14 Days & 7 Cities

Hey there! Thinking about exploring Spain and Portugal? I’ve got you covered! Having lived in Spain and am currently calling Lisbon home, I’ve traveled extensively in both countries and I’m excited to share my experiences with you.

I’ve put together a 14-day itinerary that takes you through the best of Spain and Portugal. From where to stay, what to do, and how to get around, this guide has everything you need.

We’ll explore popular destinations and talk about different modes of transportation to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a shorter trip or want to spend more time, this itinerary is flexible, and I’ll show you how to customize it to fit your schedule.

Just a heads up – Spain and Portugal are super popular, so booking everything in advance is a must. Grab your plane tickets, book your hotels, and secure your tours and activities before you go. This also applies to bus and train tickets. Planning ahead ensures you get the best deals and can travel worry-free.

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on your adventure!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are all the stops on this 14-day Spain and Portugal itinerary:

(I recommend doing it by train, but you can also do it by car; more on this later)

Map of Spain and Portugal with a 14-day itinerary marked. Stops include Barcelona (Days 1-2), Madrid (Days 3-4), Seville (Days 5-6), Algarve Coast (Days 7-8), Lisbon (Days 9-10), Sintra (Day 12), Porto (Days 13-14).
  • Day 1-2: Barcelona
  • Day 3: Leave Barcelona + explore Madrid
  • Day 4: Madrid
  • Day 5: Leave Madrid + arrive to Seville
  • Day 6: Seville
  • Day 7: Leave Seville + arrive to Faro
  • Day 8: Algarve Coast
  • Day 9: Leave Algarve + explore Lisbon
  • Day 10-11: Lisbon
  • Day 12: Day trip to Sintra
  • Day 13: Leave Lisbon + arrive to Porto
  • Day 14: Porto

Day 1-2: Barcelona

The writer of the post is standing in front of a fountain in barcelona.

Barcelona is the most popular city in Spain, and I absolutely love its unique architecture and vibe! You can find anything and everything here – from breathtaking attractions and some amazing beaches to a delicious food scene and vibrant nightlife. In short, Barcelona should definitely be in your itinerary and you should take some time to explore the city.

Regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll probably fly into Barcelona (I use Skyscanner to compare flights).

Spend 2 full days in Barcelona to explore the city and catch the train to Madrid on the 3rd day. Since we want to see 2 countries in such a short time, we will have to make the most of each city!

Below, I highlight all the best things to do in Barcelona, but all of these attractions are super popular and usually have long lines. Worry not, I’ve thought of this, too! Check out our dedicated articles on the best ways to get tickets for Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Guell.

Barcelona has an excellent public transport network that includes a metro, trams, and buses. I recommend getting the 2 day Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which is valid for 48 hours and gives you unlimited access to all public transport.

PRO TIP: The 2-day travel card costs €17.5, but you get a 10% discount if you buy it online (you can use ALL public transportation options, including the metro from/to the airport – avoiding costly airport transfers!)

Barcelona has SO much to offer, but I handpicked the very best attractions and experiences for your 2-day stay (and possible extras if you decide on staying more):

The writer of the post in a hat and off-shoulder dress stands before a pond with a view of the Sagrada Familia in the background, partially obscured by trees.

Day 1 in Barcelona

  • Join a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see all the main sights
  • Visit the Basílica de la Sagrada Família (map)
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Park Güell (map)
  • Attend a flamenco show and enjoy dinner at Tablao de Carmen

Day 2 in Barcelona

  • Snap a photo of La Pedrera – Casa Milà (map)
  • Pay a visit to Casa Batlló (map)
  • Check out Plaça de Catalunya (map)
  • Enjoy a walk down La Rambla (map)
  • Stop by the Cathedral of Barcelona (map)
  • Stroll around the amazing market, Mercat de la Boqueria (map)
  • Admire the collection at the Picasso Museum Barcelona (map)
  • Relax at Barceloneta Beach (map)

Optional extras

If you are staying for one more day, this is what I would do:

  • Embark on an immersive tour of the FC Barcelona Museum
  • Take a funicular to Mount Tibidabo (map)
  • Stroll Arc de Triomf & Parc de la Ciutadella (map)
  • Admire the Plaça d’Espanya (map)
  • Currently Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is not working, but when it does, be sure to check out the show (map)

(Alternatively, you can spend Day 3 taking a day tour to beautiful Montserrat, I talk about how to get there and what to see here).

Where to stay in Barcelona

An aerial view of the city of barcelona.

Here are some great accommodation options in each price category:

  • Hotel El Palace Barcelona ($$$) – situated near Barcelona’s top tourist attractions and main shopping district, this 5-star hotel offers an outdoor pool, limousine service, and Mayan-style spa.
  • NH Barcelona Entenza ($$) – a hotel offering bright and modern rooms with wooden floors and a fully equipped bathroom. Guests can choose to have their breakfast at the buffet or ask for it to be delivered to their room.
  • Onefam Les Corts ($) – this social hostel provides beds in mixed and female dormitories, access to shared bathrooms, and private lockers. The hostel is geared towards young people and only accepts guests younger than 45.

Day 3: Leave Barcelona and explore Madrid

The majestic Royal Palace of Madrid on a cloudy day, with tourists dotting the expansive plaza in front of the palace's classical architecture.

Next up on the Spain itinerary, Madrid – the capital and largest city. The city has a rich cultural and art scene, and the food is fantastic, too! Shopping is also a big thing in Madrid, so leave some room in your luggage.

I would definitely take the train – it’s the fastest way to make the trip and also pretty affordable. One of the MissTourist team members did exactly this and said the speed trains are super comfy, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

If you want to see more of Madrid, leave Barcelona in the morning. That way, you can still visit some museums and attractions on day 3 of the itinerary. But if you’d like to see more of Barcelona, leave in the evening, sleep in your Madrid hotel, and start exploring the city on day 4.

I recommend spending 2 nights in the Spanish captial (one full day and 2 half days) – you will be able to see the main sights (as usual, if you have more time, I have left optional recommendations for you too!).

One of the top attractions in the city is the Prado Museum and a must-visit when in Madrid! However, ticket lines can be long, so before heading there, here is our guide on getting Prado Museum tickets.

Things to do in Madrid on Day 3 (if you arrive at mid-day)

  • Walk around Plaza Mayor (map) and snap some photos
  • Have some churros at Chocolatería San Ginés (map)
  • Grab a burrito from Tierra Burrito Bar (map)
  • Watch the sunset near Templo de Debod (map)
  • Stroll down Gran Via in the evening/ night (map)

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Day 4: Madrid

A grand stone archway adorned with sculptures and carvings, standing prominently against a clear blue sky in a landscaped area

Wake up early, grab some breakfast, and start exploring Madrid!

Day 4 in Madrid

  • Explore the collection at the Prado Museum
  • Enjoy the outdoors in El Retiro Park (map)
  • Check out Palacio de Cristal (inside El Retiro Park)
  • Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (map)
  • Admire the architecture of Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena (map)
  • Join a wine and tapas walking tour

Optional extras

Want to spend an extra day in Madrid? Here are my suggestions:

Where to stay in Madrid

High-angle view of Puerta del Sol, a busy central square in Madrid, with buildings, pedestrians, and the famous Tio Pepe sign

All accommodations listed below are centrally located and provide easy access to public transport. They’re also great value for money in their price categories.

  • UMusic Hotel Madrid ($$$) – a luxurious hotel in the heart of Madrid with a seasonal outdoor pool, concierge service, a restaurant, and a terrace. You can pick from several breakfast options and relax in the on-site bar.
  • Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol ($$): This 3-star hotel is in a central location. It has air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a comfortable lounge, and a delicious breakfast buffet.
  • Way Hostel Madrid ($) – this eclectic hostel serves complimentary coffee and churros every morning, and everyone is invited to use the shared kitchen. You can book a room with a private bathroom or reserve a bed in one of the shared dormitories.

Day 5: Leave Madrid and arrive in Seville

Panoramic view of Plaza de España in Seville with its semi-circular brick building, renaissance towers, and bridges reflecting over the calm canal, under a cloudy sky.

The final stop on the Spain itinerary is Seville, the largest city in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city boasts beautiful architecture and has a vibrant flamenco scene, as well as amazing food (think tapas) and friendly people.

Seville is a gorgeous city with a lot to offer! Spend 1 night in Seville (and 1,5-2 days depending on when you plan to arrive from Madrid and leave for Algarve, our next stop).

If you have more than 2 weeks for the trip, you should definitely stay in Seville for longer, it is wonderful! Here are my tips on what to do in the city. 

Also, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you probably know that Seville was one of the filming locations for the show. There are quite a few themed tours, so we made our own shortlist here.

If you have extra energy and want to explore Seville on day 5, I’d recommend exploring the city on foot. If you have the energy, head to Plaza de España (map) and admire the architecture.

But if you’d rather catch up on your sleep and start day 6 running, you can always do that then (which is why it’s included on the day 6 itinerary).

Day 6: Seville

Visitor standing in the Hall of Ambassadors at the Real Alcázar of Seville, marveling at the stunning golden dome and intricate Islamic geometric patterns, a testament to the architectural grandeur of Andalusian heritage

I hope you still have some energy because there are quite a few things to explore in Seville:

  • Spend a couple of hours at the Royal Alcázar of Seville (map)
  • Eat all the tapas!
  • Walk around Plaza de España
  • Go up to the roof of the Setas de Sevilla (map) and enjoy the views
  • See the Catedral de Sevilla (map) and La Giralda Tower (map)
  • Attend a live flamenco dancing show at Teatro Flamenco Sevilla
  • Optional: embark on a yacht tour of the Guadalquivir River

Where to stay in Seville

A picturesque view of a quaint alley in the Santa Cruz district, lined with colorful buildings, outdoor cafes, and cobblestone streets

Now, here are the best accommodations for your 1-night stay in Seville, all in a great location and each an excellent choice in its price category.

  • Hotel Lobby ($$$) – set in Seville’s historic center, this former palace has been refurbished into a luxury hotel with designer-decorated rooms, an outdoor pool, and an amazing on-site restaurant.
  • Hotel Boutique Casa de Colón ($$) – located in a former colonial building, this boutique hotel has uniquely decorated rooms and offers concierge services, luggage storage, and a tour desk.
  • New Samay Hostel ($) – this hostel is set within a restored townhouse and offers private rooms with dedicated bathrooms, as well as dormitories that provide access to shared bathroom facilities.

Day 7: Leave Seville and arrive on the Algarve coast

The writer of the post sitting on a rock offering panoramic view of the Algarve surroundings

There has been a lot of exploring cities lately so we are heading to the South of Portugal, to the beautiful Algarve coast, to relax a little bit! I’d recommend leaving Seville before 12 to get a little more time on the coast (and recover from all the sightseeing in Spain!). But you can also spend longer in Seville and arrive in Portugal late afternoon.

Now, the biggest city in the Algarve is Faro, but you can choose any town on the coast to relax. We actually have a comprehensive article on where to stay in Algarve, depending on your preferences. My personal favorite is Lagos, thanks to its stunning beaches. But each town is 30 min to an hour away from each other, so no worries, everything is very close!

Transportation: there are no direct trains from Seville, so if you are not driving, you will need to take a bus. Once you’re on the Algarve Coast, you’ll be able to use the train to get around to all the major towns and cities.

Once in Portugal, I actually recommend renting a car! Trains are a great way to get around Spain, but they are not as amazing in Portugal. Plus with a car, you will get the flexibility to drive along the coast and it is very very pretty!

Spend 1 night in the Algarve – 1 full day, and if you want more time to relax, you can spend another day here too. Plus, the distance between Seville and Algarve is relatively short, so if you leave Seville in the morning you’ll have almost an entire extra day on the Portuguese coast.

Day 8: Algarve Coast

Bustling beach scene in Algarve with clear turquoise waters, flanked by rugged cliffs and white Mediterranean-style buildings under a bright blue sky.

If you have just one day in Lagos and want to relax on the beach, start your morning at Meia Praia (map) – the largest beach in the area. Relax on the soft golden sand and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Rent a sun umbrella and lounge chair and spend a few hours soaking up the sun and swimming in the calm waters. You can also take a short walk along the cliffs to Praia Dona Ana (map), one of the most beautiful and photogenic beaches in Lagos.

In the evening, you can take a short taxi ride into the charming old town of Lagos to explore the historic streets and have dinner at one of the excellent seafood restaurants.

Where to stay in Lagos

These are the best hotels in each price category for your 1-night stay in Lagos:

  • Hotel Marina Rio ($$$) – overlooking the Lagos marina, this hotel features a heated rooftop pool, a spacious sun terrace, and modern, nicely decorated rooms with all necessary amenities.
  • Dom Pedro Lagos ($$) – this aparthotel is situated just a short walk from the beach and has an outdoor pool and an on-site bar where you can enjoy a drink and a snack.
  • Ocean View Lagos ($) – each room at the property is simply decorated, and most rooms feature a private bathroom. Guests are invited to use the outdoor pool and games room.

Day 9: Leave Algarve and explore Lisbon

A scenic overlook with two people standing by a railing, offering a panoramic view of a city with a mix of historical and modern buildings, and a distant bridge spanning a river under a partly cloudy sky.

How (and how fast) you get from the Algarve to Lisbon depends on your starting point, i.e., where in the Algarve you’ll be staying.

The info above takes Faro as the starting point, as this is the largest city in the Algarve, and the trip from there is very straightforward. However, all the other towns are very close by, and you can easily get from anywhere – say Lagos (my recommendation) or Albufeira – to Lisbon. The trip will just take a little longer, and you might need to change trains.

If you’re not driving, it’s best to make Faro your base to simplify your trip. Still, if you want to stay in Lagos and go to Lisbon from there, you can take a train to Tunes, then switch to another train to Lisbon. I do have to warn you – this adds 1h 30 min to your trip.

And if you’re staying in Albufeira – good news! There’s a direct train to Lisbon that takes 3h 15 min.

Once again, we’re back to driving, as this is the absolute best way to get from Algarve to Lisbon. If you take the highway, you’ll reach Lisbon in less than 3 hours, but if you’d like a more scenic drive, you can take the N120 road (from Lagos) along the Alentejo Coast and enjoy the scenic views.

View of Lisbon, Portugal, featuring colorful buildings, a historic castle on a hill, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in the background over the Tagus River under a clear blue sky.

If you go with the second option, you’ll need to leave a bit earlier, as this route takes 1h 30 min extra to drive. But it’s definitely worth the effort! You can stop at Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (map) along the way to admire the scenery and snap some photos.

NOTE: I would recommend leaving the Algarve in the morning (before 11). That way you can arrive at your accommodation before dark and have a little extra time to explore Lisbon (the city I currently call home).

Day 9 in Lisbon (if you arrive in the evening)

  • Visit Time Out Market (map) and grab a quick bite
  • Walk around the Baixa neighborhood (map)

Otherwise, you can always do these on the next day!

Day 10-11: Lisbon

A vintage black car drives along a cobblestone street lined with parked tuk-tuks and pedestrians. A red building with white-trimmed windows and a tree are in the background.

No Portugal itinerary would be complete without a trip to Lisbon, the charming Portuguese capital! One of the most recognizable things about Lisbon is its unique landscape; the city is situated on a hill, and even though climbing through the streets can be challenging, the views will make it all worth it.

I planned a 3-night stay in Lisbon to allow you to rest and explore with a more relaxed tempo. There’s plenty to do in the city, so 3 days will pass pretty fast, and I’m sure you’ll want to come back again.

One of the best things to do in Lisbon is join a guided tour! There’s plenty of choice when it comes to tours – here is our selection of the best ones. Fado shows are another unmissable activity, and we have recommendations for that as well – available here.

If you’re up for it, I recommend walking around Lisbon. But since it’s a hilly city, you can also use the extensive public transport network. Get the Lisboa Card, which gives you free, unlimited access to all public transportation and 26 attractions!

TIP: If you don’t want to get the Lisboa card, you can just use your normal contactless card to tap in and out of the metro. This won’t work on the buses, trams and some of the other trains though (you’ll need cash for individual tickets or a transport card). My advice is to get a Navegante card and load either money on it or unlimited trips within a time period.

Like for all the other multi-day stays, I divided the activities by day to help you better organize your time.

Classic Lisbon yellow tram navigating a narrow street, lined with traditional buildings, under the clear blue sky

Day 10 in Lisbon

  • Start your day at Praça do Comércio (map) and snap some pics
  • Ride the historic Eléctrico 28 tram (map) – skip if lines are long
  • Wander through the charming Baixa neighborhood
  • Ride the historic Elevador de Santa Justa (map)
  • Explore the Chiado district (map)
  • Have lunch at the Time Out Market food hall
  • Stroll through the narrow streets of Alfama (map)
  • Enjoy a fado music show and dinner

Day 11 in Lisbon

  • Visit the Belém Tower (map) and go up to the roof to admire the view
  • Spend some time exploring Jerónimos Monastery (map)
  • Admire the intricate sculptures of the Monument to the Discoveries (map)
  • Have a pastel de nata at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery (map)
  • End the day with a bang on a sunset party cruise with an open bar

Where to stay in Lisbon

A bustling street in the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon, filled with people walking and shopping, lined with colorful buildings and outdoor cafes under a clear blue sky

Each of the accommodations on this list is centrally located and a great choice for a comfy stay in Lisbon. Also, you get to pick one that meets your budget.

  • Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel ($$$) – situated in Lisbon’s historic center, this charming hotel has an á lá carte restaurant, a 24/7 front desk, concierge services, and a tour desk. Continental breakfast is served every morning.
  • Browns Downtown Hotel ($$): This central Lisbon hotel offers modern and trendy rooms with private marble bathrooms. Each room is individually decorated and has a coffee station.
  • Urban Garden Hostel ($) – each of the dormitories at this hostel is decorated in original style and provides access to private bathrooms. On-site, you’ll also find a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

Day 12: Day trip to Sintra

The writer of the post stands in front of a vibrant red and yellow building with intricate architectural details, smiling and enjoying the day.

Sintra is a small town situated just 32 km (20 miles) away from Lisbon. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its castles, royal palaces, and 19th-century architecture. The place is simply charming, and I highly recommend visiting it!

The easiest, way to explore Sintra is by taking a guided day tour from Lisbon; you’ll see all the top attractions and not worry about transportation for once.

But you can also navigate this day trip from Lisbon without a guided tour, it is a little more complicated though. You can easily drive to Sintra but once you’re in the town, you’ll struggle to get around and parking isn’t easy. Because of this, I’d recommend rather taking the train (and buses within Sintra).

The first thing to do – wake up early and start the trip in the morning – if you arrive late, the town will be super crowded. Plus, there really is so much to do in Sintra!

Starting at 06.20 a.m. there are trains from Lisbon to Sintra every half hour, so you can pick a time that works for you. If you want to take a bus around Sintra, don’t forget to bring cash to pay on the bus.

When you arrive at the Sintra train station (wait for the last stop), you’ll be in the heart of the historic center, so you can walk around a bit and explore.

A breathtaking view of a gothic-style palace surrounded by lush gardens and tall trees, with intricate architectural details standing out under a bright blue sky.

There really is a lot of stuff to do in Sintra, so you’ll need to plan your time carefully (and book your tickets in advance!). Also be sure to check train and bus schedules in advance! If you miss your train or bus you may need to wait over 20 mins for the next one!

To get from the train station to the various attractions, you’ll need to take the bus (or walk). There are a couple options for the different attractions, but your best bet is tourist bus 434 – more info here.

The top attractions in Sintra include the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira castle. However, these 2 spots are highly visited, so you might have to face the crowds. Again, we have some tips on how to get tickets; more info about Pena Palace tickets here, and advice on getting Quinta da Regaleira tickets here.

I highly recommend visiting both and there’s enough time to do both in a day! But if you have to choose one to explore at a more relaxing pace, I’d personally choose the Pena Palace!

Although you can spend the night in Sintra, I rather suggest getting back to Lisbon in the evening and leaving for Porto from there.

Things to do in Sintra

  • Start your day with a visit to the National Palace of Pena (map)
  • Explore the Quinta da Regaleira castle (map)
  • End your explorations with a visit to the Park and Palace of Monserrate (map)
  • Have dinner at Romaria de Baco (map)
  • Optional: Enjoy a walk around The Moorish Castle (map)
  • Optional: Visit the museum at the Sintra National Palace (map)

Day 13: Leave Lisbon and arrive in Porto

The iconic blue 'Porto.' sign in front of the ornate City Hall in Avenida dos Aliados, Porto, with the writer of the article sitting in the letter 'O', under a cloudy sky

The final stop on this Spain and Portugal 14-day itinerary is Porto, famous for its port wine, gorgeous bridges, and cobbled streets. The historic center of Porto boasts impressive architecture and many restaurants and cafes where you can unwind and relax.

There are direct trains from Lisbon to Porto throughout the day, and taking the train is more affordable than driving –it’s also faster! So, even if you’ve got a rental car, I suggest you drop it off in Lisbon and make the last leg of this trip by train.

Since this is the last place you’ll be staying, spend 2 nights in Porto (one full day and half a day when you arrive from Lisbon). If possible, book your flight that leaves in the afternoon/evening of day 15 so you can go to the airport with no rush and even fit one more activity.

The historic center of Porto is a must-visit, but you should also do some shopping. The Livraria Lello is one of the oldest in the country, and Mercado Bom Sucesso is a bustling market that warrants a visit.

Day 13 in Porto (if you arrive early)

  • Stop to admire the Luís I Bridge (map) and snap some photos
  • Optional: Go on a tuk-tuk city tour and a cruise along the Douro River
  • Optional: Go book shopping at Livraria Lello (map)
  • Go for a walk at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (map)

Day 14 in Porto

The writer of the post gazes out over the historic Ribeira district of Porto, with the Douro River and Dom Luís I Bridge in the background on an overcast day.

For your last day in Porto, these are the top attractions you should check out:

Day 14 in Porto

  • Visit the Porto Cathedral (map)
  • Shop at Mercado Bom Sucesso (map) and Shopping Cidade do Porto (map)
  • Stop by the Casa da Música (map) to admire the architecture
  • Optional: Visit the Jardim Botânico do Porto
  • Go on a guided tour of the Bolsa Palace
  • Pay a visit to the Chapel of Souls (map)

The next day (Day 15), you’ll need to leave for Porto Airport and fly home. Keep this in mind when booking your flights and add an extra day for travel time and getting settled at home.

Optional extras 

Want to stay an extra day in Porto? Here’s what I would do:

  • Shopping at Mercado do Bolhão (map)
  • Make a stop at the Church of Saint Francis (map)
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Port Wine Museum
  • Go for a stroll along the Ribeira do Porto (map)
  • Check out the collection at the World of Discoveries history museum

Alternatively, on this extra day, you can go on a guided tour of the Duoro Valley and have a super relaxing day to wrap up the trip.

Where to stay in Porto

A picturesque view of Porto's colorful houses stacked along the hillside

For your 1-night stay in Porto, these are the top options in each price category:

  • Torel Palace Porto ($$$) – a 5-star hotel with an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Concierge and luggage storage are also provided by the hotel, and buffet and continental breakfast are available daily.
  • Casa Antiga ($$) – this lovely guest house features rooms with a private bathroom and a desk, and has an on-site coffee shop and bar. Guests can also benefit from luggage storage and bicycle rentals.
  • Easy Host Porto ($) – offering private and shared rooms, this hostel also has a shared kitchen and offers luggage storage. Free Wi-Fi is also provided, while parking is available for an additional fee.
???? How many days: 14 days
???????? Best attraction in Spain: Sagrada Família
???????? Best attraction in Portugal: Sintra
???? Average cost: from €2,500 to €3,000
???? When to visit: March to May/September to November

Customizing the itinerary

The writer of the post stands at the edge of a turquoise reflecting pool, admiring the futuristic white architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences complex under a clear blue sky

A 14-day itinerary might not work for everyone. Some people have more time to explore these beautiful countries, while others unfortunately have less.

You can easily customize this same itinerary too – with the optional extras I already provided for Barcelona, Madrid, and Porto, you can easily make this a 17-18 day trip, but here are some other ways to customize the itinerary:

21-day itinerary 

If you have 21 days total, there are a few stops you can add:

  • Valencia – from Barcelona, head to Valencia and spend 2 days there before moving on to Madrid.
  • Granada – spend 1 day in Granada after your stay in Madrid and before heading to Cordoba
  • Cordoba – spend 1 day in Cordoba before you head to Seville
  • Extra day in Seville – spending an extra day here is a good idea, as the city has plenty to offer.
  • Coimbra – there are plenty of things to do in Coimbra, so stop here for 1 day before heading to Porto
  • Extra day in Porto – add an extra day in Porto, so instead of leaving on the 2nd day, you’ll leave on the 3rd

10-day itinerary 

Need to create a Portugal and Spain itinerary for 10 days? Don’t worry – that’s totally doable! And here’s how!

  • Spend one day less in Madrid
  • Skip Algarve coast
  • Spend one day less in Lisbon

Even though you’ll miss out on some things with this itinerary, you’ll still get to see the main highlights.

FAQs about visiting Spain and Portugal

Two people standing in an ornate courtyard.

???? How many days do you need in Spain and Portugal?

To fully experience Spain and Portugal, you need 14 days. Although 10-day and 12-day itineraries could work, a 2-week trip is an ideal amount of time.

???? What is the best month to visit Spain and Portugal?

The best months for visiting Spain and Portugal are April and May when the weather’s not too hot, and there are that many crowds.

⏳ Can you do Spain and Portugal in 7 days?

Yes, you can do Spain and Portugal in 7 days, but the trip will be rushed, and you’ll have to skip out on many destinations. In 7 days, you could visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon.

???? What is the best way to travel from Spain to Portugal?

The best way to get from Spain to Portugal depends on where you travel. If going from Madrid to Lisbon, a plane is the best option. But as in this itinerary, if you’re going from Seville to Faro, you can also take a bus.

The writer of the post poses in front of a vibrant and intricate tiled wall, wearing a blue top and a necklace, smiling softly.

We’ve reached the end of this Spain and Portugal itinerary. By now, you should have a better idea of where to start, what to visit, and how to get from one place to another.

This busy itinerary is packed with activities and carefully chosen travel times. The best way to ensure everything goes according to plan is to book everything in advance. When I say everything, I mean plane tickets, hotels, buses, trains, and even tours!

If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below. I am happy to answer everything and help you customize your itinerary.

Happy travels,

Yulia 


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