Best 12+ Day Spain and Portugal Travel Itinerary
The beach in Barcelona, the start of our Spain & Portugal travel itinerary.
Best Spain and Portugal 12+ Day Travel Itinerary
Spain and Portugal, Spain and Portugal…that’s what everyone wants to book these days! And I don’t blame them! These are two incredible destinations where your dollar will go a long way.
Below is what I would call a first-timer’s Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. It gives you all the basics…Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon…but adds a little intrigue with Seville and Porto. How about 11 nights, 12 days, 5 cities and 2 countries? Can you handle that? I think you can! The great thing about this itinerary is that it can be easily expanded by adding a night or two, making for an incredible two week stay.
I tried to make this easy with starting and ending in cities with good flight connections. I also tried to think logically about trains and the ease of getting from one city to the next. Look I even made you a map! (I am totally a map girl.)
My suggested Spain & Portugal travel itinerary for you. Someday soon, my Canva skills will be strong enough to automate this image for you.
Like what you see? As a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, I can VIP your trip and make it seamless for you. All you have to do is show up! Hotels booked, trains booked, tours booked with VIP experiences and amenities along the way.
If you are planning your own Spain and Portugal travel itinerary and will be staying in 4.5 and 5 star hotels, please reach out and I will tell you if I can VIP your stay. I can normally VIP guests at Four Seasons, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG, and Accor properties that are 4.5 and 5 star hotels.
Let’s dive in.
Barcelona from above, the first stop in our Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. God bless urban planners!
Barcelona: A Mediterranean Gem (2 Nights)
If you look at the map above, the best place to start this itinerary is Barcelona. (But you could also start from the end with Porto.) Barcelona, nestled on the Catalan coast, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern culture. Known for its iconic architecture, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine, it's a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a Mediterranean escape. With its Mediterranean climate and stunning beaches, Barcelona offers a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. From the iconic Sagrada Família to Gaudi’s whimsical Park Güell, the city is filled with amazing architecture. Barcelona's lively atmosphere is contagious, with its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and world-class museums. Ah, and tapas! Some of my best meals have been in Barcelona.
Top Things to See
Sagrada Família: Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece, this unfinished basilica is a stunning example of Catalan Art Nouveau.
Park Güell: Another Gaudí creation, this whimsical park features colorful mosaics, serpentine benches, and panoramic views of the city.
Picasso Museum: Discover the evolution of Pablo Picasso's artistic genius through his extensive collection of works. (To be fair, the one and only time I went to this museum, I saw so much Picasso that I actually said, “I really never need to see any Picasso ever again.” Picasso was PROLIFIC.)
Where to Stay
Serras, a former studio of Pablo Picasso, is now a stylish boutique hotel in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The 28 rooms are modern and comfortable with views of the city or the harbor. The hotel has a rooftop pool bar and a restaurant serving Catalan cuisine.
Antidote Travel VIP Amenities at Serras Barcelona
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Madrid, your second stop in this Spain and Portugal Travel Itinerary
Madrid: A Royal City (3 Nights)
Madrid, the bustling capital of Spain, is a vibrant metropolis that offers the trifecta of history, culture, and art. Known for its grand palaces, world-class museums, and lively nightlife, it's a fascinating destination for those seeking a taste of Spanish culture. With its continental climate, Madrid experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters. The city's diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone, from the elegant Salamanca district to the bohemian La Latina. I really love exploring the bars and restaurants along Calle de la Cava Baja along with hanging out in the amazing squares. There is also a lot of great Michelin-starred dining.
Top Things to See
Royal Palace: This magnificent palace is one of the largest in Europe and offers guided tours of its lavish interiors.
Prado Museum: Home to an impressive collection of Spanish and European art, including works by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco.
Reina Sofía Museum: This modern art museum houses Picasso's iconic painting "Guernica" and other contemporary masterpieces.
Where to Stay
Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá is a luxurious hotel in Madrid inspired by the famous painting "Las Meninas" by Diego Velázquez. It's located near many famous attractions like the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a spa, and two restaurants serving Spanish cuisine.
Antidote Travel VIP Amenities at Palacio de los Duques
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
For Standard room categories guests receive free access to Red Level Lounge
For Red Level room categories guests receive a $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Seville: A Flamenco Passion (2 Nights)
Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a steeped in history and culture. Known for its stunning architecture, passionate flamenco scene, and delicious cuisine, it's a truly unforgettable destination. With its Mediterranean climate, Seville offers hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city's historic center is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings and charming plazas. I think this is just such a beautiful and fun stop on any Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. I highly recommend having a photo shoot done here as the city is really so picturesque.
Top Things to See
Plaza de España: This iconic square is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, featuring colorful ceramic tiles and a beautiful central fountain.
Real Alcázar: This Moorish palace complex is one of the most beautiful in Europe, with intricate gardens and ornate interiors.
Seville Cathedral: The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, this impressive structure houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.
Where to Stay
Hotel Colón is a luxurious hotel in Seville with a modern design. The hotel’s circular lounge was designed by Philippe Starck and features stained glass. It also has a rooftop pool with views of the city. The hotel’s restaurant, El Burladero, serves traditional Andalusian cuisine with a modern twist and is inspired by Seville’s bullfighting heritage.
Antidote Travel VIP Amenities at Hotel Colón
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay; applicable at the Burladero restaurant, La Abaceria del Colón, or Bar el Colón
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Lisbon never gets boring for me!
Lisbon: A City of Seven Hills (2 Nights)
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a city with a fascinating history and a charming atmosphere. Known for its colorful buildings, hilly streets, and delicious cuisine, it's a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique European experience. With its Mediterranean climate, Lisbon enjoys mild winters and hot, dry summers. The city's historic center, Alfama, is a maze of narrow, winding streets that offer a glimpse into Lisbon's past. From the iconic Belém Tower to the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon is filled with architectural gems. Lisbon is one of my favorite destinations and a great stop worthy of another night in this Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. Don’t forget to try a pastel de nata — a traditional Portuguese egg tart — while you are in town!
Top Things to See
Belém Tower: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a beautiful example of Manueline architecture.
Jerónimos Monastery: This stunning monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its intricate carvings and ornate details.
Alfama: This historic district is a maze of narrow, winding streets, offering a glimpse into Lisbon's past.
Where to Stay
Bairro Alto Hotel is a recently renovated five-star boutique hotel in Lisbon. The hotel has 87 rooms, including suites, and offers a variety of amenities like a restaurant, a patisserie, and a wellness area.
Antidote Travel VIP Amenities at Bairro Alto Hotel
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Porto: A Charming City by the River (2 Nights)
Porto, our last stop on our Spain and Portugal travel itinerary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and charming city nestled on the banks of the Douro River. Known for its delicious port wine, historic center, and stunning bridges, it's a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique Portuguese experience. With its oceanic climate, Porto experiences mild winters and cool summers. The city's historic center, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the river. Porto's vibrant atmosphere is contagious, with its bustling markets, lively cafes, and world-class port wine cellars.
Top Things to See:
Ribeira: This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning views of the river.
São Francisco Church: This baroque church is famous for its ornate gilded interior.
Dom Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to many port wine cellars.
Where to Stay
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas is a luxury hotel in the center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel is located near many famous attractions and offers a variety of amenities, including a wellness center, a library bar, and a restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine. It’s also the number-one hotel in Europe for guest satisfaction according to IHG.
Antidote Travel VIP Amenities at InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
Complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100 USD)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Spain and Portugal Travel Itinerary Summary
There are so many amazing places in Spain and Portugal, but if you’ve never been, this is a great first-timers Spain and Portugal itinerary. I like at least a two night stay in each destination. But you could for sure do three nights in Madrid or Lisbon. Maybe even Barcelona because you may need a night to get over jet lag. If I can help you put together your trip to Spain and Portugal, please do get in touch! Note I do all sorts of travel — custom itineraries, packaged tours, cruises and more.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA based in Palm Beach, Florida. But I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others at a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
Like my page on Facebook for more travel inspiration.
Sign up for travel insurance through my partner, Travel Insured. (US residents only.)
Do you like to DIY? Book directly using my links here.