spain or portugal to visit reddit

Portugal and Spain Itinerary: A 14-Day Iberian Journey

Trying to squeeze in the highlights of Spain and Portugal into a two-week trip can be tricky. Both are incredible countries with rich culture, varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and architectural wonders. After traveling all over the Iberian Peninsula, I’ve come up with a route that hits every city efficiently and makes the most out of your time. This two-week Portugal and Spain itinerary will cover the must-see landmarks in each city, activity suggestions, restaurant and hotel recommendations, and my personal favorites.

As a Portuguese-American woman, I’ve visited these Portuguese cities countless times and, after living in Seville for four months and traveling the country, I have combined all of my favorite things into one trip. Plus, I’ve included hidden gems that most tourists would miss!

Best Times to Visit Spain and Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal and Spain is either early summer or fall. The months of May through early July are less busy than the following summer months. You’ll still get nice weather and less tourism around you. If you choose to visit in the fall, the weather will be just as good, and you’ll get to experience even less tourism. Keep in mind that summer in Southern Spain is incredibly hot and November and April are both rainy months in Portugal.

Portugal and Spain Itinerary Overview

This itinerary starts in Porto, Portugal and ends in Barcelona, Spain. You can also flip this itinerary if you prefer to visit Spain first!

• Douro River cruise and wine tasting
• Dinner and a view
• Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe for Harry Potter lovers
• The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square) 
• Michelin star restaurant
• Medieval town
• Castle of Óbidos
• Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos hotel
• Nazare beach
• Commerce Square and Alfama
• Tuk Tuk tours
• Cable car 
• Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot
• Castelo S. Jorge
• 25 April Bridge
• Rossio Square
• Torre de Belém
• Sunset boat cruises on the Tagus River 
• Fado show 
• Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira
• Cabo da Roca 
• Albufeira and Lagos
• Epic Sana Hotel or the Pine Cliff Resort 
• Martinhal Sagres Family Resort 
• Benagil Cave 
• Vila Joya and Bon Bon fine dining 
• Hotel Alfonso XIII or Hotel Palacio de Villapanes
• Cathedral of Seville
• Royal Alcazar
• Setas de Seville
• Plaza de Espana & Maria Luisa Park
• La Carbonería 
• Triana Market
• Paella cooking class
• Casa Manolo Lèon 
• Hotel Neri and Ohla 
• Gothic Quarter
• Las Ramblas
• Gaudi houses
• Park Güell
• Sagrada Família
• Paella and Catalan dishes 
• Montserrat mountains 

This map was created using Google My Maps and covers my suggested Portugal and Spain itinerary. You can click on the star next to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on the share icon to send it to yourself via email.

14-Day Portugal and Spain Itinerary

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

For this itinerary, I recommend that you fly into Porto and out of Barcelona (or vice versa). It may be easiest if you rent a car to drive from city to city, but if you want, you can take the train or bus from place to place and then fly from Seville to Barcelona. Keep in mind that parking in cities like Lisbon and Porto can be quite challenging, so you could also consider just picking up a rental car for a portion of your trip.

Day 1-2: Porto, Portugal  

Once arriving in Porto, you should check into the PortoBay Flores Hotel or The Yeatman. Both are 5-star hotels but provide different experiences. PortoBay Flores is in the heart of Porto’s historic district. The hotel has an historic charm to it but still has plenty of modern luxuries, such as an indoor swimming pool. People who want to fully immerse themselves into the history and culture of Porto should stay here. The hotel is the perfect walking distance from plenty of landmarks such as Ribeira Square, the historical square of Porto.

The Yeatman Hotel is a luxury wine and spa hotel in the Vila Nova de Gaia historical district. For those who want to relax but also sightsee, this hotel is the best fit. You’re also able to have city views from the hotel of the famous Douro River. 

If you are starting in Porto and arriving after an overnight flight, you will want to start off by exploring some of the city’s highlights on a self-guided walking tour . Begin by walking around and experiencing what Porto has to offer from stores, cafés to the historical districts.

Harry Potter fans and those with children, should visit Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe. The Livraria Lello is the book store that gave J.K. Rowling inspirations for Harry Potter’s world, such as the moving staircases in Hogwarts. Majestic Cafe is where Rowling hung out and wrote.

The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Square) is Porto’s main square that connects the old town with the modern part of the city and also a great place to walk around. Be sure to following the narrow streets down to the Douro River and cross over the Luis I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood where you can visit the World of Wine, sample some port, and enjoy the fun vibe along the riverfront.

Finish up your first day with dinner at Terra Nora. Terra Nora is an intimate dining experience with traditional Portuguese cuisine. When making your reservation, request to sit at a window in order to see the Douro River as you dine. For sunset lovers, reserve a time a few minutes before it sets in order to see the sun set on the river. 

For your second day, no trip to Porto is the same without doing a cruise or tour through the Douro Valley to see vineyards and breathtaking scenery. There are so many options, but I always prefer the tours that last all day for a full experience. The authentic Douro River tours last about 9 hours, including travel time to and from the Douro Valley.

The ideal Douro River excursion would include winery visits and tastings of both authentic Port wine and the other wines grown in the region. The wine tasting would then be followed by a cruise on the Douro River and ending with a typical Portuguese lunch made with Douro region products. If you don’t want to spend a full day in the Douro Valley, you can also take a cruise on the river in Porto on an authentic boat that used to carry wine barrels down the river.

For the final night in Porto a perfect meal is needed. For those staying in the Yeatman Hotel, there is a Michelin Star restaurant downstairs that has amazing reviews. Seafood lovers should make a reservation for the restaurant Gruta . After dinner, Porto nightlife is something you don’t want to miss out on. But don’t stay out too late as we prepare for a travel day tomorrow. 

Day 3: Óbidos, Portugal

From Porto, you can travel to Óbidos by bus, train, or rental car. Óbidos is known for its medieval town surrounded by the Castle of Óbidos. For the one night you have here, stay at Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos hotel. The hotel is housed within the 12th-century medieval castle.

If you have a car, you can stop in Nazare on your way to Óbidos. Nazare’s beach is popular with surfers and known for its epically tall waves. Plus, there is a beautiful look-out point. 

Days 4-6: Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal

After your night in Óbidos, take a bus/train or drive to Lisbon. You should stay in the center of Lisbon by Commerce Square or the older part in Alfama. The Bairro Alto Hotel is a charming, centrally located stay that has a great restaurant within it. Another option is the Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa that is a large property out of the noisy city center on the tree-lined Avenida Liberdade.

The best way to see Lisbon is to just walk. Some streets are so narrow and steep that cars won’t fit through or get up. Lisbon’s infamous Tram 28 is a great tourist option to get explore the city. Tuk Tuk tours are also very popular for seeing Lisbon.

When going to popular scenic spots, it’s best to go early in the morning before 9:00 a.m. The Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot has great views of Lisbon’s port and cathedral. It will be full of tourists the entire day, so get there early to get your picture. 

Once you’ve gotten all your pictures, make your way to the Castelo S. Jorge that is only a five-minute walk away. The views from the castle are, in my opinion, the best it gets. You can see multiple landmarks such as the 25 April Bridge that was inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge as well as the Sanctuary of Christ monument.

For clothes, shoes, and trinket lovers; Rossio is a great shopping area with high-end stores. I highly recommend checking out shoe stores, any you can find around there are great quality and affordable. Once you get tired from shopping so much, take a quick walk to Rossio Square for a place to relax and people watch. Some alternative must see sights for the remainder days in Lisbon are; Commerce Square, Torre de Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery. 

A sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River is my favorite activity to do in Lisbon by far. Nothing can beat being on a vintage sailboat with champagne in hand while eating Portuguese cheese and prosciutto. The sunset cruise I took was about two hours long, and I was able to sit right in the front of the boat on bean bag chairs while listening to the water and soft music. 

After the appetizers you consumed on the cruise, it’s now time for dinner. My top four restaurants in Lisbon are; BAHR , Alma , Solar dos Presuntos , and JNcQUOI Asia . All are traditional Portuguese dishes of meat and fish, except JNcQUOI Asia. Although I love Portuguese food, on this long of a trip I tend to want something different. JNcQUOI Asia offers four types of Asian cuisine: Indian, Thai, Chinese and Japanese.

Another option is to book a dinner and Fado show. Fado is a Portuguese music genre that consists of folk guitars, hand clapping, and singing. Parreirinha de Alfama is a small Portuguese restaurant that has Fado singing. The restaurant is very quaint in order for it to feel like a homespun restaurant. All the food is cooked in a tiny kitchen by one woman. 

After spending a day or two in Lisbon, it’s worth making a day trip to Sintra and the seaside town of Cascais. Sintra is known for the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. The town is very small and can be seen in a few hours. On the way back from Sintra, make a stop in Cascais for the Cabo da Roca which is the cape of Portugal and the most western part of Europe. 

For more suggestions, see my 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary .

Days 7-8: Algarve, Portugal

Once you’ve seen everything I listed for Lisbon, it’s now time to head south to the Algarve for some relaxation. If you have a rental car, it’ll only be a three-hour drive to pure beauty. If you want to take the train, you would take the Lisbon to Faro train to stay in either the Albufeira or Lagos area. Both are easy to get to via Uber or bus from the station.

The Epic Sana Hotel or the Pine Cliff Resort are both nice hotels, followed by the Martinhal Sagres Family Resort , which is a great family resort great for those with children.

The first thing you have to do is head out to the beaches. Algarve beaches are tucked between stunning sandstone cliffs on one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. The most famous tourist attraction is a boat ride to visit the Benagil Cave, but there are many ways to explore the coastline.

Albufeira and Lagos both have spectacular beaches and shopping and nightlife. There are little villages all over to explore. If you’re lucky, some sort of festival will be held downtown that is full of great music, food, and drinks. There’s always something to celebrate in Algarve. Two popular restaurants are Vila Joya and Bon Bon for fine dining. 

Days 9-11: Seville, Spain

Enough relaxation, it’s time to get back into exploring and sightseeing and move on to Spain! The easiest way to get to Seville from Algarve is to drive or take a three-hour bus ride. Seville is the gateway to visiting the Andalusia region of Spain.

Choose to stay at either Hotel Alfonso XIII or Hotel Palacio de Villapanes . Both hotels are in the old town of Seville surrounded by history. Hotel Alfonso XII is the most famous hotel to stay at and has been around since the 1900s. The regal rooms and decor make this hotel stand out from others. 

Since you’d already be in the city center, you should visit the Cathedral of Seville as well as the Royal Alcazar. The Royal Alcazar is a historical royal palace with beautiful tile work and stunning gardens, which have been featured in many films and shows.

From there, Seville’s beauty is often found just while wandering around. After living there for four months, my favorite places were the ones I stumbled upon, even just a favorite bench. The center also has hundreds of stores to choose from for clothes, shoes, and souvenirs. While wandering around, you can’t miss the Setas de Seville. This large wooden structure is the best way to see the city from high up, the views are unbeatable. 

A 10-minute bus ride or 20-minute walk will take you to the Plaza de Espana. The Plaza de Espana is my favorite place in all of Seville. The square is beautifully built with authentic tiles all around.

The Maria Luisa Park is connected to the plaza and is a large garden made for lounging and relaxing with multiple fountains and benches. You’re able to rent a row boat to cruise on the river for an hour at your own pace or take a boat cruise.

Seville is also home to the famous dance of flamenco. There are multiple places that host flamenco performances, but you should have an authentic flamenco experience at a local restaurant. La Carbonería is a tavern with flamenco performances in an old coal warehouse. They have three flamenco shows every night, running from 8:30-10:30. 

Another activity to do is a paella cooking class. The Triana Market is a fresh food market with vendor stalls selling produce, meat, and prepared meals. Within the market, Taller Andaluz de Cocina , hosts cooking classes and a tour of the market. The cooking class is held in a makeshift kitchen with everything you need. The class consists of three authentic Seville courses such as gazpacho, paella, and spinach and chickpeas. 

The best restaurants in Seville are the Abantal, El Pinton , and Casa Manolo Lèon . Abantal is known for their fine dining with modern variations on Andalusian cuisines. El Pinton is well known tapas restaurant. Casa Manolo Lèon is my personal favorite, with authentic Andalusian cuisine and an outdoor patio filled with flowers and greenery. 

Also see things to do in Seville with kids .

Days 12-14: Barcelona, Spain & Montserrat 

From Seville, take a quick flight to Barcelona for Spain’s most famous city. Hotel Neri and Ohla are my picks for your stay. Both are located in the Gothic Quarter. I personally recommend always staying in that area because it’s in the center of all the landmarks, shopping, and restaurants.

You’re able to walk around and get to any place if you stay there. From the Gothic Quarter you’re able to see the Cathedral and the Las Ramblas scenic area. 

If you’re interested in art or architecture, you should book tickets to see the Gaudi houses. Casa Battló is one of Gaudi’s creations that we’re able to visit. The house belonged was lived in by Gaudi and his family. The design takes inspiration from the environment and its animals. Park Güell is an attraction I always go to when I’m in Barcelona. The park consists of Gaudi’s artwork within the framework and architecture of the gardens and buildings. 

The following day, you should visit the Sagrada Família. When booking tickets for the Sagrada, you will have to do it relatively very early and also try to get skip the line passes . This is Barcelona’s biggest attraction, and it gets very crowded in there.

After spending a few hours in the Sagrada Família, I would take the rest of the day to walk around the Gothic Quarter. The last time I was in Barcelona, wandering around, I stumbled upon a fashion show at a park as well as a music video in the streets. This city is filled with vibrant energy and people, just appreciate what’s around you. 

Barcelona is known for having some of the best restaurants. Disfrutar is considered as the top restaurant in Europe. Its experimental tasting menus are Mediterranean seafood based and more on the pricey side. Estimar is a hidden restaurant with an open kitchen view from your tabel. They’re known for their seafood and delicious seafood. If you’re tired of paella yet, Mana 75 specializes in paella and Catalan dishes. 

On your last day before flying back home to the U.S., I recommend taking a day trip to Montserrat in the mountains. It’s the perfect escape from the intense city life you’ve experienced the last few days. Montserrat is known for its stunning mountain views, historic buildings, and hiking trails.

Also see things to do in Barcelona with kids .

Read more about Portugal and Spain

• One-week Portugal itineraries (4 options)
• Portugal trip planning tips
• How much does a trip to Portugal cost?
• 3 Days in Lisbon
• Things to do in Madrid with kids
• Day trip to Segovia
• Day trip to Toledo

Emma Da Silva is a journalism major at the University of Rhode Island and an aspiring Travel Writer. Her love for photography and experience studying aboard have led her to want to write for other adventurers and inspire them to go out and make lasting memories.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: March 20, 2024

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

The Best 10 Days In Portugal and Spain Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ : Guide To 24 Hours in Barcelona

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

Overview of 10 Day Spain-Portugal Itinerary

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

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

Length : 10 days

Start and End Points : Lisbon and Granada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Day Itinerary for Portugal and Spain

Day 1: lisbon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Lisbon and Belem

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ : Complete Guide To Jeronimos Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Day Trip To Sintra

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Pena Palace

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

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

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

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

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

2. Quinta da Regaleira

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

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

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

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

3. Moorish Castle

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Lisbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Explore Seville

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

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

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

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

1. Seville Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. La Giralda

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

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

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

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

3. Royal Alcazar

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

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

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

You cannot help but feel catapulted back in time.

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

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

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

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

4. Dinner & Drinks

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Seville

1. plaza espana.

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

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

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

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

2. Barrio Santa Cruz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Seville

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

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

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

Day 7: Day Trip to Cordoba or Ronda

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

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

1. Option 1: Cordoba

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Option 2: Ronda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Granada

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

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

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

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

READ : Top Attractions In Granada

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

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

Here are some guided tour options:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 10: Granada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where To Stay In Granada

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

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

More Time in Spain?

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

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

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

You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

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

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

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

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

2 thoughts on “The Best 10 Days In Portugal and Spain Itinerary”

Do you have hotel recommendations?

Yes, the article gives you recommendations for where to stay in Lisbon, Seville, and Granada. The hotels are listed at the end of your stay in the city.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

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.

Recommended

I love sharing the best travel resources I can find. 

• I never book a flight without looking on Skyscanner first
• My favourite one stop shop for airport transfers, food tours & excursions is Get Your Guide
• Out of the big accommodation machines, I use Expedia and Booking.com the most
• I’ve hand-picked useful travel gear and tools for you in my Amazon shop . Never leave home without a travel adapter or collapsible water bottle . I’d also recommend these soft ear plugs and a sleep mask .
• Access all our planners and budget spreadsheets in the Travel Toolbox ©
• Plan the perfect road trip with our Road Trip Planner & Toolkit ©
• Use these packing cubes to make life so much easier on the road.
• 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.

Looking for a slightly different experience? Check out our r eview of the Avalon Alegria Douro River Cruise .

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

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Portugal vs. Spain: Which Country Is Right for You?

Kayla Voigt

Always in search of adventure, Kayla Voigt hails from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the start of the Boston Marathon. You can usually find her at the summit of a mountain or digging into a big bowl of pasta. Say hi on Instagram @klvoigt.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

While both Portugal and Spain occupy the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, you may be wondering: Which one should you visit? The best answer is both, of course, but which one to choose depends on what kind of vacation you want to have. Here’s the ultimate rundown on Portugal vs. Spain so you can make the best decision.

Portugal vs. Spain: Language

Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. It’s fairly similar to Spanish, but a word that goes far is obrigado/a for “thank you” (not to be confused with the Spanish gracias ).

Spain gets a bit more complicated. While the predominant language is Spanish, and you can hear and see that everywhere, Spain has several semi-autonomous regions that are proud of their heritage and language. I once hopped into a cab in Barcelona and received a grouchy “Catalan or English—no Spanish!” when I tried to give my address. Catalan is spoken widely in places like Barcelona and Valencia, but there’s also Galician in Galicia, and Basque in places like Bilbao.

The good news? English is also widely spoken in both countries, especially in the bigger cities.

Winner: If you speak Spanish, Spain is much easier to navigate. But for simplicity’s sake, Portugal wins this round.

Portugal vs. Spain: Food

Portugal offers some of the best seafood in the Mediterranean, with delicious cod, octopus, prawns, and sardines. It’s less known than other “fine dining” destinations like France, so as a result, incredible multi-course dinners are fairly affordable. This is changing quickly though, with Michelin awarding its first stars to Portuguese restaurants in 2019.

Most restaurants open late—if you can get in at 7:00 p.m., you’re likely in a tourist spot—with dinners stretching into the wee hours of the morning.

One famous dessert you can find in Lisbon is pasteis de nata , an egg custard tart sprinkled with the tiniest bit of powdered sugar. It’s heaven in a bite, and worth the long wait at Pastéis de Belem , around the corner from Jeronimos Monastery.

Spain is globally known for its delicious food, especially its avante-garde fine dining scene made famous by Ferran Adria. But Spanish food is equally delicious in its simplest form: cured meats, cheeses, and olives. You’ll find regional specialties from jamon iberico in Andalusia to paella in Valencia and sea urchin in Costa Brava.

Like Portugal, restaurants are open late. But Spain also enjoys a thriving tapas and pintxos scene—small plates at tiny standing-room-only bars—where you can start your dinner as early as 4:00 p.m.

Winner: This one is close—you won’t go wrong! Portugal is easier for vegetarians and pescetarians, but Spain continues to produce globally renowned restaurants and high-quality food across every region, making it the winner.

[viator_tour destination=”562″ type=”3-mod” tours=”16637P1,25359P1,16168P1″]

Portugal vs. Spain: Wine

In Portugal, head north to Porto, the birthplace of port. You can take a river cruise through the Duoro Valley and sample not just tawny but also ruby, rose, and white port. While you’re there, try vinho verde or “green wine,” which is crisp, acidic, and perfect to pair with seafood, not unlike a sauvignon blanc. Or you can explore the island of Madeira for a wine you’d rather drink than cook with (trust me!).

Spain is known mostly for bold, fruity tempranillos from the Rioja region (similar to a pinot noir or a cabernet sauvignon, depending on how they’re aged), but you’ll also find sparkling cava in Penedes and bright sherries from Jerez. You’ll generally find delicious, surprising options anywhere in the country.

Winner: This one depends on your wine preferences! If you’re a red wine drinker, Spain. If you’re a white wine drinker or into fortified wines, it’s Portugal all the way.

[viator_tour destination=”26879″ type=”3-mod” tours=”7372P30,30924P6,8413P19″]

Portugal vs. Spain: Key Destinations

Start your Portugal trip in the capital city of Lisbon. Covered in tiles and palm trees, it doesn’t feel like the major metropolis it really is. Climb up to the historic Alfama neighborhood, listen to fado fading through the alleyways, ride an iconic yellow tram, or head to Belem to explore monasteries and palaces of old.

Portugal’s charm comes from its laid-back cafe culture. Nearby Sintra offers colorful castles and palaces that inspired Hans Christian Andersen. You’ll find delightful small towns across the country, especially Cascais, Sortelha, and Amarante. Explore medieval Obidos or the Roman ruins in Coimbra.

Portugal’s coastline boasts deep cliffs and gorgeous views. Whether you explore the caverns of Lagos, surf or sea kayak in Albufeira, or hop over to the Azores Islands, you’ll find less crowded beaches than elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

In Spain, you’ll have your pick of big cities between Madrid and Barcelona. Madrid offers cosmopolitan hustle and bustle, world-class museums, and imperial palaces; Barcelona has funky Gaudi architecture, wide-open avenues, and plenty of delicious food.

Head south to Andalusia to slow down and experience Moorish architecture or Granada’s famous Alhambra . Another alternative: Head north to Pamplona to watch the running of the bulls or make the pilgrimage by foot on the Camino del Santiago to the Santiago de Compostela. Try your hand at world-class rock climbing in the Pyrenees, cheer for your favorite team at a soccer match in Barcelona, or watch flamenco dancers twirl and stomp in Seville.

Then, when you’re ready to relax, head to the beach: Spain has nearly 5,000 miles of coastline for you to choose from. Whether you want to hang out in the sleepy fishing town of Cadiz or island hop to nightlife centers like Ibiza or Mallorca, you’ll find perfect cliffside beaches across the country.

Unlike Portugal, Spain struggles with overtourism, which has made it more difficult to visit due to long lines and crowds from cruise ships dropping thousands of visitors overnight. All that really means is you’ll have to adjust your expectations, be willing to pay for a tour to skip the lines, or travel during the shoulder or off-season.

Winner: This one also depends on what you like. For big cities with medieval charm and pristine, relatively empty beaches, Portugal’s the winner. For outdoor enthusiasts and art and architecture lovers, Spain wins this round.

[viator_tour destination=”554″ type=”3-mod”]

Portugal vs. Spain: Cost of Travel

I’ll use two of the most popular destinations in both countries as a proxy for cost—it does vary between high season and low season, and depending on whether you’re in a more popular tourist area. Porto, Portugal, for example, is much cheaper than Lisbon; the little white village of Ronda in Spain is much cheaper than bustling Madrid.

Is Portugal cheaper than Spain? Overall, yes. In Lisbon, you can find a great hotel for around $100 a night depending on the neighborhood, averaging out around $175/night. The average hotel in Barcelona is closer to $200 or $250 depending on the neighborhood.

For restaurants, you’ll pay between 10 and 15 euros for a main course in Lisbon, while Barcelona tends to be between 20 and 30 euros, especially if you’re trying to bag bucket-list dining experiences like a table at Tickets .

Attractions in Portugal also tend to be cheaper—for example, a ticket for the Tile Museum in Lisbon costs 5 euros, while the Prado in Madrid costs 15.

Winner: If you’re on a budget, you won’t beat Portugal’s value. While Spain is definitely still on the cheaper side for most of Europe, Portugal’s the winner.

[viator_tour destination=”538″ type=”3-mod”]

The Bottom Line

Both Portugal and Spain offer a wide variety of exciting attractions and delicious food.

Head to Portugal if you’re a seafood fanatic wary of crowds, or if you’re on a budget. Portugal is an up-and-coming destination that will surprise you.

If you’re really into fine dining, world-class museums, or rock climbing and hiking, Spain is a great choice. It’s the type of destination you can visit again and again and experience something new.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The 13 Best Shoes to Wear in Europe
• Planning a Trip to Europe: Your 10-Step Guide
• 27 Awesome Natural Wonders in Europe

[viator_tour destination=”566″ type=”3-mod”]

Always in search of adventure, Kayla Voigt hails from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the start of the Boston Marathon. You can usually find her at the summit of a mountain or digging into a big bowl of pasta. Say hi on Instagram @klvoigt .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Porto to Lisbon: 7-Nt, Small-Group Portugal...

Indus Travels

Greenland: Luxe, All-Incl. 11-Nt Exploration Small-Ship...

Swan Hellenic

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

The Perfect Group Road Trip: A 10-Day Itinerary in Portugal and Spain

We chose Portugal and Spain for a giant road trip through several destinations, and planned 10 days in Spain and Portugal. Both are friendly and fun countries, easy to navigate and perfect for groups with several different interests. My husband and I met another couple shortly after we moved to London that we got on with swimmingly. A couple years in the making, we found time where all of us could do a holiday together. Our budgets were decent, but we wanted to maximize our time and our funds among the four of us. When you find those perfect friends that you know would be amazing to go on a trip with, you should jump on the opportunity!

10 Days in Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Day 1 and 2: The Algarve and Southern Portugal

Day 3 and 4: Lisbon, Portugal

Day 5, 6 and 7: Seville , Spain

Day 8 and 9: Granada and Rhonda, Spain

Day 10: Marbella, Spain

(Looking for just Portugal? Check out our Portugal itinerary: 5 days of fun too! Or stick below to our itinerary: Spain and Portugal together)

Day 1-2: The Algarve and Southern Portugal

Flying into Faro, we pick up our car booked through Auto Europe at the airport and headed west. The first place to greet us in the sunny Algarve region of Portugal is the Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa. A gorgeous haven in the hills, with sprawling green property wrapping around endless luxury amenities. We had a blast drinking mimosas for breakfast overlooking the beautiful water installations, then watching in wonder the live acts over our outdoor BBQ dinner.

Hidden beaches are only a stone’s throw from Vale d’Oliveiras too – although the water was chilly! We dove in anyway and took turns jumping off rocky cliffs, snorkeling and sun tanning. Do note that a lot of these beaches require a quick hike in the heat to reach – and welcome nudity. But it’s all worth the experience, as they’re some of the prettiest beaches I’ve ever seen. Keep an eye out specifically for Praia do Carvalho, which I think is the best.

Day 3-4: Lisbon, Portugal

A first for me, I was so excited to finally make it to Lisbon on my 4th trip to Portugal. NOTE: We did this a bit backwards, so you could fly into Lisbon, head south to the beach and then venture into Spain .

It’s about a two-and-a-half hour drive, but you can take your time along the coastal route too for some beach breaks. Our sanctuary in the city is the award-winning Altis Belem design hotel. It’s located on the river near the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument.

Indulge in spectacular harbor views, a Michelin-star restaurant onsite and individually themed rooms that feel more like small apartments. Sleek common spaces with muted concrete and artwork details made for a sophisticated ambiance to be enjoyed between bouts of sightseeing. It was the perfect oasis to return to after a couple of days of riding the famous trams through Lisbon and admiring the vibrant street art.

We also loved the hidden gem below Altis Belem – a modern spa space available to guests for some soaking and relaxing. At the end of the day it’s virtually empty, so we were able to float through the hot-and-cold pools in privacy.

We didn’t have to look far for beautiful things to do (and eat) in Lisbon right from the hotel. A quick walk brought us to the front door of Pastéis de Belém , one of the original bakeries serving the famous custard pastry. Although not as fresh, it was fun to realize they serve these until late night, so we’d grab a few on the walk back to the hotel after dinner.

Car Switch!

While our budget was not super limited for a road trip within Europe, we did realize it would drastically change if we had a car rental for the full ten days . Most rental companies tack on a massive fee for a one-way trip when it crosses country borders. We were quoted an additional 600 euro for this route!

Luckily, the amazing people at Auto Europe offered a simple alternative: Two separate rentals. We had one car for our driving trip in Portugal for the first five days, then a second car for the second five days. It was a slight inconvenience, but it’s only a two-hour drive between Faro in southern Portugal to Seville in southern Spain. It’s simple to take an Uber, car share program or bus between the destinations and you can then use your saved funds to splash out later.

Day 5-6-7: Seville, Spain

My favorite city in the whole world. After studying abroad in Seville , then returning later as an au pair, it seemed as no time passed at all. The rich Spanish-style architecture, lovingly protected and celebrated as true Sevillano wonders. At first, we spent a night in the Helipolis neighborhood to enjoy a little pool-time in the staggering heat at Silken al Andalus , then headed into the barrios of the old town.

The Vincci La Rábida Hotel is super close to the giant gothic cathedral and the Alcazar Palace in Seville, so most attractions are easily accessible through the narrow cobblestone streets. This hotel has classic archways and a cool courtyard for a drink and a treat. Head up to the rooftop to see the top of the cathedral too. I don’t know which was better – this rooftop view or the picturesque yellow-trimmed courtyard with fountain you can indulge for breakfast.

One thing that had popped up right before I moved back to the U.S. was the Metropol Parasol . I know it’s a futuristic-looking structure with a mall on the ground floor but didn’t realize how many layers could be explored until we went with our group at dusk.

Erected to avoid ancient ruins discovered below its surface, the ‘mushroom’ offers rooftop views of the city from a fresh angle. Pay for a ticket and take the elevator to the top, where there’s a curvy catwalk flanked by a sign to highlight points of interest. Your ticket is good for a free sangria at the bar there too.

As for meals, we were lucky to stumble on the Casa Pepe Hillo. If you can move past the bullheads that decorate the walls, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best tapas I’ve had in the city. It’s near the famed bullring and is open until midnight.

Before leaving we swung by the Plaza de Espana and spontaneously decided to take one of the rowboats around the mini waterway. Impromptu flamenco song wafted through the air as we floated by the horseshoe of Renaissance and Moorish revival architecture. It’s a must-see, and for a couple of euro, hilarious to row through too.

Day 8-9: Granada and Ronda, Spain

The drive onwards from Seville was scenic and lovely, with a stop in the staggering cliff-top town of Ronda, about 2-hours’ drive prior to Granada. It was so hot so our trip was quick, but it was worth the pit stop to have lunch and marvel at the deep gorge in the main part of town.

To deal with the oppressive heat (besides blasting the air conditioning in the car) on our drive to Granada, we found a wild swimming hole near Benaojan and Ronda called the Cueva del Gato. It’s off the main road and mostly frequented by locals, but don’t miss the chance to take a dip! Bring some tapas and get ready for a crazy cold but crazy refreshing swim in the clear waters. Some people jumped from the mini waterfall with loud shouts and machismo behavior, which did ruin the chilled-out mood a little. But we still loved it and it was a welcomed break from the winding, bumpy roads.

Granada is rich in Moorish tradition, with its iconic Alhambra Palace perched on a hill overlooking the city below. You must buy tickets in advance to see this modern world wonder and be prepared for lines to get into some of the more spectacular areas of the complex. People might disagree, but I think if you also enjoy Seville, you can do one or the other – either the Alhambra or the Alcazar. Both are stunning and worth an afternoon of photo taking and soaking up the beautiful designs.

You can book public or private tours of the Alhambra through Viator and skip all the lines!

Besides the Alhambra, we were on a tapas hunt. In Granada, you can order a drink at the bar and they will offer a free snack! There is a real pizzazz to this method of eating and grazing. Be ready for your group to often get the same tapas, so warn the picky eaters. The guys didn’t catch on fast enough and kept asking for pints – but if you plan several rounds, it’s better to go for halves or small glasses of wine to get the best results.

Tapas-time evolved into Flamenco-time. We had heard not the best things about the touristy caves and wanted to still see some of this artform up close. Le Chien Andalou couldn’t have been better- it’s intimate and unassuming. At midnight, we saw an almost semi-private performance that moved a few people to tears. It’s exactly as I remember it – tragic, mesmerizing and so powerfully done. I was humbled to see some great flamenco and would certainly go back to this place next time.

A lot of ‘bebidas’ has us feeling a little rough the next morning, so a session at the Hammam al Andalus was just what was need to cure our blues. I didn’t think I’d like the cave-style hammam, especially with the hot weather outside, but it was wonderfully quiet and pleasant. Mint tea, steam rooms, hot stone areas and pools carved with Arabic/Moorish design transported us to another time and place. It’s well worth the time for you and friends to fully relax.

Our hotel was also a highlight of visiting the city. My parents are huge fans of Marriott hotel properties as am I. However, I had not heard of the Autograph Collection before and think it’s the perfect blend of brand-name service and local charm. The AC Palacio De Santa Paula is under the Marriott name, but boasts an old converted convent and traditional courtyard true to Granada style. Our rooms had a lofted wood beamed ceiling, modern bathroom and swinging dark wooden window shutters. It’s one of the most aesthetically-pleasing rooms I’ve seen and a perfect base for exploring the rest of Granada by foot.

Day 10: Marbella

It was time to handle the heat one more time before making it to the coast. Near Granada is a sparkling turquoise reservoir that welcomes swimmers all year round. The Embalse de los Bermejales is gorgeous and located in a valley. Have a plan for shade as it’s totally out in the open, but you can drive right onto the beach close to the water.

Before driving on, you must have a massive meal at the Complejo Rural El Molinillo overlooking the reservoir. We ordered way too many things and dug through piles of calamari, roasted pork, and fresh salads. There was a huge birthday party indoors, and the wait staff brought a few free tapas to apologize for the short wait.

A few long days of driving definitely earned us some luxurious rest at the end of an incredible trip. As we pulled up to the grand entrance of Villa Padierna , I knew we were somewhere special. I knew the likes of former first lady Michelle Obama had stayed at this property on her own trip to Spain. So our group was thrilled to experience some similarly lavish and enjoyed by American royalty. While the ambiance of the pool area and spa was wonderful, we also spent part of the day at Villa Padierna’s beach club.

Although the property doesn’t have direct beach access it should not be overlooked as a flaw; you can take a driver down five minutes to the shore any time during the day for a swim and a snooze under the cabanas. With a bottle of bubbly ordered to the room as the sun went down, we had our friends over to our spacious balcony and enjoyed one more evening in the balmy nighttime weather before returning.

A little adventure and a lot of luxury are what made our 10 days in Spain and Portugal unforgettable.

Have you taken a trip with your friends before? What’s your travel style?

Hey there, I'm Eileen!

Welcome to Pure Wander, a blog community focused on all things traveling in packs! We aim to become the best resource for tips and tricks to plan your next group adventure!

Click here to learn what the rest of our team is up to!

Most Popular Posts

Subscribe for Pure Wander Freebies

Pure Wander On YouTube!

Most recent posts.

• St. Augustine, Florida’s Charming Must-Sees: A Journey Through Time
• Discover the Charm of Walkable Worlds: Top 5 Vacation Destinations for Strolling Enthusiasts
• Chase the Sun: Gear Up for Springtime Travels
• Six Smooth Catamaran Tours Around the World to Make You Swoon
• 3 Reasons to Visit Chamonix, France in the sunny off-season

Search the Pure Wander Travel Blog

Pure_wander.

🌍Profesh travel hot mess for 20 years 💅🏼 🌎Different destinations beyond basics 🛩️ 🌎Founder of Pure Wander blog 🖊️ 🌏Insider inspo, guides, & deals ✨

Author Eileen Cotter Wright

Eileen Cotter is a freelance travel journalist and owner of Pure Wander. She's our resident expat extraordinaire and falls down a lot in yoga class. Follow her on Instagram @Pure_Wander.

Join the discussion 24 Comments

It looks like you all had a great HOLIDAY!! So much to see and do,Europe is so full of history and I see why you Brits love to explore. Beautiful pictures as well!!

I’m off to Lisbon for my birthday next year (not until May but already booked!) so this post has made me all the more excited!!!

Some good tips here! We’re looking into visiting Seville and also Lisbon on our road trip. Perhaps a stop at Granada and Ronda could make the itinary too!

This looked like an amazing trip! I’m seriously jealous i’m in major need of a beach or resort holiday!

• Pingback: Review: Hotel Silken Al-Andalus Palace in Seville, Spain - Pure Wander

We loved Portugal so much we wanted to move there! Your post really brought back some amazing memories, thanks for sharing!

This looks like such an amazing trip! And, great tip about splitting the car rental – I’ve never thought of doing that but it’s brilliant!

• Pingback: Travel Bloggers Share: Best Places to Stay in Lisbon | Kat Pegi Mana: Where Is Kat Going?
• Pingback: 5 Days in Portugal: An Itinerary and Tips to Love | Pure Wander
• Pingback: How to Plan a Road Trip from Boston to Miami | Pure Wander
• Pingback: 12 brilliant day trips from Seville - Rebecca and the World
• Pingback: Where to stay in Seville, Spain: Hotel Silken Al-Andalus Palace: Review
• Pingback: Things to do in Cordoba, Spain: A 3 Day Itinerary - The Adventure Lab

what time of the year were you there? We plan to go in Sept and wonder what the weather will be like.

HI Tammy! We actually went in the early summer time – it’s definitely hot, but there’s far less tourists in the cities and at the beaches. I lived in Seville though year-round, and September is a lovely time of year. Can be quite hot, but great for swimming in Portugal, and often cool at night. Let me know if you need anything else! -Eileen

I am planning a 10 day trip to Portugal and Southern Spain for early October. Is the weather nice then? Are there any other things to do or places to visit you would recommend more for this time of year?

Hey Jordan! It gets really hot in the summer in the south, like stupid hot. It’s best to avoid the cities then, but the beaches are great (albeit a bit crowded with Spanish/Portuguese tourists). I think the best time to go is shoulder seasons, like spring and fall. It gets a bit rainy in January/February. October should be awesome – I was in the Algarve in November once and it was beautiful, perfect swim weather. Have a great time!

• Pingback: What Makes Spain's Capital #MustSeeMadrid? | Pure Wander
• Pingback: Best Destinations for Digital Nomads | Pure Wander
• Pingback: Preparing for a European Vacation in 5 Easy Steps | Pure Wander
• Pingback: 5 Golf Inspired Group Holidays - Pure Wander
• Pingback: Top 5 Group Getaways for Young (& Young at Heart) Adventurers - Pure Wander
• Pingback: How To Make Fig Jam - Newsgutter
• Pingback: For the family on the move: the 2023 Gift Guide - Pure Wander

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• About Us – Pure Wander Travel Blog
• Group Travel Inspiration
• Copyright & Privacy Policy

Follow us on IG!

Find us on social.

© 2024 Pure Wander.

• Write For Us
• Dad Diaries
• Travel with Babies & Toddlers
• Travel with Kids & Teens
• North America
• South America
• Letters To The Editor

Recent Posts

• Search for:

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

• The Caribbean
• South Carolina
• Eastern Europe
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Travel Anxiety
• Fear of Flying
• SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
• PRIVACY POLICY

Travel Itineraries , Europe , Travel Destinations , Travel Tips

Ultimate 9 day itinerary spain and portugal.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Updated: 3 May 2023

Spain and Portugal are two of my favorite countries to explore in Europe, so I had to write a 9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal guide for you. Both destinations offer well-preserved historical cities, many boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, as well as incredible (and diverse) food options and sweeping beaches. 

Of course, both countries are obviously different, too.

For example, don’t assume that everyone speaks Spanish in Portugal! That would be a major rookie mistake. 

Due to their geographical proximity, many travelers like pairing Spain and Portugal in the same vacation. Honestly, if you’re limited on time, I don’t blame you for wanting to create an itinerary that includes a taste of both countries.

Keep in mind that 9 days in Spain and Portugal will require moving at a relatively brisk pace (I’m a slow traveler at heart), and you still won’t see everything. No worries, though. You’ll have the perfect excuse to return next year. 

Table of Contents

Travel Essentials for Spain and Portugal

First I want to share all my practical travel tips for this 9 day itinerary in Spain and Portugal.

Honestly, both countries have strong tourism infrastructure, which makes navigation pretty easy even if you’re a new international traveler. 

However, I still wanted to offer some advice on public transportation, including airports, and packing essentials for your adventures around Spain and Portugal. A lot of people get “stuck” on this part of the planning process, and shouldn’t have to.

Arrival in Lisbon Airport

Welcome to Lisbon.  You will begin your 9 days in Spain and Portugal at Humberto Delgado Airport, which is the biggest airport in Portugal.

If you’re flying internationally, you will most likely land at Terminal 1, whereas budget airlines from Europe land at Terminal 2. Know your terminal ahead of time to make your life easier. 

Getting to Lisbon from the airport is fairly straight-forward using public transportation. Don’t bother with a taxi unless you’re splitting the cost between multiple people. The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line will efficiently transport you downtown in about twenty minutes. 

Keep in mind that all overseas flights require going through customs. The lines are … pretty long, depending on the time you land and the time of year. It took me two hours from landing in Lisbon until I reached my hostel.

The good news, though? You will not have to clear customs again going into Spain. 

Getting Around Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal both have fantastic public transportation systems that travelers will find helpful.

In particular, both countries have high-speed trains that link large cities. Madrid and Barcelona, for instance, are connected by a Renfe AVE train that only takes two hours and thirty minutes in total. 

In this itinerary, you shouldn’t need to rent a car, and actually I’d advise against spending money for your own vehicle.

Why am I so anti-car? Driving in Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona is fast paced and hectic, and not all travelers are used to those conditions. Furthermore, parking is challenging and expensive. You’ll feel much less stressed out if you use the trams, metros, and buses. 

As an important side note, validate all tickets prior to boarding your train, metro car, or bus.

Seriously. Please, please, please validate your tickets. Now, if you buy online tickets, you will be fine showing your phone since the dates and times are clearly printed on the digital ticket, but you need to stamp all physical tickets at the machines. You don’t want to risk a huge fine, which is exactly what will happen if you’re caught with an unvalidated ticket. 

What to Pack for Spain and Portugal

Obviously, you will have different packing needs for 9 days in Spain and Portugal depending on the time of year that you visit. No helping that.

However, these are few essential items that you don’t want to forget no matter the circumstances. 

• Comfortable Walking Shoes:  Spain and Portugal’s cities are laced with cobblestone streets. Not to mention, you’ll encounter plenty of hills, especially in Lisbon. Forget about fashion for a moment, and bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes instead for your trip. You will thank me later. 
• Guidebook for Spain & Portugal:  As much as I love blogs, I still adore traditional guidebooks for planning my trips. Lonely Planet makes my favorite books, and both Spain and Portugal guidebooks are available in physical form and on .pdf. 
• Language Phrasebooks:  Learn a couple of phrases of the local language to fit in better with the culture! Lonely Planet also carries a phrasebook line and has books for learning both Spanish and Portuguese . 
• Pacsafe Travel Gear:  I won’t lie. Some cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, are bad for pickpocketing. I’m not saying you ought to lose sleep over it, but you should still take care of your belongings. If you’re worried, my advice is to invest in a Pacsafe crossbody bag or similar for additional protection. 
• Sunscreen and More Sunscreen:  Ugh, on my first trip to Portugal, I didn’t wear sunscreen and got roasted. Don’t do what I did and bring sunscreen. I love Sun Bum’s sun lotion for travel, because their products are vegan and reef friendly. You’ll protect your skin and environment at the same time. 
• Travel Insurance:  Spain and Portugal are very safe to visit. Violent crime is rare. However, you still want to invest in travel insurance for your trip in case of sickness, flight interruptions, and other inconveniences. I always use World Nomads for travel insurance, and I haven’t been disappointed yet! 

9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: Overview

Like I mentioned earlier in this guide, 9 days in Spain and Portugal isn’t a lot of time to dive deeply into these beautiful countries. Sorry to break the bad news. At heart, I am a slow traveler, and could actually spend 9 days exploring one region in Spain! 

However, at the same time, my heart has plenty of room for realism, so I understand that limited vacation days make it difficult for people who want to maximize their time overseas. 

In this itinerary, I’m basing travelers in three large cities (namely Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona) with strong transportation system that make traveling to smaller villages easy to do. 

9 Days in Spain and Portugal: Quick Glance

9 Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: Details

Lastly, I’ve broken down the specific days for you. I tried to leave a little bit of wiggle room for each day, so you can add your own touches to this post.

Furthermore, I’ve included a hostel, mid-range hotel, and more luxurious hotel to each day to appeal to every sort of budget.

As for food, each city has an abundance of incredible options, so you want to do your own research on meals, even though I’ll certainly drop a couple ideas!

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon.  For your first day in Lisbon, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the city by going on a free walking tour. Free walking tours are perfect for meeting other travelers, too, if you’re traveling alone to Europe.

Keep in mind, though, that free walking tours aren’t 100% free. Instead you tip the tour guide whatever amount that you feel like the tour was worth. Make sure to reward good guides!

Not sure where to find a good walking tour? Sandeman New Europe Tours offer wonderful options in many cities including Lisbon! 

Afterwards, I suggest seeing some marvelous views of Lisbon with a trip to  Castelo de S. Jorge. This Moorish castle is a photographer’s dream come true. This hill is rooted in ancient history. The first fortifications started way back in the 1st century BC! 

Once you explore the castle, take a leisurely stroll to Lisbon’s most famous square Praça do Comércio . Honestly, this is one of my favorite plazas in all of Europe, and is the perfect place to relax by the water with a coffee. You will also see Arco da Rua Augusta . This arch was constructed to celebrate Lisbon’s revival after the devastating 1755 earthquake. 

And don’t forget to admire the tiles all day. These bright works of art are everywhere. Every. Where.

Lisbon Accommodation

• Be Poet Baixa Hotel:   I love poetry, don’t you? The design of this hotel is based off some of Portugal’s most famous poets such as Bocage and Fernando Pessoa. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Dare Lisbon House: This warm accommodation includes small apartments with kitchenettes, and is unique because you’re able to do short or longterm stays. Perfect for travelers who want a “home away from home.” See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Home Lisbon Hostel:   One of the best hostels that I’ve ever stayed in on my travels. This is the perfect place to make new friends, and the home cooked meals are reasonably priced and allow for great conversation. See prices on TripAdvisor.com and Booking.com .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

On your second day in Lisbon, you will dive deeper into the capital’s vibrant neighborhoods, of which there are many. Take your time to enjoy the sites all around you. 

My first suggestion is to hop aboard one of Lisbon’s iconic tram cars to go to The Belem District , a laid back and beautiful neighborhood right on Tagus River.  

Your first stop should be t he Belém Tower , which is a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and now a a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive fortification served as the point of embarkation for explorers who dared to venture onto the open and treacherous waters. As an important side note, as you marvel at the tower, it’s important to keep in mind the plights and suffering of the people who were colonized under the Portuguese. 

Next you ought to visit The Jerónimos Monastery.  This powerful example of Portuguese Late Gothic architecture is the final resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you’re done the monastery, don’t forget to grab some Pastel de Belém at nearby Pastéis de Belém. So worth waiting in line, I promise!

For the remainder of your day, I suggest getting lost in the Alfama neighborhood , or the oldest part of Lisbon that was untouched by the infamous earthquake. The Alfama’s tangled lanes are created for travelers to simply roam and get lost. 

In the evening, if you’re looking for some fun, then go to Lisbon’s Bairro Alto for hole in the wall bars and other entertainment. You can even enjoy a drink standing in the streets here. 

Day 3: Lisbon Day Trips

Lisbon has a ton of great day trips.  Seriously, you could base yourself in Lisbon for a week and do a day trip every single day, and  still not see everything. 

I would decide a day trip based on your own personal interests. 

I’ve listed a couple of ideas below to get you thinking about a day trip.

Keep in mind that although Porto is a wonderful city, it takes almost three hours to reach Porto on the faster train. Three hours one way is too far for a day trip, in my opinion. You’re better off staying closer to Lisbon to have more time on the ground. 

Day Trip Ideas

• Sintra:  This charming and castle-packed town is one of the most popular day trips to take from Lisbon. This historical castles and mansions are scenically set against rolling green hills. Sintra is a photographer’s wonderland. The most popular attractions are The Pena Palace of Sintra, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira . Keep in mind, though, that since you’re only spending a day in Sintra, you ought to focus on one castle in-depth rather than rush to see every single one. 
• Cascais:  Are you seeking sandy beaches on your trip to Portugal? While you might not have time to explore the Algarve, nearby Cascais offers a classic old town, pristine beaches, and a bustling marina. Perfect for a day trip! 
• Obidos:  A delightful and well-preserved example of a Portuguese medieval town. You’ll explore endless colorful lanes, and can even stroll along the impressive stone walls. And you don’t want to miss ginja de Óbidos, which is local cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. 

Day 4: Arrival in Madrid

Are you ready to go to Spain? You have a few options to go to Madrid from Lisbon. Honestly, the easiest option is probably a budget flight. If you want to save a day and don’t mind a bit of discomfort, you may want to opt for the night bus to Madrid. 

In Madrid, you’ll feel delighted to discover that although this is Spain’s capital city, most major attractions are within walking distance of each other! I would begin your visit with an adventure in  Plaza Mayor  or Madrid’s historic main square.

Nearby, you will want to fill your empty stomach at San Miguel Market which has been feeding people for over a hundred years. Eat as many tapas as your heart desires! 

Conclude your first day with a walk to the jaw-dropping  Royal Palace of Madrid – which is the Baroque and massive official residence of the Spanish Royal Family – and the nearby Catedral de la Almudena .

Madrid Accommodation

• Hotel Regina: This highly rated hotel combines fun and functionality , and also has a fabulous location just 100 meters away from the famous Puerta del Sol. You can’t do a better job! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Sungate One Hostel:   Another one of my favorite hostels! I loved the nightly dinners, as well as the organized group events that made it super easy for solo travelers to make new friends. See prices on Expedia.com or Booking.com .
• Vincci the Mint: If you want to splurge a little bit, then check out this sustainable 4 star property. The roof top bar offers splendid views of Madrid, and the rooms are beautiful. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

Day 5: Madrid Museums and History

Madrid’s art museums are fantastic. If you’re interested in art, try to go to two of them, but I wouldn’t suggest anymore than that. Pack too many masterpieces in one day, and they will start to blur together!

Personally, I adored Museo Nacional del Prado and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía , and highly recommend seeing both of them if possible! The Prado is the most famous art museum in all of Madrid, but the Reina Sofia is home to Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which is one of the most memorable pieces of art that I’ve ever seen on my adventures around the world.

If you don’t want to spend all day inside museums, then make sure to venture over to nearby El Retiro Park or one of the biggest parks in all of Madrid that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (there are a lot of these, huh)? 

In addition to art, Madrid also has a fascinating history like all other European capital cities. I always love taking a guided walk based on my own personal interests.

In Madrid, I opted for a Spanish Inquisition Tour that was offered by Sandeman New Europe Tours. The free walking tour is also delightful, and like I already said, they are a wonderful way to meet other travelers if you’re going alone.

Last but not least, I suggest going to one of Madrid’s “cooler” neighborhoods for dinner, such as Malasaña or Barrio de las Letras . 

Day 6: Madrid Day Trips

I think Madrid has some of the best day trips in all of Europe.

Seriously, I cannot get enough of Madrid day trips , and wish I could go everywhere in close proximity to this city.

I’ve listed a couple of suggestions below for you, although keep in mind that you won’t be able to see and do everything. Some guided tours pair destinations on their day trips, but whether or not you decide to do a tour is a personal decision and entirely up to you! 

• El Escorial: This incredible and vast building complex is located a mere 45 kilometers away from Madrid, making El Escorial an easy day trip for travelers. El Escorial is a historical residence of the King of Spain, and fascinating for history buffs to come and visit. 
• Toledo:  You could absolutely spend more than a day in the medieval city of Toledo. In Toledo, you will see a combination of Arab, Jewish, and Christian monument, a testament to Spain’s religiously diverse history. Go alone or if you want to learn more about the city, hire an independent guide to give meaning to the buildings that you will admire on your day trip. 
• Segovia:  Another historically rich city within easy distance of Madrid. Segovia is not only famous for its churches and castles, but also for its incredible Roman aqueduct. The sheer size of the aqueduct will absolutely take your breath away and leave you feeling in awe of ancient technology. 
• The Valley of the Fallen:  The Spanish Civil War is a very, very recent chapter in the pages of history. This monument is built as a memorial to the victims of the war, but at the same time, it is rather controversial considering it was once the burial place of former dictator Franco. To reach the Valley of the Fallen, I suggest going on a bus tour with a guide not only to understand the sites, but to use the transportation. 

Day 7: Arrival in Barcelona

Barcelona is a massive city with tons of unique architecture, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at all the attractions.

For your first day, you will see some of Barcelona’s greatest parks and city views. Start in Park Güell early in the morning before the bigger crowds arrive.

Barcelona’s most famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, intended for Park Güell to function as a high class housing development, but the project flopped, and now this unique park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for tourists to explore. You feel like you’re lost in a fantastical fairytale in Park Güell! I highly recommend it. 

Next you will want to see some of Barcelona’s best city views at nearby Tibidabo , which is one of the most prominent hills in the entire metro area. You embrace your inner child at the amusement park or simply admire the hill’s stunning cathedral.

Afterwards, shop and eat tapas in the  Gracia neighborhood (which is my personal favorite neighborhood). Gracia used to be its own town, and even today, this area feels like a small and charming village in comparison to the rest of Barcelona.

Barcelona Accommodation

• Hotel Granvia:   This gorgeous hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona, in the classy L’Eixample neighborhood, and is inside a restored 19th century palace. Luxurious! See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Olivia Balmes Hotel:   A modern and sleek hotel that’s perfect for summer travel thanks to its fantastic outdoor swimming pool. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .
• Yeah Hostel:   An award-winning, clean, and friendly hostel that hosts group dinners so solo travelers are able to bond with one another. See prices on Expedia.com and Booking.com .

Day 8: Explore Barcelona

Time for us to dive deeper into Barcelona’s fascinating culture! Your day will begin at another one of Gaudi’s most famous contributions to the city: La Sagrada Familia .

I suggest booking the very first ticket into this jaw-dropping basilica, because you want to admire the rainbow colored stained glass and ornate alter before the tourist crowds fully wake up. Take plenty of pictures outside too! La Sagrada Familia will last in your memories forever even though the building is still technically unfinished. 

Afterwards, you will see more of Anton Gaudi’s architecture after wandering the L’Eixample neighborhood to Casa Batlló and Casa Mila . Choose to see one or both homes. Just keep in mind that you can’t rush through the Gaudi houses. I honestly spent about two hours at each one! 

Last, but not least, I recommend taking a leisurely stroll through Barcelona’s famous  Gothic Quarter.  As you wander the tangled lanes, make sure to stop at  Barcelona Cathedral  which is a striking Gothic contrast to La Sagrada Familia. 

As the sun sets, head to either El Born or Barceloneta for tapas and drinks. Both neighborhoods are within walking distance, and boast a very vibrant food scene. Your stomach will thank you for your efforts. Don’t be scared off if the tapas bars are crowded. Cozy up at the bar and make new friends. 

Day 9: Barcelona Day Trips

What! How is it already your final day in Spain? Don’t worry, though, because your ninth day will be absolutely amazing. Again, we’re going outside a major city to see some of the smaller cities and attractions in the region.

Like Madrid and Lisbon, you will have to wisely pick and choose your day trip from Barcelona. 

• Figueres:  Figueres is an easy day trip . It’s a small city in Catalonia that you can reach by taking the train from Barcelona. This town is home to the Dali Museum. For the Dali Museum, make sure to purchase tickets in advance, since it is one of the most popular museums in Spain and sells out quickly. 
• Girona:  You could seriously spend an entire day in Girona. I wish I did. This historical city has incredible churches, a thriving Jewish quarter, and so much more to see and do. I highly recommend it. Trains run frequently between Girona and Barcelona too. 
• Montserrat:  Beautiful mountains stand outside Barcelona and transport you to another, far more remote world. Montserrat mountain his home to one of Europe’s most spiritual monasteries. Pilgrims come from all over to see The Black Madonna Statue and to light candles for their loved ones. This is an incredibly touching day trip that I highly recommend taking from Barcelona. You can book a private tour or take public transportation. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide to 9 days in Spain and Portugal! As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions about your European trips! 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Spain vs Portugal: Where Should I Travel?

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1540  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Medieval village of Obidos in Portugal

When choosing between Spain and Portugal for your vacation on the Iberian Peninsula, you can find breathtaking beaches, awe-inspiring historical towns, and mouthwatering food and wine experiences.

From fairytale castles to Moorish palaces, Michelin-starred restaurants to antique wineries, Spain and Portugal share an entangled history and similar weather patterns. With diverse coastlines, famous wines, and established tourism infrastructure, both countries provide the makings of an unforgettable Mediterranean trip.

The following information can help make choosing between Spain and Portugal easier when looking to plan, book, and enjoy a custom-tailored vacation.

Where is Spain?

Where is portugal, what are the similarities between spain and portugal, what are the differences between spain and portugal, does spain or portugal have better beaches, what are the top activities in spain and portugal, is spain or portugal a better food destination, is spain or portugal a better wine destination, is it easier to travel to spain or portugal, is spain safer than portugal, can i visit spain & portugal, choose spain if you prefer, choose portugal if you prefer, discover spain or portugal.

The Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain

Spain is located in western Europe, occupying the majority of the Iberian Peninsula. The borders stretch from France and the Pyrenees Mountains in the east to Portugal in the west, and the Strait of Gibraltar in the south.

Touching the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Spain’s proximity to the water has shaped its history, culture, and weather, as well as providing it with a unique identity amidst the Mediterranean Basin. Sun-kissed beaches, Moorish influence, and Catholic traditions all combine to create a captivating blend of heritage and natural beauty.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Porto old town in Portugal

Portugal is located on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Bordering Spain to the east and north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, the country represents the most southwestern corner of the greater European continent.

Picturesque beaches, charming historical fishing villages, dramatic coastlines, historical cities, and storybook castles demonstrate the vibrant natural and civil history influenced by the edging waters. From the medieval charms of Lisbon’s streets to the richness of historic vineyards, natural splendor to fascinating heritage, Portugal has shared history and borders with Spain, but maintains its independent culture.

Medieval street in Girona old town, Spain

Spain and Portugal are neighboring countries on the Iberian Peninsula that share several cultural and historical similarities. Both have vibrant Mediterranean heritages, evident in shared traditions, from Catholicism to seafaring.

Because of their southwestern positions on the European continent, the weather around southern Portugal and Spain is similar, as well as that between northern Spain and Portugal. Certain areas in both countries also have ancient Roman foundations and Moorish influences.

There are shared ingredients and traditional dishes across the Spain and Portugal borders, and while both countries have famous wines, the ultimate flavors of the cuisine and wines are specific to certain regions in each country. The end result is that while Spain and Portugal are neighbors, they have fewer things in common than most travelers realize.

Carvoeiro town in Algarve Portugal

Spain and Portugal shine in their respective differences by exhibiting unique cultural, culinary, and ancestral identities. The most noticeable difference is linguistic, with Spanish acting as Spain’s national language and Portuguese representing Portugal’s.

Spain's architectural legacy ranges from the Moorish-influenced grandeur of the Alhambra Palace in Granada to the whimsical curves of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, demonstrating a specific aesthetic evolution in art and design.

Portugal's architectural heritage is evident in the Manueline-style of Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, which stands as a testament to its maritime prowess. The charming whitewashed villages of the Algarve also reflect the region’s and the country’s coastal charm.

From flamenco in Spain to fado in Portugal, Spanish artists like Velázquez and Goya to the Portuguese azulejo tiles, the diverse histories, heritages, and cultures reveal the many differences between the countries.

La Concha beach in San Sebastian, Spain

When considering beach vacations, it’s important to note that both Spain and Portugal have stunning beaches. Each country’s coastline has its own unique appeal and your preferred beach in Spain or Portugal depends on your travel goals and interests.

Spain has nearly 3,000 miles of coastline, with a wide array of beaches, from stretches of white sand to smooth pebbles, rocky coves, and corners bordered by greenery. The beaches are famous for their warm waters, which make them ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.

Portugal's beaches are popular for their pristine beauty, with many hidden coves and unspoiled stretches of sand. The coastline covers nearly 1,115 miles when accounting for the mainland, the Azores archipelago, and Madeira Island. Along with the illustrious gold-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Portugal’s coastline is also a haven for surfers because of the consistent waves and variety of breaks.

Castle of Leiria in Portugal

The top things to do in Spain include visiting ancient sites, sampling the variety of flavors, and tasting the eclectic wines. The number of activities you can enjoy when visiting Spain can take you cycling through the countryside or learning how to prepare traditional dishes. From admiring master artists in world-famous museums to viewing surreal architecture, the way you experience Spain is specific to your interests and sets the country apart from neighboring Portugal.

The top things to do in Portugal represent the diverse natural and cultural charms of the small country. From visiting remarkable Roman or Moorish ruins to exploring castles that inspired fairy tales, uncovering celebrated vines in historic vineyards to exploring trails connecting dramatic coastal cliffs with winding valley panoramas, Portugal is a singular experience that quickly sets itself apart from its neighbor.

Freshly made seafood paella in Spain

Spain and Portugal have rich, celebrated, and mouthwatering culinary traditions, but deciding on which food is better depends on your preferred flavors and ingredients. Comparing the culinary landscape in Spain and Portugal is about what dishes each country is known for, what spices are typical, or what ingredients are traditionally used.

Spanish cuisine is renowned for its regional diversity, with each region boasting its own signature dishes and flavors, such as the world-renowned food culture in San . Portuguese cuisine, while influenced by Mediterranean flavors, often emphasizes seafood and simple preparation.

Knowing the most popular dishes in each country and their specific region may help you choose which to visit when deciding on Spain vs Portugal for your trip.

The most popular foods in Spain include:

• Paella - rice with saffron, chicken, and seafood
• Gazpacho - chilled tomato soup
• Jamón Ibérico - cured ham

The most popular foods in Portugal include:

• Francesinha - a sandwich filled with meat, sausage, cheese, and a tomato-beer sauce
• Pastel de Nata - flaky pastry filled with custard
• Arroz de Pato - duck and rice

Vineyards in the Douro Valley in Portugal

Spain and Portugal are known for their exceptional wines. Each type has its own unique style, shaped by the grape, the region, and the terroir. Deciding which country is the better wine destination depends on your personal preferences and the type of wine you enjoy drinking or wish to try during your trip to the Iberian Peninsula.

Spain is a global leader in wine production, with the best wine regions representing a diverse range of styles. From the powerful red wines of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the crisp whites of Galicia and the refreshing rosés of Catalonia, Spain has something for every palate.

The best wine regions in Portugal also demonstrate the country’s major contribution to wine production, with a focus on creating balanced and elegant vintages. From the rich and intense red wines of Douro to the lively whites of Minho and the slightly sweet dessert wines of Madeira, Portugal offers a variety for you to discover.

Seville skyline in the old quarter, Spain

When thinking about traveling to Spain or Portugal, how to reach the country can be a major consideration in your decision. Traveling from major North American cities to either country is relatively easy and straightforward, with both offering a wide range of direct flights.

Spain has a slightly larger number of direct flights from North America and major US cities, making it easier to travel without requiring a connection. Portugal is well-connected to Europe and many North American cities, providing for easy flights and quick flight times, but often requiring a stop when traveling from the west coast.

Flight times to Spain and Portugal from North America are typically around eight to 12 hours, depending on your departure city, airline, and number of stops.

The 25th April bridge in Lisbon, Portugal

When thinking about your Spain vs Portugal vacation, Portugal is considered safer than Spain.

Both countries have low crime rates and travelers are generally safe walking around at night, exploring the coastlines, and even driving through the scenic countryside. Portugal, however, holds a slight edge in terms of overall safety.

Despite these minor differences, both countries have implemented measures to enhance traveler safety. These initiatives include focusing on tourist infrastructure, supporting local safety measures, and streamlining information for access to essential services.

Poble Espanyol in Barcelona, Spain

Rather than visiting Spain or Portugal, you can visit both during your trip. Whether you are interested in a 10-, 14-, or 21-day trip , you can tour the best of both countries for an unforgettable experience in history, culture, and natural splendor. If you have limited time, we recommend no fewer than 10 days for a Spain and Portugal vacation. The more time you have, the more immersive your experience will be.

Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park in Valencia, Spain

• Diverse historical culture
• Culinary discoveries
• World-renowned art and architecture
• Coastal diversity
• Outdoor adventures

Trams in the Alfama district of Lisbon in Portugal

• Fewer crowds
• Culinary delicacies
• Architectural and artistic beauty
• Unique wine adventures
• Pristine coastal experiences

Alcúdia town in Mallorca, Spain

Whether drawn to the cultural tapestry of Spain or the tranquil charm of Portugal, each country offers a unique blend of experiences that can be tailored to your diverse interests. From enthralling architectural marvels and culinary adventures to soulful melodies and blissful coastlines, Spain and Portugal present a wealth of opportunities to discover and create lasting memories.

You can find more information for planning your custom-tailored trip with inspiration from our Spain tours and vacations and our diverse Portugal tours and vacations . For ideas on what to do, see, and more, explore our Spain travel guide and Portugal travel guide .

Life-Enriching Travel Designed Just for You

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Help Me Plan My Trip

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip

3 Weeks in Spain and Portugal: 2 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Spain and Portugal are two countries that many people assume to be similar. While it’s true in some parts, there are huge differences between these two places, whether it’s culture, history, food, and of course, language.

Spain and Portugal are located in Southwest Europe, near France and Italy. Both countries have coastlines on the North Atlantic and territories in Northwest Africa.

When I considered visiting Portugal and started planning, it made me realise how close Spain and Portugal are to one another and how easy it is to travel between them . Since I’ve never been to Spain, including it on my Europe trip sounds exciting.

I spent 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal. Since I’ve been to Portugal before, I decided to spend 9 days there and 11 days in Spain. Below, I’ll show you how I planned my trip to give you some ideas and tips on curating a suitable itinerary.

You can also make the most out of your time in Europe by spending 3 weeks in Spain, France, and Italy.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Before booking your flights, knowing these basic but important things about visiting Spain and Portugal is important. This information will help you decide when to go, get an idea of how to get around, what mode of payment is acceptable, the cost of the trip, and more.

When is the best time to go

There’s no one answer to this question because the best time to travel to Spain and Portugal depends on what you plan to do and your budget. For example, if you’re on a budget, you want to avoid the high season from May to August or Christmas.

If you want to avoid the busy season and the rainy months, the best time to go to Spain and Portugal for a 3-week trip is from January to April or September to October . The water will be a bit cold, but the southern you go, the better if you want to do water activities.

Here is more information about the seasons in Portugal and Spain:

• Summer Season : June to August. Warm temperatures, particularly in inland areas.
• Peak Season : July and August. Tourists flock to beaches, cities, and cultural sites. Accommodations and attractions are the busiest, and prices can be higher.
• Low Season : November to February. Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, especially in northern areas. Accommodations are generally cheaper and attractions less crowded.
• Winter : December to February. Mild on the coast, colder inland, and snow in mountainous regions like the Pyrenees in Spain.
• Rainy Season : Primarily in northern Spain and Portugal (Galicia, Asturias). The heaviest rainfall is from October to December but varies by region.

Are 3 weeks enough for Portugal and Spain

Yes, although you can’t visit all fantastic areas, you can still explore 5-6 cities , especially if you don’t plan to go to the Canary Islands since that trip alone will take out a full travel day.

The flight is not long, but considering the time you have to arrive at the airport, it’s hard to plan an activity during the day you are flying.

Arranging good and reliable transportation is the key to making sure you make the most of your trip here. We’ll discuss more about transportation in a little bit.

What to pack

Pack what you normally bring for a 3-week trip, but make changes depending on the season. A few things that you must really have are clothing for sacred places . You have to dress modestly for churches.

That includes covering your shoulders, down to your knees, and even your head for women. Make sure you bring a lightweight scarf that can be used as a beach towel and head coverage or an impromptu skirt.

And the fact that this is Europe, you definitely want to bring comfortable walking shoes .

We have lots of packing lists for a 20-day trip, such as a spring packing list , a winter packing list , an autumn packing list, and of course, a summer packing list .

How to get around

The main modes of transportation both in Spain and Portugal are buses, trains, planes, and cars. To get around the cities, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, Moovit, and Cabify . Make sure these apps are downloaded on your phone, and the payment is set before you arrive here.

Here are some more tips about transportation in Portugal and Spain :

• Fastest Way : Both countries have well-connected domestic flight networks. The common airlines are TAP Portugal, Iberia Airlines, Air Europa, and Ryanair. High-speed trains, like Spain’s AVE, also link major cities swiftly.
• Cheapest Way : Buses are generally the most economical mode for long distances. Both countries have extensive bus networks with companies like ALSA (Spain) and Rede Expressos (Portugal). Trains, especially regional ones, can be affordable when booked in advance.
• In cities, parking can be a challenge and expensive.
• Both countries use toll roads, which can add to travel costs.
• Familiarize yourself with local driving customs and regulations.
• Most rental vehicles both in Spain and Portugal have manual transmissions. You can find automatic for a higher price.
• Local Transportation : Major cities in both countries have efficient metro, bus, and tram systems. Madrid and Barcelona in Spain and Lisbon and Porto in Portugal have particularly extensive metro networks.

Recommendation : If your itinerary covers major cities, rely on trains and local transportation. Rent a car for specific legs of your journey where public transport might not be convenient or for exploring countryside areas.

I mostly travelled by plane and bus. However, for intercities, I walked a lot and used apps if the walk was longer than an hour, it was raining, or I was running late. We were two people travelling together, so using the ride-hailing app was more convenient than the local bus.

Language and currency

In Spain, the main language is Spanish (Castilian Spanish) , while in Portugal it’s Portuguese . Tourists will find that in major cities and popular tourist destinations, many locals speak English, especially the younger generation.

Most attractions, hotels, and restaurants in these areas often have English-speaking staff . Although navigating both countries using English is typically straightforward, it’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to use basic local phrases. However, in rural regions, English proficiency might be more limited.

The primary currency in both Spain and Portugal is the Euro (€) . USD is not commonly accepted, and tourists are generally expected to pay in Euros. While many establishments in cities and tourist hubs accept credit and debit cards, cash is preferred, especially in smaller towns and for smaller transactions.

It’s advisable for foreign visitors to carry a mix of both cards and cash . ATMs are widely available, and for the best exchange rates, it’s recommended to withdraw or exchange money at local banks.

Average travel cost for Spain and Portugal for 3 weeks

Travel cost in Spain and Portugal for 3 weeks varies a lot. It’s advisable to set a budget and then have emergency money for 5 days’ worth of expenses.

I personally budgeted for €80 per day, but actually ended up spending around €1,200 , minus the flights and travel insurance. I stayed in a mixture of hostels and budget/mid-range hotels.

These numbers exclude international flights and travel insurance, but it’s advisable to book these in advance to avoid expenses at the end of your trip:

• Stay: Hostels, budget guesthouses.
• Food: Street food, local markets, self-catering.
• Transport : Public buses, walking, and occasional regional trains.
• Activities : Free attractions, self-guided tours.
• Stay : 3-star hotels, boutique guesthouses.
• Food : Mid-range restaurants, some fine dining.
• Transport : Intercity trains, domestic flights, local public transit.
• Activities: Guided tours, and entrance fees to attractions.
• Stay : 4-5 star hotels, luxury resorts.
• Food : Fine dining, gourmet experiences.
• Transport : Private transfers, first-class trains/flights.
• Activities : Private guided tours, exclusive experiences.

If you plan to travel with your children, you have to factor in that they need their own tickets for flights, but for hotels, if they’re under 18 years old, they can share a room with you.

Spain and Portugal are part of the EU and implement the visa policy of the Schengen States. This means that visitors with passports from the EU are free to enter and travel around these two countries for a longer time.

Foreign travellers with a passport from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and most places in Latin America can enter and travel in Spain and Portugal for 90 days in a 180-day calendar period .

The rest of the world must apply for a visa in advance (it can be done as early as 6 months prior to your trip). The visa will be valid for both countries for the number of days you have been granted.

Other travel tips

Pinned map of must-see places in spain and portugal.

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL ITINERARY

I love many things about these two countries, but I’m eager to find out what makes them different from one another. During my trip, I decided to mix both renting a car and driving by bus, train, and domestic flight.

If you want to go to the Canary Islands (Northwest Africa), you need to take a short flight (around 2-3 hours).

When creating your own itinerary, make sure to check if there are direct bus or train routes between the cities to make it easier to get around. And finally, you don’t have to start and end in the same city since many cities in Spain and Portugal have many international flights.

This itinerary is suitable for people visiting Portugal and Spain for the first time, love to learn about history and culture, do outdoor activities, visit castles, and enjoy mouthwatering local dishes and wines.

ALSO READ: 3 weeks in Southern Europe itinerary

Itinerary #1: First-timer (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Algarve, Porto, Lisbon)

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to both countries . It highlights the must-see sites and balances historical locations, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Start in Madrid, Spain and finish the trip in Lisbon, Portugal.

Visit Spain and Portugal to experience its interesting culture, history, and natural beauty. Madrid offers world-class museums and exciting nightlife. Barcelona features Gaudí’s architectural marvels and beachfront vibrancy.

Seville, with its historic Alcazar and passionate flamenco. Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, combines coastal charm with ancient fortresses. The Algarve’s stunning coastline is highlighted with golden beaches and dramatic cliffs.

Porto is known for its port wine and historical Ribeira District. Lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of Portugal, is surrounded by its hilltop views, tram rides, and trendy neighbourhoods.

If you have 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal, you can’t miss each country’s capital cities . Not only rich in history and a melting pot of culture, using these cities as a travel hub to enter and exit is very convenient.

If you want to rent a car, I only recommend you do this in Portugal. The distances between the cities in Spain are too great. Unless you plan an itinerary and choose cities near one another, driving on your own is a good choice.

Madrid for 3 days

Madrid, Spain’s capital, is a blend of old history and modern energy . It has world-renowned museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia , showcasing impressive art collections. The city’s life is in its grand plazas, notably Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

With its Royal Palace, verdant Retiro Park, and Gran Vía, Madrid offers a unique mix of cultural experiences, green spaces, and urban dynamism, all complemented by its yummy cuisine.

Use this time to arrange your car rental if that’s your plan and get some local currencies, a local sim card with data, and book transportation between cities or to your next destination.

Barcelona for 3 days

Barcelona is located between mountains and the Mediterranean and is a feast for the senses. It is celebrated for Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces like Sagrada Família and Park Güell and offers a unique blend of historic and avant-garde.

Explore the historic Gothic Quarter to the bohemian El Raval. Barcelona’s beachfront boardwalk, traditional markets, and rich Catalonian cuisine makes its a must-visit destination.

If you’re driving, travelling between Madrid and Barcelona takes 6 hours and 30 minutes. For those using the train, it takes less than 3 hours. You can also fly, which is around 1 hr and 20 minutes.

Seville or Malaga for 4 days

I recommend you choose between these two cities ; one is on the south coast, and the other is more on a landlocked city. You can’t go wrong. Both these Andalusian cities offer unique history, culture (especially Moorish), and tasty local dishes (hello tapas!).

Malaga, a sunny coastal city, is the gateway to Spain’s Costa del Sol. Beyond its beaches, it’s Picasso’s birthplace , housing a museum showcasing his works. The Alcazaba fortress offers panoramic city views, while the Roman theatre is a reminder of its ancient roots.

Seville, the heart of Andalusia, captivates with its rich Moorish heritage . Here, you can stop by the Alcázar Palace and Giralda Tower. The city also has traditional festivals, like Feria de Abril. Enjoy a leisure walk at the Santa Cruz Quarter and at the Plaza de España if you’re looking for an easy day of exploring.

Both are too far from Barcelona, so booking a flight or train is the best choice. From Barcelona to Seville or Malaga, the train is less than 6 hours; both choices stop in Madrid and might require a change of train. If flying, both destinations are a 1 hr and 40-minute direct flight.

Lisbon for 4 days

It’s time to bid goodbye to Spain and time to explore Portugal. The first destination is Lisbon, the capital city.

If you want to rent a car, this is an excellent mode of transportation for this part of the itinerary . Driving between Lisbon to Porto, to Algarve, and back to Lisbon gives you freedom of your time, and the drive is no more than 3 hours each.

Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital offers hilltop vistas and historic tram rides. I don’t think I’ve been to a hillier city (with cobbledstones) in Europe . A city of seven hills, its neighbourhoods, from the bohemian Bairro Alto to the historic Alfama are the places to go where you can enjoy the traditional Fado music.

Don’t miss the beautiful Belém Tower . It was raining when I got there, but still worth the visit. You can also visit Jerónimos Monastery, but on the way to the Belem Tower, I stopped by Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

To reach Lisbon from Malaga or Seville , there’s a direct flight that takes an hour. You can pick up your car rental at Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport) and set the drop off here too when you catch your flight home.

Porto for 3 days

Porto is along the Douro River, is a blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. Come for its port wine, stay for its locals and beautiful sceneries. You can explore wine cellars and sample exquisite varieties. Don’t forget to join a vineyard tour with wine tasting.

The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge offers breathtaking views , while the Ribeira District, with its colourful and narrow streets. Don’t forget the Livraria Lello bookstore, and then head down to Bolhão Market are a great way to finish your day.

Getting to Porto from Lisbon is easy and you have plenty of options . The bus is the cheapest choice which will take 3 hr and 30 minutes. The train travel is the same, but it’s more scenic and comfortable. Driving will be around 3 hours. There’s also a domestic flight for an hour.

Algarve for 3 days

As the final leg of your trip, it’s the Algarve region. Portugal’s southernmost region is a sun-drenched haven of golden beaches and turquoise waters.

With its stunning and dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and historic fishing villages, it’s a paradise for sun-seekers and adventurers alike. The region is filled with charming towns like Lagos and Tavira, where you will also find signs of the Moorish history.

The Algarve is the best place to end your trip because you can enjoy the beach and water activities here. You can fly from Porto to Faro airport; it’s a non-stop 1 hr and 10-minute flight. The drive will take 5 hours, the bus is around 7 hours.

When you’re ready to leave, you can take a bus to Lisbon or a direct flight from Algarve. If you rent a car, the drive is 2 hr and 45 minutes.

Itinerary #2: Hiking and Beaches (Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza, Lisbon, Algarve, Madeira Islands, Tenerife)

There are so many good things Portugal and Spain offer to its foreign visitors. But if you’re after exciting hiking trails and pristine beaches, that’s also possible. I personally love this itinerary because it offers an amazing opportunity.

My own itinerary was a mixture of Itinerary #1 and #2. I visited during the autumn/fall season, so I didn’t get to enjoy the water that much. The water temperature was around 20°C, it was not bad, but I don’t enjoy cold water.

3 weeks in Spain and Portugal, you can’t miss the Canary Islands, which both countries have territories. Namely Madeira Islands, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. I did a lot of hiking both in the Madeira Islands and Tenerife.

You can definitely do both. Go to 3 cities in Spain and 3 cities in Portugal. If you want to save a bit of money, choose only one between Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Madeira Islands and swap it with a city on the mainland.

Barcelona for 4 days

Barcelona offers the best of both worlds for nature enthusiasts. It’s right between the Montserrat Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea , and it provides avid hikers with trails leading to panoramic city views, like those from Montjuïc and the Collserola range.

The city’s coastline has lots of beaches such as Barceloneta and Nova Icaria, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Just a short journey away, the rugged Costa Brava coastline offers secluded coves and scenic coastal hikes.

From Barcelona, the Pyrenees region is only 3 hour’s drive , so that’s another option for hiking. Popilar areas includes Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu, and Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Valencia or Ibiza for 3 days

You should choose between these two locations because going to both will cost you time. Go to Valencia if you want to stay on the mainland and have the option to do day trips around the city. You should also skip Ibiza if you don’t want to take the ferry.

Valencia, on Spain’s eastern coast , is a haven for those drawn to nature and the sea. Its pristine urban beaches, like Malvarrosa and Patacona, are amazing places for relaxation and water activities. The nearby Albufera Natural Park has some exciting and easier hiking trails, plus birdwatching opportunities.

For the avid hiker, the mountainous regions around Valencia , such as the Sierra Calderona, present challenging trails with breathtaking views.

For those looking for a classic party island, Ibiza is the place for you . Ibiza, a jewel of the Balearic Islands, has very clear waters and stunning beaches. From the serene coves of Cala d’Hort and Cala Salada to the lively beach clubs of Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza caters to both tranquil sun-seekers and lively beach parties.

The island’s pristine sandy stretches and rocky coastlines are perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling, or watching the iconic Ibiza sunset. Its coastal beauty truly epitomizes Mediterranean allure.

The fastest way to get to Valencia from Barcelona is the train , around a 3-4 hour’ ride. The drive is around 4 hours. There’s a flight, but requires a connection to Palma or Madrid.

Barcelona to Ibiza by plane is a non-stop 1-hour trip only. I don’t recommend getting to Valencia, then from there taking a ferry. This will take too long and most likely won’t be cheaper than flying.

Tenerife or Gran Canaria for 4 days

The first thing you should know is that Tenerife has 2 airports , one in the north and the other in the south. So, book your flight depending on where you plan to stay. Gran Canaria only has one airport.

Choose between these two places in the Canary Islands. You can’t go wrong as both are charming, but when it comes to hiking, Tenerife has marked trails, perfect if you’ve never been here before.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands has a variety of landscapes. There are golden sand beaches, like Playa de Las Teresitas and Playa Jardín. On the other hand, for hiking enthusiasts, the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park offers trails across volcanic terrains at Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak.

From the lunar landscapes of Llano de Ucanca to the Anaga Mountains, Tenerife combines beachfront leisure with thrilling trekking adventures.

On the other hand, Gran Canaria is a gem in the Canary Islands. It offers a range of nature’s wonders. Its coastline has varied beaches from the Playa del Inglés to Güigüí, which is accessible only by foot or boat.

Inland, the island’s rugged landscapes with trails leading to Tamadaba Natural Park and the ravines of Barranco de Guayadeque.

From Valencia or Ibiza, you can get to Tenerife by catching a fligh t. There’s a connection in Madrid. Choose and book a flight wisely so you don’t spend more than 5 hours travelling between the two places. From Ibiza or Valencia to Gran Canaria, the flight connects either in Madrid or Barcelona.

Madeira Islands for 4 days

You’re now heading to Portugal’s territory. Madeira Islands is easily one of my favourite hiking regions in Europe (well, Northwest Africa) when it comes to unique ecosystems

I hiked 3 trails and experienced 3 different environments ; desert, semi-tropical, and mountain. The beaches here are not as stunning as Tenerife or Gran Canaria, but the lava pools are super cool.

Madeira Islands is a Portuguese archipelago, located in West Africa along the Canary Islands. Its beaches, like Praia Formosa, offer volcanic black sands and serene ocean views. There are also natural lava pools to spend some time in the water.

The island’s “levadas” (irrigation channels) provide unique hiking paths , where you can trek through landscapes, waterfalls, and cloud-kissed peaks. From the coastal charms of Porto Santo to the mountainous terrains of Pico Ruivo, Madeira offers a combo of beach relaxation and hiking escapades.

From Gran Canaria or Tenerife to Madeira Island s, there’s a flight that connects to Madrid. It’s not a cheap flight, so make sure not to book last minute.

Lisbon for 2 days

You can choose between Lisbon and Algarve as your next destination. There’s a direct flight to Lisbon from Madeira Island. If you go to Algarve, you need to connect in Lisbon. These two locations offer different experiences.

But then, the travel between Lisbon and Algarve can be done by bus, driving, or plane. You decide if you want to end your trip in a city or near beautiful beaches.

When it comes to beaches and hiking, Lisbon doesn’t have much to offer, but its historical city is definitely worth a visit. Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal capital, is more than just a busy city. Beach enthusiasts can visit the nearby Cascais and Estoril, while Costa da Caparica offers surf-friendly waves.

For hikers, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park presents trails through forests, leading to panoramic viewpoints and Moorish Castles.

Finally, the Algarve. It’s a region in Portugal, not a city. The main airport here is located in Faro District and the most popular place to stay is around Lagos.

The Algarve, Portugal’s sunlit southern coast is honestly an exciting way to wrap up your 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal trip if you enjoy the beach and water activities. Two of its top destinations are Praia da Marinha and Benagil Cave.

The bus drive between Algarve and Lisbon is only 3 hours, the bus is 4 hours and the flight is 50 minutes. I personally like to end my trip in a relaxing place such as Algarve, where I can spend hours on the beach or going for a spa.

MUST-TRY SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE DISHES AND DRINKS

Eating and drinking are two things you can’t skip when visiting and spending 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal. Here’s a list of the top dishes from countries.

I love bacalhau and pasteis de nata from Portugal. While paella and churros are my favourites from Spain – yep, I’m very cliche! Make sure to try at least 4-5 dishes, desserts, and drinks and see which ones you like the most:

• Paella – A rich rice dish often featuring saffron, vegetables, and a variety of proteins such as chicken, rabbit, or seafood.
• Tapas – Small appetizers ranging from albondigas (meatballs) to patatas bravas (spicy potatoes).
• Gazpacho – A cold tomato-based soup made with fresh vegetables, perfect for hot days.
• Tortilla Española – A thick Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions.
• Fabada Asturiana – A hearty bean stew with sausages and bacon, typical from Asturias.
• Pisto – Spanish ratatouille made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, onions, and eggplant.
• Churros con Chocolate – Fried dough pastries served with a thick chocolate dip.
• Tarta de Santiago – An almond cake from Galicia, often topped with powdered sugar and the cross of Saint James.
• Crema Catalana – Catalonia’s version of crème brûlée, a creamy dessert with a caramelized sugar top.
• Sangria – A fruity wine-based drink mixed with various fruits, sugar, and sometimes brandy.
• Horchata – A sweet and creamy drink made from tiger nuts, typical from Valencia.

• Bacalhau à Brás – Shredded cod mixed with finely chopped straw fries and bound together with scrambled eggs.
• Caldo Verde – A green soup made with thinly sliced collard greens, potatoes, and chorizo.
• Frango Piri-Piri – Spicy grilled chicken seasoned with piri-piri chili.
• Arroz de Marisco – Seafood rice loaded with a mix of fresh seafood.
• Cozido à Portuguesa – A hearty stew made with various meats, sausages, and vegetables.
• Açorda – A traditional bread soup made with garlic, coriander, olive oil, and sometimes seafood.
• Pastéis de Nata – Creamy custard tarts with a crispy, flaky pastry and a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
• Bolo de Bolacha – A rich biscuit cake made with layers of Maria cookies soaked in coffee and interspersed with creamy butter filling.
• Arroz Doce – Portuguese rice pudding, often decorated with cinnamon patterns.
• Vinho Verde – A young, slightly effervescent green wine unique to Portugal.
• Ginjinha – A cherry liqueur, often enjoyed as a digestive in Lisbon and Óbidos.

THINGS TO DO PER CITY

Now that you have some ideas on where to go, how many days to spend in each city, and even a list of food to try, it’s time to show you a list of must-do and must-see activities in each country. I also included a list of recommended tours to book to make your trip more convenient:

• Royal Palace – get your fast-access ticket
• Plaza Mayor
• Museo Nacional del Prado – purchase your ticket in advance
• Parque Natural de Peñalara and Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
• Visit Real Madrid’s Stadium (Santiago Bernabéu Stadium) – join a Bernabeu Stadium tour
• Buen Retiro Park and the Crystal Palace
• Puerta del Sol
• Fuente de Cibeles and Gran Via
• Temple of Debod
• Basilica de San Francisco el Grande
• Enjoy wine and tapas tasting – join a group tour
• Puerta de Alcala
• Watch a flamenco show with dinner
• National Museum of Romanticism
• Day trip to Avila and Segovia and visit historical sites or go to Toledo with a local guide
• Mount Tibidabo
• Barceloneta Beach
• Basilica de la Sagrada Familia – skip the online and explore with an audio guide or combine with Parc Guell
• Barcelona Aquarium – suitable for young children, buy your ticket in advance
• Palau de la Musica Catalana
• Park Güell- get your ticket in advance , there’s a limit per day ticket sold for Parc Guell
• Casa Batllo
• Enjoy tapas and wine – book a walking tour
• Bogatell Beach/Playa de Bogatell
• Magic Fountain of Montjuic – ride a round-trip cable car
• Museo Picasso de Barcelona
• Explore Montserrate – join a half-day tour
• Trio-day trip and cover Spain, France, and Andorra – check the itinerary
• Walk around Barri Gotic
• Go kayaking and snorkelling in Costa Brava – book an affordable tour
• La Lonja de la Seda
• Oceanografic – perfect for young children, get your entrance ticket
• Albufera Natural Park
• La Ciutat de les Artes i les Ciencies de Valencia
• Cuevas de San Jose – sign up for a half-day guide tour
• Mercado Central
• Plaza de la Virgen
• Hike and swim at Montanejos – book a group tour
• Bioparc Valencia
• Torres de Serranos
• Playa del Saler
• Sail on a Catamaran Cruise – check the tour price
• The medieval town of Requena
• Enjoy wine and tapas tasting in an 11th-century historical monument – check this trip
• Join a cooking class
• Join an all-inclusive boat party
• Platja de Cala Xarraca – Paul
• Cala Salada
• Platja d’en Bossa
• Cala Benirras
• Cala Bassa – book a 6-hour boat trip around Ibiza
• Cala d’Hort
• Ses Salines
• Hike Camino Al Faro De Moscater
• Faro de Punta Grossa
• Tore de Companitx
• Castell d’Elvissa/Castle of Ibiza
• Book a snorkelling and SUP paddle tour
• Enjoy a flamenco show in a cave restaurant – book your table
• Alcazaba de Malaga
• Malaga Old Town/Marbella Urban Wall
• Jardin Botanico-Historico la Concepcion
• Caminito del Rey – book a guided tour to cross the suspension bridge
• Playa de la Malagueta
• Museo Picasso Malaga – get your ticket with an audio guide tour
• Centre Pompidou Malaga
• Do tapas tasting – join a walking tour
• Festival de Malaga
• Day trip to Gibraltar – book a day trip including a St Michael Caves visit
• Alhambra (G)
• Sacromonte (G)
• Alhambra (G) – check the tour price or do a day trip from Malaga
• Nasrid Palaces (G)
• Salobreña Beach
• Sierra Nevada National Park
• Boat trip to Paseo de Los Delfine – check the price
• Torre Vigía De Cerro Gordo – sign up for a snorkelling and kayak tour
• Royal Alcazar of Seville
• Catedral de Seville
• Punta Umbria Beach
• Cascadas del Hueznar
• Real Alcazar
• Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de Espana
• Barrio de Santa Cruz
• Museo del Baile Flamenco
• Real Maestranza de Caballeria de Sevilla
• Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija
• Metropol Parasol
• Torro del Oro
• Save money by getting a Lisbon card that allows you to enter top attractions and the public transport system
• Go sightseeing – either on a walking tour or a tuk-tuk tour or an electric bike
• Belem Tower
• Pena Palace – you can do a combo tour that includes Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais
• Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge
• Sintra – day trip from Lisbon , including Quinta da Regaleria
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos
• Cabo da Roca
• Lisbon Cathedral
• Learn about Portuguese cuisine – food and wine tour or half-day food tour or wine-tasting tour
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Day trip to Fatima, Nazare, and Obidos – check the tour price
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Tagus River – go on a Catamaran sunset tour or a cruise on a traditional boat
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
• Jardim do Torel
• Explore Porto – by electric bike or street art tour or tuk-tuk tour or walking tour
• Luís I Bridge
• Duoro Valley – boat tour with wine tasting and lunch or wine tasting, lunch, and optional cruise
• Clerigos Church and Tower
• Livraria Lello
• Vila Nova de Gaia – board a sunset sailboat along Duoro River or 6 Bridges Cruise
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Day trip to Braga and Guimaraes – check the itinerary and cost
• Porto Cathedral
• Day trip to Aveiro, Paiva Walkways, and Arouca 516 Footbridge – read tour reviews
• Palácio da Bolsa
• Peneda-Gerês National Park – visit waterfalls, lagoons, and old villages
• Casa da Música
• Food tours – 3-hour food and wine tour or 10-dish food tour or pastel de nata cooking class
• Parque Natural do Alvão
• Wine and drinks tours – 7 port wine lodges or pub crawl
• Serra do Pilar
• Go Off-Road Buggy – join an adventure
• Punta de la Piedad – boat cruise from Lagos
• The Strip/Rua da Oura
• Benagil Caves – go kayaking or a speedboat or from Vilamoura or from Portimao via a pirate ship
• Praia do Camilo
• Faro District / Ilha do Farol
• Golden Coast – cruise from Lagos
• Praia da Falésia
• Albufeira District – book a beach, bbq, and cruise
• Lagos District
• Ria Formosa – catamaran tour from Faro
• Praia de Dona Ana
• Family Golf Park
• Adventure activities – Off-Road Quad Tour from Albufeira or Jeep Safari
• Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
• Dolphin watching – join a dolphin tour with caves from Albufeira or from Portimao

Madeira Islands

• Old Town Walking Tour
• Explore Madeira Island – join west tour or east tour or a west tour on a jeep or book a 2-day guided tour to save time or get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass
• Hike Punta de Sao Lourencio
• Madeira Botanical Garden
• Ride the Cable Car at Funchal – check the price with Monte Toboggan and the botanical garden tour
• Swim at the Lava Pools / Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools – book a combo tour with Skywalk and Fana
• Hike Pivo Areiero to Pico Ruivo – do a sunrise tour with a transport service or a guided hike with a transport
• Day trip to the Nuns Valley, Monte, and a Sleigh ride – read the tour reviews
• Hike from Baloes (PR11) to Ribeiro Frio (PR10) to Portela or the other way around
• Dolphin and whale-watching – via an eco catamaran
• Porto Moniz – join a 4×4 tour
• Hike PR13 Verada do Fanal
• Go Scuba Diving – check dive price
• Santa Catarina Park
• Join a food and cultural tour
• CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
• Rancho Cable Car
• Levada Rbacal – tour with 25 fountains
• Nova and Moinho Waterfall
• Adventurous Activities – off-road buggy ride or go canyoning or level 2 canyoning
• Lago Martianez
• Playa de Las Teresitas
• Mount Teide National Park
• Siam Water Park – get your tickets
• Whale and dolphin watching
• Museum of Science and the Cosmos
• Fuerteventura – do a 4×4 tour
• Cueva del Viento
• Masca Village
• Tabaiba Shipwreck/Pecio de Tabaiba
• Bajamar Natural Pools/Piscina Natural de Bajamar Teneriffa
• Sign up for a whale and dolphin watching tour or do a kayak tour while looking for dolphins and turtles

Gran Canaria

• Pico de las Nieves
• Reserva Natural Especial de las dunas de Maspalomas
• Go scuba diving – book a tour
• Playa Puerto Rico
• Drive an ATV – enjoy a tour
• Roque Nublo
• Enjoy a submarine tour – read the reviews
• Palmitos Park
• Sign up for a morning cruise – check the price

ACCOMMODATIONS PER CITY

Finally, you need a place to stay. You must book your accommodations at least 6 months in advance if you’re visiting between May to September or December . The good hotels with reasonable prices get booked up so fast. Here’s a quick list of places to stay in Portugal and Spain:

• Affordable: Olblanc Plaza de Espana or Hostal Arrate
• Mid-range: II Castilla Madrid or Hotel Liabeny
• Luxury: Pestana CR7 Gran via Madrid or Palacio de Atocha
• Affordable: Unite Hostel or Factory Hostel
• Mid-range: Sixties Ramblas or Violeta Boutique
• Luxury: Vincci Gala or Ohla Barcelona or ME Barcelona
• Affordable: Hostal Antigua Morellana or Colors Rooms
• Mid-range: Ad Hoc Carmen or Venecia Plaza Centro
• Luxury: Vincci Lys or Petit Palace Plaza de la Reina
• Affordable/Mid-range: Hotel Florencio or Lux Isla
• Luxury: Aparthotel Duquesa Playa or THB Los Molinos (adults only)
• Affordable: COEO Pod Hostel or Hotel Zeus
• Mid-range: Petit Palace Plaza Malaga or Be Mate Malaga Centro
• Luxury: Soho Boutique Castillo de Santa Catalina or Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio
• Affordable: Urban Dream Nevada or Pension Venecia Gomerez
• Mid-range: Nest Flats Granada or Room Mate Leo
• Luxury: Candil Suite Origen or Hospes Palacio de Los Patos or Palacete (adults only)

You can also check this list of best boutique hotels in Seville with swimming pools.

• Affordable: Hostel A2C or Pension Javier
• Mid-range: Hotel Casona de San Andreas or Cool Sevilla Hotel
• Luxury: Hotel Rey Alfonos X or Hotel Dona Maria
• Affordable: Be Lisbon Hostel or Living Lounge Lisbon
• Mid-range: Lisbon 5 Hotel or Garden Boutique Guest House
• Luxury: Turim Boulevard Hotel or Epic Sana Marques Hotel
• Affordable: Supernova Hostel or Change The World Hostel or Portuense Alojamento Local
• Mid-range: Zero Box Lodge or Yotel Porto or Ribeira do Porto Hotel or
• Luxury: PortoBay Flores or Turim Oporto Hotel
• Affordable: LC’s Guesthouse or Dona Ana Garden
• Mid-range: Apartamentos Turisticos Marsol or Dom Pedro Lagos or Charming Residence (adults only)
• Luxury: Hotel Marina Rio or Lagos Avenida Hotel or Boavista Golf & Spa
• Affordable: Pensao Residencial Vila Terensinha or FX Pena or 29 Madeira Hostel
• Mid-range: Villas Quinta da Lapa/Analodges or Aqua Natura Bay or Guesthouse Vila Lusitania
• Luxury: Sentido Galomar (adults only) or Calheta Beach/Savoy Signature (all-inclusive) or Saccharum/Hedonist Design Resort
• Affordable: Albergue San Jose de Los Llanos or Hotel Las Canadas
• Mid-range: Hotel Adonis Plaza or Alua Tenerife
• Luxury: Hotel Hacienda del Conde or Gran Melia Palacio de Isora Resort & Spa
• Affordable: La Hoyilla Hostel or Mountain Hostel Finca La Isa
• Mid-range: La Cason Canaria or Hotel Rural Hacien del Buen Suceso
• Luxury: Hotel the Lumm or Hotel Cordial or Wavia Hotel (adults only)

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL ITINERARY

Visiting two places in a single trip is always a good thing, especially if they’re right next to each other and you have plenty of time. Spain and Portugal is a great sample of this. Both countries might seem to be similar, but that can’t be further from the truth.

3 weeks in Spain and Portugal means you can visit museums, explore each country’s capital, try our local cuisines, go hiking, enjoy the beach, and more. At the end of your trip, you’ll discover why they are very different countries but equally worth visiting.

I hope this itinerary guide has helped you plan your own trip.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

Portugal vs Spain: which country is Iberia’s better half?

Mar 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Relax on a beach in Portugal’s Algarve, or check out one of Spain’s many Unesco sites, like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral? You decide © iStock

With endless coastline, millennia of history, enticing culture and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, Iberia has lured travelers for as long as humans have been on the move.

But how do you even begin envisioning a trip when there are several lifetimes of things to see in this beguiling destination? Start with the biggest question of all: which of the peninsula’s two countries to choose. We’ve asked two of our more-seasoned correspondents to square off as to whether Portugal or Spain represents Iberia’s better half.

Portugal approaches perfection

Travel writer and longtime Lonely Planet contributor Kerry Walker has hitchhiked with Thai royalty, served beer at Oktoberfest and swum with sharks in the course of her reporting. But it’s Portugal that she can’t seem to stop visiting again and again.

Spain has stolen Portugal ’s thunder for years. But while its hot-blooded, fiesta-loving, fiery-tempered bigger sister has long bragged about its beauty, Portugal has always whispered quietly about its charms. Now it’s finally having its moment to shine. 

My first Portuguese trip was to the west coast of  the Algarve ; as an unruly 11-year-old, I preferred clambering up honeycomb cliffs and rolling in the waves to flopping on the beach. I would find secret spots to gaze out across the booming Atlantic and dream of those great Age of Discovery navigators, setting sail for new worlds aboard storm-tossed caravels. 

Little did I know then that these childhood trips would spark a life-long love affair with the country. I’ve now trotted across most of Portugal – from the surf-smashed, dune-rippled coast of the Costa Vicentina to the alley-woven medieval towns and menhirs of the Alentejo , the time-lost granite mountain villages of the Minho and the heaven-on-earth vineyards of the Douro . Trust me: beyond its big hitters, most of Portugal is spectacularly unsung.

Spain has its costas , but Portugal’s beaches are wilder still, with dunes and cliffs crashing down to vast scoops of butterscotch sand. And the surf! There’s nowhere better to feel the life-affirming slap of the Atlantic than at  Ericeira ,  Peniche (the jump off-point for the gorgeous Ilhas Berlengas nature reserve, with its cluster of granite islands and turquoise coves) and Costa Vicentina treasures like  Praia do Amado  and  Praia da Arrifana . Even on Lisbon’s doorstep, you’ll be blown away by  Parque Natural da Arrábida , where thickly wooded hills fall away to pale sands and glassy seas where minke whales and dolphins frolic.

And there is real magic at  Cabo de São Vicente . Arrive during a flaming sunset and you can well imagine that there is little but ocean between continental Europe’s southwesternmost point and the shores of America.

Spain’s sierras and river-woven valleys get all the fuss, but Portugal is every bit as lovely. Slip back to nature at an agriturismo (farm stay) in the Alentejo for a slow-food feast of creamy sheep cheeses, acorn-fed black pork ( porco preto ), olives, wine and wild mushrooms. Or tour the  Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve route, corkscrewing up to the  Serra da Estrela (“mountains of the stars”) and Portugal’s highest peak, 6540ft (1993m) Torre, to peer up at night skies embroidered with millions of stars.

And, my, is it wild out there – whether you’re hoofing up mountain trails to remote granite villages in  Peneda-Gerês , where ibex, wolves, golden eagles and Garrano ponies roam; wandering in shepherds’ footsteps through the ragged, boulder-strewn heights of  Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela ; or sipping velvety red wines and ports at a quinta (wine estate) high above terrace-ribbed vineyards of the ravishing Douro Valley.

Culturally, Portugal punches as high as Spain, its history unfolding at a seemingly breathless pace. Think neolithic  megaliths ,  Roman temple and medieval walls in Unesco-listed Évora , or the fabulous fantasy palaces of  Sintra and  Mafra . Feel the country’s spiritual pulse in  Braga as, like many a blister-footed pilgrim, you climb the 600 ornate steps of the  Bom Jesus do Monte , or wing back to the Age of Discovery exploring the intricately carved  Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém. And if Spain has flamenco, Portugal expresses its soul with fado, the bittersweet folk music that wafts through the alleys of Lisbon’s Moorish  Alfama neighborhood and the dark, moody lanes of university town  Coimbra .

As for urban edge, Portugal’s cities fizz with creative energy. In  Lisbon you can tune into the 21st century through  street art and at dockland design hub  LX Factory . Roof terraces are sprouting up everywhere for sky-high cocktails, luxe retro-chic digs like  The Vintage and  The Lumiares have given the city newfound cool, and the food scene is glittering with Michelin-starred wonders like  Alma . And with its daring architecture (check out Rem Koolhaas’ daringly iconic Casa da Música ), contemporary art trove Serralves and immersive World of Wine ,  Porto is just as exciting as the capital these days.

Book Portugal instead of Spain and you’ll be hooked, I swear. You’ll be back here in a heartbeat.

Spain, for the win

Esme Fox is a Barcelona-based travel writer who has written several books and countless articles on Spain, including the newest Lonely Planet guide to Spain, Experience Spain and the most recent update of the Pocket Bilbao & San Sebastián .

It’s easy to wax lyrical about Spain . A couple of days here will quickly prove why it’s one of the world’s favorite vacation destinations. (Hint: it’s not just because of the great weather – although that does help).

The reasons don’t even have much to do with its spectacular coastline either, even though Spain does have 621 Blue Flag beaches , awarded for their excellent water quality. There’s so much more to this place.

For starters, Spain is home to a whopping 49 Unesco World Heritage Sites, the fourth most in the world (Portugal has just 17). Nothing quite compares to Granada ’s opulent Alhambra , a vast Moorish complex covered in intricate carvings; or the historic center of Córdoba , home to the incredible part-mosque-part-cathedral Mezquita ; or even the mesmerizing Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela , which sits at the end of one of the world’s most famous pilgrimage routes . 

When it comes to the sheer number of crazy and unique festivals, Spain really cannot be beaten. Where else would you be able to see huge papier-mâché sculptures being ceremonially burned at Las Fallas in Valencia , or dance with fire-wielding devils during the correfocs (fire runs) in Catalonia ? How about witnessing the intense passion and elaborate floats during the Semana Santa parades in the run-up to Easter ? Or maybe you just want to go wild, pelting others with tomatoes at La Tomatina in Buñol, or spraying participants with wine during the annual Batalla de Vino in the Riojan town of Haro. With so many festivals, there’s guaranteed to be at least one happening somewhere in the country, whatever time of year you visit.

While Portugal changes plenty traveling north to south, in Spain, the northern Basque Country and southern Andalucía couldn’t be more extreme opposites. In fact, each of Spain’s 17 regions is totally unique, with a different culture, cuisine and even language. (Spain has five official tongues.) There’s the Don Quijote country of Castilla–La Mancha , with its windmills (no tilting, now!) and bright-purple saffron fields; the green northern region of Asturias , known for its cheese and its cider; and the western region of Extremadura , home to the dehesa , more than one million hectares given over to lush meadows where the country’s prized jamón is produced. Then there’s sizzling Andalucía, where the rolling olive groves and flamenco sessions allure in different ways. And in the island groups of the Balearics and the Canaries , volcanic landscapes and hyper party towns sit alongside natural marine reserves.

Who can resist the azulejo-covered (tiled) facades in Portugal? But when it comes to architecture, Spain boasts everything from the colorful and whimsical designs of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the game-changing Guggenheim in Bilbao , the futuristic designs of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia and the historic Casas Colgadas , centuries-old skyscrapers hanging from the side of a cliff in Cuenca .

Spain will let you have your custard tarts, Portugal – but sardines? Spain has those, too. You can dine on espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) on the beaches of Málaga  – yet that’s only the beginning of the feast. Valencian paella comes stuffed with butter beans, snails and rabbit. Andalusian tapas bites include breaded eggplant drizzled with treacle (such deliciousness is often thrown in for free with a round of drinks in local bars). Fill up on hearty cocido madrileño stew from Madrid and paprika-sprinkled octopus in Galicia . But perhaps the true star of Spain’s food scene is elegant San Sebastián , where pintxos (bite-sized meals) are the order of the day, and where you’ll find the most Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant of any city in Europe. Wash it all down with a fine white, red or bubbly: Spain is home to a total of 69 protected designation of origin (PDO) wine regions.

The country has something to delight everyone, and you’ll never get the same Spain twice.

Explore related stories

Art and Culture

Sep 30, 2023 • 4 min read

Planning with a local expert from Elsewhere by Lonely Planet made our family trip to Spain unforgettable.

Feb 28, 2023 • 5 min read

Jul 27, 2022 • 7 min read

Jun 15, 2022 • 6 min read

Mar 4, 2020 • 5 min read

Nov 13, 2019 • 6 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 12, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 4, 2024 • 4 min read

The Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary to Take Now!

Spain and Portugal

Planning a trip always takes the longest.

Where to go, how long to stay, should I do this city or that one. We decided to do a Spain getaway at the last minute and then added on Portugal at even later minute and found it helpful to read Rick Steves , Lonely Planet , forums and blogs to ultimately decide which cities to linger in and which to skip altogether.

We’re now back from our trip to Spain and Portugal so we thought we’d share a summary of our itinerary. We had 2 weeks and visited Spain’s 2 main cities, Madrid and Barcelona, then headed south to see the Andalusian cities before heading west for a taste of Portugal.

Below is my day by day itinerary featuring  Instagram photos from the trip! You can check out the whole photo series by exploring the hashtag  #shershegoes_spain

ADVERTISEMENT

Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟

Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a summary of the Spain and Portugal itinerary that we did. We would recommend at least 2 weeks if you want to visit both Spain and Portugal. If you have less time, say 10 days, then concentrate on Madrid and Barcelona in Spain!

2 Weeks in Spain

Keep reading below for a day by day city   itinerary of must-see sights, things to eat and where to stay! I’ve also included day trip suggestions below.

Days 1-2: Madrid

We arrived first in Madrid, Spain’s capital city.

The streets are narrow, the apartments all have beautiful shuttered balconies and the charm is everywhere. We settled in for a couple days of sightseeing, healthy doses of tapas, rioja wine and laid back nights that ended with churros con chocolate.

The Best Things to Do in Madrid

Main Attractions: Royal Palace, Museo del Prado, Retiro Park

Don’t Miss: a night hopping from bar to bar sampling tapas and pinchos. Recommended dishes:

• gambas al ajillo (shrimp in hot garlic and oil)
• jamon iberico bellota (fancy coldcuts of iberico pigs fed on acorns)
• calamares a la romana (fried squid rings)
• my special favorite, patatas bravas (fried potato wedges served with a mayo aioli)!

Where to Stay in Madrid

I recommend 2 days, 3 nights. Perhaps the best neighborhood to stay in Madrid would be the Centro district, to stay centrally located near the main sights and attractions. Other solid neighborhoods: La Latina, Chueca and Barrio de las Letras.

We recommend  Catalonia Plaza Mayor , a comfortable hotel that's centrally located in the heart of old Madrid.

Check rates:   Booking.com ,  Hotels.com ,  Expedia  

Read reviews:   TripAdvisor

Best Day Trips from Madrid

We stayed in Madrid an extra couple nights in order to do some day trips in Castille La Mancha. I couldn’t decide on one, so we visited a couple (images above from left to right).

Here are the best day trips from Madrid that I’d recommend!

• Segovia an ancient town famous for its Roman aqueduct ruins
• Toledo a medieval city
• El Escorial  a monastery and entombment for ancient Spanish kings

You can browse more fun day trips from Madrid here .  

Day 4: Cordoba

After thoroughly explored Spain’s capital, we headed south for a loop through Andalusia . First up, Cordoba!

The small town was once a regional capital for the Roman and Moorish empires so today, it bears characteristics of each. The historic sights are all located within the compact Old Town and easily walk able.

We got lucky and timed our visit for their spring festival, the Patio Festival! Patio means inner courtyard in Spanish, and it’s a really pretty time to visit because the entire town comes alive, locals are happy to show off their homes and everywhere you look there are stunning flowers are in bloom. 

Best Things to Do in Cordoba

Main Attractions:  Mezquita-Cathedral, Palacio de los Reyes Cristianos, Roman Bridge

Don’t Miss: a visit in Spring, when this beautiful town comes alive with flowers. The Patio Festival is an opportunity for proud locals to exhibit their version of ‘Best Lawn’ and visitors can see traditional Moorish style patios decorated with a profusion of beautiful pink, red and green blooms.

Where to Stay in Cordoba

The city deserves 1 full day – unless you're in town for the Cordoba Patio Festival when you won't be able to get enough with even two or three days!

For a beautiful hotel, stay at  Eurostars Palace Hotel  which has a gorgeous inner courtyard and gives a true feel for Cordoba's patios. Inner courtyards are usually hidden to outsiders so this hotel is a treat!

Check rates:   Hotels.com ,  Booking.com , Expedia  

Read reviews:  TripAdvisor

Days 5-6: Seville

From Cordoba, we hopped back on the high speed train for Seville.

Flamboyant Seville is home to the fiery flamenco, stadium roaring bull fights and the most delicious tapas bars of my entire trip! We did a bit more sightseeing, although by this point I was thoroughly wow’ed by the cathedrals and had pretty much reached my limit.

Best Things to Do in Seville

Main Attractions:  Cathedral, Alcázar, Barrio Santa Cruz

Don’t Miss:  the gardens in the Alcázar are breathtaking – you might recognize them as ‘Dorne’ from Game of Thrones!

Seville is a fantastic town for foodies. In Madrid, you have lots of old, historic bars, while in Barcelona you’ll find trendy, beautifully decorated restaurants with fantastic fusion food. But in Seville? Expect small, authentic and delicious, with a bit of flair. Essentially, it felt like it offered the best of everything in one compact town. 

Where to stay in Seville

The city is worth at least 2 days & 2 nights – so you can eat all the affordable and tasty tapas you can find! Book a room at  Hotel Alfonso XIII , a luxurious property featuring gorgeous Moorish architecture and every comfort imaginable. Hotel Alfonso is located in a prime spot next to Seville's Real Alcazar.

Check rates Hotels.com ,   Booking.com ,   Expedia  

Read reviews  TripAdvisor

Days 7-8: Granada

After thoroughly exploring Seville, we hopped on a (10 euro!) bus to explore Granada, once the Moorish stronghold of the west. Today the city retains much of its North African flavor and is an absolute must see on any southern trip through Spain.

The main attraction in Granada is the breathtaking Alhambra, an old fortress and palace with extensive gardens. Tickets sell out quite fast so you’ll need to book this in advance. You can read about everything you need to know regarding Alhambra tickets in this post here .

Or, skip the mess entirely and take a guided tour that bypasses the queue altogether here .

I ended up extending our Granada stay for an extra half day so that I could grab the only ticket option remaining during my trip.

Best Things to Do in Granada

Main Attractions:  the Alhambra !

Don’t Miss: a relaxing retreat at the Arabian baths , or Hammam Al Andalus . The current baths are built over the ancient bath site and gorgeously decorated.

There are a number of different pools at different temperatures as well as some fun massage options. We loved how relaxing this experience was! Budget around 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

Where to stay in Granada:

Budget 2 full days in order to fully explore the city, with a full 1/2 day devoted to the Alhambra . We stayed at  Anacapri Granada , an affordable, clean hotel within walking distance from the Alhambra.

The Anacapri Granada is located in the heart of Old Town and also conveniently near the local bus stop, should you wish to explore Granada's farther sights.

Check rates:  Hotels.com ,   Booking.com ,   Expedia  

Days 9-12: Barcelona

From Granada, there are a couple ways to get to Barcelona including via car, high speed rail or plane . We decided to fly after hearing unimpressed reviews of the overnight train service.

Barcelona was by far one of the highlights of my trip – I enjoyed it a lot more than Madrid! The city is cosmopolitan, proudly Catalan and lively with some of the most impressive and unique sights in Spain.

After almost two weeks of sightseeing, lots of churches and an abundance of small town charm, the genius works of architect Antoni Gaudí were so distinctive and colossal that I couldn’t help but be awed.

Best Things to Do in Barcelona

Main Attractions:   La Sagrada Familia , Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera), Park Güell

Don’t Miss:  a full day dedicated to Gaudi’s works: the modernist mansion Casa Batlló and the still under construction Sagrada Familia church .

Day Trips:  Barcelona had some of the most innovative tapas bars that I tried in Spain – don’t miss a good evening out trying various Spanish small plates  or try a cooking class . Die hard soccer / football fans will want to see FC Barcelona’s stadium and see a match or two.

Where to stay in Barcelona:

Royal Ramblas  is a great hotel to stay in, as it's located right on the main shopping and pedestrian road, Las Ramblas. There's so much to see in Barcelona (and the city makes a great base for nearby day trips in Catalonia) so budget at least 3 full days!

Best Day Trips from Barcelona

Near Barcelona are a couple cities worth visiting. Montserrat is a religious pilgrimage site for many Catalans and a breathtaking change of scenery for tourists – the monastery is actually high up in the mountains!

Also within an easy day trip from the city are Girona , a walkable old city famous for its historic Jewish quarter of narrow cobblestone streets, and Figueres, where Salvador Dali built his museum and personal shrine.

Trains connect all three towns within easy access of Barcelona Sants rail station. We decided to do the first two and left Figueres for another trip simply because the train schedules weren’t as convenient.

• Montserrat :  a dramatic mountaintop monastery where the Black Madonna was discovered
• Girona :  a quaint medieval town very similar to Dubrovnik and currently the set of King’s Landing for the Game of Thrones series

Days 13-14: Lisbon

Portugal’s capital Lisbon feels a lot like San Francisco .

Both have rolling hills, quaint trolleys and well worn cobblestone streets. Lisbon has some amazing seafood spots and charm, but also a sad air of neglect to the magnificent tiled apartment buildings.

I first visited Lisbon on a fun long weekend trip in college, where we spent the days sipping on Sangria and the nights partying in Chiado and Bairro Alto.. with nightly stops at McDonalds in Rossio Square for CBO sandwiches and McFlurrys. 

This time, I focused a bit more on sightseeing and managed to fit in a wonderful day trip to nearby Sintra.

Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Main Attractions:  São Jorge Castle, Alfama walk (medieval district) and Baixa walk (downtown with major squares)

Don’t Miss:  dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro, a local favorite of Anthony Bourdain that completely lived up to my seafood heavy anticipation. Get the garlic shrimp in olive oil and large grilled prawns and wash it all down with beer and buttery garlic bread.

Where to stay in Lisbon:

Hotel Santa Justa is an affordable luxury hotel with an amazing location right by the famous lift. We opted for 2 nights in Lisbon, with an extra day to check out the wacky, beautiful mansions at nearby Sintra !

Check rates:  Hotels.com ,  Booking.com ,  Expedia  

Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra

A couple friends recommended Sintra as a must do while in Lisbon. After a major earthquake and tsunami hit Lisbon in 1755, Portuguese royalty permanently left the city in favor of this mountain retreat.

On a day trip, you can explore the national palace, Pena palace and a number of extravagant private mansions. It’s a unique town and ended up being my favorite day trip of the entire trip!

Best Things to Do in Sintra

Main Attractions:  National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Palace of Queluz, Arab Walls

Don’t Miss:  the Pena Palace , which is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s vision of Cinderella Castle!

Stay:  1 days, 1 night to see the highlights, a 2nd day if you want to see the exotic mansions like Montserrate Mansion that are farther from the town square.

Getting Around Spain

We took a combination of transportation to get around Spain, including

• local flights
• the high speed train

Spain by Train

Mostly, we used the high speed train service, as it was the most convenient.

To book tickets, use Omio . It’s the largest distributor for European train tickets and accepts international credit cards. Spain does have its own train website, but its in Spanish and meant for local Spanish citizens to book.

The Omio site is much more user friendly – you can both browse train schedules and keep track of all your purchased tickets by making an account. They charge a nominal booking fee for the process, I believe around 1-3 euro per transaction, so try to organize your route first then buy all the tickets in one go.

Train routes typically are published 3-6 months out so if you can’t find the schedule for your dates, you might be looking to early. Just check back in a couple weeks or so. Ticket prices will get more expensive with time, so book in advance to save.

Check  train schedules for Spain here .

I got a lot of questions about how we got around. If following my itinerary, here’s the breakdown:

• We flew into Madrid, and spent a couple days exploring the area. From Madrid, we took the high speed train down to Cordoba and again from Cordoba to Seville.
• From Seville , you can take either the train or bus . We found a steal bus fare (~10 euro per person), so we tried the bus. If you can’t find a bus deal, just use the train as it’s much easier to navigate!
• From  Granada , we chose to fly up northeast to Barcelona. You can take the train, but it’s historically been offered as an overnight train option, and friends who took it said it was very uncomfortable. Granada has been doing construction on its train station, so double check whether a train is available for your dates. Personally, we recommend flying. 
• In Barcelona, we booked day trips to nearby Montserrat and Girona using the train. After fully exploring the Catalonia region, we flew to neighboring Portugal to visit Lisbon and Sintra.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April – May) and Fall (September – October) are the best times to visit Spain and Portugal. There’ll be less crowds and more comfortable temperatures!

What Not to Miss

Here are some highlights you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Spain and Portugal!

Exploring Southern Spain’s Moorish history

• the Cathedral Mosque in Cordoba, the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Alcazar in Seville, where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed

Visiting Spain’s political and cultural capitals

• Madrid: home to 
• Barcelona: home to Gaudi’s masterpieces: the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Casa Battlo site and colorful Park Guell

Portugal’s Legendary Food & Culture

And there you go! My trip report after visiting Spain and Portugal for the first time. 

I hope my 2 week itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 10 days or 1 week, I would cut out Southern Spain . You could save Andalusia for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

Are you planning a trip to Spain, Portugal or both? Let me know any questions in the comments below!

Visiting Spain – Travel Checklist

To make the most of our time, we booked open jar flights, flying from NY to Madrid and departing from Lisbon. Check flight deals for your dates here .

For getting around within Spain, we recommend the local train system. Both fast and slow options are available, so Spain train travel is easy and effective! The only catch? It's difficult for non Spanish users to book. Instead, book your tickets on Omio , which is much more convenient for English speakers and accepts international credit card holders. Check train schedules for Spain here .

We mixed up our accommodation throughout the trip, alternating between Airbnb and hotels. You can browse last minute Spain hotel deals here . 

Lastly, be sure to visit Spain with travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, your phone gets stolen, or a flight delay leaves you with nothing but the clothes on your back, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Spain Vacation Planning Articles

Spain and Portugal: A Perfect Itinerary to Explore Both Countries!

Headed to Andalusia? Check out this 7 day Southern Spain travel guide

How We Spent 3 Incredible Days in Granada

Insider Tips for Visiting the Alhambra Palace

The Best Things to Do in Seville

A Spain Food Guide: Important  Tapas + Food Names in Spanish!

Spain's Hidden Gem: The Quaint Town of Cordoba

Don't Miss Cordoba's Patio Festival ! Here's Why

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

Split, croatia, sláinte irish food with a side …, 25 photos that show the unique beauty of …, a 5 day puerto rico itinerary for the …, 149 comments.

Cordoba and Grenada look gorgeous. I love all the flower shots in Cordoba, what a great time to go! I love all your pictures & travel style too! I might be planning a Spain trip for this summer, I’ll bookmark this and avidly follow all your recommendations haha

Gah you’re making me so jealous, girl!!!! I studied abroad in Salamanca in high school and spent a lot of time in Barcelona and Madrid, but I haven’t been back since. I desperately want to go back and go down to Granada to see the Alhambra!

Wow, so much information & this is so detailed! I may be going to Lisbon in November, so this is cool to know it’s like San Fran. I have my list of must-sees made after reading this post!

Wow, what an incredible trip and your pictures are absolutely stunning! I want to go now!

Nice tips! I will going to Spain later in the summer, so this will help a lot.

Your photos are stunning! Now I want to visit :)

Your photos are absolutely stunning! I’ll be moving to Spain in the fall and will definitely refer back to this.

Aw, thanks for the kind words Colby!

Hey there thanks for the awesome guide! Can you share approx how much you spent for the two weeks. I’m trying to plan a budget and I have no clue how much to plan for

Hi May – glad it was helpful! Since it’s not a packaged tour, the trip cost will depend on what you want to do! Hotels, restaurants, flights, sights etc – it just depends how luxury or budget you go :) You can get an idea upfront by booking your flights and hotels first. Some of the more famous sites in Spain can be booked online in advance too.

Your vacation looks AH-Mazing!!! And the photos!!! Makes me want to book a trip asap!

Thanks Melissa! It was an amazing trip, I hope you have a great summer!

Wow I can’t wait to visit Spain someday, what a great post! Thanks for sharing x

Yes, Spain is amazing! Hope you visit soon. xoxo

Great pictures!! Amazing photos!!!

Thank you Trang!

Excellent review and nicely planned trip. Pictures of Granada and Cordoba look very nice. Too bad you didnt see Porto, such a nice city as well. Many thanks for the inspiration.

Thanks Julian! Yea – I keep seeing Porto all over now. Wish I had gone but it was nearing 3 weeks at that point and I had to get back to work! If only haha.

Fantastic and comprehensive post! I always appreciate a post catering to first timers, as that is quite often what I am, myself! Beautiful photos, thanks for the insight into such spectacular places!

Your photos are simply stunning!! Awesome trip!

i did portugal a couple of years ago! i loved it, sintra was unreal.

All these places are amazing,I definitely have to visit them someday!

• Pingback: 10 Beauty Essentials for Airbnb Traveler

I am absolutely in love with Spain and Portugal but haven’t visited all of these places you’ve listed. This is a beautiful and helpful guide. Thanks so much for sharing and happy travels :)

Love your list! And what amazing photos. I just googled the Patio Festival in Cordoba and it looks so nice! The houses look amazing then. Nice tip

Hey Andra! Yes the patio festival is amazing. I recently posted about it with tons of photos, have a look! :)

A very well arranged guide for the travel you have experienced. I found this clear and easy to understand with structure of information and pictures coming along with. I have printed it for the trip to Spain in next two years. Thanks.

First of all I have to say I LOVE your photos and the way they are set up in this post. Haven’t been to all these places in Spain but definitely have to get back so I can visit more.

Hi Natasha! Thanks so much for the kind words. xx Sher

I will be going to Granada in autumn for 5 night and I am very looking forward to it. Thank you for the tickets tip, I will keep it in mind and book them at least 2 months in advance. :)

Wowwww I’m just in love with Sintra because of your photos <3 I have a thing for colorful cities. Beautiful….

Thank you Renne! Yes I’m so glad I took a detour to Sintra on this Portugal trip, it was a really fun day trip and actually 2 days would have been better!

Love the itinerary and the photos! I’ve been to all these cities and I can say that you pretty much covered everything for a first time trip.

I’m also more a fan of Barcelona than Madrid. In the highlights there, I would add the palace of the Catalan Music – one of my favourite places with the Sagrada Familia – and la Boqueria, the market on the Ramblas. Great guide!

Yes! I loved La Boqueria too – had a great seafood brunch there. Can’t believe I forgot to add that, thanks for the note Stephanie!

I love this :) I did this trip exactly back in 2012 with the addition of Porto. Your photos are beautiful!

That is a concise and well planned itinerary. Very useful and am bookmarking it for my future trip.

All of these places are must-visits, especially Sintra… and Grenada… and Madrid… I think adding the day trip to Segovia is brilliant.

I really enjoyed your post and the pictures look amazing. Lisbon has a lot to do and see, 2 days might not be enough if you want to visit Sintra as well, but that’s my opinion :)

Did you enjoy Belem as well? I can see that you went there because of the picture of the famous Pasteis de Belem :D

Yes! I wish I had spent an extra day in Sintra – there was a lot more to see than I had realized!

• Pingback: 7 Day Andalusia Spain Itinerary - Everything You Need to See

Hi! I am planning an 8 day trip to Europe in April and am torn between two different itineraries: 1. Fly into Barcelona, explore Barcelona, and do monterassat, and then take a flight to Lisbon and explore Porto and sintra

2. Fly into Madrid, do Sevilla and Granada with day trips to Córdoba and Sevilla

Any insight you have would be wonderful!!

Hi Tara – either itinerary would be amazing, it really depends on what you’re looking to do on your trip? Between Madrid & Barcelona, I liked Barcelona a lot more (personally) as it’s a larger, vibrant city with amazing restaurants, lots of sights (mostly of Gaudi’s works) and Montserrat was very different.

Madrid is more historic and I really loved South Spain. Andalusia has Moorish history so there’s lots of beautiful arabic-influenced sights like the Alhambra. Tapas are really good in Sevilla! Cordoba really comes alive in early May for the flower festival.. Either way there’s lots to see in both options you outlined! Maybe you can extend your trip for 2 weeks?? :)

• Pingback: 5 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain » Sher She Goes

Hi Sher! Im in love with your photos! Im also planning a same trip for July. I just want to ask a few questions , I hope you don’t mind. your first stop was Madrid right? then from barcelona did you fly to lisbon? And was it easy to travel via trains also? I don’t drive so I’ll probably be commuting my entire trip. Im already thinking of flying to Madrid from Singapore(where i come from) and do the same itinerary as yours then go back to Singapore either from Barcelona or Lisbon( I cant decide yet). Thanks for reading my comment . Any advice is a great help thanks;)

Hi Sheena, aw thank you! Happy to help. Yes I flew in to Madrid and yes also flew from Barcelona to Lisbon. In between I took trains from Madrid down south to Seville/Cordoba/Granada. All of those train rides are very doable and you can find the train schedule on renfe.com The site doesn’t fully translate from Spanish to English but the time schedules are easy enough to read. To actually book the tickets I used rail europe (i have a link to that in the post) because it’s easier to pay – with renfe you pretty much need a spanish credit card or it won’t work.

I didn’t rent a car so to get from city to city I took the train or flew. I felt like walking in any of the Spanish cities was very doable and walked pretty much everywhere! Even 30 minutes in some cases but I also don’t mind to walk. There are local buses and taxis to get around too so no need for a car!

I definitely really liked Lisbon but I went with family and they were kind of tired after 10 days in spain, so if you decide to go home after Barcelona that could be fine too. Lisbon is very hilly (kind of like San Francisco if you have been there?) and you mostly have to walk around for sights and such but there’s also the trolley to take which is fun. If you do go to Lisbon, I highly recommend Sintra! There are some colorful palaces and mansions there which are really unique.

Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for reading :)

• Pingback: Everything You Need to See in Andalusia, Spain | 7 Day Itinerary » Sher She Goes

We’re planning to go visiting Spain and Portugal departing from the UK for 13 days, wondering what would be the best itinerary be for our first time visit on these both countries and we need to head back to Hong Kong after, need your suggestion to see if we’re able to fly direct either from those countries or get back to the UK first. FYI, we don’t drive.

Many thanks for your help in advance.

Wow! your itinerary is perfect! ;) Great choice of places and I also loved your pictures.

Love this itinerary! I’m planning a trip now hoping to hit most of these places, but I only have about 14 days. How many days total was your trip?

Hey Sara! Glad you like it :) I took about 2 weeks so it sounds like you have plenty of time. With shorter time the day trips from Madrid are probably easy to cut and maybe less time in Cordoba if the patio festival isnt going on

Hi Sher, I love everything you posted here, especially the itinerary and the photos. its so easy to understand and the photos are all amazing. I’ll be doing Spain and Portugal trip for 16 days this May, adding few days to spend in Porto and Barcelona. Im planning to do the whole exact thing as yours, I can’t wait to visit Cordoba for the flower festival and Sintra! Thank you so much for your itineraries :)

Hi Sher your blog was really insightful! I have a question. I’m planning to buy train tickets in advance (traveling to Spain and Portugal) but since my itenerary is not finalized so how do I go about making reservations? Is it hard to make same day /2dayreservations in advance for train seat reservation? Thanks for your help!

Hi Namrata, glad my posts were helpful! Hm, it depends. When are you planning to go?

If spring/summer I would recommend you finalize your itinerary and buy the tickets online before you go. Spain gets quite crowded as early as May and certain popular places will sell out. For example, the Madrid day trip to Toledo is strangely very popular!

I booked all of my trains ahead of time, except my Portugal day trip to Sintra. the line at the train station was very, very long the day of. In hindsight I would have bought it ahead of time to save time.

If you are visiting in the fall/winter its probably less important to book ahead.

For the Alhambra you absolutely need to buy a ticket ahead of time (I have a whole post on that). In general the high speed train runs pretty frequently, you just might not the time or seat you want if you buy the day of. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher Your website is so informative and I;m glad that you’re doing well because of it. We are planning a 11 day trip, flying into Barcelona on Aug 10 and flying out of Lisbon on Aug 21st. We are currently scheduled to fly out of Barcelona on Aug 16th and spend 1 night in Seville, and the remaining time in Lisbon. We are a relaxed family (2 adults, 2 teens 13-15) who like to soak it all in and enjoy nights out exploring the town etc. Would you recommend that we cut 1 day short in Barcelona and spend 2 nights in Seville ?

Thank you..

Hi Monica, thanks for the sweet words! Hm it sounds like you have 6 days planned for Barcelona and 1 for Seville. In that case because you have so much time in Barcelona, I would recommend an extra day in Seville, just to get an extra taste for south spain (which is quite different from the two big cities up north)

There’s lots to see, do and eat in Barcelona. You mentioned your family likes to go out and explore at night, I think you’ll really love Barcelona for that.

Seville is much quieter and smaller, but there’s enough to fill 2 days. The tapas bars were my favorite – they have some very authentic “stand at the bar and order” type of tapas bars and more modern, fancier tapas restaurants so you could easily spend the full 2 days eating! If you get bored (which i dont think you would, but just if, Cordoba is a very cute small town only a quick day trip train ride away) that I really loved. Hope that helps and have a fantastic trip!

Hi! Sher, I’m so glad I spotted your travel blog. It has been very helpful so far, very detailed and organized. I was wondering if you could help me plan a better itinerary for a trip my husband and I are planning. It will cover Southern Spain (Andalusia: Seville, Córdoba, Granada, Malaga) to Tangier, Morocco then to Portugal (Lisbon, Fatima, Sintra, maybe Porto) then back to California. This will be for Sept 25-Oct 18. My plan is to fly into Seville first (4 nights) then take the train to Córdoba (2 nights), Granada (3 nights), Malaga (2 nights), ferry to Tangier (2 nights), back to Seville to fly to Lisbon. We have no specific itinerary for Portugal yet except to be in Fatima by Oct 11-14 for the Fatima Centennial events. We plan to take the train between cities in Spain. Do you have a better suggestion in which order should we visit the 4 cities in Andalusia? I’m stuck with the train routes. There’s no direct train route to Granada from the other 3 cities, so we’ll have to keep on backtracking to Córdoba or Seville to get to Granada and Malaga which will be a waste of time. any thoughts? Thank you.

Hi Regina – thanks for the kind words! Hm.. I see what you mean. Granada has an airport as well, which might be convenient if you haven’t already booked your flights.

The train routes in Spain are set, so like you said you sometimes have to backtrack. There is a very affordable and comfortable bus between Seville + Granada. Book through the company Alsa and if you book enough in advance, it’s only 10-15 euro per person.

Perhaps you might split up your time in Seville into 2 night, then Cordoba for 2 nights, then back to Seville for 2 nights so that it’s a more comfortable journey. Sometimes I do that and pick a different neighborhood / hotel to stay at and find that I get a completely different experience! Or you might want to visit Cordoba on a day trip when you’re in Seville. Some people feel Cordoba is small and that the highlights can be seen in a day trip.

I am currently researching and planning a trip to both Portugal and Spain and found your information helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for this incredible detail – it’s amazing. I’m planning a 11-day trip to Spain and, possibly, Portugal. I’d love your input on a planning dilemma I’m having.

We are SUPER adventurous and active, but really want to take in each city.

Ideally, I’d do 4-5 days in Barcelona, then 2 days in each of Granada, Seville, and Lisbon (with the Sintra day trip). It feels like too much. If you had to choose between Granada, Seville, and Lisbon – which would you choose? What about between just Granada and Seville? There’s not enough time for all the things!! :-)

Thanks in advance for your input.

Hi Sarah – I know what you mean! It’s always a challenge between seeing as much as possible and soaking it in. I would recommend cutting out lisbon. I’m not sure of the route you’re taking but flying to Portugal from Spain usually involves flights out of Barcelona, so you would go Barca > Andalusia > back to Barca just to get to Lisbon, which adds extra time.

I liked the small town feel of Seville more and the excellent local tapas scene, but Granada has more sights so usually people do at least 2 days in seville and 3 in Granada. Out of them all, I loved Barcelona – I’m definitely a city person – so I would do 5 days in Barcelona if you have time. There’s lots of sights and then fun nearby day trips to take advantage of. Hope that helps!

That’s extremely helpful. Thank you – I think you just helped make my decision!

• Pingback: Sugar, Spice and Everything Ice: What to Pack for Iceland » Sher She Goes
• Pingback: Weekend Recap and Spain & Portugal Recommendations – Chelsea Eats Treats

Hi Sher – In the Sintra section of this post, where was your 1st and 4th photo posted above taken? Is this a specific palace in Sintra? Thanks! :) (P.s. super helpful blog post!!!)

• Pingback: READ THIS Before You Buy Alhambra Palace Tickets on Ticketmaster

I love your blog! I am planning at trip to Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon) for my birthday in April. I’m a bit overwhelmed with the planning. How long did it take you to plan this trip?

Hi Marcie! So glad you like it :) What a great birthday trip!! You’ll love Spain.

I know what you mean, it takes a loooong time to plan because I like to customize my itinerary to things I like to do, plan the transportation myself and also keep things within budget! What I find helpful is to get a guidebook first, like Rick Steves or Fodors for europe, scan it through to get a general outline and then read blogs and forums for the details.

In the beginning it was really hard and there wasn’t much info out there so I started writing these posts to help other people who like to plan their own trips too!

This is wonderful. Curious for your trip, what was your budget? In planning stages so trying to get a sense. Also are you able to “beach” it anywhere along these stops?

Hi Jessica, Hm I don’t remember exactly what we spent but what I usually do is book the flights, hotels & transportation first – those are usually the bulk of the trip cost. If you’re booking in advance things are much much cheaper, especially flights and trains. In the larger cities hotels are more expensive so you can look into AirBnB for a more budget friendly option.

For sights – Barcelona has some really great sights but the tickets can be expensive if you see them all. The nice thing is you can buy them online in advance and get a sense of budget. I booked those last minute the day of and I think if you book earlier, it is cheaper.

Food in Spain is average priced (compared to New York). Lisbon is budget friendly but again, just depends how you travel. I spent all my time/money at the bars when I was younger but re-visiting Lisbon this time, I spent more on sights and food. So, it really depends!

There are beaches in Barcelona! I’ve heard great things about Portugal’s beaches but haven’t personally been.

Hey Sher, loved your pics and your details so useful. I need an advice. i am planning for a trip on the end of January(16 days).First i will be with prepaid guided tour France-Switzerland-Italy(6 days) and back to Paris, but instead of going back to Paris i was thinking of traveling from Avignon to Barcelona. I was this close to cancel Barcelona and go straight to Madrid then Andalusia then Portugal than after reading your post , i think i can do it. what do you suggest?! What is the best way to manage my time and to see all these cities!

Sounds like an amazing European tour! Not sure how much time you have but if you can fit it all in then great!

Hi Sher! Great pics!! I am planning to do Spain/Portugal in May for 7 days. We were thinking of staying in Barcelona for 4 nights and then heading out to Libson. I also wanted to check out Sintra(day trip). Do you think three nights will be enough in Libson? Unfortunately, I already booked my tickets from/to Barcelona.

Hello Sher! Thank you for a very detailed post- very useful for our Spain Portugal trip in late May!

I might follow your itinerary too :)

I was planning to make Cordoba only a day trip from Madrid (or Seville?) so we wont be dragging our luggage behind. What can you suggest?

I noticed that you don’t have separate posts for Madrid and Barcelona unlike the 3 Andalusia cities which you discussed very thoroughly (you even included day to day itineraries!).

Can you suggest links For Madrid and Barcelona very similar to your Andalusia posts?

Can we travel Madrid-Cordoba-Seville-Granada-Lisbon-Barcelona?

What routes are better traveled by train and those by plane?

Thank you for your help.

With best regards, Ann

Hi Ann – glad you found the posts helpful! I covered transportation in my posts but for specific detailed advice, I highly recommend Rick Steves’ Spain book – relied on it heavily to plan my own trip – or a travel agent to plan all the little details!

This is an amazing itinerary! I’m doing one similar to it when I go to Portugal and Spain in October. I’m doing Spain for five days, Madrid for four days and Seville for three…then an extra day in Lisbon on my way home. Did you fly to a majority of the places? Like Madrid to Cordoba? I’m worried about feeling rushed lol

Thanks! We did a mix of flights and trains – you can see the specific breakdown in my individual spain posts! In general train is easier :)

A couple of points. Citing $300 a night hotels as ‘affordable’ is not something most people would consider a reasonable statement. Only other point is with your assertion that the Pena Palace inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle. That is incorrect. The inspiration was Neuschwanstein castle in Germany.

Hi Tim – The hotels I mentioned are recommendations based on my trip. Keep in mind that rates fluctuate dramatically depending on the time of year that you’re searching for.

Pena Palace is widely believed to have inspired Disney – in addition to Neuschwanstein.

I am so glad that I encounter your website, your photos are all beautiful, your itinerary is very detailed and very helpful that I will consider following some of it and add 2 things: 1st, From Barcelona – I will avail the “Three Countries in One Day: France, Andorra and Spain” 2nd, I am also keen to include “Morocco Day Trip” either from Seville or from Granada going to Malaga or Costa del Sol as there are 2 options a) Morocco Day Trip from Malaga to Tangier b) Morocco Day Trip from Costa del Sol to Tangier what do you think about the possibility of this?

My other question are: 1.How did you travel from Madrid to Cordoba? By bus, I guess? 2.How about BUS from Cordoba to Seville? 3.How did you travel from Barcelona to Lisbon? By plane, I guess?

Awaiting for your replies… Thank you in advance.

Hi Pia – glad you found the post helpful! The 3 countries in one day tour sounds incredible as does the Morocco day trip. It’s up to you, whichever tour best fits your schedule (malaga or costa del sol)

From Madrid, I took the high speed train down to Cordoba and then again the train from Cordoba to Seville. I didn’t take the bus but you can check the Spain bus website if you prefer to take the bus. It will be much slower.

Yes I took a flight from Barcelona to Lisbon. I think that is the easiest way. Even though Spain and Portugal are neighbors, it’s not the easiest to get from one to the other. I heard once that it’s because of mountains.. but I’m not sure. Flight is easiest.

Sher, your post is very helpful and sounds like a wonderful trip. I wish we had time to follow your itinerary. We will be traveling to Spain for 5 days before heading to Portugal for a group trip. We’d love to see as much as possible, where would you recommend we go if we only have 5 days? We prefer exploring the cities over spending lots of time in museums. Would it be doable to fly into Barcelona and spend 2 nights there, flying out to Madrid and exploring Madrid for a couple of days (3 nights) including a day trip before heading to Portugal? Or are we better off going to just Barcelona and doing day trips or Madrid and doing day trips? Thanks!

Hi ZD! If you have a short time, Madrid and Barcelona are definitely the 2 cities you want to visit! Regarding where to spend your 5 days, it depends on how you prefer to travel.

I spent 5 days in just Barcelona, since its a big city and there are lots of sights to see. I also took day trips to Montserrat and Girona which I really liked. For Madrid, I felt like there was a bit less to see, and that the city had a older / historic vibe. I guess you could compare Barcelona to NYC and Madrid to Washington DC? So it just depends on the kind of atmosphere you like.

I think for me, if it was my first time, I would visit both cities just so I could see them both. Now that I’m looking back and can compare them, I enjoyed Barcelona more (but am still glad I went to both!)

Hi Sher Your post is just amazing!! It felt like you wrote this for me…we also are going for exact 14 days and intend to cover Spain and Portugal, have taken a note of all your recommendations:)

I have one question- do you suggest any particular operator for Baixa and Alfama walk in Lisbon? I am travelling with a 4 year old so looking to cover both separately on two dates…

Thanks again Nidhi

Hi Nidhi – so glad it’s been helpful for you! hm what do you mean by a particular operator? like a tour guide? i usually book guided tours through viator and they connect to a local company. hope that helps!

Hi Sher, We are planning to visit Granada from Seville and loved your itinerary. Can you please share which bus company you used for the journey?

Hey Sher! The pictures looks absolutely fantastic!!!. Thanks for the detailed itinerary. I guess for anyone travelling for the first time, the usual dilemmas are always the same – Which places to consider and their relevance, though it might vary from person to person but your post gives a good comparative view of the places to visit.

Just yesterday while talking to a friend, who cover Spain and Portugal starting from Portugal and then moving on the Spain. She found Portugal better than Spain with the exclamation most the places look the same in Spain. She even advised me considering either of Barcelona or Madrid as they both are very similar.

I would be travelling from Bombay and would like to ask which place should be the starting point – Portugal or Spain and am considering around May. Which month did you visit and as per you which would be the ideal time to travel to these places?

Hi Romesh – thanks for the kind words! Hm, I had a different opinion. I found Portugal and Spain to be quite different. I did like Portugal better, I think the food and the people really stand out there. It’s up to you for Madrid vs Barcelona. Personally I think they are very different cities (similar to Washington DC vs NYC). If you have the time I would do both, but if you only have time for 1, it depends what you think you’d like more.

Barcelona has great food, lots of nightlife, impressive architecture, shopping, a cosmopolitan feel. Madrid is older, more historic, government buildings and classic museums. For example, if you want trendy Spanish tapas = Barcelona. If you want old school tapas bars = Madrid. That’s a generalization, of course, but that was my experience.

We went in Spring and loved it. Good weather, less crowds. For starting point, go with whatever transportation is easiest from Bombay and is cheaper!

• Pingback: Here's Your Ultimate Packing List for Europe

This itinerary is awesome! My friend and I want to spend 14 days in Spain and Portugal end of the year. What was the cost for your trip? I know prices change, but a ball park estimate will help with our planning. Thank you so much!!

Hi Kate – so glad you like it! I don’t remember the exact cost but for you can do the trip as budget or as luxury as you want. What I usually do is price out the cost of flights + hotels and that’s usually the two most expensive things. And then I know if I can splurge day to day or if I need to set a limit for how much to spend when I’m there. Hope that helps!

Hi Sher. I am from Singapore and am looking to holiday in Spain In June. As this is my first time I was wondering how to go About it. Your itinerary is so detailed. I think I am going to follow it to the tee. Including staying at the same hotels. I want to do some shopping as well. Heard that Zara is all over. I plan to leave on 10 June and return on 24 June. Are there any tips you can give me. Thank you. Faye.

Hi Faye – You’ll have a great time! Thanks for the kind words about my itinerary :) Zara is AMAZING in Spain (at least compared to the US), plus they have Zara Home stores that I love because we don’t get them in New York! June will be pretty hot in Spain, especially in the South, so try planning your day to get up early and sight see, take a siesta at your hotel in the afternoon, and then go out again after. Have a fantastic trip!

Hi Sher. As we do not want to be too stressed on the trip. Please let me know which areas I can skip. And can u please help me to customize an itinerary including how I get from one place to another. I am not a frequent traveler and this is the first time I am venturing so far out in my own. And if there are cheaper hotel options. I will fly into Barcelona and out of Seville. Is that ok? Thank you. I appreciate your help.

Hi Faye – I’ve shared my itinerary and included lots of options for how to customize it to fit your trip length and interests. Feel free to include or exclude whatever you like :) I think if you read through all my posts on Spain, pick up the Rick Steves guidebook and read through a couple other Spain blogs, you can easily find all the answers to your questions and create your perfect Spain & Portugal vacation.

I love trip planning and planned the entire trip listed in my post but I understand not everyone likes to do the same. If you would like me to review your itinerary, answer questions in depth or plan your trip I offer travel consultations where you can hire me for a one hour call.

I don’t make the bookings though – If you want a completely hands off experience, I have friends who are travel agents who you can hire to create a completely custom itinerary.

Pls send me a contact of a travel agent who can help me with the train and other bookings. Do let me know the charges as well. Tks.

This is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much, I was worried I wouldn’t get the most out of my stay in Barcelona until now!

Hi! I love this post and am largely basing my trip to Spain off it, so thanks for a great article!

Just wondering if you could please clarify how many days you spent in Barcelona and Madrid with day trips.

Did you spend two days in Madrid and then 1 day trip visiting Segovia, Toledo and El Escorial all in one day?

Likewis, did you spend 3 days in Barcelona and then 1 day trip visiting Montserrat and Girona in the same day?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Milli – glad the post is helpful! The itinerary above is just an example and I structured it so that if you have more/less time you can consider the day trips – essentially you can spend however many days you wish in each city!

For Madrid I’d recommend 2 days, longer if you’re interested in the day trip options. For Barcelona, I’d recommend 3 full days, with extra time if you want to add the day trips. Each day trip option would take 1 full day though, it’d be very tight to squeeze 3 different cities in a day trip :)

Personally, I enjoyed Barcelona more and think you could even spend a week just there!

Hello, I am planning a trip to Spain and Portugal in Spring of 2019. I will be traveling for 10 days. I will be visiting Barcelona and Madrid. Would it be better to start at Madrid to the little towns in the south then over to Portugal and then head up to barcelona? Or would it better to start Barcelona, then over to Portugal and then to Mardrid and fly home from there?

Hi Jackie – It depends! What I suggest is checking out the transportation options for your trip dates.

First go to Google Flights here and see if flights are available and how much they cost. Then go to Rail Europe here and see how much train rides cost for each long leg. That’s how I plan my trips!

Even though Spain + Portugal are right next to each other, I found for my trip dates that surprisingly flight connections were not that convenient. So, we did Madrid, train south, flight to Barcelona, flight to Lisbon. Hope that helps!

Hi, I’m planning a trip for 4 people (active “seniors”) to Spain and Portugal for Fall 2019. We were thinking of driving. I see you used train, and planes.Why did you choose planes versus trains? Would you not recommend driving? I see you only visited Lisbon with day trip to Sintra, where else in Portugal do you recommend? My thoughts are Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, possible beach stop in Costa del Sol, then onto Portugal, Lisbon and ….How long do you recommend for this itinerary? Thank you.

Hi Anna – If there are trains available, I prefer trains. They’re MUCH more convenient and often cheaper. Train stations are usually in or near the town center so I can just hop on, get off and go sight see. Whereas airports are outside the city so they require additional transportation to & from, plus I need to factor in at least an hour to go through security and if I have carry on suitcases, domestic airlines will often charge extra per piece.

Spain has a pretty great train network so it’s fast, convenient and affordable. Head to Rail Europe and plug in the cities you want to visit and check the times/ rates.

Driving in Spain is tough, but I think you can see even more if you drive! I’ve heard great things about Cascais in Portugal – check that out.

Thanks for a great article. I was wondering if you could please break down your visit to Madrid and Barcelona into days spent in the cities themselves vs day trips (and what/ how many places you visited for each day trip)?

Hi Milli – I’d recommend at least 2 days in Madrid and at least 3 full days in Barcelona. If you want to do the day trips, add on an extra day for each, or a 1/2 day if you want to go from the day trip on to another city. Hope that helps!

• Pingback: See the Best of Seville in 2 Days | Itinerary
• Pingback: The 9 Best Things You Must Do in Granada, Spain!

Hi..your trip looks amazing. Do you recommend driving in Spain and Portugal to do similar trips?

Thanks, Kavita

Hi Kavita – if you’re comfortable driving then it could be a great idea to see some smaller towns! For me, I had limited time (2 weeks) and the main cities are easily connected via train/flights so that’s what we did.

I am traveling to Barcelona solo for nine days in mid October. I am looking for a week of being in one spot to unwind and be near a beach. I have been looking non stop and can’t seem to find anything great that is priced right. Either what I have found it extremely expensive or seemingly too inexpensive for what is being offered. I will have completed Ironman Barcelona (hard endurance triathlon race) and I am normally very curious yet I know that I will want a beach and relaxation with some culture and fun. That said, I am more interested in unwinding rather than exploring…. Do you have any ideas? Thank you!

Love reading your post before planning my travels. I wanted to know, would you recommend doing Barcelona first and the Southern Spain or the way you did it. We are flying in and out of Madrid so i cant decide what would make more sense. Any input would be grateful.

Thanks, Sumaiya

Hi Sumaiya – check the flight + train schedules for your dates! I usually decide the order of our route based on the times tables + fares.

• Pingback: The Best Day Trips from Barcelona – Exploring Spain - Fit Travel Deals
• Pingback: Planning Spain & Portugal – smithsonvacation

We are two couples from India who are planning to visit Spain and Portugal during September. However we would like to see more of country side, small towns and beaches . We would not like to spend too much time in Madrid/ Barcelona. We are planning 12 to 14 days tour. Could you recommend some places

Thank you for your informative post! I’m sooooo happy to chance upon it! Your photos are so nicely taken as well!

I’m planning a trip for 4 adults in February. Have you heard of Barcelona carnival before? Do you think it is worth going?

Also, we are there for 11 days 10 nights, flying in and out from Barcelona. Do you think it’s possible to do Barc-> Madrid -> Cordoba -> Grananda -> Seville -> drive to Lisbon -> drive back to Spain -> take train back to Barc? Or is it too ambitious?

Thank you so much for your time and help!!

Hi Charmaine – No problem! So glad you found it helpful.

I’ve never been to Barcelona for carnival but it sounds like a lot of fun! I haven’t driven in Spain or Portugal, so unfortunately wouldn’t have any advice on that.

Thanks so much for an amazing summary. You helped me a lot. I hope you continue to do and that you get to travel the world.

Ah, thank you for the nice comment! Have a great trip to Spain / Portugal!

Hi Sher, I am so pleased to have found your blog! Your photos and descriptions of each city and places of interest are absolutely inspiring! Our itinerary goes something like this at this stage: 1 – fly into Madrid from Australia. Explore the city and visit Segovia and Toledo on day trips 2 – trying to decide whether to train to Cordoba, Malaga or Grenada. I’m not sure how we can make this work. Is it possible to stay in one of these as a base and visit each of these places in day trips from one of these? Say 5 days spent between these three cities? 3 – Train to Seville for a few days 4 – Fly [?] from Seville to Lisbon. From Lisbon we will go to Sintra then Porto [by train?] 5 – We will then travel to Vigo [train or fly?] to join one of the Camino routes finishing at Santiago de Compestela. 6 – From here we will go to Barcelona for a few days before flying home. I would really appreciate any thoughts you might have Sher. Thank you so much, Jenni

Hi Jennifer – thanks for the kind words! your proposed itinerary sounds great. yes, it is possible to choose a city as a base and then take day trips from the train.

i haven’t been to malaga, but cordoba + seville are quite close together. granada is a bit farther. so, you could either go from madrid down to cordoba and explore the city, then continue onwards to seville, or you can go from madrid to granada and double back on a day trip to cordoba.

check flight schedules for your dates here . for my trip and dates, i found that flying to lisbon was easier from Barcelona, as it was a larger hub.

walking the camino route sounds incredible, i’ve heard great things! have a great trip!!

Hi Sher! I’ve been wanting to visit Spain and Portugal together for years so this guide was fantastic! My only on concern is that other blogs mentioned that doing too much can be overwhelming and rushed. Did you feel you got adequate time everywhere or were you just concerned with the planning and packing process to get to the next place? I definitely want to do them all but don’t want anything to feel rushed or missed because I’m on a strict itinerary. Thanks!!

Hi Stephanie – glad you found my article helpful! It depends how much time you have – we spent 2 weeks and felt like it was all very comfortable. But, we also are the kind of people that like to do a lot on vacation :) You can use our itinerary above as a starting point and adjust depending on your time frame!

Hi! So how is it taking so many flights within a trip? I’ve never actually flown from one European city to another and am curious about the pain of checking in/out of airports and going through security multiple times. I am going to Lisbon later this year but it’s WAY cheaper to fly into Barcelona so I’m thinking of adding it into the itinerary. I just know the boyfriend isn’t going to be thrilled about “schlepping” luggage to and from airports within a day or so of each other. But we’re talking a $1000 price difference here! :O

Hi Elizabeth,

I feel your pain – I hate to fly and it is definitely annoying to schlep bags. We had a long enough trip to Spain / Portugal that we wanted to see as much as possible, and so for us, a mix of trains, flights + bus were good. We didn’t do fly back to back though. I think it depends on where you want to go and how much time you have! as i get older, i find I care more about convenience then price, ha

Haven’t been to San Fransisco but I heard a lot of people comparing Lisbon to SF. I traveled almost two years ago around Portugal and Lisbon reminded me a lot of some neighborhoods of downtown Athens. Lisbon is such a wonderful and vintage city -and the food is terrific. Thanks for sharing your itinerary :)

I am thinking about Spain and/or Portugal for a family vacation this summer (my sons are in their early 20’s). I’ve been to Madrid and Toledo already, so I am OK missing these. We are certified scuba divers and not sure if we can fit in a day of diving to break up the city experience. I also wonder if we should consider taking a ferry over to Moracco/Gibraltor. I’d appreciate any/all suggestions – thanks!

Hi Sher, Are there any good beaches in Portugal? We want to relax more rather than sightseeing from point A to B. Any suggestions?

Hi Felicia, I haven’t personally been to any beaches in Portugal, so can’t say!

Thanks so much for putting this together, very helpful! We were thinking of a very similar itinerary but were thinking of not going to Barcelona instead possibly visiting Valencia and islands and also a couple additional days in Portugal. Any thoughts or recommendations if we did that? Thanks in advance!

You could definitely do that! I haven’t been to Valencia but heard good things. And Barcelona is a big city, so it’s definitely easy to catch a flight back and explore in the future

Please could you give more information on this tour

We can travel around march 29 2020

for two people from LA to madrid

Hi Lorna – this is just the itinerary we took, not a tour. Sorry!

Thank you for sharing your wonderful itinerary. Me and my daughter with 2 other friends are planning to go to Portugal and Spain this coming November for 2 weeks. We would like to include Fatima. When do you think is best to insert Fatima for a day or a day and a half? Your recommendation is highly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Hi Pinky – sounds like a great trip! I haven’t been to Fatima unfortunately, so don’t have any advice.

Hoping you would be kind enough to recommend an agency to help us with logistics and reservations for Portugal and Spain trip I am planning for four people. Very much enjoyed your posts and experiences…but I desire to chat with someone and help me set up.

Sure – happy to refer you to my travel adviser. Shoot me an email with some more details about what you’re looking for specifically!

Sher than you for sharing your wonderful itenerary. Me and my friend are planning to go Portugal and spain in November. Where to include Marrakesh in the 14 days itnerary.

Hi Mona – Not sure what your specific plans are but you could fit it in before or after!

Hi and thanks for this post. I’m planning on landing in Barcelona in March and plan on spending a month, so it would be nice to get your advice on how the wife and I should break up our time in Spain and Portugal. Looking forward to your advice.

wow! A very comprehensive itinerary. I am totally impressed. I’m planning a trip there for my 25th wedding anniversary. My husband loves soccer so we might stay longer in Barcelona. Thanks for sharing your trip.

Your Itinerary and comments are very helpful. We are planning a 2 weeks trip to Spain and Portugal in early July 2020. My questions, I have many.

1. what is the easiest way to get to your airbnb from airport? i am overwhelmed by the choices, Aerobus, Barcelona train, taxi, Uber?

2. Is Uber and Cabify the same concept?

3. Did you buy the Barcelona City pass? It seems really over the top in terms of cost.

4. Do you recommend doing the tower at the Sagrada Familia?

Thank you so very much, Sonal

Thanks Sher, great itinerary. What was your rough cost of the trip. We traveling in end of March, 16 days, similar itinerary..Did you visit the San Sebastián and region, I would like to know if it a mast see as we can add days.

Thanks, Gila

Definitely pre-book your tickets to the Alhambra in Granada. Tickets sell out fast! This was a costly lesson for us. Cordoba and Seville are very much worth seeing.

What a very well written article. So full of all the relevant details and informational. So helpful. Thank you.

Oh thank you!

Do u recommend we rent a car? We are 4 friends wanting to tour Spain, Portugal and Morocco for 14 days. We are fine with just 2-3 days spent in Morocco

Hm, depends where you’re going! Spain and Portugal are pretty big, probably inconvenient to drive.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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.

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

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

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

December 4, 2019

Explore: Travel Guide for 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal

This post may contain Affiliate Links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check our Disclosure Policy for more details.

Spending 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal might just be my highlight of 2019! It was our big trip this year – a delayed honeymoon!

Although we got married in 2018, we decided to delay our honeymoon, because 2018 was a very expensive year! 2018 included a 5-day wedding fiesta and a new condo .

So, we decided to take some time off to recover before we went off on our honeymoon. 

After much deliberation, we finally settled on a 3 week trip to Spain and Portugal. Both of these countries are places, neither my husband nor I had seen before this trip.

We’d heard raving reviews of both places, and I won’t lie that my Instagram feed might be to blame. It was filled with gorgeous photos from both Spain and Portugal throughout the year enticing us to pick Spain and Portugal as our destination.

Of course, Spain and Portugal both provide a balance between history, culture, nature and great food and drink! 

You may not know this about me, but planning the trip is my favorite part of a trip! I enjoy it every bit as much, as the actual travel! 

Piecing together which cities/towns to visit, how to figure out the logistics of the travel, which attractions to hit, and of course what food to indulge in! I love planning all of it.

In the end, over the 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal, we visited 8 cities across the two countries, all of which are covered in this travel guide. 

Overall, this seemed like enough time to cover enough ground in Spain and Portugal, to get a good sense of what both countries has to offer. Although there was so much more to do! We would have loved to see other cities, or spend a bit more time in a few of the places. But overall the 3 weeks we spent in Spain and Portugal felt like we had done our trip justice.

We started our trip in Portugal, on the northern side of the country in Porto, made our way to Lisbon, then down to the Portuguese coast, and over to Southern Spain, exploring some Andulasian cities, and then north to Madrid, and finally capping off our trip in Barcelona.

How to spend 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal

Portugal .

We started our trip in Portugal, travelled down the coast, and into Spain.

Porto 

Porto is the gateway city to the Portuguese wine region in the Duoro Valley but the city itself has a lot of history as well! It is the second largest city in Portugal.

We stayed in Gaia, a town adjacent to Porto, connected by a beautiful bridge. It is also the home to all the port wine cellars!

What to see: Sao Bento Train station, Livraria Lello, port wine cellars on the Gaia side, have coffee or a drink by the Ribera on both the Porto and Gaia sides.

Best way to explore: on foot; walk around as much as you can to explore!

The best thing to eat: Francesinha: A meat-filled sandwich, that is fried, then topped with an egg. It is served with a sauce, and fries to dip! Best food to indulge in after all the walking!

Don’t miss: the view from the top of the Ponte de Luis (the main bridge that connects Porto to Gaia) and take in the view from there!

Lisbon 

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and it’s the commercial hub of Portugal. It’s undoubtedly the most popular destination in Portugal because there is so much to explore. 

The husband’s favorite part was the fresh seafood available in Lisbon! 

What to see: walk around the Alfama district, Castelo Sao Jorge, Santa Justa Miraduoro, Porta de Sol

Best way to explore: on foot, public transit but take at least one ride on the tram to experience it

Best thing to eat: Pateis de Nata – the trek to Belem is worth is for the orginal at Pateis de Belem. We did find that the natas from Manteigaria (pictured above) in Lisbon in were a close second!

Don’t miss: views of the city from the various Miraduoras (aka viewpoint), each view was magnificent in it’s own way

Albufeira in the Algarve region 

This is the beach area of Portugal, where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Sea meet. 

The area is expansive, with many secluded beaches that can only be accessed by boats. The coast line has a lot of spots to be explored, and it would be easy to spend 10 days just exploring the coast. 

There are a lot of options for resorts and cute beach villas to stay right by the water.  

We stayed in Albufeira because we traveled by train. To explore the area, we took a boat excursion for the day to explore the coast with AlgarExperience , which we booked on Viator. 

What to see: the many beaches, explore old town Albufeira, Benagil Caves

Best way to explore: some towns are easily accessible by train, but if you want to explore more of the Algarve region and other cities, renting a car would be ideal.

Don’t miss: Benagil caves, and views by the beach at sunrise and sunsets

We start our trip to Spain along the southern coast, and then travelled North to Madrid, and capped off our time in Barcelona.

One of the best things about Spain was the food! In fact, I wrote about all the food you have to try in Spain on a separate post!

This was my favorite city to explore! We stayed in the Santa Cruz area, and it was filled with small alleys waiting to be discovered, filled with history, small bars and artisan stores!

What to see: get lost in the alleyways of barrio Santa Cruz, Real Alcázar of Seville, Plaza de Espana.

Best way to explore: on foot, public transit – the main attractions are all easily accessible.

Best thing to eat: Tapas, tapas, tapas – The tapas served in Seville had more of a flair, compared to other parts of Spain. Also, fresh orange juice was sweet and refreshing!

Don’t miss: Watch a flamenco show in one of the small theatres in the Santa Cruz area!

I also have a 3 day guide for Seville if you’re interested!

Granada’s biggest attraction is the Alhambra palace, which does not disappoint! 

What to see: Alhambra (including the Nasrid Palaces), Alcaiceria market

Best way to explore: bus, and on foot.

Best thing to eat: Another great city for tapas! The tapas experience in Granada was unique, as we always got a sizeable tapa for free with an order of drinks. Don’t miss the churros at the Alhambra cafeteria!

Don’t miss: Alhambra was worth all the hype we heard! Make sure to get a ticket that allows you to explore the Nasrid Palaces, it well worth it!

This was a short one night stop for us, but it was one of my favorite destinations. It is in Southern Spain, in the Malaga region. And a popular destination for Spanish travellers. 

What to see: El Tajo Gorge, and Puente Nuevo

Best way to explore: on foot, the main attractions are close by.

Best thing to eat: We ate at La Taberna , a tapas place. The wait was over an hour, but the food was well worth it – might even have been my favorite meal of the trip!

Don’t miss: the view of the El Tajo Gorge!

Madrid 

The capital and commercial hub of Spain. I think we ate the most here. Madrid has a big city, a cosmopolitan vibe. The food selection was great, indulging in tapas, pinchitos, paella, and churros.

What to see: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium , Museo del Prado, Retiro Park, Templo de Deblod.

Best way to explore: Metro, and on foot.

Best thing to eat: Churros at San Gines, the dipping chocolate was divine!

Don’t miss: the food market in Madrid

Barcelona has a very different vibe than the other cities we visited in Spain. Thankfully, since it was a bit North, it was a little cooler, compared to Southern Spanish region. The city also feels newer when compared to the other cities we saw in Spain. Many of the sites in Barcelona were built or influenced by Antoni Gaudi, a famous architect whose plans are still being utilized to build the Sagrada Familia. 

What to see: Gothic Quarter, market at the Bouqeria, watch a football match at Camp Nou, Sagrada Familia, and the many other masterpieces by Antoni Gaudi in the city!

Best way to explore: Metro, bus, and on foot.

Best thing to eat: Paella

Don’t miss: the Sagrada Familia, if that’s the one thing you see in Barcelona

I also have a full Barcelona itinerary here!

It was definitely not difficult to spend three weeks in Spain and Portugal. We had to pick and choose and prioritize the cities we visited, but there was so much more to see and do!

We flew into Lisbon, and actually spent our first night in Lisbon before heading off to Porto. I would recommend flying into Porto, or heading straight to Porto once you land in Lisbon if at all possible.

We took trains throughout Portugal, Porto to Lisbon, Lisbon to Albufeira.

The quickest way from Albufeira/Algarve to Spain was to take the bus to Seville.

We chose to stay at least one night in all the cities, but there are several day trips possible if you base yourself in Seville, or Madrid, or another city in Southern Spain.

Spain is quite large, and flying is also a great option depending on your budget and time. We found that the high speed trains between Southern Spain and Madrid, and Madrid to Barcelona worked out well!

We then flew out of Barcelona, on our way back.

Tips for 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal: 

• The high-speed trains can get booked up pretty fast. Make reservations as soon as possible. Tickets can be book online, on the CP app in Portugal and Renfe app for Spain
• Attractions can get busy! If you plan on going to Granada to visit the Alhambra palace or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona make sure to book them as soon as you know your dates!
• Keep open time in your itinerary. There is so much to discover in all these cities, that you can only find when you’re walking around often aimlessly! 
• Public transportation or walking will be your best bet at getting around! Uber was available in most of the cities, except for Granada and Barcelona, but taxicabs are widely available. 
• In Portugal, make sure to see all the Miraduoras , which means viewpoint, make sure to check this out! 
• As North Americans, we found it odd that Yelp wasn’t very popular in Spain and Portugal. Thankfully, tourists do use Tripadvisor! 
• If you only learn a few words in Spanish or Portuguese, make sure to know what foods to get on the menu. 
• Eating tapas is an experience on its own, this was definitely a highlight of our trip!

And there it is! A long post recapping our 3 weeks in Spain and Portugal. Thanks for reading along!

Are you planning a trip to Spain or Portugal?

Let me know if you have any questions or comments on this itinerary!

You might also like:

Reader interactions.

May 5, 2023 at 9:01 PM

Amazing vlog about Spain and Portugal, this is your program if you are going to visit these countries

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from sprinkles + scribbles.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

2 Weeks in Spain and Portugal (with optional trip to Morocco)

last Updated: March 2, 2024 morocco Portugal spain

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Thinking of spending two weeks in Spain and Portugal? You’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find the perfect Spain and Portugal itinerary, which you can either maximize to the fullest with a myriad of different cities or swap out a few days and head south to Morocco! Or both if you’ve got the time!

Any Spain vacation will be full of charming locals, fantastic beaches, lots of sunshine, tons of paella and tapas, and even more dancing. By adding in Portugal (and possibly even Morocco for a few days), you can guarantee your trip will be as varied as it could be!

Here’s a quick summary of this two week Spain and Portugal (with optional Morocco) itinerary:

• Barcelona : 2 days
• Valencia : 1 day
• Granada : 2 days
• Asilah (optional): 1 day
• Fez (optional): 2 days
• Seville : 2 days
• Lisbon : 3 days
• Porto : 1 day
• San Sebastian : 2 days
• Madrid : 2 days

Note that this map is just to give you an idea of where the cities listed on this itinerary are – I don’t suggest driving the whole way or hitting up all the stops unless you’ve got loads of time.

I’m a highly visual person, so when I’m traveling, I like to map out my route and it drastically helps me get my trip in order (aka more structured and not all over the place).

*If you’d rather not DIY like this Spain and Portugal itinerary suggests, you can easily find some pre-arranged Spain and Portugal tours ready for booking! There are a whole bunch to choose from, including those I’ve listed below.

Tours are sometimes known for their bad reputation, but in all honestly, if you don’t feel like doing any research (besides what I’ve already done for you here!), then tours are your best bet. They make traveling so simple – all you have to do is follow your tour guide around and be bussed from city to city. And plus, you’ll likely meet tons of other like-minded travelers on one of these Spain and Portugal tours.

These tours are for all different ages, with some catering to those on the younger side (18-30 somethings) and others for all ages (kids – late adulthood and everything in between). Don’t ever let anyone determine your travel style – everyone has different expectations of travel and you do you!!!

Recommended Spain and Portugal Tours:

• 16 Day Spain, Portugal, and Morocco Small Group Tour  (from Madrid)
• 8 Day Northern Spain and Portugal Small Group Tour (from Barcelona)
• 8 Day Northern Spain and Portugal Small Group Tour (from Madrid)

Pre-Travel Guide to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco

Where to get the best flight deals to spain:.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two.  

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas in Europe with much shorter flight times.  A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

For reference, we flew regular economy directly to Barcelona for about $800 round trip from New York City in mid-July. You can find cheaper flights if you book even earlier, as I saw flights as low as $500 from NYC! If you’re coming from the West Coast USA, flights will be a bit more expensive but shouldn’t be more than $300 more or so than flights from the East Coast.

How to Get Around Spain and Portugal

I like to use the website rome2rio.com to help figure out how to get from place to place. There are numerous options available for every route with various price points, and depending on your budget and length of stay, you’ll quickly figure out which option is best for you and your party.

This itinerary will have you taking flights, buses, trains, private cars, ferries, and possibly more! Lots of public transportation on this Spain vacation! Throughout this itinerary I’ve explained some of the easiest ways to get from place to place, but feel free to do your own research and find what works best depending on your dates!

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

If you’re coming from the USA, you’ll want to make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Spain and Portugal. No further vaccines are recommended.  However, prior to traveling to Morocco, recommended shots from the CDC  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) include typhoid and hepatitis A. 

It’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any advice from online sources, including this one!

You can drink the water in Spain and Portugal, but definitely not in Morocco. Don’t fret as most hotels provide their guests drinking water free of charge and you can find bottled water at every restaurant/convenience store for only a few dirhams.

Also, when in Morocco, use caution when eating any suspicious looking fruits/veggies and meats on the street. During our two weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, neither of us thankfully experienced any major stomach issues, but it’s always best to be careful. In addition, you may want to ask your doctor for a prescription of Ciprofloxacin in case of any disturbing stomach issues you may find yourself in.

I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and this travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies. I highly recommend the company  SafetyWing and always buy a short term plan (depending on how many weeks we’ll be away) before we leave for any trip!

Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion. Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Spain, Portugal, or Morocco as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 30 days or less.

Currency in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco

Both Spain and Portugal use the Euro, with the exchange rate being approximately .92euro = $1USD (at time of this publication, April 2022). I recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or a currency converter on the web) to get the most up to date currency exchanges for all forms of currency.

I highly advise you to NOT exchange your money at a currency exchange kiosk before or after you land as you won’t get the best rates. Instead, take out local currency (Euros) at the airport via ATM machine.

If you travel quite frequently, consider applying for a Charles Schwab bank account. The company refunds any and all fees associated with foreign transaction ATM withdrawals. You’ll pay no ATM fees anywhere in the world, including your home country. It’s what I’ve been using for years and it’s saved me 100’s in unwanted pesky fees.

When it comes to cash in Morocco, things are a bit different. Morocco currently uses the Moroccan dirham (DH or MAD), with the exchange rate being approximately 10DH = $1USD (at time of this publication, April 2022).

Morocco is still very much a cash society, so be sure to have enough before heading out for the day. In addition, some debit cards may not work at ATMs, so I found it to be a good idea to take out as much as I thought I’d need for my time in Morocco once I found an ATM that worked (at the Ferry Terminal), and hid the money in different places in my luggage/backpack/wallet.

If all else fails, you may be able to use euros in Morocco as they are commonly accepted if you don’t have any dirham on hand. Note that you are not able to obtain dirham anywhere outside of Morocco (with the exception being select places in Spain and Gibraltar), so you cannot get the currency beforehand in your home country due to strict exchange controls.

When to Visit Spain, Portugal, and Morocco

Since Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are located in southern Europe and northern Africa, the weather tends to get rather hot and sticky during the summer months (June-August). You’ll find Mediterranean weather and temperatures in all three countries. Although many associate Morocco with desert-like weather patterns, Morocco’s climate is actually more tropical rather than arid. Temperatures hover around 80 degrees F, with highs up to 95 degrees F in Fez, Morocco.

Most visitors tend to visit Spain and Portugal during the summer months, but late Spring is a wonderful time to plan a trip there as well.

Mid-March to May is the most pleasant time to visit Morocco; the days are getting longer and the temperatures are rising but are not stifling hot. Morocco is also absolutely lovely in the Fall, when temperatures begin to die down.

The heat in Morocco is notorious, so please be careful and plan your days accordingly if you’ll be visiting when it’s hot hot hot. Make sure to drinks LOTS of water, apply sunscreen (yes, even though you’ll be covering yourself), and set aside time to cool off in the shade/indoors.

ELECTRICITY:

Spain and Portugal use both type C (two round pins) and type F (two round pins with two earth clips on the side) plug types, different than those electrical outlets as found in the USA. Morocco uses both type C and type E (two round pins with a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin).

If you’re coming from America you’ll need to bring along an electrical adapter ( this one works in all countries ) in order to plug in any electrical devices.

In addition, it’s also important to understand that the amount of voltage is different than in the USA and you’ll need a converter (different than an electrical adapter) to change the amount of electricity pushed to each device if you plan on bringing anything which uses an excessive amount of power (including hair dryers, curling irons, and/or straightening irons).  

If you don’t want to worry about this, I suggest you invest in dual-voltage devices made especially for travel like this dual-voltage blow dryer , dual-voltage mini straightener , and this dual-voltage curling iron .

What to Bring to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco

Depending on when you visit, it may be exceptionally hot and sticky, so plan your clothing with this in mind. Loose tops and cotton bottoms (pack long pants/skirts for Morocco), comfortable walking sandals, and hats are definitely recommended. Pashminas and thin head scarves are recommended for Morocco as well. As noted above, a personal wireless device will come in handy so you can stay connected wherever you are.

Activities in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco

Before I leave for any trip, I like to have a whole slew of activities planned out. Some of these activities are best to do alone (so you can take your sweet time) and some are best with a tour group so you can get additional information.

Throughout the post I’ll be recommending plenty of tours which I highly suggest, some which should 100% be booked ahead of time due to their popularity and ticket restraints. Look out for those, and once you decide on your dates, come back and book them!

I highly recommend you check out GetYourGuide , which is an activity web site which I use to book city tours, attractions, and day trips. And thankfully, they have wonderful cancellation policies so you can easily switch the dates if you decide to move something around in your trip.

And now what you’ve been waiting for, some mix and match DIY Spain and Portugal Tours! (You’ll see what I mean…)

Two Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+Optional Morocco)

My itinerary below includes roughly 10 days in Spain, with additional days in Portugal and Morocco (if you wish to head a bit south and are looking for even more culture!) If you’ve got your eye on a top-notch Spain vacation, I’ve got you covered. Just send me some churros con chocolate as a thank you, pretty please! 🙂

DIY ITINERARY OPTIONS:

• The Spain and Portugal Lover: Not interested in making the trek to Morocco? Exclude Asilah and Fez from the middle of this Spain itinerary, and add on San Sebastian and Madrid at the end of your trip!
• Morocco Add-In, Please: Follow this itinerary as planned out below, but consider flying back to Barcelona from Porto and leaving out San Sebastian and Madrid.
• Let’s do it all! Both trips above will take roughly two weeks, but if you want to see it all (Morocco PLUS San Sebastian and Madrid), three weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will be more doable to see all these highlights.

Barcelona: 2 Days

Start your Spain and Portugal tour in Barcelona , a beautiful and cosmopolitan city, loved by tourists and locals alike. Since Barcelona is a huge city, you definitely won’t be able to see everything in 2 days! Pick and choose from this list of recommended highlights, and make sure you add in some ample time for eating!

Did someone say tapas, sangria, and churros con chocolate!? You bet I did!

Find more things to do in Barcelona here. (NEW POST coming soon)

Things not to miss in Barcelona:

La Sagrada Familia : This architectural beauty is the world’s largest unfinished Roman Catholic church, which was designed by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. You won’t believe it, but construction started all the way back in the 1880’s and is not planned to be finished for a few more years!

Words just can’t describe how amazing this cathedral is – both the inside and the outside. When the sun streams through the colored stained glass windows you can get some amazing photographs! Being Barcelona’s number one attraction, the Sagrada Familia will undoubtedly be very crowded.

My suggestion: definitely get ahead your tickets ahead of time (non-negotiable 100%). Lines are very very long, and you most likely won’t even get in if you don’t have a pre-purchased ticket. Buy your tickets here and save yourself the hassle of (fingers crossed) hoping to get in the day off (mostly unheard of).

Basically, as soon as you know your intended dates for Barcelona, book your tickets to see La Sagrada Familia . You can opt for the optional audio tour recording if you’d like in order to learn about the building and it’s marvelous architecture. Ticket prices:

• €15 for basic entry
• 23.80 euros for access to the towers and a guide.
• Buy your skip the line tickets here.

Casa Batlló: Another Gaudi UNESCO site that shouldn’t be missed, even if you only make it to the outside! The vibrant exterior of the building displays colorful mosaics made from broken ceramic tiles, while bone-like adornments surround its windows, aka another must-see!

Casa Batllo seriously looks like a house from a fairy tale. Tickets are recommended to be bought well in-advance as well (which will also save you a few euros!), and includes an enhanced reality and virtual video tour of the entire house which is pretty cool! Buy tickets in advance here .

Or want to skips the crowds and have the place almost to yourself? Buy early morning tickets before the general public is allowed in!

Park Güell : Probably my favorite of all of Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona! Although it’s a little off the beaten track and can be a bit confusing if you can’t read the signs within the park (no English), Park Guell is totally worth the effort.

It should be noted that there are two areas throughout the park: the Free Access Area, which is indeed free of charge and still absolutely spectacular, and the Monumental Zone, which requires a ticket bought in advance  (they fill up quickly in the summer months).

Those colorful sculptures and mosaics you always see pictures of – within the ticketed Monumental Zone. And at only a few euro, it’s definitely worth it to see. Buy tickets in advance here or hop on a walking tour of the marvelous park to ensure you see it in all it’s glamour (it can be confusing for those who’ve never been – we actually got lost a few times!)

Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera): Another spectacular work of art by Guadi, and located just a few blocks from Casa Batlló. Also known as “ The stone quarry” for its unconventional rough-looking appearance, it’s one of the most famous buildings of the Catalan Art Nouveau period and one of Gaudí’s most ambitious works.

Something else to add to your Barcelona bucket list. Buy skip the line tickets here.

The Gothic Quarter:  The center of the old city of Barcelona, stretching from Las Ramblas to Via Laietana .  You should definitely give it a walk around, as you’ll find many buildings dating back to the Medieval Times here.

And if you’re into biking, check out this tour – you’ll ride around Barcelona and hit up a bunch of cool spots all within three hours for about 20 bucks! Segway more your style? You’ve got that option too!

Be aware that pickpocketers are known to hang around this area, so be extra cautious, keep your bag/backpack in front of you, and keep your wallet in your front pocket.  Check out Santa Maria Del Mar in this area, which is absolutely free of charge!

Las Ramblas: the absolute heartbeat if the city!  It wouldn’t be a proper visit to Barcelona without a stroll on Las Ramblas. There’s loads to do here, with tons of stores, restaurants, and places for sangria pit stops. Watch out for pickpockets here as well, as Las Ramblas is a popular bustling city street.

And make sure you head to La Boqueria Market for loads of fresh fruit juice (1 euro or so), tasty empanadas, tons of candy and olives, and cured meats! Yummm.

Barcelona Magic Fountains at night: Looking for something different to do at night in Barcelona? Head to the magic fountains! These fountains are not your average fountains – they’re a spectacular display of color, light, motion, music and water acrobatics.   Absolutely insane. Check out the schedule as the fountains perform on different nights during the year.

Hike to The Bunkers del Carmel for spectacular views of the entire city. They’ve been one of the Barcelona’s best kept secrets, and offer the perfect viewing spot to admire the entire city below!

Barceloneta Beach and waterfront area : If you’ve had enough of Gaudi’s masterpieces and wandering around Las Ramblas, head on over to the beach!

La Barceloneta is known for its sandy beach and many seafood restaurants and clubs along the boardwalk. Sun worshippers you’ve found your spot! Take an afternoon to relax with some sangria in your hand – doesn’t get much better than that!

Tips for Barcelona:

• Be sure to book your tickets online ahead of time. Planning on visiting some Gaudi sites, including La Sagrada Familia , Park Guell , or Casa Mila – book in advance (click on links to buy!). By doing so, you’ll also get to skip the long lines and won’t waste your precious, precious time! 
• Keep a watchful eye out on your belongings. Barcelona is a crowded city, and because of that, pick pocketing can occur without you even realizing. Always keep your possessions in front of you and never leave your bag open.

And if you have more time, consider one of the wonderful day trips from Barcelona , including Monserrat (for some dramatic landscapes), Sitges (a lively beach town south of the city), and Girona (on my itinerary for next time).

How to Get from Barcelona to Valencia: You can find nonstop hour-long flights from Barcelona to Valencia for about $75 or so, or take the train for about $45 which takes roughly 3 and a half hours.

For further details, check out Skyscanner for flight deals and the train timetable from the Official RENFE website . Your pick depending on how much you want to spend and how long you want your travel day to be!

Whatever method of travel you prefer, I recommend heading to Valencia at night after your second day in Barcelona to ensure the max amount of time in Valencia!

Valencia: 1 Day

Next up, Valencia, a charming old city and the third-largest in Spain, is well worth a visit. It’s most commonly known for its City of Arts and Sciences (tons of futuristic structures just waiting to be photographed) and a bunch of beaches for all you sun lovers!

Make sure you try some paella, horchatas, and Aguas de Valencia (a fruity, delicious, and somewhat dangerous drink. It’s made of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), orange juice, vodka and gin, and you won’t be able to taste the alcohol….)

Here’s a few options of how to spend your one day in Valencia:

Plaza de la Virgen: A great way to begin your time in Valencia! This gorgeous square has so much atmosphere just waiting to be soaked up, filled with gardens of orange trees and buzz from visitors admiring the Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral (make sure to go in – its absolutely stupendous).

Also be sure to check out the Basilica of the Virgin and take a photo next to the Turia Fountain. Head back right before sunset to climb to the top of the bell tower for spectacular sunset views of the whole city (only a few euros and well worth it).  

Beaches: You’ll need to take a short bus trip  from the Old Town in order to get to the beach area of La Malvarrosa, but if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon, this is your best bet. Here you’ll find tons of seafood bars selling paella and other tapas. Look out for the magnificent sand castles in this area as well!

Mercado Central: Not to be missed in Valencia with it’s 1000+ collection of diverse food stalls. Note the opening hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 am – 2/3pm. A great spot to find some takeaway lunch! You’ll find anything and everything here in this colorful restored market when it comes to food! The fresh fruit is top notch and so cheap!

Turia Gardens and the City of Arts and Sciences: Being one of Spain’s largest urban parks, running through the city with over 9km of green space, it’s the perfect place to unwind! You’ll find tons of foot paths, sporting areas, and lots of romantic spots for you and your significant other/bestie/sister.

Don’t miss the City of Arts and Sciences – a bunch of cool futuristic looking buildings at the far end of the park.

Wander around Cuitat Vella (Old Town) : Such a charming area to walk around! One of the most amazing buildings to put on your Valenica Old Town bucket list is Palaces of the Marques de Dos Aguas, a super unusual building – you’ll see what I mean when you visit!

Also, don’t miss the Plaza Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) and Plaza de la Reina (Queens Place), which is opposite from Plaza de La Virgen and a bustling square.

How to Get from Valencia to Granada: Unfortunately traveling between the two cities can be a bit long and tiresome. I’ve listed many options for you to choose from here.

• TRAIN : By train, the average journey from Valencia to Granada takes approximately 6 and a half hours. On a weekday, there are four trains per day traveling this route; Check ALSA and RENFE websites for train timetables.
• BUS : The bus takes approximately 7 and a half hours and costs a bit less than the train.
• PLANE : If you’re trying to save time, consider a nonstop flight between the two cities, which only takes about an hour and a half and cost upwards of $150 or so.
• MIXED : You can also fly to Malaga for rather cheap, then take a short rail journey, then a bus to Granada. Although cheap, quite complicated if you’ve never been.

Granada: 2 Days

Next up on your Spain and Portugal itinerary, Granada, an old Moorish city and the land of a thousand castles!  Fill your brain with history from the Alhambra and fill your stomach with pionono cakes, a local speciality in the area.

Many people don’t know what to expect before they visit Granada, but picture this scene: serene Islamic architecture and Arab-flavored street life (hence the spices you’ll see all around) amongst go monumental churches, old-school tapas bars and counterculture graffiti art. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Alhambra, the main attraction in the entire city of Granada.

Day 1: The Alhambra, the main attraction in Granada 

The Alhambra , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Muslim royalty. The size of the fortress/palace/city is impressive to say the least, and I promise you’ll leave feeling the history of invaders and conquerors, kings and poets.

If there’s only one thing you do in Granada, make sure it’s a visit to the Alhambra. An absolutely humbling and breathtaking experience, and the views from the different vantage spots of the palace and gardens will keep you impressed for hours on end.

If you want to see the entire complex, with all the buildings and gardens, plan to be at the Alhambra for most of the day. It’s HIGHLY advised to buy your ticket online MONTHS in advance, as its very possible tickets will sell out a few months beforehand. Plan early and buy your ticket as soon as you know the dates you’ll be visiting Granada. Buy skip the line tickets here .

Tips for visiting the Alhambra:

As noted above, purchase your tickets ahead of time . Tickets will be timed but you are free to enter the Alhambra at any time on the date of your ticket (regardless of what timed entry you selected). The time on the ticket is only to enter the Palacio Nazaries, the main attraction of the Alhambra.

You are free to wander around the rest of the Alhambra before or after your timed entry to the Palacio Nazaries.

In regards to your timed entry to the Palacio Nazaries, you MUST enter this attraction within 30 minutes of your timed ticketed entry. If you get there before/after, they will not let you in. No ways around this. Note that you are not able to enter the palace earlier either, you’ll have to wait until exactly the time your ticket says.

Know where the Palacio Nazaries is (far opposite end of the Entrance Gate), so plan your timing accordingly to ensure your entry.

Don’t lose your ticket and be sure to carry it around with you. The barcode on the ticket will be scanned a bunch of times throughout your visit.

• If you want to learn about the history of the castle, purchase an audio guide for a few euro at the front gate (and also outside the line to the Palacio Nazaries).
• There are no bathrooms inside the palaces or castle. All bathrooms are located outside the exhibits in separate bathrooms. Just something to be aware of.

• Bring along some of your own food/water and have a picnic in one of the gardens! Definitely wish we had done this since we got hungry during our visit and didn’t have many options within the Alhambra to pick from.
• Wear good walking shoes. Although the Alhambra is located uphill, there is a free shuttle that will take you from the bottom to the top and back if you don’t feel like walking.

Day 2: EVERYTHING ELSE

On your second day in Granada, relax a bit after your intriguing and mind-blowing visit to the Alhambra the previous day. A few ideas for today in Granada:

Want the ultimate relaxation break? A retreat at the Arabian baths, or Hammam Al Andalus , is a wonderful choice! At the hamman you’ll get to soak in pools of varying temperatures and use the steam room with optional massage add-ons.

The Hamman is beautifully designed to reflect the ancient Arabic bath houses and is lit by candles and soft back lighting. The tile floors are heated, even in the locker room, making walking around very comfortable. Guests are asked to speak softly so it’s a relaxing atmosphere for everyone. Book spa package here .

Explore the traditional neighborhood of Sacromonte: home of the city’s gypsy community, you’ll find cave houses designed entirely on the terrain! Also, this is a great area to watch a true flamenco performance  – purchase tickets here (tapas and drink included!).

In addition, head up to nearby Albayzin quarter for a wonderful viewpoint in front of the Hermitage of San Miguel – especially marvelous at sunset! My suggestion: walk the Albayzin district prior to heading up to the viewpoint an hour or so before viewpoint to check out the cafes and it’s small bustling souk. Worried about getting lost around here (it’s kinda confusing…)? Book a walking tour for only a few euro ! 

Granada Cathedral: This magnificent building is Spain’s second-largest cathedral, dating all the way back to 1521! Be sure to explore this architectural marvel both inside and out. Fun fact – the Granada Cathedral is home to the tombs of Spain’s notorious Catholic Monarchs. Head to the main chapel to see the stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings on the sides. An absolute must do!

Walk down Carrera del Darro : Are you a fan of quiet walks along scenic little rivers? Carrera del Darro will be right up your alley! This street is one of the city’s most celebrated walks and a perfect spot to bring your loved one (super romantic at dusk!) You’ll also find some of the best churros con chocolate along this scenic little street as well, perfect for a date!

Eat! In Granada you’ll find the best local ice cream at Calle Gran Via de Colon to Los Italianos – family run for over 80 years and a must for those hot sweaty days! Looking for some bars and pubs? Head on over to Calle Elvira, and don’t leave without getting your tapas fix at Babel World Fusion. Many don’t realize that tapas are part of everyday life in Andalusia, where it actually originated!

A few examples of tapas include small panini sandwiches, olives, Jamon serrano, mini hamburgers, deep-fried calamari, and patatas bravas (my favorite!) Order a glass of wine or a beer (or local favorite Tinto De Verano) at any bar between roughly 1-4pm and anytime after 9 and you’ll get a free tapa!

Just normal life over here! It’s a good idea to sign up for a tapas tour  to ensure you’ll be devouring as many as you can during your time here!

The first leg of your Spain vacation is over, but don’t worry, you’ll be back after a few days in Morocco!

Next up, a few optional days in Morocco!

The thought of heading to Morocco scares away some people because of it’s exceptionally different culture and traditions, so I suggest taking a quick multi-day tour for this purpose if you wish to see a bit of the country.

Not only will you have your transportation covered, but you’ll have a local guide with you the entire time to answer any of your questions and advise you on best cultural practices so you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

A few important notes about Morocco:

Safety : Just to note, if you’re a female, I wouldn’t recommend traveling solo in Morocco. The cat-calling was something like I’ve never seen, and although I never felt truly sexually harassed or physically touched, I’ve heard many travelers report unwanted grabbing and feelings of unsafety.

In my experience (and many who I’ve spoken to), it’s best to visit the country with a group of people (preferably with some male companions) and with a guide in some areas as well (like the Medina in Fez ). Do your research before deciding to head to Morocco solo or with only female friends.

What to Wear: You’ll want to dress modestly and respectfully while traveling in Morocco. Women should wear long skirts and dresses, or cotton, loose fitting pants (always covering the knee) , and tee shirts that cover the shoulder area. Sandals and sneakers are generally worn, without many wearing heels.

It’s also a good idea to bring a scarf to drape around your head and shoulders as well if you don’t want to bring extra attention to yourself.

Alcohol Usage: Drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden by the Qur’an, so Muslims do not drink alcohol. However, because Morocco makes so much money through it’s tourism industry, you’ll find many young people having a drink at an outdoor cafe. Don’t overdue it as drinking is not socially and culturally acceptable by many locals.

How to Get from Spain to Morocco

By Ferry:  You’ll most likely be taking the ferry from Spain to Morocco, which can sometimes be a daunting process. Because of this, you’ll want to leave a few hours at border crossing. Aka, don’t make any major plans for the day. You’ll first need to get yourself to the ferry terminal at Algeciras (Spain), then wait for a while.

The drive from Granada to Algeciras takes almost 3 hours (with trains taking a bit over 4 hours), so you’ll want to start your day bright and early. Taking the ferry from Spain to Morocco is the most popular way to cross into Africa, and therefore is highly guarded and can take quite a bit of time. Alas, it’s worth it for the truly fascinating country of Morocco.

Many different ferry options from Spain to Morocco are possible, with ferries heading to Tangier being the most natural entry point for visitors from Europe.

You’ll find over 32 ferry sailings a day from Algeciras (Spain) to Tangier-Med (Morocco), which is by far the most well traveled of the different ferry routes. Companies that operate this route include Balearia, Trasmediterranea, FRS, Intershipping, and AML. Price of the ferry from Spain to Morocco varies greatly depending on speed, with the fastest taking just 30 minutes through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Prices start at roughly €30 per person each way, with more costly options to bring along a vehicle if you’re planning on taking a road trip through Morocco. Note that ferries are also available from Tarifa and Barcelona to Tangier, although are not as popular and therefore do not have has many sailing options.

By Plane:  Ferry not your thing? Sounds too confusing? I hear ya! Don’t fret. A flight from Spain to Morocco is most definitely possible. There are plenty of flights to this North African country from several cities in Spain, with carriers including Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, EasyJet, and Ryanair.

Shop around on Skyscanner to get the best possible price. And remember to bring along your passport!

How to Get from Tangier to Asilah: Thankfully once you make it into Morocco, your first official stop where you’ll be spending the night is only 45 minutes away. You can either take a shared taxi from Tangier bus and taxi station for about 20DH per person (take a petit taxi [green] for 10DH to get to the taxi station), or there are also regular trains from Tangier to Asilah for 16-25DH depending on class.

4) Asilah: 1 night

It’d be downright impossible to get all the way to Fez today, especially since you never know how long it will take at the Spanish-Moroccan border. Plan to spend one night in Asilah, a cute little beachside town about 45 minute south of Tangier known for it’s deserted, quiet beaches and booming artist town.

It’s well preserved medina is a hub for artists, full of murals and colorfully painted walls everywhere you look. This makes the area especially fun to photograph, with it’s Mediterranean-influenced buildings of whitewashed houses with blue accents on the walls and doors. A bit similar to Santorini-looking, actually!

Don’t plan too much today, as your arrival time is heavily dependent on your luck at the Morocco border. If you start the day off early, you’ll most likely have time for a stroll along the beach in Asilah (dotted with food shacks serving cold drinks and fresh fish dishes) and a quick visit to the pedestrian-only artist Medina. Have more time? You can take a camel ride right on the beach!

If you’re looking to do a bit of relaxing, this tranquil and beautiful destination on the Atlantic Coast will be right up your alley. Head to the pier right before sunset – a wonderful place to see your first African sunset! 🙂

The town is small enough and be easily explored by walking, or you can hire a horse and donkey cart (always bargain before getting in)!

Top tip: Make sure to get the roasted street corn, it’s absolutely superb.

How to Get from Asilah to Fez: You’ll find many trains and buses from the Asilah Train Station to Fez, both taking about 4 hours. Find more information here: ONCF trains / CTM buses

5) Fes: 2 Full Days

Want some real-life culture shock?  Head to Fez, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Full of medieval architecture with a vibrant medina with narrow lanes infused with smells of fresh peppermint, freshly squeezed orange juice, and animal droppings.

This bustling town will leave you scratching your head every few moments. Just standing in the medina is completely overwhelming and you’ll see chickens running around and donkeys pulling carts like it’s no big deal. This is just everyday life here in Fez.You won’t get used to it no matter how many days you stay – I can promise you that!

** As noted above, in my opinion, it’s best to hire a private guide for a full day to thoroughly explore this bustling city. That’s exactly what we did, and found having our own personal tour guide was not only majorly convenient, but left us feeling much more safe and secure than we would have on our own.

What to do in Fez

Golden Gates of the Royal Palace: This iconic palace isn’t open to the public, but the gates of the Royal Palace make for absolutely wonderful photographs!

Walk through the Fez Medina: Being the city’s oldest neighborhood and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stroll (if you can call it that) through the medina should definitely be included on any Fez itinerary. The city’s ancient quarter is an intricate maze of streets, and here you’ll find open markets, shops, and mosques at every turn.

It’s quite easy to get lost within the walls of the Medina, so I suggest you hop on a tour with an official guide to ensure you’ll be able to get around with no problems. As they say, it’s easy to get in but not so easy to get out.

In my opinion, nothing compares to this experience – the winding narrow lanes, the myriad of spice shops, the donkeys and handcarts making their way through. So colorful and so, so exotic. The medina is thriving and full of life. Explore the souks, see the snake charmers, watch the wonderful henna ladies, and grab some food at the magnificent open air market at night.

Top tip: If you hear the word ‘Balak’ within the medina, you should quickly move to the side. It means someone is coming through with a donkey or cart and needs the entire width of the passageway to get through. They have no mercy for tourists so be sure to understand what to do right away.

Get a guide. It’ll be worth it, I promise.

Visit the Bab Boujeloud (Blue Gate) : This iconic blue gate at the entrance to the old city makes for an amazing photo! Don’t miss it before heading into the medina!

Take in the smells at the Chouara Tannery: Yes, it’ll stink like there’s no tomorrow, but any visit to Fez wouldn’t be a proper visit without visiting a tannery. The smell is definitely a bit overwhelming (and not in a good way), but they’ll offer you a sprig of mint to hold under your nose to help alleviate the pungent odor.

Inside the shops you’ll find thousands and thousands of leather goods, from colorful Moroccan slippers, backpacks and purses, to jackets and shoes in any possible color you’re looking for. I bought a camel-skin leather purse which is absolutely gorgeous and handmade, and bought it for MUCH less than I would be able to in the states. Definitely bargain.

One of the biggest draws: the ability to overlook the big outdoor vats from the balcony of the tannery. You’ll see men up to their knees working the leather, hides drying in the sun, and the “dead wool” piled high off to the sides. I’ve never seen anything like it, that’s for sure! Don’t miss out on observing this traditional dying of animal skins in Fez.

Visit a ceramics shop: If you opt for a private local guide, you’ll most likely be taken to a ceramics shop in Fez. By taking a complete tour of the factory, you’ll see the ceramists and potters at work.  

The end of the tour will take you to the extensive company showroom , which houses thousands upon thousands of ceramic and metal goods for purchase. I bought a beautiful ceramic mug which now lives on my desk at home.

Take a Moroccan cooking class : The country’s cuisine is considered to be one of the best in the world, which is why a cooking class is such a worthwhile idea! You’ll learn tricks, secrets, cooking tips, choose ingredients, prepare beautiful dishes, and learn how to detect the more subtle flavors in dishes. 

You’ll learn from the pros how to expertly produce Tajin, couscous, Pastila, Harira, Malawi, Harcha, Djaj, Moroccan salad and more – all superrrr delicious! Mmmm I miss that food just thinking about it! Book class here!

Get scrubbed clean at a Hammam: Want a thrilling experience like no other? Get naked and get scrubbed at a local hammam in Fez. And with over 250 hammams sprinkled throughout the ancient city, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from. Because of this, Fez is one of the best places in Morocco to join the locals for a long hot bath, rigorous scrub-down included!

You’ll be surrounded by a room full of naked women, but don’t fret, as this is all part of the experience. I highly recommend you opt for the massage as well! To anyone who’s feeling a bit nervous about it (I totally understand!), I have to say that it’s 100% worth the plunge and you’ll leave feeling squeaky clean afterwards!

Eats : mint tea, tagine clay pots, pastilla, olives, couscous, dates, all the salad dishes. Moroccan food absolutely divine, and be sure to try everything! However, do not drink the water and even use bottled water for teeth-brushing. Bottled water is all over the place and you’ll have no problem find it throughout your days.

*** If you can add another day to your Spain, Portugal, and Morocco itinerary, I suggest you make a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis . Full of architectural ruins and tons of history, you’ll really get a feel for what Moroccan life was like thousands of years ago. Super impressive if you haven’t seen the ruins in Greece just yet. Buy tickets to Meknes and Volubilis here .

6) Chefchaouen

Have you seen those photos of cities’ drenched in blue on Instagram recently? You were most likely swooning at the charming little town of Chefchaouen in Morocco, any photographer’s ultimate dream. Many wonder if the entire town is colored in blue, or if it’s just one or two streets.

I am here to confirm that the ENTIRE town is covered in every single shade of blue imaginable. From turquoise blue to sky blue to cobalt blue to sapphire blue to cornflower blue and every single shade of blue in between. Unlike many photoshopped insta-shots these days, the instagram pictures of Chefchaouen don’t lie.

Chefchaouen can be visited in two ways:

• On your way back up north to the Moroccan-Spanish border (by bus or private car)
• On a guided day trip from Fez (good option if you’d prefer to sleep in the same place for a few nights and don’t mind spending a good chunk of time in the car).  We opted to go by guided tour as this made the most sense during our time in Morocco and LOVED it! We slept in the car and woke up just in time to explore the Blue City!  Buy tour tickets to Chefchaouen here.

Whichever travel method you opt for, you can guarantee you’ll get way more stunning photographs you’ll ever know what to do with. I suggest just wandering around the city taking photographs of this beautiful and peaceful town tucked in the Rif Mountains.

Read Next: A Day Exploring Chefchaouen (with lots of pretty photos of course)

And back to Spain it is, for part two of your Spain vacation!

How to get From Chefchaouen to Seville: You’ll need to make your way back to Tangier Med to take the ferry from Morocco back to Spain, the same process as when entering Morocco the first time. It takes approximately 2 hours to travel from Chefchaouen to Tangier Med by bus or private car, so I suggest getting as early of a start as possible to ensure this trip back to Spain doesn’t take all day.

Once the ferry portion is over, you’ll arrive back in Algeciras, Spain, and can take a direct bus from Algeciras to Seville (with a few company options including Linesur and TGComes) in about 3 hours, 45 minutes. Yes, it’ll be a long travel day, but Morocco is worth it.

7) Seville: 2 Days

Back to the beautiful beauty of Spain, and now you’ll be in Seville! A few things not to miss after your crazy few days in Morocco:

Alcázar of Seville:  If there’s only one thing you do in this city, make it the Alcazar of Seville. This royal palace, originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings is absolutely spectacular in each and every direction.

Paved with marble and decorative tile, rooms superbly decked out with mosaics, ridiculously stunning courtyards, and intricate gardens, it’s no wonder the Alcazar is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Spain. You could easily spend an entire day just wandering around the palace and all it’s stupendous gardens.

Seville Cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower:  This impressive building is well worth the small ticket price of 8 euros. And since there’s usually a long line to get tickets (hour+ wait), so I recommend getting tickets beforehand to not miss out on your time in Seville!

Being the largest Gothic cathedral in the world (yes, WORLD!), there’s no sense in missing this huge, opulent, and architecturally beautiful structure. Be sure to walk up the bell tower as well (included in your ticket price) for wonderful views of Seville as well. And fun fact – Christopher Columbus’ tomb in located within this church!

Read Next: 15+ Things to do in Seville

Plaza de Espana: This beautiful paved square is full of magnificently preserved buildings with a beautiful fountain in the center. And there’s even a little moat to rent paddle boats! An absolutely wonderful place to wander and enjoy a sunny afternoon, and an absolute haven for photography!

Stroll around Barrio Santa Cruz : Looking to discover the local flavor of the city? Head to Barrio Santa Cruz! Here you’ll find tightly packed streets with sudden squares, outdoor plazas, unexpected boutique shops and delicious tapas bars. And since it’s a bit off the main tourist track, coffees will be a bit cheaper!

The area can be difficult to navigate (don’t bring a car), so it’s best to just wander around and get lost! With Turkish influenced buildings with color and tile, and tiny cobblestone streets, this is an area not to miss!

Metropol Parasol: Looking for more epic views of the city? Head to this high wooden weirdly-shaped structure in the middle of the city, also known as the Waffle! You can wander along the walkways high up and get spectacular views all over Seville. If you’re a design or architecture lover, this should definitely be on your list! Come for sunset!

Watch some Fiery flamenco: Touristy? Sure! A fun and flirty evening? You bet! The colorful costumes are absolutely gorgeous and the women are downright beautiful!

Flamenco music became popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in western Andalucia, which infuses Spanish folklore with sounds from North Africa and India. Some recommended shows here:

Now we’re off to Lisbon, to start the Portuguese part of our Spain, Portugal, and Morocco itinerary!

How to get from Seville to Lisbon: Looking for the cheapest option? Take the train, which takes approximately 5-6 hours with a stop in Faro (Algarve in the south of Portugal). Looking for the fastest, and most convenient way to get from Seville to Lisbon? There are cheap flights from Seville to Lisbon (with TAP Portugal), and the flight only takes one hour.

I really don’t think a few days in Portugal is enough to give the country justice, but it’s worth it to see a few highlights! For what it’s worth, I recently spent 10 days in Portugal and could have spent at least 3 weeks. You may very well be planning a trip back to Portugal before you even leave the country!

8) Lisbon: 3 Days

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city, and has got to be one of my favorite cities of all time. From the pasteis de natas (delicious Portuguese egg tarts), beautifully decorated tiled buildings, and various miradouro (viewpoints) all around the city, Lisbon is like no other. It doesn’t hurt that it reminds me so much of my new home city of San Francisco. <3

I could easily spend a week in Lisbon and the surrounding areas, but on this 2 week Spain and Portugal itinerary, it’s best to limit your stay for 3 days or so. Spend two days exploring the city of Lisbon itself, then your last day on a day trip (several options listed below).

But first, some of my favorite things to do in Lisbon:

Wander around the Alfama District: Being one of the oldest districts of Lisbon, the Alfama is an absolute maze of narrow cobblestone streets and ancient houses and best to explore via foot. It’s very traditional and charming, yet is the “it” district of the city. Popular and colorful, you absolutely can’t miss it.

Head to Belem: Located near the Tejo River, here you’ll find the Belem Tower (Torre de Belem), Monument of the Discoveries (The Padrão dos Descobrimentos), and Pasteis de Belem, which sells the most delicious Portuguese egg tart pastry in the entire city.

Take photos at the Miradouros: Translating to “viewing spot”, the Portuguese are mighty proud of their famous miradouros located area the city. Therefore, if you ever see a sign saying “Miradouro”, make sure to follow it! A few favorites include: Miradouro das Portas, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, and Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

Overindulge at the Time Out Market: Hungry?  Head on over to Lisbon’s Time Out Market. This huge food hall houses the best restaurants of the city (all 24 of them) under one roof.  

From curated burgers, steaks, nigiris, fresh seafood, tartare, rice dishes, traditional Portuguese food, pastries, and croquetes, you’ll find anything your heart desires here. And a great place to stock up on some pasteis de nata before taking the train to Cascais!

Beach day at Cascais: Head to the most popular beachtown near the city, Cascais ! At less than 20 miles away and an inexpensive train ride from Lisbon, it makes for a wonderful day trip if you’re looking to spend a few hours on the sandy beaches and busy marina.

Have a fresh seafood lunch at Old Town, dip your toes in the bright turquoise water, and wander around the historic mansions. Worried about getting lost and would rather not use public transportation? There are numerous tours available! Recommendations here:

Climb Lisbon’s Cristo Rei: Are you in Lisbon, Rio, or San Francisco?! You may get rather confused! Slightly off the typical tourist path, you can take the ferry from Cacilhas (from Cais de Sodre) which only takes ten minutes, to climb the Cristo Rei, Lisbon’s version of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer.

From this area, you’ll find spectacular views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge look-a-like.

Ride the Iconic Tram 28: Just like in San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of trams in Lisbon as well. It may be crowded, and you may need to wait a little while to get on, but you really can’t leave Lisbon without a quintessential tram ride! You’ll zip around sharp corners and narrow streets, and get to witness the everyday Portuguese life passing you by.

Find more things to do in Lisbon here. (opens in new tab)

Recommended day trips from Lisbon here. (opens in new tab)

How to Get from Lisbon to Porto: Traveling between these two iconic Portuguese cities is quick, easy and cheap. Most popular is via train (over 30 options a day) and takes roughly 2 hours, 45 minutes. I recommend taking a late train from Lisbon on your last day in the city in order to have the maximum amount of time in nearby Porto.

Sadly, these two weeks in Spain and Portugal are coming to an end – but not without first visiting the sweet little Portuguese town of Porto.

8) Porto: 1 Day

From Lisbon head to to Porto , a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production! One day in Porto is surely not enough, but you can see a good chunk of the city in only a few hours due to it’s small size.

The city’s laid-back vibe will be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the other spots on this Spain and Portugal itinerary. I loved exploring all the beautiful blue tiles in Porto , wandering around the riverfront, and watching the sunset from Gaia! All must-do’s, even if all you’ve got is one day!

A few top things to do in Porto:

Dom Luis I Bridge: This double-decker metal arch bridge spanning the River Douro is an absolute icon of the city of Porto and cannot be missed! You’re in luck, because the bridge’s top deck is now reserved for pedestrians, as well as one of the city’s metro lines while the lower deck sees regular vehicle traffic.

You can’t miss the views of the river and Old Town as they’re absolutely spectacular!

Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral):  A visit to this Roman Catholic church, easily located in the historical center of the city, should be on any Porto itinerary. Being one of the city’s oldest monuments, and with art and history in each and every corner, it’d be a shame to miss it. The the contrast between the cathedral’s exterior and interior is remarkable.

Crystal Palace Gardens: Looking for a bit of nature located within the city? Crystal Palace Gardens are your answer! With fountains, footpaths, stunning Douro River views, and of course impeccably landscaped gardens, this green space is really the place to be!  You’ll even find free-Wifi spots and peacocks wandering around! Yes, peacocks!

Avenue of the Allies ( Avenida dos Aliados) : Referring to the treaty between Portugal and the United Kingdom in the 14th century, this avenue is Porto’s busiest boulevard and main artery for shopping, social life and people-watching. Be sure to take a photo with the Porto sign!

Go Wine Tasting: You absolutely CANNOT leave Porto without tasting some of it’s fine fine port wines! Port Wine is born in the Douro Valley (but aged and shipped from in Porto), so it’s basically mandatory to taste a few during any visit to the city! There are so many cellars to choose from, with many you can tour as well!

I recommend taking a Porto cellar tour to ensure you’ll get a few tastings in during one morning (yes, it’s a-okay to drink wine before lunch in Porto) or afternoon!

Have more time?! Head to San Sebastian and then end your trip in Madrid!  

Hope you have fun on your Spain vacation! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below about this Spain and Portugal itinerary!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

January 14, 2020 at 2:56 pm

Thanks for all the great information! We are considering renting a car to do the Spain/Portugal itinerary…thoughts?

July 31, 2020 at 11:11 am

I was thinking about the same. Did you learn anything? My trip would be 4-5 women in their 60s in October 2021.

May 11, 2020 at 12:19 pm

Awesome post and Great website! Thank you for the information, It was a pleasure to read!

November 7, 2022 at 1:14 pm

Where did you stay while in Spain/Portugal

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

Spain vs. Portugal: Which Iberian destination is right for you?

Travelers often ask: Should I visit Spain or Portugal on my next trip to Europe? At first glance, it’s an impossible question to answer. Spain has long been a beloved destination among travelers, while a recent surge in popularity has turned Portugal into one of the world’s newer tourism powerhouses.

How do you decide whether a trip to Spain or a Portugal tour is right for you? Travel to Spain and Portugal are defined by a lot of similar experiences, namely great food, rich history, fascinating culture, and inspiring nature. So, if you’re looking for a mind-blowing European destination, these countries will tick all the right boxes. But if you dig a little deeper, you might learn that one country is better suited to your interests.

Curious to learn the difference between Spain and Portugal for your next unforgettable trip with us? Read on to find out whether one of our Portugal tours or Spain tours will make for the best vacation ever.

Explore our tours Spain and Portugal tours

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.3 out of 5 stars

4.7 out of 5 stars

More travel inspiration

The Best of Spain & Portugal 2024 with Jamie Ferbezar

Barcelona, Spain

See more photos

• Email address verified

About this trip

Visit Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Sevilla, and Lisbon with Jamie Ferbezar.

Download brochure here . More information about the protection plan here .  Please make sure that the participant(s) passport is valid for the passport requirements of all countries your tour will be visiting. Visit http://travel.state.gov for information, type in the country in question, then scroll down to the Quick Facts section for passport information.

Trip Specifics

Click below to view/download:

Flight schedule

Baggage requirements: Delta , Air France

Hotel list 

Pocket itinerary

Have a wonderful tour! 

What’s included

• Airfare Round-trip airfare from Pensacola, FL to Barcelona, Spain and returning from Lisbon, Portugal to Pensacola, FL on regularly scheduled commercial airlines
• Accommodations 10 nights in centrally located superior tourist class hotels
• Addt'l transport AVE train BCN – MAD
• Occupancy Based on double room occupancy
• Meals Breakfast daily, 8 dinners and 1 lunch
• Guides Professional English-speaking guides for guided tours as noted in the program itinerary
• Coaches Private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach for transportation as noted in the program itinerary
• Entrance Fees Entrance fees to all scheduled museums and attractions as stated in the program itinerary
• Misc monies Tips, local taxes, airline taxes and gratuities
• Online access Online enrollment, account management and payment center
• Bonus Deluxe document holder (1) and baggage tags (2) per person

Available Packages

(price for 20 participants) 

Final payment deadline: 2/26/2024

Other Payments: (late fees apply only on final payment)

• $1,000.00 due 30 days after receipt of deposit

• $1,000.00 due 45 days after receipt of the first $1,000

1. Enter your enrollment information here.

2. Mail your check and make out to: TSA Tours, 6965 S. Priest Dr. #6, Tempe, AZ 85283. (minimum deposit is $600)

3. Until we receive your payment, you are NOT officially enrolled in the tour. Space is limited on ALL programs. Your application will be voided if payment not received within 14 days from today. Let us know if you have any questions about this process! (800-444-8885 or [email protected])

4. After we receive your payment, and we need to add any of the other options to your account we can do that. We will also modify your account balance here on the site for your convenience when we receive any payments outside of this site. Always refer to your paper statement for the most accurate balance.

(price for 40 participants) 

Final payment deadline (temporarily indicated until exact trip dates are established): 1/29/2024

Available options

Depart Pensacola for your international flight to Barcelona! Meal service on-board. 

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival, meet your guide for a city tour of Barcelona to include an inside visit of Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. Visit Parc Guell and Battló House. D

Spend the morning at the Montserrat Monastery, a picturesque Benedictine abbey perched amidst the stunning Montserrat mountain range in Catalonia, renowned for its spiritual significance and breathtaking views. Return to Barcelona and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant.  B, D

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your one-way fast train to Madrid. Your guide awaits to escort you on a Madrid City Tour. See the Plaza de España, the statue of Cervantes, the Plaza Mayor and other highlights. Visit the Royal Palace. This afternoon, savor a delicious chocolate tasting with the group. Dinner at a local restaurant.  B, D

Journey to El Escorial, site of the beautiful Monastery of San Lorenzo el Real, and visit the Valley of the Fallen, a monument built to honor those slain in the Spanish Civil War. On to the historic city of Segovia to see its magnificent Roman aqueduct. Built during the reign of Trajan in the first century, it is almost 2,000 years old and is still in operation! Enjoy local cuisine with the group in Segovia. Visit the imposing Alcázar of Segovia, standing on a steep-sided crag between two valleys, the cathedral and Juan II Tower. Before starting your Segovia city tour, have lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Madrid. B, L

Travel through La Mancha to picturesque Toledo, a town situated on a granite hill with a ring of Gothic and Moorish walls. See the masterpieces by El Greco in the splendid Cathedral. Also visit the Old Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tomé and La Blanca Synagogue. On to Consuegra for a photo opportunity. See the famous Castilian windmills immortalized in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Before continuing on, sample some of Toledo’s famous marzipan dessert. Continue to Granada. Dinner at the hotel. B, D

On your guided Granada tour, visit the Royal Chapel, with amazing views of the Alhambra and Generalife. Visit the Alhambra, a fantasy of “lace in stone,” surrounded by arabesque fountains and gardens. See the gardens of the 14th century Generalife, the summer palace of the Kings of Granada, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. After lunch on your own, enjoy a walking tour of Albaycin old quarter. After an afternoon at leisure, transfer to a local restaurant located in a cave for a Flamenco performance with traditional dishes from Granada.  B, D 

Journey to Seville. Stop for lunch on your own at a local restaurant in the heart of the old city. Begin a guided city tour which takes you through the city and its parks, including the Parque Maria Luisa. See the Torre del Oro, the Santa Cruz Quarter, the Bull Ring Maestranza, the Alcázar, and Casa de Pilatus (Pilate’s House), a palace that is mixture of Mudejar, Renaissance and gothic styles. One of its walls dates from the XIII century. Also visit Seville’s famous Giralda, a bell tower that was once a minaret, and its 15th century Cathedral, the third largest in Europe, formerly a mosque. The cathedral is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Dinner at a local restaurant.  B, D

Travel to Lisbon. Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival, transfer to the city for a guided panoramic tour of Lisbon to include Jeronimo’s Monastery. See iconic landmarks, must see monuments and the Eduardo VII Park with its beautiful garden and lookout point. Stop for a taste of pasteis of Belem. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and check-in. B, D

Your Organizer

Photo gallery.

Puzzle solutions for Sunday, April 21, 2024

Note: Most subscribers have some, but not all, of the puzzles that correspond to the following set of solutions for their local newspaper.

USA TODAY crossword

Play the USA TODAY Crossword Puzzle .

Sunday Los Angeles Times crossword

Sunday new york times crossword, sunday premier crossword.

Play the USA TODAY Sudoku Game .

Answer: SPLINT      QUENCH      IDIOCY      SHAKEN      JUGGLE      INWARD

For PBA Hall of Famer Earl Anthony, bowling left-handed was — RIGHT UP HIS ALLEY

(Distributed by Tribune Content Agency)

I RECKON IF A POOCH IS CHOMPING ON A FRANKFURTER, ONE MIGHT CONSIDER THAT A DOG-EAT-DOG SITUATION.

(Distributed by King Features)

OTHER PUZZLES

SPAIN      BRAZIL      CANADA      LIBERIA      ICELAND      IRELAND      PORTUGAL

FEVER, REFERENCES, SERIES, SEIZE, EDIFIED

(Distributed by Andrews McMeel)

Scrabblegrams

7 little words, find the words.

Sweet and savoury blast

(Distributed by Creators Syndicate)

Europe Chevron

Spain Chevron

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

By CNT Editors

This is part of our global guide to the Best Places to Go in 2023 —find more ideas on where to travel in the year ahead in the U.S. , India , the U.K. , and beyond.

Our wish for you in 2023? That you embrace the new year ready to travel the world. A new year is an opportunity to draw up resolutions, after all—and in our case, that means deciding where to visit next.

To get you started, we, the editors of  Condé Nast Traveller Spain, took a look around our own backyard. We wanted to identify and highlight the best places to go in Spain and Portugal—our region of expertise—that deserve global recognition for their new cultural, gastronomic, and hospitality offerings.

With all this in mind, we share the below: Our list of the 23 best places to go in Spain and Portugal in 2023. We hope to run into you on a  playa or in the Pyrenees.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

“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 . The largest of the Canary Islands is a good place to visit, in any and every season; 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: 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 array 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's one of the best destinations in Europe for cycling enthusiasts, has long been a pioneer in sustainability (it has been recognized 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 recognize 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, Spain

Even many Spaniards are unaware of one of Zamora’s claims to fame: It's 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's not surprising that the city is seen as a likely contender to be recognized 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 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 bird-watcher’s delight, home to a dazzling variety of migratory species. 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, Spain

Located between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia, the  Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona 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 splendor.

 A number of different civilizations 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 also to 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.

Travelers 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, Spain

This walled town with 700 residents is possibly the prettiest town in La Rioja thanks to its cobblestone streets,  palecetes (“small palaces”), and churches. Located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains and near many of Rioja’s best wineries, you’ll find vines growing in many 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 civilization 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 master class.

A highlight of the year in Briones is its unusual  Medieval Days in mid-June, specifically June 17 and 18 in 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.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Melides, Portugal

Suddenly, everyone is talking about Melides . That may cause some wistfulness on the part of those aware 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.  

And 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 being honest) increasingly hard to find in Comporta, though that town still has its undeniable charms. Alongside its natural beauty, the beach has the plus of never feeling crowded. Part of a 30-mile or so stretch of sand the runs from the village of Troia to nearby Sines, its 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).

Another reason to visit coming in 2023: 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” means red in Portuguese, a nod to the trademark color of the soles of Louboutin’s iconic shoes. The property is 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 novel The Leopard  by Tomasi di Lampedusa: “Everything must change for everything to remain the same.” The designer hopes to breathe new life into place while preserving its peaceful atmosphere.

Louboutin is not alone, as 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. — D.M.

Málaga, Spain

Recently it feels like everyone in Spain—and a good number of people from beyond Spain—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 our most recent  Readers Choice Awards , we expect the city is already included in many travelers’ 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 pedestrianized shopping street), the inviting Pasaje de Chinitas, and the waterfront Palmeral de las Sorpresas.

Recent hotel openings give travelers 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 travelers 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 May 28, 2023,  Las Edades de Pablo (“The Ages of Pablo”) from June 21 to October 1, 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 May 9 to September 10, 2023, and  El Eco de Picasso  (“The Echo of Picasso”) focused on the master’s artistic legacy. Other institutions in Málaga are organizing 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. — M.C.

Campo de Criptana, Spain

In a corner of La Mancha, travelers 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 16th 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. — C.M.

Comillas, Spain

Comillas is one of those places that is so beautiful 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, it 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 there 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 18th 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. — D.M.

Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

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. In this city that embraces tradition, strolling aimlessly through the historic center 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 12th-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 D.O. (the Spanish version of the French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée [AOC] wine regions). Among the acclaimed wineries are  Tío Pepe-González Byass ,  Sandeman ,  Emilio Lustau , and  Williams & Humbert . Oenophiles will also want to stop at the tabancos , classic tavernas that are the perfect places to sample local products.

Some people might say that sherry is trending right now, but that’s not quite right: 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. — M.C.

La Coruña, Spain

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 center 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 neighboring town of Arteixo, where Inditex is headquartered. (Even if you don’t recognize 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 organize 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 May 1, 2023. The show is at a building on the city’s harbor, 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 center 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 center 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 March 24 to June 23, 2023. The Fundación Luis Seoane will organize 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.  — M.C.

Costa da Prata, Portugal

Three Portuguese destinations are on this year’s list, and all three overlook 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 appeal.   

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's a favorite with 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 (Guinness World Records gave the title of world’s largest surfed wave to one at Nazaré in 2020—at 86 feet tall, German surfer Sebastian Steudtner rode it into the record books) but despite the fame of its swells, it manages 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 colorful streets offer up a bounty of Instagram moments. We know the Costa da Prata will become a favorite of travelers as word gets out, just give it some time. — D.M.

Canfranc, Spain

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 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 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 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. Guests arriving at the hotel will find the reception in the historic station lobby while the first floor 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 color combinations draw from 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 constructed.

The Canfranc Estación hotel will put the Aragonese town on the radar of many travelers, but Canfranc will keep their interest thanks to the mesmerizing 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 to a story collectively written by thousands of previous passengers.  — M.C.

Las Merindades, Spain

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 , include Alfoz de Bricia, Alfoz de Santa Gadea, Arija, Berberana, Cillaperlata, Espinosa de los Monteros, Frías, Junta de Traslaloma, and Medina de Pomar. The capital is Villarcayo de Merindad de La Vieja, a town of some 4,000 residents that provides a good starting point for visiting the historic area.

Arguably the most magical settlement in the region is Puentedey, a small village with less than 50 residents. Built along the Nela river, the two sides of Puentedey are connected by a natural stone bridge. Puentedey is not alone when it comes to gems in the area though. 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 one 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. — D.M.

Enkarterri, Spain

Few people know about Enkarterri, a rich and surprising corner of the province of Vizcaya. (Enkarterri is its Basque name; in Spanish it's Encartaciones .) Those who discover it, however, tend to return. Only 35 minutes southwest of Bilbao , the sea and the mountains meet here. 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 19th-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. 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 14th-century castle. — C.M.

Oviedo, Spain

Oviedo, the elegant capital of Asturias, is known for the distinguished neoclassical architecture surrounding the city’s cathedral, and its remarkable pre-Romanesque buildings from the ninth century, with five works recognized 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 position as one of the great epicenters 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 recommend by the guide. Some local favorites include Cocina Cabal, Ca'Suso, Salazogue, Casa Fermín, Mestura, and Gloria. — D.M.

Bajo Aragón, Spain

Spain constantly rewards travelers who want to venture off the beaten path. 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 travelers. 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 add 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 (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 institution 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 be getting in a lot of steps to see cave paintings (Val del Charco del Agua Amarga) and 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 attractions are just half an hour away, like Matarraña (another idyllic rural corner of Spain) and Campo de Belchite, the birthplace of painter Francisco Goya. — C.L.

Corvo Island, Azores, Portugal

We like the remote and the unknown, and that’s why we love Portugal’s Azores . Ooften described as the Atlantic’s Hawaii (though with far fewer tourists), most visits include hopping among a few islands. If that's 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, it's 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.  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 is considered one of the best areas in the world to spot a variety of species; its status as the westernmost point of the Azores adds to its diversity with some birds 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. — D.M.

Madrid, Spain

The capital of Spain continues its reign on must-visit lists. The list of reasons to visit Madrid will only lengthen in 2023. 

Both familiar and avant-garde; a cultural, gastronomic, and wellness center, Madrid is a city of contrasts that never stops. Luxury hotel brands all want a presence here, with recent openings including 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 favorite to a new level of luxury as it joins Starwood’s Luxury Collection.

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. Just a little further up the Gran Via, Brach Madrid, designed by Philippe Starck, is another much-anticipated opening of 2023.  There are still rumors 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 one of their restaurants, spas, and rooftops (the competition is fierce in that last category). Two somewhat different options nearby are  Cool Rooms Palacio de Atocha (a 19 th -century palace given a contemporary update) and the new  Social Hub (a coworking 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—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 run out of time—this city has a lot to offer. — C.L.

Murcia, Spain

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 90s 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 favorite 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.

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 19th-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 center with the Carmen neighborhood 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 pieces 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 justified 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). — D.M.

Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

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 .  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 scene. — C.L.

Cáceres, Spain

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. 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 travelers.

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 center. 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. 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 16th century, will reopen as a 72-room Hilton after having been closed for 10 years.

The city of Cáceres is also a good gateway for exploring 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 travelers 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 recognized as part of Spain’s Patrimonio Nacional and deserves a place on travelers’ 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.  — C.L.

Pals, Spain

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 center, 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 honor 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 travelers 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. — C.L.

Valle de Arce, Spain

South of Roncesvalles, the Valle de Arce (or Artzibar, in Basque) is one of the best-known areas of Navarra, 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 there's easy access to ravines, forests, and unforgettable views. 

A plus of the Navarra Pyrenees is that they are beautiful any time of the year, whether the peaks are dusted with snow or the 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? — C.L.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller Spain. It was translated by John Newton.  

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement

Supported by

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 .