Spain & Portugal Travel Guide
Spain is a fascinating mix of people, languages, culture and food, but if there is one thing all Spaniards share, it’s a love of food and drink. Olé!
And Portugal — The happiest country in Europe! With 300 days of sunshine a year and over 1,100 miles of coastline, what’s not to love?
I was so very lucky to explore several regions of Spain and Portugal this year. Now, bare with me - this blog would take you 17 hours to read if we covered everything! For now, let’s narrow in one just a few areas:
Barcelona, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Algarve, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Barcelona
Few European cities can offer you the wide diversity and cultural experience that you'll find in Barcelona. Unlike the rest of Spain, Barcelona has little Moorish influence, and as it was the capital of the Castilian Catholic Empire, with whimsical architecture, great art and fantastic shopping. Couple this with incredible beaches, great nightlife and amazing restaurants and you’ve got one of Europe’s most exciting cities – Barcelona.
Things to Do
Fabulous shopping along the Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas
Visit local art galleries
Take a fascinating architectural tour to see the incredible creations of Antonio Gaudi
Visit the Gothic cathedral and the beautiful 12th-century Arab baths.
Head to Figueres and visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, designed by Salvador Dalí himself.
Visit the Holocaust Memorial
Jewish history in the town of Girona, home of Naichmanidies
Visit Santa Maria del Mar Church
Picnic in the whimsical Parc Güell Cooking class and shopping in the famous Boqueria produce market
Wine and tapas tasting
Visit the food markets
Biking in the suburbs of the city
Witness the enchanting light and water show in front of the palace
Explore the quaint seaside neighborhoods
Visit Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Masterpiece
Walk through the historical quarters
Spend the day visiting Barcelona’s architectural gems
Visit Park Güell
Guided museum tours
Girona (Famous for Game of Thrones)
Cathedral of Barcelona
Arc de Triomf
Beaches:
Sitges (Train or private transfer)
Costa Brava (Train + taxi or private transfer) for coves
Tossa del Mar (Train + bus or private transfer)
Instead of Uber, they use the app, Cabefi! Or you can talk with your hotel to arrange taxis.
Barcelona is a city that offers something for everyone, making it a fantastic travel destination. From architectural wonders, rooftop tapas, rich history and culture, to a vibrant food scene, beautiful beaches, and amazing dancers - it’s a city to add to your list!
When choosing where to stay, we’ll want to talk through many factors - do you want to be beachfront? Want a beach club or a rooftop pool? Be in the heart of the Gothic Quarter? In the midst of shopping? Trendy, sophisticated, medieval, boutique? There are so many options to consider, don’t leave your trip to Spain up to Google.
If life were a city, it would be Madrid
Once the capitol of the Moorish Empire, Madrid is an incredible study of the fusion between Spanish and Arabic cultures. From the incredible collection at the Prado Museum to the sprawling parks and gardens surrounded by museums and galleries, Madrid is the one of the richest cultural cities in Europe. It is also the perfect base to visit nearby cities like Toledo and the fortress town of Segovia and a great starting point to explore the ancient towns of Andalucía such as Seville, Cordoba, Ronda and Grenada.
Things to Do
Shop and stroll around the Plaza Mayor
Relish in mazes and fountains of the beautiful Gardens of Sabatini
Flamenco dancing lessons
Arts Workshop – visit the Prado museum and try your hand at your own masterpiece (either painting, sculpture, drawing or photography)
Bike tour of Madrid
Cooking class
Biking in Toledo or Segovia
Vespa tour of Madrid
Royal Palace & Royal Armory
Scavenger hunt tour of Madrid by Vespa or Segway
Jewish heritage tour
Play soccer with a local team at the Madrid Soccer Club
Horseback riding in the Park
Flamenco cabaret show
Kayaking in Segovia
Horse and buggy tour of Madrid
Home to the "Golden Triangle of Art," which includes the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
Food markets, like Mercado de San Miguel
As travel designers, we often get asked about the differences between Madrid and Barcelona, and here goes:
Barcelona: Known for its stunning architecture (Gaudí's works like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell), vibrant coastal atmosphere, and rich Catalan culture. It's great if you enjoy a mix of historical sites and modernist designs with a beach nearby.
Madrid: Spain’s capital is more focused on traditional Spanish culture, with world-class art museums (Prado, Reina Sofía), grand plazas, and royal history. It’s perfect if you're into art, history, and enjoying the lively food scene (like tapas in the Mercado de San Miguel).
Would you prefer a more coastal, modernist city with a beach (Barcelona), or a more classic, urban experience with a rich historical feel (Madrid)?
But Spain is more than just these two cities …
There is charming Seville, Marbella for buzzing beaches, nightlife, and golf, or if you prefer to explore - Grenada, Gibraltar, and Tangiers are all within 2 hours of fabulous Marbella. Then there’s Mallorca for rugged mountains, cliffs dropping to the sea, and a myriad of coves and beaches; Ibiza for Europe’s biggest party scene; San Sebastian, a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. (We suggest using this as a base and visiting Bilbao and Biarritz for a day from here) Are you a wine lover? There is Rioja - Spain’s most famous wine region. There is Andalusia, near Seville, has must-see hotspots, tiny whitewashed hill towns, glamorous Mediterranean resorts, and natural wonder, or Ronda is known to be the birthplace of bullfighting.
Let’s hop on a discovery call and find the perfect fit for you.
Algarve, Portugal
Algarve is Portugal's southernmost region, located along the coastline and is a popular destination for Europeans. Aside from its beaches, the region is also home to a few golf resorts and charming historical towns. This beautiful region is one of my favorite in the entire world. It’s so quaint, and truly feels like what I envision Heaven to be. The Algarve is famous for its golden sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Praia da Marinha and Praia da Rocha are just a couple of the many picturesque spots. Don't miss trying the cataplana, a seafood stew typical of the region!
Getting There: The Algarve is typically accessed via Faro Airport, which also receives international flights, though often with layovers depending on your departure city. The Algarve is a 3-hour drive from Lisbon.
Getting Around: In the Algarve, renting a car or hiring a private driver is recommended to explore the region's beaches and towns, as public transport is less comprehensive. If you stay at a luxury resort, you won’t need to leave, or you’ll take the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to a nearby, quaint beach town.
Seasons and Weather:
High season is during the summer months June to August, when prices are highest, and the weather is warm and sunny. Rates decrease by nearly 100 EUR per night in the Algarve by traveling in early May VS early June.
The shoulder seasons spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for visiting.
The low season is in winter December to February, which is cooler and wetter, especially in Lisbon. However, the Algarve remains relatively mild.
There are several festivals year-round in Portugal, so be mindful of when you’re visiting! It is crowded and there are partiers in the streets the first 2 weeks of June, due to St Anthony’s festival, for example. Some people would love this, some would not! Make sure you’re putting your trip in the hands of an expert to talk you through these details.
Eastern Algarve:
The Algarve's towns and beaches have a lot to offer! From the castle of Tavira, the church da Misericordia, it is oh so charming.
The nearest beach to the town (Ilha da Tavira) also has the most going on. As the name tells you, it’s on the barrier island isolated from the mainland by a small channel. The ferry across costs €2 for a return and shuttles back and forth all day. After landing there’s a short walk past a campsite before you’re confronted by a length of spotless sandy beach that seems to go on forever.
We also recommend checking out the Rio Formosa, with its islands, meandering channels, salt pans and a wealth of wildlife! The market at Olhão is also an absolute cracker and packed with fresh fish and produce and offering a fantastic atmosphere.
Western Algarve:
Lagos is one particularly beautiful town. In the town itself you have a wealth of history, colourful buildings, impressive city walls, winding cobblestone strrets and no shortage of eateries! The Igreja de Santo Antonio is quite astonishing church and one not to miss. Perhaps Lagos' most well-known sights are its beaches, coves and rugged cliffs. Do not miss the Pobte da Piedade!!
Not far away is the Benagil Cave. One of the most photographed landmarks in Portugal (and unfortunately now rather busy!) it is best to access the Benagil caves from the sea. There are numerous boat and kayak tours available.
We also recommend checking out Sagres and the impressive coastline around Cabo de Sao Vicente. These spots are located right out on the Southwestern tip of Portugal. The beaches and the scenery are rugged and wild, popular with surfers.
Things to Do
Explore quaint towns like Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant nightlife.
From surfing and kayaking to hiking along the Rota Vicentina, the Algarve is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience
Cooking class
Wine tasting
Spa day
Boat ride in Alcacer do Sal and free time for lunch
Private 6-hour boat trip to Ria Formosa, navigating past oyster farms, lunch on a desert island and time to swim at a hidden beach (yes, we’ll hook you up with un-googleable experiences!)
Nature hike near Sagres
Benangil caves tour
Lisbon
While Lisbon is famous for its melancholic, mandolin-accompanied music, Fado, the city itself offers a different mood entirely. Colorful buildings line the narrow streets of the Alfama neighborhood, where cafes serve strong espresso and pastelerias dish out regional sweet treats. Yellow trams traverse Lisbon’s steep hills, while the ornate 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site Jerónimos Monastery lies along the dazzling waterfront. This is a vibrant city that I just adored!
Getting around: Public transportation is efficient, with options like trams, buses, and the metro. Taxis and ridesharing services are also readily available, although Ubers often cancel on you if they can’t find you. It’s a large city, so expect to walk a lot. Suggestion to hire private transfers with our team, as rates are reasonable unlike many cities in Europe, and worth it to be able to enjoy the view, drink wine if desired, or stop at a requested place en route.
Neighborhoods
Baixa and Rossio: Great for exploring Lisbon’s main landmarks.
Chiado and Cais do Sodré: Known for shopping and nightlife.
Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real: Offers a bohemian vibe with trendy bars and restaurants.
Avenida da Liberdade: Famous for its luxury shopping.
Alfama: Known for its historic charm and fado music
Mouraria: A multicultural area with a rich history.
Graça and São Vicente: Offers stunning views and a more local feel.
Bica is the iconic shuttle photo op
Praça (piazza) sao paolo
Viewpoint: Miradouro Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol
Miradouro Senhora do Monte - highest point in Lisbon - (We have some secrets here for what to do and where to go!)
Historic waterfront neighborhood of Belém
Riverfront square – Praça do Comércio
Rossio Square
Ride Tram 28 through the cobblestone streets and historic neighborhoods
Estufa Fria - This once-forgotten oasis in the middle of Lisbon was first created over a century ago quite by accident
Things to Do
Visit Jerónimos Monastery
Visit Belém tower
St. George’s Castle
Take a ride on the Elevador de Santa Justa
Enjoy an afternoon at Mercado da Ribeira food market
Visit Lisbon’s fortified Cathedral
Experience the Lisbon Oceanarium
Visit the Basílica da Estrela
Take a ferry across the River Tagus
Cathedral of Lisbon - (We’ll hook you up with how to avoid paying an entrance fee here!)
Tuk Tuk tour
Tile painting workshop
Tasting classes
Fatima
Sailing
Fado show
Bordallo Pinheiro Garden-A Garden in Lisbon filled with giant porcelain creatures.
Shopping/Art
Praça do Comércio
LxFactory
Ajuda National Palace
Visit the National Museum of Ancient Art
Feira da Ladra market
Visit the Gulbenkian Museum of Western and Eastern Art
Visit the vibrant national tile museum
Caza das Vellas Loreto - This charming candle shop has been in business since 1789.
Pavilhão Chinês - Ring the bell to enter a bar that looks equal parts museum and old curiosity shop.
Livraria Bertrand - The world's oldest bookshop still in operation.
Great Day Trips from Lisbon:
Evora - A World Heritage town less than 2 hours away by car and steeped in history. The highlight is a Roman temple, but more memorable is its chapel of bones or the prehistoric monuments nearby.
Sintra - One of Europe's most romantic and enchanting towns just a 40-minute train ride away from central Lisbon. Its impressive concentration of fairytale palaces makes it a destination not to be missed.
Cascais - A picturesque town and surfer's paradise reached in 40 minutes by car or train. Known for its beautiful and refreshing Atlantic beaches, it's the most accessible for tourists looking for a day in the sand and sun.
Estoril - Europe's largest casino and spectacular golf are just 40 minutes away by car or train. Although usually seen together with Cascais (reached walking down the beachfront boardwalk), it's a destination on its own, whether for gambling at the casino or for the postcard beach Tamariz.
Obidos - The country's prettiest medieval village is just over one hour away by car. It's a romantic storybook place known as "the wedding present town".
Queluz - A beautiful rococo palace about 20 minutes away. It's a smaller Portuguese version of Versailles with gardens that are just as impressive as the palace's interior.
Mafra - One of Europe's biggest palaces reached just 1 ½ hours from Lisbon, made famous by Nobel Prize author Jose Saramago's novel "Baltazar and Blimunda", it's also known for being one of the finest libraries in Europe.
Costa da Caparica - A coastal summer retreat for most Lisboetas, Caparica’s beaches stretch over 15 miles in the summer. Some beaches are crowded, others nearly deserted, some overdeveloped, others wild and pristine. The choice is yours.
Arrabida - Beautiful, wild Mediterranean vegetation by the Atlantic south of the city, only reached by car but worth it -- not just for the beauty of the natural park but also for one of the Lisbon Coast's most beautiful beaches - the Portinho da Arrábida.
As mentioned with Spain, there is SO much to Portugal! From the Duoro Valley, to Porto, to Madeira, how do you know what to prioritize?! All it takes is talking with someone who gets you, and we’ll matchmake you to the world.
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