Are you planning a trip to Spain and Portugal? These two charming countries in southern Europe will offer you an unforgettable travel experience. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply want to soak up the sun and experience the culture, a week in Spain and Portugal will allow you to explore the cities, admire the beautiful coastline, and savor the local cuisine. Although 7 days may seem short, with careful planning, you can truly enjoy the charm of these two countries.
We aim to help you plan the perfect 7-day itinerary for Portugal and Spain. Covering everything you need to know, from the best time to travel to two completely different itinerary options for Spain and Portugal, allowing you to customize your trip according to your preferences.
Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Portugal and Spain
Is 7 Days Enough to Visit Spain and Portugal?
Is it Better to go to Spain or Portugal First?
7 Days Spain and Portugal Itinerary Starting from Madrid
7 Days Spain and Portugal Itinerary Starting from Lisbon
How to Get Around Spain and Portugal
Tips for visiting Portugal and Spain
Best Time to Visit Portugal and Spain
Choose spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The average temperature during these two periods is 18–25°C (64–77°F), which is mild and not as hot as summer. There are also fewer tourists, and airfare and accommodation are cheaper.
Is 7 Days Enough to Visit Spain and Portugal?
7 days is enough time to visit the major cities of Spain and Portugal, such as Madrid and Lisbon, as well as take day trips to surrounding cities. However, the schedule may be a bit rushed, but with proper planning, you can visit the main attractions of about 3 cities.
Is it Better to go to Spain or Portugal First?
It depends on your itinerary. If you plan to visit other European countries afterwards, I recommend starting your trip in Portugal so that you don’t have to retrace your steps. If your destination is only these two countries, then starting in Spain would be a better choice.
7 Days Spain and Portugal Itinerary Starting from Madrid
If you are starting your journey from Spain, we will use Madrid as your starting point and create a relaxing and enjoyable trip for you, allowing you to fully experience the charm of each country.
✈️General Itinerary: Madrid (3 nights), Lisbon (2 nights), Porto (1 night)
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Day 1 Arrival in Madrid
Your journey begins in Madrid. Upon arrival at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), head to your hotel, check in your luggage, and begin your journey. In the afternoon, take a walk through the beautiful Retiro Park and enjoy the oasis in the heart of the city. Afterwards, you can take Metro Line 2 to Plaza Mayor and nearby Puerta del Sol, these are Madrid’s iconic square.
For dinner, be sure to experience the local tapas culture. A great way to do this is to hop from one tapas bar to another, sampling a small plate of food and a drink at each one. This is a very social and enjoyable way to dine.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: El Pimiento Verde Lagasca, where you can enjoy an exquisite dinner, with signature dishes such as lobster paella and red wine braised oxtail with fried potatoes. Vinitus is a very famous tapas bar in Madrid, but the premises are quite small.
🏨Accommodation options: For sightseeing, it is more convenient to stay in the Centro, Salamanca, Retiro, and Chamartín areas. These areas have many attractions and convenient transportation.
Day 2 Art and History in Madrid
Start your day with art. Madrid is home to some of the world’s most renowned art museums. The Prado Museum is a must-visit, housing masterpieces by Spanish legends such as Goya and Velázquez. The Reina Sofía Museum, which houses Picasso’s iconic “Guernica,” is also an excellent choice.
In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is the official residence of the Spanish royal family, and its opulent grandeur will leave you in awe. End your day with a traditional Spanish dinner. If you enjoy trying new things, why not try paella or cochinillo?
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Mas Al Sur’s signature dishes are squid salad and seafood paella. Sobrino de Botín is a historic restaurant where you must try the roast suckling pig.
Day 3 Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia
It’s time to spend a day exploring the outskirts of Madrid. Toledo and Segovia are two excellent choices. Toledo is just a 30-minute train ride away and boasts a magnificent cathedral and intricate medieval streets. Segovia is only 25 minutes away and is worth visiting for its well-preserved Roman aqueduct and Alcázar fortress. You can enjoy dinner in either city before returning to Madrid.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Taberna Skala in Toledo offers home-style dishes, with Caramusas being the signature dish here. Jose Maria’s Restaurant in Segovia is worth trying, offering the most traditional dishes, including roast suckling pig and Torreznos.
Day 4 Off to Lisbon, Portugal
Today, you will fly from Madrid to Lisbon. The flight is short, less than two hours. Upon arrival at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), take a taxi or Aerobus to your accommodation. Once settled in, you can begin exploring the Portuguese capital.
Head to the historic Alfama district. This is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, and its narrow, winding streets, fado music, and stunning views of the Tagus River will captivate you instantly. Don’t forget to take the historic No. 28 tram, which will take you through some of Lisbon’s most picturesque areas.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Cervejaria Ramiro serves fresh seafood, and we recommend the prawns and clams, but please make a reservation in advance. Uma Marisqueira’s seafood rice is a signature dish and is more affordable.
Pastéis de Belém is the first egg tart shop with a history of over 100 years, and the egg tarts are crispy and delicious.
🏨Accommodation options: Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado are the best areas to stay in Lisbon. These areas have the most popular attractions, shopping streets, and numerous cafés.
Day 5 Explore Lisbon
Start your day in the Belém district, home to some of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and prime examples of Manueline architecture. It takes only 16 minutes to walk between the two attractions.
In the afternoon, you can head to the Baixa and Chiado districts for shopping and admire grand squares such as Praça do Comércio. In the evening, you can enjoy the city’s nightlife and perhaps try a glass of the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Maria Catita requires advance reservations, and its octopus paella and shrimp paella are signature dishes. Manteigaria is another popular egg tart shop, with crispy crusts and rich fillings. Pomme Eatery is a small tavern that serves delicious fried chicken and meatballs.
Day 6 Head to Porto
From Lisbon, you can reach Porto in three hours by train. After checking into your hotel and dropping off your luggage, head to Clérigos Church, a historic Catholic church. There are several other beautiful churches worth visiting in the vicinity, such as Igreja do Carmo and Church of Saint Ildefonso, all within walking distance.
When night falls, you can visit a wine cellar and taste local red wines. Or take a stroll along Foz do Douro and watch the Atlantic Ocean.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Bulha Sá da Bandeira is best known for its octopus dishes and fresh shrimp. Lareira – Baixa is also a traditional Portuguese restaurant, and you should definitely try the sangria here.
🏨Accommodation options: The Ribeira, Sé, and Miragaia areas are recommended for tourists to stay in, as they are close to attractions and various restaurants.
Day 7 End of the Trip to Portugal
Enjoy your last Portuguese-style breakfast, and perhaps pick up some souvenirs. If you have time before your flight departs, visit Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and one of the inspirations for Harry Potter. Then, head to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, filled with wonderful memories of your 1 week in Spain and Portugal, and fly home.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Floresta Cafe by Hungry Biker is a popular brunch spot in Porto, serving wonderful coffee and waffles. If you have time for a proper lunch, Casa Viúva is a great place to go, offering a variety of cakes and traditional Portuguese dishes.
7 Days Spain and Portugal Itinerary Starting from Lisbon
If you are about to embark on a Spain and Portugal itinerary starting from Portugal, this plan is perfect for you. It allows you to enjoy the relaxed pace of Lisbon before heading to Madrid, the capital of Spain. This 7-day Portugal and Spain itinerary will take you to the best places to visit in Spain and Portugal.
✈️General Itinerary: Lisbon (3 nights), Madrid (2 nights), Barcelona (1 night)
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Day 1 Arriving in Lisbon
Upon arrival at Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), proceed to your hotel. Take a leisurely walk through the Baixa district in the city center, exploring its crisscrossing streets and grand squares. Ride the Santa Justa Lift for a panoramic view of the city. As night falls, find a place to relax in the Bairro Alto district, known for its lively bars and restaurants.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Pinóquio is also a restaurant famous for its seafood paella, which is delicious and generous in portion size. Lisboa Tu e Eu 2 is known for its grilled octopus and cod, which are very fresh. It is also close to the coastline, so you can take a walk along the coast after your meal.
Day 2 Visit Lisbon’s Iconic Sights
Today, you will have plenty of time to admire Lisbon’s iconic buildings. In the morning, visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Then take a bus or metro for half an hour to the Carmo Archaeological Museum, a Gothic church destroyed by an earthquake. In the afternoon, take the famous No. 28 tram through Alfama and be sure to spend some time at St. George’s Castle to enjoy the magnificent views of the city.
If you get tired of sightseeing, head to the Chiado area, where you’ll find many restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Breakfast Lovers is a great brunch spot with three locations in Lisbon. We recommend the octopus Benedict and waffles. For vegetarians, try Jardim das Cerejas, a delicious vegetarian buffet restaurant.
Day 3 Day trip to Sintra
Sintra located west of Lisbon, it can be reached in less than an hour by train. Visit the romantic Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and enjoy a royal experience.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: You can enjoy lunch in Sintra, where Incomum is a well-reviewed restaurant, especially for their scallops and various risottos.
Day 4 Traveling to Spain
Fly from Lisbon to Madrid, arriving in just one hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare to experience the charm of Spain’s capital city. First, head to Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid’s iconic landmark, and take some classic photos at the nearby Plaza de Cibeles. Then, walk 20 minutes to Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and take a break.
At lunchtime, you can enjoy some Spanish ham or tapas at the Mercado de San Miguel. The afternoon is the best time to visit the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian monument that is most beautiful at sunset.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Taberna El Sur is a traditional Spanish tavern and restaurant, with ropa vieja and sangria being the most popular.
Taberna El Sur is a traditional Spanish tavern and restaurant, with ropa vieja and sangria being the most popular dishes. If you want to try cocido madrileño, you can choose Cocidos en barro, which serves the most traditional Madrid stew.
Day 5 Madrid’s Art and Grandeur
Today’s itinerary will focus on Madrid’s cultural center. First, visit the Museo del Prado, one of Europe’s premier art museums. Afterward, enjoy lunch in the Lavapiés district or the Barrio de las Letras, where you’ll find many fusion and international restaurants.
In the afternoon, explore the Royal Palace of Madrid and the nearby Almudena Cathedral. As evening approaches, experience a unique flamenco performance.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: Mesón del Champiñón, the mushrooms and ham here are must-try dishes. Bar La Campana, this bar has a year-round queue, and the fried squid sandwich and squid rings are the most popular dishes.
Castelados is a Michelin-starred restaurant that requires advance reservations, and the tuna salad and seafood paella are signature dishes.
Day 6 Head to Barcelona
It takes only three hours by train to get from Madrid to Barcelona. After checking into the hotel and dropping off our luggage, let’s set off.
First, head to Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece. It is recommended to book tickets in advance. Then take the metro for a 15-minute ride to Pg. de Gràcia, where you can visit Casa Batlló and La Pedrera along the street. In the afternoon, visit the Cathedral of Barcelona in Barri Gòtic, whose interior will leave a lasting impression. In the evening, head to Mercat de la Boqueria to sample fresh local ingredients.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: For restaurants near the beach, we recommend Barceloneta restaurant, which serves fresh oysters and lobster and offers views of the harbor. Vivo Tapas is a popular tapas restaurant, with paella as its signature dish.
🏨Accommodation options: The Eixample and the Gothic Quarter are close to major attractions and are the heart of residential areas, with a variety of shops. Barceloneta is a beach area, suitable for tourists who enjoy beaches and nightlife.
Day 7 Last Moments in Spain and Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some impromptu sightseeing in Barcelona. For example, take the cable car up Montjuïc Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Or visit the Museu Picasso, which houses Picasso’s early works. You may also want to browse the shops on La Rambla and pick up some souvenirs.
🍽️Recommended restaurants: If you have a sweet tooth, Forn Mistral | Sant Antoni is a local bakery offering a wide variety of breads and pastries at affordable prices. Cremat 11 is a cozy brunch spot in Barcelona that serves delicious pancakes, avocado toast, and more.
If you want to enjoy one last Spanish meal before you leave, Restaurant La Boqueria is a great choice. It offers paella, tapas, steak, and many other options.
How to Get Around Spain and Portugal
Traveling is easier than you might think, as both countries have well-developed public transportation systems.
- Trains: Both Spain and Portugal have high-speed trains, such as the Madrid to Barcelona route and the Lisbon to Porto route. However, there are no direct trains between the two countries.
- Airplane: This is the fastest and most practical option. Low-cost airlines operate frequent flights, making it easy to travel between the two countries.
Within the city, you can rely on the subway, buses, and trams.
- Metro: Madrid has 12 metro lines. We recommend purchasing a Tourist Travel Pass, which can be used on multiple modes of public transportation. Barcelona has 9 lines. We recommend choosing the Hola Barcelona Travel Card, which includes airport transportation coverage. Lisbon has 4 lines. We recommend choosing the Lisboa Card, which includes unlimited public transportation and discounted attraction tickets.
- Buses and Trams: Madrid has an EMT bus network covering the city and surrounding suburbs. Barcelona operates TMB bus routes and three tram lines connecting major neighborhoods. Lisbon is famous for its historic yellow trams and has a modern bus system that complements the metro system. Porto also offers STCP buses and vintage trams connecting the city center with surrounding areas.
Tips for visiting Portugal and Spain
No matter which 7-day itinerary you choose for Spain and Portugal, these tips will help you make the most of your trip.
Money-Saving Tips
- Walking is your best option. Spain and Portugal are both walkable cities with attractions concentrated in specific areas.
- We recommend purchasing a multi-day travel card and using public transportation, which will be more cost-effective.
- Book your flights and accommodations in advance. Especially during the off-season, you can find some great deals.
- You can choose to stay in areas near the city center, which are cheaper than the old town but just as convenient for transportation.
- If you are traveling with a large group, you can choose Airbnb or an aparthotel, where you can cook your own meals and save on food costs.
- Eat at local markets or choose the Menu del día, or daily special, at lunchtime, which is cheaper than ordering individual dishes.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to avoid buying bottled water.
Safety Tips
- Be mindful of your surroundings. As in any large city, pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure. Carry a small crossbody bag with the zipper facing forward, and avoid keeping your phone and wallet in your back pockets.
- Be cautious of street signings, petitions, sales pitches, and scams involving fake flower deliveries, as their ultimate goal is to solicit money from you.
- Southern Spain and Portugal have high temperatures in summer. Be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry water with you.
- The Spanish police may randomly check identification. It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport, including the entry page photo, and keep the original in the hotel safe.
- Drinking alcohol on the streets is prohibited in Barcelona, and violators may face fines.
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential. You will be doing a lot of walking, especially on cobblestone streets.
- Please pack appropriate clothing. The weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. A lightweight jacket or sweater is always a wise choice.
- Please bring a reusable water bottle and a travel adapter. Both countries use two-prong round plugs (Type C/F).
- When sightseeing, a small backpack or fanny pack can be used to carry essentials.
- Some important items, such as your passport, credit cards, and a small amount of cash.
- Your toiletries and medicines, as well as sunscreen and disinfectant, etc.
FAQ
How many days do you need for Spain and Portugal?
Seven days will allow you to visit the main attractions and popular day trip destinations in Spain and Portugal. However, 10-14 days will give you more time to explore and visit more cities, such as Zaragoza and Vigo, or the famous resort town of Amalfi.
Which city in Spain is closest to Portugal?
Badajoz in Spain is one of the closest cities to the border with Portugal, next are Vigo and Huelva.
What airlines fly between Portugal and Spain?
The most common ones include Iberia, Ryanair, Vueling, and TAP Air Portugal. These airlines operate frequent flights between Spain and Portugal.
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