Spain & Portugal Itinerary: 21 Days of Iberian Culture & Coastlines
Embark on a 21-day journey through Spain and Portugal, starting in Madrid and concluding in Porto. This itinerary connects vibrant cities and historic towns by train and bus, offering a deep dive into the rich culture and diverse landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula.
- 1Madrid
- 2Seville
- 3Granada
- 4Lisbon
- 5Porto
Day 1: Arrive Madrid
Begin your Iberian adventure in Madrid, settling in and exploring the iconic central squares of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
Highlights
- Arrive at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), located 12 kilometers northeast of the city centre.
- Your main intercity terminal, Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, is accessible by Metro Line 1, Cercanías trains, city buses, and taxis.
Day 2: Explore Madrid
Dedicate your day to Madrid's artistic heritage, visiting world-class museums and the grand Royal Palace.
Highlights
- Discover masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya at the Museo del Prado, a must-see for European painting.
- Explore the lavish rooms and armory of the Royal Palace of Madrid, an 18th-century royal residence.
- Wander through Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s central square, admiring its historic arcades and architecture.
Day 3: Explore Madrid
Immerse yourself in modern art at the Reina Sofía Museum before enjoying a relaxing afternoon stroll through El Retiro Park.
Highlights
- Visit the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s Guernica and works by Dalí and Miró.
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride in El Retiro Park, Madrid’s most famous park with gardens and monuments.
- Experience the lively atmosphere of Gran Vía, known for its architecture, shopping, and theaters.
Day 4: Bookable day trip from Madrid to Toledo
Take a day trip to Toledo, exploring its historic center, magnificent Cathedral, and the imposing Alcázar.
Highlights
- For planning, the earliest outbound departure is 06:25 and the latest return departure is 23:30.
- Travel by train from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Toledo, with tickets starting from €11.
- Explore the Catedral Primada de Toledo, a Gothic masterpiece famed for its sacristy and El Greco works.
Day 5: Madrid -> Seville
Journey by train from Madrid to Seville, then spend the afternoon discovering the vibrant Triana district.
Highlights
- Travel from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes to Sevilla-Santa Justa by train, with tickets starting from €14.
- The train journey covers 391 km in an average of 3h 47m.
- Explore Triana, a traditional riverside district known for its ceramics, flamenco heritage, and lively streets.
Day 6: Explore Seville
Delve into Seville's grandeur with visits to the Royal Alcázar and the magnificent Seville Cathedral.
Highlights
- Discover the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a vast Mudéjar royal palace with ornate courtyards and gardens.
- Marvel at Seville Cathedral, a Gothic landmark housing major artworks and Columbus’s tomb.
- Climb La Giralda, the former minaret turned bell tower, for sweeping city views.
Day 7: Explore Seville
Wander through the charming Barrio de Santa Cruz and immerse yourself in Seville's rich flamenco traditions.
Highlights
- Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish quarter, with its narrow lanes and intimate squares.
- Experience the city's vibrant flamenco heritage, particularly in areas like Triana.
- Relax in Parque de María Luisa, a large historic park with fountains and shaded walks.
Day 8: Seville -> Granada
Take a scenic train journey from Seville to Granada, then explore the historic Albaicín quarter upon arrival.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Granada, with tickets starting from €47.
- The train journey covers 211 km in an average of 2h 45m.
- Wander through the Albaicín, a historic hilltop quarter known for its Moorish heritage and classic views of the Alhambra.
Day 9: Explore Granada
Spend a full day exploring the breathtaking Alhambra palace-fortress and its serene Generalife gardens.
Highlights
- Discover the Alhambra, Spain’s most iconic Islamic monument, famed for its ornate courtyards and architecture.
- Stroll through the beautiful Generalife gardens, the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.
- Visit the Granada Cathedral, a landmark of the Spanish Renaissance with a grand façade.
Day 10: Explore Granada
Explore the unique Sacromonte cave dwellings and enjoy panoramic views from the Mirador de San Nicolás.
Highlights
- Visit Sacromonte, a traditional hillside district known for its cave homes and flamenco heritage.
- Enjoy the famous sunset views of the Alhambra from Mirador de San Nicolás.
- Walk along Paseo de los Tristes, an atmospheric street offering classic views up to the Alhambra.
Day 11: Granada -> Lisbon
Travel from Granada to Lisbon by train, then enjoy an evening stroll through the Baixa district.
Highlights
- Journey by train from Granada to Lisbon, covering 513 km in an average of 6h 43m.
- Tickets for this train journey start from €20.
- Explore the Baixa district, Lisbon's elegant downtown area, known for its grid-like streets and grand squares.
Day 12: Explore Lisbon
Discover Lisbon's Age of Discoveries heritage with visits to Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and a taste of Pastéis de Belém.
Highlights
- Visit Belém Tower, a fortified tower on the Tagus River and a symbol of Portugal's maritime history.
- Explore Jerónimos Monastery, a grand Manueline masterpiece with royal tombs and cloisters.
- Indulge in the famous Pastéis de Belém, traditional custard tarts from the historic pastry shop.
Day 13: Explore Lisbon
Wander through the historic Alfama district, visit São Jorge Castle, and experience traditional Fado music.
Highlights
- Get lost in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, with its narrow lanes, viewpoints, and fado heritage.
- Ascend to São Jorge Castle for archaeological remains, towers, and sweeping city views.
- Experience a traditional Fado music performance, a soulful expression of Portuguese culture.
Day 14: Bookable day trip from Lisbon to Sintra
Embark on a magical day trip to Sintra, exploring the vibrant Pena Palace and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Lisbon to Sintra, with tickets starting from €14. The earliest outbound departure from Lisbon is 00:08.
- Discover the colorful 19th-century Romanticist Pena Palace, famed for its terraces and sweeping views.
- Explore the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, known for its Gothic architecture, gardens, and initiation well. Return to Lisbon by train from Sintra, with the latest departure at 23:36.
Day 15: Explore Lisbon
Explore the lively Bairro Alto and elegant Chiado districts, enjoying panoramic views across the city.
Highlights
- Wander through Bairro Alto, known for its vibrant nightlife and traditional Fado houses.
- Discover Chiado, an elegant and historic district with theaters, shops, and cafes.
- Seek out various viewpoints (miradouros) for stunning panoramic vistas of Lisbon's hills and the Tagus River.
Day 16: Lisbon -> Porto
Travel by train from Lisbon to Porto, then spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque Ribeira district.
Highlights
- Journey from Lisboa - Oriente to Porto - Campanhã by train, with tickets starting from €11.
- The train journey covers 274 km in an average of 3h 28m.
- Explore Ribeira, Porto's colorful UNESCO riverside quarter, lined with historic buildings and lively public spaces.
Day 17: Explore Porto
Discover Porto's iconic landmarks, including the Dom Luís I Bridge and Porto Cathedral, and indulge in a Port wine tasting.
Highlights
- Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge for iconic views of the Douro River and both Porto and Gaia.
- Visit Porto Cathedral, a Romanesque landmark crowning the old city, offering cloisters and panoramic terrace views.
- Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit a Port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting of the region's famous fortified wine.
Day 18: Bookable day trip from Porto to Guimarães
Take a day trip to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, exploring its historic castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Porto - Campanhã to Guimarães, with tickets starting from €8. The earliest outbound departure from Porto is 09:00.
- Explore Guimarães Castle, a 10th-century hilltop fortress tied to Portugal's foundation.
- Visit the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, a 15th-century ducal palace with richly furnished rooms. Return to Porto by train from Guimarães, with the latest departure at 20:53.
Day 19: Explore Porto
Ascend Clérigos Tower for city views, visit the famous Livraria Lello, and browse local markets.
Highlights
- Climb Clérigos Tower, a Baroque bell tower, for panoramic views of Porto.
- Discover Livraria Lello, a stunning bookstore known for its neo-Gothic architecture and literary history.
- Explore local markets like Mercado do Bolhão for fresh produce and regional specialties.
Day 20: Explore Porto
Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Serralves Museum or enjoy a relaxing Douro River cruise.
Highlights
- Visit the Serralves Museum, a contemporary art museum set in a beautiful park.
- Consider a scenic Douro River cruise to admire Porto's riverside architecture from a different perspective.
- Stroll along Avenida dos Aliados, a grand central avenue framed by stately buildings and City Hall.
Day 21: Depart Porto
Enjoy some final souvenir shopping before heading to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) for your departure from Porto.
Highlights
- The itinerary concludes in Porto.
- Depart from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), located 11 kilometers northwest of the city centre.
Spain
Portugal
