Attempting to squeeze within the highlights of Spain and Portugal right into a two-week journey will 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 essentially the most out of your time. This two-week Portugal and Spain itinerary will cowl the must-see landmarks in every metropolis, exercise options, restaurant and resort suggestions, and my private favorites.
As a Portuguese-American girl, I’ve visited these Portuguese cities numerous occasions and, after dwelling 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!
Finest 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 Could via early July are much less busy than the next summer season months. You’ll nonetheless get good climate and fewer tourism round you. In case you select to go to within the fall, the climate will likely be simply nearly as good, and also you’ll get to expertise even much less tourism. Needless to say 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 can even flip this itinerary when you want 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 resort
- 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 effective eating
- Days Sept. 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 may 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
Word: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks. In case you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee without charge to you.
For this itinerary, I like to recommend that you just fly into Porto and out of Barcelona (or vice versa). It could be best when you lease a automotive to drive from metropolis to metropolis, however if you would like, you’ll be able to take the prepare or bus from place to put after which fly from Seville to Barcelona. Needless to say parking in cities like Lisbon and Porto will be fairly difficult, so you may additionally contemplate simply choosing up a rental automotive for a portion of your journey.
Day 1-2: Porto, Portugal
As soon as arriving in Porto, it’s best to verify into the PortoBay Flores Resort or The Yeatman. Each are 5-star inns however present totally different experiences. PortoBay Flores is within the coronary heart of Porto’s historic district. The resort has an historic attraction to it however nonetheless has loads of fashionable luxuries, similar to 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 resort is the proper strolling distance from loads of landmarks similar to Ribeira Sq., the historic sq. of Porto.
The Yeatman Resort is a luxurious wine and spa resort within the Vila Nova de Gaia historic district. For many who need to loosen up but in addition sightsee, this resort is the most effective match. You’re additionally in a position to have metropolis views from the resort of the well-known Douro River.
If you’re beginning in Porto and arriving after an in a single day flight, it would be best to begin off by exploring a few 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 shifting staircases in Hogwarts. Majestic Cafe is the place Rowling frolicked and wrote.
The Praça de Liberdade (Liberty Sq.) is Porto’s principal sq. that connects the outdated city with the fashionable a part of the town and likewise an important place to stroll round. Make sure you following the slim 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 sit down at a window with a view to see the Douro River as you dine. For sundown lovers, reserve a time a couple of minutes earlier than it units with a view to see the solar set on the river.
In your second day, no journey to Porto is similar with out doing a cruise or tour via the Douro Valley to see vineyards and breathtaking surroundings. There are such a lot of choices, however I at all times want 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 case you don’t need to spend a full day within the Douro Valley, you too can 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 opinions. 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’ve right here, keep at Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos resort. The resort is housed inside the Twelfth-century medieval fort.
In case you have a automotive, you’ll be able to cease in Nazare in your technique to Óbidos. Nazare’s seaside is widespread with surfers and recognized for its epically tall waves. Plus, there’s a stunning 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 important 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.
The easiest way to see Lisbon is to only stroll. Some streets are so slim and steep that automobiles received’t match via or rise up. Lisbon’s notorious Tram 28 is a superb vacationer choice to get discover the town. Tuk Tuk excursions are additionally extremely popular for seeing Lisbon.
When going to widespread scenic spots, it’s greatest 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 complete day, so get there early to get your image.
When you’ve gotten all of your photos, make your technique to the Castelo S. Jorge that’s solely a five-minute stroll away. The views from the fort are, in my view, the most effective it will get. You may 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 purchasing space with high-end shops. I extremely suggest trying out shoe shops, any you could find round there are nice high quality and reasonably priced. When you get drained from purchasing a lot, take a fast stroll to Rossio Sq. for a spot to loosen up and other people 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 in a position to sit proper within the entrance of the boat on bean bag chairs whereas listening to the water and comfortable music.
After the appetizers you consumed on the cruise, it’s now time for supper. 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 like Portuguese meals, on this lengthy of a visit I are likely to need one thing totally different. JNcQUOI Asia affords 4 kinds 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 folks guitars, hand clapping, and singing. Parreirinha de Alfama is a small Portuguese restaurant that has Fado singing. The restaurant could 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 price 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 could be very small and will be seen in just a few 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 essentially the most western a part of Europe.
For extra options, see my 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary.
Days 7-8: Algarve, Portugal
When you’ve seen all the things 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 straightforward to get to through Uber or bus from the station.
The Epic Sana Resort or the Pine Cliff Resort are each good inns, adopted by the Martinhal Sagres Household Resort, which is a superb household resort nice for these with youngsters.
The very first thing it’s a must to do is head out to the seashores. Algarve seashores are tucked between gorgeous sandstone cliffs on one of the vital stunning coastlines in Europe. Essentially the most well-known vacationer attraction is a ship journey to go to the Benagil Cave, however there are lots of methods to discover the shoreline.
Albufeira and Lagos each have spectacular seashores and purchasing and nightlife. There are little villages throughout to discover. In case you’re fortunate, some form of competition will likely be held downtown that is filled with nice music, meals, and drinks. There’s at all times one thing to have a good time in Algarve. Two widespread eating places are Vila Joya and Bon Bon for effective eating.
Days Sept. 11: Seville, Spain
Sufficient rest, it’s time to get again into exploring and sightseeing and transfer on to Spain! The simplest technique to get to Seville from Algarve is to drive or take a three-hour bus journey. 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 inns are within the outdated city of Seville surrounded by historical past. Resort Alfonso XII is essentially the most well-known resort to remain at and has been round for the reason that 1900s. The regal rooms and decor make this resort stand out from others.
Because you’d already be within the metropolis middle, it’s best to go to the Cathedral of Seville in addition to the Royal Alcazar. The Royal Alcazar is a historic royal palace with stunning tile work and gorgeous gardens, which have been featured in lots of movies and reveals.
From there, Seville’s magnificence is commonly discovered simply whereas wandering round. After dwelling there for 4 months, my favourite locations had been those I stumbled upon, even only a favourite bench. The middle additionally has lots of 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 massive wood construction is one of the simplest ways to see the town from excessive up, the views are unbeatable.
A ten-minute bus journey 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 stress-free with a number of fountains and benches. You’re in a position to lease a row boat to cruise on the river for an hour at your individual tempo or take a ship cruise.
Seville can also be house to the well-known dance of flamenco. There are a number of locations that host flamenco performances, however it’s best to have an genuine flamenco expertise at a neighborhood restaurant. La Carbonería is a tavern with flamenco performances in an outdated coal warehouse. They’ve three flamenco reveals each night time, operating from 8:30-10:30.
One other exercise to do is a paella cooking class. The Triana Market is a recent meals market with vendor stalls promoting produce, meat, and ready meals. Throughout the market, Taller Andaluz de Cocina, hosts cooking lessons and a tour of the market. The cooking class is held in a makeshift kitchen with all the things you want. The category consists of three genuine Seville programs similar to 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 effective 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 out of doors 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 to your keep. Each are positioned within the Gothic Quarter. I personally suggest at all times staying in that space as a result of it’s within the middle of all of the landmarks, purchasing, and eating places.
You’re in a position to stroll round and get to anywhere when you keep there. From the Gothic Quarter you’re in a position to see the Cathedral and the Las Ramblas scenic space.
In case you’re all in favour of artwork or structure, it’s best to ebook tickets to see the Gaudi homes. Casa Battló is one in all Gaudi’s creations that we’re in a position to go to. The home belonged was lived in by Gaudi and his household. The design takes inspiration from the atmosphere and its animals. Park Güell is an attraction I at all times go to once I’m in Barcelona. The park consists of Gaudi’s art work inside the framework and structure of the gardens and buildings.
The next day, it’s best to go to the Sagrada Família. When reserving tickets for the Sagrada, you’ll have to do it comparatively very early and likewise attempt to get skip the road passes. That is Barcelona’s greatest attraction, and it will get very crowded in there.
After spending just a few 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 vitality and other people, simply respect what’s round you.
Barcelona is understood for having a few of the greatest eating places. Disfrutar is taken into account as the highest restaurant in Europe. Its experimental tasting menus are Mediterranean seafood primarily based and extra on the expensive 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 case you’re uninterested in paella but, Mana 75 makes a speciality of paella and Catalan dishes.
In your final day earlier than flying again house to the U.S., I like to recommend taking a day journey to Montserrat within the mountains. It’s the proper escape from the extreme metropolis life you’ve skilled the previous few days. Montserrat is understood for its gorgeous mountain views, historic buildings, and mountain climbing trails.
Additionally see issues to do in Barcelona with children.
Learn extra about Portugal and Spain
Emma Da Silva is a journalism main on the College of Rhode Island and an aspiring Journey Author. Her love for images and expertise learning aboard have led her to need to write for different adventurers and encourage them to exit and make lasting recollections.