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Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Won’t Forget
Spain and Portugal, with their vibrant cultures, rich histories, and mouthwatering cuisines, are two countries that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Truth be told, 10 days is hardly enough to fully explore these two beautiful countries, but it’s enough to get a great first impression! I’ve crafted a Spain and Portugal itinerary that contains some of the best experiences the two countries have to offer.
These amazing 10 days will leave you wanting more. At least, I for one fell in love with Spain and Portugal. And I keep coming back to explore new corners.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary 10 Days
You could easily do a separate 10-day itinerary for Spain and a 10-day itinerary for Portugal, but I get it, sometimes the holidays are just too short and you need to make the most out of it. So, I’ve combined some of the must-see places in both countries into one epic itinerary.
Throughout this itinerary, you’ll have the chance to experience the beautiful cities and charming towns, try some delicious local cuisine, learn about the fascinating history and culture, and relax on stunning beaches.
To keep things super chill and avoid packing your bags every other day, I’ve divided the itinerary into four main sections so you can settle in and feel more at home in each place.
Feel free to adjust this Spain-Portugal itinerary in any way to fit your travel style better.
1. Stop: Barcelona
The first stop of our Spain trip is Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia. This city is known for its stunning architecture, lively street life, and amazing food.
You may wonder about Spain’s capital, Madrid, but when time is short, it’s best to skip Madrid compared to other Spanish cities, even if you miss the Royal Palace. I’d recommend Madrid only in a 14-day Spain and Portugal itinerary when you’re less rushed.
š¤© Explore Barcelona’s highlights with a guided walking tour.
Day 1: Barcelona City Tour
Start your first day of this Portugal and Spain itinerary by exploring the stunning city of Barcelona. Visit the iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral, and marvel at Antoni Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces such as Park GĆ¼ell and Casa BatllĆ³.
š¤© Get skip-the-line tickets to Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces, Sagrada Familia and Park GĆ¼ell
Stroll through the charming alleys in the Gothic Quarter, treat yourself to some delicious vegan tapas in Barcelona, and walk through the Arc de Triomf on your way to Ciutadella Park.
In the evening, watch the sunset from one of the best viewpoints in Barcelona or watch a light show at the Magic Fountain of MontjuĆÆc. Both of those are amazing things to do in Barcelona for free.
Those are the absolute top things to do in Barcelona, but you could easily spend 3 days in Barcelona or even more to explore all the city has to offer.
Day 2: Barcelona or Day Trip
On your second day, take a break from the city and embark on a day trip from Barcelona.
Some popular day trip options are the picturesque coastal town of Sitges, the medieval city of Girona, or the breathtaking mountain monastery of Montserrat. My favorite day trip from Barcelona was to Girona, I was so pleasantly surprised by this charming town.
š¤© Visit Girona and the stunning Costa Brava with this amazing day tour!
After an exciting day out, head back to Barcelona and spend your evening in one of the trendy rooftop bars or clubs.
If you prefer to stay in Barcelona, spend the day at Barceloneta Beach or visit some of the city’s interesting museums and galleries. My favorite museum in Barcelona is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, it showcases the best local artists.
2. Stop: Andalusia
Next up, we’ll head straight to the heart of Southern Spain – the enchanting region of Andalusia. Trust me, it’s magical! You can easily get there from Barcelona by train or a quick flight.
If I could, I’d spend a full 10 days in Andalusia because it’s just that stunning, but time is limited, right?
So, I’ve crafted a thrilling 3-day itinerary with the unmissable highlights of Andalusia. We’ll set our base in Seville and explore the surrounding cities on day trips from Seville.
Day 3: Seville City Tour
Start your day in Seville by visiting the AlcƔzar, a stunning palace with intricate Moorish architecture and beautiful gardens.
Right next to the AlcƔzar is Seville Cathedral, the fourth largest church in the world. The palace and the cathedral are both a UNESCO World Heritage site.
š¤© Get skip-the-line entrance tickets for the main attractions in Seville!
In the afternoon, explore Plaza de EspaƱa, the most picturesque square in Seville. It’s located inside the MarĆa Luisa Park.
In the evening, go up to Las Setas, a modern wooden structure with a rooftop viewing platform that offers the best views of the city.
In the evening you can see a traditional flamenco show in Seville if you’re up for it.
It’s possible to see the best attractions in Seville in one day but if time allows it, I do recommend spending more time in Seville.
š¤© Skip walking in Seville’s hot weather! See the beautiful city from a Tuk Tuk!
Day 4: Day Trip to Granada
Usually, I would recommend staying 3 days in Granada. But since time is short a full day trip from Seville to Granada has to suffice.
The main highlight in Granada is, of course, the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex. A quick Alhambra tip: Make sure to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.
After visiting the Alhambra, explore the charming AlbayzĆn neighborhood with its white-washed houses and narrow streets. End your day by watching the sunset from the Mirador de San NicolĆ”s, a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the Alhambra and the city.
The best way to see Granada in a day from Seville is by taking a guided tour that includes transportation. Make sure to get a tour that includes the city of Granada as well as the Alhambra Palace.
š¤© Love this Seville to Granada tour! It includes Alhambra ticket & time to explore Granada city!
Day 5: Day Trip to CĆ³rdoba
On your last day in Andalusia, take a day trip to the city of CĆ³rdoba. The main highlight here is the Mezquita-Catedral, a stunning mosque-cathedral with an interesting mix of Moorish and Christian architecture.
Stroll through the charming Jewish Quarter and visit the stunning AlcƔzar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval palace with beautiful gardens.
In the evening, head back to Seville to pack your bags for the next stop on our Spain-Portugal itinerary.
š¤© I highly recommend this walking tour with included entrance tickets!
3. Stop: Algarve
On day 6, we’ll cross the border and start our Portugal trip in the stunning Algarve region. The quickest way to get there is by taking a bus or flight from Seville to Faro, the capital of Algarve.
The Algarve is known for its breathtaking coastline with sandy beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs.
Day 6: Faro
Start your day in Faro, a charming city with a beautiful old town and lively marina.
Stroll through the charming old town of Faro, and take a boat tour to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning lagoon with beautiful flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, soak up some sun at Praia de Faro beach. If you’re up for it, you can also try some water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Alternatively you can also catch a train to OlhĆ£o or Tavira to explore the lesser known side of the Algarve.
š¤© Visit two remote islands and relax on the beautiful beaches in the Ria Formosa!
Day 7-8: Lagos
Next, head to the picturesque town of Lagos, for some more beach time. Lagos is known for its stunning cliffs, hidden grottos, and golden beaches.
Spend your two days in Lagos relaxing at the beach, taking a boat tour to explore the famous Ponta da Piedade rock formations, or hiking along the coastal cliffs.
Alternatively you can explore different destinations including Lagos on day trips from Faro.
š¤© I absolutely loved my boat cruise to see the stunning cliffs near Lagos!
Don’t miss the chance to take a boat tour to the awe-inspiring Benagil Caves, the most popular destination in the Algarve.
On the way to the Benagil Caves, you’ll probably also have the chance to see some dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the incredible things to do in the Algarve.
š¤© See dolphins on your way to the famous Benagil Caves!
4. Stop: Lisbon
Our final stop in Portugal is the capital city, Lisbon. From Lagos, you can either take a bus or train to Lisbon, or rent a car and drive along the stunning Portuguese coast. We’ll spend two days in Portugal’s capital.
š¤© Tuk Tuk Tours are really popular in Lisbon since the roads can get very narrow and steep!
Day 9: Sightseeing in Lisbon
Start your day in Lisbon by visiting BelĆ©m, an area famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Belem Tower and JerĆ³nimos Monastery.
Don’t forget to try the famous pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart. You can find vegan versions of it at some of the vegan restaurants in Lisbon.
In the afternoon, head to the Alfama district, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon with narrow streets and stunning views of the city. Take a ride on the historic Tram 28, and explore the castle of Lisbon.
š¤© Explore Lisbon on this highly-rated walking tour!
Day 10: Lisbon or Day Trip
On your last day in Lisbon, you can choose to spend the day exploring more of the city or take a day trip from Lisbon.
The most popular day trip from Lisbon is Sintra, a magical town known for its fairytale-like castles and palaces, such as Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. As magical as Sintra is, I wouldn’t recommend it during high season as it just gets too crowded.
An alternative day trip could be to Cascais, a charming beach town known for its beautiful beaches and historic center.
š¤© Visit both, Sintra and Cascais, with this customizable private tour!
Or you can even take a day trip from Lisbon to Porto, the home of the traditional port wine. Although it would be best to have more time in the city on your Lisbon-Porto itinerary.
The options are endless, and it just depends on your preferences and interests.
10-Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: How to Get Around
The best way to get around Spain and Portugal is by taking a combination of trains, buses, and day tours. So, it’s easy to do this itinerary by public transportation.
There are also affordable flights available between the main cities in both countries. However, keep in mind that taking flights will limit your ability to see the beautiful landscapes along the way. And taking a high speed train is more eco-friendly than a short flight.
You can also opt for a rental car, but it’s really not necessary. A road trip by car great option if you want to customize the itinerary more and you like to take stops between the main places on this itinerary.
Now, let’s have a look at how to get from one place to the next:
Best Time to visit Spain and Portugal
The best time to visit the Iberian peninsula is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak season.
However, if you don’t mind the hot weather and larger crowds, then the summer months (June-August) can also be a great time to visit. Especially if you want to spend as much time as possible swimming in the ocean and relaxing on the beaches.
Final Thoughts: Itinerary for Spain and Portugal
With this 10-day Spain-Portugal itinerary, you can get a taste of the best things those two beautiful countries have to offer.
In Spain, you can marvel at the unique architecture by Gaudi in Barcelona, soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Seville, admire the Alhambra’s intricate beauty, and soak up CĆ³rdoba’s Moorish history.
In Portugal, you can relax on stunning beaches in the Algarve, explore beautiful, small towns like Sintra and Cascais, and discover the vibrant city of Lisbon.
While this itinerary covers some of the top highlights, there is so much more to see and do in both countries. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems along the way.
Read more:
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain by Train
- Epic Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days in Andalusia by Train
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
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