Because I am a stand-alone globe-trotter I settled in the Iberian Peninsula, and now I wander it uninhibitedly. Taking into account this, this blog will be dedicated to advising you on how to form the perfect Spain-Portugal trip in the next year2024 or 2025. Historically these two lovely countries owe much of their flavors to the richness of history, diversity of geographies and depth of their arts. So shall we start with the details of how one can plan a Spain-Portugal trip that will never be forgotten?
1. Planning Your Trip
However, let’s go through the destinations list first, before dwelling on the actual Best Time to Visit part:
Best Time to Visit
You may think the best season to go to Spain is spring and fall’s shoulder seasons, which are April-May and September-October, in that order. Then will the sun’s rays warm you, and you can walk along the beach most surely. However if you are going to visit in 2024 or 2025, always remember that the climatic patterns may change due to global warming.
Duration of Stay
For your inquiry, I will give you an answer that includes a cooperation of the citizens of the respective countries, people’s initiatives, and environmental organizations. This time will be enough to comprise the major cities’ rounds and the lonely trips to isolated locations across the cities.
Transportation
As for the places to hang around, note that both countries have excellent mass transit systems. Expressing trains connect the main cities, conversely buses are better used to reach the countryside towns. On your other hand renting a car poses as a good alternative because of the flexibility it gives and it promotes dirt road sightseeing.
2. Starting Your Journey: Madrid
It would be best to the commencement of this marvelous Iberian journey in Madrid, the Spanish capital. Allow 3 days for this place so that you can properly immerse in the atmosphere of Spain.
Key Attractions:
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- Prado Museum
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- Royal Palace of Madrid
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- Retiro Park
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- Plaza Mayor
Liking something does not include the option to flee from swallowing the greater portion of it. Go ahead, for example, and satisfy your taste for tapas, you can go at Mercado de San Miguel and see how tapas are prepared.
3. Seville: The Heart of Andalusia
You should start at Madrid, and then your next stop should be Seville which you can reach by a bullet train. Let’s say 2 or 3 days would be a fair enough time for you to explore this special city.
Must-Visit Sites:
Make sure you visit the next following places:
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- Alcázar of Seville
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- Seville Cathedral
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- Plaza de España
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- Barrio Santa Cruz
One can stay the night in a small hotel looking out directly to the sea and join a flamenco club for a unique flamenco night.
4. Granada: Moorish Splendor
It is a 3-hour bus trip from Seville to Granada. You can take 2 peaceful days here to have the real feeling of Moorish tradition.
Highlights:
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- Alhambra Palace
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- Albaicín neighborhood
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- Sacromonte caves
Be sure to book your Alhambra tickets a couple of days early, as they might be sold out fast.
5. Barcelona: Catalan Culture
After Granada, you will fly to Barcelona which is a 3-day must for this vivid coastal city.
Key Attractions:
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- Sagrada Familia
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- Park Güell
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- La Rambla
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- Gothic Quarter
On arrival, the first thing is to do your little walk-in Barceloneta Beach mostly in the evenings when the ambience is glorious.
6. Porto: Gateway to Portugal
Enter into Portugal and initiate your sightseeing in Porto. Spend the first 2 days of the tour feature the town. With such an experience leave you drought of poetic wonders, melt into a shameless specter.
Must-Do Activities:
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- Visit Port wine cellars
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- Explore Ribeira district
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- Climb Torre dos Clérigos
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- Admire Livraria Lello
Do not overlook to grasp you a Francesinha sandwich before coming to the next venture which you can make up a typical Portuguese meal that uses local ingredients.
7. Lisbon: Portugal’s Captivating Capital
Terminating with 3 days off in Lisbon, amazing city, which scores however as the most endearing among Portugal’s cities.
Key Sights:
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- Belém Tower
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- Jerónimos Monastery
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- São Jorge Castle
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- Alfama district
Sintra is a good option as it is not far from Lisboa, this place hosts Sintra, a charming beautiful fairytale-like castle city of Portugal that is surrounded by forests and mountains.
8. Tips for a Seamless Spain-Portugal Itinerary
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- Language: We must to speak English in situations that are confined to the tourism field, but you will not get the most out of it that way. Irish Spaniards and Portuguese, and of course environmental organizations of all countries can offer us an opportunity for reaching zero-temperature level if everybody involving them co-operates with them.
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- Currency: They both use the Euro, so you don’t have to worry what method of payment to use in each case.
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- Dining Hours: Considerably shift meal agenda to the later part of the day, at those times when Spain’s dinner time seems not related with the rest of the world.
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- Accommodation: Initially book a room in a hotel or find a place that is closer to the center of the city, by these means, you will shorten the time you spend on the roads towards different places you visit; and you will have a more fun time exploring the cities in those periods.
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- Cultural Experiences: Get involved in typical fairs and festivals of the locality and you will uncover new capacities of carrying languages.
9. Sustainable Travel
If one has to be a responsible traveler one should be very careful about the environmental consequences that, one’s travels will lead to. On the other hand, you will find here some environmental travel hints for your Spain-Portugal routings:
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- Use public transportation or walk when possible
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- Stay in eco-certified accommodations
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- Support local businesses and artisans
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- Respect local customs and traditions
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- Minimize plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle
Conclusion
What a marvel to have this most insightful and fascinating tour about Spain and Portugal, between the enclosures of history, the alive pulse of culture, and the fairyland of nature. If you make use of this itinerary, you have the guarantee that you will see the best of both countries in 2024 or 2025. But be at liberty to introduce your unexpected activities among the planned activities or your extra time with discoveries that were not planned. Good travel!
Did you partake in the Spanish and the Portuguese festivals? Which was the best part? Visit the comment section down below the page and tell me about your choice of activities. If you have questions concerning your Iberian adventure, please ask them.