You are ready for the trip of a lifetime. The sun on your face. The smell of fresh bread. Pure bliss. You have decided to visit the Iberian Peninsula. This is the place where Spain and Portugal meet. You probably have many questions before you go. Can you do Spain and Portugal in 10 days? This is a question many people ask on the internet. The answer is yes. It is a fast journey, but you can see the best parts if you plan well.
First of all, you should know that these two countries are great neighbors. They share a similar look with cobblestone streets and terracotta rooftops. However, they each have their own special feel. You will find amazing food, old buildings, and very friendly people in both spots. This guide will help you plan the best Spain and Portugal itinerary 10 days so you do not miss a thing.
Planning Your Big Adventure
You must think about the timing of your trip. The best time to visit is in the spring or the fall. Months like March, April, and May are lovely. Similarly, September and October offer warm weather without the massive crowds. Summer is also an option, but it gets very hot. Temperatures in Seville can go above 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. That is too hot for many people to walk around. Therefore, you should pick the shoulder season for the most comfort.
How to Get Around
You have a few choices for travel between cities. You can take sleek, fast trains or short flights. Flights between big towns often take less than 90 minutes. However, flights can be a hassle because you have to get to the airport early. On the contrary, the train is often faster from city center to city center. For example, the high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid takes only about two and a half hours.
Additionally, you might want to use a bus for some shorter trips. A bus from Lisbon to Lagos is about four and a half hours and costs around $25. You can also find a Spain and Portugal itinerary 10 days pdf online to keep your travel notes in one place. Many travelers on a spain and portugal itinerary 10 days reddit thread suggest using the train whenever you can.
What Will It Cost?
You do not have to spend a fortune. One traveler spent about $1,760 per person for an 11-day trip. This price included flights from the USA, places to stay, and food. You can find cheap flights within Europe for under $100. Plus, many of the best things to do involve just walking around the beautiful neighborhoods.
Days 1 to 3: Madrid and the Heart of Spain
You will start your journey in Madrid, the capital of Spain. This city is a mix of old charm and modern life. It is the perfect place to begin your spain and portugal in 10 days tour.
Day 1: The Royal City
First of all, head to the center of the city. You should visit Puerta del Sol. This is the square where all the main streets meet. You will see a famous clock there. People gather here on New Year’s Eve to celebrate. Later, walk to Plaza Mayor. This grand square is full of restaurants and street artists. It is the oldest part of the city.
You must visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It has more than 3,000 rooms. You can see the Royal Chapel and a room filled with old natural medicines. On top of that, the Catedral de la Almudena is right next door. You can climb to the top for a great view of the city. When you get hungry, go to the Mercado de San Miguel. It is a food market that sells fresh snacks and pastries. You can try many different types of Spanish food in one place.
Day 2: Art and Parks
You should spend your second day looking at world-class art. The Prado Museum is one of the best in the world. It has thousands of paintings. Do not try to see them all at once. Focus on famous artists like Goya and El Greco. After the museum, take a break in El Retiro Park. It is a huge green space with many monuments. You can even see a statue dedicated to the devil. It sits at exactly 666 meters above sea level.
Day 3: A Step Back in Time to Toledo
You should take a short train ride to Toledo for a day trip. This city sits on a hill above a river. It was the capital of Spain a long time ago. It is famous because Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived there in peace together for years. You can see old mosques, synagogues, and a grand cathedral.
Additionally, Toledo is known for sword-making and sweet marzipan. You can visit a factory to see how they make the famous steel swords. You can also learn how to make marzipan from a master baker. This is a highlight for many people on a southern spain and portugal itinerary 10 days. After your visit, you will return to Madrid for one last night.
Days 4 to 6: Lisbon and the Charm of Portugal
You will leave Spain and fly to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. This city is built on seven hills. It is famous for its steep streets and yellow trams.
Day 4: The Historic Alleys
First of all, explore the Alfama district. It is the oldest part of Lisbon. The streets are narrow and winding. You will see houses covered in colorful tiles. You should walk up to São Jorge Castle. It sits on the highest hill in the city. The views from the top are amazing. You can see the whole city and the river.
Later, you should try the local food. Portugal is famous for salted codfish called Bacalhau. You should also look for a fado restaurant. Fado is the traditional music of Lisbon. It is very emotional and beautiful. Similarly, you can visit the Santa Justa Lift. This old elevator takes you from one neighborhood to another and has a great viewing deck.
Day 5: Belem and the Explorers
You should spend your next day in the Belem district. This is where the famous explorers used to set sail. You must visit the Jeronimos Monastery. It is a massive building and a world heritage site. Also, go to the Belem Tower. It looks like a small castle in the water.
The most important stop is the Pastéis de Belém shop. They invented the famous Portuguese egg tarts here. You will see a long line, but it moves fast. The tarts are warm and creamy. You should put cinnamon and sugar on top. Many travelers say these are the best tarts in the whole country.
Day 6: The Magic of Sintra
You cannot miss a day trip to Sintra. It is a short train ride from Lisbon. Sintra is like a fairy tale. It has colorful palaces and green hills. The most famous spot is the Pena Palace. It sits on top of a hill and is painted bright yellow and red. It looks like something from a movie.
Additionally, you can visit the Moorish Castle. It has old stone walls that you can walk along. The views of the forest are stunning. Some people like to hike the 6-mile trail through the woods to see everything. Finally, if you have time, visit Cascais. It is a pretty fishing village with sunny beaches.
Days 7 to 8: Seville and the Soul of Andalusia
You will return to Spain and go to Seville. This city is the heart of southern Spain. It is famous for its flamenco dancing and orange trees.
Day 7: Cathedrals and Palaces
First of all, go to the Seville Cathedral. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Inside, you can see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. You should also climb the Giralda Tower. It has ramps instead of stairs so horses could climb it in the past. On top of that, you must visit the Real Alcázar. It is a beautiful palace with lush gardens. They even filmed parts of Game of Thrones here.
Later, take a walk through the Barrio Santa Cruz. This was the old Jewish Quarter. It has very narrow streets and hidden squares. You can find many small shops and bars here. In the evening, you should watch a flamenco show. The dancers are very passionate. It is an experience you will never forget.
Day 8: A Visit to Cordoba
You should take a 45-minute train ride to Cordoba. This city is home to the Mezquita. It is a mosque that was turned into a cathedral. It has hundreds of red and white arches inside. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Additionally, you can walk through the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba. It has white-washed walls covered in colorful flowers. You can also see the Roman Bridge. If you have extra time, some people visit Granada to see the Alhambra Palace. However, that can be a long day trip. You might want to save it for a longer italy spain portugal itinerary 10 days if you ever come back for a bigger tour.
Days 9 to 10: Barcelona and Gaudi’s Dreams
The last stop on your spain and portugal itinerary 10 days is Barcelona. This city sits on the Mediterranean Sea. It is famous for the unique buildings of Antoni Gaudi.
Day 9: Masterpieces of Art
First of all, you must see the Sagrada Familia. This is a massive church that is still being built. They started working on it in 1882. It looks like nothing else in the world. You should book your tickets early because they sell out fast. Later, go to Park Guell. It is a park full of colorful mosaics and strange shapes. You get a great view of the city from the top.
On top of that, you can visit Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. These are houses that Gaudi designed. They have wavy walls and colorful tiles. If you love football, you can visit Camp Nou. It is the home of the famous FC Barcelona team.
Day 10: Las Ramblas and the Beach
You should spend your last day walking down Las Ramblas. This is a long street in the center of the city. It is full of shops and markets. You must stop at La Boqueria market. You can buy fresh fruit, ham, and cheese. Similarly, explore the Gothic Quarter. It has old medieval buildings and quiet squares.
Finally, relax at the beach in La Barceloneta. You can sit by the water and think about your great trip. You can have one last meal of tapas or paella. User “akhil1980” on a spain and portugal itinerary 10 days reddit thread says that even 10 days feels short because there is so much to see. But you will have seen the best highlights.
Another Option: Porto and Northern Regions
If you prefer a different route, you might look at a northern spain and portugal itinerary 10 days. You could spend more time in Porto. Porto is a very romantic city on the river. It is famous for port wine. You can take a boat cruise on the Douro River. You can also visit the Livraria Lello, which is a beautiful bookshop that inspired Harry Potter.
Similarly, you could visit Valencia. It is a modern city with a famous food market. They are also famous for making the best paella. Therefore, you have many choices for how to spend your 10 days.
Frequently Asked Question
Can you see Spain and Portugal in 10 days?
Yes, you can see the main highlights of both countries in 10 days. You will have to move fast and pick a few big cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona. Many people find this is a good way to get a taste of both cultures.
How many days for Portugal and Spain?
While you can do it in 10 days, many experts suggest spending 14 days if you want to be less rushed. This gives you more time to explore smaller towns or spend an extra day at the beach.
Are 10 days enough for Spain?
Ten days is enough to see two or three major cities in Spain, such as Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. However, Spain is a large country with many different regions. You would need much more time to see everything from the north to the south.
Is 10 days enough time in Portugal?
Yes, 10 days is a great amount of time for Portugal alone. You could spend a few days in Lisbon, a few in Porto, and even visit the sunny beaches in the south.
Concluding Words
You should remember a few things to make your trip smooth. Both countries use the Euro. You should always carry a little cash for small shops. Additionally, people in Spain eat dinner very late. They often start eating at 8:00 or 9:00 PM. On the contrary, people in Portugal eat a bit earlier, around 7:00 PM.
On top of that, do not forget your travel insurance. When you travel to many cities, it is good to be safe. You should also pack comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking.
You are now ready to go. You have a plan. You have your tickets. Have a wonderful time in Spain and Portugal!
