Hey, traveler! So you’re considering going to Spain and/or Portugal? Buckle up, because you’re going to have an amazing time! I’ve just returned from both countries, and both have an awesome combination of culture, cuisine, and atmosphere to offer. From history, to great grub, to relaxing under the sun, these destinations have you covered.
Why Spain and Portugal? The 6 reasons to
Following are six awesome reasons why you should definitely include Spain and Portugal in your next European trip.
1. Breathtaking history and architecture!
From the Alhambra of Granada to Lisbon’s Tower of Belém, you can actually sense history seeping from the walls. These places have really ancient castles, Roman archaeological sites, gorgeous Gothic cathedrals, and gorgeous Moorish palaces that are simply breathtaking.
2. Delicious & Unique Food Experiences
Tapas in Spain and petiscos in Portugal – what is one to wish for, indeed? I am still dreaming about that Porto grilled octopus and that Madrid jamón ibérico. To be frank, both destinations are simply heaven for a foodie.
3. How They Compare to Other EU Countries
If you compare them to France or Italy, Spain and Portugal actually provide more value for money. You can absolutely have an amazing time with high-end experiences, delicious cuisine, and comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank.
4. Breathtaking natural scenery!
If you like relaxing beach scenes along the Algarve, mountain hiking along the Picos de Europa, or exploring those hip white Andalusian villages, you’re going to be spoiled. I was surprised at how quickly you could shake off the hustle of the city for some relaxed rural living within two hours.
5. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere
Seriously, the people are some of the friendliest I’ve encountered throughout all of Europe. They’re either directing me somewhere or just chatting with me over coffee, but I always felt really welcome, despite my wobbly Spanish and completely nonexistent Portuguese.
6. Year-Round Travel Options
Given that the weather’s generally quite good, at least in the south, both Spain and Portugal are great to visit off-season. I visited last November and managed to catch some sun, have less people about, and save some money.
Traveling Between the Two
Traveling between Spain and Portugal is really easy. You can fly from major cities like Madrid to Lisbon in under 90 minutes, but if you’ve got the time, you have to take the train or drive. The scenery is incredible, and there are some great places along the way to visit—such as Salamanca or Évora—where you can soak up the atmosphere. We rented a car in Seville one day to drive to Faro, and it was one of the highlights of the whole trip!
Must-See Spots in Spain
Spain is this amazing combination of various regions, and there is one for every vibe, cuisine, and personality. Here is a brief overview of some of my favorite ones.
Madrid: Spain’s Soul and Heart
I started out by visiting Madrid, the Spanish capital. It has an amazing combination of old-school charm and modernity. I simply spent some time at the Prado Museum, tapped into some local taverns on some delicious tapas, and wandered along Gran Vía on some great walks. And on one evening, I found myself at this flamenco club in this sweet little tavern—and it completely nailed the Spanish atmosphere!
Barcelona: Art, trendy architecture, and beach
So, I then went to Barcelona next. The architecture there is simply incredible, particularly Gaudí’s offbeat creations like the Sagrada Família and the Park Güell that really grab your attention. And to boot, I relaxed at the Barceloneta Beach where the Mediterranean sea breeze was so very refreshing after spending the day viewing all those attractions.
Seville: Flamenco, Cuisine, and History
Seville was amazing! You can really see the cool Moorish past at the Alcázar and Giralda Tower. And I even sampled some actual Andalusian cuisine—such as gazpacho and jamón ibérico. And for certain, you have to see a flamenco performance if you travel to Seville!
Granada: The Jewel of Andalusia
I’ve always wished to visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada. Quite frankly, the breathtaking Islamic architecture and lovely gardens were even more beautiful in person than in pictures. I also walked around the Albaicín neighborhood, with its adorable winding roads and picturesque white homes.
All of Spain is like a little country unto itself, and that’s part of the charm. I rode the train from Madrid to Seville, and it was amazing how quickly the sights—and even the accent—changed.
Must-See Spots in Portugal
Portugal is small, but don’t be fooled by that—what it lacks in size, it more than compensates for in atmosphere. See my top recommendations.
Lisbon: A City of Hills with Breathtaking Views
Lisbon completely won my heart! The pastel-colored buildings, the vintage trams, and those incredible viewpoints made every corner the ideal photo opportunity. I spent my days exploring neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa, snacking on pastéis de nata (those delicious custard tarts), and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Porto: Wine, Bridges, and Riverside Chill
I was completely blown away by Porto! The riverside district, Ribeira, is this incredible UNESCO World Heritage area, and I could’ve wandered those cobblestone streets forever. The highlight was definitely visiting a port wine cellar and learning about the city’s cool wine-making history.
Sintra: A Truly Happened Fairy Tale
Hi! Just a relaxed train ride from Lisbon is Sintra, this completely fairy-tale town full of palaces and really lush gardens. I visited the Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira, and honestly, it was like visiting another world! Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and bring comfortable shoes for all those hills!
So, when I was in Lisbon, I completely crashed in the Alfama district, and every day, I’d wake up with Fado music drifting about. It was just surreal, like the total best.
Traveling tips for Spain and Portugal
Alright, time for the good stuff—some honest talk tips I really wish I’d known before I traveled.
1. I love public transportation!
Trains and buses are really reliable and cheap in both nations. Apps like Omio or Rome2Rio are complete lifesavers for determining your routes.
2. Eat Like the Locals
The largest meal of the day is usually lunch, especially across Spain, with dinner coming really late, like 9–10 PM late. And tips aren’t required but are welcome nonetheless.
3. Pack Comfortable Shoes
Lisbon, along with numerous Spanish cities, has those picturesque cobblestone streets and plenty of hills. I completely messed up by wearing adorable sandals at Alfama—never again!
4. Pick Up Some Local Slang
You’ll find lots of English spoken where tourists frequent, but having some knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese goes a long way. Folks appreciate the effort you make, and it can bring about more than you’d anticipate.
5. Stay in Local Guesthouses or Apartments
You’ll have so much more fun and likely save some money, too. A few of my favorite accommodations were these small Airbnbs owned by local families.
Cultural Things to Know
Spain shares some similarities with Portugal, but they actually really do their own thing culturally. Spain’s all about high energy and partying, while Portugal’s about taking it easy and relaxing. They both like big meals, spending time with the family, and having fun, but don’t assume it’s going to be by the book. The whole “mañana” and “amanhã” (both meaning tomorrow) thing has the potential to become whatever happens, whenever, and honestly? That’s completely okay—just roll with it and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to travel are April to June, then September to early November. Summer gets really hot, particularly where Madrid and Seville are. Winter is cooler, but it’s still fairly mild, and it’s always sunny and warm where Lisbon and southern Spain are. I happened to travel at shoulder season, and it was great—few tourists, great weather, and significantly better deals on flights and accommodations.
Final Thoughts: Just Go
If you are somehow hesitant to visit Spain and Portugal, honestly, go for it. Not kidding. These countries are filled with history, delicious cuisine, and plenty of things to see. From exploring an old castle, relaxing with some vinho verde at the beach, to clubbing late at a Spanish plaza, there’s cool vibes to be found around every corner.
Traveling throughout the Iberian Peninsula completely shifted the way I view Europe, as well as traveling altogether. It suddenly made me realize that the best things always seem to arise unexpectedly: stumbling upon a forgotten medieval alley, choosing an item off the menu without thought, or engaging with some passerby over a shared glass of wine.
Okay, pack your gear, grab some useful phrases, and get ready for an adventure you’ll never forget (your camera roll will be thankful too).
¡Buen viaje! Boa viagem!