Ultimate Spain & Portugal Travel Guide
From Spain’s flamenco rhythms and sun-kissed beaches to Portugal’s dramatic coastline and soulful fado music, the Iberian Peninsula is a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re craving tapas in Seville, wine tasting in the Douro Valley, or exploring Moorish palaces in Granada, this guide will help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Best Places to Visit
- Spain
- Barcelona –Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter, beach life.
- Madrid: –Prado Museum, Royal Palace, lively plazas.
- Seville –Alcázar, Cathedral, flamenco shows.
- Granada –The Alhambra, Albaicín neighborhood.
- San Sebastián –Pintxos bars, beautiful beaches.
- Valencia –City of Arts & Sciences, paella birthplace.
- Portugal
- Lisbon –Alfama district, tram rides, river views.
- Porto: –Port wine cellars, colorful Ribeira district.
- Douro Valley –Vineyard landscapes, boat cruises.
- Algarve –Golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, charming fishing towns.
- Évora –Roman ruins, medieval streets.
- Madeira & Azores –Lush islands with hiking, whale watching.
When to Go
- Best Weather:
- April–June & September–October –Warm, sunny, and less crowded.
- Best Value:
- March& November–Mild weather in many areas, lower rates.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)–Low prices except during Christmas/New Year; great for city trips.
- Avoid (if possible):
- July–August –Very hot inland, busiest at beaches, higher prices.
- Average Seasonal Temperatures
- Spring: 60–75°F (16–24°C) –Comfortable for sightseeing.
- Summer: 80–100°F (27–38°C) inland; cooler on coasts.
- Fall: 60–80°F (16–27°C) early, cooler by November.
- Winter: 45–65°F (7–18°C) –Mild in the south, chilly in the north.
- Ideal Length of Stay
- One country only: 7–10 days minimum.
- Highlights of both countries: 2–3 weeks.
- City break: 4–5 days per city.
- What to Bring
- Light, breathable clothing for summer; layers for spring/fall.
- Comfortable walking shoes (many cobblestone streets).
- Light rain jacket for spring/fall.
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen.
- Adapter for European outlets.
- Important Things to Consider
- Transportation: High-speed trains in Spain (AVE) and Portugal’s Alfa Pendular make major cities easy to reach; car rental best for rural areas.
- Lunch & dinner hours: Lunch often 1–3 pm, dinner 8–10 pm (later in Spain).
- Festivals: Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Seville, Lisbon’s Santo António Festival, Porto’s São João Festival.
- Language: Spanish in Spain, Portuguese in Portugal—English widely understood in tourist areas.
- What to Eat
- Spain:
- Tapas, paella (Valencia), jamón ibérico, churros con chocolate, tortilla española.
- Regional specialties: pintxos (Basque Country), gazpacho (Andalusia).
- Portugal:
- Bacalhau (cod dishes), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), caldo verde soup.
- Port wine (Porto), vinho verde (Minho region), fresh seafood (Algarve).
- Sample 12-Day Spain & Portugal Itinerary
- Day 1–3: Barcelona –Gaudí architecture, tapas, beach.
- Day 4–5: Madrid –Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Toledo day trip.
- Day 6–7: Seville –Alcázar, flamenco, tapas.
- Day 8–9: Lisbon –Alfama, Belém, tram 28ride.
- Day 10: Sintra day trip –Pena Palace, Moorish Castle.
- Day 11-12: Porto –Wine cellars, Douro River cruise.
- Travel Tip Recap
- Visit in spring or fall for best weather and value.
- Stay at least 2–3 nights per city to enjoy without rushing.
- Book trains and major attractions in advance in peak seasons.
- Embrace local dining schedules and try regional dishes.
