Ultimate 14 Day Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Is a 14 Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary on your bucket list? Spain and Portugal once collectively ruled the world. Today they live in relative peace as they share the Iberian Peninsula. The two countries are one of the most historic, fun and interesting places to visit in the world. Pack your bags.

Is a 14 day Itinerary Enough Time to See Spain and Portugal?

Not really, a 14 day itinerary is simply not enough time if you intend to travel around the entire Iberian Peninsula. A 14 day itinerary is a good amount of time to explore most places. However, because Spain and Portugal covers such a large area, 14 days is simply not much time.

In particular, Spain’s spread-out geography and distinct regional cultures make it seem more like a collection of distinct regions than a centralized nation.  Therefore, think of the entire Iberian Peninsula as six different large regions.

14 Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary Not Enough Time For These 6 Regions:

• Northern Spain – Basque Country
• Southern Spain – Andalucia
• Madrid Metropolitan Area
• Catalunya – Barcelona Metropolitan Area
• Portugal South – Lisbon and Algarve
• Portugal North – Porto and the Douro Valley

Essentially, to get to know any of these areas you must spend at least 4-5 days in each region.  Thus, if you wish to cover Spain and Portugal, we suggest at least a 28 day itinerary, not a 14 day Spain and Portugal Itinerary.  Robin and I plan to do a 28-day Iberian Peninsula trip in 2024.   However, we will only visit four of the regions: Northern Spain, Madrid, and the two Portugal Regions as we prefer to spend even a little more time in each region. Also, we spent considerable time in Barcelona and Andalucía in 2022.  In 2024, we want to focus on the Basque Region, travel west to Santiago de Compostela, as well as visit Portugal where we have spent very little time to date.

Best Time to Visit Spain and Portugal on your 14 or 28 Day Itinerary

Spring and Fall offer the best times to visit as the weather will be more pleasant. Also, the crowds will be smaller and there will be plenty of cultural and tourist activities.  Compare that to July and August which are the most crowded and uncomfortably hot.  Additionally, November through March is the off-season and there will be fewer activities in smaller towns. Finally, winters can get uncomfortably cold.

Getting to Spain

Specifically, there are several international airports in Spain and Portugal that you can fly into and begin your tour of the Iberian Peninsula.  Madrid is our favorite because of its central location, but depending on your travel plans, Barcelona, Seville, and Lisbon are also good choices. If you plan on relying on Spain’s very efficient rail system to get you around, then you can certainly start in one city and end in another.  However, if you are more like us and you tend to want a car to get around, then getting and dropping off the car in the same city will save you money.  Therefore, we like Madrid which is at the center of the peninsula.

Getting Around Spain on Your 14 Day Itinerary

High speed trains, Tours, and Rental Cars are the three main alternatives that you should focus on for getting around Spain and Portugal on your 14 or 28 day itinerary. It doesn’t make sense to use planes to fly between the Spanish and Portuguese cities for several reasons.  

First, traveling by air is generally more expensive than the train.  You need to get to the airport hours in advance of your flight whereas with a train you can arrive twenty minutes ahead of time.  Add in the two hours and the train will likely be less time in total as the Spanish cities are only a few hours apart. Furthermore, it is often more expensive and time-consuming to get to the airport if you are staying in the city, compared to trains that are easier in almost every way. Also, you can work and spread out much better on a train. You can get train tickets through RailEurope.

Rental Cars and Tours are the other two alternatives; however, you don’t need a car in the major cities. Tours are expensive but can make sense when you need to get from point A to point B, or there is no convenient train service, or getting a rental car with a heavy drop-off fee is also too expensive. You can get rental cars through RentalCars.com.

14 Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary Tour Choices

Robin and I decided to do a tour when going from Madrid to Lisbon and taking a river cruise on the Douro River in Northern Portugal. Having the tour pick us up in Madrid, taking us to the embarkation point for our cruise in Vega de Terron on the Douro River, and then transferring us from Porto in Portugal to Lisbon where we would fly out of Lisbon made a lot of sense.

 We recommend using Cruise Critic to learn about river cruises or you can check out our Favorite Cruises Post.  For other tours, we recommend checking out Viator or Get Your Guide.

14 Day Spain Itinerary

Assuming you will constrain yourself to just Spain, then a 14-day itinerary is possible.  Here’s a 14-day itinerary of how you might try to do it, especially if this is your first time visit to Spain:

• Day 1-4: Barcelona
• Day 5- 7: Madrid
• Day 8: Toledo Day Trip
• Day 9-10: Granada
• Day 11-12: Seville
• Day 13: Córdoba Day Trip
• Day 14: Seville & Fly home

This Itinerary will have you visit three of our recommended six regions: Catalunya, Madrid, and Andalucia. These are the three most popular regions, and you will see some amazing places.  You can do this trip all by train, and not have to rent a car.   The Red Path from Barcelona to Madrid is by high-speed train, while the path from Madrid to Granada and then on to Sevilla is by normal speed trains. The trips to Toledo and Cordoba are single day trips.

However, in the Andalucia Region, having a car will be a big advantage in being able to get to places like Cordoba, Granada, and Seville.  Since we covered this itinerary in 2022, here is what we suggest you see in each of the key places you will visit. 

14 Day Spain Itinerary – Barcelona

Barcelona is a must-see city if you ever plan to visit Spain.  It is a wonderful city with some incredible architecture. Barcelona bubbles with life—in its narrow streets, pedestrian-friendly boulevards, elegant modern uptown, bohemian corners, and a vibrant beach scene. It is the Capital City of the Catalunya Region.

Ten Reasons to Visit Barcelona

Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers a plethora of experiences to its visitors. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Barcelona:

1. Gaudi’s famous architecture: Barcelona is home to some of the most iconic works of Antoni Gaudi, including the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló.
2. Historic Gothic Old Town: The Gothic Quarter is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are home to some of the city’s most historic buildings and landmarks.
3. A city of festivals: Barcelona hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Festa Major de Gracia, La Mercè, and the Barcelona Beach Festival.
4. The perfect combo of city and beach: Barcelona is one of the few cities in the world that offers both a vibrant city experience and a relaxing beach vacation.
5. The food: Barcelona is a food lover’s paradise, with its tapas bars, seafood restaurants, and traditional Catalan cuisine.
6. Street art: The city is home to some of the best street art in Europe, with works by famous artists such as Banksy and Keith Haring.
7. The rooftop bar scene: Barcelona has a thriving rooftop bar scene, with many bars offering stunning views of the city skyline.
8. Live music: The city has a vibrant live music scene, with many bars and clubs hosting local and international musicians.
9. Walkable city center: The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot, making it easy to explore all that Barcelona has to offer.
10. Weather is nice all year round: With its Mediterranean climate, Barcelona enjoys mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel.

Architectural Work of Antoni Gaudi

Must-See Major Attractions in Barcelona: 

• La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church) is the most famous of Gaudi’s incredible architecture.  It is a Catholic church and an icon of the city. La Sagrada Familia boasts bold, wildly creative organic architecture inside and out.  It is still unfinished.  You will need to purchase a timed entry ticket in advance to visit.  Highly recommended.
• Las Ramblas is Barcelona’s main boulevard and is a magnet for visitors.  A one-hour stroll down the Ramblas is a great opportunity to do some serious people-watching. Along the walk, you will also see some great historic places in the old city.
• Park Guell is home to some of Barcelona’s most famous symbols.  Most of the park is free, but the part most visitors want to see, the Monumental Zone—with all the iconic Gaudi features—has an admission fee and a timed entry ticket.
• The Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) is a must-see as Barcelona is where Picasso grew up and where he mastered his realistic painting style.
• Barcelona Cathedral is also worth a visit.  It is in the old city just off the Ramblas.
• Parc de la Ciutadella is very idyllic and probably the greenest oasis in the megacity of Barcelona. It invites you to relax, to rebound, and to go for long walks, as well as for a picnic. You can also use a rowing boat on the lake.

Catalunya Independence:  

Barcelona and the entire Catalunya region are very different from other parts of Spain.  Bullfighting and flamenco dancing are not popular in Catalunya.   The region has its own language, history, and culture. There is a large segment of the population that prefers Cataluyna to become an independent nation.  

14 Day Spain Itinerary – Madrid

As the Capital of Spain and its largest city, it is hard to visit Spain and not see Madrid.  Getting from Barcelona to Madrid is easy by high-speed train.  Madrid is a massive city, but its historic City Centre is centered by the Puerto del Sol and the Plaza Mayor is where most visitors spend their time.  While the architecture in Madrid is not as sexy as in Barcelona, Madrid has exquisite artwork in its famous art museums. Here are examples of Madrid’s classic architectural styles:

Ten Reasons to Visit Madrid

Madrid is a city that offers a lot to its visitors. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Madrid:

1. Beautiful architecture: While not as incredible as Barcelona, Madrid is home to some of the most beautiful buildings and landmarks in Spain, such as the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater, and the Plaza Mayor.
2. Summer music festivals: Madrid hosts numerous music festivals during the summer, including the Mad Cool Festival and the Reggaeton Festivals.
3. Delicious food: Madrid is known for its tapas bars and traditional Spanish cuisine. You can try a variety of local Spanish cuisine in one sitting.
4. High fashion: Madrid is home to some of the best fashion designers in Spain, such as Adolfo Dominguez and Amaya Arzuaga.
5. Awesome nightlife: Madrid has a thriving nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs hosting local and international musicians.
6. The Plaza Mayor: The Plaza Mayor is an open area surrounded by gorgeous buildings, with each room having its balcony facing the open space.
7. The Golden Triangle of Art: The Golden Triangle of Art is a collection of three museums in Madrid that house some of the most important art collections in Spain: the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
8. Watching and listening to Flamenco: Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that originated in Andalusia. You can watch Flamenco performances at many venues throughout Madrid.
9. The people: The people of Madrid are friendly and welcoming to visitors from all over the world.
10. Teleferico Madrid: Teleferico Madrid is a cable car that takes you on a scenic tour of Madrid’s skyline.

Best Things to Do in Madrid:

Madrid is a very active city and there are lots of things to do. Here are our favorite activities:

• The Prado Museum is world-class and worth a full day exploring the huge collection of European masters.  As expected, the works by the Spanish artists, El Greco, Velazquez, and Goya are featured, but so are other great works from other European Artists.  Velazquez’s painting, Las Meninas, is considered by some to be the world’s finest painting.  We went to the Prado during our visit to Madrid in 2022, and we will go again when we visit in 2024.  To see some of the art from the Prado, please visit our Museum Post.
• The Reina Sofia Art Museum hosts Picasso’s most famous artwork, Guernica (1937).  We love to see great artwork like Guernica and then visit the place where it was painted.  We will do that on our 2024 trip when we visit the Reina Sofia Art Museum and the town of Guernica just outside Bilbao.
• The Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor are the heart of the old city and the places where you can begin your city tours.  Madrid is a walking city, so you must get out and tour the old city.
• The Palacio Real de Madrid is the Royal Palace and the home to the King of Spain.  With its expansive courtyard surrounded by imposing Baroque architecture, it represents the wealth of Spain before its decline.   It is Europe’s largest palace.
•  Attending a Flamenco Show is a unique Spanish experience.  Although Sevilla is the capital of Flamenco, Madrid has some very nice places to see a show and has affordable options.

 Day Trips to Toledo or Salamanca

• A Day Trip to Toledo is a wonderful way to see the Central region of Spain outside of Madrid.  Toledo is only a short hour’s ride from Madrid and there are plenty of tours that will take you there and give you a guided tour of the city.  It is an incredibly well-preserved city and sits atop a circular hill with the Cathedral dead center. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites (see below) and preserves its historic appearance by forbidding any modern exteriors. Toledo is a great way to see and learn about Spain’s rich mix of heritages including the Roman, Jewish, Visigoth, Moorish, and Christian cultures. The Toledo Cathedral is one of Europe’s best and well worth a visit, as is the El Greco Museum and the Jewish Quarter.
• Salamanca is a college town and thus a more youthful and less hilly town than Toledo that can be reached in a slightly longer (1 ½ hours) day trip from Madrid.  The Plaza Mayor is a great place to begin a walking tour around the city and to have a pre- or post-dinner drink in the evening.

14 Day Spain Southern Itinerary – Andalucía

Leaving Madrid, you can take a train to Granada and eventually make your way also by train to Seville which can be a disembark location from Spain.  Alternatively, you could get a rental car in Madrid and visit the Andalucian region by car and depart Spain from Madrid.  We prefer the latter alternative as the trains in Andalucia are not high-speed and travel by train restricts you to primarily the main cities.   There is a lot more to the region than just the major cities.

Great Places to Visit in Andalucía:

Andalucía covers a large territory in Southern Spain. The area has experienced a lot of growth over the past twenty years when I first visited the region. My preference is to stay on the Costa del Sol near Malaga and take day trips to visit the famous Moorish towns. However, this requires a car. A suggested alternative for first time travelers is to take the train to Granada and then to Sevilla.

14 day Spain Itinerary – Granada

 Granada is known as a former thriving Islamic city-state that at a point in time was the grandest city in Spain.   However, as a result of the change from Moorish to Christian rule, it lost most of its power.  Nevertheless, today it is a delightful cosmopolitan city with a large range of cultures and ethnic restaurants.   It is best known as the home of the magnificent Alhambra Palace, one of Europe’s top sights.

The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalucía, Spain.  It is one of the most stunning feats of architecture in the world and is not only a beautiful place but also a window into Spain’s distant past.  It was the last stronghold of Al-Andalus, the Islamic society that dominated much of the Iberian peninsula for 700 years. Today, visiting the Alhambra offers a window into a time, pre-1492, when Andalucía was part of the Islamic World.  With palaces that are mesmerizing in their detail, views that overlook all of Granada, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, anyone who has a chance to tour the Alhambra will not regret taking the opportunity to step foot in the most-visited attraction in Spain. Because the Alhambra is so popular, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly.

Additional Places to Visit in Granada

Additional places worth a visit while in Granada are The Royal Chapel (Capella Real) and the Granada Cathedral (Catedral de Granada).  If you only have time to visit one of these two places, I recommend the Royal Chapel as without a doubt it is Granada’s top Christian sight and holds the bodies of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.

14 day Spain Itinerary – Sevilla

Sevilla is flamboyant as the home of flamenco music and a place that sizzles in the summer.  It is the fourth largest city in Spain with over 1.2 million residents.  Bullfighting is still popular, and girls dream of being flamenco dancers.  Furthermore, Sevilla is the capital of the Andalucía region of Spain and was the gateway to the New World in the 1500s.  Explorers Americo Vespucci, Ferdinand Magellan, and Christopher Columbus all sailed from the area around Sevilla.

14 day Spain Itinerary Why Visit Sevilla?  

Sevilla is a city that offers a lot to its visitors. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Seville:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Seville has numerous impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you’ll find across the city, such as the Alcázar of Seville, the Cathedral of Seville, and the General Archive of the Indies.
2. Friendly locals: The people of Seville are friendly and helpful to visitors from all over the world.
3. Comforting food: Seville is known for its tapas bars and traditional Spanish cuisine. You can try a variety of local Spanish cuisine in one sitting.
4. Lively atmosphere: Seville has a lively atmosphere, with many bars and clubs hosting local and international musicians.
5. Cultural events: Seville hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the Feria de Sevilla.
6. Historic quarter: The historic quarter of Seville is enormous; it’s the largest in Spain and the largest anywhere in Europe outside of Italy. 
7. Moorish structures: Some Moorish structures remain in the neighborhood, such as the spectacular Giralda minaret and the Orange Tree Courtyard.
8. Casa de Pilatos: Casa de Pilatos is another Andalusian palace that is worth visiting in Seville.  It’s much smaller than Real Alcazar of Seville, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t beautiful or less impressive.
9. Feria de Sevilla: The Feria de Sevilla is a week-long festival held in April every year.  It’s one of Spain’s most famous festivals and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
10. The banks of the Guadalquivir: Flowing through the middle of Seville is the distinctively green Guadalquivir River, which is now spanned by several ornate bridges connecting the city’s two halves. 

The Royal Alcazar

While the Royal Alcazar is a very interesting place to visit, it can be a disappointment after visiting the Alhambra Palace in Granada.  On the other hand, the Cathedral of Seville is one of the grandest Cathedrals in the world and the third largest church in Europe after St. Peter’s at the Vatican in Rome and St. Paul’s in London.  Among other facets of the cathedral is the tomb of Christopher Columbus.  

Cathedral of Sevilla

When to Visit Sevilla

The Feria de Sevilla festival, a full week in April, is a great time to visit.  Holy week, a few weeks earlier, is also a great time to visit as Sevilla celebrates the week like no place else. Both occur before the summer months when Sevilla can become very hot.

14 day Spain Itinerary – Cordoba

You can visit Cordoba as a day trip from Sevilla.  The City is best known for the Mezquita. Mezquita is a well-preserved mosque-turned-cathedral.  The massive former mosque with a 16th-century church rising in the middle was once the center of Western Islam.  Cordoba also has a Jewish Quarter, which like the one in Toledo can be well worth the visit.

The Mesquita in Cordoba

Of all the churches you may visit in Europe, we found this one to be the most interesting. What started as a Visigothic church became a Moorish mosque and eventually a Catholic Cathedral. The Mezquita-Cathedral is famous for its forest of columns, which consists of over 850 columns made of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. These columns were taken from the Roman temple that previously occupied the site and other destroyed Roman buildings. The mosque also features richly gilded prayer niches and intricate arches that are characteristic of Islamic architecture. Today, the Mezquita-Cathedral continues to serve as the city’s cathedral and Mass is celebrated therein daily. Also, the Bell Tower is impressive.

The collection of Catholic statues, altars and other icons is significant.

The Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is on the Southern coast of Spain and is our favorite place to visit in Andalucía.  Unless you adjust your 14-day itinerary it will be difficult to spend any time exploring the southern coast of Spain. Nevertheless, if you get a car, it will be a great place to stay and visit.  It is one of our favorite places in all of Spain. We prefer to stay in and around the Malaga area.  However, our wealthier friends will stay a little further west in Marbella which is the most polished and posh town on the Costa del Sol.  With our base near Malaga, we can easily drive for day trips to Cordoba, Granada, Sevilla and Cadiz..

Cadiz – Jerez de la Frontera

Jerez de la Frontera is a city located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain.  It is known for its horse culture, sherry production, and flamenco music. The city is home to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, which is famous for its horse shows. We visited the school when we were there and totally enjoyed the equestrian show.

If you are interested in exploring the city’s history and culture, you can visit the Alcázar of Jerez de la Frontera, a Moorish fortress that was built in the 11th century.  The fortress has been converted into a museum that showcases the city’s history and culture.

Sherry Production and Tio Pepe

Jerez de la Frontera is also famous for its sherry production. You can visit one of the many bodegas (wineries) in the city to learn about the production process and sample some of the local sherry. While there we visited the Tio Pepe Winery. Tío Pepe is one of the most famous brands of Sherry, a fortified wine made in the Jerez region of Spain.  It is best known for its fino style of dry sherry made from the palomino grape.  The brand is named after one of the founders’ uncles, and its logo features a bottle of Tío Pepe with typical clothes in the style of an Andalusian gentleman with his hat, a red jacket, and a guitar.

Touring the winery is one of the best wine tours that we have taken. Not being sherry drinkers, we found the wine to be excellent and we enjoyed the history of the winery. Particularly, we loved the story about the mouse who would climb up the ladder to drink some wine. The glass with the wine and the ladder are left out on the barrel room floor to see if he returns.

Finally, if you are interested in flamenco music, Jerez de la Frontera is a great place to experience it. The city has many flamenco bars where you can watch live performances and enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine.

14 Day Spain Itinerary – Northern Spain

Okay, we are now totally off our recommended 14-day itinerary.  Northern Spain, starting in the Basque Country is a very different part of the Iberian Peninsula.  The Basque Country spans two nations from Bayonne, France to Bilbao in Spain.  From Pamplona in Spain, you can follow The Camino de Santiago westward, which will take you across the northern part of the country. It follows the historic pilgrimage path of hundreds of miles that pilgrims have trekked since the Middle Ages.

Basque Country

The Basque Country is a region located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.  It is home to the Basque people, their language, culture, and traditions. The region is neither linguistically nor culturally homogeneous, and certain areas have a majority of people who do not consider themselves Basque. The Basque Country is unique because it spans across two countries, Spain and France, offering a variety of landscapes and experiences.

Why Visit the Basque Country?

Here are ten reasons why you should visit the Basque Country:

1. World-class gastronomy: The Basque Country is known for its world-class gastronomy, especially in San Sebastián, where you can enjoy pintxos (not tapas) and local wines.
2. Distinctive culture and identity: The Basque Country has its language, sports, and traditions.
3. Stunning natural and architectural attractions: The region has stunning natural and architectural attractions such as the Guggenheim Bilbao, the clifftop road trip, the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe island, and the historical towns of Vitoria-Gasteiz and Gernika.
4. The people: The people of the Basque Country are friendly and helpful to visitors from all over the world.
5. Summer music festivals: The region hosts numerous music festivals during the summer, including the Mad Cool Festival and the Reggaeton Festivals.
6. Cuisine: The region’s cuisine is built around authentic and local products like grilled lamb, cured meats, salt cod, sheep’s and goat’s cheese, piquillo peppers, artichokes, and fresh anchovies.
7. Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum: The Guggenheim Bilbao is more than an art museum; it’s a modern architectural landmark, a stylized ode to the city’s shipbuilding past and an unmistakable emblem of Bilbao itself.
8. San Sebastián: San Sebastián is widely considered one of the best places to eat in the world. This designation brings with it a packed calendar of events that enlivens the city throughout the year.
9. The scenery: The region has stunning natural scenery such as mountains, beaches, cliffs, forests, rivers, and valleys.
10. The history: The region has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times.  It has been shaped by various cultures such as Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, Christian, French, and Spanish.

Basque Independence

The name “Basque Country” refers to a collection of regions inhabited by the Basque people known as Euskal Herria in the Basque language.  It can be translated as nation; country; land; people; population; town; village; or settlement.  Like people in Catalunya, there is a segment of the population that would like to see the Basque Country become an independent nation. However, the movement is not as popular today as the independence movement is in Catalunya.

The Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago—the “Way of St. James”—is Europe’s ultimate pilgrimage route.  Since the Middle Ages, millions of humble pilgrims have trod hundreds of miles to pay homage to the remains of St. James in his namesake city, Santiago de Compostela.  The route begins in the French foothills of the Pyrenees in the Basque village of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port.  Passes through Pamplona, through the vineyards of La Rioja, the best cities to visit of Burgos and Leon before arrival in Santiago de Compostela. We will follow the Camino in 2024 as we travel across Northern Spain. However, we will be in a car.

Bilbao

Bilbao is seen as a transformational city, unlike any other Spanish city.  It is a mix of modern buildings, such as the Guggenheim Museum, and beautiful old buildings. The Guggenheim Museum is the most popular place to visit.  Nearby in Guernica, the sight of brutal bombing during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), there is the Gernika Peace Museum and the Basque Country Museum (Euskal Herria Museoa).

Pamplona

Pamplona is known for the famous “Running of the Bulls”.  It occurs every year in conjunction with the Fiesta de San Fermin, July 6-14.  Pamplona is the capital of the province of Navarra.   The city is a hodgepodge combination of Basque and Navarro cultures.

 Burgos 

Burgos is a pedestrian-friendly city lined up along the Arlanzon River. In addition to being a main stop on the Camino de Santiago, it is well known for the Burgos Cathedral (Catedral de Burgos). 

Leon

Leon  is the next big stop on the Camino de Santiago route to Santiago del Compostela.  It is well known for the Romanesque frescoes at San Isidoro and the Gothic Leon Cathedral.  Perhaps not as impressive externally as the Burgos Cathedra, it has a very impressive interior.

Santiago del Compostela 

Santiago del Compostela rivals Granada as the most magical city in Spain.  It is a fitting terminus to the famous Camino del Santiago.  The Santiago Cathedral is the main attraction.  It isn’t the biggest in Spain, nor the most impressive.   Yet, it’s the most mystical as it attracts people from all walks of life. The Cathedral Museum is also worth a visit to see some interesting pieces from the cathedral’s history.    

UNESCO World Heritage Sights in Spain

Spain is home to 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is the same number as France and the fourth largest number of sites per country, only behind Italy (58), China (56), and Germany (51).

Some of the more famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain that we have or plan to visit are listed here:

1. Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, Granada
2. Burgos Cathedral
3. Historic Centre of Cordoba
4. Monastery and Site of the Escurial, Madrid
5. Works of Antoni Gaudí
6. Cave of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain
7. Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias
8. Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches
9. Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct
10. Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)
11. Historic City of Toledo
12. Mudejar Architecture of Aragon
13. Old Town of Cáceres
14. Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
15. Old City of Salamanca
16. Poblet Monastery
17. Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
18. Route of Santiago de Compostela
19. Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

Paradors are our Favorite Places to Stay in Spain and Portugal

Paradores de Turismo de España branded as Paradores, is a Spanish state-owned chain of luxury hotels that are usually located in historic buildings or nature areas with a special appeal. As of 2022, it operates 97 paradors in Spain and one in Portugal, with 5,988 rooms in total. Every parador has its restaurant offering the regional gastronomy of its area. Paradors are slightly more expensive to stay in than other accommodations in their locations, however, the historic nature them makes them more romantic and enjoyable.  

During our planned tour of Northern Spain and Portugal in 2024, we plan to stay in the following Paradors:

• Parador de Olite, outside of Pamplona
• Parador de Hondarribia, in San Sebastian
• Parador de Cangas de Onis, near Bilbao
• Parador de Santiago de Compostela
• Parador de Leon
• Parador de Lerma

14 Day Portugal Itinerary

Portugal, the other country, on the Iberian Peninsula is well worth a visit.  It is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Here are some reasons why you should visit Portugal:

1. The beaches: Portugal has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, such as Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia da Marinha.
2. The food: Portugal is known for its delicious seafood, pastries, and wine.
3. The architecture: Portugal has a rich architectural heritage, with many historic buildings and landmarks such as the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Pena Palace.
4. The weather: Portugal enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel.
5. The wine: Portugal is home to some of the best wine regions in Europe, such as the Douro Valley and the Alentejo region.
6. The people: The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming to visitors from all over the world.
7. The history: Portugal has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. It has been shaped by various cultures such as Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, Christian, French, and Spanish.
8. The music: Portugal has a vibrant music scene, with many local and international musicians performing throughout the country.
9. The festivals: Portugal hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Lisbon Book Fair, the Festa de São João in Porto, and the Festa do Avante in Seixal.
10. The scenery: Portugal has stunning natural scenery such as mountains, beaches, cliffs, forests, rivers, and valleys.

We believe to get to know the country you should allow two weeks.  One week in Lisbon and the South and the second week in Porto, and the Douro Valley.  

Lisbon and Southern Portugal

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the westernmost capital city in continental Europe.  It is famous for its stunning vistas over the Tagus River and record-breaking structures.  Lisbon has seven hills, and it was founded by Ulysses, according to legend.  The city was almost wiped out by an earthquake in 1755, but it was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal.  Lisbon is famous for its pastry, Pastel de Belém, and Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre. This seagirt city of multicolored houses and elegant parks and gardens is no longer the capital of a vast overseas empire. However, It has been reconstructed as a bustling modern metropolis.  Lisbon was designated a European City of Culture in 1994, and in 1998 it hosted the World’s Fair (Expo ’98).

Lisbon’s Must-see Attractions

 Lisbon is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here are ten must-see attractions you can do in Lisbon:

• Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos: The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful monastery that was built in the 16th century. 
• Explore the Belem Tower: The Belem Tower is a historic tower that was built in the 16th century to defend Lisbon’s harbor. You can climb up the bell tower.
• Take a stroll through Alfama: Alfama is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, with narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the city.
• Visit the Castelo de Sao Jorge: The Castelo de Sao Jorge is a historic castle that dates back to the 11th century.  It offers stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
• Explore the Museu Nacional do Azulejo: The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is a museum dedicated to the art of Portuguese tiles. 
• Take a ride on Tram 28: Tram 28 is a historic tram that takes you on a scenic tour of Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.
• Visit the Oceanario de Lisboa: The Oceanario de Lisboa is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with over 8,000 fish and animals from 500 different species.
• Explore the Parque das Nacoes: The Parque das Nacoes is a modern neighborhood that was built for Expo ’98.  It has many attractions such as the Vasco da Gama Tower, the Oceanario de Lisboa, and the Pavilhao do Conhecimento.
• Visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian: The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is an art museum that has an impressive collection of European and Asian art from different periods and styles.
• Enjoy some Fado music: Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that originated in Lisbon. You can enjoy Fado performances at many venues throughout the city.  

Faro and Algarve Region

The Algarve is a region located in the southernmost part of continental Portugal.  It is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque cities, local crafts, cuisine, golden sand beaches, and natural marvels.  The region has its administrative center in the city of Faro, where both the region’s international airport and public university, the University of Algarve, are located.

There are many reasons to visit the Algarve. Here are ten of them:

1. The beaches: The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, such as Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia da Marinha.
2. The food: The Algarve is known for its delicious seafood, pastries, and wine
3. The weather: The Algarve enjoys a mild climate all year round, making it an ideal destination for year-round travel.
4. The wine: The Algarve is home to some of the best wine regions in Europe.
5. The people: The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming to visitors from all over the world.
6. The history: The Algarve has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. It has been shaped by various cultures such as Roman, Visigoth, Muslim, Christian, French, and Spanish.
7. The music: The Algarve has a vibrant music scene with many local and international musicians performing throughout the region.
8. The festivals: The Algarve hosts numerous festivals throughout the year such as the Loulé Carnival and the Festival MED in Loulé.
9. The scenery: The Algarve has stunning natural scenery such as mountains, beaches, cliffs, forests, rivers, and valleys.
10. Golf: The region is home to numerous golf courses. 

Porto and Northern Portugal

Porto’s historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest monuments.  The Sao Bento Railway Station with famous blue and white panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history is also a favorite site. Porto is famous for Port Wine which is Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.   It is also the entry point to the Douro River and Douro Valley.  

Why Visit Porto?

Porto is a charming city that lies along the banks of the Douro River in northern Portugal.  It is one of Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful cities, and it’s unlike any other city you’ll come across. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Porto:

1. Cheaper & Less Touristy Than Lisbon: Porto is much cheaper and less touristy compared to Lisbon, making it a great destination for budget travelers.
2. Amazing Views: Porto has incredible views of the Douro River, the historic center of the city, and the Dom Luís I Bridge.
3. Authentic Portuguese Food: Porto offers several unique dishes that you can’t find anywhere else, such as Franceshina.
4. Birthplace of Port Wine: Porto is the birthplace of Port wine, so it’s a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I
6. Museums and Galleries: Porto has many museums and galleries. They showcase its rich history and culture, such as the Museu Nacional do Azulejo and the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.
7. Beaches: Porto has some beautiful beaches such as Praia da Rocha, Praia do Vau, and Praia da Marinha.
8. Great Public Transportation System: Porto has a modern public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city.
9. Low Prices: Porto is much cheaper than other European cities, making it an ideal destination for budget travelers.
10. Lello Bookstore: Lello Bookstore is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world’ It was an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Douro River

The Douro River runs from Porto to the Spanish town of Vega de Terron.  A six-day sailing trip on the river will take you to some beautiful scenic places.  Regua and Pinhao are two exciting towns on the river.  Regua is famous for the Baroque magic at the Mateus Palace and gardens. The railway Building in Pinhao is very similar with its blue and white tiles to the railway station in Porto.