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Dream of your Iberian adventure

Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. These countries, part of the Iberian peninsula, are packed full of beautiful cities, fascinating history and plenty of attractions - both day and night. With comprehensive rail networks and easy international rail links in the north, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t follow this Spain and Portugal itinerary for the ultimate Iberian adventure.

Itinerary in short

Cities visited on this trip:.

1. Vigo, Spain

Once inhabited by Romans, the Spanish city of Vigo is a coastal destination with a rich maritime history. It also has a burgeoning gastronomic scene. It's a major fishing port, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood. Museums, galleries and water-related activities will keep you busy throughout the day.  

How to get there

It’s possible to reach Vigo by train from anywhere in northern Spain. You can also take a direct Alvia train from Madrid (Chamartin station), which takes just over 6 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vigo 😍 (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

2. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. You'll be treated with several stately bridges, a medieval district packed with winding streets and quaint houses, beautiful parks, an abundance of Port wine and a vibrant artistic scene and nightlife. This Portuguese city is an unmissable part of any Spain and Portugal itinerary.  

There are two direct InterCity trains between Vigo and Porto daily — one at 08:58 AM and another at 07:56 PM. The journey takes 2 hours 22 minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto) on Aug 25, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT

3. Coimbra, Portugal

This riverfront city is rich in history, owing to its previous status as the capital of Portugal. It's also home to the famed University of Coimbra. This historic university still gives it a youthful charm, and the medieval buildings make it one of Portugal’s most architecturally beautiful destinations.  

There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Universidade de Coimbra (@ucoimbra)

4. Lisbon, Portugal

The Portuguese capital is understandably the most visited city in the country - and it never fails to disappoint. The rolling hills, accessible history in Alfama, delectable food and all-night parties make this one of Europe’s greats. You also have a range of day trip options to the likes of Sintra, Belém and Cascais.  

There are regular direct daily trains from Coimbra to Lisbon. Depending on the train, the journey takes between 1 hour 30 mins and 2 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hakan M (@hakan.mhmd) on May 8, 2020 at 11:12am PDT

5. Faro, Portugal

Faro lies in the far south, in Portugal’s Algarve region. In summer months, this is the main hub from which to explore the area. It offers easy accessibility to beaches, waves and the laid-back coastal vibes and hedonistic jaunts that define this popular part of the country.  

There are several daily InterCity trains between Lisbon and Faro that take about 3.5 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) on Aug 17, 2017 at 7:55am PDT

6. Seville, Spain

Seville is the capital of Andalusia. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Flamenco dancing, tapas bars, Roman ruins, a massive cathedral, the Alcázar palace complex, and river views combine to make it an impressive stopover.  

There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. The quickest and easiest way to get from Faro to Seville is via bus, of which there are at least four daily. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Eurail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around €15 - €20.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sevilla Lens (@sevilla_lens) on May 3, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT

7. Cadiz, Spain

Cadiz in southwestern Spain is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of Europe. This shows through in the classic architecture, quaint eateries and quiet, winding alleyways. It also benefits from a laidback coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views.  

There are several daily trains between Seville and Cadiz. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝖢𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾 𝖲𝖺𝗅𝗏𝖺𝖽𝗈𝗋 (@sergiopayan_oficial) on May 11, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

8. Granada, Spain

Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra — one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. The Moorish palace and castle sit on a hill above the town, and though it’s the primary reason for most visits, the surrounding city is full of life as well.  

There are four daily trains between Cadiz and Granada that connect in Dos Hermanas. The total journey time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by AVIATRAVΞL 🌐 WORLD (@aviatravelworld) on May 11, 2020 at 1:02pm PDT

Related Pages

1 week in Portugal by train

Spain Itinerary

Portugal Itinerary

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Spain & Portugal: 2 Weeks

Soak up the sun in some of the mediterranean’s finest destinations.

Want to escape to sun, sea and sand? You’ll find all three on this Spain and Portugal route as you interrail your way across our pick of the finest cities in Iberia. With at least 2 nights in each destination, you’ll get to know each city well, whilst also getting time to squeeze in a few day trips elsewhere.

Route:  Barcelona Madrid Seville Faro Lisbon Porto

Countries: 2

Transport: Train or Bus

Sustainability:  This trip creates 77.6 kg of carbon emissions. Flying the same route would create 439kg ♻️

Reviews:     All independent reviews

Make your way across the stunning Iberian Peninsula with our favourite cities from Barcelona all the way to Porto. This is the hub of rugged and sun-kissed landscapes, phenomenal food and drink, friendly locals and gorgeous coastlines and it’s yours for the taking on this essential Western European route. It goes without saying that this trip is the perfect escape from those dull winter days – we definitely wouldn’t complain!

Kick-start your interrail adventure in Barcelona, the Catalan city that has it all. With surreal architecture, sunshine in buckets and pulsating nightlife it won’t disappoint! Next, the city of arts and sciences – Valencia. Lounge around on its long city beach, devouring spicy and rich paella on the promenade in the city of its origin. Wash it all down with cold beers in the old quarter, or take in the city’s many museums before gettnig a taster of the vibrant nightlife here.

Next up, ‘the most Spanish of Spain’s cities’ – Madrid. Wander around the majestic Palacio Real or take a picnic out on the boating lake at El Retiro Park. We wouldn’t say no to gorging ourselves on artisanal bread, tangy cheeses and meaty, wine-drenched Spanish tapas! If that’s also your bag, why not take a foodie tour around the city to discover its specialty dishes? Laidback days exploring the city are almost as good as the city’s nightlife…. almost! Grab a bottle of local brew or a sangria and head out to soak up the live music scene in this buzzing cosmopolitan city. Impromptu gigs and club nights are every reason to stay out till dawn here! Just make sure you stock up on a filling churro breakfast to soak it all up the next day…

Next, you’ll find yourself in Seville, watching authentic flamenco dancing, and taking in its majestically beautiful architecture. The Alcazar and the Plaza de España are our sights of choice, so don’t miss out on filling up your Insta feed!

After a few days chilling on the beaches in Faro you’ll head over to Portugal’s colourful capital, Lisbon, with its trendy yet old-worldly vibe. It won’t be long before you relax into the city’s slower pace, catching waves with the friendly laid-back locals in this surfers’ haven. Don’t sit back just yet, though! There are imposing castles, towers and monasteries to make your way around. When night falls, check out its quirky bars and clubs to get a real feel for what this city is all about!

Porto swiftly follows, where visiting the famous port wine cellars is a must. Tickle those tastebuds with the traditional tipple on an equally boozy and educational tour – we dare you! Lavish and ornate Baroque buildings line the streets here and give you the perfect sunset photo ops to round off your trip nicely. It’d be rude not take in the stunning hillside views before sunning yourself on its gorgeous, golden beaches!

– Train tickets from the first to the last city on the route, as shown in the map.

– Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.

– All possible seat reservations – not just the compulsory ones!

– Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels – tested by us

– Walking or public transport directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.

– Travel Disruption Protection – alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.

– 24hr emergency phone number to use while you’re away.

– Personalised travel pack with your travel times, accommodation information, directions, language guides and things to see and do in each location.

– Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.

Trip Details

Alternative Durations: Timing not quite right? Check out these versions of the route. 

Alternative Durations

Timing not quite right? Check out these versions of the route. 

Trip Description

What's included.

• All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the map.
• Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you.
• All possible seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries.
• Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels - tested by us
• Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation.
• Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption.
• Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you’re away.
• A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more.
• Optional walking tours, pub crawls and other activities at our partner hostels.
• Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe.

Barcelona (3 nights)

It may not be the capital city, but Barcelona sure is one of Spain’s main cultural hubs and is definitely not to be missed! Home to amazing art, surreal architecture and vibrant Catalan culture, you won’t be disappointed to know that the nightlife and food here are just as incredible.

See the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter

Spot Gaudi’s distinctive architecture in Parc Guell

Crawl the bars around Las Ramblas

    Train to Madrid – 3.5 hours

Madrid (2 nights)

Madrid is certainly one of the ‘in’ cities at the moment and it’s easy to understand why as it offers a real insight into Spanish life with its attractive tourist spots buzzing both day and night, brimming with shops, delicious tapas bars and clubs to enjoy.

Go to the world famous Museo del Prado

Stroll through the 17th Century Rastro Flea Market

Watch a Real Madrid match at the Bernabeu stadium

    Train to Seville – 2 hours

Seville (2 nights)

Seville is so unmistakably Spanish, with fierce heat in the middle of the day that rubs off onto its fiery character, its Flamenco dances and its lively conversation. The café and tapas culture here is as good as it gets and the backdrop of the old town exudes charm and elegance.

Visit the sumptuous Alcazar Palace

Experience the characterful Flamenco dances

Have a drink on the terraces of an old town café

    Bus to Faro – 4 hours

Faro (2 nights)

From the city of Seville to the soft sand and sunsoaked coast of the Algarve. Soak up the rays, explore the old towns, try surfing on those famous west coast rolling waves, or even go dolphin-spotting!

Relax on the beach and soak up the sun!

Jump aboard Comboio Turística, or tourist train, which provides a novel way to discover Faro

Go on a dolphin watching boat trip, cave tour, or both!

Train to Lisbon – 4 hours

Lisbon (2 nights)

Lisbon doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not; it’s picturesque and modest whilst maintaining an enthralling urban landscape filled with exhilarating sights, sounds and smells. Head to Lisbon for history, for hilly heights, for hedonism and a whole lot more.

Learn about Portugal’s colonial past

Climb up steep cobbled streets to the castle

Dance to live rock and electro at the Music Box club

   Train to Porto – 3 hours

Porto (3 nights)

Porto exudes charm of every sort. From its parties in the piazzas to the zigzag streets of the UNESCO Ribeira district, its namesake fortified wine and its warm, friendly atmosphere. It’s a beautiful and beguiling city of spires, old bridges and romance that rivals any big city in Europe.

Cross the iconic Dom Luis bridge

Visit the old wine cellars along the waterside

Drink at one of many quirky bars and cafes

How to get there

You can arrange flights to El Prat Airport in Barcelona and flights home from Porto Airport, whilst we take care of the transport in between your cities!

Alternatively, if you’d like to start or end your trip elsewhere, just let us know and we’ll work up a custom route just for you!

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Highlights of Spain and Portugal

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13 Day Spain and Portugal Tour of Madrid, Granada, Seville and Lisbon

13 days, 2 countries and 14 cities

Accommodation

12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

A round-trip featuring all the highlights of Spain and Portugal. Spend time in the pilgrimage center of Fátima, join a family on their stud farm in the Alentejo and explore the icons left behind by Catholic kings and Moorish sultans.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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Day by day itinerary

13 days itinerary trip from Madrid to Madrid visiting 2 countries and 14 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Córdoba, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid with a Local Specialist

Discover Valencia, Cádiz and Salamanca

Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo

View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, the Shrine at Fátima and the Cave Houses of Guadix

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Portugal and Spain. We've got 456 tours going to Portugal and Spain, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 32 days. The most popular month to go is August, which has the highest number of tour departures.

250+ Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar) tour packages with 4,010 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

This tour was truly Amazing!!! 18 days thru Spain, Portugal and Morocco We loved it. Could not fault it. Well worth the money we paid. The guides were amazing truly looked after us. All the meals were delicious and accomodation was fantastic. . We had free time which I was a bit worried there would be none but plenty. We would Highly recommend Tourradar and will differently be using them again. Well done.

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

• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

The tour was great from beginning to end. Of course, being a budget tour the accommodation was not in the centre of the city's visited, but it seriously didn't worry me at all. Fast-paced tour with optional experiences. Our Travel Director, Matt, was fabulous. He was so knowledgeable, witty, and patient. He made the tour very enjoyable.

Spanish Ring with Lisbon

It was a fun and exciting trip for our family. Enjoyed the sightseeing, foods. Tour guides were very helpful ( Julia and Frey plus local guides). We took lots of pictures and had a blast. Suggest that you buy Vodaphone mobile plan at the airport, no WIFi in the bus, which would have been helpful in city tours. Hotels were decent, lots of travelling + bus changes as expected.

France, Spain and Portugal

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

Best of Spain & Portugal

Captivating counties, fantastic food, great guides and lots of adventures. The tour is designed to give you free time along the way so do your research before traveling. Transportation includes planes, trains, busses and shuttles so bring your flexibility with you and most importantly there’s lots of walking through difficult streets with lots of people. Fantastic adventure.

Spain and Portugal Explorer

Overall the tour was great. Our tour leader, Antino, was wonderful. The itinerary was very good. Some of the hotels should be upgraded, especially the one in Porto. Overall the included meals were good. This was our first bus tour ( age 71). Enjoyed it.

Our tour guide, Francisco, was first rate and the tour itself was great until we had to leave early because of the coronavirus outbreak. Also, our driver, Juan was amazing. While he was taking us down some very small streets, we burst into applause.

Highlights of Spain and Portugal

For last 3 days, the coach is not so comfortable . The tour should included Valencia city tour. Thank you.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

Good for the prize of the tour

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

Discovery of Spain & Portugal - 15 days

Overall tour program was good. Airport pick up and drop were in time. Mostly breakfast time were hurry. Some of local guide took unnecessary time for too much detail history. There were scope of visit more places within schedule periods. Hope to join next package tour more exciting.

Charming Spain & Portugal - 10 Days

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

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

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

Spain and Portugal Highlights (Small Group)

We enjoyed each and every city and location, rich with history and culture, and learned so much about them, thanks to the great guides. We could not have possibly seen and learnt as much as we did, had we traveled on our own. We recommend.

Portuguese Camino

Intrepid does an outstanding Portuguese Camino 10 day trip! Was well organized and conducted, kudos to the Tour leader, Margareta. Especially liked the accommodations and the added extras like wine tasting, oysters, and celebration dinner in Santiago❗️

all action, had a great time

What people love about Portugal And Spain Tours

Hello Tour Radar, I went on a 21 day tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Before I go any further, I DO NOT wish this review to be used in any market or advertising fulfillment piece. The tour was excellent and fit my goals perfectly. I wanted to get an overview of western Spain, Portugal and Morrocco so that I could come back and spend longer in my preferred destinations on another occasion. Also excellent was Javier, the VPT guide for Spain and Portugal. He went above and beyond to make sure that it was an excellent experience. I loved his organizational detail. The Morocco guid (Hassan) was not as good but I believe this can be explained by the fact that he had just come off a knee operation and was always in a lot of pain. He tried his best. Not so good - I was on a tour with people who signed up through Wing Buddy and they had a different contract than I (TourRadar). This meant that on the last day, back in Madrid, they went on a panoramic tour whereas I was not allowed. What company would start and end a tour in Madrid, but not allow me to discover Madrid. Seems very weird. Wing Buddy's printed itinerary was more comprehensive than Tour Radar's. Some of the meal inclusions were different and a couple of days in Morocco turned out to be different also. My biggest complaint turned to have nothing to do with VPT, Wing Buddy or Tour Radar. It was about my fellow tourist. Some were racist or at the very least xenophobic, another sub group banded together to make sure they got all the experiences before other members and there was tension between English speakers and Spanish speakers. All in all, my biggest disappointment was the behavior of other members of the group. By the way, I can suggest some good people who could design a reliable and valid survey for you because there is very little about this survery that is valid or relaible. Let me know.

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

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

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One-week Spain and Portugal by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2023

Explore Spain and Portugal by train in just one week on this rail itinerary which takes you from Barcelona to Valencia, Madrid, Porto and Lisbon, with delicious food and drink along the way.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

From paella to port, churros to custard tarts – eat and drink your way through two countries as you travel across Spain and Portugal by train. This one-week rail trip takes you from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, starting in Barcelona and Valencia before heading inland to the Spanish capital Madrid and across to Porto and Lisbon.

This Spain and Portugal rail itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see and do along the way – with quirky architecture, world-class artworks, golden sand beaches, river boat trips and plenty of tapas.

Day 1: Barcelona

Start your journey across Spain and Portugal by train with a full day in the seaside city of Barcelona. The Catalan capital’s 2000 years of history, impressive art and architecture, and inventive culinary scene have helped make it one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations – and it can feel like it when you’re walking down the bustling Las Ramblas.

Explore the bustling Gothic quarter with an audioguide walking tour * and discover the Barcelona’s cathedral, Roman ruins, palaces and royal squares as you get an insight into the history and legends that form the foundations of this city.

Architect Antoni Gaudí left his mark across the city with his unique take on Art Nouveau. You can see his handiwork at Parc Güell, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and the unfinished Sagrada Família. This giant basilica has been under construction since 1882 and won’t be finished until at least 2026. But you can still take a tour * to see work in progress.

When you get hungry, stock up on local cheese and jamón at La Boqueria food market. Then take the cable car to Montjuïc to watch the sun set over the city and toast the evening with a glass of cava at a beachside bar in the seafront neighbourhood of Barceloneta.

Where to stay in Barcelona: The Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella * is a stylish, good-value hotel near the main city sites, with a 24-hour lounge bar and a rooftop terrace overlooking Ciutadella Park. Rooms are small but bright, with splashes of colour coming from the chain’s signature turquoise details and murals by a local artist.

Day 2: Barcelona > Valencia

Next morning, take the 3.5-hour Torre Oro train journey south along the coast to Valencia, which departs from Barcelona Sants station at 08.30 and arrives into Valencia’s Estacion del Norte (north station) at 11.55. Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia hosts the famous Las Fallas festival each March to welcome spring in riotous style.

Take a walk around the Ciutat Vella (old town) for some of Valencia’s most impressive historic buildings, including the Lonja de la Seda medieval silk market, Torres de Serrano city gates and Valencia Cathedral – where you’ll allegedly find the Holy Grail, and will definitely find impressive views over the city from the top of the Micalet belltower.

Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences – a complex of buildings, bridges and turquoise pools which looks like something from a sci-fi show. It’s actually a park built in the late 1990s to redevelop an old dry riverbed. Its unique buildings are home to the Oceanogràfic aquarium, a 3D cinema, science museum, opera house and sculpture garden.

If you fancy an afternoon on the beach, Valencia has a string of wide, sandy beaches stretching north and south of the city. Admire tiled buildings in the traditional fisherman’s district of Cabanyal-Canyamelar. Then take an evening stroll along the seafront promenade before trying traditional local dishes like Fideuà (seafood noodles) and the original Paella Valenciana , made with chicken, rabbit, snails, garrafó beans and rice.

Where to stay in Valencia: The Hotel Balandret * is right on the beach, 30 minutes from the old town by public transport, with views of the ocean or marina and a sunny terrace restaurant. The owners are proud of their local heritage, with sculptures and a giant mural made of 1000 botijos (traditional water jars) decorating the reception area.

Day 3: Valencia > Madrid

The following morning, take the short 1 hour 45 minute AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital Madrid. The 10.10 service from Valencia’s Joaquín Sorolla station arrives into Madrid Atocha at 12.32. Along the way it climbs upwards from sea level to 700 metres, with views of the Contreras Reservoir and Hoces del Cabriel Nature Reserve.

Then you have the afternoon and the next morning to explore Madrid. Admire the city’s architecture in the Plaza Mayor, take a walk down the Gran Vía and people-watch in one of the cafés in Puerta del Sol square. Don’t miss a stop off for churros con chocolate – sticks of deep-fried dough rolled in sugar and dipped into thick hot chocolate.

Take a breather and stop for a picnic in one of Madrid’s parks – there’s Retiro Park with its lawns, lakes and glass Palacio de Cristal, the Parque del Oeste with its Egyptian temples, or the giant Casa del Campo park – which you can reach by cable car on the Teleférico de Madrid. Or football fans can take a tour * of Real Madrid’s Bernabéu Stadium.

Start your evening in Madrid at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, an arts and cultural centre with a rooftop terrace bar that’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with a cocktail. Then head out on a food and drink-filled tour * of the city’s tapas bars. Or visit the beautiful glass Mercado de San Miguel, with stalls selling treats from across Spain.

Where to stay in Madrid: Palacio Plaza Conde Miranda * apartments are in an 18th-century building in a quiet square close to San Miguel market. They’re smart and modern, with one or two bedrooms and a kitchen/lounge. Each is themed around a couple from films, TV series or books – from Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to Homer and Marge Simpson.

Read more: Visiting Madrid on a budget

Day 4: Madrid > Porto

The next morning, enjoy Madrid’s art and culture before catching the train across the border to Portugal. Art-lovers are spoilt for choice in Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle’, with modern art at the Reina Sofia museum, European art at the Thyssen-Bornemisza and Spanish art at the famous El Prado (though you may need to book in advance *).

Or you can overdose on gold, marble and frescoes at the elaborate Palacio Real. It’s the largest palace in Europe and the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family – though they actually live outside the city and it’s only used for ceremonies. There are over 3400 rooms, 50 of which you can visit on a tour to admire the lavish interiors.

Previously we suggested taking the Lusitania overnight train from Madrid to Lisbon next, but the service has been discontinued so it’s now easier to head to Porto first, which takes just under 7 hours, changing in Vigo close to the border. Catch the 14.30 train from Madrid Chamartin to Vigo Guixar, arriving at 19.20. Then change onto the 19.56 from Vigo which arrives in Porto Campanha at 21.18, just in time for a late dinner.

Where to stay in Porto: If you fancy splashing out, the luxurious Yeatman * in Vila Nova de Gaia has one of the best views in town and five-star service. From the decanter-shaped infinity pool to the grape-based spa treatments, they’ve gone all out with the wine theme. There’s also a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and an extensive wine cellar.

Day 5: Porto

Spend the next day exploring the laid-back riverside city of Porto. Get lost in the Ribeira, Porto’s medieval old town, with its maze of narrow streets running up into the hillside alongside the River Duoro. Cool off in the shady Jardins do Palácio de Cristal gardens and grab a drink by the riverside in colourful Praça da Ribeira square.

Climb to the top of the 76-metre-high Clérigos Tower and look out across the city’s rooftops. Visit the ornate Lello Bookshop – whose lavish staircase was the inspiration for the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter books – and admire the traditional blue and white painted azulejo tiles which cover the walls of São Bento train station.

There are six bridges across the River Duoro which which link Porto with neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia – including the arching Dom Luís I bridge. Take a boat tour * on board a traditional rabelo port barge, which takes 45 minutes to sail below all six of the bridges, with some great views of Porto’s riverside along the way.

Vila Nova de Gaia is the home of port-making, and you can visit the cellars of well-known brands like Taylor’s, Graham’s and Croft for a tour and tasting to find out more about how its made. And make sure to try some petiscos – the lesser-known Portuguese version of tapas, perfect with a refreshing glass of white port and tonic on a warm evening.

Read more: Exploring the Ribeira: Getting lost in Porto old town

Day 6: Porto > Lisbon

Finish your trip across Spain and Portugal by train by travelling south down the Portuguese coast to Lisbon in just under 3 hours. Catch an Alfa Pendular high-speed tilting train from Porto’s Campanha station at 09.32 and you’ll arrive into Lisbon Santa Apolónia at 12.30. Then you have the rest of the day to spend in the Portuguese capital.

Wander through the grand Praça do Comércio square and explore the narrow winding cobblestone streets of medieval Alfama, the city’s oldest district, where you’ll find Lisbon’s Cathedral and the hilltop São Jorge Castle. Prepare yourself for a workout as Lisbon is one hilly city – though that does make for some fantastic views.

Climb to the top of the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantara or the Miradouro do Graça (or you can catch the funicular or tram) to look out across Lisbon’s red roofs. You can also take a budget city sightseeing tour on board Lisbon’s bright yellow retro No 28 trams.

Take a boat trip down the Tagus River to Belém, where you’ll find the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. And make sure to try Portuguese specialities like bacalhau (salt cod), ginjinha (cherry liqueur) and of course the infamous – and delicious – pastéis de nata custard tarts. You can try dishes from top local chefs at the Time Out Market food hall.

Where to stay in Lisbon: The boutique Brown’s Central Hotel * in the Baixa Pombalina downtown district features stylish vintage-meets-modern touches like Roberts radios and retro lamps. It’s close to metro and tram stops and has a brasserie and Art Deco-style cocktail bar which plays host to exhibitions and performances.

Day 7: Lisbon

Spend the last day of your Spain and Portugal rail trip seeing more of Lisbon. Or if the sun’s shining you could visit one of the sandy beaches just outside the city – take a local train to Praia de Carcavelos from Cais do Sodré on the end of the green Metro line.

Then if you’re flying back home, Lisbon’s airport is 20 minutes by Metro from the city centre. Or you can pre-book a transfer to the airport with Welcome Pickups *.

If you’ve got more time you could add on day trips from Lisbon to the colourful palaces of Sintra or the medieval city of Évora. Or if you feel like relaxing on the beach, you could travel south to Lagos on the Algarve coast (4.5 hours) for golden sands and clear seas. And if you want to go further, a ferry connects the Algarve with the island of Madeira during the summer – taking 24 hours to travel between Portimao and Funchal.

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a European rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on how early you book, with a limited number of cheap tickets available. So book as early as possible (on most routes you can book 3–4 months in advance) but beware these tickets are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Using the cheapest fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at €76.65 per person.

• Barcelona > Valencia: from €12.35
• Valencia > Madrid: from €7
• Madrid > Porto: from €47.80
• Porto > Lisbon: from €9.50

The railpass option

There are also various rail passes available through InterRail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents), which cover individual countries or the whole region and are valid for different periods of time, varying from four days to three months.

The Spain and Portugal by train itinerary involves four travel days across two countries, so the best option is the Global Pass for 4 travel days within 1 month . This costs €246 for adults, €185 for youths (aged 12–27) or €221 for seniors (aged 60+) in second class.

As well as the pass, you also need to pay an extra compulsory reservation fee for all trains in Spain and for high-speed services in Portugal. For this trip, the reservation fees come to €28, broken down as below, meaning the overall railpass cost starts from €274.

• Barcelona > Valencia: €6.50
• Valencia > Madrid: €10
• Madrid > Porto: €6.50
• Porto > Lisbon: €5

Reservations can be made at any train station in the country or for Spanish trains they can be made online through the InterRail/Eurail reservations service for a fee of €2.

How to book

There are a variety of websites where you can book European train journeys, but often the best deals are though the official railway company sites for each country. For this trip these are Renfe (Spain) and Portuguese Railways (Portugal).

You can also book tickets for train travel in Italy with Omio * or The Trainline . The advantage is these sites are in English, you can see prices in €, £ or $, use international credit cards and print or use mobile tickets, but they do both charge a small booking fee.

Trains within Portugal can only be booked through Portuguese Railways, so you’d need to book tickets for Vigo to Porto and Porto to Lisbon separately.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book this One-week Spain and Portugal by train itinerary * as a package through our partners Byway, the flight-free holiday platform, which includes transport and accommodation.

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Saturday 27th of August 2022

This may be a naive question…,what do you do with your bags while you wait to check into the hotel?

Lucy Dodsworth

Sunday 28th of August 2022

Hi Shelly, if you're staying at a hotel they will usually let you leave your bags there before check on – otherwise there are often left luggage lockers at stations of website like Stasher.com list places where you can store baggage for a small fee.

Tuesday 23rd of August 2022

Thanks for such a well written article, Lucy.

I’m hoping to fly in to Lisbon in late Dec 2022 through the first week of Jan 2023 and do the trip in reverse from Lisbon to Barcelona, and then coming back to Lisbon for my return trip to the US.

The only question is should I fly to Lisbon from Barcelona or take the train for the return trip too.

Thank you! To do the journey from Lisbon by train would mean an overnight stay in Madrid but if you have the time then no reason not to add on the extra train trip rather than fly.

Monday 4th of April 2022

When did you take this trip? I'm looking up trains and it says that there is no train service between Madrid and Porto. Only buses. This was the case on the train line and ACP rail websites.

Friday 8th of April 2022

Hi Jess, all the train details were checked and updated in March and I've just checked again today on the RENFE site. You may need to book in two sections Mardid > Vigo and Vigo > Porto and you generally can't buy tickets for Portuguese trains via third party sites like Trainline so better to try the RENFE site.

Friday 3rd of July 2020

Can you do this trip in reverse where you start in Porto stop in all the same places end in Barcelona and then take a train to Paris then down thru Italy?

Yes the timings would need tweaking slightly but yes that should work fine – it's 6.5 hours from Barcelona to Paris by high-speed train and there is also a sleeper service, and from there you can travel by day or night train to Milan and on through Italy.

Stuart Forster

Wednesday 3rd of June 2020

I saw that Portugal has reopened to UK travellers. I find it a great place to spend time and love the idea of travelling across the Iberian peninsula.

Portugal is such an underrated country – so much to see, and some fantastic food and drink too.

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Dream of your Iberian adventure

Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. These countries, part of the Iberian peninsula, are packed full of beautiful cities, fascinating history and plenty of attractions - both day and night. With comprehensive rail networks and easy international rail links in the north, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t follow this Spain and Portugal itinerary for the ultimate Iberian adventure.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner.

Cities visited in this trip:

1. vigo, spain, 2. porto, portugal, 3. coimbra, portugal, 4. lisbon, portugal, 5. faro, portugal, 6. seville, spain, 7. cadiz, spain, 8. granada, spain.

For this itinerary, we recommend:

• Interrail Pass: Global Pass
• Travel days:  10 days within 2 months

Once inhabited by Romans, the Spanish city of Vigo is a coastal destination with a rich maritime history. It also has a burgeoning gastronomic scene. It's a major fishing port, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood. Museums, galleries and water-related activities will keep you busy throughout the day.  

How to get there

It’s possible to reach Vigo by train from anywhere in northern Spain. You can also take a direct Alvia train from Madrid (Chamartin station), which takes around 6 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vigo 😍 (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. You'll be treated to several stately bridges, a medieval district packed with winding streets and quaint houses, beautiful parks, an abundance of Port wine and a vibrant artistic scene and nightlife. This Portuguese city is an unmissable part of any Spain and Portugal itinerary.  

Take the direct InterCity train between Vigo and Porto. It leaves daily at 08:58 AM and the journey takes 2h 22m. You'll need a Global Pass and a seat reservation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto)

This riverfront city is rich in history, owing to its previous status as the capital of Portugal. It's also home to the famed University of Coimbra. This historic university still gives the city a youthful charm, and the medieval buildings make it one of Portugal’s most architecturally beautiful destinations.  

There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately 1h 15m.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Universidade de Coimbra (@ucoimbra)

The Portuguese capital is understandably the most visited city in the country - and it never fails to disappoint. The rolling hills, accessible history in Alfama, delectable food and all-night parties make this one of Europe’s greats. You also have a range of day trip options to the likes of Sintra, Belém and Cascais.  

There are regular direct trains from Coimbra to Lisbon. Your journey will take between 1h 30m and 2 hours.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lisbon Travel🇵🇹 (@lisbon.travel)

Faro lies in the far south, in Portugal’s Algarve region. In the summer months, this is the main hub from which to explore the area. It offers easy accessibility to beaches, waves and the laid-back coastal vibes and hedonistic jaunts that define this popular part of the country.  

There are several daily InterCity trains between Lisbon and Faro that take about 3h 30m.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) on Aug 17, 2017 at 7:55am PDT

Seville is the capital of Andalusia. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Flamenco dancing, tapas bars, Roman ruins, a massive cathedral, the Alcázar palace complex, and river views combine to make it an impressive stopover.  

There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. The quickest and easiest way to get from Faro to Seville is via bus, of which there are at least four daily. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Interrail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around €15 - €20.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sevilla Lens (@sevilla_lens) on May 3, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT

Cadiz in southwestern Spain is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of Europe. This shows through in the classic architecture, quaint eateries and quiet, winding alleyways. It also benefits from a laidback coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views.  

There are several daily trains between Seville and Cadiz. The journey time is approximately 1h 40m.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝖢𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾 𝖲𝖺𝗅𝗏𝖺𝖽𝗈𝗋 (@sergiopayan_oficial) on May 11, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT

Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra — one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. The Moorish palace and castle sit on a hill above the town, and though it’s the primary reason for most visits, the surrounding city is full of life as well.  

There are four daily trains between Cadiz and Granada that connect in Seville or Cordoba. The total journey time is approximately 5h 30m.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by AVIATRAVΞL 🌐 WORLD (@aviatravelworld) on May 11, 2020 at 1:02pm PDT

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Spain Rail Map and Transportation Guide

This map is intended to be used for travel planning and to get an idea of the extent of Spain's rail network. It shows the major Spanish cities and rail lines. The lines in blue show high-speed train routes. The red lines are only suitable for slower trains. 

Spain is also well served by bus service. The bus is often cheap and slow, the train sleek and fast(er). Check out the expert's opinion:  Everything you need to know about public transport in Spain .

Types of Trains

In Spain the highest speed trains are called  AVE - Alta Velocidad Española . The line that runs from Madrid to Sevilla takes 2.5 hours to complete, much of the distance traveled at nearly 186 miles per hour.

The Euromed is a high-speed train that operates between Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.

A reservation is necessary to travel on any train other than Regional Exprés or Cercanías (suburban train).

You may also wish to check out the special  touristic trains .

Spain Rail Passes and Discounts

A variety of different Spain rail passes are available, including the two-country France-Spain Pass and Spain-Portugal Rail Pass.

If you have achieved 60 years of age or more, you can purchase a  Tarjeta Dorada Card  for €6 at Renfe stations, Ticket Offices and Travel Agencies. It offers a considerable discount on all trains, ranging from 25% to 40%.

You can book many tickets online, including the AVE trains: AVE Booking Center.

Don't understand which of the many rail passes might be for you? See  Rail Passes - Which Eurail Pass is Right for You?

Where You Should Go

If you are unfamiliar with European train travel, you might be surprised at the places you can get to by rail. Damian Corrigan, About's expert on Spain, offers his choice for the best rail trips:  Best Train Journeys in Spain .

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Traveling by Train in Europe: Where, Why, and How

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Navigating Valencia's Bus and Train Stations

Guide to Bus and Train Travel in Spain

Your Trip to Madrid: The Complete Guide

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How to Travel From Barcelona to Bordeaux by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

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Where to Go in July in Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary

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

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What About Morocco?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Barcelona, Spain

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Barcelona today!

Day 2: Dive deeper into Barcelona.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shop train tickets from Barcelona to Seville today!

Where to Stay in Seville, Spain

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

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

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

Looking for something a bit different?

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Seville today!

Day 4: See the best of Seville.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your flamenco show in Seville today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Experience the legendary Alhambra.

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

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

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

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

Why take a tour?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your day trip to the Alhambra in Granada today!

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

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

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

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

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

Considering driving?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Lagos, Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Lagos today!

Day 8: Soak up Algarve views.

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

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

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

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

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

Craving more activity?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 9: Make your way to Lisbon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Lisbon food tour today!

Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

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

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

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

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

Looking for a splurge?

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

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Day 10: Enjoy sightseeing in Lisbon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your sunset cruise in Lisbon today!

Day 11: Take a day trip to Sintra.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The train takes about 40 minutes from central Lisbon.

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

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

Book your day trip to Sintra today!

Day 12: Make your way from Lisbon to Porto.

All aboard to Porto!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

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

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Porto today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are a few good options for personalizing this itinerary.

Skip Porto to spend longer in Lisbon and the Algarve.

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

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

Plus, port!

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

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

Start your itinerary in Seville.

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

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

Skip the Algarve and head right to Lisbon.

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

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

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

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

Swap Barcelona for Madrid.

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

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

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

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

Not sure which you’d prefer?

Let flight deals dictate which city you visit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They’ll be coming with us from now on.

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

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

How many days do you need for Portugal and Spain?

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

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

Can you do Spain and Portugal on the same trip?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you drive a rental car from Spain to Portugal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which is cheaper to visit, Spain or Portugal?

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

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

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

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

Can you take the train between Spain and Portugal?

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

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

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

There are no trains connecting the Algarve to Andalucia.

Looking for more tips for visiting Spain and Portugal?

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

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

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

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

About Kate Storm

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

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

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

Thanks so much! Have a great trip. 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great insight. Thank you!

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