. 

Book your stay at Hotel da Baixa | SEARCH FOR MORE LISBOA HOTELS or AIRBNBS IN LISBON

After a night’s sleep, wake up to pastel de nata and coffee in Lisbon. Lisbon was the MOST DELIGHTFUL part of our Spain and Portugal itinerary. And I always look for excuses to write about this city. Because we LOVED it so much.

Breakfast near Pombal Square and then go about exploring

• Guided walking tour of Chiado and Baixa Areas – Head to the city center (or start at the city center) for a guided walking tour to learn about the history and culture of the city. The walking tour is for 3 hours and it will take you through some of the historical spots in Lisbon and nearby neighborhoods. We took this walking tour and highly recommend it.  Check it out here – Lisbon Essentials History tour.  
• Carmo Ruins – Admire the ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Located in the civil parish of Santa Maria Maior, Carmo ruins were damaged in the earthquake of 1755. Today it is home to the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo aka Carmo Archaeological Museum. 
• Santa Justa Lift – Located close to the Carmo ruins is the Santa Justa Lift. This lift was built to transfer people from the lower level Baixa to upper-level Largo do Carmo. You can access the lift for some stunning city views.  

• Tram 28 – If you wish to explore more of the historic areas in Lisbon, a ride on the historic tram is a MUST. 
• Alfama neighborhood and amazing viewpoints – Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and is filled with stunning viewpoints. Located at a higher level than the center, Alfama showcases the best of Lisboa with views from Miradouro da Graça and river Tagus. Find amazing photo spots in Lisbon
• São Jorge Castle – An 11th-century castle – Castelo de Sao Jorge is a must-visit while exploring Alfama. The castle towers over the city of Lisbon. Learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy mesmerizing views. Book tickets to the Sao Jorge Castle ahead of time.
• Lisbon Cathedral – Lisbon Cathedral or Sé de Lisboa is a Roman Catholic church, which towers over the city. The church was built in the 12th century and was partially damaged during the earthquake of 1755. 
• Rua de Augusta Arch and the Praça do Comércio   – The Praça do Comércio is a large plaza that was built on the ruins of the previous royal palace. The palace was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Post-earthquake, the enlightened Prime Minister of Portugal, Marquis of Pombal came up with new urban planning and building designs called the Pombaline – which were anti-seismic buildings. Watch the sun go down here (this square is a must-visit for Christmas celebrations). 
• Pink Street and Fado show – In the evening, head to the city center – this time for dinner and a Fado show in Chiado. Fado is a music/dance form, that originated in Portugal with melancholy and romantic tones. Here is a fado show for the evening.
• Make your way via Pink Street, which was a red-light district once upon a time, and now home to Instagrammable spots and the popular Time Out Market. 

Day 6 More of Lisbon – Explore Belem and sea of discovery landmarks

For day 6 of Spain Portugal itinerary, explore more of Lisbon by learning and exploring the monuments of sea discoveries and the nearby neighborhood of Belem. Belem is home to the Torre de Belem (or Belem tower) and the cruise port terminal of Lisboa.

We highly recommend taking the hop on and hop off city tour to reach Belem and enjoy the attractions and then use the same bus tour to reach other areas of the city further away from the city center. So here is what you can explore in and around Lisbon on day 6.

• 25 de April bridge – When you hop on the bus and enjoy the ride towards Belem, you will be greeted by a red bridge that looks like the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco. Of the many similarities between these two cities, the 25 de April Bridge is one. The 25 de April Bridge was named after the success of the Carnation Revolution that took place in Lisbon Portugal to overthrow the dictator rule. Crossing the bridge will get you to the nearby district of Almada.
• Monument to the Sea Discoveries – Monument to the Sea Discoveries (or Padrão dos Descrobrimentos in Portuguese) is a wonderful testimony to the sea voyages and discoveries that Portuguese people were involved with. The monument is not assigned to one person, although it is led by Henry the Navigator’s statue, it credits pretty much everybody who was engaged or contributed to the golden age from sailors, to navigators, and more. This monument is located on the south side of the Targus River and it greets you before arriving at the Belem port.
• Torre de Belem – The Belém Tower is a beautiful 16th-century fortress, located on the south bank of the Targus river. The tower was used as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Built with lioz limestone and the structure has a 30-meter, four-storey tower, that surfaces from a distance. There is an entry fee to enter the tower complex, but it is also possible to get a good glimpse of the structure from either side of the river bank.
• Lisbon port – In Belem, you can enjoy a nice breezy afternoon stroll (and lunch overlooking the 25 de April Bridge) and soak in the Portuguese sun. There are many activities in and around the port area – go on a bicycle tour or the popular hippo bus, sightseeing cruise on the Tagus River, souvenir shopping or lunching.

• Jerónimos Monastery – Jerónimos Monastery is a stunning building located just a few blocks away from the Tower of Belem. If you are on the hop on and hop on bus, you can reach Jeronimos Monastery in 5-7 minutes. This building was a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. It was Christianised in the late 19 th century and the interiors are super grand and have beautiful cravings. The line-ups to the Jerónimos Monastery are crazy long and not fun during peak seasons, so book tickets ahead of time .
• Maritime Museum – The Maritime Museum of Lisbon is also called the Navy museum and it is administered by the Portuguese navy. Located near the Jerónimos Monastery, Museu de Marinha is dedicated to the history of navigation in Portugal and the great adventures of the sea discoveries and the glorious era.
• Vasco da Gama Bridge – From the Belem area, hop on the bus to explore the newer side of Lisbon – the developments and expansion of the 20 th century. Start with the Vasco da Gama Bridge, the longest bridge in Lisbon and named after the famed explorer Vasco da Gama (who discovered a sea route to India).  Ponte Vasco da Gama is also Europe’s longest bridge over water.
• The Lisbon Oceanarium – The Lisbon Oceanarium or the (Oceanário de Lisboa is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe. Located in the Parque das Nações neighborhood, the complex was the site/exhibition grounds for the Expo ’98. You can spend the evening (or even half a day with children). Get the tickets here, valid for a day .
• Parque Eduardo VII – For the evening, you can either head back to the town center for drinks and dinner or skip the Oceanarium (if that’s not your thing) and go for a stroll at the Parque Eduardo VII. Parque Eduardo VII was located very close to our hotel and it is a lovely green space at the top of the Avenida da Liberdade and provides amazing sea and city views. The park is dedicated to Eduardo VII, and it is spread from the Avenida da Liberdade (in the north) to the Marquis of Pombal Square, in the city center.

Day 7 of Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 days – Day trip to Sintra 

You can easily take a day trip from Lisbon to nearby cities to maximize your experience and time in Portugal. Popular destinations in Portugal include Porto, Coimbra, Aveiro, Fatima, and Obidos. For some cities (like Porto and Coimbra), you do need at least a weekend trip. 

For the purposes of this Spain Portugal Itinerary, we will head to Sintra on a day trip . You can visit Sintra on a day tour (with options for multiple cities or nearby towns) or use the metro train system from Lisbon.

Here are some day tour options:

To reach Sintra via train, start from the Rossio Station in Lisbon city center and take the train towards Belem. Sintra train station is 10 minutes away from the town center.

• Sintra Town Center – Take the time to wander through the many pretty lanes of Sintra, some whitewashed and some painted in yellow. This will be your go-to spot for a meal, taking 434 buses to the Sintra hills for Pena Palace or hop on and hop off sightseeing bus.
• The Palace of Sintra or Town Palace – Located in the town center is the Palace of Sintra – a well-preserved heritage house that was home to many different rulers and dynasties in the nearby Lisbon area. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, this palace’s staterooms are beautiful and a must-visit.  
• Pena Palace – The famed bright yellow and red fairytale-like castle towering from the Sintra hills, is the beautiful Pena Palace. A modern palace (dating from the 19 th century), many tourists travel to Sintra just to explore the Pena Palace. It is a popular attraction and remains crowded all year round, so book your tickets in advance. A visit to the palace interiors is a must – we enjoyed the different architectural styles and materials used at the Pena Palace. Prices for visiting the interiors versus the park entry and gardens are slightly different. Find ticketing options here.

• Moorish Castle – Towering higher than the Pena Palace is the Moorish Castle of Sintra. Exploring this castle means a lot of walking and absorbing views of Sintra town and hills. There is nothing of the “staterooms” left in the castle, just empty areas and easy to walk through.
• Quinta de Regaleira –  A beautiful complex set in stonework with romantic palaces and chapels and stunning initiation wells – the Quinta de Regaleira was home to wealthy businessmen in the 20 th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site today, and a popular photo spot, a visit to the Quinta will reveal why it is called the millionaire’s mansion – it’s like an entire city created within this complex! 
• Park and Palace of the Monserrate – Often ignored by most tourists as the park and palace of Monserrate is located further away from the town center, it is worth a visit if you are staying in town for a day or two, or just love Indian style gardens. The staterooms and palace of the Monserrate are small but beautiful.
• Sintra- Cascais Natural Park – A part of the stunning coastline of Portugal is its natural parks. Sintra-Cascais can be explored as part of your day tour.
• Cabo da Raco – Located within the Sintra Cascais Natural Park is the westernmost tip of the European continent – Cabo da Raco. The cliffs and the gushing waters with the lighthouse in the backdrop have been helping explorers over the centuries, find their way!

Tip: To make the most of your day trip from Sintra, here are a few options

• Take a day tour: Day tour to Sintra will include return transportation and sightseeing at popular attractions like the Pena Palace, Cascais, Cabo da Raco, and the town center area. You won’t be able to explore all of Sintra like the Moorish castle or Pena Park, so you can utilize the free/lunchtime to explore the Quinta de Regaleira or the Palace of Sintra.
• Bus 434 : Bus no. 434 takes you from the historic town center to the Sintra hills to explore the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace. 
• Bus 435: Bus 435 is useful to explore some of the other sightseeing areas in Sintra, like Monserrate Palace, Seteais Palace, and the Regaleira Estate.

Please do not walk or hike to the hills, it is risky and there is no pedestrian lane. Parking space is limited. During peak seasons, expect to wait for a bus.

Day 8 Back to Spain – in Seville Andalucia – Spain Portugal Itinerary

For day 8, head back to Spain. This time to Seville – Seville is the gorgeous capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. Seville and Andalusia, in general, are characterized by Moorish architecture. The North African Moors, who were Islamic ruled over Andalusia from the 8 th  to 15 th century and they left an indelible mark on the region’s architecture, food, and culture. 

Arriving in Seville Spain

We took an overnight bus to Seville Spain from Lisbon Portugal. The bus departed from Lisbon’s Oriente bus station and arrived at Seville’s Plaza de Armas station (in the morning at 06:30 am). Book your bus tickets from Bus Bud here.

• You can also fly to Seville. Seville airport is located about 11 kilometers from the city center (6.8 miles).
• On another note, there is a high speed train option to Seville from Madrid. Fare starts at €23.15 one-way for a Standard Class ticket per person. 

Where to stay in Seville?

It is a good idea to stay near the city center or closer to landmark attractions to make the most of your time in Seville. 

We stayed at the  Hotel Madrid Seville . It is a 3+ star hotel located near the central area. The hotel was clean and the host was super helpful in suggesting to us things to see in Seville, maps, etc. Free wifi was provided as well. Book your stay here

Another option is to stay at the beautiful  Hotel Meliá Sevilla. This hotel is located near the historic city center, and it offers amazing views of the Plaza Espanya. It has also stunning interiors and an outdoor rooftop pool. Book your stay here

For your first day in Seville, start with a warm breakfast at a bar, yes you heard it – a bar. Most restaurants and cafes in Seville have a beer tap and an espresso machine side by side. Very casual and relaxed vibes in Andalucia will win you over!

• Torre del Oro – The Tower of Gold or the Torre del Oro was a military watchtower erected by the Almohad Caliphate by Seville’s Guadalquivir River (in the 13 th century). Left abandoned for decades and later revived, today houses a naval maritime museum.
• Plaza de Toros la Maestranza – Plaza de Toros la Maestranza is a bull ring arena, located a few steps away from the Torre de Oro. It is a 12,000 capacity arena and it has hosted many competitions and shows in the past. This bull ring is the oldest in Spain and guided tours are available.

• Real Alcazar Palace – The Royal Alcazar of Seville is THE stunning royal palace located in Andalucia. Showcasing a mix of Moorish and Christian architectural styles, the Royal Alcazar Palace is a treat to the senses. Start the fountains and gardens and make your way into the interiors, graced with beautiful Islamic cravings on the doors and ceilings.

The palace was built for the Christian King Peter of Castile when he proceeded to rule the southern region. The original site of the palace belonged to an Abbadid Muslim fortress (which was destroyed during the conquest of Seville), dating to the 10 th century.

The palace as you see it today was built in the 14th century. It is super important to get your tickets for the Alcazar ahead of time, otherwise, you will be waiting in line forever. We encountered line-ups during the shoulder season, so you can imagine how it will be during peak tourist months (and hot).

• Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tower – Another gem of Seville is its grand cathedral called the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. It was built as a means to showcase the prosperity of the state and I can say, the cathedral is lavish and spread over a large area, with fields of orange trees nearby and of course the Giralda tower.

The Giralda Tower is a Moorish minaret. When the Seville Cathedral was built, they left the minaret as is, and later on, it added Christian elements like the church bell tower (and there are winding steps to reach the top of the tower for stunning views).

Christopher Columbus is buried at the Seville Cathedral. Book entrance tickets to the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower

The Royal Alcazar Palace, along with the Seville Cathedral and the General Archives of the Indies (located in the same complex) together are recognized as UNESCO world heritage sites.

• Santa Cruz Quarter – Spend the second half of your day, wandering through the lanes of the Santa Cruz Quarter. A very touristy neighborhood, Barrio Santa Cruz is located near the Seville cathedral and it was home to the Jewish community during the Christian rule. Today some of the coolest bars, restaurants, and spas are located here. With its narrow cobblestone streets and colored houses, Santa Cruz is every photographer’s delight!
• Guadalquivir River cruise – If you fancy sightseeing river cruises like us, then hop on an hour’s cruise on the Guadalquivir River. This is perfect for a later afternoon or evening activity when the sun is setting down in this wonderful city, and you can admire both sides of the river neighborhood and many bridges. Here is a river cruise to add to your itinerary
• Tapas food tour – In the evening, go on a food tour to enjoy Andalucian tapas . By joining a tour guide, you will wander through the old town and learn about its history and also get a tip or two about proper tapas bars hopping in Seville. Book a tapas and wine tasting tour in Seville.

Day 9 of Spain Portugal Itinerary – More of Seville Spain

For your second day in Seville , explore the newer side of the city with its many world trade expositions. It will be useful to take a hop on and hop off bus for exploring this part of the city so that you see more in less time and make pit stops depending on your interests.

Start with the Plaza de Espanya.

• Plaza de Espanya – Plaza de Espanya was a plaza built for the 1929 Ibero-American exposition. The plaza is located in the Parque María Luisa or Maria Luisa Park, which was re-designed for the 1929 expo by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier. The Plaza de España complex comprises of many beautiful structures and edifices in a mix of Moorish, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
• Explore the many Expo Pavilions – From the Plaza de Espanya, hop on the bus again to explore more of the Expo pavilions. Some of these pavilions house permanent exhibitions or are archive centers.

Seville’s history is marked by royal dynasties – whether it’s the Moors of the Castile Kings. In the 20 th century, trade expositions made way and they helped promote and develop the city, and today Seville is the largest (and the capital) city of Andalucía.

The 1929 Iberian Exposition and the 1989 Expo shaped the face of Seville, where new bridges and train networks were built across the city. The express train from Madrid to Seville was built during the 1989 exposition.

• Puente de Isabel II – The Puente de Isabel II is the bridge that connects the Triana neighborhood with the center of the city. It is therefore also known as the Triana Bridge and it crosses one of the arms of the River Guadalquivir that isolates the neighborhood.
• Macarena neighborhood – La Macarena is the oldest neighborhood of Seville. The area gets its character and name from the statue and image of Lady Macarena, dedicated to the Virgin of Hope of Macarena. La Macarena was an important site since the Almohad Caliphate times and a gate was built to safeguard the neighborhood quarters. 

• Triana neighborhood – Triana is the bohemian neighborhood of Seville. Known as the birthplace of flamenco, you can expect to see tons of colorful houses and quarters here. It is located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River and the Triana Bridge connects Seville to Triana. Spend time exploring the old site of Sao Jorge Castle, cafes, and leafy quarters. 
• BOOK A FLAMENCO SHOW WITH A WALKING TOUR + TAPAS IN TRIANA 
• BOOK FLAMENCO SHOW AND DRINKS IN TRIANA

Day 10 Take a day trip to other cities in Spain or head to Gibraltar or Morocco

For day 10, venture out of Seville to explore more of the cities in Andalucia or head to Gibraltar or Morocco. 

Read : Southern Spain itinerary 7 days

Ronda – Ronda is a beautiful city located about a 2-hour drive away from Seville. Known for its stunning deep gorge and legends surrounding it, the city is a wonder of wonders full of medieval charm and natural views.

Ronda’s bridges will greet you as soon as you near the city, take a moment to admire the landscape from there. The bull ring arena in Ronda is a must-visit – Plaza del Toros. Bullfighting didn’t flourish in Catalonia, but it found a home in Andalucía.

Granada – Located in the foothills of Sierra Nevada with amazing views is the city of Granada. Granada is most well known for the grand palace of Alhambra.

On a day trip, you can explore this Moorish palace (which is bigger than the Real Alcazar Palace), gardens – Generalife, town center, many museums, and historical remnants in the downtown area.

Granada’s history traces back to 700 years so there are plenty of things to do in and around the city center to keep you busy for a day (or two).

Cordoba – Cordoba is another Andalucía city filled with Roman and Islamic history. Its most popular attraction and historical site is La Mezquita – a mosque built during the rule of the Moors and later converted to a place of Christianity worship.

The monument is absolutely breathtaking with mixed architectural designs and work, and it tells a story of how people, religions, and styles can co-exist.

Gibraltar – Unlike Andorra, Gibraltar has an airport and it is the ONLY runway in the world that you can walk across. However, only 2 flights are allowed to operate to and from Gibraltar. The History Channel has named Gibraltar airport as the fifth most dangerous in the world. 

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory. So for travelers using Schengen Visa for Spain and Portugal, you will have to apply for a separate visa to arrive in Gibraltar.

Now, the Strait of Gibraltar and the hope of traveling inside the “rock” made us book a day tour to the country/state/territory. Parking is expensive and a pain – so public transportation or day tours are a great option.

Tangier, Morocco – Tangier is a port city in Northern Morocco. Associated with the world explorer Ibn Batuta, Tangier is a good mix of the urban city and traditional Moroccan nuances. It is possible to take a day trip to Morocco from Tarifa or Seville Spain.

Separated by a distance of 14 kilometers and a 45-minute ferry ride (one way), you can get your passport stamped and ready to explore Tangier’s attractions like the Hercules Caves, Cape Spartel, Tangier American Legation Museum, and of course the medina.

If you are unsure, about taking the ferry from Spain to Tangier Morocco , you can always opt for a day tour.

Tip: You can allot a day each to Gibraltar and Tangier to extend your itinerary to the 13th day Spain and Portugal trip. Use the 11th day for anyone of the Andalucian cities, and travel back to Barcelona on day 14th for your return flight. 

Options for Spain and Portugal Itinerary 14 days 

Now, those were our 10 days in Spain and Portugal Itinerary. We continued our trip to Tangier from there. We took a day tour, but stayed back in Morocco and went on to explore more of the country. For more details on our trip to Morocco – read our Morocco 7 day itinerary

It took us over 3.50 weeks to explore all of these beautiful cities, with a mix of buses, trains, local flights, and day tours. We didn’t rent a car in any of these cities – public transportation and shared/group tours worked just fine!

Spain and Portugal Itinerary 14 days (Option 2)

Here is an alternate Spain and Portugal 14-day itinerary with a focus on extended sightseeing in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. 

Day 1 – 3: Madrid, Spain

Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of Spain, Madrid. Spend your days exploring the city’s rich history and culture, strolling through the Retiro Park, visiting the Prado Museum, and enjoying the city’s renowned tapas bars in the evening.

Day 4 – 5: Seville, Spain

Hop on a train for a scenic ride to Seville. Visit the Alcazar palace, admire the Seville Cathedral, and wander through the charming Santa Cruz district. Don’t miss the traditional Flamenco performance.

Day 6 – 8: Lisbon, Portugal

Travel to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Explore the city’s rich history and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Belém Tower, ride the iconic Tram 28, and try the famous pasteis de nata.

Add a cooking class to your itinerary and learn how to make traditional Portuguese dishes. End the night with a live Fado performance, one of Portugal’s most beloved musical traditions.

Day 9 – 10: Porto, Portugal

Next, head to the stunning city of Porto . Explore the old town, wander around the streets lined with colorful buildings (Ribeira district), and cross the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. 

Spend some time in the Douro Valley, where you can visit a traditional wine estate and enjoy a Port wine tasting. Before heading back, don’t forget to buy port wine – it’s an essential souvenir from Portugal !

Day 11 – 14: Hiking in the Algarve, Portugal

Your journey comes to an end in the beautiful Algarve region. Relax on the beautiful beaches, indulge in the local Portuguese cuisine, and visit the historic town of Lagos.

If you have a rental car, you can drive across the country to the Algarve. 

Without a rental car, public transportation is available to connect to Algarve from Lisbon. 

The Algarve region is home to some of the best hiking routes in Portugal. Hit many of the off the beaten path trails to your Portugal itinerary for an epic adventure. 

Tip: If you prefer you can set aside 6 days of your Spain and Portugal trip for a multi-provincial hike (Alentejo and Algarve) called the Rota Vicentina. 

Part of this is the Historical Way gives a glimpse into the traditional, rural culture of the region, while the Fishermen’s Trail provides stunning coastal views (4-day trip). 

Alternatively, you can hit the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail , an 11.9 km or 7.4-mile out-and-back trail in Faro. Or explore the hills of Monchique. The trail to the Foia Peak, the highest point in the Algarve, offers a challenging climb rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. It is a 7.5 km or 4.7-mile loop trail and is perfect for spending half a day. 

After a day of hiking, enjoy a hearty Portuguese meal made with locally sourced ingredients. 

Not into hiking? Spend the 3 days exploring the many towns of the Algarve – Lagos, Faro, and the Silver Coast. Set aside time for a day tour of the Benagil Cave and enjoy a relaxing beach day! 

Travel Tips for Spain Portugal Itinerary 10 days

Travel Documents for Visiting Spain and Portugal 

Both Spain and Portugal belong to the Schengen zone of countries. If you belong to one of the non visa exempt countries, then you will have to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time, before arriving. Learn all about the Schengen visa and how to successfully apply for one.

To visit Gibraltar and Morocco separate visa application is required.

Citizens of the US and Canada can travel visa-free for up to 90 days for personal or tourism reasons.

After 2023, passport holders of the United States and Canada will have to apply for an online travel authorization prior to arriving in any Schengen country, called the ETIAS. ETIAS takes minutes to be filled out online and a confirmation will be sent via email.

Travel Insurance  – Don’t forget to insure your trip. We highly recommend insuring your camera and other gear while traveling.  Get Travel Insurance quotes from Safety Wing here.

Currency and credit cards in Barcelona

Euro is the currency of Spain and Portugal. Credit cards are widely accepted and you will easily find bank machines in the city as well. 

More Europe travel tips

If this is your first trip to Europe, you can start with these handy resources

• Europe 101  – Our introductory guide to  planning a trip to Europe.
• Europe Itinerary Samples  – Want to make the most of your visit to Europe?  This is the ultimate 27 itinerary samples.
• Europe Packing Guide  –  This is the only packing guide to Europe you will ever need . It has references to seasons and regional variations.
• Visiting Europe in winter  –  Here are some of the best traveler picks.
• Warm places in Europe?  –  Here are the warmest places to visit in Europe from December through March.

We hope you found this itinerary useful. You can easily explore Spain and Portugal in 10 days, and add the nearby destinations for a well-rounded trip of 2 weeks or more!

Pin: Portugal and  Spain Itinerary 10 days to 14 days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

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Thanks for this detailed list of recommendations. We traveled in the high season with kids and this helped plan the trip extremely well. We used flights for inter-city transfer but trains might have been more reliable and on time. Two weeks is not enough time to visit Spain – honestly it is an under sold country, tourism vise.

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The Best 10 Days In Portugal and Spain Itinerary

Planning a trip to Portugal and Spain? Here’s my guide to taking a fantastic 10 day road trip in southern Portugal and southern Spain.

This 10 day Spain-Portugal itinerary takes you from Lisbon Portugal to Granada Spain. This popular road trip route is dense with exciting cities, must visit medieval villages, Moorish architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, and loads of old world charm.

This ten day itinerary begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s sultry capital. Lisbon is an exciting sun-kissed city with glistening azulejo facades and stunning vistas. 

It’s a compact and lively collection of small villages, tapas bars, and some of Europe’s most important palaces.

From Lisbon, you’ll travel through beautiful Evora Portugal en route to Seville in sunny southern Spain. You’ll finish the Andalusia portion of your trip in Granada.

The city of Granada is home to the mighty Alhambra, the world’s greatest existing Moorish fortress.

Andalusia is a dreamy sun-kissed place. From flamboyant Seville to gritty Granada, you’ll discover a well-balanced blend of must see hotspots, hidden gems, tiny whitewashed villages, and natural wonders.

Here’s my recommended 10 day itinerary for a self drive road trip from Lisbon to Granada. You can always reverse the order and start in Granada and travel west to Lisbon. This would work if you are already in Spain visiting Barcelona or Madrid .

READ : Guide To 24 Hours in Barcelona

With this Spain-Portugal itinerary, you don’t need to pick up your rental car until day 4. You won’t want a car in Lisbon unless you have a roomy space to park.

Overview of 10 Day Spain-Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with 10 days in Spain and Portugal:

• Day 1 : Lisbon
• Day 2 : Lisbon and Belem
• Day 3 : Sintra Day Trip
• Day 4 : Drive from Lisbon to Seville, stop in Evora
• Day 5 : Seville
• Day 6 : Seville
• Day 7 : Day Trip to Cordoba or Ronda
• Day 8 : Drive to Granda, stop in Antequera
• Day 9 : Granada
• Day 10 : Granada

Length : 10 days

Start and End Points : Lisbon and Granada

UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira Palace, Royal Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, the Mezquita, Roman Bridge of Cordoba, Medina Azahara, Antequera Dolmens, the Alhambra, the Albaicin

For this Spain-Portugal road trip, you’ll have three bases: Lisbon (3 nights), Seville (4 nights), and Granada (3 nights).

This trip is best done by car. I give you tips on where to stay for each city.

But this Lisbon to Granada itinerary also also works by train. Just make sure you pre-book/catch an early high speed ATV train when moving from city to city.

A car is superior because it gives you more flexibility over your schedule and the ability to make pit stops (planned or unplanned) along the way.

There are plenty of great destinations to explore in this Portugal to Spain road trip. This super detailed 10 day itinerary is perfectly adjustable.

You can make it shorter or longer, depending on your available vacation time or personal fast/slow travel pace. I’ve tried to give you a mix of cities and leisurely villages, with day trip options as well.

Here’s my guide with tips for renting a car and driving in Europe .

10 Day Itinerary for Portugal and Spain

Day 1: lisbon.

Welcome to the start of your 10 day tour of Spain and Portugal! 

You’re likely going to arrive in Lisbon in the early to mid afternoon. To get oriented, you may want to book a  guided walking tour .

Begin by exploring the main city squares. Start in the Pombaline-designed Rossio Square, also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV.

It’s a lively place with flower vendors and eye catching sidewalks with an optical illusion wave style. Two Baroque fountains stand at each end.

Then head down the main drag, Rua Augusta, to the Praça de Comércio, the showy 18th century square with a triumphal arch.

But don’t dine or shop here; the squares are mostly filled with tourist traps. Be sure to walk through the arch so you can take in the views from the other side.

After poking around, head to Lisbon’s adjacent Chiado neighborhood. It’s a rather arty upscale neighborhood filled with lovely cafes, chic art galleries, bookshops, and tony boutiques. You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour  of Chiado.

Be sure to pop into the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. And check out one of the most beautiful azulejo facades in Lisbon — the House of Ferreira das Tabuletas.

Take in the evocative Carmo Convent . It’s probably Lisbon’s best historical site Lisbon and a open air memorial to the worst day of Lisbon’s history, when the 1755 earthquake demolished much of the city.

After visiting Carmo Convent, settle in at an authentic eatery in Chiado, like Taberna da Rua das Flores or Cantinho do Avillez.

If you want a Michelin experience, try Alma . This tony restaurant claims to serve up “emotions, identity, knowledge.”

Then head to Alfama, Lisobn’s most charming must see neighborhood. Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is Lisbon’s most authentic district. It largely escaped the earthquake’s wrath.

Alfama is city outside a city. Steep stairways tumble down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) stands guard above on Lisbon’s highest hill. As a result, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic.

You can follow a my walking tour for the Alfama. You can book a  3 hour guided walking tour of this historic neighborhood

Or just surrender to the lively chaos and get lost in the maze of tangled streets, decorated with street art, flowers, and the residents’ laundry.

Day 2: Lisbon and Belem

On day 2, head to the architecturally-rich suburb of Belém. You’ll be cast back to the Age of Discoveries, when the world was Portugal’s colonial oyster.

This neighborhood could take up your entire day, if you’re so inclined. Here’s my guide to the top attractions in Belem .

Your top priority in Belem is Jeronimos Monastery. It’s a 500 year old UNESCO site and a mandatory destination in Lisbon. Jeronimos Monastery is the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal and the #1 site in Lisbon’s Belem district.

You must pre-book a  skip the line ticket   or you’ll wait in incredibly long lines. You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour of Belem  that includes a skip the line ticket to the monastery.

There’s nothing like the moment you walk into the monastery’s two level cloister, honey colored and dripping with organic detail.

You’ll be wowed by the delicately scalloped arches, twisting turrets, and columns intertwined with leaves, vines, and knots. And the gargoyles and beasties on the upper facade.

READ : Complete Guide To Jeronimos Monastery

You can also visit the Tower of Belem and the Monument to the Discoveries. Both are included in Belem’s UNESCO designation.

You can admire them from the outside or explore inside. Be forewarned, crowds will be intense and there will be long lines to visit the interiors. You can also book a  2 hour skip the line guided tour  the includes both the monastery and the tower.

Belem Tower is a fortress-like structure also built by Manuel I. It had a very Game of Thrones like feel to me with its filigree stonework. A very narrow spiral staircase leads you to the top for fantastic views.

>>> Click here to book a ticket for Belem Tower

When you’re done gorging on Manueline architecture and Belem’s famous Pasteis de Belem custard tarts, travel back to Lisbon.

At night, head to Lisbon’s nightlife spot, the hilly neighborhood of Bairro Alto for food and drink.

Or, take in a dinner and Fado sho w . Here’s a good list of Fado places in the Alfama and another with places in Bairro Alto.

Day 3: Day Trip To Sintra

On day 3, you’ll venture to Sintra Portugal , the most popular day trip from Lisbon. Sintra is rock star glamorous. The town is chock full of UNESCO-listed castles and palaces.

It’s dazzling, colorful, and romantic. Even the town itself is quaint, filled with artisan shops, and well worth exploring. Sintra packs a punch and delivers on its hype.

There are so many amazing things to do and see in Sintra, that I’ve written a guide with tips for visiting Sintra . You need to have a specific strategy and manage your time well to make the most out of one day in Sintra.

To avoid the wait and lines, you may want pre-book a  guided skip the line tour for Pena Palace, the top attraction. Or go on a  guided tour of the Sintra’s highlights with a historian .

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a  guided tour full day tour from Lisbon  or a  guided day tour that includes the coastal Cascais and Cabo da Roca .

The three sites in Sintra that you can’t miss are: (1) Pena Palace, (2) Quinta da Regaleira, and (3) the Moorish Castle.

1. Pena Palace

Pena Palace is an operatic romantic palace. It’s intensely colorful, a heavy handed mish mash of different architectural styles.

The palace looks like several castles smooshed together. It’s a schizophrenic whirlwind of onion domes, turrets, crenellation, and fanciful sneering gargoyles.

Pena Palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand II in 1842. The project was possibly in an attempt to rival the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria .

Ferdinand was strongly influenced by German Romanticism, a style that emphasized the subjective, the irrational, the imaginative, and the spontaneous.

>>> Click here to pre-book a Pena Palace ticket

2. Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleria is a stony Gothic palace built by eccentric and superstitious millionaire Antonio Monteiro.

It’s an eerie romantic place with stunning gardens featuring grottos, fountains, towers, and tunnels. It’s a short 10 minute walk from the historic center of Sintra.

The gardens feature a startling “initiation well” that was used for secret initiation rites. You walk 90 feet down the spiral (and somewhat slippery) staircase. Then, you enter underground tunnels that take you into the gardens.

>>> Click here to book a ticket to Quinta da Regaleira

3. Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle is an ancient 9th century fortress perched high on the hills of Sintra. It’s only a 10 minute walk from Pena Palace. It has astounding 360 panormic views.

There aren’t a lot of good food options in Sintra for dinner. So, it may be better to head back to Lisbon where you’ll have a plethora of choices.

>>> Click here to book a ticket for the Moorish Castle

Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in or near the Chiado neighborhood. The  Verride Palacio Santa Catarina  is a boutique hotel in a renovated palace with incredible views.

LX Boutique  is a pretty luxury hotel with a maritime themes and blue colors. The  Memmo Principe Real   is a historic hotel in a quiet area. It has limestone floors and original paintings.

Day 4: Drive From Lisbon To Seville, Stop in Evora

The drive from Lisbon to Seville is 4.5 hours. En route, to break up the journey, stop in the UNESCO town of Evora. Evora is a 1:15 drive from Lisbon and then it’s another 3.5 hours to Seville.

If you want another stop between Evora and Lisbon, pull over in Merida . Merida is an ancient Roman city and UNESCO-listed site.

The UNESCO-listed Evora is tucked away in the Alentejo region of central Portugal. Evora was untouched by the great earthquake of 1755 and its historic center is well preserved. You can book a guided walking tour of the historic city center .

Evora is topped by a grand 14th century cathedral, commonly refered to as Evora Cathedral. But its official name is the Cathedral Of Nossa Senhora Da Assuncao.

While not particularly pretty itself, it’s worth it to go inside just for the beautiful vistas over Evora from its balcony.

The star of Evora is an ossuary, the Chapel of Bones, attached to the large Royal Church of St. Francis. Franciscan monks slaved away in the early 17th century building this unusual site when cemeteries were overflowing.

Evora was also an important Roman town, lying on a trade route to Rome . In Evora’s center, you’ll see 14 Corinthian columns rising to the sky.

After you’ve seen the sites, leave Evora and head to Seville, your base for the next four nights.

Day 5: Explore Seville

On day 5 of your 10 days in Portugal and Spain itinerary, you’ll explore Seville. Seville is one of my favorites cities in Europe and and a must visit destination in Andalusia.

Seville is known for its Moorish architectural flourishes. The city is guarded by one of the world’s most colossal Gothic cathedrals. It’s a seductive mix of Mudéjar palaces, ornate baroque churches, colorful azulejo tiles, and shady cobblestone lanes.

And you can feast on inventive tapas, ice cold beer, and sweet sherry. At any hour of the day, no less.

On your first day in Seville, plan on seeing Seville Cathedral, La Giralda, and the Royal Alcazar.

1. Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral is a massive Gothic affair, an odd to excess. It’s the largest cathedral in the world. It’s essential to pre-book a skip the line ticket  in advance.

Tickets include an audio guide. You can also book  tickets + a guided tour of the cathedral and explore its rooftops.

Tickets include an audio guide. To enter the cathedral, you walk through the lovely Patio of the Orange Trees, decorated with a Moorish gate.

The Main Chapel, Capilla Mayor, is a glittering affair. It houses one of the world’s finest high altars, elaborately detailed and finished in gold leaf. There are over 1,000 carved biblical figures.

Along the aisles of the cathedral, there are 80 side chapels to explore. You’ll find spires and reliefs depicting biblical events dedicated to saints.

There’s a large mirror reflecting the intricate ceiling, which you’ll have to queue up to peer into. Lighting up the interior are 75 stained glass windows from the 16th to 19th century.

The Cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus in the south transept. Many places lay claim to Columbus’ bones.

But apparently DNA tests have confirmed that, in fact, a bit of him is in Seville, maybe a shin bone or something.

2. La Giralda

La Giralda, or the bell tower, dates from 1184. It’s the symbol of Seville and the oldest part of the cathedral complex.

The tower was originally constructed as the minaret of the Almohad Mosque that previously stood here, and was used to call Muslims to prayer. It was modeled after the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh.

You access the 100 meter high Giralda in the far right corner. It’s an easy climb, 35 sloping ramps to reach the top.

There are ramps instead of stairs so that horses could be ridden to the top. You’ll be rewarding with sweeping views of the cathedral and Seville.

3. Royal Alcazar

I’ve written at length about my adoration of the UNESCO-listed Royal Alcazar in Seville. It’s my very favorite spot in Andalusia, even above Granada’s incandescent Alhambra .

It’s essential to pre-book a slip the line ticket  in advance or you’ll have long wait in line. You can also book a   guided tour  of the alcazar with priority entrance.

The Alcázar is one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures. The Alcazar is a centuries old complex of palaces and fortifications, lovely courtyards, and extensive gardens bursting with orange, purple, and green colors.

You cannot help but feel catapulted back in time.

The crown jewel of the Alcazar is the sumptuous Mudéjar Palace of King Pedro the Cruel, built around the iconic Maiden’s Courtyard.

The Ambassador’s Hall, or Throne Room, is the big showstopper. It’s nicknamed the “Half Orange” Room, in honor of its gilded cedar domed ceiling.

But perhaps the best part of visiting the Alcazar is its amazing gardens. They’re a lush, exotic, labyrinthian paradise, encompassing 80% of the Alcázar grounds.

The Baths of Dona Maria de Padilla are perhaps the most striking and frequently visited spot in the Alcázar Gardens.

4. Dinner & Drinks

In the evening, amble up to the hipster haven of La Alameda. This is Seville’s trendy bohemian district, situated around the Plaza Alameda de Hercules.

This not-so-touristy neighborhood of Seville has lively local pubs, parks, boutiques, chic galleries, and Roman era columns.

My pick for dinner in Alameda is Duo Tapa s , where you get delicious tapas under fairy lights. It’s popular and a great value.

You can also try La Taberna de Panduro Baños or the nearby Eslava , hidden behind the Basílica de Jesús del Gran Poder.

In lieu of a restaurant, you could also go on a  3 hour tapas crawl . I did this tour when I was last there and I loved everything except the orange wine. Or try this  “10 tasting of Seville” walking tour  or this  4 hour gourmet food tour .

Day 6: Seville

1. plaza espana.

Start your second day in Seville at the magnificent Plaza Espana. It’s a famous architectural landmark, photogenic spot, and a must visit attraction in Seville .

The plaza was built for the Ibero-American World Fair of 1929, where Spanish speaking countries enjoyed a year long mutual admiration festival. It’s open to the public and there’s no entry fee.

The park’s highlight is the Spanish Pavilion, the sweeping half circle structure with rose gold brick buildings. Designed in an Art Deco style with some Moorish touches, the Plaza has the expected Spanish flair — lots of color and lavish embellishment.

There are 49 alcoves, each decorated with tiles. They show historical scenes and maps from the 49 provinces of Spain arranged in alphabetical order.

2. Barrio Santa Cruz

Then head to Barrio Sant Cruz, Seville’s popular medieval district. The neighborhood is a mass of tangled cobbled streets with tiny palazzos and tile covered patios.

You may want to book a  guided walking tour  of the pretty barrio.

Some streets are so impossibly narrow, they’re called “kissing lanes.” There are also orange trees everywhere. You can get lost and stumble across secret squares, pretty churches, and tapas bars.

Plaza de la Santa Cruz is the heart of the barrio. But I liked Plaza de Dona Elvira best, and stopped for a delicious lunch there at Vinela Street Food.

Be sure to stroll along the winding and romantic Calle Agua, which runs along the walls of the Alcazar to Plaza Alfaro. In Plaza Alfaro, you’ll see a Juliet balcony said to have inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet .

If you like old masters, pop into the Hospital de los Venerables. The pretty baroque building was founded in 1675.

Now, it’s a museum with a few carefully guarded masterpieces by Zurburan, Murillo, and Velasquez. And some gorgeous ceilings.

In the afternoon, cross the Puente de Isabel II bridge over the Guadalquivir River and head to the colorful Triana neighborhood. Triana is a small soulful village within a big city and the old gypsy quarter of Seville.

What was once considered the “wrong side” of the river, is now the fun and funky part of town. Locals still call it the “Independent Republic of Triana.”

Triana is steeped in romance and myth. It was home to many of Spain’s best flamenco dancers and bullfighters.

Once over the bridge, you’ll be greeted by the Capilla del Carmen with its bell tower and chapel. The main commercial street in Triana is the pedestrianized Calle San Jacinto where you’ll find shops and cafes.

For lunch, get off the main drag and head left. Have some modern fusion (Venezuelan and Spanish) tapas at Vega 10 in Triana.

Located at Calle Rosario, its specialty is bull’s tail cannelloni. Or, get some tapas at Casa Cuesta or Las Golondrinas.

If you want to assemble your own dinner, head to Triana’s famous Mercado de Triana, or covered market, located on Capilla del Carmen in the Plaza del Altozano.

Stroll the stalls filled with meats and cheeses. Or try a smoothie or fresh squeezed juice. When you’re done, take a stroll along the river on Calle Betis.

>>> Click here to book a flamenco show in Triana

Where To Stay In Seville

Air Bnb is a good option in Seville. There are also some beautiful boutique hotels.

My picks would be:  Hotel Colon Gran Melia ,  Suites Machado , or  Hotel Casa del Poeta .

I also think Barrio Santa Cruz is a great, and more quiet, place to stay. In this area, you could book at  Hotel Casa 1800 Seville  (timeless elegance) or the  EME Catedral Hotel  (sumptuous hotel with a roof terrace, Michelin restaurant, and spa).

Day 7: Day Trip to Cordoba or Ronda

On day 7, take a day trip to Cordoba or Ronda. If you want a city with a lot of attractions, pick Cordoba. If you want to experience a classic white pueblo village, pick Ronda.

I’d recommend Cordoba just to see the UNESCO-listed Mosque Cathedral called the Mezquita .

1. Option 1: Cordoba

You can take the train from Seville. Or you can book a full day guided tour from Seville . Or a guided tour that includes both Cordoba and Carmona .

Cordoba is an exotic stone paved city with both a Roman and Moorish past. Cordoba is a natural film set, it’s just so beautiful. Cordoba has an authentic Spanish vibe with fewer tourists than Seville or Granada.

Most people come just for Cordoba’s #1 site: the magnificent Mezquita , the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Dating from the 10th century, it’s a UNESCO site and one of the world’s most well-preserved Islamic buildings.

Here’s my one day in Cordoba itinerary . Click   here  to pre-purchase a ticket. Click  here  to book a 1 hour guided tour of this magnificent edifice.

The courtyard is free to visit. And you can climb the minaret for views.

In the 16th century, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella converted the interior of the mosque into a cathedral, calling it the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption.

I expected the combination to be discordant and perplexing. But I found it a fascinating place, a snapshot of the sophisticated dual culture that once existed in Spain.

You walk into the Mezquita from a courtyard of orange trees via the Porte de las Palmas. You’re immediately amidst an overpowering forest of 1,000 candy cane horseshoe arches.

They’re constructed from granite, onyx, jasper, and marble. A highlight is the Mihrab, or high altar. It’s a prayer niche covered in an intricate design of gold leaf and mosaic fragments.

The Renaissance cathedral is built right in the center, sharing marble and space with the Islamic arches. The soaring vaulted ceilings are stunning.

Be sure to go up the minaret for spectacular views of Cordoba. You buy tickets for the tower at a separate ticket booth below the bell tower.

But there’s so much more to Cordoba than the Mezquita. Just downhill from the Mezquita is the Guadalquivir River. Stroll across the stunning Roman Bridge , both a UNESCO site and a Game of Thrones filming location.

Amble around the narrow languid streets of the charming old Jewish Quarter, with its brilliantly white walls and delicate filigreed window grills. You may even want to a  2 hour guided walking tour  of this romantic area.

Skip the Instagram popular Calleja de las Flores, or just stroll by. It’s overrated and crammed with tourists. There are beautiful flowers and patios everywhere in Cordoba.

Go into the Jewish synagogue. Say hello to the nearby statue of Maimonides, an influential medieval Jewish philosopher.

Visit the beautiful Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This Alcazar can’t hold a candle to Seville’s UNESCO-listed Royal Alcazar, but I thought it was still well worth a visit. Click  here  if you’d like to book a 1 hour guided tour of the alcazar.

2. Option 2: Ronda

Ronda is Andalusia’s third most visited city. It’s one of Andalusia’s most beautiful towns .

You can take the train from Seville. Once there, you may want to take a 2 hour guided walking tour to get oriented.

If you’d prefer to leave the transportation to someone else, you can book a guided day tour from Seville . You can also book a guided full day tour of the white pueblo villages that includes Ronda .

Ronda is not so much a white pueblo town as a sophisticated city. Ronda has a dramatic setting.

It’s perched on a mountainous gash, 1000 feet above the plain below. Ronda is synonymous with its dramatic 18th century bridge, the Puente Nuevo.

The famed bridge connects the old and newish parts of the town over the 328 feet El Tajo gorge. There’s a staircase leading to the floor of the gorge, for a different viewing perspective.

Ronda is also famed as the birthplace of bullfighting. The city’s Plaza de Toros is one of Ronda’s most popular attractions, thanks to its beautiful architecture. The bullring is ringed with double rows of columns, lending it a Neo-Classical look.

If you want to delve more deeply into Spain’s bullfighting culture, head to the Museum of Bullfighting. You’ll even find some sketches depicting the “art” (not sport) of bullfighting by Francisco Goya , the renowned Spanish artist.

Aside from the bridge, Ronda itself is beautiful — plenty of cozy town squares, cobblestone alleys, balconies everywhere, and lovely architecture. You can visit the Mondragon Palace and the Arabic Baths, if you’re feeling ambitious.

Day 8: Drive from Seville to Granada, Stop in Antequera

The Spanish-Baroque town of Antequera is fittingly dubbed the “Florence of Andalusia.” Antequera is a hidden gem in Andalusia. You’ll have the place mostly to yourself, which is a singular joy in southern Spain.

Since you’re day tripping, there’s a lot to do. Park your car on the outskirts of town and walk up Calle Don Infante. Antequera boasts an impressive Moorish Alcazaba, almost like a mini Alhambra.

It also has a lovely Renaissance church and a stunning medieval and baroque historical core. You’ll have an eyeful of swoonful scenery.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour of Antequera

Antequera’s ancient megaliths/dolmens are outside the old town. You’ll see signs. The dolmens date from the Bronze Age and are among the oldest things on the planet. They are essentially Spain’s Stonehenge.

The dolmens are ancient burial grounds that were declared a UNESCO site in 2016. They’re one of the most remarkable engineering and architectural works of European prehistory and an important example of European Megalthism.

For more details and information, check out my two guides to visiting the town of Antequera and to Antequera’s UNESCO dolmens .

History buffs may want to book a guided tour of the dolmens .

Day 9: Granada

Granada will sweep you away with its authentic Spanish vibe and dazzling attractions. Lorded over by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it’s an absolutely beautiful ancient city with historic architecture. For its size, it’s surprisingly cosmopolitan.

Granada boasts many atmospheric neighborhoods, each with an earthy distinct character. It’s home to the mighty Alhambra, a Moroccan souk, a massive cathedral, flamenco music, and — perhaps best of all — free tapas.

Start your day at Granada’s marquis site, the UNESCO-listed Alhambra. This amazing Granada attraction requires more than half a day at a bare minimum.

The Alhambra is one of the most popular and best sites in southern Spain, and even in the world. In fact, you might want to split your visit to the Alhambra in two, with separate morning and evening visits.

READ : Top Attractions In Granada

Here’s my complete  guide to visiting the Alhambra . More than any other attraction I’ve mentioned, you MUST have a  ticket to visit the Alhambra  and reserve it well (weeks) in advance. They sell out so fast.

You may want to book a guided tour of this magnificent UNESCO site. Tours are also another way to nab the valuable ticket. They also sell out fast.

Here are some guided tour options:

• a 2.5 hour small  group  guided tour
• a 3 hour private tour
• a 3 hou r tour of t he Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
• a  3 hour t our  with a historian
• a 2 ho ur ni ght visit
• a 6 hou r tour  of the Alhambra and the highlights of Granada

The Alhambra stands on a stunning piece of real estate, high on Sabika Hill, with panoramic views over Granada and the beautiful countryside. The Alhambra is a tranquil place with burbling fountains and beautiful mosaics.

The highlights of the Alhambra are the Alcazaba, the Charles V Palace, and the jaw dropping Nasrid Palace. The Nasrid Palace is the world’s finest example of the refined, intricate, and elegant architectural style of the Moorish civilization.

The Court of the Myrtles, the Hall of the Ambassadors, and the Hall of the Two Sisters are a succession of intricate tile work, honeycomb cupolas, and cursive script.

The wonder of wonders is the Court of the Lions, named for the antique fountain of 12 lions in the center. Around the edge runs an arcade of arches supported by white marble columns.

When you’re done with the lavish palaces, head over to the beautiful Generalife for its soothing water gardens.

Later, wander around and explore the old Arab neighborhood of the Albaicin, or Albayzin. Built on a steep hill, it’s an ancient area with tight tangled winding streets and a bohemian feel. The lively place was declared a UNESCO site in 1984.

The main drags in the Albaicin, which both run parallel to the River Darro, are Paseo de los Tristes and Carrera del Darro.

Amidst a jasmine scented breeze, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, tapas bars, and even street performers. You can enjoy a sunset view at Mirador San Nicolás.

To explore this beauty of the Albaicin and the neighborhood of Sacromonte, you can book a  guided walking tour . I did this tour and thought it was amazing. Sacromonte is a good place to book a  sunset walking tour .

Day 10: Granada

On your second day in Granada, visit the ornate late Gothic tombs of the ambitious dynasty-builders Ferdinand and Isabella. They reigned over the Christianization of Granada and the exploration of the “new” Americas. In the sacristy hangs Queen Isabella’s personal art collection.

10 minutes away, visit Granada Cathedral in Granada’s historic center. Click  here   to book a guided tour of the cathedral and the Royal Chapel.

The cathedral is the second largest cathedral in Spain after Seville Cathedral.It’s the fourth largest cathedral in the world.

The edifice is a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Inside, there’s a towering interior, a grand altar, and side chapels.

Don’t miss Granada’s otherworldly barrio of Sacromonte, home to Granada’s Roma community. Time stands still in this unusual rustic quarter of Granada.

For centuries, Sacromonte was the home of gypsies, bohemians, artists, and foreign refuges. Sacramonte also sports one of the most mesmerizing views of the Alhambra.

Click  here  to book a flamenco show in Sacromonte, which has the best venue for performances in Granada.

Where To Stay In Granada

The  Eurostars Catedral  is a lovely hotel housed in a 16th century manor, just a short walk from the cathedral. The  Catalonia Granada  is a lovely hotel that comes complete with a plunge pool and open air terrace. 

If you want a place where tradition and avant garde style meet, check out the  Hospes Palacio de los Patos . It’s housed in a UNESCO-listed palace, with sprawling gardens, a spa, and mosaic floors.

More Time in Spain?

If you want some time to relax after your 10 day Portugal-Spain road trip, head to the Costa del Sol for a few days of beach time and coastal views.

If you want a big city, head to Malaga. If you want a more laid back beach town, try Marabella or Nerja. Don’t miss the pretty mountain villages of Frigiliana en route.

To read about these towns and other villages in Andalusia, check out my guide to the 27 most beautiful towns in Southern Spain .

You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• Guide to the Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to the Belem neighborhood
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Hidden gems in Lisbon
• Best sites and photo spots in Porto
• Best azulejo tiles in Porto

You may also enjoy these other Spain travel guides and resources:

• 33 secret towns in Spain
• 10 day itinerary from Madrid to Seville
• 10 day itinerary from Barcelona to Bilbao
• 1 week itinerary for northern Spain
• 10 day itinerary for Basque Spain
• 2 day itinerary for Madrid
• Most Beautiful Cites and Towns in Andalusia
• 3 day itinerary for Seville

If you’d like to spend 10 days in Portugal and Spain, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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Ultimate 7 Day Portugal and Spain Itinerary with a Map

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I won’t lie to you, Portugal and Spain weren’t really on my travel radar. Not because I wasn’t interested in them, but because I just had (in my mind) bigger things to see and experience. But I’m happy to report, I was so wrong for not prioritizing these destinations sooner!

Portugal is known for its beautiful (and incredibly hilly) coastal cities like Porto and Lisbon and delicacies including pastel de nata and piri piri chicken, plus port wine! You’ll love their orange roofs, blue and white tiled buildings, and historic gems.

Spain, I’m sure you’re more familiar with. Known for culturally vibrant cities, underrated coastal and mountain towns, incredible hiking (hello Caminos!), and food like you wouldn’t believe!

When tackling these two neighboring countries, it’s tempting to want to bite off more than you can chew…mainly in the name of limited travel time and your ability to be away from work. I get it. I’ve been there. Luckily, you can get around Spain and Portugal easily without a car and can accomplish a lot in as little time as one week.

With this Portugal and Spain itinerary, I’m sharing my exact one week itinerary with some suggestions on how to fill extra days if you have them!

Portugal and Spain Itinerary Summary

🛎️ Accommodation:

• Lisbon (2 nights): Lisboa Sao Bento Hotel ($150+ per night) – great neighborhood, easily accessible via public transit and breakfast included
• Porto (2 nights): Zero Box Lodge ($80+ per night) – amazing location, clean and safe, breakfast option available
• Salamanca (1 night): Sercotel Puerta de la Catedral ($100+ per night) – in the center of town, walkable, Cathedral views
• Madrid (2 nights): Melia Castilla ($150+ per night) – extensive breakfast, higher quality to end your trip, spacious

💃 Top attractions and tours:

• Quinta da Regaleria in Sintra
• Moliciero boat ride in Aveiro
• Food tour in Porto
• Flamenco show and dinner in Madrid

🍽️ Must try food:

• pastel de nata in Lisbon
• ovos moles in Aveiro
• bifana sandwich in Porto
• Iberico ham in Spain
• churros and chocolate in Madrid

Is one week enough time to explore Portugal and Spain?

Yes and no. You will absolutely get a ton crossed off your bucket list on this one week trip in both countries, so don’t fret if you only have one week. But, as with MANY destinations, there’s never enough time.

In my opinion, you can easily do the highlights of Portugal and some of Spain in this itinerary, where I’ll be focused on the area of Spain closest to Portugal. Of course, Spain is a massive country, so this itinerary won’t be tackling the farther to get to places like Barcelona (all the way to the east away from Portugal) or Bilbao (to the northern coast).

If you have more than one week, I’ll share my recommendations on how to extend this itinerary to visit some other destinations in Spain or slow the pacing down to enjoy these destinations more deeply.

All this to say, if you only have one week to spend, this itinerary is going to be AMAZING to dive into Portugal and Spain.

I have 10 – 14 days, is this itinerary right for me?

Definitely! In fact, if you have more time than one week, I’ll share exactly how I would spend those extra days. Then, from there, you can choose what sounds best to you!

How to get around Spain and Portugal

If you’re coming from the US, you’re likely going to be impressed at how easy it is to get around Portugal and Spain. I’d argue that in the US, our public transportation system is lacking, but that’s not the case in Europe. Luckily, you can get around easily within cities and between them with buses, trains, and more!

The easiest way to travel long distances is often by train in Europe. They have an elaborate system where their trains can get you everywhere you need to go. On this itinerary, you’ll be using the train to get across Portugal and then again to get from Portugal to Spain.

The most important things to remember when traveling by train are to validate your ticket in the yellow kiosks around the platform and to ensure you get on the correct train. I found this super intimidating when I was traveling solo in Paris , but when in doubt, ask and use Google Translate on signs and in conversation. Don’t let the fear of asking for help stop you from getting to where you need to go.

It’s very common to travel by bus in Europe as well. Buses are typically for shorter distances, although I’ve certainly used them to travel cross-country in Europe, as well.

You’ll use a bus to get around in this itinerary when crossing between Portugal and Spain in conjunction with a train above.

Ride Shares

Apps like Uber and Bolt are the two ride share apps most popularly used here. I recommend downloading them ahead of time, just so you aren’t scrambling when you need to request a ride.

Personally, I could never get Bolt to work for me because it needed to send a code to my phone number for verification and I never got it no matter what I did or where I was.

Still, I had no problem using Uber to get around if I needed it. And, fares are inexpensive compared to prices in the US, so you can expect rides for $6-10 USD or less.

Taxis are most common when getting to and from the airport, however, they are used all over the place. In fact, I took a taxi in Salamanca (day 5 on this itinerary) to get back to my hotel because they were more prevalent than ride shares since it was a smaller town.

Local Transport

While you’re in each city, they’ll have their own local public transit to get around locally. For example, Lisbon is known for their trams!

Google Maps is your best friend when it comes to local navigation, especially. I also love the travel app , Rome2Rio, which shares lots of options for longer navigation.

Map of this Portugal and Spain Itinerary

The Ultimate Portugal and Spain Itinerary for 7 Days

Day 0: arrival in lisbon.

Depending on your travel dates, you may need to account for an extra day “0” to act as your arrival day. You might not have much time that day to do much of anything as far as sightseeing goes.

If you arrive in the morning you can skip ahead to Day 1 for the itinerary to truly begin.

Day 1: Lisbon

I’m starting you off in Lisbon as I did on my trip. Lisbon is a fantastic opener and one of the most important cities in Portugal. It is the capital after all!

There’s lots to see in Lisbon, so I recommend an early start if you arrived yesterday (day 0). If you arrived today, you can choose the activities you think you can fit in.

Hotel recommendation: Lisboa Sao Bento Hotel for 2 nights ($150+ per night) – great neighborhood, easily accessible via public transit and breakfast included (add a night if you arrive on Day 0, not Day 1)

Breakfast in Alfama

Now the one thing I missed when I was in Lisbon is the one spot I think I would have loved the best and that’s Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon with the most beautiful, classic buildings. I was traveling on a Contiki group trip , so my itinerary was a bit out of my hands.

However, I was traveling with a fellow blogger (Elle of Travels with Elle ) who had visited the area on a prior trip and recommended Alfama to me.

So, for you, I highly recommend getting breakfast there.

If I were permitted a do-over, I’d go to Augusto Lisboa in the heart of Alfama. This brunch restaurant serves up some stellar breakfast and some of the reviews even say it’s the best breakfast they’ve ever had! As a breakfast fiend, I’d definitely opt for there!

Walking tour of Lisbon

For your first main activity, I recommend a walking tour of the city — whether that’s guided or on your own.

There are lots of highlights to see and you can do it yourself.

Start in Restauradores Square where you’ll spot a statue commemorating the tile workers who laid down the beautiful cobblestone-esque streets in Lisbon.

Make your way down to A Ginjinha , a classic liquor store where you can try the namesake drink. The drink is really a shot of liqueur made from ginjinha berries found in Portugal. It’s strong and tastes a bit like alcoholic cherries.

Right next door is the Church of Saint Dominic , which played a role in the Inquisition when Jesuit, Gabriel Malagrida, was executed. It was also the site of the Lisbon massacre when New Christians (Sephardic Jews and Moors who were forced to convert to Catholicism) were murdered by Christians. You can also see evidence of a fire that occurred inside where the walls are were left in their scorched state.

The church is free to visit, so you can just pop in to take a look.

Continue to Praça Dom Pedro IV (aka Rossio Square) where there’s a beautiful fountain, a statue of Dom Pedro IV, a king of Portugal, and wavy tiles that make it look like the ground is undulating.

Head to Santa Justa Lift, the most iconic elevator in the city that was built in the 19th century during the Industrial era. It takes you up to a viewpoint, however, the queue can get insanely long, so instead I recommend walking to the top.

You can either take the stairs at the back of the elevator, or walk around the city and up the hill. If you’re walking around (rather than taking the stairs), it’s easiest to navigate to Chafariz do Carmo , a fountain in a central square at the top of the hill. Head to the southeast corner toward the street, Tv. Dom Pedro de Menezes, which will take you to the viewpoint.

If you are walking, you can also head to Praça do Comércio first to see another iconic square in Lisbon. This one is on the water, so it’s a really lovely spot to relax and take a breather.

Traditional and Non-Traditional Lunch Options

There are lots of great restaurants in Lisbon, so I’ll share where I went and where I would have gone instead.

I ate at Organi Chiado , which was a vegan restaurant near the trek up to the Santa Justa Lift viewpoint. The food was delicious, but not the most classically Portuguese, so here’s where I’d go instead: Taberna dos Ferreiros , located closer to our next bout of activities.

They have traditional dishes like bacalhau, aka salted cod, which is a must try!

The original Pastel de Nata

Make sure you save room for dessert because I’m sending you to Pastéis de Belém , the original shop that made and sold Portugal’s most iconic dessert – the egg custard tart. This shop has been around since 1837 and they make pastel de nata best!

They were first made by someone from a neighboring monastery and sold in order to save the monastery, which was closed as a result of the Liberal revolution in 1820. The recipe has been secretly passed down generation-to-generation.

Now, when you visit expect crowds and a wait. It’s the name of the game, but one worth playing.

One pastel de nata pastry costs 1,15€, and you’ll likely want more than one…they’re addictive. Plus, be sure to grab a packet of cinnamon to try them with for extra flavor and deliciousness.

You can get a table inside to enjoy them from, or simply get some to go. In fact, you can enjoy them from Praça do Império Garden or Garden Vasco da Gama, two nearby parks/gardens, if you don’t want to wait for a table.

Monument to the Discoveries

This is one of the most iconic monuments in Lisbon – the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), which honors the Portuguese discoverers of the 15th and 16th centuries including Henry the Navigator.

You can visit this monument for free and walk around it to see all of the discoverers on it. Plus, it’s MASSIVE so it’s fun to try to capture in a photograph. I especially loved that it borders the sea, which really emphasized the theme of discovery by crossing the ocean.

Belém Tower

Keep walking to Belém Tower (pronounced Beleng), which is a tower that was erected to welcome people to the city as they approached on boats. Its architecture is in the Manueline style, which was named after King Manuel I. This type of architecture is also known as Portuguese late Gothic and features Gothic, religious, and maritime elements for a conglomeration of themes and pieces.

The tower acted as a ceremonial gateway to the city and a send off point for discoverers, although it was outfitted for military purposes as needed.

Belém Tower was built in 1514 and completed in 1519 and was admitted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, so it’s definitely a worthwhile stop!

As you admire it, try to spot the rhinocerous on the side, which is thought to be the first depiction of such an animal in Western Europe.

If you’re feeling up to it, feel free to go inside the tower to tour around. It costs 8,50 € for adults and is free for kids up to 14 years old.

Dinner at Farol de Cacilhas

In order to get the best view of Lisbon this evening, I recommend having dinner at Farol de Cacilhas , a seafood restaurant on the opposite coast of Lisbon’s main city area.

They have some amazing prawns, seafood rice, and Mozambique shrimp! Yum!

Expect 15 – 20 € for this meal. And feel free to find some inexpensive street food as an alternative, if you’re staying on a tighter budget.

Be sure to head outside to enjoy the views as well! You can walk along the water and spot the 25 de Abril Bridge, which was built by the same engineering company as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco . Can you spot the similarities? (It’s impossible not to tbh).

Related read >> Detailed 1 day Lisbon itinerary

Day 2: Sintra and Cascais

While you certainly can stay in Lisbon to keep exploring, I think it would be a disservice to ignore some of the smaller, less visited cities in Portugal. So instead, I recommend a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.

Sintra as it was explained to me is where the “old money” of Portugal was and Cascais is for “new money.” If you’re wondering what that means…think historic and lavish mansions in Sintra and upscale beach town for Cascais.

Both are worth a visit and you can see a lot of both in just one day, so let’s go!

And an aside here, I recommend grabbing breakfast at your hotel or from a bakery or café before you leave for the day. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just enough.

Getting to Sintra

The easiest way to get to Sintra is to take the train operated by Comboios de Portugal . It costs 2,60 € maximum each way for an economy class ticket and you can get them ahead of time or the day of at the station.

It’ll take you about 45 minutes to get to Sintra from Lisbon via the train.

Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra

The most prominent mansion in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira , which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

It was built in the 16th century and is a Renaissance-style home, which evolved over the years as different families purchased and lived in it.

Most notably, it has features that were added and used by the Masons where the cave system and wells were built for initiation purposes. For example, they would walk down the spiral lining the well and soul search. Once they arrived at the bottom, they would pass under a waterfall and cross over stones along the water, which represented Jesus walking on water.

I mentioned that the property evolved as new families owned it. One interesting thing to spot is a giant fireplace with a bench that was once in the main home, but when a new family moved in and didn’t like it, they moved it out to its current location in the gardens!

I recommend a guided tour to get the most of your visit, but feel free to do it self-guided!

Don’t skip a little exploration of the town of Sintra. They’re known for their travesseiro pastries (literally translated to pillow ), which are puff pastries full of egg and almond cream. One of the best places to get them is a shop called Piriquita . They have two locations in Sintra (called Piriquita I and Piriquita II), so if one is busy, head to the other.

If you’d like to spend more time in Sintra, definitely check out the National Palace of Pena, which is a gorgeous, brightly colored castle on the hill. We didn’t have time to go since I was on a group trip (I cry), so go for me and tell me how it was!

Lunch at Hifen in Cascais

To get to Cascais, there are a few options, but to save time and connections, I would go with the 1623 route bus (red line). It’s operated by Carris Metropolitana , so consult their site for further details like the schedule.

Once you’ve arrived in Cascais, visit Hifen for lunch if you want somewhere to sit down, or a street food/quick service vendor if you want more time by the beach.

Hifen serves up Spanish inspired Poruguese food and the highlight for me was certainly dessert. I actually spoke with their pastry chef, Martim, who happened to be serving my group, and he recommended his chocolate walnut nougat dessert topped with homemade passionfruit ice cream from Santinni (a local ice cream vendor/maker). He said the dessert took him over 100 hours to perfect and you can taste it! Don’t miss it!

P.S. Their chocolate mousse was also devine!

Explore Cascais

There are a few lovely places to check out in Cascais. First of all, the beaches are beautiful, but Boca do Inferno adds some ✨ spice ✨. This chasm in the seaside cliffs is gorgeous! To get there, you can simply walk 20 minutes along the water (northwest from Hifen).

Along that walk, there’s a number of museums that you’re welcome to explore as well including Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães , a Revivalist-style palace with art and artifacts, Santa Maria House Museum , with an elegant oil-painted dining room ceiling, and Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum , which teaches you about the namesake lighthouse and depending on the time of your visit, you can go inside!

Dinner in Lisbon

While I certainly can give you every restaurant that I visited, I did go to some not so great ones, so I’m going to refrain from giving you a recommendation just because I went there. Instead, I’ll share where I would go if I could have a do-over.

This dinner is that! I would go to Minhota da Prata , which serves up classic Portuguese dishes in a cozy restaurant in the center of town.

It looks like a great location with even better food. Although, one note, the all knowing Google says they’re cash only, so either come prepared, or take your own restaurant pick!

One food to try that they have is francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich with layers of hot meat like wet-cured ham, steak, linguiça, or chipolata and topped with cheese and a tomato based sauce.

Day 3: Lisbon to Porto via Aveiro

Time to hop on another train to head north to Porto! For the most direct route, opt for train IC 273 Braga operated by Comboios de Portugal (same as the one used to get to Sintra yesterday). It’ll take you about 2 hours and 25 minutes to get to Aveiro and cost 29,50 €.

Moliceiro Boat Ride and a Snack

While you certainly can go straight to Porto, I think it would be a disservice to skip over Aveiro. This little town is also called the “Venice of Portugal” because they have two canals that run through town and gondola-like boats that traverse them, called Moliceiro boats.

Grab a ticket for a boat ride and enjoy learning a little history about Aveiro including the boats themselves, architecture of the surrounding buildings, and Aveiro’s historic role in fishing trade in Portugal.

While you’re there, pop into one of the bakeries in town to try their local delicacy, ovos moles, which is a flaky shell filled with whipped egg yolks and sugar. They typically are shaped after maritime elements like shells, fish, boats, etc.

Of course, a stop in Aveiro is optional, but I really enjoyed it there and it certainly makes for a nice break after traveling for hours.

Bifana Sandwiches for Lunch

Head to Porto on the AP 137 Braga train operated by Comboios de Portugal. It’s only a 45 minute train ride and 3,90 €.

You’ll probably arrive in Porto around lunch time, so I recommend finding a lunch spot. If you want one of my favorites, visit Conga for their bifana sandwiches, which is a Portuguese pork sandwich. They’re hearty, delicious, and inexpensive. You can also watch them make the sandwiches from the window out front or from the bar as soon as you walk inside.

A note here that many quick service restaurants in Porto feature these stand up bars at the entrances from which you can dine. You can just walk up or ask to be “seated” there.

Relax at Parque de Serralves

For your afternoon and evening in Porto, visit Parque de Serralves , which is a combination of gardens including a sculpture park, and an art museum. This is a unique way to be introduced to the city as you’ll learn about Portuguese art, while visiting one of Porto’s most beautiful greenspaces.

Don’t worry, tomorrow there’s lots of classic Porto activities on a walking tour and food tour. If you’re feeling up for it, you can certainly divvy up the Porto activities between today and tomorrow as you see fit as you read this guide.

As I mentioned before, I really encourage you to explore the city on your own and find somewhere for dinner on your own that looks great to you! More food recommendations coming tomorrow!

Local food tour for dinner

It wouldn’t be an “Alanna itinerary” without a food tour…they’re kinda my favorite thing.

In Porto, I went with Eating Europe and we went to the best local spots! We had croquettes, Portuguese rye and Iberico ham, and more. It’s definitely filling for a dinner and it starts in the 6:00 pm hour.

Hotel recommendation: Zero Box Lodge for 2 nights ($80+ per night) – amazing location, clean and safe, breakfast option available

Day 4: Porto

Good morning from Porto!

Tackling Livraria Lello

This morning, I’m starting you off at one of the most touristy places on the list, which might be a confusing way to start, but there’s good reason!

If you want to visit Livraria Lello , the world’s most beautiful bookstore, it takes strategy. This bookstore became so popular from social media that they now charge to enter and the lines get absolutely insane…not to mention the crowds inside.

Still, I think it’s worth seeing at least once. So here’s how to do it.

First, buy a skip-the-line ticket online ahead of time. It costs 15,90 € and comes with a book. So you’re really just buying a book as a souvenir!

The tickets are timed and dated. I booked my ticket the day before, but I visited in shoulder season in March. If you’re visiting in the summer, check their calendar and be sure you get your ticket well ahead of time.

I recommend the first time slot of the day (hence this being activity number one on today’s itinerary). That’s so you can avoid as much of the crowd as possible.

@periodicadventures Replying to @Anamika And book tickets in advance! #livrarialello #portoportugal #porto #thingstodoinporto #portoportugal🇵🇹 #beautifulbookstore #bookstore #bookstores #traveltips ♬ original sound – ur mom <3

When you arrive, look for the line that matches your timed entry and ticket color (skip-the-line tickets were gold when I purchased). That ensures you’re in the correct spot. When in doubt, ask (politely…people get crazy rude around crowded tourist spots).

Once you make it inside, enjoy the central staircase, the Hogwarts library vibes (it was said to be inspiration for the author), and the little details that make Livraria Lello so gorgeous. The stained glass ceiling is incredible, the lamps, the book trolley tracks on the ground, and pulley system for transporting books between levels are all worth noting. Toward the back, there’s also an exhibit that rotates, so don’t miss it.

You’ll notice a collection of classics in special Livraria Lello covers. Those are the books you can choose from that come with your ticket. And I know that when you purchase your ticket online ahead of time, it has you choose between two books (mine was Art of War or Romeo and Juliet), but I asked the staff and you can choose any book in that special collection.

Once you’ve picked yours, you have to check out at a register so they can mark the book as “sold” in their system. Be patient and kind. They’re swamped.

Feel free to reward yourself with gelato from Amorino Gelato next door. I won’t tell.

Walking tour of Porto

Let’s embark on a walking tour of Porto. You can certainly book a guided one , but in case you’re on a tight budget or want to do it yourself, I’ll guide you through some spots to visit.

Assuming you’re starting from Livraria Lello, head across the way to the Fonte dos Leões (or Lion Fountain). The lions here actually look more like griffins and are said to have been further Harry Potter inspiration when the author spent time in Porto.

Make your way a bit north to Letras do Porto, which is the massive Porto sign in front of Porto’s town hall. This area gives some great views of the city and is a fun photo spot!

Next up is a lunch stop. Although, I’ll share a bit of a spoiler now. I am sending you to the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s, so if you’re one of those people who loves to try McDonald’s when you travel, that’s an option for lunch a bit later on.

If not though, walk to Mercado do Bolhão, one of Porto’s most famous markets. It’s two levels and is housed in a neoclassical building with over 75 vendors. I highly recommend walking the market and finding something to eat. There’s prepared foods like sandwiches and groceries including produce, meats, and cheeses, for example. I had a simple ham sandwich on focaccia and it was delicious!

I also tried some hibiscus candy, which is popular in Europe. It’s made from dried hibiscus flowers and is candied so it’s chewy like a fruit roll up. You can find them at all the candy stalls!

My Harry Potter fans won’t want to miss the Majestic Café , where she who must not be named wrote part of the series. It’s a very popular café because of that, so if you intend to dine there, even for just coffee, expect a wait. Personally, I was content just peeking through the window to see the Belle Epoque-era decor for a moment including ornate wood carvings, chandeliers, and mirrors galore.

Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ildefonso , which was built beginning in 1709 and completed in 1739 and features the iconic blue tile work on the facade (called azulejo) that was added in the 1920s.

And a note for azulejo tiles! These are painted tin-glazed ceramic tiles that are famous in Spain and Portugal. They often tell stories as they’re essentially canvases. You’ll spot them all over the place in both countries, so keep an eye out.

Anyway, back to the Church! Inside, you’ll marvel at the gold retable, which is the giant structure placed behind the altar. That alone is worth stepping inside for and don’t worry, it’s free to enter!

Continue to Porto São Bento, which is the main train station in Porto. Even if you aren’t traveling by train, I still recommend a stop here. It opened in 1916 and has some of the most beautiful azulejo tiles you’ve ever seen! Not to mention, it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument of Portugal.

There are over 20,000 azulejo tiles and they depict the history of Portugal as well as peoples from the various regions in the country. You’ll spot a chronology of Portugal’s transportation system developments, conquests such as those by Henry the Navigator, and the wedding of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster, for example.

The final stop on your walking tour of the city center is McDonald’s Imperial, which is considered to be the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s. That might sound weird, but it’s true!

This was once a café, but when McDonald’s took over, they did their best to keep all the Art Deco elements found throughout the building. So now, you’re greeted with chandeliers, Art Deco stained glass, mirrored walls, and ornate sculpture decor on the upper walls.

@periodicadventures Not what you were expecting? 😂 #traveldestinations #beautifulplaces #beautifulplacestotravel ♬ LOVE. 70s remix by dustin garza – mo

This McDonald’s is called McDonald’s Imperial because out front, the sign has a massive eagle sculpture accompanying it. Sometimes, they even hire someone to stand out front with a live eagle!

It might sound kitschy, but it’s an interesting oxymoron of place.

Now to continue our walking tour, I want to take you down to the water. You can either take the bus there on line 901 toward Valadares where the closest stop is Elevador Guindais, or you can take a ~ 15 minute walk down the hills of Porto to Cais da Ribeira, the picturesque waterfront area.

Here, there are vendors selling souvenirs, fresh chestnuts, and jewelry, among other things. Plus, you can sit for awhile on the water’s edge and watch the boats go by. It’s a peaceful break to split up the busy day.

When you’re ready, cross Luís I Bridge toward Cais da Ribeira de Gaia, another scenic spot where you can view Porto from across the way. This gives you the best view of the city itself!

Don’t miss Half Rabbit by Bordalo II, an art sculpture that takes up an entire side of a building. As it’s made entirely from recycled and fount materials, it’s a critique of society’s wastefulness.

Port Wine Tasting at Casa Ferreira

The final stop for today is a trip to Casa Ferreira , a port wine cellar. What makes them so spectacular is that the person who lead the family business and brought Casa Ferreira to success was a woman, Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira! Who run the world?…GIRLS!

They cultivate their port wine from the Douro region with a focus on quality, tradition, and innovation.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Portugal without a port wine tasting, so what better place for it! Tickets are 21 € and include a tour of the aging warehouse, vintage museum, and gardens, plus, of course, a port wine tasting, in 50 minutes. With your ticket you can try three wines.

For a more extensive experience, there’s another hour and a half long tour option for 28 € which includes a tour focusing on Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira herself and a tasting of 5 port wines. I did this one and it was incredibly interesting! Not to mention that port wine is STRONG (it’s like liquor, not wine), so the value of two extra tastings for only 7 € is definitely there.

Dinner at Brasão Aliados

For dinner, I recommend Brasão Aliados , where they serve Portuguese sharable pub fare like pica-pau ( woodpecker in Portuguese), a stew-like dish with cubes of beef and vegetables served with toothpicks to skewer the pieces like a “woodpecker.”

To get there, you can take bus 901 to Trinidade (the opposite direction of the one to get to Cais da Ribeira).

They also have francesinha, which if you haven’t had a chance to try it, now’s your moment. Francesinha is that meat filled sandwich with cheese and tomato sauce on top (from Day 3 above).

And I have to mention their brownie because this thing was what chocolate dreams are made of! If you have room, don’t miss it!!

Day 5: Porto to Salamanca

Alexa play “On to the Next One” by Jay-Z. Yepp, we’re moving on. And I know it feels fast, but we’ve got to get to Spain at some point on this Portugal and Spain itinerary, right?

How to get to Spain from Portugal

Today we’re headed to Salamanca, Spain, which is a smaller university town. In fact, it’s been a college town for it’s entire history!

It might be tempting to skip straight to Madrid or a bigger city in Spain, but unless you want to catch a flight, it’s actually best to take an extra day to travel from Porto to Madrid.

You can get to Salamanca from Porto via two buses. First take FlixBus 1038 to Viseu, then transfer to a BlaBlaCar Bus , which goes directly to Salamanca. the first leg is 2 hours and the second is 3 hours. If you need a break, I recommend a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, which is one of the two stops before Salamanca on the BlaBlaBus. That total journey will cost about $25 USD.

PS: Be sure to look out the window! You’ll see some historic fortresses and cities along the way!

Exploring Ciudad Rodrigo and Lunch

This small town in Spain is a beautiful first stop. It sits atop a rocky ridge and has been occupied as a city since the Neolithic Age (Americans could never!).

One of the best things to do there is explore the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Tickets are $6.40 and come with an audio guide so you can learn about the Gothic and Renaissance architecture in this Spanish National Monument.

Ciudad Rodrigo also falls along the Camino de Santiago, one of Spain’s most famous medieval pilgrimage trails. I don’t know if I’ll ever have it in me to do one of the Caminos…but at least I’ve stepped on the trail, right?

I recommend a pause for lunch as well. My group went to Parador de Ciudad Rodrigo for their medieval themed luncheon. They have a restaurant on site that serves non-themed meals as well with a focus on Iberian pork, a delicacy of the area. You can make a reservation here .

They also have a hotel on site, so if you have more time in your itinerary than the 7 days I’ve allotted, you can slow it down, spend the night here and unwind.

Evening in Salamanca

As you arrive in Salamanca, it’s likely that it’ll be late afternoon. Luckily, since the town is so quaint, you can see a lot in a short amount of time. After dropping your bags at your hotel, head to the town square, called Plaza Mayor. It was built in the Spanish Baroque style in 1755 and was the inspiration and location for the film Vantage Point (which is quite good, if you haven’t seen it!).

The medallions (or circular portraits) that surround the plaza have notable and historic Spaniards, such as Francisco Franco and Miguel de Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote.

While you’re there, grab some of the best ice cream from Heladería Bico de Xeado . I had their plain chocolate and it was so creamy and delicious.

The best way to explore Salamanca is on foot.

Head out of Plaza Mayor to Casa de las Conchas, a unique building that’s covered in stone shells. It was built in the late 15th century and it’s actually a public library now! Remember, university city!

You can go inside or just admire the shell-covered exterior.

Head toward the Cathedral, which is impossible to miss. One of the most interesting features is that when the cathedral underwent restoration work in the 1990s, the artist added in a couple modern features to this 16th century cathedral including an astronaut and dragon eating ice cream.

The exterior is quite busy with figures, so they can be hard to spot, so it’s like a Where’s Waldo game!

The astronaut in particular fueled lots of confusion and questions regarding 16th century prediction of space travel. It’s a compliment to the artist that he was able to add it in so seamlessly that people thought it was original!

If you have time before dinner (aka if you’re not starving yet), I’ll usher you to visit Museo Art Nouveau y Art Déco – Casa Lis , which has a fabulous collection of decorative art by local Salamanca artists and beyond. Admission is only 5 € and they’re open pretty late, close to European dinner time at 7 or 8 pm depending on the day of the week.

While I didn’t have time to visit the museum, I certainly hope you do, because it looks amazing!

For dinner, I unfortunately don’t have a personal recommendation. Not because the food wasn’t good, but because I wasn’t feeling well this day of my own trip and left my dinner early without eating anything. It was picturesque, though, so I can recommend it based on that!

The restaurant we went to was called Mesón Cervantes and it was located in Plaza Mayor overlooking the square.

Feel free to find somewhere else though!

Hotel recommendation: Sercotel Puerta de la Catedral for 1 night ($100+ per night) – in the center of town, walkable, Cathedral views

Day 6: Salamanca to Madrid

It’s time to be moving on, so hop on the train to Madrid this morning. It’s operated by Renfe and is called the Media Distancia line, which costs 24,95 €. It’s a direct route and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Lunch and a Must Try Dessert

Once you arrive in Madrid, drop your bags at your hotel and head out for lunch. For the most Instagram-friendly spot with great food, I recommend Restaurante-Coctelería Inclán Brutal Bar . They have some of the most insane dishes like duck rice served in a ceramic duck.

You can get drinks, too, in cups that look like celebrities including Freddie Mercury, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis!

Note that they open for lunch at 1 pm, so if you need something sooner, you’re on your own.

Okay, not entirely on your own. Whether you have this for dessert or a second breakfast Hobbit-style , don’t miss Chocolatería San Ginés where they’re famous for their churros and dipping chocolate. I can’t even begin to explain how freaking delicious this is, so please if you do nothing on this whole itinerary, please try these! Yes, that’s dramatic, and yes, I stand by it!

I served churros and chocolate as my wedding dessert, so it’s kind of a big deal to me haha!

Walking Tour of Madrid

This afternoon, I recommend a walking tour to get acquainted with the city. There’s a few notable squares including one called Puerta del Sol, which features “kilometer zero,” a plaque that marks the center of Madrid.

We honestly did a really relaxed walking tour of Madrid, so I recommend a guided one for a more extensive experience.

Dinner and a Flamenco Show

This evening, head to Tablao Los Porches to enjoy an authentic Spanish flamenco show . They have a full dinner menu including tapas and paella, as well as drinks.

Flamenco is such an interesting art, specifically because the dancer is leading the musicians. Meaning, the dance comes first and they read the dancer and follow with music including guitar and singing. It’s also an incredibly emotional art form, so pay attention to the dancers’ facial expressions as they dance. It will move you. I promise!

A Night Out in Madrid

While I’m certainly not a nightlife type gal and often omit it from my itineraries, I actually did go out in Madrid because I was on a Contiki group trip and it was our goodbye festivities. If you’re looking for nightlife, Madrid is definitely a great place for you!

We went to a couple places, both of which were very fun — Enbabia Infused , which was more of a bar vibe with hookah in the back, and Espit Chupitos Madrid Sol , which boasts over 600 different shot flavors and was way more of a party!

Hotel recommendation: Melia Castilla for 2 nights ($150+ per night) – extensive breakfast, higher quality to end your trip, spacious

Day 7: Madrid with Toledo Day Trip Option

Listen, I’m just saying if you went back for churros and chocolate for breakfast, I wouldn’t tell anyone, okay?

Day Trip to Toledo

While there’s certainly enough to keep you busy in Madrid for a GOOD while, there’s actually some incredible day trips from Madrid to take including one to Toledo, that’s a great option.

You can get there directly on the Alsa bus for 6.18 €. It’s only about an hour and a half away and there’s lots of neat historic monuments, buildings, and activities in Toledo.

I recommend a trip up to Mirador del Valle, which is a viewpoint of the city. To get there, take the Unauto Bus L71 to the Ctra. Circunvalación (H. Doménico) stop.

Toledo is a wonderful city for wandering because there are some incredible shops, namely for swords and metalworks, which is what this medieval city was known for.

Finally, you can go ziplining in Toledo over the river that runs through, called The Taugus, with Fly Toledo ! It’s only 11 € or 15 € if you want your photo taken.

Because I was on a group trip, I wasn’t entirely on my own time, which meant I missed some things in Toledo I wish I hadn’t. One was the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, which just looks so beautiful. I also wish I had had time for the Cultural Exhibitions , which at the time I was visiting featured a witchcraft exhibit.

To get back to Madrid, you’ll take the same Alsa bus back.

Alternatively, consider a guided day trip to Toledo from Madrid that includes transportation, a stop at Mirador del Valle, a guided walking tour, and free time!

How to Spend a Day in Madrid

Alternatively, if you decide to stay in Madrid, there’s plenty to do.

I would personally do a guided food tour of Madrid , because those are always my favorite ways to explore a city.

I also really enjoyed their art museum, Museo Nacional del Prado . They have some very famous works including Las Meninas and The Garden of Earthly Delights. Just as a heads up, this museum is the most maze-like museum I’ve ever been to…that includes the Louvre in Paris . Take a map and give yourself extra time to navigate the place.

Admission is 15 €.

Some other things to do include touring the Royal Palace, exploring El Retiro Park , visiting the National Archeological Museum , and Temple of Debod , which is an ancient Nubian temple.

I know…kind of an open-ended ending to the itinerary. But, I really feel like the magic is in the wandering. Use this as a guide and don’t be afraid to stumble into what looks interesting!

FAQs about this Portugal and Spain Itinerary

What currency do you need.

Portugal and Spain both use the Euro. I had about 50 € on me in cash for the whole trip because most places do take card.

My preferred method of getting currency is through your local bank at home in US as part of my international travel checklist . You can do this online and they’ll mail you your currency. Super easy!

And just remember, if you pay with card, always choose to pay in the local currency (Euro), not your converted home currency as the rates are always awful.

How much does this itinerary cost?

Accommodation – $860 (7 nights)

Activities – $355

Food – $190

Transportation (excluding flights) – $130

Extras (food, souvenirs, etc.) – $50 (estimated)

Where to fly into and out of

I have you flying into Lisbon and out of Madrid. Depending on how much flights cost, it might be more beneficial to do the reverse. If that’s the case, you’ll have to reverse this itinerary. That part isn’t too difficult, but note that the transportation options may be different going in the reverse direction as I’ve stated here.

If you have more time to spend as well, you can choose where to fly into and out of based on your availability.

When is the best time to visit?

I’d opt for shoulder season, which is spring and fall. I visited in March and it wasn’t crowded most places, weather was mild, and prices weren’t too gouged yet.

Summer is considered peak season, so with it you’ll get way more crowds, which makes for a less than pleasant experience. Not to mention the heat can be intense and not all hotels run AC (although this is improving lately).

Winter is also a good option if you don’t mind it being cooler.

I have more time, where should I go?

Of course, it depends on how much time you’re working with. One option if you’re shorter on time is to simply take this itinerary and slow down. Meaning you can spend an extra full day in Lisbon, Porto, or Madrid, as there’s much to do in those big cities.

For example, in Lisbon, there’s an incredible coach museum (like Cinderella coaches…not handbags), Museum of Art Architecture and Technology , and a castle with lots of viewpoints around town!

If you have more time or simply want to go somewhere new, you can get to Spain’s southern region, Andalusia, by train. The big hitters there are Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, where Granada was the last home of the Moors before they were kicked out to Africa during the Reconquista. The Alhambra is the most famous Moorish palace to see.

You can get to Cordoba and Grenada from Madrid via the Renfe AVE trains where 02092 goes to Cordoba, 03930 goes from Cordoba to Grenada. To get to Seville, take the Renfe Intercity train 02494. It takes about 3 hours to get from Madrid to the Andalusia region, so I’d be sure you have an extra 2 full days to explore one of these cities.

Don’t forget that as you move farther from the big cities, like Madrid, flight prices are likely to be increased unless you make your way back to those larger international airports.

You can also take a high-speed train (Iryo 06091) for 3 hours to Barcelona from Madrid. The most iconic things to do in Barcelona are architecture-related including Gaudi’s Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. I’d give yourself 2 extra days to get to Barcelona and explore fully before flying out of their international airport (Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport).

Tips for visiting Spain and Portugal

Download google maps and translate offline.

Assuming Portuguese and Spanish are a language barrier for you as they are for me, you’ll definitely want to download those languages in Google Translate offline. That will allow you to translate menus and the like on the go even without service!

To download a language offline, tap your little person icon in the top left corner, then hit “Downloaded Languages” and tap the download button next to the language you want to download. Easy!

Similarly, you’ll want to download the Google Maps offline of the regions you plan to visit, specifically the cities you’ll be navigating on a deeper level.

To do so, enter the name of the destination in Google Maps and search. Once it pulls it up, scroll all the way to the right and hit the download button. That’s it!

Use Bolt or Uber in these destinations

For ride shares, the two apps that are most used are Bolt and Uber. Personally, I could never get Bolt to send me the code for verification upon creating my account, so I never used it. But, if you have better luck, it is reliable, as is Uber!

Expect the heat

I don’t know why but it was hotter than I was expecting in Portugal particularly. It’s not closer to the equator than I’m used to, but for some reason their 62 degrees felt like 80! I literally had to buy tank tops when I was there because I had packed light long sleeves.

And even though I run hot, I know it wasn’t just me because I was with a group and everyone was hot! So, just come better prepared for the heat than I did, even if the temperature is “cool.”

Travel light

For any busy itinerary like this where you’re moving from destination to destination every day or so, pack light. You do not want to be hauling two suitcases and a backpack everywhere you go. Trust me.

Especially on train after train, it gets old FAST.

Try planning your outfits ahead of time and keeping a note in your phone to make sure you don’t overpack.

Not to mention, European hotel rooms can be quite small!

What to pack for Portugal and Spain

Speaking of packing, here are some essentials to bring on your Portugal and Spain trip.

• Reusable water bottle
• Anti-pick pocket bag
• Good walking shoes ( these are my go to’s for Europe …see below)

You’ll find these other resources helpful:

• Overwhelmed? Find out if a group trip is better for you !
• Best places around the world for college students
• How to plan a trip budget using Excel
• Tips for traveling on a budget
• How to find the best things to do on vacation
• Ultimate guide for easy trip planning
• Other Europe travel guides

My Travel Essentials

• Travel Insurance  – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing .
• Travel Card  – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
• Get Your Guide  – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
• Booking.com  – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com , the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
• Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
• Give the Gift of Travel  – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
• Staycation Idea  – Check out Resort Pass , which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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The Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary to Take Now!

Spain and Portugal

Planning a trip always takes the longest.

Where to go, how long to stay, should I do this city or that one. We decided to do a Spain getaway at the last minute and then added on Portugal at even later minute and found it helpful to read Rick Steves , Lonely Planet , forums and blogs to ultimately decide which cities to linger in and which to skip altogether.

We’re now back from our trip to Spain and Portugal so we thought we’d share a summary of our itinerary. We had 2 weeks and visited Spain’s 2 main cities, Madrid and Barcelona, then headed south to see the Andalusian cities before heading west for a taste of Portugal.

Below is my day by day itinerary featuring  Instagram photos from the trip! You can check out the whole photo series by exploring the hashtag  #shershegoes_spain

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Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a summary of the Spain and Portugal itinerary that we did. We would recommend at least 2 weeks if you want to visit both Spain and Portugal. If you have less time, say 10 days, then concentrate on Madrid and Barcelona in Spain!

2 Weeks in Spain

Keep reading below for a day by day city   itinerary of must-see sights, things to eat and where to stay! I’ve also included day trip suggestions below.

Days 1-2: Madrid

We arrived first in Madrid, Spain’s capital city.

The streets are narrow, the apartments all have beautiful shuttered balconies and the charm is everywhere. We settled in for a couple days of sightseeing, healthy doses of tapas, rioja wine and laid back nights that ended with churros con chocolate.

The Best Things to Do in Madrid

Main Attractions: Royal Palace, Museo del Prado, Retiro Park

Don’t Miss: a night hopping from bar to bar sampling tapas and pinchos. Recommended dishes:

• gambas al ajillo (shrimp in hot garlic and oil)
• jamon iberico bellota (fancy coldcuts of iberico pigs fed on acorns)
• calamares a la romana (fried squid rings)
• my special favorite, patatas bravas (fried potato wedges served with a mayo aioli)!

Where to Stay in Madrid

I recommend 2 days, 3 nights. Perhaps the best neighborhood to stay in Madrid would be the Centro district, to stay centrally located near the main sights and attractions. Other solid neighborhoods: La Latina, Chueca and Barrio de las Letras.

We recommend  Catalonia Plaza Mayor , a comfortable hotel that’s centrally located in the heart of old Madrid.

Check rates:   Booking.com ,  Hotels.com ,  Expedia  

Read reviews:   TripAdvisor

Best Day Trips from Madrid

We stayed in Madrid an extra couple nights in order to do some day trips in Castille La Mancha. I couldn’t decide on one, so we visited a couple (images above from left to right).

Here are the best day trips from Madrid that I’d recommend!

• Segovia an ancient town famous for its Roman aqueduct ruins
• Toledo a medieval city
• El Escorial  a monastery and entombment for ancient Spanish kings

You can browse more fun day trips from Madrid here .  

Day 4: Cordoba

After thoroughly explored Spain’s capital, we headed south for a loop through Andalusia . First up, Cordoba!

The small town was once a regional capital for the Roman and Moorish empires so today, it bears characteristics of each. The historic sights are all located within the compact Old Town and easily walk able.

We got lucky and timed our visit for their spring festival, the Patio Festival! Patio means inner courtyard in Spanish, and it’s a really pretty time to visit because the entire town comes alive, locals are happy to show off their homes and everywhere you look there are stunning flowers are in bloom. 

Best Things to Do in Cordoba

Main Attractions:  Mezquita-Cathedral, Palacio de los Reyes Cristianos, Roman Bridge

Don’t Miss: a visit in Spring, when this beautiful town comes alive with flowers. The Patio Festival is an opportunity for proud locals to exhibit their version of ‘Best Lawn’ and visitors can see traditional Moorish style patios decorated with a profusion of beautiful pink, red and green blooms.

Where to Stay in Cordoba

The city deserves 1 full day – unless you’re in town for the Cordoba Patio Festival when you won’t be able to get enough with even two or three days!

For a beautiful hotel, stay at  Eurostars Palace Hotel  which has a gorgeous inner courtyard and gives a true feel for Cordoba’s patios. Inner courtyards are usually hidden to outsiders so this hotel is a treat!

Check rates:   Hotels.com ,  Booking.com , Expedia  

Read reviews:  TripAdvisor

Days 5-6: Seville

From Cordoba, we hopped back on the high speed train for Seville.

Flamboyant Seville is home to the fiery flamenco, stadium roaring bull fights and the most delicious tapas bars of my entire trip! We did a bit more sightseeing, although by this point I was thoroughly wow’ed by the cathedrals and had pretty much reached my limit.

Best Things to Do in Seville

Main Attractions:  Cathedral, Alcázar, Barrio Santa Cruz

Don’t Miss:  the gardens in the Alcázar are breathtaking – you might recognize them as ‘Dorne’ from Game of Thrones!

Seville is a fantastic town for foodies. In Madrid, you have lots of old, historic bars, while in Barcelona you’ll find trendy, beautifully decorated restaurants with fantastic fusion food. But in Seville? Expect small, authentic and delicious, with a bit of flair. Essentially, it felt like it offered the best of everything in one compact town. 

Where to stay in Seville

The city is worth at least 2 days & 2 nights – so you can eat all the affordable and tasty tapas you can find! Book a room at  Hotel Alfonso XIII , a luxurious property featuring gorgeous Moorish architecture and every comfort imaginable. Hotel Alfonso is located in a prime spot next to Seville’s Real Alcazar.

Check rates Hotels.com ,   Booking.com ,   Expedia  

Read reviews  TripAdvisor

Days 7-8: Granada

After thoroughly exploring Seville, we hopped on a (10 euro!) bus to explore Granada, once the Moorish stronghold of the west. Today the city retains much of its North African flavor and is an absolute must see on any southern trip through Spain.

The main attraction in Granada is the breathtaking Alhambra, an old fortress and palace with extensive gardens. Tickets sell out quite fast so you’ll need to book this in advance. You can read about everything you need to know regarding Alhambra tickets in this post here .

Or, skip the mess entirely and take a guided tour that bypasses the queue altogether here .

I ended up extending our Granada stay for an extra half day so that I could grab the only ticket option remaining during my trip.

Best Things to Do in Granada

Main Attractions:  the Alhambra !

Don’t Miss: a relaxing retreat at the Arabian baths , or Hammam Al Andalus . The current baths are built over the ancient bath site and gorgeously decorated.

There are a number of different pools at different temperatures as well as some fun massage options. We loved how relaxing this experience was! Budget around 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

Where to stay in Granada:

Budget 2 full days in order to fully explore the city, with a full 1/2 day devoted to the Alhambra . We stayed at  Anacapri Granada , an affordable, clean hotel within walking distance from the Alhambra.

The Anacapri Granada is located in the heart of Old Town and also conveniently near the local bus stop, should you wish to explore Granada’s farther sights.

Check rates:  Hotels.com ,   Booking.com ,   Expedia  

Days 9-12: Barcelona

From Granada, there are a couple ways to get to Barcelona including via car, high speed rail or plane . We decided to fly after hearing unimpressed reviews of the overnight train service.

Barcelona was by far one of the highlights of my trip – I enjoyed it a lot more than Madrid! The city is cosmopolitan, proudly Catalan and lively with some of the most impressive and unique sights in Spain.

After almost two weeks of sightseeing, lots of churches and an abundance of small town charm, the genius works of architect Antoni Gaudí were so distinctive and colossal that I couldn’t help but be awed.

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

Main Attractions:   La Sagrada Familia , Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera), Park Güell

Don’t Miss:  a full day dedicated to Gaudi’s works: the modernist mansion Casa Batlló and the still under construction Sagrada Familia church .

Day Trips:  Barcelona had some of the most innovative tapas bars that I tried in Spain – don’t miss a good evening out trying various Spanish small plates  or try a cooking class . Die hard soccer / football fans will want to see FC Barcelona’s stadium and see a match or two.

Where to stay in Barcelona:

Royal Ramblas  is a great hotel to stay in, as it’s located right on the main shopping and pedestrian road, Las Ramblas. There’s so much to see in Barcelona (and the city makes a great base for nearby day trips in Catalonia) so budget at least 3 full days!

Best Day Trips from Barcelona

Near Barcelona are a couple cities worth visiting. Montserrat is a religious pilgrimage site for many Catalans and a breathtaking change of scenery for tourists – the monastery is actually high up in the mountains!

Also within an easy day trip from the city are Girona , a walkable old city famous for its historic Jewish quarter of narrow cobblestone streets, and Figueres, where Salvador Dali built his museum and personal shrine.

Trains connect all three towns within easy access of Barcelona Sants rail station. We decided to do the first two and left Figueres for another trip simply because the train schedules weren’t as convenient.

• Montserrat :  a dramatic mountaintop monastery where the Black Madonna was discovered
• Girona :  a quaint medieval town very similar to Dubrovnik and currently the set of King’s Landing for the Game of Thrones series

Days 13-14: Lisbon

Portugal’s capital Lisbon feels a lot like San Francisco .

Both have rolling hills, quaint trolleys and well worn cobblestone streets. Lisbon has some amazing seafood spots and charm, but also a sad air of neglect to the magnificent tiled apartment buildings.

I first visited Lisbon on a fun long weekend trip in college, where we spent the days sipping on Sangria and the nights partying in Chiado and Bairro Alto.. with nightly stops at McDonalds in Rossio Square for CBO sandwiches and McFlurrys. 

This time, I focused a bit more on sightseeing and managed to fit in a wonderful day trip to nearby Sintra.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Main Attractions:  São Jorge Castle, Alfama walk (medieval district) and Baixa walk (downtown with major squares)

Don’t Miss:  dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro, a local favorite of Anthony Bourdain that completely lived up to my seafood heavy anticipation. Get the garlic shrimp in olive oil and large grilled prawns and wash it all down with beer and buttery garlic bread.

Where to stay in Lisbon:

Hotel Santa Justa is an affordable luxury hotel with an amazing location right by the famous lift. We opted for 2 nights in Lisbon, with an extra day to check out the wacky, beautiful mansions at nearby Sintra !

Check rates:  Hotels.com ,  Booking.com ,  Expedia  

Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra

A couple friends recommended Sintra as a must do while in Lisbon. After a major earthquake and tsunami hit Lisbon in 1755, Portuguese royalty permanently left the city in favor of this mountain retreat.

On a day trip, you can explore the national palace, Pena palace and a number of extravagant private mansions. It’s a unique town and ended up being my favorite day trip of the entire trip!

Best Things to Do in Sintra

Main Attractions:  National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Palace of Queluz, Arab Walls

Don’t Miss:  the Pena Palace , which is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s vision of Cinderella Castle!

Stay:  1 days, 1 night to see the highlights, a 2nd day if you want to see the exotic mansions like Montserrate Mansion that are farther from the town square.

Getting Around Spain

We took a combination of transportation to get around Spain, including

• local flights
• the high speed train

Spain by Train

Mostly, we used the high speed train service, as it was the most convenient.

To book tickets, use Omio . It’s the largest distributor for European train tickets and accepts international credit cards. Spain does have its own train website, but its in Spanish and meant for local Spanish citizens to book.

The Omio site is much more user friendly – you can both browse train schedules and keep track of all your purchased tickets by making an account. They charge a nominal booking fee for the process, I believe around 1-3 euro per transaction, so try to organize your route first then buy all the tickets in one go.

Train routes typically are published 3-6 months out so if you can’t find the schedule for your dates, you might be looking to early. Just check back in a couple weeks or so. Ticket prices will get more expensive with time, so book in advance to save.

Check  train schedules for Spain here .

I got a lot of questions about how we got around. If following my itinerary, here’s the breakdown:

• We flew into Madrid, and spent a couple days exploring the area. From Madrid, we took the high speed train down to Cordoba and again from Cordoba to Seville.
• From Seville , you can take either the train or bus . We found a steal bus fare (~10 euro per person), so we tried the bus. If you can’t find a bus deal, just use the train as it’s much easier to navigate!
• From  Granada , we chose to fly up northeast to Barcelona. You can take the train, but it’s historically been offered as an overnight train option, and friends who took it said it was very uncomfortable. Granada has been doing construction on its train station, so double check whether a train is available for your dates. Personally, we recommend flying. 
• In Barcelona, we booked day trips to nearby Montserrat and Girona using the train. After fully exploring the Catalonia region, we flew to neighboring Portugal to visit Lisbon and Sintra.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April – May) and Fall (September – October) are the best times to visit Spain and Portugal. There’ll be less crowds and more comfortable temperatures!

What Not to Miss

Here are some highlights you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Spain and Portugal!

Exploring Southern Spain’s Moorish history

• the Cathedral Mosque in Cordoba, the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Alcazar in Seville, where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed

Visiting Spain’s political and cultural capitals

• Madrid: home to 
• Barcelona: home to Gaudi’s masterpieces: the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Casa Battlo site and colorful Park Guell

Portugal’s Legendary Food & Culture

And there you go! My trip report after visiting Spain and Portugal for the first time. 

I hope my 2 week itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 10 days or 1 week, I would cut out Southern Spain . You could save Andalusia for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

Are you planning a trip to Spain, Portugal or both? Let me know any questions in the comments below!

Visiting Spain – Travel Checklist

To make the most of our time, we booked open jar flights, flying from NY to Madrid and departing from Lisbon. Check flight deals for your dates here .

For getting around within Spain, we recommend the local train system. Both fast and slow options are available, so Spain train travel is easy and effective! The only catch? It’s difficult for non Spanish users to book. Instead, book your tickets on Omio , which is much more convenient for English speakers and accepts international credit card holders. Check train schedules for Spain here .

We mixed up our accommodation throughout the trip, alternating between Airbnb and hotels. You can browse last minute Spain hotel deals here . 

Lastly, be sure to visit Spain with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Spain Vacation Planning Articles

Spain and Portugal: A Perfect Itinerary to Explore Both Countries!

Headed to Andalusia? Check out this 7 day Southern Spain travel guide

How We Spent 3 Incredible Days in Granada

Insider Tips for Visiting the Alhambra Palace

The Best Things to Do in Seville

A Spain Food Guide: Important  Tapas + Food Names in Spanish!

Spain's Hidden Gem: The Quaint Town of Cordoba

Don't Miss Cordoba's Patio Festival ! Here's Why

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Cordoba and Grenada look gorgeous. I love all the flower shots in Cordoba, what a great time to go! I love all your pictures & travel style too! I might be planning a Spain trip for this summer, I’ll bookmark this and avidly follow all your recommendations haha

Gah you’re making me so jealous, girl!!!! I studied abroad in Salamanca in high school and spent a lot of time in Barcelona and Madrid, but I haven’t been back since. I desperately want to go back and go down to Granada to see the Alhambra!

Wow, so much information & this is so detailed! I may be going to Lisbon in November, so this is cool to know it’s like San Fran. I have my list of must-sees made after reading this post!

Wow, what an incredible trip and your pictures are absolutely stunning! I want to go now!

Nice tips! I will going to Spain later in the summer, so this will help a lot.

Your photos are stunning! Now I want to visit :)

Your photos are absolutely stunning! I’ll be moving to Spain in the fall and will definitely refer back to this.

Aw, thanks for the kind words Colby!

Hey there thanks for the awesome guide! Can you share approx how much you spent for the two weeks. I’m trying to plan a budget and I have no clue how much to plan for

Hi May – glad it was helpful! Since it’s not a packaged tour, the trip cost will depend on what you want to do! Hotels, restaurants, flights, sights etc – it just depends how luxury or budget you go :) You can get an idea upfront by booking your flights and hotels first. Some of the more famous sites in Spain can be booked online in advance too.

Your vacation looks AH-Mazing!!! And the photos!!! Makes me want to book a trip asap!

Thanks Melissa! It was an amazing trip, I hope you have a great summer!

Wow I can’t wait to visit Spain someday, what a great post! Thanks for sharing x

Yes, Spain is amazing! Hope you visit soon. xoxo

Great pictures!! Amazing photos!!!

Thank you Trang!

Excellent review and nicely planned trip. Pictures of Granada and Cordoba look very nice. Too bad you didnt see Porto, such a nice city as well. Many thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks Julian! Yea – I keep seeing Porto all over now. Wish I had gone but it was nearing 3 weeks at that point and I had to get back to work! If only haha.

Fantastic and comprehensive post! I always appreciate a post catering to first timers, as that is quite often what I am, myself! Beautiful photos, thanks for the insight into such spectacular places!

Your photos are simply stunning!! Awesome trip!

i did portugal a couple of years ago! i loved it, sintra was unreal.

All these places are amazing,I definitely have to visit them someday!

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I am absolutely in love with Spain and Portugal but haven’t visited all of these places you’ve listed. This is a beautiful and helpful guide. Thanks so much for sharing and happy travels :)

Love your list! And what amazing photos. I just googled the Patio Festival in Cordoba and it looks so nice! The houses look amazing then. Nice tip

Hey Andra! Yes the patio festival is amazing. I recently posted about it with tons of photos, have a look! :)

A very well arranged guide for the travel you have experienced. I found this clear and easy to understand with structure of information and pictures coming along with. I have printed it for the trip to Spain in next two years. Thanks.

First of all I have to say I LOVE your photos and the way they are set up in this post. Haven’t been to all these places in Spain but definitely have to get back so I can visit more.

Hi Natasha! Thanks so much for the kind words. xx Sher

I will be going to Granada in autumn for 5 night and I am very looking forward to it. Thank you for the tickets tip, I will keep it in mind and book them at least 2 months in advance. :)

Wowwww I’m just in love with Sintra because of your photos <3 I have a thing for colorful cities. Beautiful….

Thank you Renne! Yes I’m so glad I took a detour to Sintra on this Portugal trip, it was a really fun day trip and actually 2 days would have been better!

Love the itinerary and the photos! I’ve been to all these cities and I can say that you pretty much covered everything for a first time trip.

I’m also more a fan of Barcelona than Madrid. In the highlights there, I would add the palace of the Catalan Music – one of my favourite places with the Sagrada Familia – and la Boqueria, the market on the Ramblas. Great guide!

Yes! I loved La Boqueria too – had a great seafood brunch there. Can’t believe I forgot to add that, thanks for the note Stephanie!

I love this :) I did this trip exactly back in 2012 with the addition of Porto. Your photos are beautiful!

That is a concise and well planned itinerary. Very useful and am bookmarking it for my future trip.

All of these places are must-visits, especially Sintra… and Grenada… and Madrid… I think adding the day trip to Segovia is brilliant.

I really enjoyed your post and the pictures look amazing. Lisbon has a lot to do and see, 2 days might not be enough if you want to visit Sintra as well, but that’s my opinion :)

Did you enjoy Belem as well? I can see that you went there because of the picture of the famous Pasteis de Belem :D

Yes! I wish I had spent an extra day in Sintra – there was a lot more to see than I had realized!

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Hi! I am planning an 8 day trip to Europe in April and am torn between two different itineraries: 1. Fly into Barcelona, explore Barcelona, and do monterassat, and then take a flight to Lisbon and explore Porto and sintra

2. Fly into Madrid, do Sevilla and Granada with day trips to Córdoba and Sevilla

Any insight you have would be wonderful!!

Hi Tara – either itinerary would be amazing, it really depends on what you’re looking to do on your trip? Between Madrid & Barcelona, I liked Barcelona a lot more (personally) as it’s a larger, vibrant city with amazing restaurants, lots of sights (mostly of Gaudi’s works) and Montserrat was very different.

Madrid is more historic and I really loved South Spain. Andalusia has Moorish history so there’s lots of beautiful arabic-influenced sights like the Alhambra. Tapas are really good in Sevilla! Cordoba really comes alive in early May for the flower festival.. Either way there’s lots to see in both options you outlined! Maybe you can extend your trip for 2 weeks?? :)

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Hi Sher! Im in love with your photos! Im also planning a same trip for July. I just want to ask a few questions , I hope you don’t mind. your first stop was Madrid right? then from barcelona did you fly to lisbon? And was it easy to travel via trains also? I don’t drive so I’ll probably be commuting my entire trip. Im already thinking of flying to Madrid from Singapore(where i come from) and do the same itinerary as yours then go back to Singapore either from Barcelona or Lisbon( I cant decide yet). Thanks for reading my comment . Any advice is a great help thanks;)

Hi Sheena, aw thank you! Happy to help. Yes I flew in to Madrid and yes also flew from Barcelona to Lisbon. In between I took trains from Madrid down south to Seville/Cordoba/Granada. All of those train rides are very doable and you can find the train schedule on renfe.com The site doesn’t fully translate from Spanish to English but the time schedules are easy enough to read. To actually book the tickets I used rail europe (i have a link to that in the post) because it’s easier to pay – with renfe you pretty much need a spanish credit card or it won’t work.

I didn’t rent a car so to get from city to city I took the train or flew. I felt like walking in any of the Spanish cities was very doable and walked pretty much everywhere! Even 30 minutes in some cases but I also don’t mind to walk. There are local buses and taxis to get around too so no need for a car!

I definitely really liked Lisbon but I went with family and they were kind of tired after 10 days in spain, so if you decide to go home after Barcelona that could be fine too. Lisbon is very hilly (kind of like San Francisco if you have been there?) and you mostly have to walk around for sights and such but there’s also the trolley to take which is fun. If you do go to Lisbon, I highly recommend Sintra! There are some colorful palaces and mansions there which are really unique.

Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for reading :)

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We’re planning to go visiting Spain and Portugal departing from the UK for 13 days, wondering what would be the best itinerary be for our first time visit on these both countries and we need to head back to Hong Kong after, need your suggestion to see if we’re able to fly direct either from those countries or get back to the UK first. FYI, we don’t drive.

Many thanks for your help in advance.

Wow! your itinerary is perfect! ;) Great choice of places and I also loved your pictures.

Love this itinerary! I’m planning a trip now hoping to hit most of these places, but I only have about 14 days. How many days total was your trip?

Hey Sara! Glad you like it :) I took about 2 weeks so it sounds like you have plenty of time. With shorter time the day trips from Madrid are probably easy to cut and maybe less time in Cordoba if the patio festival isnt going on

Hi Sher, I love everything you posted here, especially the itinerary and the photos. its so easy to understand and the photos are all amazing. I’ll be doing Spain and Portugal trip for 16 days this May, adding few days to spend in Porto and Barcelona. Im planning to do the whole exact thing as yours, I can’t wait to visit Cordoba for the flower festival and Sintra! Thank you so much for your itineraries :)

Hi Sher your blog was really insightful! I have a question. I’m planning to buy train tickets in advance (traveling to Spain and Portugal) but since my itenerary is not finalized so how do I go about making reservations? Is it hard to make same day /2dayreservations in advance for train seat reservation? Thanks for your help!

Hi Namrata, glad my posts were helpful! Hm, it depends. When are you planning to go?

If spring/summer I would recommend you finalize your itinerary and buy the tickets online before you go. Spain gets quite crowded as early as May and certain popular places will sell out. For example, the Madrid day trip to Toledo is strangely very popular!

I booked all of my trains ahead of time, except my Portugal day trip to Sintra. the line at the train station was very, very long the day of. In hindsight I would have bought it ahead of time to save time.

If you are visiting in the fall/winter its probably less important to book ahead.

For the Alhambra you absolutely need to buy a ticket ahead of time (I have a whole post on that). In general the high speed train runs pretty frequently, you just might not the time or seat you want if you buy the day of. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher Your website is so informative and I;m glad that you’re doing well because of it. We are planning a 11 day trip, flying into Barcelona on Aug 10 and flying out of Lisbon on Aug 21st. We are currently scheduled to fly out of Barcelona on Aug 16th and spend 1 night in Seville, and the remaining time in Lisbon. We are a relaxed family (2 adults, 2 teens 13-15) who like to soak it all in and enjoy nights out exploring the town etc. Would you recommend that we cut 1 day short in Barcelona and spend 2 nights in Seville ?

Thank you..

Hi Monica, thanks for the sweet words! Hm it sounds like you have 6 days planned for Barcelona and 1 for Seville. In that case because you have so much time in Barcelona, I would recommend an extra day in Seville, just to get an extra taste for south spain (which is quite different from the two big cities up north)

There’s lots to see, do and eat in Barcelona. You mentioned your family likes to go out and explore at night, I think you’ll really love Barcelona for that.

Seville is much quieter and smaller, but there’s enough to fill 2 days. The tapas bars were my favorite – they have some very authentic “stand at the bar and order” type of tapas bars and more modern, fancier tapas restaurants so you could easily spend the full 2 days eating! If you get bored (which i dont think you would, but just if, Cordoba is a very cute small town only a quick day trip train ride away) that I really loved. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trip!

Hi! Sher, I’m so glad I spotted your travel blog. It has been very helpful so far, very detailed and organized. I was wondering if you could help me plan a better itinerary for a trip my husband and I are planning. It will cover Southern Spain (Andalusia: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Malaga) to Tangier, Morocco then to Portugal (Lisbon, Fatima, Sintra, maybe Porto) then back to California. This will be for Sept 25-Oct 18. My plan is to fly into Seville first (4 nights) then take the train to Córdoba (2 nights), Granada (3 nights), Malaga (2 nights), ferry to Tangier (2 nights), back to Seville to fly to Lisbon. We have no specific itinerary for Portugal yet except to be in Fatima by Oct 11-14 for the Fatima Centennial events. We plan to take the train between cities in Spain. Do you have a better suggestion in which order should we visit the 4 cities in Andalusia? I’m stuck with the train routes. There’s no direct train route to Granada from the other 3 cities, so we’ll have to keep on backtracking to Córdoba or Seville to get to Granada and Malaga which will be a waste of time. any thoughts? Thank you.

Hi Regina – thanks for the kind words! Hm.. I see what you mean. Granada has an airport as well, which might be convenient if you haven’t already booked your flights.

The train routes in Spain are set, so like you said you sometimes have to backtrack. There is a very affordable and comfortable bus between Seville + Granada. Book through the company Alsa and if you book enough in advance, it’s only 10-15 euro per person.

Perhaps you might split up your time in Seville into 2 night, then Cordoba for 2 nights, then back to Seville for 2 nights so that it’s a more comfortable journey. Sometimes I do that and pick a different neighborhood / hotel to stay at and find that I get a completely different experience! Or you might want to visit Cordoba on a day trip when you’re in Seville. Some people feel Cordoba is small and that the highlights can be seen in a day trip.

I am currently researching and planning a trip to both Portugal and Spain and found your information helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for this incredible detail – it’s amazing. I’m planning a 11-day trip to Spain and, possibly, Portugal. I’d love your input on a planning dilemma I’m having.

We are SUPER adventurous and active, but really want to take in each city.

Ideally, I’d do 4-5 days in Barcelona, then 2 days in each of Granada, Seville, and Lisbon (with the Sintra day trip). It feels like too much. If you had to choose between Granada, Seville, and Lisbon – which would you choose? What about between just Granada and Seville? There’s not enough time for all the things!! :-)

Thanks in advance for your input.

Hi Sarah – I know what you mean! It’s always a challenge between seeing as much as possible and soaking it in. I would recommend cutting out lisbon. I’m not sure of the route you’re taking but flying to Portugal from Spain usually involves flights out of Barcelona, so you would go Barca > Andalusia > back to Barca just to get to Lisbon, which adds extra time.

I liked the small town feel of Seville more and the excellent local tapas scene, but Granada has more sights so usually people do at least 2 days in seville and 3 in Granada. Out of them all, I loved Barcelona – I’m definitely a city person – so I would do 5 days in Barcelona if you have time. There’s lots of sights and then fun nearby day trips to take advantage of. Hope that helps!

That’s extremely helpful. Thank you – I think you just helped make my decision!

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Hi Sher – In the Sintra section of this post, where was your 1st and 4th photo posted above taken? Is this a specific palace in Sintra? Thanks! :) (P.s. super helpful blog post!!!)

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I love your blog! I am planning at trip to Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon) for my birthday in April. I’m a bit overwhelmed with the planning. How long did it take you to plan this trip?

Hi Marcie! So glad you like it :) What a great birthday trip!! You’ll love Spain.

I know what you mean, it takes a loooong time to plan because I like to customize my itinerary to things I like to do, plan the transportation myself and also keep things within budget! What I find helpful is to get a guidebook first, like Rick Steves or Fodors for europe, scan it through to get a general outline and then read blogs and forums for the details.

In the beginning it was really hard and there wasn’t much info out there so I started writing these posts to help other people who like to plan their own trips too!

This is wonderful. Curious for your trip, what was your budget? In planning stages so trying to get a sense. Also are you able to “beach” it anywhere along these stops?

Hi Jessica, Hm I don’t remember exactly what we spent but what I usually do is book the flights, hotels & transportation first – those are usually the bulk of the trip cost. If you’re booking in advance things are much much cheaper, especially flights and trains. In the larger cities hotels are more expensive so you can look into AirBnB for a more budget friendly option.

For sights – Barcelona has some really great sights but the tickets can be expensive if you see them all. The nice thing is you can buy them online in advance and get a sense of budget. I booked those last minute the day of and I think if you book earlier, it is cheaper.

Food in Spain is average priced (compared to New York). Lisbon is budget friendly but again, just depends how you travel. I spent all my time/money at the bars when I was younger but re-visiting Lisbon this time, I spent more on sights and food. So, it really depends!

There are beaches in Barcelona! I’ve heard great things about Portugal’s beaches but haven’t personally been.

Hey Sher, loved your pics and your details so useful. I need an advice. i am planning for a trip on the end of January(16 days).First i will be with prepaid guided tour France-Switzerland-Italy(6 days) and back to Paris, but instead of going back to Paris i was thinking of traveling from Avignon to Barcelona. I was this close to cancel Barcelona and go straight to Madrid then Andalusia then Portugal than after reading your post , i think i can do it. what do you suggest?! What is the best way to manage my time and to see all these cities!

Sounds like an amazing European tour! Not sure how much time you have but if you can fit it all in then great!

Hi Sher! Great pics!! I am planning to do Spain/Portugal in May for 7 days. We were thinking of staying in Barcelona for 4 nights and then heading out to Libson. I also wanted to check out Sintra(day trip). Do you think three nights will be enough in Libson? Unfortunately, I already booked my tickets from/to Barcelona.

Hello Sher! Thank you for a very detailed post- very useful for our Spain Portugal trip in late May!

I might follow your itinerary too :)

I was planning to make Cordoba only a day trip from Madrid (or Seville?) so we wont be dragging our luggage behind. What can you suggest?

I noticed that you don’t have separate posts for Madrid and Barcelona unlike the 3 Andalusia cities which you discussed very thoroughly (you even included day to day itineraries!).

Can you suggest links For Madrid and Barcelona very similar to your Andalusia posts?

Can we travel Madrid-Cordoba-Seville-Granada-Lisbon-Barcelona?

What routes are better traveled by train and those by plane?

Thank you for your help.

With best regards, Ann

Hi Ann – glad you found the posts helpful! I covered transportation in my posts but for specific detailed advice, I highly recommend Rick Steves’ Spain book – relied on it heavily to plan my own trip – or a travel agent to plan all the little details!

This is an amazing itinerary! I’m doing one similar to it when I go to Portugal and Spain in October. I’m doing Spain for five days, Madrid for four days and Seville for three…then an extra day in Lisbon on my way home. Did you fly to a majority of the places? Like Madrid to Cordoba? I’m worried about feeling rushed lol

Thanks! We did a mix of flights and trains – you can see the specific breakdown in my individual spain posts! In general train is easier :)

A couple of points. Citing $300 a night hotels as ‘affordable’ is not something most people would consider a reasonable statement. Only other point is with your assertion that the Pena Palace inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. That is incorrect. The inspiration was Neuschwanstein castle in Germany.

Hi Tim – The hotels I mentioned are recommendations based on my trip. Keep in mind that rates fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year that you’re searching for.

Pena Palace is widely believed to have inspired Disney – in addition to Neuschwanstein.

I am so glad that I encounter your website, your photos are all beautiful, your itinerary is very detailed and very helpful that I will consider following some of it and add 2 things: 1st, From Barcelona – I will avail the “Three Countries in One Day: France, Andorra and Spain” 2nd, I am also keen to include “Morocco Day Trip” either from Seville or from Granada going to Malaga or Costa del Sol as there are 2 options a) Morocco Day Trip from Malaga to Tangier b) Morocco Day Trip from Costa del Sol to Tangier what do you think about the possibility of this?

My other question are: 1.How did you travel from Madrid to Cordoba? By bus, I guess? 2.How about BUS from Cordoba to Seville? 3.How did you travel from Barcelona to Lisbon? By plane, I guess?

Awaiting for your replies… Thank you in advance.

Hi Pia – glad you found the post helpful! The 3 countries in one day tour sounds incredible as does the Morocco day trip. It’s up to you, whichever tour best fits your schedule (malaga or costa del sol)

From Madrid, I took the high speed train down to Cordoba and then again the train from Cordoba to Seville. I didn’t take the bus but you can check the Spain bus website if you prefer to take the bus. It will be much slower.

Yes I took a flight from Barcelona to Lisbon. I think that is the easiest way. Even though Spain and Portugal are neighbors, it’s not the easiest to get from one to the other. I heard once that it’s because of mountains.. but I’m not sure. Flight is easiest.

Sher, your post is very helpful and sounds like a wonderful trip. I wish we had time to follow your itinerary. We will be traveling to Spain for 5 days before heading to Portugal for a group trip. We’d love to see as much as possible, where would you recommend we go if we only have 5 days? We prefer exploring the cities over spending lots of time in museums. Would it be doable to fly into Barcelona and spend 2 nights there, flying out to Madrid and exploring Madrid for a couple of days (3 nights) including a day trip before heading to Portugal? Or are we better off going to just Barcelona and doing day trips or Madrid and doing day trips? Thanks!

Hi ZD! If you have a short time, Madrid and Barcelona are definitely the 2 cities you want to visit! Regarding where to spend your 5 days, it depends on how you prefer to travel.

I spent 5 days in just Barcelona, since its a big city and there are lots of sights to see. I also took day trips to Montserrat and Girona which I really liked. For Madrid, I felt like there was a bit less to see, and that the city had a older / historic vibe. I guess you could compare Barcelona to NYC and Madrid to Washington DC? So it just depends on the kind of atmosphere you like.

I think for me, if it was my first time, I would visit both cities just so I could see them both. Now that I’m looking back and can compare them, I enjoyed Barcelona more (but am still glad I went to both!)

Hi Sher Your post is just amazing!! It felt like you wrote this for me…we also are going for exact 14 days and intend to cover Spain and Portugal, have taken a note of all your recommendations:)

I have one question- do you suggest any particular operator for Baixa and Alfama walk in Lisbon? I am travelling with a 4 year old so looking to cover both separately on two dates…

Thanks again Nidhi

Hi Nidhi – so glad it’s been helpful for you! hm what do you mean by a particular operator? like a tour guide? i usually book guided tours through viator and they connect to a local company. hope that helps!

Hi Sher, We are planning to visit Granada from Seville and loved your itinerary. Can you please share which bus company you used for the journey?

Hey Sher! The pictures looks absolutely fantastic!!!. Thanks for the detailed itinerary. I guess for anyone travelling for the first time, the usual dilemmas are always the same – Which places to consider and their relevance, though it might vary from person to person but your post gives a good comparative view of the places to visit.

Just yesterday while talking to a friend, who cover Spain and Portugal starting from Portugal and then moving on the Spain. She found Portugal better than Spain with the exclamation most the places look the same in Spain. She even advised me considering either of Barcelona or Madrid as they both are very similar.

I would be travelling from Bombay and would like to ask which place should be the starting point – Portugal or Spain and am considering around May. Which month did you visit and as per you which would be the ideal time to travel to these places?

Hi Romesh – thanks for the kind words! Hm, I had a different opinion. I found Portugal and Spain to be quite different. I did like Portugal better, I think the food and the people really stand out there. It’s up to you for Madrid vs Barcelona. Personally I think they are very different cities (similar to Washington DC vs NYC). If you have the time I would do both, but if you only have time for 1, it depends what you think you’d like more.

Barcelona has great food, lots of nightlife, impressive architecture, shopping, a cosmopolitan feel. Madrid is older, more historic, government buildings and classic museums. For example, if you want trendy Spanish tapas = Barcelona. If you want old school tapas bars = Madrid. That’s a generalization, of course, but that was my experience.

We went in Spring and loved it. Good weather, less crowds. For starting point, go with whatever transportation is easiest from Bombay and is cheaper!

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This itinerary is awesome! My friend and I want to spend 14 days in Spain and Portugal end of the year. What was the cost for your trip? I know prices change, but a ball park estimate will help with our planning. Thank you so much!!

Hi Kate – so glad you like it! I don’t remember the exact cost but for you can do the trip as budget or as luxury as you want. What I usually do is price out the cost of flights + hotels and that’s usually the two most expensive things. And then I know if I can splurge day to day or if I need to set a limit for how much to spend when I’m there. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher. I am from Singapore and am looking to holiday in Spain In June. As this is my first time I was wondering how to go About it. Your itinerary is so detailed. I think I am going to follow it to the tee. Including staying at the same hotels. I want to do some shopping as well. Heard that Zara is all over. I plan to leave on 10 June and return on 24 June. Are there any tips you can give me. Thank you. Faye.

Hi Faye – You’ll have a great time! Thanks for the kind words about my itinerary :) Zara is AMAZING in Spain (at least compared to the US), plus they have Zara Home stores that I love because we don’t get them in New York! June will be pretty hot in Spain, especially in the South, so try planning your day to get up early and sight see, take a siesta at your hotel in the afternoon, and then go out again after. Have a fantastic trip!

Hi Sher. As we do not want to be too stressed on the trip. Please let me know which areas I can skip. And can u please help me to customize an itinerary including how I get from one place to another. I am not a frequent traveler and this is the first time I am venturing so far out in my own. And if there are cheaper hotel options. I will fly into Barcelona and out of Seville. Is that ok? Thank you. I appreciate your help.

Hi Faye – I’ve shared my itinerary and included lots of options for how to customize it to fit your trip length and interests. Feel free to include or exclude whatever you like :) I think if you read through all my posts on Spain, pick up the Rick Steves guidebook and read through a couple other Spain blogs, you can easily find all the answers to your questions and create your perfect Spain & Portugal vacation.

I love trip planning and planned the entire trip listed in my post but I understand not everyone likes to do the same. If you would like me to review your itinerary, answer questions in depth or plan your trip I offer travel consultations where you can hire me for a one hour call.

I don’t make the bookings though – If you want a completely hands off experience, I have friends who are travel agents who you can hire to create a completely custom itinerary.

Pls send me a contact of a travel agent who can help me with the train and other bookings. Do let me know the charges as well. Tks.

This is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much, I was worried I wouldn’t get the most out of my stay in Barcelona until now!

Hi! I love this post and am largely basing my trip to Spain off it, so thanks for a great article!

Just wondering if you could please clarify how many days you spent in Barcelona and Madrid with day trips.

Did you spend two days in Madrid and then 1 day trip visiting Segovia, Toledo and El Escorial all in one day?

Likewis, did you spend 3 days in Barcelona and then 1 day trip visiting Montserrat and Girona in the same day?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Milli – glad the post is helpful! The itinerary above is just an example and I structured it so that if you have more/less time you can consider the day trips – essentially you can spend however many days you wish in each city!

For Madrid I’d recommend 2 days, longer if you’re interested in the day trip options. For Barcelona, I’d recommend 3 full days, with extra time if you want to add the day trips. Each day trip option would take 1 full day though, it’d be very tight to squeeze 3 different cities in a day trip :)

Personally, I enjoyed Barcelona more and think you could even spend a week just there!

Hello, I am planning a trip to Spain and Portugal in Spring of 2019. I will be traveling for 10 days. I will be visiting Barcelona and Madrid. Would it be better to start at Madrid to the little towns in the south then over to Portugal and then head up to barcelona? Or would it better to start Barcelona, then over to Portugal and then to Mardrid and fly home from there?

Hi Jackie – It depends! What I suggest is checking out the transportation options for your trip dates.

First go to Google Flights here and see if flights are available and how much they cost. Then go to Rail Europe here and see how much train rides cost for each long leg. That’s how I plan my trips!

Even though Spain + Portugal are right next to each other, I found for my trip dates that surprisingly flight connections were not that convenient. So, we did Madrid, train south, flight to Barcelona, flight to Lisbon. Hope that helps!

Hi, I’m planning a trip for 4 people (active “seniors”) to Spain and Portugal for Fall 2019. We were thinking of driving. I see you used train, and planes.Why did you choose planes versus trains? Would you not recommend driving? I see you only visited Lisbon with day trip to Sintra, where else in Portugal do you recommend? My thoughts are Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, possible beach stop in Costa del Sol, then onto Portugal, Lisbon and ….How long do you recommend for this itinerary? Thank you.

Hi Anna – If there are trains available, I prefer trains. They’re MUCH more convenient and often cheaper. Train stations are usually in or near the town center so I can just hop on, get off and go sight see. Whereas airports are outside the city so they require additional transportation to & from, plus I need to factor in at least an hour to go through security and if I have carry on suitcases, domestic airlines will often charge extra per piece.

Spain has a pretty great train network so it’s fast, convenient and affordable. Head to Rail Europe and plug in the cities you want to visit and check the times/ rates.

Driving in Spain is tough, but I think you can see even more if you drive! I’ve heard great things about Cascais in Portugal – check that out.

Thanks for a great article. I was wondering if you could please break down your visit to Madrid and Barcelona into days spent in the cities themselves vs day trips (and what/ how many places you visited for each day trip)?

Hi Milli – I’d recommend at least 2 days in Madrid and at least 3 full days in Barcelona. If you want to do the day trips, add on an extra day for each, or a 1/2 day if you want to go from the day trip on to another city. Hope that helps!

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Hi..your trip looks amazing. Do you recommend driving in Spain and Portugal to do similar trips?

Thanks, Kavita

Hi Kavita – if you’re comfortable driving then it could be a great idea to see some smaller towns! For me, I had limited time (2 weeks) and the main cities are easily connected via train/flights so that’s what we did.

I am traveling to Barcelona solo for nine days in mid October. I am looking for a week of being in one spot to unwind and be near a beach. I have been looking non stop and can’t seem to find anything great that is priced right. Either what I have found it extremely expensive or seemingly too inexpensive for what is being offered. I will have completed Ironman Barcelona (hard endurance triathlon race) and I am normally very curious yet I know that I will want a beach and relaxation with some culture and fun. That said, I am more interested in unwinding rather than exploring…. Do you have any ideas? Thank you!

Love reading your post before planning my travels. I wanted to know, would you recommend doing Barcelona first and the Southern Spain or the way you did it. We are flying in and out of Madrid so i cant decide what would make more sense. Any input would be grateful.

Thanks, Sumaiya

Hi Sumaiya – check the flight + train schedules for your dates! I usually decide the order of our route based on the times tables + fares.

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We are two couples from India who are planning to visit Spain and Portugal during September. However we would like to see more of country side, small towns and beaches . We would not like to spend too much time in Madrid/ Barcelona. We are planning 12 to 14 days tour. Could you recommend some places

Thank you for your informative post! I’m sooooo happy to chance upon it! Your photos are so nicely taken as well!

I’m planning a trip for 4 adults in February. Have you heard of Barcelona carnival before? Do you think it is worth going?

Also, we are there for 11 days 10 nights, flying in and out from Barcelona. Do you think it’s possible to do Barc-> Madrid -> Cordoba -> Grananda -> Seville -> drive to Lisbon -> drive back to Spain -> take train back to Barc? Or is it too ambitious?

Thank you so much for your time and help!!

Hi Charmaine – No problem! So glad you found it helpful.

I’ve never been to Barcelona for carnival but it sounds like a lot of fun! I haven’t driven in Spain or Portugal, so unfortunately wouldn’t have any advice on that.

Thanks so much for an amazing summary. You helped me a lot. I hope you continue to do and that you get to travel the world.

Ah, thank you for the nice comment! Have a great trip to Spain / Portugal!

Hi Sher, I am so pleased to have found your blog! Your photos and descriptions of each city and places of interest are absolutely inspiring! Our itinerary goes something like this at this stage: 1 – fly into Madrid from Australia. Explore the city and visit Segovia and Toledo on day trips 2 – trying to decide whether to train to Cordoba, Malaga or Grenada. I’m not sure how we can make this work. Is it possible to stay in one of these as a base and visit each of these places in day trips from one of these? Say 5 days spent between these three cities? 3 – Train to Seville for a few days 4 – Fly [?] from Seville to Lisbon. From Lisbon we will go to Sintra then Porto [by train?] 5 – We will then travel to Vigo [train or fly?] to join one of the Camino routes finishing at Santiago de Compestela. 6 – From here we will go to Barcelona for a few days before flying home. I would really appreciate any thoughts you might have Sher. Thank you so much, Jenni

Hi Jennifer – thanks for the kind words! your proposed itinerary sounds great. yes, it is possible to choose a city as a base and then take day trips from the train.

i haven’t been to malaga, but cordoba + seville are quite close together. granada is a bit farther. so, you could either go from madrid down to cordoba and explore the city, then continue onwards to seville, or you can go from madrid to granada and double back on a day trip to cordoba.

check flight schedules for your dates here . for my trip and dates, i found that flying to lisbon was easier from Barcelona, as it was a larger hub.

walking the camino route sounds incredible, i’ve heard great things! have a great trip!!

Hi Sher! I’ve been wanting to visit Spain and Portugal together for years so this guide was fantastic! My only on concern is that other blogs mentioned that doing too much can be overwhelming and rushed. Did you feel you got adequate time everywhere or were you just concerned with the planning and packing process to get to the next place? I definitely want to do them all but don’t want anything to feel rushed or missed because I’m on a strict itinerary. Thanks!!

Hi Stephanie – glad you found my article helpful! It depends how much time you have – we spent 2 weeks and felt like it was all very comfortable. But, we also are the kind of people that like to do a lot on vacation :) You can use our itinerary above as a starting point and adjust depending on your time frame!

Hi! So how is it taking so many flights within a trip? I’ve never actually flown from one European city to another and am curious about the pain of checking in/out of airports and going through security multiple times. I am going to Lisbon later this year but it’s WAY cheaper to fly into Barcelona so I’m thinking of adding it into the itinerary. I just know the boyfriend isn’t going to be thrilled about “schlepping” luggage to and from airports within a day or so of each other. But we’re talking a $1000 price difference here! :O

Hi Elizabeth,

I feel your pain – I hate to fly and it is definitely annoying to schlep bags. We had a long enough trip to Spain / Portugal that we wanted to see as much as possible, and so for us, a mix of trains, flights + bus were good. We didn’t do fly back to back though. I think it depends on where you want to go and how much time you have! as i get older, i find I care more about convenience then price, ha

Haven’t been to San Fransisco but I heard a lot of people comparing Lisbon to SF. I traveled almost two years ago around Portugal and Lisbon reminded me a lot of some neighborhoods of downtown Athens. Lisbon is such a wonderful and vintage city -and the food is terrific. Thanks for sharing your itinerary :)

I am thinking about Spain and/or Portugal for a family vacation this summer (my sons are in their early 20’s). I’ve been to Madrid and Toledo already, so I am OK missing these. We are certified scuba divers and not sure if we can fit in a day of diving to break up the city experience. I also wonder if we should consider taking a ferry over to Moracco/Gibraltor. I’d appreciate any/all suggestions – thanks!

Hi Sher, Are there any good beaches in Portugal? We want to relax more rather than sightseeing from point A to B. Any suggestions?

Hi Felicia, I haven’t personally been to any beaches in Portugal, so can’t say!

Thanks so much for putting this together, very helpful! We were thinking of a very similar itinerary but were thinking of not going to Barcelona instead possibly visiting Valencia and islands and also a couple additional days in Portugal. Any thoughts or recommendations if we did that? Thanks in advance!

You could definitely do that! I haven’t been to Valencia but heard good things. And Barcelona is a big city, so it’s definitely easy to catch a flight back and explore in the future

Please could you give more information on this tour

We can travel around march 29 2020

for two people from LA to madrid

Hi Lorna – this is just the itinerary we took, not a tour. Sorry!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful itinerary. Me and my daughter with 2 other friends are planning to go to Portugal and Spain this coming November for 2 weeks. We would like to include Fatima. When do you think is best to insert Fatima for a day or a day and a half? Your recommendation is highly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Hi Pinky – sounds like a great trip! I haven’t been to Fatima unfortunately, so don’t have any advice.

Hoping you would be kind enough to recommend an agency to help us with logistics and reservations for Portugal and Spain trip I am planning for four people. Very much enjoyed your posts and experiences…but I desire to chat with someone and help me set up.

Sure – happy to refer you to my travel adviser. Shoot me an email with some more details about what you’re looking for specifically!

Sher than you for sharing your wonderful itenerary. Me and my friend are planning to go Portugal and spain in November. Where to include Marrakesh in the 14 days itnerary.

Hi Mona – Not sure what your specific plans are but you could fit it in before or after!

Hi and thanks for this post. I’m planning on landing in Barcelona in March and plan on spending a month, so it would be nice to get your advice on how the wife and I should break up our time in Spain and Portugal. Looking forward to your advice.

wow! A very comprehensive itinerary. I am totally impressed. I’m planning a trip there for my 25th wedding anniversary. My husband loves soccer so we might stay longer in Barcelona. Thanks for sharing your trip.

Your Itinerary and comments are very helpful. We are planning a 2 weeks trip to Spain and Portugal in early July 2020. My questions, I have many.

1. what is the easiest way to get to your airbnb from airport? i am overwhelmed by the choices, Aerobus, Barcelona train, taxi, Uber?

2. Is Uber and Cabify the same concept?

3. Did you buy the Barcelona City pass? It seems really over the top in terms of cost.

4. Do you recommend doing the tower at the Sagrada Familia?

Thank you so very much, Sonal

Thanks Sher, great itinerary. What was your rough cost of the trip. We traveling in end of March, 16 days, similar itinerary..Did you visit the San Sebastián and region, I would like to know if it a mast see as we can add days.

Thanks, Gila

Definitely pre-book your tickets to the Alhambra in Granada. Tickets sell out fast! This was a costly lesson for us. Cordoba and Seville are very much worth seeing.

What a very well written article. So full of all the relevant details and informational. So helpful. Thank you.

Oh thank you!

Do u recommend we rent a car? We are 4 friends wanting to tour Spain, Portugal and Morocco for 14 days. We are fine with just 2-3 days spent in Morocco

Hm, depends where you’re going! Spain and Portugal are pretty big, probably inconvenient to drive.

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Ultimate 9 day itinerary spain and portugal.

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Updated: 3 May 2023

Spain and Portugal are two of my favorite countries to explore in Europe, so I had to write a 9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal guide for you. Both destinations offer well-preserved historical cities, many boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, as well as incredible (and diverse) food options and sweeping beaches. 

Of course, both countries are obviously different, too.

For example, don’t assume that everyone speaks Spanish in Portugal! That would be a major rookie mistake. 

Due to their geographical proximity, many travelers like pairing Spain and Portugal in the same vacation. Honestly, if you’re limited on time, I don’t blame you for wanting to create an itinerary that includes a taste of both countries.

Keep in mind that 9 days in Spain and Portugal will require moving at a relatively brisk pace (I’m a slow traveler at heart), and you still won’t see everything. No worries, though. You’ll have the perfect excuse to return next year. 

Table of Contents

Travel Essentials for Spain and Portugal

First I want to share all my practical travel tips for this 9 day itinerary in Spain and Portugal.

Honestly, both countries have strong tourism infrastructure, which makes navigation pretty easy even if you’re a new international traveler. 

However, I still wanted to offer some advice on public transportation, including airports, and packing essentials for your adventures around Spain and Portugal. A lot of people get “stuck” on this part of the planning process, and shouldn’t have to.

Arrival in Lisbon Airport

Welcome to Lisbon.  You will begin your 9 days in Spain and Portugal at Humberto Delgado Airport, which is the biggest airport in Portugal.

If you’re flying internationally, you will most likely land at Terminal 1, whereas budget airlines from Europe land at Terminal 2. Know your terminal ahead of time to make your life easier. 

Getting to Lisbon from the airport is fairly straight-forward using public transportation. Don’t bother with a taxi unless you’re splitting the cost between multiple people. The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line will efficiently transport you downtown in about twenty minutes. 

Keep in mind that all overseas flights require going through customs. The lines are … pretty long, depending on the time you land and the time of year. It took me two hours from landing in Lisbon until I reached my hostel.

The good news, though? You will not have to clear customs again going into Spain. 

Getting Around Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal both have fantastic public transportation systems that travelers will find helpful.

In particular, both countries have high-speed trains that link large cities. Madrid and Barcelona, for instance, are connected by a Renfe AVE train that only takes two hours and thirty minutes in total. 

In this itinerary, you shouldn’t need to rent a car, and actually I’d advise against spending money for your own vehicle.

Why am I so anti-car? Driving in Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona is fast paced and hectic, and not all travelers are used to those conditions. Furthermore, parking is challenging and expensive. You’ll feel much less stressed out if you use the trams, metros, and buses. 

As an important side note, validate all tickets prior to boarding your train, metro car, or bus.

Seriously. Please, please, please validate your tickets. Now, if you buy online tickets, you will be fine showing your phone since the dates and times are clearly printed on the digital ticket, but you need to stamp all physical tickets at the machines. You don’t want to risk a huge fine, which is exactly what will happen if you’re caught with an unvalidated ticket. 

What to Pack for Spain and Portugal

Obviously, you will have different packing needs for 9 days in Spain and Portugal depending on the time of year that you visit. No helping that.

However, these are few essential items that you don’t want to forget no matter the circumstances. 

• Comfortable Walking Shoes:  Spain and Portugal’s cities are laced with cobblestone streets. Not to mention, you’ll encounter plenty of hills, especially in Lisbon. Forget about fashion for a moment, and bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes instead for your trip. You will thank me later. 
• Guidebook for Spain & Portugal:  As much as I love blogs, I still adore traditional guidebooks for planning my trips. Lonely Planet makes my favorite books, and both Spain and Portugal guidebooks are available in physical form and on .pdf. 
• Language Phrasebooks:  Learn a couple of phrases of the local language to fit in better with the culture! Lonely Planet also carries a phrasebook line and has books for learning both Spanish and Portuguese . 
• Pacsafe Travel Gear:  I won’t lie. Some cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, are bad for pickpocketing. I’m not saying you ought to lose sleep over it, but you should still take care of your belongings. If you’re worried, my advice is to invest in a Pacsafe crossbody bag or similar for additional protection. 
• Sunscreen and More Sunscreen:  Ugh, on my first trip to Portugal, I didn’t wear sunscreen and got roasted. Don’t do what I did and bring sunscreen. I love Sun Bum’s sun lotion for travel, because their products are vegan and reef friendly. You’ll protect your skin and environment at the same time. 
• Travel Insurance:  Spain and Portugal are very safe to visit. Violent crime is rare. However, you still want to invest in travel insurance for your trip in case of sickness, flight interruptions, and other inconveniences. I always use World Nomads for travel insurance, and I haven’t been disappointed yet! 

9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: Overview

Like I mentioned earlier in this guide, 9 days in Spain and Portugal isn’t a lot of time to dive deeply into these beautiful countries. Sorry to break the bad news. At heart, I am a slow traveler, and could actually spend 9 days exploring one region in Spain! 

However, at the same time, my heart has plenty of room for realism, so I understand that limited vacation days make it difficult for people who want to maximize their time overseas. 

In this itinerary, I’m basing travelers in three large cities (namely Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona) with strong transportation system that make traveling to smaller villages easy to do. 

9 Days in Spain and Portugal: Quick Glance

9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: Details

Lastly, I’ve broken down the specific days for you. I tried to leave a little bit of wiggle room for each day, so you can add your own touches to this post.

Furthermore, I’ve included a hostel, mid-range hotel, and more luxurious hotel to each day to appeal to every sort of budget.

As for food, each city has an abundance of incredible options, so you want to do your own research on meals, even though I’ll certainly drop a couple ideas!

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon.  For your first day in Lisbon, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the city by going on a free walking tour. Free walking tours are perfect for meeting other travelers, too, if you’re traveling alone to Europe.

Keep in mind, though, that free walking tours aren’t 100% free. Instead you tip the tour guide whatever amount that you feel like the tour was worth. Make sure to reward good guides!

Not sure where to find a good walking tour? Sandeman New Europe Tours offer wonderful options in many cities including Lisbon! 

Afterwards, I suggest seeing some marvelous views of Lisbon with a trip to  Castelo de S. Jorge. This Moorish castle is a photographer’s dream come true. This hill is rooted in ancient history. The first fortifications started way back in the 1st century BC! 

Once you explore the castle, take a leisurely stroll to Lisbon’s most famous square Praça do Comércio . Honestly, this is one of my favorite plazas in all of Europe, and is the perfect place to relax by the water with a coffee. You will also see Arco da Rua Augusta . This arch was constructed to celebrate Lisbon’s revival after the devastating 1755 earthquake. 

And don’t forget to admire the tiles all day. These bright works of art are everywhere. Every. Where.

Lisbon Accommodation

• Be Poet Baixa Hotel:   I love poetry, don’t you? The design of this hotel is based off some of Portugal’s most famous poets such as Bocage and Fernando Pessoa. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Dare Lisbon House: This warm accommodation includes small apartments with kitchenettes, and is unique because you’re able to do short or longterm stays. Perfect for travelers who want a “home away from home.” See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Home Lisbon Hostel:   One of the best hostels that I’ve ever stayed in on my travels. This is the perfect place to make new friends, and the home cooked meals are reasonably priced and allow for great conversation. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

On your second day in Lisbon, you will dive deeper into the capital’s vibrant neighborhoods, of which there are many. Take your time to enjoy the sites all around you. 

My first suggestion is to hop aboard one of Lisbon’s iconic tram cars to go to The Belem District , a laid back and beautiful neighborhood right on Tagus River.  

Your first stop should be t he Belém Tower , which is a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and now a a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive fortification served as the point of embarkation for explorers who dared to venture onto the open and treacherous waters. As an important side note, as you marvel at the tower, it’s important to keep in mind the plights and suffering of the people who were colonized under the Portuguese. 

Next you ought to visit The Jerónimos Monastery.  This powerful example of Portuguese Late Gothic architecture is the final resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you’re done the monastery, don’t forget to grab some Pastel de Belém at nearby Pastéis de Belém. So worth waiting in line, I promise!

For the remainder of your day, I suggest getting lost in the Alfama neighborhood , or the oldest part of Lisbon that was untouched by the infamous earthquake. The Alfama’s tangled lanes are created for travelers to simply roam and get lost. 

In the evening, if you’re looking for some fun, then go to Lisbon’s Bairro Alto for hole in the wall bars and other entertainment. You can even enjoy a drink standing in the streets here. 

Day 3: Lisbon Day Trips

Lisbon has a ton of great day trips.  Seriously, you could base yourself in Lisbon for a week and do a day trip every single day, and  still not see everything. 

I would decide a day trip based on your own personal interests. 

I’ve listed a couple of ideas below to get you thinking about a day trip.

Keep in mind that although Porto is a wonderful city, it takes almost three hours to reach Porto on the faster train. Three hours one way is too far for a day trip, in my opinion. You’re better off staying closer to Lisbon to have more time on the ground. 

Day Trip Ideas

• Sintra:  This charming and castle-packed town is one of the most popular day trips to take from Lisbon. This historical castles and mansions are scenically set against rolling green hills. Sintra is a photographer’s wonderland. The most popular attractions are The Pena Palace of Sintra, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira . Keep in mind, though, that since you’re only spending a day in Sintra, you ought to focus on one castle in-depth rather than rush to see every single one. 
• Cascais:  Are you seeking sandy beaches on your trip to Portugal? While you might not have time to explore the Algarve, nearby Cascais offers a classic old town, pristine beaches, and a bustling marina. Perfect for a day trip! 
• Obidos:  A delightful and well-preserved example of a Portuguese medieval town. You’ll explore endless colorful lanes, and can even stroll along the impressive stone walls. And you don’t want to miss ginja de Óbidos, which is local cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. 

Day 4: Arrival in Madrid

Are you ready to go to Spain? You have a few options to go to Madrid from Lisbon. Honestly, the easiest option is probably a budget flight. If you want to save a day and don’t mind a bit of discomfort, you may want to opt for the night bus to Madrid. 

In Madrid, you’ll feel delighted to discover that although this is Spain’s capital city, most major attractions are within walking distance of each other! I would begin your visit with an adventure in  Plaza Mayor  or Madrid’s historic main square.

Nearby, you will want to fill your empty stomach at San Miguel Market which has been feeding people for over a hundred years. Eat as many tapas as your heart desires! 

Conclude your first day with a walk to the jaw-dropping  Royal Palace of Madrid – which is the Baroque and massive official residence of the Spanish Royal Family – and the nearby Catedral de la Almudena .

Madrid Accommodation

• Hotel Regina: This highly rated hotel combines fun and functionality , and also has a fabulous location just 100 meters away from the famous Puerta del Sol. You can’t do a better job! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Sungate One Hostel:   Another one of my favorite hostels! I loved the nightly dinners, as well as the organized group events that made it super easy for solo travelers to make new friends. See prices on Expedia.com or Booking.com .
• Vincci the Mint: If you want to splurge a little bit, then check out this sustainable 4 star property. The roof top bar offers splendid views of Madrid, and the rooms are beautiful. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

Day 5: Madrid Museums and History

Madrid’s art museums are fantastic. If you’re interested in art, try to go to two of them, but I wouldn’t suggest anymore than that. Pack too many masterpieces in one day, and they will start to blur together!

Personally, I adored Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía , and highly recommend seeing both of them if possible! The Prado is the most famous art museum in all of Madrid, but the Reina Sofia is home to Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which is one of the most memorable pieces of art that I’ve ever seen on my adventures around the world.

If you don’t want to spend all day inside museums, then make sure to venture over to nearby El Retiro Park or one of the biggest parks in all of Madrid that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (there are a lot of these, huh)? 

In addition to art, Madrid also has a fascinating history like all other European capital cities. I always love taking a guided walk based on my own personal interests.

In Madrid, I opted for a Spanish Inquisition Tour that was offered by Sandeman New Europe Tours. The free walking tour is also delightful, and like I already said, they are a wonderful way to meet other travelers if you’re going alone.

Last but not least, I suggest going to one of Madrid’s “cooler” neighborhoods for dinner, such as Malasaña or Barrio de las Letras . 

Day 6: Madrid Day Trips

I think Madrid has some of the best day trips in all of Europe.

Seriously, I cannot get enough of Madrid day trips , and wish I could go everywhere in close proximity to this city.

I’ve listed a couple of suggestions below for you, although keep in mind that you won’t be able to see and do everything. Some guided tours pair destinations on their day trips, but whether or not you decide to do a tour is a personal decision and entirely up to you! 

• El Escorial: This incredible and vast building complex is located a mere 45 kilometers away from Madrid, making El Escorial an easy day trip for travelers. El Escorial is a historical residence of the King of Spain, and fascinating for history buffs to come and visit. 
• Toledo:  You could absolutely spend more than a day in the medieval city of Toledo. In Toledo, you will see a combination of Arab, Jewish, and Christian monument, a testament to Spain’s religiously diverse history. Go alone or if you want to learn more about the city, hire an independent guide to give meaning to the buildings that you will admire on your day trip. 
• Segovia:  Another historically rich city within easy distance of Madrid. Segovia is not only famous for its churches and castles, but also for its incredible Roman aqueduct. The sheer size of the aqueduct will absolutely take your breath away and leave you feeling in awe of ancient technology. 
• The Valley of the Fallen:  The Spanish Civil War is a very, very recent chapter in the pages of history. This monument is built as a memorial to the victims of the war, but at the same time, it is rather controversial considering it was once the burial place of former dictator Franco. To reach the Valley of the Fallen, I suggest going on a bus tour with a guide not only to understand the sites, but to use the transportation. 

Day 7: Arrival in Barcelona

Barcelona is a massive city with tons of unique architecture, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at all the attractions.

For your first day, you will see some of Barcelona’s greatest parks and city views. Start in Park Güell early in the morning before the bigger crowds arrive.

Barcelona’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, intended for Park Güell to function as a high class housing development, but the project flopped, and now this unique park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for tourists to explore. You feel like you’re lost in a fantastical fairytale in Park Güell! I highly recommend it. 

Next you will want to see some of Barcelona’s best city views at nearby Tibidabo , which is one of the most prominent hills in the entire metro area. You embrace your inner child at the amusement park or simply admire the hill’s stunning cathedral.

Afterwards, shop and eat tapas in the  Gracia neighborhood (which is my personal favorite neighborhood). Gracia used to be its own town, and even today, this area feels like a small and charming village in comparison to the rest of Barcelona.

Barcelona Accommodation

• Hotel Granvia:   This gorgeous hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona, in the classy L’Eixample neighborhood, and is inside a restored 19th century palace. Luxurious! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Olivia Balmes Hotel:   A modern and sleek hotel that’s perfect for summer travel thanks to its fantastic outdoor swimming pool. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Yeah Hostel:   An award-winning, clean, and friendly hostel that hosts group dinners so solo travelers are able to bond with one another. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

Day 8: Explore Barcelona

Time for us to dive deeper into Barcelona’s fascinating culture! Your day will begin at another one of Gaudi’s most famous contributions to the city: La Sagrada Familia .

I suggest booking the very first ticket into this jaw-dropping basilica, because you want to admire the rainbow colored stained glass and ornate alter before the tourist crowds fully wake up. Take plenty of pictures outside too! La Sagrada Familia will last in your memories forever even though the building is still technically unfinished. 

Afterwards, you will see more of Anton Gaudi’s architecture after wandering the L’Eixample neighborhood to Casa Batlló and Casa Mila . Choose to see one or both homes. Just keep in mind that you can’t rush through the Gaudi houses. I honestly spent about two hours at each one! 

Last, but not least, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll through Barcelona’s famous  Gothic Quarter.  As you wander the tangled lanes, make sure to stop at  Barcelona Cathedral  which is a striking Gothic contrast to La Sagrada Familia. 

As the sun sets, head to either El Born or Barceloneta for tapas and drinks. Both neighborhoods are within walking distance, and boast a very vibrant food scene. Your stomach will thank you for your efforts. Don’t be scared off if the tapas bars are crowded. Cozy up at the bar and make new friends. 

Day 9: Barcelona Day Trips

What! How is it already your final day in Spain? Don’t worry, though, because your ninth day will be absolutely amazing. Again, we’re going outside a major city to see some of the smaller cities and attractions in the region.

Like Madrid and Lisbon, you will have to wisely pick and choose your day trip from Barcelona. 

• Figueres:  Figueres is an easy day trip . It’s a small city in Catalonia that you can reach by taking the train from Barcelona. This town is home to the Dali Museum. For the Dali Museum, make sure to purchase tickets in advance, since it is one of the most popular museums in Spain and sells out quickly. 
• Girona:  You could seriously spend an entire day in Girona. I wish I did. This historical city has incredible churches, a thriving Jewish quarter, and so much more to see and do. I highly recommend it. Trains run frequently between Girona and Barcelona too. 
• Montserrat:  Beautiful mountains stand outside Barcelona and transport you to another, far more remote world. Montserrat mountain his home to one of Europe’s most spiritual monasteries. Pilgrims come from all over to see The Black Madonna Statue and to light candles for their loved ones. This is an incredibly touching day trip that I highly recommend taking from Barcelona. You can book a private tour or take public transportation. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide to 9 days in Spain and Portugal! As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions about your European trips! 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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This Two-Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary is Full of Surprises

by Leanne Williams | 10 Jun 2024

The ultimate Spain and Portugal itinerary, over 15 days experience everything that make Iberia so enchanting on Best of Spain & Portugal . From the fiery passion of flamenco in Seville to the soulful Fado music in Lisbon, the architectural marvels of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter to the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa del Sol.

Guided by Local Experts, discover the artistic legacy of the Alhambra in Granada and the intricate tilework of Porto’s Ribeira district, along with local experiences that define the essence of these tow sought-after destinations. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie or simply looking for a scenic escape, if you are planning visit Spain and Potugal, this ultimate itinerary is packed with hand-picked 5 and 4 star hotels, premium dining and curated experiences, a signature of our ‘ Business Class’ Tours .

Discover the tour: Best of Spain & Portugal

Days 1-2: Madrid

Created around the year of 860 A.C, Madrid has been the capital of Spain since the 17th century. Whether you love culture, history or food this city has something unique in store for you. Upon arrival your transfer will takes you to your hotel. Depending on your departure dates, you’ll stay in one of premium hotels the Barceló Emperatriz or the Barceló Torre de Madrid . Centrally located they’re perfect for seeing the sights. Tonight your Welcome Dinner is a great occasion to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers, enjoy some excellent Spanish cuisine and get a taste of things got come.

The next morning, your Local Expert will take you to some of Madrid’s most historic neighborhoods, including the Old Quarter. The world-famous Prado Museum is another highlight of your stay in the capital. Spain’s national art museum, it is considered one of the most comprehensive museum collections of Old Master paintings in Europe and you get to see it with an Art Historian as your guide.

The evening is yours to explore as you wish and your Travel Director is on hand with recommendations of where to dine or whatever else you may wish to do. Highlights of Madrid include the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Vía full of shops and the four tallest towers in Spain.

Read more: Travel Director Bradley shares his all time favorite Insight tour to run (and why)

Day 3: Segovia and Golden Salamanca

The fortified UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia is your first destination today. World renowned for its Alcazar fortress and grand gothic cathedral, this city is also home to a famous historic aqueduct. A magnificent structure with 167 arches, it is one of the most important legacies of the Roman Empire in Spain. Your Local Expert will bring everything to life on your guided tour of the city.

The afternoon is dedicated to the ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca. A guided sightseeing tour will show you the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university. Keep an eye out for the historical Casa da las Conchas – the building’s curious façade is decorated with more than 300 shells.

With the opportunity to choose your lunch and dinner you can try out the local specialties. Salamanca prides itself in meat dishes, with its Iberico ham considered a regional delicacy. For those with a sweet tooth, try the delicious Doughnuts of Ledesma.

Read more: Castles and conquistadors: discover two of Spain’s most cultural cities

Day 4: Porto

Today you get your first taste of Portugal, as its second largest city Porto takes center stage. Set along the Duoro River, this picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site is a highlight of your Spain and Portugal itinerary. lush vineyards flank the hillsides. As you explore, you’ll enjoy many art and murals and notice intricate painted tiles (azulejos) used to decorate churches, train stations, and other buildings. Porto is in fact one of the oldest cities in Europe. Evidence of settlers in the city date back 2000 years, to the Bronze Age, so history lovers are spoiled for choice on what to see.

A highlight of today is a port wine tasting at Vila Nova de Gaia. The Douro Valley is a stunning UNESCO-listed wine region, known as the international capital of Port wine. Its rugged terrain, Mediterranean climate, and schist soil create optimal conditions for grape cultivation, and you’ll get the chance to taste some of the best from the Sandeman collection. Tonight, your included dinner will be a hand selected treat decided by your Travel Director, and you’ll stay in a 300-year-old palace that once hosted 18th century balls for local dignitaries.

Discover more about this fascinating city: Discovering Porto’s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy

Day 5: Holy Fátima, Ancient Óbidos

Today you’ll travel through two of Portugal’s historic towns. First stop Fatima may be small but is known as one of the world’s holiest sites. Our Lady of Fatima is a Roman Catholic title for the Virgin Mary whose apparition is believed to have appeared at the town of Fátima, Portugal on the thirteenth day of six consecutive months in 1917.

In Obidos, your Travel Director will lead you on a tour of this picturesque walled town, a must see when you visit Spain and Paortugal. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages, it’s an open-air museum of white houses embellished by bougainvilleas and winding streets. In fact, it’s so beautiful that until 1883 Óbidos was exclusive property of the Queens of Portugal.

Bookmark for later: Nine of Portugal’s Most Beautiful Destinations

Day 6: Lisbon

With its scenic views, delicious cuisine and warm climate, you’ll just love Portugal’s capital. A big city with a local feel, Lisbon’s rich history dates back to ancient times, including Roman and Moorish influences. Portugal is also one of the world’s most revered maritime powers, with many expeditions that changed history departing from Lisbon’s ports. You’ll uncover all this history while sightseeing with your Local Expert.

Key attractions include the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the lively Alfama district. Along the way you’ll be treated to a very special traditional tasting of the famous Pastéis de Belém. With the afternoon to yourselves, Lisbon is an easy city to explore, public transportation is good with many trains and buses. Maybe join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera – a fine way to finish an unforgettable day on this Spain and Portugal itinerary.

You may also be interested to read: All the ways you’ll experience the Insight difference when you travel to Portugal

Day 7 – 8: Seville

After spending two days and nights) in this beautiful Andalusian city you will never want to leave. Your premium hotel, the 4 star NH Collection Sevilla puts you right in Seville’s heart, so exploring is a breeze and you have the perfect amount of time to see the sights. Seville Cathedral takes pride of place on the agenda. Then, depending on your mood, you can choose form two included experiences, a guided walk through the Jewish Quarter, or a scenic drive around the city for panoramic views. The following day’s highlight is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the famous Christina Heeren Dance School. Learn some steps form the best dancers in the world and enjoy an intimate performance with dancers so close you can feel them breathe.

Across these two days in Seville, you have plenty of free time to explore at your leisure and soak up the atmosphere. Maybe take an optional experience with a day trip to the ancient city of Cordoba?

Read more: Discover the Art of Flamenco with the Cristina Heeren Foundation

Day 9 – 10: Gibraltar and the Costa del Sol

Taking a break from city life, today you’ll head south to Gibraltar, part of mainland Spain yet an overseas territory under British control since 1704. Highlights include the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and the Barbary Apes. These are the only free ranging apes in Europe – they have possibly been present since the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula from 711 AD. Your Local expert will have many stories to tell of interactions with these cheeky guardians of the colony.

Then Torremolinos on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol beckons. Two nights in the elegant Meliá Costa del Sol with superb service and stunning Mediterranean views is just the perfect opportunity to unwind. Relax by the azure waters, savor local specialties in charming restaurants, or maybe explore Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso.

You may be interested to read: Everything You Need to Know About How to Order Food in Spain

Day 11: Alfarnatejo and Granada

Take a unique memory of the Costa del Sol with you as you enjoy two local experiences in Alfarnatejo. A quiet whitewashed village with a population of under 500, here you’ll travel to the oldest olive grove in the region to taste a selection of oils, paired with home baked bread. You’re then invited into the home of a local family for a delicious lunch of flavours typical of the region. Hear stories of local life and ask any questions you wish, before journeying on Granada where the sensational Alhambra Palace awaits. One of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, your Local Expert will shine a light on every stone and corner.

For travel inspiration: 11 destinations that are just perfect for the first-time solo traveler

Day 12: Valencia

Bienvenidos Valencia, the home of paella! Whether you’ve tried this tasty dish before or not, sampling it in its birthplace is something else and something you must do when you visit Spain and Portugal. A delicious premium experience, today you’ll join the chef of a local family-run restaurant for a cooking demonstration in the heart of the Old City. You’ll also savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, accompanied by Sangria if you wish. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore the city highlights including the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.

You may also enjoy reading: Food tourism is taking over the world. Get a bite of the action.

Day 13 – The coast to Peñíscola and Barcelona

A mini road trip along the Spanish coast offers a scenic day of mediterranean splendor, with our ‘Business Class’ coaches making the day even more spectacular. Relax with extra leg room and take all the pictures with elevated seats and large windows. As you travel along the coast to Peñíscola enjoy medieval charm and beautiful beaches. A highlight on this Spain and Portugal itinerary is the sea-lapped castle featured in the film ‘El Cid’. Proceed along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the Cava Vineyards while learning the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly and tonight stay in Meliá Barcelona Sarrià , a luxurious hotel where you’ll save time being just a stone’s throw away from Barcelona’s key attractions.

Bookmark for later: Why Coach Travel is the Smart Option to Take in 2024

Day 14 -15: Barcelona – a fitting finale to your Spain and Portugal itinerary

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and renowned for Gaudí and its Art Nouveau architecture, you’ll enjoy two days in Barcelona, one of Europe’s trendiest cities. It serves as a hub for new trends in culture, fashion and of course cuisine, blending the creativity of its artists and designers with a deep respect for local traditions.

On a tour of the big city with your Local Expert explore Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s famous tree-lined boulevard that stretches for 1.2 kilometers.  At the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, admire some of the finest Modernist architecture then travel through the Eixample district to witness Gaudí’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing basilica Sagrada Família.

With the afternoon yourself, why not visit Gaudi’s colorful Park Guell or many of his other famous buildings? Or simply enjoy the many restaurants serving Barcelona favorites. From irresistible crema Catalana to local favorite pà amb tomàquet the Barcelona food scene is as rich and interesting as the local culture. Tonight, you’ll celebrate your travels on this fascinating Spain and Portugal itinerary with your fellow guests over a Celebration Dinner in a local restaurant.

You may also be interested to read: 10 Most Famous Gaudi Masterpieces in Barcelona You Need to Know About

For the ultimate Spain and Portugal itinerary in ‘Business Class’ style, book yourself a place on Best of Spain and Portugal

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Portugal and Spain Itinerary: A 14-Day Iberian Journey

Trying to squeeze in the highlights of Spain and Portugal into a two-week trip can be tricky. Both are incredible countries with rich culture, varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and architectural wonders. After traveling all over the Iberian Peninsula, I’ve come up with a route that hits every city efficiently and makes the most out of your time. This two-week Portugal and Spain itinerary will cover the must-see landmarks in each city, activity suggestions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and my personal favorites.

As a Portuguese-American woman, I’ve visited these Portuguese cities countless times and, after living in Seville for four months and traveling the country, I have combined all of my favorite things into one trip. Plus, I’ve included hidden gems that most tourists would miss!

Best Times to Visit Spain and Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal and Spain is either early summer or fall. The months of May through early July are less busy than the following summer months. You’ll still get nice weather and less tourism around you. If you choose to visit in the fall, the weather will be just as good, and you’ll get to experience even less tourism. Keep in mind that summer in Southern Spain is incredibly hot and November and April are both rainy months in Portugal.

Portugal and Spain Itinerary Overview

This itinerary starts in Porto, Portugal and ends in Barcelona, Spain. You can also flip this itinerary if you prefer to visit Spain first!

• Douro River cruise and wine tasting
• Dinner and a view
• Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe for Harry Potter lovers
• The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square) 
• Michelin star restaurant
• Medieval town
• Castle of Óbidos
• Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos hotel
• Nazare beach
• Commerce Square and Alfama
• Tuk Tuk tours
• Cable car 
• Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot
• Castelo S. Jorge
• 25 April Bridge
• Rossio Square
• Torre de Belém
• Sunset boat cruises on the Tagus River 
• Fado show 
• Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira
• Cabo da Roca 
• Albufeira and Lagos
• Epic Sana Hotel or the Pine Cliff Resort 
• Martinhal Sagres Family Resort 
• Benagil Cave 
• Vila Joya and Bon Bon fine dining 
• Hotel Alfonso XIII or Hotel Palacio de Villapanes
• Cathedral of Seville
• Royal Alcazar
• Setas de Seville
• Plaza de Espana & Maria Luisa Park
• La Carbonería 
• Triana Market
• Paella cooking class
• Casa Manolo Lèon 
• Hotel Neri and Ohla 
• Gothic Quarter
• Las Ramblas
• Gaudi houses
• Park Güell
• Sagrada Família
• Paella and Catalan dishes 
• Montserrat mountains 

This map was created using Google My Maps and covers my suggested Portugal and Spain itinerary. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email.

14-Day Portugal and Spain Itinerary

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

For this itinerary, I recommend that you fly into Porto and out of Barcelona (or vice versa). It may be easiest if you rent a car to drive from city to city, but if you want, you can take the train or bus from place to place and then fly from Seville to Barcelona. Keep in mind that parking in cities like Lisbon and Porto can be quite challenging, so you could also consider just picking up a rental car for a portion of your trip.

Day 1-2: Porto, Portugal  

Once arriving in Porto, you should check into the PortoBay Flores Hotel or The Yeatman. Both are 5-star hotels but provide different experiences. PortoBay Flores is in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The hotel has an historic charm to it but still has plenty of modern luxuries, such as an indoor swimming pool. People who want to fully immerse themselves into the history and culture of Porto should stay here. The hotel is the perfect walking distance from plenty of landmarks such as Ribeira Square, the historical square of Porto.

The Yeatman Hotel is a luxury wine and spa hotel in the Vila Nova de Gaia historical district. For those who want to relax but also sightsee, this hotel is the best fit. You’re also able to have city views from the hotel of the famous Douro River. 

If you are starting in Porto and arriving after an overnight flight, you will want to start off by exploring some of the city’s highlights on a self-guided walking tour . Begin by walking around and experiencing what Porto has to offer from stores, cafés to the historical districts.

Harry Potter fans and those with children, should visit Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe. The Livraria Lello is the book store that gave J.K. Rowling inspirations for Harry Potter’s world, such as the moving staircases in Hogwarts. Majestic Cafe is where Rowling hung out and wrote.

The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square) is Porto’s main square that connects the old town with the modern part of the city and also a great place to walk around. Be sure to following the narrow streets down to the Douro River and cross over the Luis I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood where you can visit the World of Wine, sample some port, and enjoy the fun vibe along the riverfront.

Finish up your first day with dinner at Terra Nora. Terra Nora is an intimate dining experience with traditional Portuguese cuisine. When making your reservation, request to sit at a window in order to see the Douro River as you dine. For sunset lovers, reserve a time a few minutes before it sets in order to see the sun set on the river. 

For your second day, no trip to Porto is the same without doing a cruise or tour through the Douro Valley to see vineyards and breathtaking scenery. There are so many options, but I always prefer the tours that last all day for a full experience. The authentic Douro River tours last about 9 hours, including travel time to and from the Douro Valley.

The ideal Douro River excursion would include winery visits and tastings of both authentic Port wine and the other wines grown in the region. The wine tasting would then be followed by a cruise on the Douro River and ending with a typical Portuguese lunch made with Douro region products. If you don’t want to spend a full day in the Douro Valley, you can also take a cruise on the river in Porto on an authentic boat that used to carry wine barrels down the river.

For the final night in Porto a perfect meal is needed. For those staying in the Yeatman Hotel, there is a Michelin Star restaurant downstairs that has amazing reviews. Seafood lovers should make a reservation for the restaurant Gruta . After dinner, Porto nightlife is something you don’t want to miss out on. But don’t stay out too late as we prepare for a travel day tomorrow. 

Day 3: Óbidos, Portugal

From Porto, you can travel to Óbidos by bus, train, or rental car. Óbidos is known for its medieval town surrounded by the Castle of Óbidos. For the one night you have here, stay at Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos hotel. The hotel is housed within the 12th-century medieval castle.

If you have a car, you can stop in Nazare on your way to Óbidos. Nazare’s beach is popular with surfers and known for its epically tall waves. Plus, there is a beautiful look-out point. 

Days 4-6: Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal

After your night in Óbidos, take a bus/train or drive to Lisbon. You should stay in the center of Lisbon by Commerce Square or the older part in Alfama. The Bairro Alto Hotel is a charming, centrally located stay that has a great restaurant within it. Another option is the Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa that is a large property out of the noisy city center on the tree-lined Avenida Liberdade.

The best way to see Lisbon is to just walk. Some streets are so narrow and steep that cars won’t fit through or get up. Lisbon’s infamous Tram 28 is a great tourist option to get explore the city. Tuk Tuk tours are also very popular for seeing Lisbon.

When going to popular scenic spots, it’s best to go early in the morning before 9:00 a.m. The Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot has great views of Lisbon’s port and cathedral. It will be full of tourists the entire day, so get there early to get your picture. 

Once you’ve gotten all your pictures, make your way to the Castelo S. Jorge that is only a five-minute walk away. The views from the castle are, in my opinion, the best it gets. You can see multiple landmarks such as the 25 April Bridge that was inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the Sanctuary of Christ monument.

For clothes, shoes, and trinket lovers; Rossio is a great shopping area with high-end stores. I highly recommend checking out shoe stores, any you can find around there are great quality and affordable. Once you get tired from shopping so much, take a quick walk to Rossio Square for a place to relax and people watch. Some alternative must see sights for the remainder days in Lisbon are; Commerce Square, Torre de Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery. 

A sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River is my favorite activity to do in Lisbon by far. Nothing can beat being on a vintage sailboat with champagne in hand while eating Portuguese cheese and prosciutto. The sunset cruise I took was about two hours long, and I was able to sit right in the front of the boat on bean bag chairs while listening to the water and soft music. 

After the appetizers you consumed on the cruise, it’s now time for dinner. My top four restaurants in Lisbon are; BAHR , Alma , Solar dos Presuntos , and JNcQUOI Asia . All are traditional Portuguese dishes of meat and fish, except JNcQUOI Asia. Although I love Portuguese food, on this long of a trip I tend to want something different. JNcQUOI Asia offers four types of Asian cuisine: Indian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese.

Another option is to book a dinner and Fado show. Fado is a Portuguese music genre that consists of folk guitars, hand clapping, and singing. Parreirinha de Alfama is a small Portuguese restaurant that has Fado singing. The restaurant is very quaint in order for it to feel like a homespun restaurant. All the food is cooked in a tiny kitchen by one woman. 

After spending a day or two in Lisbon, it’s worth making a day trip to Sintra and the seaside town of Cascais. Sintra is known for the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. The town is very small and can be seen in a few hours. On the way back from Sintra, make a stop in Cascais for the Cabo da Roca which is the cape of Portugal and the most western part of Europe. 

For more suggestions, see my 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary .

Days 7-8: Algarve, Portugal

Once you’ve seen everything I listed for Lisbon, it’s now time to head south to the Algarve for some relaxation. If you have a rental car, it’ll only be a three-hour drive to pure beauty. If you want to take the train, you would take the Lisbon to Faro train to stay in either the Albufeira or Lagos area. Both are easy to get to via Uber or bus from the station.

The Epic Sana Hotel or the Pine Cliff Resort are both nice hotels, followed by the Martinhal Sagres Family Resort , which is a great family resort great for those with children.

The first thing you have to do is head out to the beaches. Algarve beaches are tucked between stunning sandstone cliffs on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. The most famous tourist attraction is a boat ride to visit the Benagil Cave, but there are many ways to explore the coastline.

Albufeira and Lagos both have spectacular beaches and shopping and nightlife. There are little villages all over to explore. If you’re lucky, some sort of festival will be held downtown that is full of great music, food, and drinks. There’s always something to celebrate in Algarve. Two popular restaurants are Vila Joya and Bon Bon for fine dining. 

Days 9-11: Seville, Spain

Enough relaxation, it’s time to get back into exploring and sightseeing and move on to Spain! The easiest way to get to Seville from Algarve is to drive or take a three-hour bus ride. Seville is the gateway to visiting the Andalusia region of Spain.

Choose to stay at either Hotel Alfonso XIII or Hotel Palacio de Villapanes . Both hotels are in the old town of Seville surrounded by history. Hotel Alfonso XII is the most famous hotel to stay at and has been around since the 1900s. The regal rooms and decor make this hotel stand out from others. 

Since you’d already be in the city center, you should visit the Cathedral of Seville as well as the Royal Alcazar. The Royal Alcazar is a historical royal palace with beautiful tile work and stunning gardens, which have been featured in many films and shows.

From there, Seville’s beauty is often found just while wandering around. After living there for four months, my favorite places were the ones I stumbled upon, even just a favorite bench. The center also has hundreds of stores to choose from for clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. While wandering around, you can’t miss the Setas de Seville. This large wooden structure is the best way to see the city from high up, the views are unbeatable. 

A 10-minute bus ride or 20-minute walk will take you to the Plaza de Espana. The Plaza de Espana is my favorite place in all of Seville. The square is beautifully built with authentic tiles all around.

The Maria Luisa Park is connected to the plaza and is a large garden made for lounging and relaxing with multiple fountains and benches. You’re able to rent a row boat to cruise on the river for an hour at your own pace or take a boat cruise.

Seville is also home to the famous dance of flamenco. There are multiple places that host flamenco performances, but you should have an authentic flamenco experience at a local restaurant. La Carbonería is a tavern with flamenco performances in an old coal warehouse. They have three flamenco shows every night, running from 8:30-10:30. 

Another activity to do is a paella cooking class. The Triana Market is a fresh food market with vendor stalls selling produce, meat, and prepared meals. Within the market, Taller Andaluz de Cocina , hosts cooking classes and a tour of the market. The cooking class is held in a makeshift kitchen with everything you need. The class consists of three authentic Seville courses such as gazpacho, paella, and spinach and chickpeas. 

The best restaurants in Seville are the Abantal, El Pinton , and Casa Manolo Lèon . Abantal is known for their fine dining with modern variations on Andalusian cuisines. El Pinton is well known tapas restaurant. Casa Manolo Lèon is my personal favorite, with authentic Andalusian cuisine and an outdoor patio filled with flowers and greenery. 

Also see things to do in Seville with kids .

Days 12-14: Barcelona, Spain & Montserrat 

From Seville, take a quick flight to Barcelona for Spain’s most famous city. Hotel Neri and Ohla are my picks for your stay. Both are located in the Gothic Quarter. I personally recommend always staying in that area because it’s in the center of all the landmarks, shopping, and restaurants.

You’re able to walk around and get to any place if you stay there. From the Gothic Quarter you’re able to see the Cathedral and the Las Ramblas scenic area. 

If you’re interested in art or architecture, you should book tickets to see the Gaudi houses. Casa Battló is one of Gaudi’s creations that we’re able to visit. The house belonged was lived in by Gaudi and his family. The design takes inspiration from the environment and its animals. Park Güell is an attraction I always go to when I’m in Barcelona. The park consists of Gaudi’s artwork within the framework and architecture of the gardens and buildings. 

The following day, you should visit the Sagrada Família. When booking tickets for the Sagrada, you will have to do it relatively very early and also try to get skip the line passes . This is Barcelona’s biggest attraction, and it gets very crowded in there.

After spending a few hours in the Sagrada Família, I would take the rest of the day to walk around the Gothic Quarter. The last time I was in Barcelona, wandering around, I stumbled upon a fashion show at a park as well as a music video in the streets. This city is filled with vibrant energy and people, just appreciate what’s around you. 

Barcelona is known for having some of the best restaurants. Disfrutar is considered as the top restaurant in Europe. Its experimental tasting menus are Mediterranean seafood based and more on the pricey side. Estimar is a hidden restaurant with an open kitchen view from your tabel. They’re known for their seafood and delicious seafood. If you’re tired of paella yet, Mana 75 specializes in paella and Catalan dishes. 

On your last day before flying back home to the U.S., I recommend taking a day trip to Montserrat in the mountains. It’s the perfect escape from the intense city life you’ve experienced the last few days. Montserrat is known for its stunning mountain views, historic buildings, and hiking trails.

Also see things to do in Barcelona with kids .

Read more about Portugal and Spain

• One-week Portugal itineraries (4 options)
• Portugal trip planning tips
• How much does a trip to Portugal cost?
• 3 Days in Lisbon
• Things to do in Madrid with kids
• Day trip to Segovia
• Day trip to Toledo

Emma Da Silva is a journalism major at the University of Rhode Island and an aspiring Travel Writer. Her love for photography and experience studying aboard have led her to want to write for other adventurers and inspire them to go out and make lasting memories.

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Publish Date: March 20, 2024

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