10 Days Spain & Portugal Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day adventure through the Iberian Peninsula, exploring the captivating cities of Lisbon, Sintra, Seville, Madrid, and Barcelona. This journey balances historical landmarks, cultural immersion, and culinary delights, offering a taste of both Portugal and Spain.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1500-2500
Best Time
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Activities
58
Daily Avg
USD200/day
Cities
Lisbon (2d), Sintra (1d), Seville (2d), Madrid (2d), Barcelona (1d), Madrid (1d), Barcelona (1d)
Pace
Fast
This itinerary offers a vibrant blend of Iberian culture, history, and stunning landscapes. From the soulful Fado music of Lisbon to the architectural wonders of Barcelona, experience diverse traditions and flavors within a relatively short journey.
Your itinerary covers 7 of 12 must-have experiences
Historical Site
Day 2: Jerónimos Monastery
Cultural Immersion
Day 2: Evening Fado Show
Architectural Wonder
Day 3: Pena Palace
Food & Wine
Day 4: Tapas Tour
Art & Museums
Day 7: Prado Museum Visit
Scenic Views
Day 1: São Jorge Castle
Beach Relaxation
e.g., Barceloneta Beach (Barcelona), Costa da Caparica (Lisbon)
Gardens & Parks
Day 7: Lunch near Retiro Park
Religious Site
Day 5: Seville Cathedral & Giralda
Shopping
Day 10: Stroll down Las Ramblas
Hidden Gems
Day 1: Explore Alfama District
Sporting Experience
e.g., FC Barcelona Camp Nou Stadium Tour, Real Madrid Bernabéu Stadium Tour
Spanish and Portuguese cuisines are vibrant and diverse, reflecting regional specialties and a love for fresh, high-quality ingredients. From savory tapas to hearty stews and delectable pastries, you'll find a culinary adventure around every corner. Expect a strong emphasis on seafood, cured meats, olive oil, and wine.
Must-Try Dishes
A Valencian rice dish cooked in a large, shallow pan, typically with seafood, chicken, or rabbit. The saffron-infused rice is the star.
📍 Valencia, coastal restaurants throughout Spain
Small, savory dishes served as appetizers or snacks, perfect for sharing. Examples include patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), jamón ibérico (cured ham), and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
📍 Tapas bars throughout Spain, especially in Madrid, Seville, and Granada
A creamy custard tart with a flaky pastry crust, dusted with cinnamon. Best enjoyed warm.
📍 Pastelarias (pastry shops) throughout Portugal, especially in Belém, Lisbon
A Porto specialty: a hearty sandwich layered with various meats, covered in melted cheese and a rich tomato and beer sauce. A true culinary experience.
📍 Porto, restaurants and cafes serving traditional Portuguese cuisine
Food Neighborhoods
Traditional tapas bars
Fado houses and traditional Portuguese restaurants
Trendy restaurants and tapas
Riverside restaurants with fresh seafood
Vegetarian options are becoming more common, but it's helpful to learn key phrases like "Soy vegetariano/a" (Spanish) or "Sou vegetariano/a" (Portuguese) to inquire about vegetarian dishes. Vegan options are less prevalent, so research restaurants in advance. Gluten-free options are increasingly available; look for "sin gluten" (Spanish) or "sem glúten" (Portuguese). For halal, larger cities have more options, especially in areas with significant Muslim populations. Always check with the restaurant about preparation methods.
Dining times are later than in many Western countries. Lunch is typically eaten between 2-4 PM, and dinner between 8-11 PM. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% is customary for good service. It's considered polite to say "provecho" (Spanish) or "bom apetite" (Portuguese) to your fellow diners as you begin your meal. When eating tapas, sharing is encouraged.
Las Fallas
MarchA vibrant festival in Valencia, Spain, with fireworks, parades, and burning of ninots (large figures).
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
March/AprilReligious processions take place throughout Spain and Portugal.
Festa de São João
JuneCelebrated in Porto, Portugal, with street parties, bonfires, and traditional rituals.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Taxi or Metro from the airport.FREE
02:00 PM - Check-in & Settle
Check into your accommodation and leave your luggage.
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- 🚶Walk from accommodation.FREE
03:00 PM - Explore Alfama District
Wander through the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district.
- 🚶Walk uphill or take Tram 28.
- 🚶Walk from the castle.$25
08:00 PM - Dinner in Alfama
Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine and Fado music in Alfama.
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Alfama
Historic district with Fado houses and close to main attractions.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
The weather is generally sunny and mild, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Rainfall is less frequent than in winter.
Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Check for local holidays, as many businesses may be closed.
Getting Around
AVE high-speed rail; metros in Madrid and Barcelona
T-Casual (Barcelona) / Multi card (Madrid)
Get a T-Casual for Barcelona transit. Book AVE tickets early for up to 70% savings.
Travel
USD 150-300Accommodation
USD 50-100Food
USD 30-50Activities
USD 30-60Consider using overnight buses or trains for longer distances to save on accommodation costs.
Opt for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb outside the city center for budget-friendly options.
Take advantage of free walking tours and free museum days to explore the cities without breaking the bank.
- Learn basic Portuguese and Spanish phrases.
- Utilize public transportation for cost-effective travel within cities.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
- Try local specialties and explore neighborhood restaurants for authentic experiences.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Light layers of clothing
- 3Universal adapter
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Sunscreen and hat
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (Summer, major festivals) and 1-3 months for off-peak to secure better rates and availability.
High-speed train tickets (Renfe/CP)
For popular inter-city routes (e.g., Madrid-Barcelona, Lisbon-Porto), book 1-2 months ahead, as prices tend to increase closer to departure.
Alhambra Palace tickets
Book at least 2-3 months in advance (up to 6 months for peak season), especially for entry to the Nasrid Palaces, which sell out daily.
Sagrada Familia tickets
Book 1-2 months ahead for timed entry to avoid long queues and ensure availability for your preferred time slot.
Prado Museum / Reina Sofia Museum tickets
Book online a few weeks in advance for timed entry to skip lines, particularly during busy periods.
Pena Palace & Moorish Castle tickets
Book online a few weeks ahead, especially for Pena Palace, which has timed entry slots and can get extremely crowded.
Flamenco show (Spain) / Fado show (Portugal)
For popular tablaos or casas de fado, book a few weeks in advance, particularly for evening shows with dinner options, as they can sell out.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores at airports and major cities in Spain
📍 NOS stores at airports and major cities in Portugal
📍 Travel Wifi website (pre-booking required)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in both Spain and Portugal. Many public areas, like plazas and parks, also offer free WiFi, although the speed and reliability can vary. Look for signs indicating "WiFi gratis" (Spanish) or "WiFi grátis" (Portuguese).
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for convenience and immediate connectivity upon arrival. If you prefer a physical SIM, purchase it at the airport or in a major city for the best selection and support. Pocket WiFi is a good option for families or groups traveling together. Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip to avoid relying solely on internet access. Check roaming charges with your current provider before you depart, in case you want to use your existing plan.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Round up or leave €1–2; 5–10% at upscale restaurants
Round up to nearest euro
€1 per bag
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Leave small change at cafés.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Spain and Portugal are generally safe countries for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
091 (National) / 092 (Local)
061
080
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash useful at markets and small tapas bars
Widely accepted
Very common
Cards accepted almost everywhere. Carry small cash for markets.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) are ideal due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot, especially in southern Spain.
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