With this 10-Day Spain and Portugal itinerary you will visit 6 different cities across the 2 countries. It’s a fast paced itinerary, but totally doable with some good planning. That being said, let’s jump into it.
10-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Spain
Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) is the best time to visit Spain. In the summer (June-August) temperatures can get very warm and humid. Also, it’s prime tourist season, which means crowds and higher costs.
We visited at the beginning of December and had decent weather.
Best Time to Visit Portugal
Portugal is a year-round destination; however, most people say the best time to visit Portugal is in the spring (March to May) and in the fall during September and October. During these months, accommodations are cheaper and there are fewer crowds. Plus, the weather is pleasant with highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the high 40s.
Like most European countries, June-August is the high season with high temps, high costs, and high amounts of tourists. In the winter, the temperatures and crows are low, but there is a higher chance of rain.
We visited at the end of November and the temperatures were comfortable to walk around in. However, we did experience a little rain.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 0: Fly Into Madrid or Barcelona
For our trip, we flew into Barcelona and then took an early morning train to Madrid. If you can book your flights so that you fly into Madrid and out of Barcelona, that would be ideal. But if you booked a roundtrip ticket to Barcelona like us you’re still good.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 1 + 2: Madrid & Toledo
Spend day one and two of your 10 days in Spain and Portugal in Madrid. On your first day, explore the Royal Palace of Madrid, take a stroll through Retiro Park, and eat your way through Mercado de San Miguel.
On Day 2, take a day trip to Toledo, a beautiful, historical city located a short train ride from Madrid. Spend the day exploring the different sites and make sure not to miss Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo, it’s absolutely amazing.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 3 + 4: Seville
After two days in Madrid, make your way south to Seville.
Seville is the capital of the Andalusian region of Spain, and my favorite city we visited during our 10 day trip to Spain and Portugal. There’s so much stunning architecture from Plaza de España to Casa Pilatos to The Royal Alcazar.
Also, make sure to visit Seville Cathedral where you can see Christopher Colombus’ tomb. Plus, you can take a tour of the rooftops which teaches you all about the construction of the cathedral and offers some stunning views once you reach the roofs.
While you’ll be able to see quite a bit in 2 days, you could easily spend 3 or 4 days in Seville.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 5-7: Lisbon & Sintra
Days 5-7 are when you finally make it to the Portugal portion of this Spain and Portugal itinerary. To maximize our time, we took a late flight out of Seville, so we could wake up on day 5 in Lisbon.
There’s so much to see and do in Lisbon that you could easily spend 4-5 days exploring the city and taking some day trips to nearby Sintra and Cascais. We spent 2 days in Lisbon and then took a day trip to Sintra. Sintra is absolutely beautiful and not to be missed.
Also, make sure to stop by Pasteis de Belem for some of the famous egg tarts. I tried them from a few different places in Lisbon, and I think Pasteis de Belem were the best ones.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 8 + 9: Barcelona
After spending 3 days in the Lisbon area, it’s time to head back to Spain to spend your final 2 days in Barcelona.
Barcelona is home to La Sagrada Familia, the famous church designed by Antoni Gaudi, and many of his other works. I highly recommend visiting Casa Batllo if you’re interested in learning more about Gaudi and his design process. It was probably my favorite thing we did while in Barcelona.
Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Day 10: Home
After all your exploring it’s time to head home.
Related Posts
- The Best 2-Day Barcelona Itinerary – Perfect for First-Timers
- First Time in Lisbon – The Best 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary
- The Best Lisbon Day Trip – One Day in Sintra Itinerary
- 2 Days in Seville Itinerary – A Complete first-timers Guide
- How to: The Best Madrid to Toledo Day Trip Itinerary
- Madrid Travel Guide: The Best 2 Days in Madrid Itinerary
10 COMMENTS
Michelle
8 months agoHello,
Thank you for the great information. Did you take the train to get to all these locations? I am planning a last minute trip for my family.
Timpani Porshay
8 months ago AUTHORHello,
We took a train from Barcelona to Madrid, Madrid to Toldedo and Madrid to Seville. Flew to Lisbon and took a train to Sinta. Then, flew back to Barcelona!
Hope that helps, enjoy your trip!
PG
8 months agoHi! Thank you for a great itinerary. Where did you guys stay at? Any recommendations?
Timpani Porshay
6 months ago AUTHORHi! You’re very welcome, glad I could help!
For hotels we stayed at:
Madrid – SoHo boutique Opera
Seville – room select tetuán
Lisbon – Rossio Plaza Hotel
All of them had great locations that were close to sites and transport.
Alisha
7 months agoWhat hotels do you recommend to stay at? I would pay for someone to plan this for me. Want to really get to Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Cordoba.
Max
7 months agoWhat was the general cost of your trip?
Julie
7 months agoHi. Thank you for all the great tips!
Would you be able to tell us what hotels you stayed in Madrid, Seville and Lisbon?
Thank you!
Julie
Timpani Porshay
6 months ago AUTHORHello!
Madrid – SoHo boutique Opera
Seville – room select tetuán
Lisbon – Rossio Plaza Hotel
Maria Marris
6 months agoDid you make your own flight and hotel arrangements?
Timpani Porshay
6 months ago AUTHORHi! Yes, I always make my own flight and hotel arrangements