Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days

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Spain and Portugal, the two countries on the Iberian Peninsula, are known for their vibrant cities, rich histories, and stunning landscapes.

In 14 days you can see the best destinations in these two beautiful countries. From exploring the stunning architecture in Barcelona to relaxing on the golden beaches of the Algarve, and not to forget the two capital cities, Madrid and Spain.

This Spain and Portugal itinerary will take you on a journey through the highlights of Spain and Portugal, giving you a taste of both the cosmopolitan cities and the charming small towns.

I’m sure you’ll fall in love with those two beautiful countries and you’ll want to come back and spend even more time here. That’s what happened to me, I keep being drawn back to Spain and Portugal.

Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary 14 Days

14 days is a good amount of time to visit Spain and Portugal, however, it’s not enough to see everything. For example, I have to completely skip the north of Spain because there simply isn’t enough time for it.

But don’t worry, I have carefully planned this itinerary to still include the main must-see places and experiences in both countries.

So let’s begin our journey through Spain and Portugal! Keep in mind that you can always change the itinerary according to your preferences and add or remove destinations as needed.

Best view of Barcelona from a Barcelona Viewpoint — Best view of Barcelona

1. Stop: Barcelona

Our tour kicks off in Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, known for the stunning architecture by Antoni Gaudi, delicious food, and lively atmosphere.

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Spain. I’ve been so many times now and I keep going back to Barcelona. I just love the atmosphere and the delicious vegan food in Barcelona.

Tina sitting on a bench inside Park Güell, Best Barcelona Tours Gaudi — Me at Park Güell, one of the main attractions in Barcelona

Day 1: Barcelona

Start your trip by visiting Barcelona. See the famous La Sagrada Familia and Gaudi’s other masterpieces Park Güell and Casa Batlló.

Explore the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, one of the most iconic areas in Barcelona. You can skip Las Ramblas, it’s very overrated in my opinion.

Have a picnic in Ciutadella Park or on the beach and watch the sunset from a viewpoint in the city. If you have time, I also recommend the light show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. It’s one of the best things to see in Barcelona for free.

🤩 Discover Barcelona’s top spots on a guided walking tour!

Day 2: Barcelona or Day Trip

Girona day trip from Barcelona — Girona: Don’t you just love those colourful houses next to the river?

On your second day, you have the choice of exploring Barcelona further or taking a day trip.

Some options for day trips include visiting the charming coastal town of Sitges, hiking in Montserrat, visiting the medieval city of Girona, or exploring the Roman ruins in Tarragona.

I did all of those day trips since I spent more time in Barcelona. My favorite two day trips were my Girona day trip and my Tarragona day trip.

🤩 Explore Girona and the beautiful Costa Brava with this incredible day tour!

In case you decide to spend the second day in Barcelona, you can visit some of the museums like the Picasso Museum or the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

2. Stop: Madrid

From Barcelona, we’ll head to Spain’s capital city, Madrid. Known for its lively nightlife and cultural offerings.

I’ll be completely honest with you, Madrid is not my favorite city in Spain. But it still has some iconic sights and we have time for a quick stop on the way down South.

You could even make a quick stop in Zaragoza which is about halfway between Barcelona and Madrid but to be honest I don’t think Zaragoza is worth visiting.

A palace behind some trees and bushes — Royal Palace, one of the top things in Spain’s Capital City

Day 3: Madrid

Spend the first day in Madrid exploring the Royal Palace of Madrid and the neighboring Catedral de la Almudena.

Afterward have a drink at the impressive Plaza Mayor and head to Puerta del Sol, which is the center of Spain.

In the afternoon, visit the Prado Museum, the most famous museum in Madrid. The museum is right next to the beautiful Retiro Park, so you can relax there afterward.

🤩 See the top things in Madrid on a Tuk-Tuk tour! Perfect for first-time visitors.

Day 4: Day Trip to Toledo and/or Segovia

Toledo and Segovia are two beautiful cities near Madrid that are perfect for a day trip.

View of Toledo at sunset, a river goes past the town, on the other side of the river is nature — The best view of Toledo, especially at sunset

In Toledo, visit the impressive cathedral and wander around the narrow streets of this historic city. Don’t forget to try the famous marzipan!

In Segovia, you can admire the stunning Roman aqueduct and explore the Alcázar de Segovia, a castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

You can easily do a day trip to either of those cities by train, but if you want to see both Toledo and Segovia in one day, I recommend taking a guided tour.

🤩 A guided tour is a great option to see Toledo and Segovia in one day!

3. Stop: Andalusia

Our next stop is the stunning city of Seville. This will be our base for the next three days as we explore the beautiful region of Andalusia in Southern Spain.

Andalusia is such a beautiful region, you could easily spend 10 days there, but I packed the highlights into 3 days.

Tina leaning on a colourful railing in front of historic looking buildings at Plaza de España in Seville — The most beautiful square in Seville, such a great place to visit

Day 5: Seville

Start your day by visiting the stunning Alcázar of Seville, a palace with both Christian and Moorish influences. Next, head to the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world.

In the afternoon, stroll around the charming María Luisa Park and visit the beautiful Plaza de España.

A big wooden structure over a big square in Seville — The “Mushrooms of Seville”

Afterwards head to Las Setas, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and take in the breathtaking views of Seville from the viewing platform on top.

End your day with a flamenco show or relax in an Arab Bath. While I missed those in Seville, I loved the hot water pools in Granada’s baths and enjoyed watching a flamenco show in a Granada cave house. I’m sure they’re just as great in Seville.

🤩 I love this Seville Tuk Tuk tour for the local guide!

Day 6: Day Trip to Granada

Intricate decorated columns at Nasrid Palace, tours from Seville to Granada — Nasrid Palace inside Alhambra

Granada is a must-visit city in Andalusia, known for its stunning Alhambra Palace. I really love the relaxed atmosphere in Granada. You can easily spend a few days in Granada, but since we only have one day, we’ll focus on the highlights.

Start your day by visiting the Alhambra Palace and its beautiful gardens. Make sure to book your entrance tickets online in advance, as they sell out quickly.

In the afternoon, wander around the charming Albaicín neighborhood and enjoy some delicious tapas. End your day with a visit to Mirador de San Nicolás for a stunning view of the Alhambra at sunset.

🤩 I love this Seville to Granada tour for the included Alhambra ticket & time in Granada city!

Day 7: Day Trip to Córdoba

Columns and arches inside the cathedral in Cordoba — Inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

Córdoba is another beautiful city in Andalusia, known for its stunning Mezquita-Catedral and historic Jewish Quarter.

Start your Córdoba day trip by visiting the Mezquita-Catedral, a unique mosque-cathedral with beautiful architecture. I was really amazed by the sheer size of the cathedral and the Muslim elements inside.

Afterward, wander around the Jewish Quarter and explore its charming streets and shops. Make sure to try the famous local dish, salmorejo, a delicious cold tomato soup.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a palace with beautiful gardens, or simply relax in one of the many plazas and soak up the atmosphere.

🤩 Explore the great city of Córdoba with a walking tour!

4. Stop: Algarve, Portugal

Our next stop is the beautiful Algarve region in southern Portugal. Known for its stunning beaches and picturesque towns, it’s the perfect place to relax after a busy trip through Spain.

Day 8: Faro

Start your day by visiting Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. Explore its charming old town and visit the Sé Cathedral and the Arco da Vila gate.

Afterward, you can take a boat tour from Faro to explore the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park or do a quick trip to Olhão to see a different side of the Algarve.

A wooden path on a white beach at Praia da Culatra — Sandy beach near Olhão

Olhão is a charming fishing town with a very authentic Portuguese atmosphere. My favorite things to do in Olhão were learning about local legends and taking a boat tour to some picturesque islands.

🤩 Visit the Ria Formosa on a boat tour from Faro!

Day 9: Lagos

Lagos is another must-visit destination in the Algarve known for its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and picturesque old town.

Limestone cliffs in the ocean with a few trees growing on them — Lagos is the perfect place to see stunning rock formations in the Algarve

Start your day by taking a boat tour to explore the famous sea caves and rock formations near Lagos. The boat tour was my favorite thing to do in Lagos, the cliffs are so impressive, and with a small boat, you can get really close to the sea caves.

When you get back from your boat tour have some lunch in the old town of Lagos.

Afterward, visit beautiful beaches like Praia do Camilo or Praia Dona Ana for sun, sand, and relaxation. Then walk to Ponta da Piedade, famous for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, for the perfect sunset.

🤩 I took this boat cruise in Lagos and loved it!

Day 10: Benagil Caves

A cave with a circular opening at the top and green water at the bottom; those are the famous Benagil caves in the Algarve — The famous Benagil Cave

In case you do this Spain and Portugal itinerary by train stay in Lagos for a second day and take a boat tour to the Benagil Caves. The great thing about doing a boat tour from Lagos to the Benagil Caves is that you’ll have the chance to see some dolphins on the way.

Afterwards relax on one of the beaches before heading to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

If you’re on a Spain and Portugal road trip, head from Lagos to Benagil in the morning to see the amazing sea cave. In the afternoon, you can also tackle the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, known for its breathtaking coastal views.

🤩 See dolphins and the Benagil Caves on an incredible boat cruise!

5. Stop: Lisbon

Our next stop is the vibrant and charming capital city of Lisbon. You can easily spend a few days in Lisbon, but we’ll try to see the best things in the city in one day, so we can do one short day trip from Lisbon before heading to our final stop of the itinerary.

A small street with yellow buildings on both sides in Lisbon — Explore the narrow cobblestone streets of Lisbon

Day 11: Lisbon

Start your Lisbon day by visiting the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites with stunning architecture and history in the Belém district.

In the afternoon, take a stroll around the charming Alfama neighborhood and visit the São Jorge Castle for some amazing views of the city.

Finish your day with some delicious vegan food in Lisbon and don’t miss out on a traditional Pastel de Nata as dessert.

🤩 Tuk Tuk Tours are very popular in Lisbon due to the narrow and steep roads!

Aerial view of a bustling street in Lisbon, with terracotta rooftops stretching towards the historic castle on the hill, capturing the essence of things to do in Lisbon on a Spain and Portugal itinerary. — View of Lisbon from the Santa Justa Lift

Day 12: Day Trip to Sintra and/or Cascais

For our final day trip, we have two options – Sintra and/or Cascais.

Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and castles. The most famous ones are the colorful Pena Palace and the stunning Quinta da Regaleira. It’s truly a stunning place but it can get extremely overcrowded in summer.

A castle wall and tower, on one side are bushes and stones, on the other side is a town in the distance, make sure to add it to your itinerary if you do one of the SIntra day tours from Lisbon — The walls of the Moorish Castle in Sintra

Alternatively, you can visit the quaint coastal town of Cascais for some beach time, an impressive coastline, and a charming old town.

You can do each day trip easily by public transport, but if you want to see both places in one day I recommend a guided tour to Sintra and Cascais.

🤩 Check prices for a Sintra and Cascais private tour!

6. Stop: Porto

Our final stop is Porto, a beautiful city in the North of Portugal, known for its port wine and charming old town.

View of the old town of Porto and a steel bridge spanning a river, the best view of any 3 day Porto itinerary — View of Ribeira and the bridge

Day 13: Porto

Start your day in Porto by visiting the Livraria Lello bookstore, known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Near the bookstore is the Clérigos Tower, where you can climb the stairs for a stunning view of the city.

inside the bookshop Livraria Lello — It can get very crowded in the bookshop

In the afternoon, stroll through the charming Ribeira district and do a Porto boat cruise to see the city and its many bridges from a different perspective.

Afterward, cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to get to Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for its port wine cellars. Have a wine tasting in one of the wine cellars and enjoy the sunset from Jardim do Morro.

🤩 Explore Porto on a walking tour to discover top highlights with insights from a local guide!

Day 14: Departure

You have a few options on your last day based on your return flight.

If you fly back home from Porto and you still have the full day to spend in Portugal. You can do a day trip from Porto. There are several options to choose from, such as visiting the Douro Valley, Braga, and Guimarães, or a beach trip to Aveiro and Costa Nova.
If you fly back home from Lisbon and you don’t have any time to spare, just take the high-speed train from Porto to Lisbon on your last day.
If you fly back home from Lisbon and you do have some time to spare. You can take a one-way tour from Porto to Lisbon and see some amazing towns on the way. Tours usually stop in Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal, Coimbra, home to the oldest university in Portugal, and many others.

🤩 Check prices for a one-way tour from Porto to Lisbon!

14-Day Itinerary Spain and Portugal: How to Get Around

The best way to travel around Spain and Portugal is by using trains, buses, and day tours. You can buy your train tickets in advance to save money.

I don’t recommend taking flights within Spain and Portugal. Taking public transportation is a lot more convenient and eco-friendly.

A rental car is a good option if you want to customize this itinerary to see more remote places but it’s really not necessary to see all the stops I included in this itinerary for Spain and Portugal.

A travel infographic titled 'How to get around SPAIN & PORTUGAL' from veganderlust.com displays travel times between various cities. Travel options include train, bus, car, and plane with varying times, such as Barcelona to Madrid by train taking 2 hours and 45 minutes, and by plane 1 hour and 25 minutes. The chart uses shades of green for each mode of transportation, with specific travel times clearly listed for each city pair

Best Time to travel to Spain and Portugal

The best time to travel to Portugal and Spain is from April to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season.

However, if you’re planning on doing beach activities and want hot weather, July and August are the best months for visiting Spain and Portugal.

For a more budget-friendly trip, consider traveling during the off-season from November to March. The weather may be colder but you’ll have fewer crowds and can find better deals on accommodations and activities.

A rocky coastline with the ocean crashing against it — Stunning coast line just outside Cascais near Lisbon

Final Thoughts: Portugal and Spain Itinerary 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary for Spain and Portugal is a great way to see the highlights of both countries. From stunning beaches to charming cities and historical sites, there’s something for everyone on this trip.

You get to marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, explore Madrid’s royal heritage, and immerse yourself in Andalusia’s captivating blend of cultures.

In Portugal, you’ll experience the laid-back charm of the Algarve’s coastal towns, the vibrant capital city of Lisbon, and the beautiful riverfront city of Porto.

Spain and Portugal will leave you with a lifetime of memories. And remember you can always make alterations to this Spain Portugal itinerary to fit your travel preferences and schedule. If you fall in love with one city, just stay another day and skip something else.