12 Days in Portugal and Spain: How to Plan a Itinerary for the Iberian Peninsula

Dreaming of exploring the Iberian Peninsula but feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to combine Spain and Portugal into one cohesive trip without feeling rushed or missing the must-see highlights?

The biggest challenges likely plaguing you are:

How many days do you actually need to experience both countries?

Should you fly between cities or take trains and buses?

And with so many incredible destinations—from Lisbon’s pastel de nata to Barcelona’s Gaudí masterpieces—how do you prioritize without experiencing serious FOMO?

Having successfully traveled through five cities across Spain and Portugal in 12 days—navigating everything from Sintra’s fairytale palaces to Granada’s Alhambra and Barcelona’s architectural wonders—I’ve figured out the perfect balance of time, transportation, and budget to experience the best of both countries.

This detailed Spain and Portugal travel itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see diverse highlights efficiently, travelers working with a 10-14 day vacation window, and budget-conscious adventurers who need practical transportation tips and money-saving advice.

From exploring Quinta da Regaleira’s mystical wells to gasping at the Sagrada Família’s kaleidoscope stained glass, I’m sharing every accommodation suggestion, budget hack, and timing tip so you can experience the best of both countries without feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation.

Tips on Visiting Spain and Portugal

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Spain and Portugal?

You need at least 10 days, ideally 12, and 14 if possible. With 10 days, you likely won’t have time for the day trips to Sintra or Granada, which were some of my favorite travel destinations on this itinerary. If you have the extra time, you can add more day trips, possibly to Andorra, or simply take this itinerary at a slower pace.

Getting to the Iberian Peninsula

If you’re traveling from another country, you’ll likely arrive in Spain and Portugal by air. Spain and Portugal both have airports that are easily accessible via public transportation or ridesharing services.

I visited Lisbon’s, Seville’s, and Barcelona’s airports and had an easy time at all.

If you’re coming from another European city, taking the train is another convenient option that allows you to see the countryside along the way.

How to Get Around

Once you’re in Spain or Portugal, you can travel from country to country in a similar way. In my case, I flew into Lisbon from Athens and then took an Uber to Sintra. You can also take public transport to Sintra, I was just lazy and didn’t want to lug my suitcase around.

I then returned to Lisbon to fly to Seville. I chose to fly to Seville because it was the fastest way to get there, and at 82 euros on TAP Air Portugal, it wasn’t a bad price either to get there in just over an hour.

From Seville, I took a bus tour to Granada for the day, but you can also take a train if you’re going without a tour. However, some routes are still under construction, so buying a train ticket may be impossible if you’re not coming from Cordoba, Madrid, or Seville.

Another option is to rent a car, which is only recommended if you plan to stay the night in Granada and have a hotel that allows you to park there. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult.

After returning to Seville, I flew to Barcelona for $54 on Ryanair (I know, but it was cheap), which took one hour and 40 minutes.

Again, I primarily flew because it was within my budget and faster. However, if you don’t mind spending the time or enjoy a train or a bus, then those options are great as well.

The Ultimate Spain and Portugal Travel Itinerary

Before diving into details, here’s a quick outline of the following itinerary:

• Day 1: Fly Into Lisbon
• Day 2: Lisbon
  • Tower of Belem
  • Monument to the Discoveries
  • Jeronimos Monastery
  • National Archaeology Museum
• Day 3: Lisbon
  • Palacio Nacional da Ajuda
  • Igreja de Sao Roque
  • Carmo Archaeology Museum Convent
  • Livraria Bertrand
  • Pink Street
• Day 4: Lisbon
  • Plaza del Comercio
  • Praca do Rossio
  • Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
  • Panteao Nacional (National Pantheon)
  • Money Museum
• Day 5: Sintra
  • Pena Palace
  • Chalet of the Countess of Edla
  • Monserrate Palace
  • Quinta da Regaleira
• Day 6: Seville
  • Seville Cathedral
  • Giralda Bell Tower
  • Alcazar de Sevilla
• Day 7: Seville
  • Plaza de Espana / Parque de Maria Luisa
  • La Casa de Pilatos
  • Palacio de las Duenas
  • Torre Del Oro
• Day 8: Granada
  • Granada Cathedral
  • Viewpoint Over the Alhambra
  • Albaicín (Albayzin) Quarter
  • Alcaiceria
  • Gardens and Palace of the Generalife
  • The Alcazaba
  • The Nasrid Palaces
• Day 9: Barcelona
  • La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
  • Casa de les Punxes
  • Casa Vicens
  • Casa Batllo
• Day 10: Barcelona
  • Free Walking Tour of Barcelona
  • Arc de Triomf / Ciutadella Park
  • Barcelona Cathedral
  • Palau Guell (Guell Palace)
• Day 11: Barcelona
  • La Sagrada Familia
  • Park Guell
  • Sant Pau Hospital (Sant Pau Recinte Modernista)
  • Font Magica
• Day 12: Return Home

Of course, depending on flight times and prices, you could also reverse the itinerary, starting in Barcelona, then head to Seville and Granada, before traveling to Portugal to see Lisbon and Sintra.

I only did it this way at the time for cost efficiency, and will list it below as I experienced it.

Day 1: Fly Into Lisbon

I landed just before 5 p.m. in Lisbon and took public transport from the airport to my hotel.

I’m warning you about Lisbon now. Most of it is uphill, so this was the first and last time I took public transport there.

That is not to say public transport in Lisbon is bad; it was great. However, lugging my suitcase around after being in Greece for a week and a half was getting to be a bit much.

🏨 Hotel: Quinta Colina

💸 Save Money: Get the Lisboa Card! It grants you free entrance to 51 museums, monuments, and places of interest and skip-the-line access to 12 of those places. You also get free transportation and discounts on local services and at participating stores.

😋 Food Recommendations: Pastéis de Belém, Manteigaria at Time Out Market Lisbon, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, Bar Terraco de Santa Luzia

🍷 Drink Recommendation: Ginjinha, Park Bar

For more extensive details on Lisbon, check out my itinerary for three days in Lisbon.

Day 2: Lisbon’s Most Renowned Landmarks

Tower of Belem

The Tower of Belem, one of Lisbon’s most renowned landmarks, is officially known as the Tower of Saint Vincent.

Built in the 16th century, this fortification served as a departure and arrival point for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial entrance to Lisbon. It represents Portugal’s maritime and colonial strength during the early modern period in Europe.

Unfortunately, it was closed for repairs while I was there, but normally you can enter this site.

Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument to the Discoveries stands along the river where ships set off to explore and trade with India and the Orient. This monument honors the Portuguese Age of Discovery, which took place in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Its ship-like design features 33 figures from that era, including monarchs, explorers, cartographers, artists, scientists, and missionaries on either side.

I enjoyed trying to figure out who all the figures were while I was there. I didn’t do very well, but it was a fun activity!

Jeronimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is stunning! Its vaulted ceilings and ornate details exemplify Portuguese Late Gothic architecture.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s worth visiting simply to appreciate its undeniable beauty. It felt surreal, more like a movie set than a historical structure.

National Archaeology Museum

The National Archaeology Museum houses Portugal’s most remarkable archaeological collection. Established in 1893 by the distinguished archaeologist José Leite de Vasconcelos, it showcases artifacts from the Palaeolithic era to the Middle Ages.

Additionally, the museum features a substantial array of Egyptian artifacts alongside an Islamic exhibit, ancient jewelry, epigraphy, and Roman mosaics.

If you’re not a history buff, this is one you can likely skip.

Day 3: Notable Lisbon Landmarks and Photo Ops

Palacio Nacional da Ajuda

The Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, aka the Ajuda National Palace, is stunning! Before visiting Portugal, I knew little about its royal family. I learned a lot about its royal heritage by visiting the Ajuda National Palace, the official royal house in the second half of the 19th century.

Inside are ornate interiors, art collections from the 18th and 19th centuries, a Music Room, private apartments, and State Rooms. You’ll also find gold and silver works, textiles, furniture, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

Igreja de Sao Roque

Igreja de São Roque, a Catholic church, is renowned for its wealth despite its plain façade. Built by the Jesuits from 1553 to 1573, it lacked a roof until 1582. Initially intended to have a vaulted ceiling, it instead got a flat one made of Prussian timber.

Notably, one chapel is termed the “world’s most expensive.” It was ordered by the Portuguese King from Rome in 1742 and completed in five years. It’s made of precious materials, including gold, ivory, lapis lazuli, and agate, with mosaics resembling paintings.

I mostly visited due to its notability as ‘expensive,’ but wouldn’t say this was a church that truly wowed me.

Carmo Archaeology Museum Convent

The Carmo Archaeology Museum Convent church dates back to 1389 and is used as an Art and Archaeology museum today.

In the mid-nineteenth century, a taste for ruins and ancient medieval monuments came into fashion, so it was decided not to continue reconstructing the building after the 1755 earthquake, leaving the body of the naves of the church open.

In 1864, the Archaeological Museum of Carmo was established as the nation’s first museum dedicated to Art and Archaeology. Over the years, the museum has gathered numerous fragments of architecture and sculpture, including funerary monuments, tile panels, weapon stones, and other items of historical, artistic, and archaeological significance.

Sounds nerdy, but even if you’re not a history buff, I think you’ll enjoy a trip here as it’s a cool experience wandering around this place.

Livraria Bertrand

If you’re not bookish, the Livraria Bertrand is something you can skip on this Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. But for those who are, Livraria Bertrand is a Portuguese book retailer founded in 1732.

The original store, located in Lisbon, was declared to be the oldest operating bookstore in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011.

Pink Street

If you’d like to explore Pink Street for some photo opportunities, feel free to do so.

However, during my visit, I noticed some parts of the road seemed a bit worn, making it less vibrant than what social media portrays so I wasn’t as enthused about this place as I had expected.

Day 4: Learning Lisbon’s Long History

Plaza del Comercio

Another Instagram favorite, but this one I actually highly recommend on this itinerary! The Plaza del Comercio houses government agencies, the main tourist office in Lisbon (Ask Me Lisboa), and some restaurants and cafes.

Adjacent to the tourist office is the Lisbon Story Centre, which is covered by the Lisboa Card. The Lisboa Story Centre is geared towards a child-friendly view of history, but I enjoyed my visit nonetheless. It’s an interactive space that transports visitors through time while depicting facts and events that shaped the city.

Praca do Rossio

Referred to as the heart of Lisbon, Praça do Rossio is a central square adorned with Portuguese mosaic cobblestones.

It boasts a spacious pedestrian area surrounded by various cafes, restaurants, and shops. Two bronze fountains, brought from France in the 19th century, and a statue are also on display.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)

A site on this Spain and Portugal travel itinerary that I’m ‘eh’ about is the Museu Nacional do Azulejo.

The museum’s collection is one of the largest ceramics collections in the world, dedicated to the azulejo, the traditional tilework of Portugal and other Iberophone cultures.

While I can appreciate the artistry of Portugal’s incredible tile work, I don’t think I needed to see a whole museum on just tiles.

Panteao Nacional (National Pantheon)

One of my favorite spots in Lisbon is the Panteão Nacional, also known as the National Pantheon. The architecture is stunning, and the terrace offers breathtaking views! It’s regarded as the most beautiful Baroque structure in Lisbon.

The interior draws inspiration from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and is adorned with colored marble. This is unsurprising, considering it started as a church before being transformed into the National Pantheon, where many notable Portuguese figures are interred.

Money Museum

An itinerary item I went to because it was advertised with the Lisboa Card is the Money Museum. The Money Museum showcases the concept of money, its history, and developments in Portugal and worldwide.

Here, you can virtually mint a coin, print a banknote bearing your profile or face, and examine the fibers that make up banknotes through a microscope.

Very kid friendly so if you’re looking for something to entertain them, this is it.

For more extensive details on Lisbon, check out my list of things to do in Lisbon.

Day 5: Day Trip to the Palaces of Sintra

Sintra is undeniably enchanting! Resembling a fairytale, its many castles, either preserved or built under Ferdinand II of Portugal, make for a delightful day trip from Lisbon that you can easily get to by Uber/taxi or public transport.

🏨 Hotel: Casa do Vinho Sintra Guest House

😋 Food Recommendations: Restaurante Alcobaça

For more extensive details on Sintra, check out my list of things to do in Sintra.

Pena Palace

After taking the bus to Pena Palace, there’s an uphill climb to the colorful castle. Ferdinand II transformed it from a monastery into a vibrant castle. He refurbished the upper floor, replacing the fourteen monk cells with larger rooms and vaulted ceilings.

In 1843, he expanded the palace with the New Palace wing, featuring larger rooms, including the Great Hall and a circular tower by the new kitchens.

While the exterior of Pena Palace is famous, the interiors are equally captivating, including King Carlos’s chambers, Ferdinand II’s bedroom, Queen Amelia’s dressing and tea rooms, the Great Hall, and more.

Chalet of the Countess of Edla

Nestled within the gardens of Pena Palace is the Chalet of the Countess of Edla, built by King Ferdinand II.

It’s a 30-minute stroll from the Palace and typically requires around 20 minutes to tour, given its size—about the size of a large house.

Monserrate Palace

The design of Monserrate Palace reflects influences from Romanticism and Mudéjar Moorish Revival architecture alongside neo-Gothic elements. Originally intended as a retreat for writers, Monserrate drew international visitors, notably Francis Cook, a British industrialist and art collector from the 19th century.

He played a significant role in shaping Monserrate into its current form, complete with exotic gardens and romantic architectural features throughout the palace.

I appreciated the vibrant ceilings in the main hall, the elaborate wood carvings, and the expansive galleries in between.

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira is so beautiful. It’s a must-see on your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary! It’s one of those places where you think, “Someone really lived here?”

The interior is just as ornate as the exterior, with paintings, carvings, tile, and painted ceilings. In addition to the main building, they also have a chapel and a massive park with lakes, grottoes, wells, fountains, and other exquisite constructions.

Day 6: Seville’s Cathedral and the Alcazar

I landed in Seville at 10 a.m., so I used my half-day wisely by joining a guided tour of the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Bell Tower, and Alcazar de Sevilla.

🏨 Hotel: Hotel Murillo

🗺️ Tours: Seville Cathedral, Giralda & Alcazar Entry With Guided Tour

💃 Activies: See a Flamenco Show, La Carboneria Bar

😋 Food Recommendations: La Bartola, El Torno Pasteleria de Conventos

🍷 Drink Recommendation: Pura Vida Terraza

For more extensive details on Seville, check out my list of things to do in Seville.

Seville Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, aka the Seville Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral and former mosque. UNESCO registered it as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

As Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic church and one of the largest churches in the world, it’s a must-see on this Spain and Portugal travel itinerary.

Christopher Columbus’ grave is one of the most notable things in the Seville Cathedral.

Giralda Bell Tower

While the Giralda Bell Tower technically belongs to the cathedral, it is treated as separate.

Originally, the Giralda served as the minaret for the mosque on this site during Muslim rule. Its design was inspired by the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Morocco.

Following the Reconquista, it was transformed into a cathedral bell tower, although its uppermost section dates from the Renaissance.

For those who have issues with stairs, it’s a ramp all the way up, so much easier to climb than other bell towers!

Alcazar de Sevilla

Alcázar of Seville stood in for Dorne on Game of Thrones. And let me tell you, it is as gorgeous as the show portrays.

The Alcázar of Seville, officially known as the Royal Alcázar of Seville, is a historic royal palace that should be a must-see on your itinerary.

This location was where the Islamic-era citadel was established in the 10th century. Over the centuries, various dynasties expanded it into a grander palace complex. Following the Castilian conquest in 1248, the site underwent significant reconstruction, creating new palaces and gardens.

One of the most notable is the elaborately adorned Mudéjar-style palace constructed by Pedro I in the 1360s.

Day 7: Impressive Homes of Seville and Picturesque Photo Ops

Plaza de Espana / Parque de Maria Luisa

The Plaza de España is located within the Parque de María Luisa and was constructed in 1928 for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

This plaza showcases a “Moorish paradisiacal style,” including tiled fountains, pavilions, walls, ponds, benches, palm trees, orange trees, Mediterranean pines, and intricately designed flower beds.

These days, it’s an excellent spot to explore the local scene. During my visit, I saw Flamenco dancers performing. Each alcove features a pair of covered bookshelves, functioning as a “Little Free Library” for visitors.

I recommend visiting the Plaza de España in the early morning if you want a quieter experience, as it’ll be without the usual crowds.

If you’re looking for something to skip on this itinerary, this may be it, as it’s further away than some of the other sites in Seville.

La Casa de Pilatos

The Casa de Pilatos, built in the 16th century, is one of the most beautiful palaces in Seville and one of the best-preserved buildings from that era. The “House of Pilatos” is named after the house of Pontius Pilate, which they tried to emulate.

This palace was constructed using different styles, such as Gothic, Mudéjar, and Italian Renaissance. It also features marble columns, ceiling paintings, large wooden doors, mudéjar tiles, chapels, and an Italian-style garden.

Truly a beautiful house to get lost in for a little while.

Palacio de las Duenas

The Palacio de las Dueñas, built in the late 15th century in Renaissance style with Gothic and Moorish influences, is a historic home in Seville.

As one of the city’s most visited monuments, it boasts an extensive collection of 1,425 decorative art artifacts, including Italian and Spanish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries and a watercolor by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis from her 1960 visit.

The palace also houses a significant collection of antique furniture, ceramics, sculptures, 16th and 17th-century Flemish tapestries, mosaics, and other art pieces.

Another house to spend some time in that evokes the magic of Seville.

Torre Del Oro

The Torre del Oro, known as the “Tower of Gold,” stands 36 meters (118 feet) tall and was constructed by the Almohads in the 12th century as part of the Moorish city wall connecting the Alcazar Palace with the rest of Seville.

Its primary role was to regulate shipping on the Guadalquivir River, utilizing a heavy chain that ran underwater from the tower to the opposite bank to block enemy vessels.

Today, the building houses the Museo Naval, a small maritime museum featuring antique navigation instruments, scale models, and sea charts.

When I visited, I didn’t enter the museum; I only viewed the tower. However, if you’re interested in naval history, add this to your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary. Otherwise, I’d skip this.

Day 8: A Day Trip to Granada

I took a bus tour of Granada from Seville. The tour I’ve listed below is not the one I went on. I’m fairly certain I booked through my hotel in Seville. However, the one I’ve listed is very similar.

🗺️ Tours: From Seville to Alhambra Palace

😋 Food Recommendations: Churros and Chocolate in Plaza Nueva

🍷 Drink Recommendation: Grab an Alhambra beer

For more extensive details, check out my post on spending 1 day in Granada.

Granada Cathedral

The Granada Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and seat of the Archdiocese of Granada.

While visiting church after church can start to become a bit much, I still enjoyed visiting the Granada Cathedral. 

Viewpoint Over the Alhambra

I walked up to a viewpoint over the Alhambra. It was quite a hike up a hill, though!

It is great for a photo op however!

Albaicín (Albayzin) Quarter

I then walked down through the Albaicín (Albayzin) Quarter.

The narrow cobblestone streets here were so gorgeous that I wish I had had more time to explore them. If you have an extra day or some extra time, I highly suggest wandering around in this area.

Alcaiceria

And if you’re into shopping, check out the Alcaicería area.

I only briefly found myself here, so I didn’t really get a chance to explore, but any shopaholic would love it. If you’re not a big shopper, skip this on your itinerary.

Gardens and Palace of the Generalife

Generalife was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid rulers.

It features lovely architecture reminiscent of what I had seen at the Royal Alcázar of Seville, as well as fountains.

Typically, a visit here is included as part of a visit to the Alhambra, but to me, it wasn’t the primary allure of the overall experience; that honor went to the Nasrid Palaces.

The Alcazaba

The Alcazaba, the oldest surviving section of the Alhambra, was constructed by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty, after 1238. This military fortress dominates the cityscape.

During the Nasrid period, a small housing area known as the Barrio Castrense (‘Military Quarter’) existed within the inner fortress’s walls.

Although the original buildings are gone, their excavated foundations remain visible today.

Again, not the biggest allure, but it is typically included on a tour of the Alhambra overall.

The Nasrid Palaces

The Nasrid Palaces, located at the center of the Alhambra, showcase lavish Moorish-style courtyards, reception halls, and royal quarters.

Their walls boast intricate 13th-century engravings adorning surfaces like walls, columns, arches, fountains, and ceilings, communicating elaborate messages across the palace and gardens.

However, most of the surviving structures primarily date back to the 14th century. These palaces encapsulate the splendor of the last Hispanic-Arab rulers of Al Andalus, the Nasrid dynasty.

From the ornate writing to the epic buildings, I was truly wow’ed by the Palaces and would highly recommend taking the time to explore them.

Day 9: Seeing Guadi’s Masterpieces in Barcelona

I flew from Seville and landed in Barcelona just after 8 am. After checking into my hotel (which I adored), I headed out for a full day of exploring Barcelona.

🏨 Hotel: Circa 1905

🗺️ Tours: Barcelona: Sagrada Familia & Park Güell Guided Tour & Ticket, Gothic Quarter Free Tour of Barcelona

😋 Food Recommendations: La Alcoba Azul, Els Quatre Gats, Granja Dulcinea, Robata

🍷 Drink Recommendation: Lamaro Hotel Barcelona

For more extensive details on Barcelona, check out my three day Barcelona itinerary.

La Pedrera (Casa Mila)

La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà) was the last private residence designed by architect Antoni Gaudí and was built between 1906 and 1912.

The entire roof (of which it’s most famous) has ornate skylights, staircase exits, fans, and chimneys. These were constructed out of brick covered with lime, broken marble, or glass to dynamically integrate the necessary elements into the building.

Casa de les Punxes

The Casa de les Punxes or Casa Terradas was designed by the Modernist architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch.

Though beautiful, it can only be viewed from the outside, so I recommend skipping it on your itinerary if you’re in a rush.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens is considered to be Gaudí’s first significant project. In creating the home, Gaudí aimed to merge functionality with beauty, emphasizing comfort, hygiene, and well-being—principles evident in much of his later work.

Furthermore, true to his style, he meticulously crafted every detail of the house, paying close attention to elements like lighting and ventilation to ensure ideal living conditions.

If you are looking for a place to skip during your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary because you aren’t as keen as I am on Gaudí, this may be the one to skip. However, as it’s less popular than some of his other projects, it is quicker to see.

Casa Batllo

Casa Batlló, I legitimately fell in love with. You may have seen it while browsing Instagram, but it offers more than an attractive exterior.

Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is regarded as one of his masterpieces. Locally, the building is known as Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) due to the skull motifs incorporated into its facade.

The interior showcases unique oval windows, gracefully sculpted stone details, and vibrant mosaics created from shattered ceramic tiles. An arched roof resembles the back of a dragon or dinosaur.

If it’s unclear, I highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Spain and Portugal.

Day 10: The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and Other Marvels

Free Walking Tour of Barcelona

I took the Gothic Quarter Free Tour of Barcelona from Free Walking Tours Barcelona and highly recommend it for your itinerary.

They offer this tour daily at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, lasting approximately 2 -2.5 hours. The tour is free to join, and guests determine the value of the tour, which is standard for free walking tours.

“We will surprise you with stories, legends and secrets of warriors, conquers, explorers, kings and queens or the life of artists such as Miró, Dalí or Picasso. We will also discover first-hand, some of the architectural jewels of the city, from medieval palaces and gothic churches to some of the more modern Spanish squares and boulevards. Not only will we talk about its history and architecture, but we will also uncover secrets about the rich gastronomy in the city.”

Arc de Triomf / Ciutadella Park

The Arc de Triomf is a memorial arch built by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair.

The arch crosses over the central promenade of the Passeig de Lluís Companys, leading to the Ciutadella Park, which now occupies the site of the World Fair.

If you’re a big fan of parks, then head over to Ciutadella Park. However, there wasn’t much to do here, so you can skip this on your Spain and Portugal itinerary if you’re in a hurry.

Barcelona Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, often referred to as Barcelona Cathedral, serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. Its construction spanned from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries, primarily in the fourteenth century.

The cloister was finalized in 1448, and in the late nineteenth century, a neo-Gothic façade was added to replace the plain exterior typical of Catalan churches.

Aside from the awe-inspiring interior, you can get a ticket to visit its rooftop and see an amazing view over Barcelona.

Palau Guell (Guell Palace)

Palau Güell, or Güell Palace, is a mansion constructed from 1886 to 1888, designed by Antoni Gaudí for industrialist Eusebi Güell.

Personally, I find this to be one of Gaudí’s darker creations—contrasting sharply with his vibrant works at Casa Batlló or Park Güell. While it’s not my favorite, I still suggest visiting it for a change of pace during this Spain and Portugal travel itinerary.

Palau Güell features a main room for entertaining guests. Arriving via horse-drawn carriages, guests enter through iron gates while their animals are housed in the basement stable.

The guests ascended to the receiving room, where ornate walls conceal small viewing windows for the owners to discreetly observe their guests before greeting them, allowing for any necessary attire adjustments.

Day 11: The Spectacular Sagrada Familia and Park Guell

La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona’s most famous destination and arguably Gaudí’s most famous work, Sagrada Família, is a must-see on your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary even though it is still under construction and will be until 2034.

Gaudí’s design includes eighteen spires: the Twelve Apostles, Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the tallest, Jesus Christ.

As of 2023, thirteen spires are completed. Once finished, the Jesus Christ spire will make Sagrada Família the tallest church at 11 meters (36.1 ft) above the current record-holder, Ulm Minster (161.5 meters). The church will feature three grand façades: the Nativity façade to the east, the Passion façade to the west, and the unfinished Glory façade to the south.

If you’re lucky and it’s sunny, the stained glass inside will show off a kaleidoscope of colors.

Park Guell

Park Güell is a must on your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary.

Eusebi Güell assigned the park’s design to Antoni Gaudí. Together, they conceived this park, imagining an organized grouping of high-quality homes outfitted with all the latest technological advancements to ensure maximum comfort and Gaudí’s artistic touch.

Only two houses were constructed, and Gaudí designed neither. One was meant to be a show house, but after its completion in 1904, it remained unsold until Gaudí purchased it upon Güell’s suggestion and moved in with his family in 1906.

This house, where Gaudí resided from 1906 until his death in 1926, now showcases original works by Gaudí and several of his collaborators and is known as the Gaudí House Museum.

Though the houses weren’t designed by Gaudí, the park around them was, and that’s the showstopper here.

Sant Pau Hospital (Sant Pau Recinte Modernista)

The former Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau complex was constructed from 1901 to 1930. It stands as one of the most significant creations of Catalan modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

In 1997, UNESCO recognized the Hospital de Sant Pau as a World Heritage Site due to its uniqueness and artistic merit. Featuring 12 pavilions linked by extensive underground galleries set within a vast green area, Sant Pau is the largest structure built in Art Nouveau style.

If you don’t like Art Nouveau or hospitals, feel free to skip this.

Font Magica

The Magic Fountain of Montjuïc is located beneath the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc mountain.

It sprays 700 gallons of water per second through 3,620 jets to achieve its visual spectacle, with the tallest spout reaching 170 feet. The fountain’s light display debuted in 1929 and continues to this day, lasting around 20 minutes and completely free.

My picture is during the day, but it looks much cooler at night!

Note: Due to drought, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc has been turned off to save water; check this website for showtimes and choreographies when it returns.

Day 12: Return Home

I flew back from Barcelona to the United States.

Strangely, it was cheaper to book a round-trip ticket than a one-way ticket, which was all I needed. I’ll never understand why they do that, but alas, it was how it worked out financially.

Adding an Extra Day

If you have the time, consider adding an extra day to your Spain and Portugal travel itinerary.

This can allow you to explore more of the local culture, visit additional attractions, or take a day trip to a nearby town. For example, you could see the Douro Valley in Portugal, known for its port wine production, or take a boat ride along the coast of southern Spain.

Or add in a whole other country by visiting nearby Andorra, which is sandwiched between Spain and France.

Spain and Portugal Travel FAQs

Related Lisbon Travel Guides

• 22 Best Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal (My Budget Picks)
• Is Lisbon Portugal Worth Visiting? 15 Reasons It’s Perfect for Solo Travelers
• 3 Days in Lisbon Portugal: My Affordable Itinerary + Map
• Is Lisbon Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Top Safety Tips
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• Lisbon Solo Travel: Ultimate Guide for Women Traveling Alone
• Where to Stay in Lisbon Portugal: My Favorite Budget Options
• How Many Days in Lisbon: Simple Calculator for First-Timers
• 2-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Budget-Friendly Plan for a Weekend in Portugal’s Capital

Related Sintra Travel Guides

• The Top Things to Do in Sintra: 5 Stunning Palaces You Need to See

Related Portugal Travel Guides

• How to Build a Spain and Portugal Travel Itinerary
• 6 Famous Filming Locations in Portugal from Film and TV, and How to Visit Them

Related Seville Travel Guides

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Related Granada Travel Guides

• Is Granada, Spain, Worth Visiting? Yes, Here’s How I Took a Day Trip

Related Barcelona Travel Guides

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