Attempting to squeeze within the highlights of Spain and Portugal right into a two-week journey may be tough. Each are unbelievable international locations with wealthy tradition, various landscapes, vibrant cities, and architectural wonders. After touring everywhere in the Iberian Peninsula, I’ve give you a route that hits each metropolis effectively and makes probably the most out of your time. This two-week Portugal and Spain itinerary will cowl the must-see landmarks in every metropolis, exercise solutions, restaurant and lodge suggestions, and my private favorites.
As a Portuguese-American girl, I’ve visited these Portuguese cities numerous occasions and, after residing in Seville for 4 months and touring the nation, I’ve mixed all of my favourite issues into one journey. Plus, I’ve included hidden gems that the majority vacationers would miss!
Greatest Instances to Go to Spain and Portugal
The very best time to go to Portugal and Spain is both early summer season or fall. The months of Might by way of early July are much less busy than the next summer season months. You’ll nonetheless get good climate and fewer tourism round you. In the event you select to go to within the fall, the climate will likely be simply pretty much as good, and also you’ll get to expertise even much less tourism. Take into account that summer season in Southern Spain is extremely sizzling and November and April are each wet months in Portugal.
Portugal and Spain Itinerary Overview
This itinerary begins in Porto, Portugal and ends in Barcelona, Spain. You may as well flip this itinerary in case you desire to go to Spain first!
- Days 1-2 in Porto, Portugal
- Douro River cruise and wine tasting
- Dinner and a view
- Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe for Harry Potter lovers
- The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Sq.)
- Michelin star restaurant
- Day 3 in Obidos, Portugal
- Medieval city
- Fortress of Óbidos
- Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos lodge
- Nazare seaside
- Days 4-6 in Lisbon/Sintra & Cascais (day journey), Portugal
- Commerce Sq. and Alfama
- Tuk Tuk excursions
- Cable automotive
- Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot
- Castelo S. Jorge
- 25 April Bridge
- Rossio Sq.
- Torre de Belém
- Sundown boat cruises on the Tagus River
- Fado present
- Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira
- Cabo da Roca
- Days 7-8 in Algarve, Portugal
- Albufeira and Lagos
- Epic Sana Resort or the Pine Cliff Resort
- Martinhal Sagres Household Resort
- Benagil Cave
- Vila Joya and Bon Bon fantastic eating
- Days 9/11 in Seville, Spain
- Resort Alfonso XIII or Resort Palacio de Villapanes
- El Centro
- Cathedral of Seville
- Royal Alcazar
- Setas de Seville
- Plaza de Espana & Maria Luisa Park
- La Carbonería
- Triana Market
- Paella cooking class
- Casa Manolo Lèon
- Days 12-14 in Barcelona/Montserrat (day journey), Spain
- Resort Neri and Ohla
- Gothic Quarter
- Las Ramblas
- Gaudi homes
- Park Güell
- Sagrada Família
- Paella and Catalan dishes
- Montserrat mountains
This map was created utilizing Google My Maps and covers my advised Portugal and Spain itinerary. You’ll be able to click on on the star subsequent to the title and save this to your Google Maps account or click on on the share icon to ship it to your self through e mail.
14-Day Portugal and Spain Itinerary
Notice: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee for free of charge to you.
For this itinerary, I like to recommend that you simply fly into Porto and out of Barcelona (or vice versa). It might be best in case you lease a automotive to drive from metropolis to metropolis, however if you need, you’ll be able to take the prepare or bus from place to put after which fly from Seville to Barcelona. Take into account that parking in cities like Lisbon and Porto may be fairly difficult, so you could possibly additionally think about simply choosing up a rental automotive for a portion of your journey.
Day 1-2: Porto, Portugal
As soon as arriving in Porto, you need to verify into the PortoBay Flores Resort or The Yeatman. Each are 5-star motels however present totally different experiences. PortoBay Flores is within the coronary heart of Porto’s historic district. The lodge has an historic allure to it however nonetheless has loads of fashionable luxuries, resembling an indoor swimming pool. Individuals who need to absolutely immerse themselves into the historical past and tradition of Porto ought to keep right here. The lodge is the right strolling distance from loads of landmarks resembling Ribeira Sq., the historic sq. of Porto.
The Yeatman Resort is a luxurious wine and spa lodge within the Vila Nova de Gaia historic district. For many who need to loosen up but additionally sightsee, this lodge is the very best match. You’re additionally capable of have metropolis views from the lodge of the well-known Douro River.
If you’re beginning in Porto and arriving after an in a single day flight, you’ll want to begin off by exploring a number of the metropolis’s highlights on a self-guided strolling tour. Start by strolling round and experiencing what Porto has to supply from shops, cafés to the historic districts.
Harry Potter followers and people with youngsters, ought to go to Livraria Lello and Majestic Cafe. The Livraria Lello is the ebook retailer that gave J.Ok. Rowling inspirations for Harry Potter’s world, such because the transferring staircases in Hogwarts. Majestic Cafe is the place Rowling frolicked and wrote.
The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Sq.) is Porto’s most important sq. that connects the previous city with the trendy a part of town and in addition an awesome place to stroll round. You’ll want to following the slender streets right down to the Douro River and cross over the Luis I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood the place you’ll be able to go to the World of Wine, pattern some port, and benefit from the enjoyable vibe alongside the riverfront.
End up your first day with dinner at Terra Nora. Terra Nora is an intimate eating expertise with conventional Portuguese delicacies. When making your reservation, request to take a seat at a window with the intention to see the Douro River as you dine. For sundown lovers, reserve a time a couple of minutes earlier than it units with the intention to see the solar set on the river.
On your second day, no journey to Porto is similar with out doing a cruise or tour by way of the Douro Valley to see vineyards and breathtaking surroundings. There are such a lot of choices, however I all the time desire the excursions that final all day for a full expertise. The genuine Douro River excursions final about 9 hours, together with journey time to and from the Douro Valley.
The best Douro River tour would come with vineyard visits and tastings of each genuine Port wine and the opposite wines grown within the area. The wine tasting would then be adopted by a cruise on the Douro River and ending with a typical Portuguese lunch made with Douro area merchandise. In the event you don’t need to spend a full day within the Douro Valley, you can too take a cruise on the river in Porto on an genuine boat that used to hold wine barrels down the river.
For the ultimate night time in Porto an ideal meal is required. For these staying within the Yeatman Resort, there’s a Michelin Star restaurant downstairs that has superb evaluations. Seafood lovers ought to make a reservation for the restaurant Gruta. After dinner, Porto nightlife is one thing you don’t need to miss out on. However don’t keep out too late as we put together for a journey day tomorrow.
Day 3: Óbidos, Portugal
From Porto, you’ll be able to journey to Óbidos by bus, prepare, or rental automotive. Óbidos is understood for its medieval city surrounded by the Fortress of Óbidos. For the one night time you will have right here, keep at Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos lodge. The lodge is housed throughout the Twelfth-century medieval fort.
In case you have a automotive, you’ll be able to cease in Nazare in your solution to Óbidos. Nazare’s seaside is well-liked with surfers and recognized for its epically tall waves. Plus, there’s a lovely look-out level.
Days 4-6: Lisbon & Sintra, Portugal
After your night time in Óbidos, take a bus/prepare or drive to Lisbon. You need to keep within the middle of Lisbon by Commerce Sq. or the older half in Alfama. The Bairro Alto Resort is a captivating, centrally positioned keep that has an awesome restaurant inside it. An alternative choice is the Resort Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa that could be a massive property out of the noisy metropolis middle on the tree-lined Avenida Liberdade.
One of the best ways to see Lisbon is to only stroll. Some streets are so slender and steep that automobiles gained’t match by way of or rise up. Lisbon’s notorious Tram 28 is a superb vacationer choice to get discover town. Tuk Tuk excursions are additionally highly regarded for seeing Lisbon.
When going to well-liked scenic spots, it’s finest to go early within the morning earlier than 9:00 a.m. The Miradouro S. Luiza scenic spot has nice views of Lisbon’s port and cathedral. It will likely be stuffed with vacationers the whole day, so get there early to get your image.
When you’ve gotten all of your footage, make your solution to the Castelo S. Jorge that’s solely a five-minute stroll away. The views from the fort are, in my view, the very best it will get. You’ll be able to see a number of landmarks such because the 25 April Bridge that was impressed by the Golden Gate Bridge in addition to the Sanctuary of Christ monument.
For garments, footwear, and trinket lovers; Rossio is a superb procuring space with high-end shops. I extremely suggest trying out shoe shops, any yow will discover round there are nice high quality and inexpensive. When you get drained from procuring a lot, take a fast stroll to Rossio Sq. for a spot to loosen up and folks watch. Some different should see sights for the rest days in Lisbon are; Commerce Sq., Torre de Belém, and Jerónimos Monastery.
A sundown boat cruise on the Tagus River is my favourite exercise to do in Lisbon by far. Nothing can beat being on a classic sailboat with champagne in hand whereas consuming Portuguese cheese and prosciutto. The sundown cruise I took was about two hours lengthy, and I used to be capable of sit proper within the entrance of the boat on bean bag chairs whereas listening to the water and mushy music.
After the appetizers you consumed on the cruise, it’s now meal time. My high 4 eating places in Lisbon are; BAHR, Alma, Photo voltaic dos Presuntos, and JNcQUOI Asia. All are conventional Portuguese dishes of meat and fish, besides JNcQUOI Asia. Though I really like Portuguese meals, on this lengthy of a visit I are inclined to need one thing totally different. JNcQUOI Asia affords 4 forms of Asian delicacies: Indian, Thai, Chinese language and Japanese.
An alternative choice is to ebook a dinner and Fado present. Fado is a Portuguese music style that consists of people guitars, hand clapping, and singing. Parreirinha de Alfama is a small Portuguese restaurant that has Fado singing. The restaurant may be very quaint to ensure that it to really feel like a homespun restaurant. All of the meals is cooked in a tiny kitchen by one girl.
After spending a day or two in Lisbon, it’s value making a day journey to Sintra and the seaside city of Cascais. Sintra is understood for the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira. The city may be very small and may be seen in a number of hours. On the way in which again from Sintra, make a cease in Cascais for the Cabo da Roca which is the cape of Portugal and probably the most western a part of Europe.
For extra solutions, see my 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary.
Days 7-8: Algarve, Portugal
When you’ve seen every part I listed for Lisbon, it’s now time to go south to the Algarve for some rest. In case you have a rental automotive, it’ll solely be a three-hour drive to pure magnificence. If you wish to take the prepare, you’d take the Lisbon to Faro prepare to remain in both the Albufeira or Lagos space. Each are simple to get to through Uber or bus from the station.
The Epic Sana Resort or the Pine Cliff Resort are each good motels, adopted by the Martinhal Sagres Household Resort, which is a superb household resort nice for these with youngsters.
The very first thing you must do is head out to the seashores. Algarve seashores are tucked between gorgeous sandstone cliffs on one of the vital lovely coastlines in Europe. Essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction is a ship trip to go to the Benagil Cave, however there are a lot of methods to discover the shoreline.
Albufeira and Lagos each have spectacular seashores and procuring and nightlife. There are little villages throughout to discover. In the event you’re fortunate, some form of competition will likely be held downtown that is stuffed with nice music, meals, and drinks. There’s all the time one thing to have a good time in Algarve. Two well-liked eating places are Vila Joya and Bon Bon for fantastic eating.
Days 9/11: Seville, Spain
Sufficient rest, it’s time to get again into exploring and sightseeing and transfer on to Spain! The simplest solution to get to Seville from Algarve is to drive or take a three-hour bus trip. Seville is the gateway to visiting the Andalusia area of Spain.
Select to remain at both Resort Alfonso XIII or Resort Palacio de Villapanes. Each motels are within the previous city of Seville surrounded by historical past. Resort Alfonso XII is probably the most well-known lodge to remain at and has been round for the reason that 1900s. The regal rooms and decor make this lodge stand out from others.
Because you’d already be within the metropolis middle, you need to go to the Cathedral of Seville in addition to the Royal Alcazar. The Royal Alcazar is a historic royal palace with lovely tile work and gorgeous gardens, which have been featured in lots of movies and exhibits.
From there, Seville’s magnificence is commonly discovered simply whereas wandering round. After residing there for 4 months, my favourite locations had been those I stumbled upon, even only a favourite bench. The middle additionally has a whole bunch of shops to select from for garments, footwear, and souvenirs. Whereas wandering round, you’ll be able to’t miss the Setas de Seville. This huge picket construction is one of the best ways to see town from excessive up, the views are unbeatable.
A ten-minute bus trip or 20-minute stroll will take you to the Plaza de Espana. The Plaza de Espana is my favourite place in all of Seville. The sq. is fantastically constructed with genuine tiles throughout.
The Maria Luisa Park is related to the plaza and is a big backyard made for lounging and enjoyable with a number of fountains and benches. You’re capable of lease a row boat to cruise on the river for an hour at your personal tempo or take a ship cruise.
Seville can be residence to the well-known dance of flamenco. There are a number of locations that host flamenco performances, however you need to have an genuine flamenco expertise at an area restaurant. La Carbonería is a tavern with flamenco performances in an previous coal warehouse. They’ve three flamenco exhibits each night time, operating from 8:30-10:30.
One other exercise to do is a paella cooking class. The Triana Market is a contemporary meals market with vendor stalls promoting produce, meat, and ready meals. Inside the market, Taller Andaluz de Cocina, hosts cooking courses and a tour of the market. The cooking class is held in a makeshift kitchen with every part you want. The category consists of three genuine Seville programs resembling gazpacho, paella, and spinach and chickpeas.
The very best eating places in Seville are the Abantal, El Pinton, and Casa Manolo Lèon. Abantal is understood for his or her fantastic eating with fashionable variations on Andalusian cuisines. El Pinton is well-known tapas restaurant. Casa Manolo Lèon is my private favourite, with genuine Andalusian delicacies and an outside patio crammed with flowers and greenery.
Additionally see issues to do in Seville with children.
Days 12-14: Barcelona, Spain & Montserrat
From Seville, take a fast flight to Barcelona for Spain’s most well-known metropolis. Resort Neri and Ohla are my picks in your keep. Each are positioned within the Gothic Quarter. I personally suggest all the time staying in that space as a result of it’s within the middle of all of the landmarks, procuring, and eating places.
You’re capable of stroll round and get to anywhere in case you keep there. From the Gothic Quarter you’re capable of see the Cathedral and the Las Ramblas scenic space.
In the event you’re involved in artwork or structure, you need to ebook tickets to see the Gaudi homes. Casa Battló is one among Gaudi’s creations that we’re capable of go to. The home belonged was lived in by Gaudi and his household. The design takes inspiration from the surroundings and its animals. Park Güell is an attraction I all the time go to after I’m in Barcelona. The park consists of Gaudi’s art work throughout the framework and structure of the gardens and buildings.
The next day, you need to go to the Sagrada Família. When reserving tickets for the Sagrada, you’ll have to do it comparatively very early and in addition attempt to get skip the road passes. That is Barcelona’s greatest attraction, and it will get very crowded in there.
After spending a number of hours within the Sagrada Família, I might take the remainder of the day to stroll across the Gothic Quarter. The final time I used to be in Barcelona, wandering round, I stumbled upon a vogue present at a park in addition to a music video within the streets. This metropolis is crammed with vibrant power and folks, simply recognize what’s round you.
Barcelona is understood for having a number of the finest eating places. Disfrutar is taken into account as the highest restaurant in Europe. Its experimental tasting menus are Mediterranean seafood based mostly and extra on the dear facet. Estimar is a hidden restaurant with an open kitchen view out of your tabel. They’re recognized for his or her seafood and scrumptious seafood. In the event you’re bored with paella but, Mana 75 makes a speciality of paella and Catalan dishes.
In your final day earlier than flying again residence to the U.S., I like to recommend taking a day journey to Montserrat within the mountains. It’s the right escape from the extreme metropolis life you’ve skilled the previous few days. Montserrat is understood for its gorgeous mountain views, historic buildings, and mountaineering trails.
Additionally see issues to do in Barcelona with children.
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Emma Da Silva is a journalism main on the College of Rhode Island and an aspiring Journey Author. Her love for pictures and expertise learning aboard have led her to need to write for different adventurers and encourage them to exit and make lasting reminiscences.
