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Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Portugal and Spain. We've got 447 tours going to Portugal and Spain, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 32 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the highest number of tour departures.

250+ Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar) tour packages with 4,023 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

Good value for money. Tour director and bus driver were excellent Optional tapas dinner was not good nor was sea bass cooked in salt dinner but most other options were worthwhile

Spanish Ring with Lisbon

Hola))) I am leaving my review here as myself needed a fresh, recent review at the time of thinking to pick this tour, and as I believe it is super important to have something to refer to. First of all, as it turned out, we were very lucky with the weather, all in all. Tours like this (buses, big groups) might have some frustrations about them. I believe in the very case of late Dec 2022- early Jan 2023 Spanish Ring tour, I was spared most of the usual frustrations - team was punctual, hotels were good all in all, guides too. I wish to absolutely thank once again our guides - Maria (in Madrid), Theressa (most of the trip), Theressa who did Sagrada Familia for us, also Raphaella (Lisbon) and Louis (hope did not forget anyone ????.) Thank you to the driver, Mr Bolero ))). And kudos to co-travellers. This was a good chance, among other things, to meet some very interes

France, Spain and Portugal

Great see it all kind of tour. Albeit, demanding at times with its rigid schedule for departures and short turnarounds at some very interesting places. But we knew ahead of time what to expect considering all we saw and had to see. The best tour guide we had during all 17 days on this circuit was Luis Cebollada. He consistently went out of his way to accommodate requests and improve upon the cultural experience in each country. His knowledge of the sights and the people was insightful and very helpful during our tour. All and all...a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

It was good, but tiring.

Best of Spain & Portugal

Overall experience was great! Good pace, great cities and great hotels overall. However the hotel in Coimbra (Hotel Astoria) was disgusting. It should absolutely NOT be used by Tour Radar any longer.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

Good for the prize of the tour

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Spain and Portugal Explorer

Very good value for money and good coverage of the countries visited.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Spain and Portugal

The overall expirience was awesome. I already recommended your company to many of my people for I worked 25 years in the turism industry and was a President Sales Executive for the Marriott Vacation Club Int. andnow I'm a policy Advisor for the Government of my country.By the way Thomas was A#1. The only thing that I was very disappointed in was the internet on the bus was to cry for . No internet 90% of the time. I hope you will have this in consideration for I'm planning a trip for next year and expect some kind of consideration. Thanking you in advance . I remain. Thanya Croes +2975932999

VPT Tours was exceptional. Rodrigo in the Madrid office is a first class professional in his customer service. Knowledgeable. Patient.Kind. The best! This tour was designed and delivered with vision. This includes first class drivers and transport. Major cities have guided tours that are fascinating and all delivered by locals. The accommodations were also very good and included 1-2 meals a day. Each day gave time to explore, sit on a beach, time for ease. I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorse this tour and VPT Tours.

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

Amazing experience, beautiful places and incredible people to experience it with! Definitely recommend for solo travelers!

Discovery of Spain & Portugal - 15 days

Transfer to and from the airport didn't go well. We weren't informed that MAPA was who was picking us up. 3 hours later I was able to get a ride but my friends who arrived on a different airline had to take a cab. Going to the airport I was to be picked up at 8:25 but my ride came at 6:25. The tour itself was nice. The guides were great. Lola and Carmen were wonderful. It was confusing to have to change busses several times though. Having people stay at different hotels really slowed us down, especially in Santiago De Compasquela

Charming Spain & Portugal - 10 Days

We enjoyed the trip for the most part. The bus was not as luxurious as we hoped it would be. We were glad it was not a full tour as it would have been very crowded sitting side by side for hours at a time We thought there would be washroom facilities onboard. The WiFi was spotty, at best. All the tour guides were excellent. The hotels were very nice except for the one in Cordoba. The meal served was adequate but the atmosphere was not a 4 star. We changed buses twice which was an inconvenience but can only imagine the logistics of all the tours you offer. I would have preferred an English only speaking tour. At times, you were tired of listening to Spanish and Portuguese before they spoke in English. We saw some beautiful spots and the optional tours were great. I believe the Sintra tour should be part of the trip.

Portuguese Camino

Everything was amazing! Our group leader really took care of us,from making sure we were all ok to getting us to some of the greatest places to stop for break or lunch and supper. She made sure we all could keep up & she was always smiling . I would definitely do this tour again !

Delve Deep: Spain & Portugal

The tour was a great insight into Spain, Morocco and Portugal. Vincenzo was a friendly and knowledgeable guide, who also knew how to have fun with the group and include everyone.

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Portugal and Andalucia from Madrid

Good value for the $. Accommodations better than expected but number of people, (sometimes 50+), changing groups & buses plus 2 hotels took up time you might be touring. If you are independent & like to tour cities in your own this is a good choice as many major attractions are not included.

What people love about Portugal And Spain Tours

I really loved our tour guide Ana Rita Lima. She helped us through a couple rough patches and I appreciate that. Very energetic and delightful!! I loved every bit of the tour except the hotel quality on the first night of the tour. It needed a vending machine that worked and more opportunity to get snacks upon arrival. It was just very basic. Also the hotel in ( I can't remember which city) we didn't have air conditioning. Our tour guide told us of where to be cautious (pick pockets) and some things we should be aware of. I appreciate that they stopped regularly for food and bathrooms breaks. Our driver, Rui, ( proved to have great skill, navigating in traffic, fog, rain and parking!! Overall, a great tour, with important history and valuable information!! With the exception of two poor quality hotels it was a memory that will last a life time. By the way, the Best Western in Barcelona is much better than the one we stayed in on the tour.

It was an incredible experience to see all of the different places in Spain! It felt like we were stepping into a movie with every new place we visited. Which made sense because a lot of those places actually were movie locations. Our tour guide, Emmanuel, was a funny and awesome guy. He was very patient, very accommodating, and informative; and he made sure that nobody was left behind.

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Spain's Classics & Portugal

About this tour.

Embark on an Iberian adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes and delectable cuisine. Explore Lisbon, Europe’s second oldest capital city. View Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia. Become part of an authentic “paella experience.” Enjoy the fascinating art form that is Flamenco. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra Palace. Marvel at the timeless masterpieces at the Prado Museum. Visit the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém. Visit the medieval walled town of Obidos. Explore Spain and Portugal’s culture and history set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• La Sagrada Familia
• Paella Experience

Your Tour at a Glance

13 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,299.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Experience Lisbon’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém.

Step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire.

Visit Antoni Gaudi’s final masterpiece, the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia.

Cultural Experiences:

Stop in the little known town of Peniscola, the “City in the Sea.”

Feel the energy of Spain at a flamenco performance in Seville.

In Cordoba, take a walking tour of La Mezquita, an architectural marvel.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Take a bite of the local culture at a tapas lunch.

• The Alhambra
• Choice on Tour
• Flamenco Show
• The Prado Museum
• Jeronimo’s Monastery

Book with Confidence

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• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

While in Seville you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to walk along the cobblestone streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the white washed houses and aromatic orange trees before continuing to the stunning Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Or, if you prefer, you can get a glimpse of the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, gently drifting by timeworn bridges and gaining insight into the city’s historical connection to New World discoveries.

Start your tour early with 1 night in Barcelona and 3 nights in Costa Brava. Start in the vibrant and beautiful capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, home to artistic architecture and that unmistakable Spanish “spark” of culture. Then, set out for Costa Brava, a Catalonian cliffside paradise where azure waters meet golden beaches. With Costa Brava as your home for 3 nights, you’ll set out for trips to Girona and the Dali Museum, and the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Besalu. You’ll also be able to make use of your hotel’s incredible seaside views and private beach. You’ll be immersed in the charm and culture of coastal Spanish life, and you might never want to leave. Your other option is to book a pre night at the H10 Hotel?

• Overnight Flight
• You are on your way to the start of your adventure with some extra time in Barcelona and the Costa Brava! Start in the vibrant and beautiful capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, home to artistic architecture and that unmistakable Spanish “spark” of culture. Then, set out for Costa Brava, a Catalonian cliffside paradise where azure waters meet golden beaches. With Costa Brava as your home for 3 nights, you’ll set out for trips to Girona and the Dali Museum, and the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Besalu. Get ready to learn about a destination less visited with so much to offer!
• Barcelona, Spain - Extension Begins
• Arrive today in the capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona. Depending on your flight arrival time, you may choose to enjoy this beautiful city with a walk to the historic Gothic Quarter at your own pace. Quaint shops and eateries, all built into the narrow medieval alleyways make this one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Barcelona. The day is yours to enjoy Barcelona any way you choose.
• Barcelona - Girona - Costa Brava
• Set out for Girona in the morning, a beautiful medieval city known for its Old Quarter. You’ll meet with a local guide and take a tour of the city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head for the Catalonian coast, where you’ll arrive at your seaside hotel and settle in for the next 3 nights. Costa Brava is an incredibly alluring place, and the perfect region to spend your days relaxing and exploring.
• Costa Brava
• Today is yours to enjoy Costa Brava how you’d like. Take advantage of this day at leisure – maybe heading down to the private beach or venturing into the local towns for some souvenir shopping.
• Costa Brava - Calella de Palafrugell - Llafranc - Besalu - Costa Brava
• Today, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for an incredible walking tour. You’ll head first to the beautiful village of Calella de Palafrugell for a coastal walk towards the quaint village of Llafranc. Then, you’ll drive to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, where the surreal outside architecture matches the legendary work inside. After taking in the mind-boggling art of Salvador Dalí, you’ll continue on to the medieval village of Besalu for free time and lunch. Arrive back at your hotel with enough time to relax before your dinner this evening.
• Costa Brava - Barcelona
• Say farewell to the Catalonian coast and join your fellow travelers back in fascinating Barcelona for the start of your Spain’s Classics & Portugal tour.

Extend your stay in Portugal with 3 nights on the island paradise of Madeira and 1 night in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. Considered to be the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira combines stunning nature and culture. Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the island’s charms however you please. Spend time in traditional villages, venture along winding mountain roads, and splash in natural volcanic swimming pools. Your mini-tour ends with a night in Lisbon, whose captivating energy and mouth-watering culinary scene will capture your heart (and stomach!).

• Lisbon - Funchal, Madeira
• Fly to Madeira Island, the “pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. After some free time for lunch on your own upon arrival, discover Funchal’s downtown area with a local expert during a walking tour. Then, visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents.
• The day is yours. No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a traditional dinner known as an espetada. Folk dancers and lively music entertain you as you feast on a favorite local dish cooked over an open fire.
• Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - Porto Moniz - Funchal
• Begin your day in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay which served as a special retreat for Sir Winston Churchill. It is here where he admired Madeira’s natural beauty and became captivated by the region, painting various images of the village. Drive along mountain roads, pass banana plantations and vineyards while en route to the world’s second-highest cliff, Cabo Girão where you may choose to walk on the highest glass skywalk in Europe. Continue to a sugar mill and learn about the importance of sugar cane production to the island in the early 15th century. End your day at the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, enjoy free time for a swim* (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic pools before returning to Funchal.
• Funchal - Lisbon
• Board your flight and return to the metropolitan energy of Lisbon. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
• Lisbon - Tour Ends
• Depart for home with Portugal in your heart as your tour draws to a close today.

Hotel-H10 Casanova

Uncover the mysteries of Valencia on a nighttime walk, delving into the area’s mystical tales. Partake in a tapas dinner paired with regional wines while enjoying the traditional sounds of local music. After dinner, join a local expert and hear stories of local ghosts and legends as you walk along old town Valencia and get to experience Valencia in a new way.

Portugal’s Riviera is known as the "playground of kings." Many historical and world leaders have chosen this resort area as their home, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. On this fascinating tour you will visit the charming village of Sintra, a UNESCO site, with its fairy-tale palaces and visit its National Palace. Later, a drive through Sintra’s mountain range brings you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe. Travel along the rugged coastline, passing Guincho beach, a favorite spot for wind surfers, to cosmopolitan Cascais and its captivating bay, beautifully situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Fado: the perfect blend of voice and guitar. A shawl, a guitar, a voice and heartfelt emotion – these are the ingredients of Fado, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Patrimony, as a celebrated form of world music that captures what it is to be Portuguese. No one knows quite how Fado first came into being, but to this day Portugal's traditional music remains at the very heart of the country's culture. In one of Lisbon’s most popular Fado restaurants, professional performers entertain you while you enjoy a three course, candlelit dinner of regional Portuguese cuisine and wine. A Fado dinner and show is an experience that you simply have to include when visiting Portugal.

Experience Lisbon’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém.

Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Accommodations

Arrive earlier.

Pre Night: H10 Casanova From $140 per night

H10 Casanova

Sh valencia palace, catalonia granada, barcelo seville renacimiento, h10 puerta de alcala, vila gale collection elvas, altis grand hotel.

Nights 11-13

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Home > Itineraries > 21 Day Iberia Tour

21 Day Best of Spain & Portugal itinerary

Expert guides, luxury vehicles, your 3 week tour of spain & portugal.

Welcome to our 21-day Best of Spain and Portugal itinerary, a journey through two of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries. From the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon to the charming villages of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, this tour offers an immersive and authentic experience that will take you to the heart of these incredible destinations.

Over the course of three weeks, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights and hidden gems of Spain and Portugal. You will visit world-renowned landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, as well as lesser-known treasures like the medieval town of Obidos.

Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through the history, culture, and traditions of Spain and Portugal, sharing their passion and expertise with you every step of the way. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we believe that this tour will offer something for everyone.

So come and join us on the Best of Spain and Portugal tour, and discover the magic of these two incredible countries for yourself. We can’t wait to show you everything that Spain and Portugal have to offer.

Highlights Include:

What’s included.

• Exclusive skip-the-line access to all major sites
• English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Private tours and luxury vehicles for transfers
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• 24-7 Emergency Help

Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, your private local driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel to check in and drop your baggage off.

You will have had a long flight, so for your first evening in Barcelona, we suggest taking a relaxed approach. Our team of tour planners could reserve tickets for a live music or dance performance, or we could provide our suggestions on how to best spend the evening sampling the local cuisine at one of Barcelona’s many excellent restaurants.

Stay overnight in Barcelona.

Day 2: Explore Barcelona

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks. Gaudi’s masterpiece features a unique and striking design that combines elements of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Spanish Catalan styles. The basilica is also famous for its intricate and detailed ornamentation, which includes sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass windows depicting religious scenes and symbols.

In addition to its architectural and artistic merits, the Sagrada Familia is also famous for its history and significance to the city of Barcelona. Construction of the basilica began in 1882, and it has been an ongoing project for over 130 years. It is a symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors each year.

With your private guide, you will enjoy skip-the-line access to the Cathedral to learn about the history and architecture of this incredible basilica and climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the city.

After the Sagrada Familia, head to the Gothic Quarter to explore the narrow streets and hidden squares of this historic neighborhood. Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Plaça del Rei, and stop for a coffee and a pastry at a local café.

Afternoon Touring Barcelona

In the afternoon, make your way to the Picasso Museum to see the largest collection of works by the famous Spanish artist. Spend some time admiring the paintings, drawings, and sculptures on display, and learn about the different periods of Picasso’s career.

After the museum, take a break for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Catalan dishes, such as paella or calçots.

In the evening, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Gracia to experience the lively atmosphere and local culture. Stroll through the streets, check out the independent shops and boutiques, and grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants.

To end your day, catch a performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a beautiful modernist concert hall with a rich history and impressive acoustics. You can choose from a variety of music and dance performances, ranging from classical to contemporary.

Stay overnight in Barcelona. 

Day 3: Excursion To Montserrat

Your private chauffeur will collect you from your hotel in the morning as you make the short 45-minute scenic drive to the Montserrat mountain range.

Montserrat’s ancient history dates back to Roman times when a temple was built to worship Venus. In 1987, the mountain was declared a Nature Park due to its unique geological characteristics. There are many hiking trails to explore, and the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is located at the top of the mountain. The abbey is home to 80 Benedictine monks and is an important religious retreat in Catalonia. It contains one of the few Black Madonna statues in Europe. If the timing is just right then your visit will coincide with a performance by The Escolania boys’ choir who often perform at the abbey. The Montserrat Museum offers a range of exhibits, from archaeology to paintings by Old Masters to modern art. 

On your day trip, we recommend that you:

Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

The abbey is an important cultural and spiritual site, and a must-see destination in Montserrat. It houses the Black Madonna, a famous statue of the Virgin Mary, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can attend a religious service, learn about the history of the abbey, or simply admire the architecture and art.

Hike to the top of the mountain or take the cable car

Montserrat is a popular destination for hikers, due to its beautiful landscapes and challenging trails. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and there are several routes to choose from depending on your fitness level and experience. Hiking to the top of Montserrat is a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Visit the Montserrat Museum

The Montserrat Museum is located in the abbey and offers a fascinating look at the history, art, and culture of the region. The museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, and paintings, and provides valuable insight into the cultural heritage of Montserrat. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the area.

Your private driver will return you to Barcelona for the evening.

Day 4: Barcelona To Valencia

The rail link between Barcelona to Valencia will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

After you have checked into your hotel and recharged sufficiently, your guide will meet you for an evening walking tour.

During this private guided walking tour of Valencia, you will discover the city’s most notable streets, squares, and monuments, including the City Hall square, Central Market, Lonja, Plaza Redonda, Palacio del Marquess de Dos Aguas, Plaza del Patriarca, Cathedral, and Plaza de la Virgen. Your guide will provide interesting information and insights about the history and significance of these places.

The Valencia Cathedral is a highlight of the tour and houses two spectacular treasures: beautiful Renaissance frescoes and the authentic Holy Chalice. Your guide will explain the history and significance of these treasures.

The tour also includes a stop for a sweet break to taste horchata, a typical vegetarian drink made from a local fruit called “chufa,” and fartons, sweet breadsticks. Your guide will explain how to taste these treats and their cultural significance.

Overnight stay in Valencia.

Day 5: Valencia Cooking Experience & Bicycle Tour

Valencia is the birthplace of Paella so what better way to spend the morning than joining a local chef for a private cooking experience where you will learn how to make this famous Spanish dish? 

During the class, you will work with the chef to prepare all the ingredients and cook the paella. You will learn about the history and origins of the dish, as well as the different regional variations and their distinctive flavors and ingredients.

The chef will provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment and will guide you step by step through the process of making the paella. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn new cooking techniques, and taste the different ingredients as you go.

Once the paella is ready, you will have the chance to sit down and enjoy the fruit of your labors, along with other traditional Spanish accompaniments such as sangria or wine. The chef will provide information about the different flavors and ingredients.

Afternoon Valencia Bike Tour

A Valencia bike tour is a fun and active way to explore the city and its sights. The tour typically begins at a central location, where you will be provided with a bike and any necessary equipment. The route typically takes you through the Turia Gardens, a lush and beautiful park that was created on the former riverbed of the Turia River. The gardens offer a peaceful and scenic environment for cycling and are a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

From the gardens, the tour will continue through the historic old quarter of Valencia, where you will have the chance to explore the narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings that make this area so special. Your guide will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the history and culture of the old quarter and will point out some of the most notable sights and landmarks.

The final destination of the tour is the City of Sciences and Arts, a futuristic complex that houses a range of science, technology, and cultural institutions. The complex is an architectural marvel and offers a fascinating contrast to the historic old quarter. You will have the opportunity to explore the different museums, galleries, and exhibitions on offer, and learn about the latest developments in science and technology.

Spend the night in Valencia.

Day 6: Valencia To Madrid

Relax in the comfort of a first-class carriage as you make the 1hr 45minute train journey from Valencia to Madrid.

After checking into your hotel in Madrid, your guide will meet you to begin an afternoon walking tour of the city to discover the history, culture, and sights of Madrid and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the capital of Spain.

The Villa and Court of Madrid is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a rich history and cultural heritage. On this private walking tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the oldest districts of the city with a knowledgeable guide. You will discover the legacy of centuries of history, starting from the Arab wall of the tenth century and passing through the monuments left by the Austrians and the Bourbons, including former hospitals, palaces, theaters, and narrow medieval streets.

Along the way, you will visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, and the elegant Plaza de Oriente. You will also have the opportunity to explore traditional shops and sample local delicacies.

In the evening enjoy a Flamenco show & dinner at Corral de la Moreria, one of the oldest and most prestigious Flamenco venues in Madrid.

The show typically begins with a dinner of traditional Spanish cuisine, such as paella, tapas, and sangria. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the local flavors and delicacies and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the venue.

After dinner, the main event begins: a performance by some of the best Flamenco dancers and musicians in Madrid. The show is a showcase of the different styles and forms of Flamenco, from the traditional to the contemporary. You will be able to see and hear the passion and intensity of the dancers and musicians and be swept away by the rhythm and energy of the music.

Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 7: Prado Museum & Royal Palace Private Tours

With skip-the-line access, you begin your guided tour by visiting the Prado museum’s main collection, which features some of the most famous and important works of art in the world. Some highlights to look out for include The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, and The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci.

After exploring the main collection, head to the museum’s special exhibitions, which showcase a range of temporary displays and installations. These exhibitions often focus on specific periods, styles, or themes, and offer a unique perspective on the museum’s collections.

Just a short walk from the Prado, your guide will take you to explore The Royal Palace, still to this day the official residence of the Royal Family in Madrid.

Begin your tour by exploring the palace’s exterior with your guide as they discuss the grand entrance, the beautiful gardens, and the surrounding Plaza de la Armería. Your guide will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the history and architecture of the palace and will point out some of the most notable features.

After the exterior, head inside the palace to explore the grand state rooms and halls. These include the throne room, the banqueting hall, the Hall of Mirrors, and many others. Each room is richly decorated with paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and other works of art, and provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Spanish monarchy.

Next, visit the Royal Armory, which is one of the largest and most impressive collections of armor and weapons in the world. The armory includes over 4,000 pieces, ranging from medieval armor to modern weapons, and provides a fascinating look at the history of warfare and military technology.

After the armory, visit the Royal Pharmacy, which is the oldest pharmacy in Spain. The pharmacy contains a collection of over 5,000 objects, including medicinal herbs, spices, and other ingredients used in the preparation of traditional remedies. The pharmacy is a unique and fascinating look at the history of medicine and health care in Spain.

Finally, visit the palace’s shop and café, where you can purchase souvenirs, grab a snack or a drink, and relax after a day of exploring the palace.

Return to your Madrid accommodation in the evening.

Day 8: Day Trip to Toledo

Meet your driver in the morning as you set off for the 1-hour transfer from Madrid to Toledo.

Begin your tour by visiting the Toledo Cathedral, which is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Spain. The cathedral is home to a stunning collection of art and artifacts, including paintings by El Greco, sculptures by Francisco de Pisa, and the famous Transparente altarpiece. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see destination in Toledo.

After the cathedral, visit the Toledo Synagogue, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved synagogues in Europe. The synagogue was built in the 13th century and is an important example of the cultural and religious diversity of Toledo during the Middle Ages. The synagogue is a beautiful and fascinating building and offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the city.

Next, visit the San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery, which is a beautiful and serene building that was founded in the 15th century. The monastery is an excellent example of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture and features a beautiful cloister, a museum, and a rich collection of art and artifacts. The monastery is a peaceful and contemplative space and offers a nice contrast to the bustling streets of Toledo.

After the monastery, visit the Museum of Santa Cruz, which is located in the former hospital of Santa Cruz. The museum is home to a collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 16th centuries, including works by El Greco, Pedro Berruguete, and other famous artists. The museum offers valuable insight into the art and culture of Toledo during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Finally, visit the Casa-Museo de El Greco, which is the former home of the famous painter El Greco. The house has been converted into a museum and contains a collection of El Greco’s paintings, sketches, and other personal belongings. The museum offers a fascinating look at the life and work of this important artist and provides a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Toledo.

Return to Madrid for the evening.

Day 9: Madrid - Granada

Today you will make the 3.5-hour train journey from Madrid to the magical city of Granada in Andalucia.

For your evening meal for your first night in Granada, we can organize a tasting menu with local delicacies in the Albaicín quarter. 

The Albaicín is a charming and historic neighborhood and offers stunning views of the city of Granada and the Alhambra Palace. During your meal, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best local flavors and ingredients and enjoy the magical views of the city.

Day 10: Private Guided Tour of The Alhambra Palace

Begin your private tour of the Alhambra by visiting the Court of Lions, which is one of the most famous and iconic spaces in the Alhambra. The Court of Lions is a large courtyard surrounded by arcades and columns and is named after the 12 marble lions that stand in the center of the courtyard. The courtyard is a beautiful and serene space and offers a glimpse into the elegance and refinement of the Alhambra.

After the Court of Lions, visit the Nasrid Palaces, which are the heart of the Alhambra. The Nasrid Palaces were the residence of the last Muslim rulers of Granada, and are a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. The palaces are richly decorated with geometric patterns, calligraphy, and intricate details, and offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Nasrid rulers.

Next, visit the Hall of the Abencerrajes, which is one of the most beautiful and ornate rooms in Alhambra. The hall is named after the legendary story of the Abencerrajes, a noble Muslim family who was betrayed and killed by their rivals in the hall. The hall is decorated with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and beautiful arches, and offers a striking example of the art and craftsmanship of the Nasrid period.

After the Hall of the Abencerrajes, visit the Comares Tower, which is the highest and most impressive tower in Alhambra. The tower offers panoramic views of the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for taking pictures and admiring the scenery. The tower is also home to the throne room of the Nasrid rulers, which is decorated with beautiful stucco and tile work.

Finally, visit the Palace of Charles V, which is a Renaissance building that was built within the walls of the Alhambra. The palace is a contrast to the Islamic architecture of the Nasrid palaces and is a beautiful example of Renaissance style and design. The palace is home to a museum, a library, and a collection of sculptures, and offers a unique and interesting perspective on the history and culture of the Alhambra.

Afternoon Ceramics Class

This afternoon activity offers a unique and immersive experience in Granada, with the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich tradition of ceramics. 

The ceramic tile painting class takes place in an artist’s studio on the slopes of the Alhambra and allows you to explore your creativity and learn about the techniques and designs of this art form. Your teacher is a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London and a local artist with many years of experience and will provide guidance and support throughout the class. 

At the end of the class, you will glaze your tiles, which will be fired in a kiln and delivered to your hotel or a forwarding address when ready. The class is suitable for all levels of artistic ability and is a great activity for adults and children alike.

Overnight in Granada.

Day 11: Granada - Cordoba

To reach Cordoba you will take the direct train from Granada which takes approx 1hr and 20 minutes.

Cordoba was the capital of the Roman Empire and the Umayyad Caliphate, and its historic legacy has been recognized by UNESCO, which has designated the Mosque-Cathedral and its surrounding streets and buildings as a World Heritage Site.

Start your tour at the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Córdoba’s most famous landmarks. This former mosque is a stunning example of Moorish architecture, with its lush courtyard gardens and impressive arches.

Next, make your way to the Judería, the old Jewish quarter of Córdoba. This charming neighborhood is filled with narrow streets, colorful houses, and beautiful courtyards. Be sure to visit the Synagogue, which dates back to the 14th century.

From the Judería, head to the Roman Bridge, which spans the Guadalquivir River. The bridge has been in use for over two thousand years and offers beautiful views of the city and the river.

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th-century castle that was once used by the Christian kings of Spain. The castle features beautiful gardens and is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

Finally, end your tour at the Plaza del Potro, a lively square in the heart of Córdoba. The square is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat and people-watch.

In the afternoon we have a horse riding tour planned for you:

Experience the rich history of Andalusia on horseback at La Hacienda la Albaida. Located in a unique setting for special events, this is the perfect destination for equestrian and cultural tourism. La Hacienda la Albaida is well-respected by horse enthusiasts, having hosted the Championships of Spain for Doma Vaquera and the International Horse Show from 2014 to 2016.

In the 16th century, King Philip II ordered the construction of the Royal Stables at La Hacienda la Albaida as a breeding ground for stallions. The horses were allowed to graze in the Royal Meadows, where they were raised and born. The breed of the Andalusian horse, or “Pura Raza Española,” owes much of its success to these ancestors.

Spend the night in Córdoba.

Day 12: Cordoba - Seville

Today you travel from Cordoba to Seville, the capital of Andalucia. We can provide a private vehicle and chauffeur for you which would take 1.5 hrs, or you may wish to travel by high-speed train, which would take 45 mins.

Join your private guide for a monumental walking tour of Seville, where you will visit two of the city’s most important landmarks: the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Your tour begins in the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, Seville’s old Jewish district, with its winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings.

The Alcázar of Seville is a beautiful palace complex in Seville, Spain, that is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. On a tour of the Alcázar, you will have the opportunity to explore the palace’s many rooms and gardens.

As you walk through the palace, you will see a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque. You will also see beautifully decorated rooms and courtyards, as well as intricate tile work and other decorative details.

In the gardens of the Alcázar, you will find peaceful paths and tranquil pools, as well as fountains, sculptures, and other beautiful features. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the palace.

Your next destination is the beautiful Seville Cathedra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is known for its impressive size and intricate details.

On a tour of the cathedral, you will have the opportunity to explore the interior and see its many impressive features. You will explore the cathedral’s towering columns and arches, as well as its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

One of the highlights of the cathedral is the main altar, which is made of wood and features intricate sculptures and decorations. The cathedral also has a number of chapels and side altars, each of which has its own unique features and artwork.

In addition to its beautiful interior, the Seville Cathedral is also known for its iconic La Giralda bell tower, which was once the minaret of the mosque that stood on the site before the cathedral was built. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Overnight in Seville.

Day 13: Private Cooking Class with Market Visit

Treat yourself to a culinary experience in Seville with a visit to a local market, a private cooking class, and a delicious lunch with views of the Seville Cathedral.

Your day begins with a visit to the market, where you will see a wide variety of fresh seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Your chef will guide you through the market and help you select the ingredients for your meal.

After the market, you will head to the cooking workshop, where you will learn how to prepare authentic Spanish dishes. Your chef will show you how to make each dish and provide tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results. You will have the chance to cook each dish yourself and enjoy a glass of sherry as you learn.

Once your dishes are ready, you will sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace, with views of the Seville Cathedral. You will have the opportunity to share a glass of wine with your chef and discuss the dishes you have prepared.

Overall, this cooking experience in Seville is a great way to learn about Spanish cuisine and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting.

Day 14: Day Trip to Ronda

Ronda is a beautiful city in Andalusia, Spain, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. 

Start your tour at the Puente Nuevo, the iconic bridge that spans the Tajo Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The bridge is a symbol of Ronda and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullfighting arena in Spain. The arena is an important part of Ronda’s history and culture, and visitors can learn about the history of bullfighting in Ronda and even attend a bullfight if they are interested.

Next, visit the Museo del Bandolero, a museum dedicated to the history of banditry in Ronda. The museum has a collection of artifacts and documents related to the banditry that was once prevalent in the region.

After the museum, make your way to the Arab Baths, a beautiful and well-preserved example of Moorish architecture in Ronda. The baths were once used for public bathing and are now open to the public as a museum.

In the afternoon, visit the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century. The church has a stunning interior and is a great example of Gothic architecture in Ronda.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the Palacio del Rey Moro, a beautiful palace that was once the home of the Moors who ruled Ronda. The palace has a beautiful courtyard and gardens and offers stunning views of the city.

Return to Seville to stay overnight.

Day 15: Seville - Lisbon

Make the short 1-hour flight from Seville to Lisbon in the morning.

Enjoy a half-day private tour of Lisbon with your driver at your disposal. Discover the city’s most exciting sights, including Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, and the Alfama Quarter. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral and the St. Anthony Church, and walk up to St. Georges Castle, passing by the Roman Theatre Ruins.

Next, continue on to the Belem area, passing by Trade Square, 24 de Julho Avenue, and the river Tagus. Take in the sights of the 25th April Bridge, the Christ King Monument, and Belem, with a stop at the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, visit the Belem Tower, another UNESCO site, and the Monument of the Discoveries.

Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 16: Sintra Day Trip

Join your private driver, who is at your disposal during your half-day tour to Sintra.

Enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of Sintra, a beautiful town at the foot of the mountain range of the same name. Not only have UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage site they even felt it necessary to create a special category for the purpose – that of “cultural landscape” – taking into account its natural riches as well as the historic buildings in the town and mountains.

Pena Palace

Start your tour at the Pena Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sintra. The palace features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Quinta da Regaleira

Next, visit the Quinta da Regaleira, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the occult. The Quinta da Regaleira is a 16th century renovated t in the early 20th century by a wealthy Brazilian businessman named Antonio Carvalho Monteiro, who was influenced by his interest in the occult and Portuguese mysticism.

The Quinta da Regaleira is known for its stunning architecture, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The property is also home to several unique features, including an underground network of tunnels, grottos, and wells, as well as a chapel, an observatory, and a palace.

Sintra National Palace

After exploring the Quinta da Regaleira, head to the Sintra National Palace, a beautiful palace that was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family. The palace was originally built in the middle of the 15th century by King John I of Portugal and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries.

The Sintra National Palace is known for its stunning Portuguese Gothic design. The palace is also home to a wealth of art and historical artifacts, including tapestries, paintings, and furniture. In addition, the palace’s gardens are a beautiful and peaceful space and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Castle of the Moors

In the afternoon, visit the Castle of the Moors, an ancient castle that stands on a hilltop overlooking the city and was constructed in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors, who ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula at the time.

The Castle of the Moors is known for its well-preserved walls, towers, and gates, which offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval military architecture. The castle is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and forests, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination. In addition, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Finally, before you return to Lisbon, end your tour of Sintra with a visit to the Convent of the Capuchos, a 16th-century convent that is known for its simple, austere architecture and beautiful gardens. The convent is a peaceful and tranquil place to end your tour of Sintra.

Day 17: Boat Tour & Fado Experience

Discover Lisbon from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the wonderful views from the Lisbon coast.

A sailboat tour along the river Tagus is a wonderful way to see some of the most beautiful and historic sights in Lisbon and its surrounding areas. The river flows through the heart of the city, and a sailboat tour allows you to experience the city from a unique perspective, with the wind in your hair and the water at your feet.

One of the top sights to see on a sailboat tour along the river Tagus is the Belem Tower. This iconic fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the city from naval attacks, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Jeronimos Monastery, which was built in the same period and is known for its beautiful Manueline architecture. Other sights to see along the river include the Monument to the Discoveries, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Christ the King statue.

Experience the magic of Portuguese culture with a Fado show & dinner

Fado is a traditional music style that originated in the 1840s around the neighborhoods of Lisbon, mainly from the Alfama and Mouraria districts. It is known for its haunting melodies and emotional lyrics. The origins of Fado are shrouded in mystery, with some attributing its origins to African or Arab influences, while others believe it is a unique product of Lisbon’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

After the performance, you will also be treated to a delicious dinner of fine Portuguese cuisine, all in the intimate setting of a traditional Fado venue. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Lisbon and to experience the emotional power of Fado music.

Day 18: Transfer from Lisbon to Porto, Including Obidos & Aveiro

After leaving Lisbon, the driver-guided tour would continue to the town of Obidos, where there are several sights to see and activities to enjoy. 

One of the top attractions in Obidos is the medieval castle and walls that surround the town. These well-preserved fortifications were built in the 13th century to defend the town from invaders, and today they offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Inside the castle walls, you can explore the narrow streets and colorful houses of the old town. You can also visit the Gothic Church of Santa Maria, which was built in the 14th century and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and stone carvings. 

Other sights to see in Obidos include the Town Hall Square, the Santa Clara Monastery, and the Obidos Museum. You can also try some of the town’s famous ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur that is a local specialty.

After leaving Obidos, the driver-guided tour would continue to the city of Aveiro, where there are several sights to see and activities to enjoy. One of the top attractions in Aveiro is the Museum of Aveiro, which is located in a beautiful 16th-century building. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the city, as well as its famous boat-building tradition.

After visiting the museum, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some of Aveiro’s delicious seafood. The city is known for its fresh fish and shellfish, and many restaurants offer traditional dishes such as caldeirada (seafood stew) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice). After lunch, you can take a walk along the canals of Aveiro, which are known as the “Portuguese Venice.” Here, you can see the colorful boats that are used for fishing and transportation, as well as the historic buildings that line the water.

Continue onto Porto where you will stay overnight.

Day 19: Porto Full-day Guided Walking Tour

Your guide will collect you from your accommodation as you prepare to see the best of the city on an epic full-day guided walking tour with skip-the-line access to all of Porto’s major attractions.

Guided Tour of Porto Cathedral

Firstly you will visit The Porto Cathedral, one of the most important historical landmarks in the city. Built-in the 12th century, this Romanesque church is known for its beautiful stone carvings and stained glass windows. Inside the cathedral, you can see the tombs of several important Portuguese figures, including King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Bishop Martinho of Braga, who is considered the patron saint of the city.

In addition to the tombs, the cathedral also features a Gothic cloister and the Treasury Museum, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and art. The cathedral also offers panoramic views over the city from its bell tower, which is open to the public.

The Clérigos Tower

After visiting the Porto Cathedral, the next stop on the full-day guided walking tour would be the Clérigos Tower. This tall baroque bell tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it offers panoramic views over Porto from its observation deck. The tower was built in the 18th century and is the tallest building in Porto, standing at 75 meters (246 feet) tall.

On a private tour of the Clérigos Tower, you can explore the inside of the tower and learn about its history and architecture. You can also climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the views over the city. From the observation deck, you can see many of Porto’s top sights, including the Porto Cathedral, the Ribeira neighborhood, and the Douro River.

Lello Bookstore

Your guide will then take you to the gorgeous Lello Bookstore. This beautiful art nouveau building is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting Porto. The bookstore was built in 1906 and features ornate decorations, stained glass windows, and a sweeping marble staircase.

On a tour of the Lello Bookstore, you can explore the interior of the building and admire its beautiful architecture. You can also browse the shelves and see the wide variety of books that are available for sale. The bookstore is particularly known for its collection of Portuguese literature, but it also has a wide range of books in other languages.

Ribeira District & Sao Francisco Church

This Gothic church is known for its beautiful golden altarpiece and its intricate wood carvings, which cover the walls and ceilings. The church was built in the 14th century and is an important example of Gothic architecture in Portugal.

Step outside and continue your tour into the Ribeira neighborhood, a historic riverside district that is known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. This charming neighborhood is a great place to stroll and explore, and it is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Evening Tour of Porto Wine Museum

A private tour of the Porto Wine Museum is a great way to learn about the history and production of port wine, one of the city’s most famous products. Located in the historic Ribeira neighborhood of Porto, the museum offers a fascinating look at the centuries-old tradition of making port wine in the Douro Valley.

One of the best things about a private tour of the Porto Wine Museum is that you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you like exploring the exhibits. You will have the undivided attention of your tour guide, who will be able to answer any questions you have and provide more in-depth information about the history and production of port wine.

Another advantage of a private tour is that you can tailor the itinerary to your own interests. If you are particularly interested in the history of port wine, your tour guide can focus on that aspect of the museum. If you are more interested in the production process, your tour guide can take you to see the barrels and tanks where the wine is aged and bottled.

Stay overnight in Porto.

Day 20: Full-day excursion to Douro Valley

The first section of the itinerary focuses on the Pinhão Wine Region, which is known for producing some of the finest Port wines in the world. The region is characterized by its rolling hills and terraced vineyards, which have been carefully cultivated for centuries.

Upon arrival in the Pinhão Wine Region, visitors will have the opportunity to visit a local winery and learn about the history and production of Port wine. They will be able to taste a variety of Port wines, from young ruby and tawny styles to the more mature and complex vintage and colheita wines. Additionally, they will be able to sample local delicacies such as cheeses, chocolates, and dried fruits that are traditionally paired with Port wine. After the tasting, visitors can explore the picturesque vineyards and quaint villages of the Pinhão region, taking in the stunning views and getting a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The second section of todays itinerary involves a boat cruise on the Douro River. Guests will board the boat for a scenic cruise down the Douro River. As they make their way towards the mouth of the River Tua, they will be able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley, including its terraced vineyards, rugged hillsides, and picturesque villages.

Along the way, the boat will stop at a traditional riverside tavern where visitors can sample more of the region’s famous wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. They will have the opportunity to try some of the local specialties, such as roast pork with roasted potatoes or grilled trout with onions and peppers. As they savor their meal and drink in the beautiful views of the Douro Valley, they will have a chance to relax and unwind, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the river and the surrounding countryside.

The third and final section of the itinerary involves a session with a local winemaker. After the boat cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to meet with a winemaker and learn about the art and science of winemaking. The winemaker will give them a tour of the winery, showing them the process of grape harvesting, crushing, fermentation, and aging.

During the tour, visitors will have the chance to see the various stages of winemaking and learn about the different techniques and methods used to produce the region’s famous wines. After the tour, the winemaker will lead a guided tasting of the winery’s wines, teaching visitors how to properly evaluate and appreciate them. They will learn about the different aromas and flavors of the wines, as well as how to pair them with different foods. By the end of the session, visitors will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the wines of the Douro Valley.

Stay overnight in the Duoro Valley.

Day 21: Transfer To The Airport

From the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon to the charming villages of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, we have taken you on a journey through two of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries. Along the way, you have had the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, as well as lesser-known gems like the Roman ruins of Merida and the medieval town of Obidos.

As your private driver drops you off at the airport, we hope that you will take with you many wonderful memories of your time on the Best of Spain and Portugal tour!

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Contact Us About A 21 Day Best of Spain & Portugal Tour

We believe that this 21-day Best of Spain and Portugal tour is a fantastic way to see the best of both of these incredible countries. From bustling cities to the peaceful countryside, this tour offers a diverse and immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

We like to personalize every tour we provide, however, so If you would like us to create a bespoke version for you, we would be happy to do so on a completely complimentary basis. Simply let us know your preferences and we will work with you to design a tailor-made tour that meets your individual needs and interests.

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you climb from seaside Marbella to cliff-top Ronda, and into the Sierra Nevada mountains to Moorish Granada for a visit to the Alhambra – one of the world's finest examples of Moorish architecture – accompanied by a local guide

Take in the days of wine and rabelo boats in Porto, when you board a private boat for a Douro River cruise, followed by a tasting lunch in a historic port house

Visit one of the world's most beautiful art museums on a guided tour of Museo Nacional del Prado, steps from your hotel in the Art Triangle of Madrid

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

A horse-and-carriage ride presents a different view of romantic Seville, and a walking tour with a local guide shares insights about daily life

Feel the passion of flamenco when dancers perform their version of Andalucían folkloric traditions during a private performance in Granada

Experience a taste of royal life in Sintra when you visit the former hilltop summer palace of Portugal's monarchs

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Iberia... rediscovered, on a journey unlike any other that explores scenic and cultural contrasts of Spain and Portugal, sharing the Iberian Peninsula for centuries.

Seville by horse-drawn carriage, explore seville by horse-drawn carriage....

Experience a panorama of sights in Seville in a manner befitting the city's historic ambiance – via horse-drawn carriage – as you ride through Maria Luisa Park, the city's largest, which was created for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Converted from what were once the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo, the park is essentially a botanical garden crisscrossed by grand boulevards and accented with Moorish-styled pavilions, tiled fountains, ponds, several museums and many monuments and sculptures. You're in for a delightful carriage ride through a truly beautiful place.

Gran Melía Don Pepe

Five-star luxury on the marbella beachfront.

Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, at the foot of the privileged natural enclave of Sierra Blanca, the Gran Meliá Don Pepe combines timeless luxury with an avant-garde flair. With its excellent access to the city center, its fabulous views on the Paseo Marítimo seafront promenade, its luxurious and comfortable facilities and the quality of its service, it's the very best option for discovering all that Marbella has to offer.

Foods of the Iberian Peninsula

Every city was a little jewel on our itinerary of culture, history, food, music, geography and inspiration..

Randy Morin

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Intercontinental porto – palacio das cardosas.

Porto, Portugal

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

Hotel Alfonso XIII

Seville, Spain

Gran Meliá Don Pepe

Marbella, Spain

Nights 9-10

Hotel Alhambra Palace

Granada, Spain

Nights 11-13

The Westin Palace, Madrid

Madrid, Spain

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). You are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom (for Gibraltar) to determine what travel documentation is required.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited on this tour to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

The tour is fast paced. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Spain and Portugal are home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many dating from ancient or medieval times. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture may present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. We conduct walking tours in most of the cities visited.

Many of the hotels do not provide for disabled access. Although all the hotels on this itinerary have elevators, many of the sites visited do not. Airports and train stations provide limited access to elevators. Many of the museums will have elevators; however, they are not always conveniently located for your use. Further, ramps are not commonly found in public venues.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of Porto in spring and summer temperatures range from 50-80° F (10-25° C) and above, and most days are sunny. The climate of Southern Spain & Madrid is sunny and dry, and warm for much of the year. Summer days can be extremely hot, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, but evenings and nights cool down considerably.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Spain and Portugal are generally warm and dry from April through September. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not usually available, so guests may have to give their garment to the hotel to be ironed for a fee. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Spain and Portugal:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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The one that's 19 days of in-depth exploration in Spain & Portugal

19 days, 2 countries

Accommodation

17 nights in Hotels, 1 night in Special Stay

18 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

Maximum 51 people

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Want to truly get to know Spain & Portugal? On this 19-day trip we'll immerse ourselves in everything Iberian, from feasts on Seville's rooftops to tasting port in Porto, to uncovering Moorish architecture in Córdoba & Granada, exploring charming pastel palaces at Sintra, feasting on fresh seafood in Lisbon and stumbling across UNESCO World Heritage sites around seemingly every corner. Hitting up all the iconic cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Lisbon & Porto - a maze of culture, food & colourful experiences awaits.

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General FAQs

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What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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Your Perfect Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 10 to 14 Days

February 1, 2023

Welcome to the complete Spain and Portugal itinerary planner. Enjoy the best of the Iberian peninsula and get ready for your next trip.

Table of Contents

Planning Your Trip Through Spain and Portugal

Many describe Spain and Portugal as some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. And what’s not to like about them? They have gorgeous beaches, centuries-old buildings, delicious food, and a mild climate that attracts tourists even in the winter.

Best of all, they sit next to each other, so you can easily create an amazing Spain and Portugal itinerary and see all the best places in one trip.

I lived in Spain for years and frequently crossed the border into Portugal. But I know that it can seem overwhelming when you’re sitting down to plan out an itinerary for the first time.

So, if you are not sure where to start, here’s a complete guide, including the best cities to visit, top hotels and restaurants, as well as some ideas for day trips in case you have extra time. Follow it as it is or adapt it to your budget and interests and have a fabulous time!

Disclosure: if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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• Save on mobile phone roaming charges with an eSIM from Airalo .

How Many Days Do You Need for a Spain & Portugal Trip?

There’s so much to see in Spain and Portugal that you’ll probably need months or even years to explore everything. However, you can see the main cities and taste a bit of the local culture in about 14 days. Some people race through both countries in seven days but that is a push and you will feel rushed. Spending around 10 days in Spain and Portugal is a decent amount of time but you will still be moving pretty quickly.

How to Tour Spain & Portugal

All the big towns in Spain and Portugal are connected through direct flights that are shorter than 1 hour and 30 minutes, so if you want to travel fast, it might be worth adding in some flights. You can find some tips to get cheaper plane tickets here.

However, flights bring problems, from having to turn up early to possibly losing your luggage to missing out on all the landscapes and smaller places between the big cities. Plus, the costs (and time) adds up travelling out and back to airports all the time.

Instead, I’d recommend looking at some of the sleek, fast trains and hiring a car in a few places for a great Iberian road trip.

Top Tip: Don’t forget about travel insurance . When you are visiting so many cities in a row, the chances of losing your luggage or experiencing a delay increase.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain & Portugal?

The summer months are extremely hot in Spain and Portugal, so it can be uncomfortable to hop from one city to another at 40 degrees Celsius (or higher in Seville.) Having said that, there are plenty of things to be enjoyed during a summer in Spain .

It is better to visit in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is still warm, the crowds are smaller, and the hotel prices are that bit lower.

Or, you could be unusual and see what it’s like to visit Spain in winter.

Your 14-Day Spain & Portugal Itinerary

This itinerary starts in Madrid, continues to two big cities in Portugal, and returns to Spain for more splendid destinations full of history and colour.

Madrid – 3 Days

The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a beautiful city, combining the charm of the old streets and churches with a more modern architectural vision. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings.

What to Visit in Madrid

One of the best ways to discover the main attractions in Madrid is to take a tour with a local guide. But you can also visit everything on your own if you are organised. We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car.

Puerta del Sol

As soon as you arrive, head to the city centre to discover one of its most famous sites. Puerta del Sol is the square where all major streets meet. Check out the famous clock that’s the centre of attention on New Year’s Eve, when locals and tourists gather in the square to celebrate.

Plaza Mayor

Grab a coffee or have a bite to eat in Plaza Mayor, a magnificent square in the centre of Habsburg Madrid. This is the oldest part of the city, thronging with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and street artists and musicians.

Mercado de San Miguel

Tasty and well-heeled, this much loved madrileño market sells fresh produce and tasty snacks, everything from pastry to charcuterie, Venezuelan corn, and vermouth.

The Palacio Real de Madrid

The Royal Palace in Madrid was inspired by Bernini’s sketches for the Louvre, rejected in France but put to good work in Spain, where this architectural jewel was built. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. Take the Royal Chemist’s room filled with natural medicine cabinets, for example (you can check out the prescriptions the medics wrote to the members of the royal family.) Or the Royal Chapel, home to a magnificent collection of string instruments made by Antonio Stradivarius.

Catedral de la Almudena

Step out of the Royal Palace and enter the grand Catedral del la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. It is the most important cathedral in Madrid and houses a museum with objects related to the life of the local patron saints. If you’ve got a good pair of lungs, climb the stairs to the dome for a splendid view of the city.

Prado Museum

A huge art hub, the Prado houses over 8,600 paintings, so whatever you do, don’t plan on seeing them all. I would highly recommend booking a guide to help you understand and focus. Alternatively, Prado’s website suggests three itineraries that can help you find your way. Do not miss the highlights: the galleries dedicated to El Greco and the extended Goya collection.

El Retiro Park

In the afternoon, stroll around this huge park, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes a large number of gardens and monuments spread across 125 hectares.

Snap a picture of the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil, the Fallen Angel, which sits at 666 meters above sea level, and check out the rare plants in the botanical garden. There’s also a puppet theatre that still holds shows, great for kids and adults.

Find out more fun facts about Madrid here.

Where to Stay in Madrid

Pick a hotel close to the centre to access the main attractions on foot. The Centro and La Latina areas are close to everything, including tapas bars and restaurants, and it’s easy to find a good stay here. You can also stay in Lavapiés or Huertas for a more colourful and bohemian atmosphere.

SLEEP’N Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended.

Where to Eat in Madrid

La Latina is the best area for eating in Madrid, especially when you only have a few days. Check out Casa Lucas to try their famous black cannelloni, or take a seat at La Perjila for a plate of delicious tapas. If you fancy a steak, don’t miss Casa Lucio – it’s been sizzling since 1974.

Day Trips from Madrid

Dedicate one of the days when you’re based in Madrid to one of the nearby towns or villages for a taste of how life is outside the capital. We suggest Salamanca or Toledo.

A university city located 214 km from Madrid, Salamanca has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list due to its splendid cathedral, the Monterrey Palace, and huge Plaza Mayor.

Only 73 km from Madrid, Toledo is the former capital and something of a museum city reflecting the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian heritage of the people who built it. You can visit the Cristo de la Luz Mosque, El Transito Synagogue, and the Toledo Cathedral to see how cultures crossed in this city that attracted Goya and Picasso.

Getting from Madrid to Porto

• Plane: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Train: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Car: 5 hours 50 minutes

Porto – 2 Days

Cross the border and stop in Porto, a magically romantic city famous for its harbour and wines. See also our fun guide on unusual things to do in Porto.

Top Attractions in Porto

You only have one day to explore the city, if you choose to do a day trip on the next one, so you will need to concentrate on the big attractions only.

Livraria Lello

Book lovers will be delighted to discover the impressive number of novels, poetry books, scientific and historic treatises and so on, all gathered in what seems to be a reader’s paradise. But even those who haven’t read a book in a while shouldn’t miss this place for its exquisite neo-gothic façade and stunning interior. It’s said to have inspired Harry Potter.

Igreja do Carmo

The next stop on your 2-day Porto itinerary, Igreja do Carmo, consists of two buildings connected through a very small home. It used to be a convent, with one building housing the nuns and the other the monks of the Carmelite Order in Porto. The narrow house between them was built to help preserve the chastity of the nuns and the monks’ vow of celibacy. Today, it’s a museum.

Check out the ‘azulejos’ on the exterior of Igreja do Carmo, which are hand-painted blue and white tiles specific to the area.

Sao Bento Train Station

A masterpiece of azulejo art, the palace-like Sao Bento Train Station unravels its imposing façade just a few steps from the Cathedral of Porto. Inspired by the “Beaux-Arts” style, it has a large vestibule covered in almost 20,000 tiles that depict scenes of daily life in Northern Portugal. The grandeur of the vestibule, along with its large glass ceiling, is simply fascinating. And you’ll see plenty of people hanging out here, trying to get that instagram shot.

Chapel of Souls

Probably the most photogenic building in Porto, the Chapel of Souls sits in the middle of the main shopping street. You will immediately recognise its impressive exterior covered in the popular blue and white azulejos depicting different religious episodes like the death of Saint Francis of Assisi or the martyrdom of Saint Catherine.

Porto Cathedral

The Sé do Porto is the oldest cathedral in the city, built in the 12th century and expanded over the centuries. It combines the Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic influences and is designed more like a fortress with massive walls. Spend a moment of peace in its beautiful forecourt and then head inside to admire its baroque interior. The star is the Baroque loggia, lovely decorated with azulejos.

Ribeira Promenade

Spend the evening in the dreamy Ribeira neighbourhood, discovering the historic centre and admiring the sunset from the Dom Louis I Bridge which connects the two banks of the Douro River. This area of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And a beautiful one it is too.

Where to Stay in Porto

The Centro-Baixa and Ribeira are the best areas to stay in Porto due to their proximity to the main attractions. The PortoBay Flores is a popular hotel for its luxurious rooms and great service, but if you are looking for mid-range accommodation, Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Aliados offers everything you need at an excellent price.

Where to Eat in Porto

Porto is famous for its tapas, fish, meats, pastel de nata, and wine. Stop by A Bolina for a nice glass of wine over a plate of tapas, and visit O Caseirinho if you want to try an authentic Portuguese fish-based dish. For the best pastel de nata, Confeitaria do Bolhão is your place.

Day Trip from Porto: Douro River Cruise

On your second day in Porto, cruise along the Douro River and visit the Douro Valley, the region famous for producing grapes for the Porto wine. The river cruises start at Porto’s Ribeira pier and can last from a few hours to a whole day.

Porto to Lisbon

• Plane: 55 minutes (plus airport time)
• Train: 3 hours 23 minutes
• Car: 3 hours 10 minutes

Lisbon – 3 Days

A 3-day Lisbon itinerary is the right amount of time to explore the city itself and take a road trip to one of the nearby cities. But if you have less time, you can skip Sintra or Cascais and head directly to Seville.

What to Visit in Lisbon

Lisbon is an acquired taste. Her joy lies in the tumbling ruins and steep streets, her shareable food and her people far more than her checklist of sights. So, don’t rush your first day in the city. Instead, try to connect to the general vibe.

São Jorge Castle

Dating back to the 5th century, this huge castle sits on the summit of São Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon. It will take several hours to see it all, along with the small museum inside, so try to be there early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Climb to the top of the fortress for a magnificent view of the city.

Next to São Jorge Castle, you will find the Alfama district with its massive cathedral, the St. Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. Stop by the Lisbon Cathedral to see where St Anthony was baptised. And, if you are a literature lover, don’t miss Casa dos Bicos, where you will find an exhibition space dedicated to Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramago.

Santa Justa Lift

Step on this historic lift, which takes you from the Baixa neighbourhood to Bairro Alto. It has a wonderful observation deck that reveals the views over Baixa.

Chiado and Bairro Alto

Stroll around these picturesque neighbourhoods. Chiado is elegant and bohemian, with gorgeous cafes and theatres, whilst Bairro Alto is famous for its great fado restaurants and graffiti art.

Parque das Nações

If you still have time, spend the rest of the day at this modern park, which manages to include an oceanarium with over 25,000 sea creatures, the Vasco da Gama bridge and tower, the Lisbon Casino, and the Vasco da Gama Centre, a huge mall with stores and spaces for entertainment. Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion.

Day 2 – Belem

On your second day in Lisbon, leave the city centre and visit the Belem district at the mouth of the river Tagus. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. Visit the Jeronimo Monastery (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Belem Tower and stop at the Pastéis de Belém, the place where the delicious Portuguese egg tarts were invented.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Baixa is the most popular neighbourhood in the city, with lots of accommodation options. But the Rossio, Chiado and Cais do Sodre are close to the biggest attractions as well. If you want a 5-star hotel, book a room at the Avenida Palace, or go for Hotel Santa Justa for something more mid-range.

• Look at our guide on the best places to stay in Lisbon here.

Where to Eat in Lisbon

The food in Lisbon is simply divine, and there are plenty of restaurants cooking it to perfection. Choose Invicta if you crave fish or langoustines plucked fresh from the ocean.

Food writers say that the best octopus in town is served at Frade dos Mares, and Floresta Das Escadinhas is genius when it comes to ribs.

For more about what to eat in Lisbon, check out our Lisbon food guide here.

Day Trips from Lisbon

If you can spare one more day, take a short trip to the nearby spots of Sintra or Cascais. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus, although you can manage a train and bus combination to Sintra, if you don’ t mind a steep climb at the end.

Sintra is a sight to behold, full of colourful whimsy, history and heritage. UNESCO World Heritage. Visit Vila Palace, the former summer resort of the Portuguese kings, and then stop at the glorious Pena Palace which overlooks the town from its hill.

Even if you don’t have much time, you can pay a quick visit to the fishing village of Cascais, which is only half an hour from Lisbon. Lots of shops and restaurants and sunny beaches make this place worth visiting. It is also famous for its fresh fish and shellfish, so you are in for a feast.

Lisbon to Seville

• Train: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Car: 4 hours 25 minutes

Seville – 2 Days

Cross the border again, this time to discover Southern Spain, where sun-kissed beaches and century-old buildings are only two of the best things to explore.

Seville Tourist Attractions

Seville cathedral and la giralda.

All visits to Seville find themselves in front of the Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, or simply the Seville Cathedral. Only by St Paul’s Cathedral in London and St Peter’s Basilica in Rome surpasses this monumental building in size.

The main point of focus is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, but the collection of gold and jewellery is something to behold.

The main cathedral tower is the landmark of the city and nicknamed La Giralda. The geometric patterns give away its youth: it was first part of a mosque which once stood upon this land.

Real Alcázar of Seville

Next on, the Royal Alcázar of Seville is a spectacular palace with a lush garden and sumptuous decorations. It was here that Columbus applied for funding for his voyage to “India” and here, too, where the Game of Thrones filmed their palace in the Kingdom of Dorne. Today, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although for the former rather than latter fact, I believe.

Barrio Santa Cruz

Leave the grand buildings behind and wander through Seville’s most tight-streeted neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter in the city. Step by the Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla to learn more about their tragic history. And elsewhere, enjoy the bodegas and boutique shops which have sprung up around this lively part of the city.

Casa del Pilatos

The second most beautiful palace in Sevilla, Casa del Pilatos, was inspired by Pontius Pilate’s house in Jerusalem. It combines the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Mudéjar styles in an architectural masterpiece decorated with marble columns, azulejos, and flowers. Spend some time in the garden before ending the day on the Guadalquivir River waterfront.

Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park

On the next day, visit Maria Luisa Park, which displays a spectacular collection of Mediterranean trees and plants. It is an oasis of peace in the middle of the town, providing a sweet relief for locals and tourists alike during the summer.

Next to the park, you will find the Plaza de España, a grand affair built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition.

Museum of Fine Arts

Probably the second most important museum in Spain after the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville sits in an old monastery building. The façade of the building, as well as the interior, is exquisite, and the collections are not something to miss. Here’s a taste: El Greco, Velásquez, Zurbarán, and Murillo.

Where to Stay in Seville

As in most cities, the city centre is the best place to stay, and you have some fabulous hotels here that seem to be the smaller copies of the palaces in town – the Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta and the Hotel Gravina51, for example. For a picturesque view and more affordable prices, you can book a room in Barrio Santa Cruz – we recommend H10 Casa de la Plata.

Where to Eat in Seville

Sevilla is home to lots of upscale restaurants where you can try divine dishes in a gorgeous venue, often decorated with plants and small trees. Ispal Restaurante is one of the most popular places in town, and you will have a lovely time here, but if you want a royal experience, try the Michelin-starred Restaurante Az-Zait.

• Check out our guide to the best tapas bars in Seville.

Day Trips from Seville

Andalusia, the region around Seville, deserves a road trip of its own. And that’s why we wrote one here. However, if you don’t have time for that, you can arrange for some absolutely spectacular day trips to three of the south’s big hitters: Cordoba, Granada, or Malaga.

The Mezquita in Cordoba is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Cordoba itself is a fragrant, picturesque Andalusian town. It’s the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. But it’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mezquita, a mosque turned into cathedral, which will linger in your memory for decades to come.

At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the wonderful city of Granada. It’s lively, it’s pretty, it’s fun. And it’s the closest city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, a masterpiece of a Moorish palace and a symbol of defeat and despair. See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman…

Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. It’s not all about the beach (although it can be if you want it to be.)

Malaga is also the birthplace of Picasso, with a museum dedicated to the artist, and an extremely lively town offering tapas and nightlife galore.

Seville to Barcelona

• Plane: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Train: 5 hours 54 minutes
• Car: 9 hours 15 minutes

Barcelona – 3 Days

The last stop on your Spain-Portugal trip, Barcelona is the heart of the autonomous region of Catalunya, and a popular spot, receiving over 8 million visitors each year.

Barcelona Tourist Attractions

Sagrada familia.

The most iconic building in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia, is still under construction. And it has been since 1882.

It is the work of the famous Antonio Gaudi, and like no religious building you’ve ever seen. The best way to visit the basilica is to take a walking tour with a local guide who will give you more information on Gaudi’s vision and the history of the place. Also, book in advance, as tickets to the Sagrada Familia quickly become sold out.

Sant Pau Recinte Modernista

This complex was built at the beginning of the 19th century to serve as a garden city for nursing the sick. It is an exceptional architectural ensemble built in the Art-Nouveau style and declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. A visit here will take you through the history of medicine in Barcelona whilst you admire an outstanding architectural piece.

Barcelona and Gaudi are two inseparable entities. Barcelona left its mark on Gaudi, and Gaudi left his mark on the city. And Park Guell is a prime example. Spend a few hours in this park, considered one of the most iconic Modernist works in the world, and visit the Gaudi House and Museum to learn more about the most loved architect of Barcelona.

A temple for football worshipers, Camp Nou is the mythical stadium of the beloved FC Barcelona. You can take a tour of the stadium and then visit the museum inside. It is the best place to buy yourself a nice FC Barcelona souvenir.

If you are not a big football fan, you can skip Camp Nou and head to Tibidado, a 520-meter mountain. Besides the dramatic views, it is a place of fun, housing an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster.

Casa Batlló

Start your second day in Barcelona at Casa Batlló, another famous Gaudi masterpiece built between 1904 and 1906. Admire the colourful façade and step in to visit the former residence of the Batlló family bathed in light.

Also known as Casa Milà, La Pedrera got its name from its rocky exterior. At the time, the neighbours found this quite unusual, if not downright ugly. When it was built, it completely broke with the conventions of the time. And, yes, it is another fine piece of work from Gaudi.

Montjuic and the Magic Fountain

For an impressive show with music and lights, visit the magic fountain of Montjic in the evening. It usually plays classical music, and is a great place to relax.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

The best neighbourhoods to book a room in Barcelona are Barri Gòtic, La Rambla, and El Raval since they are close to the centre. For a luxurious experience, you can stay at the Serras Barcelona or Seventy Barcelona.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Bodega Biarritz 1881 has a long history of serving delicious tapas and local dishes, so it’s worth visiting. We also recommend L’Antic Bocoi del Gotic if you want to try a Barcelona fish speciality.

Day Trips from Barcelona

On one of your three days in Barcelona, visit Costa Brava or Sitges for a more small-town vibe.

Costa Brava

Barcelona has a wonderful beach, but Costs Brava is an entire coast of beaches, with inland mountains, volcanic craters and more. You can spend a full day driving around the coast, stopping to visit the medieval city of Girona, zipping off to Michelin starred museums and taking in the surreal nature of the Dali Museum.

At only 39 km from Barcelona, this town is fully surrounded by nature and has a charming historic quarter. It is once again a beach destination that attracts sun worshippers every year. It has an overall bohemian vibe and used to be a meeting point for poets and artists at the end of the 19th century.

More Ideas for Your Spain and Portugal Itinerary

As you can see, this Portugal and Spain itinerary takes in a lot in two weeks. But it also misses a lot out.

There are so many more wonderful road trips through Spain to take. So many more city breaks to enjoy.

In the north, you can visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and discover the religious (and foodie) heritage of San Sebastian. A road trip through Asturias reveals magical mountains and delicious food, and the coast of Galicia can keep you entertained as well.

In the south, you can spend one or two weeks driving around Andalusia in southern Spain or spend a week roaming through the Algarve or walking the overlooked Costa Vicente in Portugal.

More Travel Articles about Spain

• The Spain quiz for curious people
• 49 Interesting facts about Spain
• Spain in one week: an itinerary for your first time in Spain
• How to plan a road trip through Andalucia
• Galicia: how to travel through the salty north of Spain
• The best road trips in Spain
• How to spend a summer in Spain

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Step Back in Time During a 9-Day Spain and Portugal Guided Tour including Ancient Sites

From walking the cobblestone streets of a former Roman colony to tasting a decadent 'Pastel de Nata' tart made from a 200-year-old secret recipe, this 9-day guided tour allows you to embrace the best of old-world Spain and Portugal. Listen as metal sizzles in a master artisan’s hands as he teaches you the craft of Damascene. In Granada, wander the fragrant and arabesque gardens of the Alhambra Palace. Learn the art of flamenco dancing, stomping your feet to the sounds of an acoustic guitar, in a private lesson with professionals in Seville. Then, cross the Portuguese border to scale a 16th-century fortress in Lisbon and visit Fátima, Portugal's most holy site. Finally, raise a glass and say ¡salud! to these ancient wonders during a celebration feast in Madrid.

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14 Day Spain and Portugal Tour from Madrid to Barcelona

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Don’t miss a thing on this most exhilarating of Spain and Portugal trips, filled with the flavours of sangria and port shared with locals, life-changing pilgrimages and the legacy of the Romans, Moors, Iberian royalty and a ‘Spanish Pope’ who built a ‘City in the Sea’.

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Explore Toledo, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon, Seville and Barcelona with a Local Specialist

Discover Segovia, Zamora and Valencia

Visit Santo Tomé and the synagogue in Toledo, the cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela, the Stock Exchange Palace and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, Seville Cathedral, the Alhambra Palace in Granada

View the Roman Aqueduct and Alcazar in Segovia, the cathedral in Zamora, the Belém Tower in Lisbon, the Giralda Bell Tower in Seville, the cave homes of Guadix, the Serrano and Quart Towers and the city of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, La Sagrada Família in Barcelona and the Shrine at Fátima

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The 23 Best Places to Go in Spain and Portugal in 2023

By Redacción Condé Nast Traveler

The start of a new year offers an opportunity to draw up lists of resolutions, and in our case, that means deciding which destinations around the world we want to explore. As the editors of Condé Nast Traveller Spain , we have collectively created another list: 23 places that we want to visit, and revisit, that are close to home – in Spain and Portugal too.

At the same time, the editors of all of the Condé Nast Traveller editions around the world have been discussing, debating, and defending their choices in order to create a collective list of the top 23 places to visit around the world in 2023. We are happy that two of our picks – a Spanish province and a town in the Alentejo region of Portugal – made the global list. We also hope the double honour for these two destinations will serve as a recognition of their new cultural, gastronomic, and hospitality offerings as well as encourage readers to go visit and see them in person.

Before you read further, you might want to grab a pen and a calendar as you begin to plan a year full of travel. And don’t forget to visit our global list of international destinations to visit next year –  the best places to travel in 2023 , vetted by  Condé Nast Traveller editors, plus ideas for  places to travel in the UK ,  places to go in the USA and  destinations to book in India .

Tenerife, Canary Islands

“In whatever month you visit Tenerife, it is always warm during the day and chilly at night,” our contributor Raque Sanchez wrote in a love letter to the island that expressed sentiments we agree with 100 per cent. The largest of the Canary Islands is a good place to visit, in any and every season. While you are there you can take a dip in the Atlantic, gaze at the stars from the summit of Mount Teide (with an elevation of 12,198 feet, it’s the highest point in Spain), explore little towns, and wander along the island’s many beaches, some rocky and some sandy. Tenerife’s varied landscape includes forests, deserts, valleys, and ravines and the Anaga Rural Park is a highlight. There are also two UNESCO World Heritage sites : the Teide National Park and the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna.

An added plus is that the island has a remarkably rich and diverse choice of hotels. Among the award-winning properties are the  Hotel Botánico & The Oriental Spa Garden ,  Baobab Suites ,  The Ritz-Carlton Abama ,  H10 Atlantic Sunset ,  Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora , and  Bahía del Duque . On the island’s north coast,  BeTenerife offers an excellent selection of private villas for two or four guests.

It is also one of the best destinations in Europe for cycling enthusiasts, has long been a pioneer in sustainability (it has been recognised as a Biosphere Sustainable Destination), and is decidedly LGBTQ+ friendly, with an annual  Culture & Business Pride festival in June. Looking towards the future, the island’s Artificial Intelligence Tourism Master Plan is the first of its kind to be approved in Spain, and Tenerife aspires to become an Intelligent Tourism Destination – a distinction promoted by Spain’s tourism ministry to recognise destinations with innovative technological infrastructure that have demonstrated their commitments to sustainability, accessibility, and improving the quality of life of residents.

Tenerife also sparkles with Michelin stars. Among the restaurants enjoying that distinction are  M.B and  Kabuki (at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama),  Nub , and  El Rincón de Juan Carlos . Other  highlights of the island’s dining scene include  Kensei (at the Bahía del Duque hotel),  Kiki ,  San Hô , and  Melvin by Martín Berasategui , at the Terrazas de Abama Suites, where chef Sergio Fuentes helms the kitchen. You’ll also want to visit some of the island’s traditional beach bars including Punta de Hidalgo’s  La Cofradía , known for its limpets and shrimp;  Chiringuito Pirata , on La Tejita beach, where octopus is the signature dish; and  Bollullo , on the beach of the same name, where you’ll want order the cuttlefish. Clara Laguna

Zamora, Castilla y León

Even many Spaniards are unaware of one of Zamora’s claims to fame: it is the European city with the greatest number of Romanesque buildings. Its sights in that style include 24 churches, a cathedral, a castle, a bridge, two palaces, nine manor houses, and the defensive walls that encircle the city. It is not surprising that the city is seen as a likely contender to be recognised by UNESCO in 2023. The city’s proximity to Madrid – less than an hour on the new high-speed AVE train – makes it an even more appealing and convenient destination.  

Zamora offers more, however, than just its Romanesque buildings. It also has an enormous legacy of modernista structures from the late 19 th and early 20 th centuries, the Duero River winds its way through the heart of the city and shapes the surrounding landscape, and the Lagunas de Villafáfila are a birdwatcher ’s delight, home to a dazzling variety of migratory species. It’s just one of many sights near the city. Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in Europe, and a few miles away Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Farther south, the Sierra de la Culebra has the highest wolf population in Western Europe, although last summer’s wildfires devastated much of the area. Heading east, you will come across Toro, a beautiful wine capital where the LVMH group boasts its own winery, the excellent Numantia.

Nearby, in the heart of the vast plain known as the Tierra de Campos, the restaurant Lera has become famous as a temple to the pleasures of game and country cuisine. It draws celebrated chefs like Dabiz Muñoz who fill the tables at the restaurant in Castroverde de Campos, a small town in one of the quietest corners of Spain.

Finally, to the south of Zamora, the Arribes del Duero provide some drama. The imposing cliffs and the fjords below them act as a natural border with Portugal in an area that has attracted acclaimed international winemakers like Charlotte Allen from England, Thyge Jensen of Denmark and José Manuel Beneitez, originally from Madrid . Olive and citrus trees help to turn this corner of the region into a Mediterranean paradise. New gastronomic and hotel projects point toward the area becoming a little Tuscany in Zamora, even if, for now, few people in Spain or beyond have heard of it. David Moralejo

Sierra Calderona, Valencia

Located between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia , the  Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona is a protected natural park that includes almost 70 square miles of pine and strawberry tree forests, ravines, sweeping vistas, and dramatic peaks. The summit of Montemayor, at an elevation of 3,320 feet, is the highest point in the park.

While the residents of Valencia know about this treasure – it is located just 12 miles from the province’s capital – it largely remains a secret in the rest of Spain. That means that visitors can still find tranquility and even a little bit of mystery alongside the park’s beauty and splendour.

A number of different civilisations and people have settled in the Sierra Calderona over the millennia. A trek through the range offers a chance not only to see all its natural wonders, but it is also a walk through history with stops at the 11 th -century Castillo de Serra, built during the Arab conquest of the region, and the Iberian hilltop fort Puntal dels Llops, which dates from the fifth century BCE.

Travellers interested in hiking and birdwatching will find a little paradise with several different routes to choose from: Garbi, which leads to the sea; the four-mile Olocau route, which starts in the village of the same name; the longer but largely flat 5.2-mile Portaceli trail, the more challenging 7.8-mile Tristán trail, and, for those who are more experienced and ambitious, the rewarding 23-mile Senda dels Cartoixos route that connects two historic Carthusian monasteries. There are also many other trails maintained by local governments and other organizations, like the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, a popular cycling route that connects the town of Teruel and the Mediterranean.

The most visited peak in the range is Garbí, with a vista that offers spectacular views and is easily accessible. Other highlights in the area are the Serra Castle, the Portacoeli Charterhouse (a Carthusian monastery), the Santo Espíritu monastery, the Mola de Segart (a dramatic mesa), and the Font del Compte (a reservoir originally built by the Romans).

The Sierra Calderona is a natural wonder that has been passed down through the generations and from one culture to the next. If you visit, please leave it as beautiful as you found it. María Casbas

Briones, La Rioja

The walled town with 700 residents is possibly the prettiest town in the Rioja. Its secret is its cobblestone streets, palecetes (“small palaces”), and churches. Located in the la Sierra de la Demanda and near many of Rioja’s best wineries, you’ll find vines growing in many of the postcard views here.  

You can start your wine itinerary right in town at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, considered to be one of the best in the world. Displays focus on wine’s role in Western civilisation and the museum extends over 43,000 square feet, including six gallery spaces (five hosting the permanent collection and the sixth dedicated to temporary ones). The museum’s Garden of Bacchus includes 220 different varieties of wine grapes from around the world. A stroll through it offers a unique masterclass.

A highlight of the year in Briones is its unusual  Medieval Days in mid-June, specifically 17 and 18 June 2023. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 2012, the event celebrates a 1379 treaty between the kings of Castille and Navarra. Almost the entire town turns out in costume for a parade and other events when Briones turns the clock back more than six centuries. The accommodations are far from medieval, however, at the new and charming

Santa María de Briones , a 16-room boutique hotel located in a restored mansion.  Don’t leave without seeing the town’s old pharmacy, now located at the Ermita del Cristo church. After its former owner left the pharmacy to the church in his will, the church chose to move the beautiful 19 th -century cabinets, apothecary jars, and other items and reconstruct the pharmacy on church property where visitors can admire it. Cynthia Martín.

Melides, Portugal

Suddenly everyone is talking about Melides . That may cause some wistfulness on the part of some, aware that the secret is now out, but that’s how it goes. The little town on Portugal’s Alentejo coast , located a half-hour from already popular Comporta , is now the name on everyone’s lips. 

It all makes sense. There’s no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Melides beginning with the nearby Galé beach, where a red stone cliff of five-million-year-old fossils creates a dramatic backdrop to a long, sweeping stretch of sand. The landscape here still feels wild, something that it is (if we are honest about it) increasingly hard to find in Comporta though that town still has its undeniable charms. Alongside with its natural beauty, the beach has the plus of never feeling crowded. It is part of a 30-mile or so stretch of sand the runs from the village of Troia to nearby Sines. The waters are rough and cold, deterring all but the hardiest swimmers, but this stretch has another plus of fewer mosquitoes (which tend to plague the beaches that sit alongside rice fields in Comporta and elsewhere).

Another reason to visit will be added to the list in 2023. The designer Christian Louboutin, who helped to put this part of Portugal on the map with a 2013 campaign shot in the photogenic port of Carrasqueira, will open the boutique Hotel Vermelho . “Vermelho” is red in Portuguese, a nod to the trademark colour of the soles of Louboutin’s shoes. It’s a much-anticipated addition of big-city style to a town with fewer than 2,000 residents.  

The village’s charm comes from its typical Alentejo architecture, set amid a green and wooded landscape in the foothills of the Serra da Grândola. Olive, oak, and cork trees frame the views from the Vermelho mansion of the surrounding countryside. Louboutin’s vision echoes a phrase uttered by Tancredi in  The Leopard  by Lampedusa: “Everything must change for everything to remain the same.” The designer hopes only to breathe new life into place while preserving its peaceful atmosphere. 

Louboutin is not alone and the Hotel Vermelho will join  Pa.te.os , an impressive new hotel and architectural beauty designed by Manuel Aires Mateus. Made up of a number of separate villas, the hotel is reimagining luxury in the middle of the countryside near Melides. At the same time,  Melides Art , an artists’ residence and contemporary art space, has also been drawn to this corner of Portugal with its bohemian air, discreet charms (many of the admittedly bourgeois), and a pervasive sense of a calm. We hope the quiet survives Melides’s new popularity. David Moralejo

Málaga, Andalucía

Recently it feels like everyone in Spain, and a good number of people beyond Spain too, has decided to move to Málaga. If you are dubious, raise the topic at any dinner party in Madrid and you’ll soon learn about someone who has recently packed up and gone to the Costa del Sol or, at least, you’ll meet someone who is dreaming of it. 

The phenomenon has not happened overnight, though the rise of digital nomads and remote work have definitely contributed to it. If you can work from anywhere, why not choose a place where the climate is pleasant, you’ll receive a warm welcome, and the culinary offerings are excellent from the first bite.

If you aren’t quite ready to move to Málaga, you can at least visit, or revisit, in 2023. In fact judging from the results of the most recent  Readers Choice Awards from  Condé Nast Traveller , we expect the city is already included in many travellers’ plans. With its ideal size, neither too small nor too intimidating; nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year; the ease of getting there from other parts of Spain and Europe; its rich cultural offerings, and the pleasant setting it’s easy to understand the smiles on the faces of both the tourists and locals strolling along Calle Larios (the pedestrianised shopping street), the inviting Pasaje de Chinitas, and the waterfront Palmeral de las Sorpresas.

Recent hotel openings give travellers a varied choice of options. In 2021, notable hotel additions included  Only You Málaga and  Soho Boutique Equitativa ; in 2022,  H10 Croma Málaga joined them. And more projects are in the works. The best known of them is an enormous development planned for alongside the port of Málaga while others that we are watching eagerly – and which should open or reopen soon – are the Cortijo La Reina (following a complete renovation and upgrade of the existing hotel), Le Privé, and a five-star hotel planned for the Jewish Quarter that will be managed by Marugal, who also run the  Palacio Solecio . 

The list of additions to the gastronomic scene will entice travellers who live to eat. At the beginning of 2022, chef Álvaro Saura and entrepreneur Zuzana Salamon opened  Tasca Láska while Dani Carnero, who learned his craft from chefs including Ferran Adriá and Martín Berasategui, opened his third project in Málaga,  La Cosmo (following La Cosmopolita and Kaleja). Asturian chef Marcos Granda, who already has two restaurants in Marbella, Nintai and Skina, will land in Málaga in 2023, with In-Formal, a new culinary concept designed for the reimagined Gourmet Experience in the department store El Corte Inglés. 

Málaga has also been preparing for a milestone year related to one of its most famous native sons, Pablo Picasso, with 2023 the 50 th anniversary of his death. During what has been named the Year of Picasso, there will 42 exhibits covering the painter’s work around the world, including Málaga, where he was born. 

The  Museo Casa Natal Picasso will host several exhibits:  Bernardí Roig: El último rostro y La Afonía del Minotauro  (“Bernardí Roig: The Last Portrait and the Silence of the Minotaur”) until 28 May 2023,  Las Edades de Pablo (“The Ages of Pablo”) from 21 June to 1 October 2023, and  La Imagen de Picasso (“The Image of Picasso”) from October 18 to March 3, 2024. The  Museo Picasso Malaga will host  Picasso: Materia Y Cuerpo (“Picasso: Media and Bodies”) from 9 May to 10 September 10 2023, and  El Eco de Picasso  (“The Echo of Picasso”) focused on the master’s artistic legacy. Other institutions in Málaga are organising events, from talks to musical performances, marking the milestone. Expect more announcements in the months ahead.  

In other news, the Teatro Soho CaixaBank, Antonio Banderas’s personal project in his city, is staging a production of  Godspell , produced by Banderas himself and Emilio Aragón. María Casbas

Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real

In a corner of La Mancha, travellers will come upon one of the most beautiful scenes in Spain. The windmills of Campo de Criptana inspired Cervantes, drove Don Quixote crazy, and charm everyone who visits this part of Castilla-La Mancha.

Campo de Criptana, Mota del Cuervo, and Consuegra have a remarkable concentration of some of the most picturesque and best-preserved windmills in the region. The three towns also have other charms that justify at least a weekend exploring them. Of the three, Campo de Criptana, in the province of Ciudad Real, is said to have been the specific inspiration for the plain of windmills in Cervantes’s book, which its famous protagonist believes are giants as he heads into combat against them.

In addition to the windmills (some of which are open to the public), the most important monuments in the town date from around the 16 th century and include the Royal Granary, the Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites, and ten hermitages – the most impressive of them is the one dedicated to the Virgen de la Paz, or Virgin of Peace.  A more recent addition, the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, dates from 1958 and stands on the site of an earlier 16 th -century during destroyed in the Spanish Civil War. The eastern part of town, known as the Albaicín, was originally settled by Moorish refugees from Granada after that city was conquered by Christians. Many houses still have original Mudejar details like tiles and wrought-iron grilles. Cynthia Martín

Comillas, Cantabria

Comillas is one of those places that is so beautiful exactly how it is today that you hesitate to share its name, for fear that word will get out. For now, fortunately, Comillas remains a traditional vacation town of northern Spain. There are more houses than hotels, and more people who are here for the season than for a week. Unlike some other similar coastal summer towns, Comillas also has a number of historic sites of interest: the buildings of the Comillas Pontifical University (the university moved to Madrid, though the buildings remain), the Sobrellano Palace (once owned by the Marquis of Comillas), the Baroque church of San Cristobal, and the archaeological site, the Cuevas de la Meaza.

And then that is also the work of architect Anton Gaudí who gave the city one of its most famous landmarks, El Capricho. This playful and elaborate house is one of Gaudí’s few works outside of Catalonia, but it isn’t the only work of modernista architecture here. In 1881, the entrance to the town’s cemetery and some of its exterior walls were redesigned by Luis Domènech i Montaner, another prominent figure in Catalonia’s modernista architectural circles He was also responsible for the town’s Parque Güell and the Fountain of the Tres Caños, or “three spouts.” A work of modernista sculpture from 1895 can also be found at the cemetery, the  Ángel Exterminador by Josep Limona. 

There are also English-style houses from the last turn-of-the-century, like the home of the Duque de Almodóvar del Río and the so-called Casas Indianas, the houses of locals who had made their fortunes in the Americas. (These houses will typically have at least one palm tree planted nearby, making them easier to spot.)  The town has even appeared in the Guinness World Records as the world’s smallest whaling port (it was active into the 18 th century). Beachgoers can choose from the city beach and ones in the nearby Parque Natural de Oyambre; shoppers will want to scour the antiques markets; and gourmets can count on eating well.  David Moralejo.

Sophie Heawood

Anya Meyerowitz

Rosie Conroy

Charlotte Davey

Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucía

Think of the cliches of southern Spain, and the words “wine,” “flamenco,” “horses,” and “cellars” may come to mind. Instead of running from them, Jerez de la Frontera makes the wise choice of embracing them. Bring it on, the city says, as it welcomes visitors – with the table set and wine poured. There’s no need to hurry, however. You’ll find time for everything in Jerez. In this city that embraces tradition, you’ll want to start your adventure on the right foot, with a toast.

Whether you are on your first or 10th visit to Jerez, strolling aimlessly through the historic centre is the best way to ease into this city. With each step, you’ll feel yourself become part of the place as it reveals its character around every corner and a history written by Phoenicians, Romans, Muslims, and Christians unfolds before you. Palaces and lavish city houses alternate with religious buildings like the famous cathedral and a late 12 th -century mosque inside the city’s fortified Alcazar, home to a number of historic buildings. If it takes your breath away, inhale and then follow the smell of wine in the air.

 Jerez is a leading destination for wine tourism in both Spain and the world generally thanks to its abundance of wineries, many of them belonging to the Jerez-Xérèz-Sherry denominaciones de origen or DO (the Spanish version of the French AOC for its wine regions). Among the acclaimed wineries are  Tío Pepe-González Byass ,  Sandeman ,  Emilio Lustau , and  Williams & Humbert . Oenophiles will also want to stop at tabancos, classic tavernas that are the perfect places to sample local products; a museum celebrating wine; and wine stores.

Some people might say that sherry is trending right now, but we think that’s not the right way to understand the situation. Sherry is a timeless classic that just happens to be enjoying a moment of positive attention. Jerez does offer more to visitors than its namesake wine. The Horse Fair, the Flamenco Festival, the Harvest Festival, and the Motorcycle Grand Prix all offer opportunities to dive into an aspect of local culture and celebrate with the city’s residents (who are excellent at celebrating). Whether your visit coincides with a festival or not, the city’s two Michelin-starred restaurants provide a glimpse of a lively gastronomic scene:  Lú, Cocina y Alma is led by chef Juanlu Fernández and  Mantúa by chef Israel Ramos. 

Another reason to visit Jerez de la Frontera will be inaugurated in 2023: the Museo de Lola Flores. The museum to the outspoken and beloved actor and singer will open on the 100 th anniversary of her birth in Jerez. María Casbas  

La Coruña, Galicia

This little corner of Europe, tucked above Portugal in the northeastern corner of Spain, was long described as “the end of the world.” Recently, however, it is starting to feel closer to being at the centre of the stage. One of the changes is noticeable even after a short stroll: the streets are increasingly filled with people of different nationalities, speaking different languages, and wearing different clothes. Ask one of them why they are in La Coruña, and the likely answer is “to work.” Ask where they work and what you will get in reply is likely a gesture towards the west, and the neighbouring town of Arteixo, where Inditex is headquartered. (Even if you don’t recognise Inditex as the name of an enormous multinational clothing company, you likely know some of its brands, including Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti.) 

The Galician city’s increasingly cosmopolitan atmosphere is apparent not only when wandering its streets but also exploring the cultural offerings of its museums and art galleries.

One of the most important cultural initiatives has an Inditex connection via Marta Ortega Pérez, who is both the new president of Inditex and the president of a foundation that bears her initials. The MOP Foundation is structured around three pillars: La Coruña, photography, and fashion. Last year it hosted the successful exhibition  Peter Lindbergh: Untold Stories seen by 110,000 visitors.

“After that success, it was clear that we had to organise another exhibition,” Leticia Castromil, exhibition coordinator for the MOP Foundation says. “We couldn’t stop there.” At the end of November 2022,  Steven Meisel 1993 A Year in Photographs  opened its doors and the free exhibition will be up until 1 May 2023. The show is at a building on the city’s harbour, the Muelle de la Batería. Naomi Campbell, Irina Shayk, and Christy Turlington were among the fashion stars who attended the opening.

“The exhibition space is a former industrial building next to the port. It’s located in an area near the city centre but which had been closed to the public. Thanks to this initiative, part of another dock is now accessible again and people can walk around it,” Castromil adds.

In addition to the Meisel exhibition, 2023 includes a milestone for a one-time resident of La Coruña. Pablo Picasso, who lived in the city between ages 9 and 13, died 50 years ago. “Continue doing what you are doing and never doubt that you will achieve glory and a brilliant future,” a review published in  La Voz de Galicia said after seeing an exhibition by a precocious Picasso when he was only 13 years old.

During the year-long  Picasso Celebración 1973-2023 a series of events and activities will take place around the world. In the region where the young genius spent four formative years, the centre of the celebration is the  Casa Museo Picasso . The  Museo de Belas Artes da Coruña will host Picasso, Blanco en el Recuerdo Azul (“Picasso, White in the Blue Memory”) from 24 March to 23 June 2023. The Fundación Luis Seoane will organise a show on the women who shaped Picasso’s life and the  Escuela de Arte y Superior de Diseño Pablo Picasso is also planning events to mark the anniversary.

Alongside the rich cultural scene, there is an impressive gastronomic one as well, led by Árbore da Veira, Omakase, Bido, la Taberna de Miga, NaDo, Terreo, and Salitre. You’ll find specialty coffee shops, wine bars, cocktail lounges, pottery workshops, bookstores, and design stores as you make your way about the city. All this, with the Atlantic in the background serving as a reminder that while this was once the end of the world, today it is a place where new adventures begin.  María Casba

Costa da Prata, Portugal

Three Portuguese destinations are on this year’s list, and all three overlook the sea. Or, more accurately, the ocean. One of the Atlantic’s gifts to Portugal is some of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world including the Costa da Prata. The Algarve may be more famous, Comporta and Melides may be more “cool,” and Cascais and Estoril have nostalgic charms, but the Costa da Prata has its own, undeniable appeals.   

Even the name Costa da Prata isn’t that common, yet, but some of the towns along it – Ericeira, Nazaré, Peniche, and Aveiro are better known, especially among surfers. We are stretching the Costa a little farther south than some would define it by including Ericeira, which is about 45 minutes north of Lisbon. For many it starts instead at Playa Santa Cruz, in Torres Vedras. That town, which is roughly 20 miles north of Ericeira, is the home of a hotel that is a popular seaside favourite of surfers:  Noah Surf House . The northern end of the coast is often defined as Esmoriz, a half-hour south of Porto by car.  

There’s a reason we want to pull the southern end of the coast a little closer to Lisbon, to include the new  Aethos which is reinterpreting luxury with a surfer attitude that embodies the relaxed vibe of this part of Portugal – and which is also, oddly, a driver of its imminent boom.  Immerso , the first five-star hotel in this region, has interiors that highlight brilliant local craftsmanship, giving the project a unique and very Portuguese personality. Chef Alexandre Silva (one Michelin star) leads the gastronomic offering, an ode to Atlantic cuisine. 

Nazaré is better known thanks to its record waves (it’s official: Guinness Records gives the title of world’s largest surfed wave to one at Nazaré in 2020. It was 86 feet tall and German surfer Sebastian Steudtner rode it into the record books.) Nazaré itself manages, despite the fame of its swells, to remain a low-key fishing town, where some women still wear the traditional “seven skirts.” In 2021, an appealing new overnight option opened here, the family-friendly glamping at  Ohai Nazaré .

Peniche, and especially the beach known as Supertubos, is also popular with the surfer crowd. Consolação, another beautiful beach here, is capped at one end by a 17 th -century fort. The town is also a gateway to the Islas Berlengas, a half-hour by ferry. The islands form a protected nature reserve and only 550 visitors are allowed each day. Near the northern end of the coast, Aveiro has been nicknamed the Venice of Portugal and its colourful streets offer up a bounty of Instagram moments. We know the Costa da Prata will become a favourite of travellers as word gets out, just give it some time. David Moralejo

Canfranc, Huesca

It has been four years since we first reported that the spectacular Canfranc train station, inaugurated in 1928 and abandoned for decades, was going to become a luxury hotel. Despite the pandemic and other events creating some obstacles, the moment has arrived and the  Canfranc Estación, a Royal Hideaway Hotel will open its doors at the beginning of 2023. 

Located in Jacetania, a corner of Aragón along the French border and high in the Pyrenees, Canfranc’s main claim to fame historically has been the elaborate station which was constructed to facilitate and celebrate French and Spanish cooperation. Despite the grandeur of the inauguration, with King Alfonso XIII representing Spain alongside France’s president, traffic never lived up to the original forecasts and the station closed in 1970. Today the only train to use the station is a short-distance tourist one, the Canfranero, that travels the 117 miles from Zaragoza to Canfranc. 

A century after construction started on the original station, the building will begin its new life as a five-star, 104-room hotel in 2023 with the design studio Ilmiodesign responsible for the interiors. The developers’ goal is to make the hotel a leader in tourism to the Aragonese portion of the Pyrenees, helping to attract both national and international interest.

The project preserves the historic building and will support the local economy with the creation of around 150 jobs. Guests arriving at the hotel will find reception in the historic station lobby while the first floor also houses a wellness area, a library, and the main restaurant, which includes two carriages that have been refurbished to become elegant dining cars.

Architect Michele Corbani and industrial designer Andrea Spada, the founders of Ilmiodesign, were inspired by the aesthetics of classic stations and the luxurious world of long-distance train travel in the early 20th century, but they also wanted to add a contemporary touch, creating warm and elegant spaces that blend with subtle Art Deco elements. Wood, brass, velvet, and a palette inspired by the 1920s coexist with various elements drawn from Aragonese popular culture and colour combinations inspired by the regional costumes of the region.

Don’t fear that it will no longer be possible to reach Canfranc by train, on the Canfranero. While the hotel was being restored, a new railway station and platforms were also constructed. 

The Canfranc Estación hotel will put the Aragonese town on the radar of many travellers, but Canfranc will keep their interest thanks to the mesmerising beauty of the place, set amid the stunning peaks of the Pyrenees. While the station’s meticulous restoration allows it to begin its new life, when you hear the words “next stop, Canfranc” you’ll be adding some more lines to an ongoing story collectively written by thousands of passengers under a dizzying variety of circumstances with each leading to its own final destination.  María Casbas

Las Merindades, Burgos, Castilla and León

Alfoz de Bricia, Alfoz de Santa Gadea, Arija, Berberana, Cillaperlata, Espinosa de los Monteros, Frías, Junta de Traslaloma, Medina de Pomar are some of the 26 towns and cities that make up Las Merindades, a corner of Castilla and León that sits just to the south of the Basque region. The capital of Las Merindades is Villarcayo de Merindad de La Vieja, a town of some 4,000 residents that provides a good starting point for visiting the historic region.

Arguably the most magical settlement in the region is Puentedey, a small village with less than fifty residents. Built along the Nela river, the two sides of Puentedey are connected by a natural stone bridge. In 2022, the village’s beauty and its cultural importance was officially recognised when it was added to the list of the Most Beautiful Towns in Spain in 2022 – a club that includes 105 localities to date. Puentedey is not alone when it comes to gems in the area. Frias, located atop a mesa overlooking the Ebro river, would also have a good claim to the title of the prettiest village in Spain if not for being disqualified on a technicality. In 1435, King Juan II of Castille gave Frias, now home to only 270 people, the title of “city” making it the smallest city in Spain. 

Those are only two of the many reasons to go to Las Merindades. There’s also the natural beauty of the region, thanks to its location in the foothills of the Cantabrian Range cooled by Atlantic breezes, a sense of history that is palpable in every town, castle, and even house, and surprises like the Ojo Guareña, a karst cave complex with almost 70 miles of galleries and passageways that have been used for shelter by humans for millennia. David Moralejo

Enkarterri, Basque Region

Few people know about Enkarterri, a rich and surprising corner of the province of Vizcaya. (Enkarterri is its Basque name, in Spanish it is Encartaciones.) Those who discover it, however, tend to return. Only 35 minutes southwest of Bilbao, the sea and the mountains meet here in a land of green valleys that sits at the point where Burgos, Cantabria, and the Basque Country meet. The area also has an important “Indiano” heritage – that’s the word used in Spain to describe Spaniards who went to the Americas, or the Indies as it were, to make their fortunes. You can look inside some of the lavish Casas Indianas, mansions that are the results of 19 th -century versions of the American dream. Another important reminder of Vizcaya’s economic history is apparent in the factories and plants that dot the landscape here. One used to be dedicated to the production of that essential Basque accessory, the beret. In operation until 1992, and then converted into a museum in 2007,  La Enkartada offers a glimpse into northern Spain’s industrial past, and a lesson in how berets are made.

After exploring the factory, fill your stomach at  Casa Garras , an institution going on its fifth decade thanks to its evergreen appeal. Carnivores will fall hard for the “beef days,” which take place during the winter months, when the restaurant serves an 11-course beef-themed tasting menu with delicious creations like a rump steak tartar with roasted marrow.

And there is more. Txacolí, the sparkling white wine produced in this part of Spain, always provides a good excuse to explore different wineries set amid the region’s beautifully wild landscapes including the biggest valley in the province (Karrantza Harana/Valle de Carranza, which includes some 49 settlements along its length). There are many options for hikers, bikers, spelunkers, as well as those looking for more low-impact activities like the Japanese tradition of “forest bathing.” On a completely different topic, the area is also home to  the largest private collection of Rolls-Royces in Europe, located in a 14 th -century castle. Cynthia Martín

Oviedo, Asturias

Oviedo, the elegant capital of Asturias, is known for the distinguished neoclassical architecture surrounding the city’s imposing cathedral in a flamboyant Gothic style and its remarkable pre-Romanesque buildings from the ninth century, with five works recognised by UNESCO: the Foncalada Fountains, the city walls, and three churches: Santa María del Naranco, San Miguel de Lillo, and San Julián de los Prados, known as Santullano. The city is also a top cultural and gastronomic destination.

Culture permeates life in this city thanks in large part to the Princess of Asturias Awards which are presented every year at the Campoamor Theater. In 2023, the ceremony will also celebrate the coming of age of the awards’ namesake, Leonor, the first-born daughter of the King and Queen of Spain and heir presumptive. The year ahead will bring some welcome additions to Oviedo. The Wamba Hotel from the  Sensia Hotels group will open next to the cathedral while a much-anticipated AVE high-speed train from Madrid will enter service in May, making it possible to travel from the capital of Spain to the capital of Asturias in about three hours.  This remarkable engineering project has taken years to complete and includes a 15-mile-long tunnel, one of the longest in Europe, which crosses the Cantabrian Range under the Puerto de Pajares mountain pass. 

Meanwhile, Oviedo continues to embrace its gastronomic heritage that makes it one of the great epicentres of cuisine in the country. The city can boast of nine stars from Michelin, with Casa Marcial holding two of them. In total, 43 restaurants in the city are recommended by the guide. Some local favourites include Cocina Cabal, Ca'Suso, Salazogue, Casa Fermín, Mestura, and Gloria.

Director Woody Allen captured the essence of the city when he listed its positive qualities: “Oviedo is delicious, exotic, beautiful, clean, pleasant, peaceful, and kind to pedestrians. It’s as if it doesn't belong to this world, as if it could not possibly exist. Oviedo is like a fairytale.” David Moralejo

Bajo (or Lower) Aragon

Spain constantly rewards travellers who want to venture off the beaten patch. Bajo, or Lower, Aragon is an outstanding example of this truth. Located roughly 90 minutes by car to the northwest of Valencia, Bajo Aragon is known for its processions of drummers during Holy Week while fans of motorsports head to  MotorLand , but there’s more to entice travellers. Its landscape of chasms, rivers, and marshes has been shaped by the extreme climate and the passage of time, giving rise to the area’s unique flora and fauna. In addition, the generally clear skies and the low light pollution in this largely empty part of Spain adds up to remarkable stargazing opportunities.

It is not easy to find top-of-the-line hotels here, but there are some promising new ventures like the beautiful  Torre del Marqués , while the  Parador de Alcañiz has an incomparable hilltop setting next to a castle and convent. At its restaurant, La Concordia, you can discover some of the highlights of Aragonese cuisine, often overshadowed by other regions, like migas (a dish made with stale bread, soaked and then sauteed with other ingredients), lamb, and, of course, ham from Teruel.

The ambitious ongoing project of restoring the Convent of the Desert, an 18 th -century convent that has been called the Escorial of Aragon given its enormous size, is also attracting interest while in Calanda, the birthplace of surrealist director Luis Buñuel, you can visit a museum, the  Centro Buñuel Calanda , dedicated to his films and life. Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be getting in a lot of steps as you visit cave paintings (Val del Charco del Agua Amarga), Iberian sites (on the Route of the Iberians of Bajo Aragón), climb mountains (following the Route of the Stony Giants), or gaze at the stars (on the Route of Astronomical Viewpoints). Other sites are just half an hour away, like Matarraña (another idyllic rural corner of Spain) and Campo de Belchite, the birthplace of painter Francisco Goya.  Clara Laguna

Ilha do Corvo, Azores, Portugal

We like the remote and the unknown and that’s why this year we want to send you to the smallest and most remote island of Portugal’s Azores . Quite likely on your trip to the archipelago, often described as the Atlantic’s Hawaii (though with far fewer tourists), you will hop among a few islands. If that if your plan, include Corvo on your list of ports of call.

There’s only one paved road on the island. Follow it to Caldeirão, the crater of the volcano that gave birth to the island. From its viewpoint you will be able to take in its enormous size, almost 1.5 miles in circumference and almost 1,000 feet deep. At the bottom of the crater are two lakes where, according to legend, all the islands of the Azores are reflected on their surfaces. Cows and wild horses graze freely in this natural wonder, for immediately apparent reasons, the most photographed place in Corvo.

A small airport and ferries that cross daily from the island of Flores connect Corvo with the rest of the world, as does free Wi-Fi throughout its (tiny) territory. Tiny but with its own city. Fewer than 500 inhabitants reside in Vila do Corvo in a handful of whitewashed houses with red roofs. You’ll find most locals are happy to chat with curious visitors. Operators here offer a myriad of bird-watching tours – the island it is considered one of the best areas in the world to spot a variety of species; its status as the westernmost of the Azores adds to its diversity with some vagrants from the Americas landing here. Other guides offer boat trips around the island, if the sea permits, with chances to swim alongside steep cliffs that plunge into the water. David Moralejo

The capital of Spain continues its ascent to the top of lists of must-visit cities. Madrid has always extended a warm welcome, but there is a new energy and bustle as it assumes its place as a cosmopolitan, world capital. In the spring of 2022, we dedicated the cover of our 15 th anniversary issue to the city, and now it is already time to revisit it and update the list of new and upcoming openings. The reasons to visit Madrid will only increase in 2023.

 Both familiar and avant-garde; a cultural, gastronomic, and wellness centre, Madrid is a city of contrasts that never stops. Luxury hotel brands all want a presence here, and thus we have seen the recent openings of the  Mandarin Oriental Ritz and the  Rosewood Villa Magna . Only a little bit older, the  Four Seasons Madrid , the  Madrid EDITION , and  Thompson Madrid have added to the wealth of choices. And, while it’s not a new property, the renovation of the  Santo Mauro has elevated a favourite to a new level of luxury as it joins Starwood’s Luxury Collection.

Madrid, however, is far from done. The brand new  UMusic Hotel , the first hotel from Universal Music, is located in the old Teatro Albéniz building, a very short walk from the Plaza Mayor. Coming up next are the  Nobu Hotel Madrid , located halfway between the Puerta del Sol and the Paseo del Prado. The early-20 th -century landmark Metropolis building is set to be reborn with a boutique hotel, restaurants, and shopping and just a little further up the Gran Via, Brach Madrid, designed by Philippe Starck, is another much-anticipated opening of 2023. There are still rumours that Fairmont will be joining the mix soon with a property near the Congress building, and another surprising addition is a hotel on Plaza de Canalejas from Pescaderías Coruñesas, known for its critically acclaimed restaurants and gourmet fish stores. This is their first foray into hotels. All of these projects near the Puerta del Sol are earning the area the nickname, Milla de Oro, or “golden mile.” If your budget doesn’t include staying at one of these new hotels, at least visit its restaurants, spas, and rooftops (the competition is fierce in that last category). Two somewhat different options nearby are  Cool Rooms Palacio de Atocha (if you would like to stay in a 19 th -century palace given a contemporary update) and the new  https://www.thesocialhub.co/madrid/ (if you would like to stay in a co-working space, though one with incredible views and a full calendar of events. 

When it comes to shopping, stops you may want to include are the enormous Zara (the world’s largest) on Plaza de España, the revolutionary  WOW Concept store on Gran Vía, and  Galeria Canalejas , where you’ll find 11 iconic international brands including Hermès, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton). Madrid’s culinary scene continues to dazzle – if you want to visit some of the new stars, plan on making reservations far in advance. Among the most coveted tables are Leña and Smoked Room by Dani García and Amós, at the Rosewood Villa Magna, led by three-Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez (for his Cenador de Amós, on the Cantabrian coast). Desde 1911 is a sophisticated option and the venerated Zuara is among the best Japanese restaurants in the city.  At Zuma, Berria,  Bar Trafalgar , and the cocktail lounge  Isa (at the Four Seasons), you are guaranteed to eat  and drink well.  If you want to keep the party going into the morning, Lula Club and Medias Puri are two popular choices at the moment. Don’t be surprised if you decide you need one more weekend day, and night, with Madrid. This city, well, it can be a lot. Clara Laguna

Murcia, the city and region

Ask Spaniards of a certain age about the phrase, “Murcia, qué hermosa eres” (“Murcia, how beautiful you are”) and they will likely recall an odd television variety show from the late 1990s that promoted the region, and successfully implanted a slogan in viewers of several generations. Now many of those same people are discovering the truth of the motto.

The beauty of the province of Murcia can be experienced at  the Regional Park of Calblanque, the Monte de las Ceniza, and Peña del Aguila , perhaps one of the most beautiful and wild stretches of Spain’s Mediterranean coastline. The waters at Cabo de Palos are a favourite of divers while the lush Sierra de Espuña is the province’s green heart surrounded by vast orchards. There is also, however, a unique beauty to the region’s capital, the city of Murcia, which is the destination we are recommending for 2023.

“No tienes ni idea de lo que estás perdiendo,” or “You have no idea what you are missing,” is Murcia’s more recent tagline, and it has its truth too. The region’s history is not as well-known as that of some of Spain’s other cities, even with a cathedral that is an almost perfect example of Spanish Baroque architecture and an episcopal palace in a Rococo style that reflects Murcia’s long-running connections with Noto, Lecce, and other cities in southern Italy.

The city was established by the emir of Cordoba in 825, and Moorish influences and evocative references remain visible, including at the lavish 19 th -century Real Casino de Murcia, a glittering mix of architectural styles with an Arab patio, 20,000 sheets of gold leaf, and a neo-Baroque ballroom.

The 18 th -century Puente de los Peligros connects the historic centre with the Carmen neighbourhood where you’ll find another one of the city’s Baroque wonders, Carmen’s parish church, which was originally part of a Carmelite convent. The  Museo Salzillo focuses on the sculptural works of one of the most celebrated artists of the Spanish Baroque, Francisco Salzillo, whose works can be seen in many Murcian churches.  

The Arab medieval period in the city’s history lives on in the city walls and the Aljufía irrigation system, which was one of the first such systems in Europe and is still used to this day to irrigate much of Murcia’s farmland and orchards. Murcia’s status as the source of much of Spain’s produce is evident when you sit down to eat. The perfect freshness of the ingredients helps to make the cuisine here even more exquisite and helped to justify the city’s turn as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2021. Don’t leave without trying a traditional meat pie, a dish made with the famous bomba rice grown in Calasparra, stewed and salted fishes, zarangollo (a dish made with eggs, onion, and squash), and a Murcian salad (made with tomatoes, tuna, eggs, and olives).  David Moralejo

Mallorca, Balearic Islands

If you thought that the economic upheaval and travel disruptions of the pandemic meant that the Balearic Islands were going to suddenly become a bargain, it didn’t work out that way. At least there is a silver lining. As the destination perfects its approach to luxury, you’ll get a mix of exclusivity, exquisite service, and sustainability that justifies the price.

Mallorca’s most anticipated upcoming openings are from the Four Seasons and the Virgin Group, at opposite ends of the island. The iconic Formentor in Pollença (in the north of the island), where celebrities including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier stayed, will reopen as the  Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor in 2024. The property, located on a 3,000-acre estate, aims to be the island’s most sustainable. The French interior design firm, Gilles & Boissier, who recently completed the renovation of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, were entrusted with the interiors of the Four Seasons as well.

Richard Branson’s much anticipated  Son Bunyola hotel is now taking reservations for dates after August 1, 2023. The luxury hotel is located in the estate’s 16 th -century finca, or manor house, and has 26 rooms. They join three existing villas – Sa Punta de S'Aguila, Sa Terra Rotja, and  Son Balagueret – on an 810-acre property with grape vines and almond, citrus, and olive orchards. Son Net is another luxury property that will open (spring 2023) in this stunning part of the island, from the owners of the impeccable  Finca Cortesin in Puigpunyent. Also nearby the  Belmond La Residencia , in Deià, offers polished luxury in one of the most picturesque parts of the island while the new  Kimpton Aysla Mallorca , just nine miles from Palma, is a contemporary retreat set amid landscaped grounds.

Sustainability is a focus of other recent openings on Mallorca as with  Can Ferrereta , in Santanyí, from the creators of the award-winning Sant Francesc hotel in Palma; the boutique hotel  Nivia Born , in Palma; the refurbished agroturismo property  Finca Ca'n Beneït , in the Tramuntana mountains; and  Es Racó d'Artà , which was recognised by Condé Nast Traveller in 2021 as the best health, sports, and wellness hotel.  HM Palma Blanc , in Palma, marries a contemporary style with local Mallorcan materials and power from solar panels. The adults-only  Vicenç de la Mar , in cala Sant Vicenç, was designed by architect Rafael Balaguer Prunés and carries the Design Hotels seal. Yurbann, a hotel group from Barcelona, also has an opening planned. You have to be quick to stay on top of Mallorca’s hotel scen e! Clara Laguna

Cáceres, Extremadura

The 2021 inauguration of the Helga de Alvear Museum, with its outstanding contemporary art collection assembled by the museum’s namesake gallerist and philanthropist, marked a turning point for the city of Cáceres in Spain’s Extremadura region, alongside the Portuguese border. The new building, and the Premio Nacional de Arquitectura that Emilio Tuñón of  Tuñón Arquitectos won for its design, announced that both the city and the broader province of Cáceres intended to compete for the attention of culturally curious travellers. 

The hospitality and culinary offerings are already waiting and continuing to improve. The 17 th -century  Hotel Hospes Palacio de Arenales & Spa is located amid olive groves but only 10 minutes by car from the city centre. There, Atrio can boast two Michelin stars while the Torre de Sande, also from the Atrio team, is located in a 15 th -century palace and is a star of Extremadura’s culinary scene which has long been an interesting region given its ties to neighbouring Portugal. Looking ahead, the Atrio team is also behind the renovation of the Casa Paredes-Saavedra, a Renaissance palace that is going to reopen as an exclusive 11-suite hotel facing the  Parador del Palacio de los Marqueses de Torreorgaz . Another palace, the Palacio de Godoy from the 16 th century, will reopen as a 72-room Hilton after having been closed for ten years.

The city of Cáceres is also a good gateway to explore the beautiful Jerte Valley and the area of Vera, part of Extremadura that is famous for its lush forest and many springs. The broader region of Extremadura has a total of six UNESCO sites that travellers will want to visit: the historic monuments of Cáceres, the archeological sites of Mérida, the Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, the Monfragüe Biosphere and National Park, the Tajo Internacional Biosphere Reserve, and the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara World Geopark. While it has yet to get the UNESCO nod, the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste has been recognised as part of Spain’s Patrimonio Nacional and deserves a place on travellers’ lists too. 

In 2022, the landlocked Extremadura boasted an impressive eight Blue Flag beaches on its lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and streams. Baños de Montemayor and Alange have been welcoming spa-goers since the Romans built baths at both hot springs.  Clara Laguna  

Pals, Catalonia

Writer Josep Pla once wrote that the best view in the region of Empordà is from  el Pedró , the restaurant that makes the best rice dishes in the town of Pals. Located in the historic centre, the view includes the Torre de las Hores, the Church of St. Peter, and the city walls that lead to a mirador that has now been renamed in honour of the author. “The contrasts that this site offers – the ocean, beach, and the Medes Islands; the eroded peaks of the Montgrí Massif, the deep greens of evergreen, cork, and pine forests with the geological formations of the Gavarres peaks and the flat farmland; and the botanical wonders along the banks of the Ter River – it all adds up to a rich bounty of great beauty,” the journalist wrote.  

This medieval village in the Baix Empordà region, along Catalonia’s Costa Brava, offers travellers easy access to the most charming coves along this part of the Mediterranean, such as Aigua Xelida, and beaches such as the familiar and wide Pals, Gola del Ter, l'Illa Roja, and Aiguablava. The bravest swimmers can dive into the Vies Braves, a public network of marine and open water routes offering a wilder experience of the Mediterranean. Cycling through the rice fields of the area or finding a glamping site as a base for an active vacation are other options for visitors, who will also find an ideal setting for golf, a chance to enjoy the  White Summer market and music festival, or simply visit organic vineyards.  Visitors can also learn more about Catalonia’s rich Romanesque and medieval heritage following routes through the villages of Begur, Palau Sator, Peratallada, and Monells, among others.

At the  Arkhe Hotel Boutique , a contemporary focus on health, wellness, and sustainability is paired with an intimate setting in the heart of historic Pals. Beyond exploring the region’s sites, staff can arrange everything from a “conscious nutrition” workshop to a meal amid the countryside’s wildflowers. Catalonia is known for the excellence of its produce and other ingredients as well as its celebrated chefs. Not far from Pals,  El Celler de Can Roca has three Michelin stars; some critics and fans argue it is the best restaurant in the world.  Bo.Tic , with two Michelin stars, is also among the region’s best restaurants along with Vicus and Pahissa del Mas. Make sure to have at least one dish made with the famous rice from Bassess d’en Coll before you leave. Clara Laguna

Valle de Arce, Navarra

South of Roncesvalles, the Valle de Arce (or Artzibar, in Basque) is one of the best-known areas of Navarra and famous for the beech forest to its east, which is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe. This destination is full of natural and historical treasures but not people – there are barely 300 living in the village of Arce and smaller hamlets nearby. The buildings feel untouched by time and it is possible to easily access ravines, forests, and unforgettable postcard views.

A plus of the Navarra Pyrenees is that they are beautiful any time of the year, whether its peaks are dusted with snow or its alpine lakes are shimmering in the summer sun. Simply take a deep breath, walk in any direction, and be surprised by charming villages like Usoz, with its sweeping views, Azparren, or Gorráiz – with its historic houses and churches. Stop and listen to the murmur of the Urrobi and Irati rivers, which form two valleys in the region. This part of the Navarra Pyrenees is a paradise for mountain and hiking lovers, who will find routes for all levels and tastes.

The area’s Romanesque heritage can be traced in historical monuments such as the hermitage of Santa María de Arce, next to the Urrobi river, and the church of San Julián in Nagore, both from the 12th century. You can admire the 15 th -century fortified palace of Ayanz and the Torre de Liberri, at least from a distance (both are located on private property and not open to public). You can get a closer look at the 13 th -century  Torre de Uriz , however, which has been converted into a stylish and intimate 12-room hotel.

 Another charming option is the  Agroturismo Mari Cruz , which combines a warm, family welcome with organic cuisine and a lot of magic. They say that amid its cabins, which provide retreats in the woods for those who want to slow down and discover another way of seeing the world, real live elves have been spotted. First, though, you need to take the time to truly listen and look. How’s that for a goal in 2023? Clara Laguna

World Wild Schooling

Stretching Your Euros: Europe’s 12 Best Value Beach Destinations

Posted: March 19, 2024 | Last updated: March 19, 2024

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you may wonder which parts of Europe offer beautiful coastline stretches and pleasing prices. There are great value beach destinations across the continent, from Portugal and Spain in the west to Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and more in the west. Read on to discover which hot vacation spots are guaranteed not to break the bank. 

Kos, Greece

Kos is one of many great Greek islands of great value. With budget airline flights and many accommodation options, competition ensures this one remains within easy reach. Prices here reflect the fact that the Greek economy relies heavily on tourism. 

Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked

Sarandë, Albania

For bargain basement deals on vacations, head to Eastern Europe. Albania may be off the tourist radar, but of course, that leads to some of the best deals on the continent. The most popular resort of Sarandë offers it all – gorgeous beaches, historic sites, a great selection of places to eat and drink, and a picturesque setting between olive groves and the Ionian Sea.

Read also: Charming Small Towns in Europe

Marmaris, Turkey

Though Turkey lies where east meets west, it’s generally categorized as Europe for travel insurance purposes. You can snap up cheap deals on everything from accommodations to clothing, gifts, souvenirs, activities, and dining out in the Turkish resort of Marmaris. And it’s hot, hot, hot, with highs of 95°F (35°C) in July and August.

Read also: Top European Cities for Spring Getaway

Dubrovnik, Croatia

It’s burgeoning in popularity for city breaks, but Dubrovnik in Croatia also doubles up nicely for beach stays. Here you can walk the old city walls for breathtaking views over the city and sea, and explore the wonderful old architecture. With beautiful beaches to boot, this is a very versatile destination.

Read also: Perfect Destinations for Romantic Getaways in Europe

Benidorm, Spain

It might not be to everyone’s taste, but the bold Spanish resort of Benidorm offers incredible bang for your buck. The level of competition here contributes to cheap prices, with hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops all vying for your travel dollars.

Read also: How To Spend Two Weeks in Spain and Portugal

Zadar, Croatia

If Dubrovnik has too much of a city break feel for you, try Zadar instead. Also, in Croatia, it’s located on the Dalmatian Coast. Expect lots of Italian influence evident in the Venetian city gates and Roman ruins. You’ll also find great restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and white sandy beaches here.

Read also: Natural Wonders in Europe

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife tends to offer the best deals in the Canaries, as it’s the biggest and most developed island of the bunch. It’s not all about bucket-and-spade tourism, with an unspoiled interior to discover. Or head north to escape most package holiday crowds, which tend to congregate in the south.

Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s brash resort of Sunny Beach is a favorite among young European holidaymakers in search of sun and fun. This destination offers lively nightlife, a sun-drenched setting by the Black Sea, and pocket-friendly prices. 

Read also: Low-Cost European Cities To Visit

The Algarve, Portugal

Though in Western rather than Eastern Europe, Portugal is one of the best-value vacation destinations on the continent. It’s not only about beach life here, either. The Algarve counts hiking trails, surfing beaches, road trips, and world-class golf courses among its top attractions.

Read also: Top Things To Do in Lisbon

Ulcinj, Montenegro

Montenegro is fast becoming a popular package holiday option but suffers from a shortage of sandy beaches. That’s not the case in Ulcinj, which boasts a broad white sandy stretch. This attractive and underrated resort on the Adriatic Coast also offers pocket-pleasing prices.  

Read also: Top European Cities for Spring

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a Mediterranean island that has something for everyone. There are family-friendly resorts, lively nightlife spots, lovely beaches, and exclusive villages famous for their celebrity residents. Expect orange groves, stone-built settlements seemingly untouched by time, and Moorish remains on this Balearic Island.

Read also: Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos is the capital of Cyprus, the island of love, and is one of Europe’s best-value beach destinations. The city on the southwest coast is awash with historical sights and surrounded by breathtaking beaches . It’s also easy to venture further from here to explore the Med’s third-largest island.

Read also: Underrated Cities in Europe

Stunning Small Towns in Europe to Visit in Your Lifetime

Add these charming European small towns to your bucket list.

• Read more: Small Towns in Europe

Best Budget-Friendly European Cities

Stretch your travel budget in these cost-effective European cities .

• Read more: Budget-Friendly European Cities

Dreamy European Destinations for a Romantic Getaway

Explore Europe’s most romantic spots for a dreamy vacation.

• Read more: Romantic Destinations in Europe

European Cities for a Spring Getaway

Make your spring unforgettable with these  European city trips .

• Read more:  12 Top Cities in Europe for Spring

Explore Ancient Wonders in Rome, Italy

Rome  lets you travel back to the times of gladiators and emperors!

• Colosseum:  The place where gladiators battled.
• Pasta:  Eat yummy spaghetti and pizza in its homeland.
• Trevi Fountain:  Toss a coin and make a wish!
• Read more: Top Activities in Rome

• Unmissable Things to Do in Lisbon

Lisbon invites you to a world of history and exploration.

• Tram 28:  Ride this yellow tram up and down the city’s hills.
• Tile Art:  See buildings decorated with colorful ceramic tiles.
• Bacalhau:  A tasty fish dish loved by locals.

Discover  Lisbon’s top experiences  with our ultimate travel guide.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

• Share full article

By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Where To View the 2026 Eclipse

Learn more about the eclipse of 2026 and where travelers should be to get the best views. Plan a trip abroad to enjoy astro-tourism.

Sarah Rand • Apr 15, 2024

Amongst the buzz for the 2024 solar eclipse , travelers have already been gearing up to get a good view of the next alignment event. The total solar eclipse of April 8th was marked with millions of people scrambling to acquire special eclipse glasses, so they could avoid eye damage from viewing the event. The 2024 eclipse passed over North America so people in Mexico, the United States and Canada got great views of it. But not everyone got to view the stunning sight, even though plenty of people prepared to make the most of the eclipse. 

So people online are already trying to ensure they have their viewing gear. But eclipse prep has a lot to do with being in an ideal viewing place , especially for the next one. The next eclipse will pass over Europe, according to NASA. The next total solar eclipse will be Europe’s 1st in 27 years. This fact is more than enough for people all over the world to get excited about the event. Plenty of people are planning to travel just to see it. Check out where travelers need to go to see the next total solar eclipse of 2026. 

The Next Solar Eclipse

NASA has predicted that there will be another total solar eclipse n August 12th 2026. Eclipse chasers and astronomy fans are encouraged to make an event of the 2026 eclipse. Some people may even need to plan a strategic trip overseas since only a partial eclipse will be visible in some places. Learn more about the destinations that are set to be the ideal places to see the next total solar eclipse. 

Greenland 

Greenland is a location that allows visa-free tourism for U.S. passport holders. But in general, travelers can visit without a visa. They just need to hold a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after exiting the country. Travelers can only stay for up to 90 days.  

So for the people who got to see the best views of the 2024 eclipse, there is no reason to miss out on the next one. So, this destination is a place that will not be very hard to plan a visit to. The estimated weather during August of 2026 should be around 40 degrees (fahrenheit). Greenland also does not get much sun during this time. This means that travelers visiting Greenland for the eclipse of 2026 should like the cold. 

Iceland 

Iceland also allows tourism without a visa. Iceland requires that travelers have sufficient funds and have a returning flight ticket. People can stay in Iceland for up to 90 days for either tourism or business reasons. 

Near the west end of Iceland is said to be the best place to observe an eclipse. There are sure to be special eclipse tours around the area so travelers should keep a lookout for unique experiences. Iceland has views of another natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights, so travelers may get to see both in one trip. 

Spain 

Spain is another destination where travelers can freely visit without a visa. Travelers can enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business. The passports of travelers must be valid for at least three months after the predicted travel. 

There has even been talk of cruises near Spain. The eclipse will definitely make a welcome addition to the unforgettable coasts of Spain. But if travelers want to be on the beach while they gaze at the stars, they should make sure they are on the northern and southeastern coasts. The chances of a clear sky are the best in northern Spain. 

Portugal 

Finally, travelers are free to enjoy a tourism visit to Portugal visa free. This is possible due to the Schengen Agreement , which applies to all of the listed eclipse locations. Since the visa free travel is applicable to all of the eclipse viewing locations, a European tour might be ideal. 

Things To Know

There will be changes that apply to travelers from the United States to Europe starting 2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require electronic preauthorization for travel. This will apply to all four of the viewing countries. 

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