Ultimate 14-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary: Cities, Food, and Beaches

Planning a trip to a country as big as Spain can be tricky. And when you combine it with Portugal, well, your list of places to visit gets even longer. While 14 days may feel like a long time, we all know that time flies when you're enjoying tapas, sunshine, and pasteis de nata, so it's even more important to plan your Spain + Portugal trip correctly.

You might be tempted to try and do it all in just 14 days, but in my opinion, it's best to focus on a couple of locations that geographically make sense.

In my ultimate 14-day Spain and Portugal itinerary, I've thought long and hard about the best cities to visit and the length of time to spend in each. You might be surprised to see lots of the most famous places in Spain, such as Ibiza, Madrid, San Sebastian, and Santander, haven't made it onto the list, and that's absolutely not because they're not worth visiting. Spain is just enormous and we want to head across the border into Portugal too!

This itinerary is the perfect way to visit both and get a taste of the different regions without catching several flights and crisscrossing the country. You'll get a good mix of big cities and smaller towns whilst also enjoying the vast countryside of Spain and Portugal. There's also enough left for you to plan a second trip there – and probably a third or fourth!

Spain and Portugal Itinerary Day by Day

Barcelona (Catalunya)

Best city for: Architecture, art, public transportation, and a good atmosphere

Barcelona is a beautiful city and a popular destination for those traveling to Spain. This artsy city is also on the beach, so is the perfect place to mix culture and relaxation.

It's famous for its several buildings and parks named after the Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, and its amazing food scene. It's a great place to base yourself to explore more of Catalunya, such as the Costa Brava, or head up to the Pyrenees and the French border.

Day 1 in Barcelona: Fresh Breakfast, Markets, and Gaudí

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities to visit in Europe. This bustling metropolis is full of charm and character and is home to some of the best museums, buildings, parks, and restaurants that I've ever been to. 2 days is not enough to see the entire city but it will give you a taste of Catalunya and all it has to offer.

Morning

Start your day in Barcelona with a delicious breakfast close to the beach. Coco House is a great place that serves yummy bowls and a vast brunch menu. It's also really close to Barceloneta Beach. With only 2 days to enjoy the city, I wouldn't recommend spending hours at the beach. There's so much to do in Barcelona and you'll have time to enjoy some beautiful beaches once you visit Portugal.

Walk to the Gothic Quarter and spend some time exploring – it's my favorite area in Barcelona. It's full of dark streets, boutique shops, and amazing bookstores. From here, head to La Boqueria, a lively market selling fresh produce as well as tapas. It's a wonderful spot to grab some lunch as you look around the colorful stalls.

Afternoon/Evening

Walk to La Sagrada Familia to marvel at Barcelona's world-famous, unfinished church. The enormous, intricate building was first started in 1882 and still has bits missing! It's worth going inside or you can just take it all in from one of the many benches outside.

Make your way across to Parc Güell next. If you've only got two days in Barcelona, seeing this park is a must. The statues, including the very vibrant lizard, are amazing! You need to book tickets in advance and arrive on time for your slot. Of course, you could always book a tour to Park Güell and beat the lines or combine a tour with La Sagrada Familia.

After you've admired the park, wander around the Gràcia neighborhood which is close by. There are plenty of tapa bars around, and there is lots of international cuisine, too.

Day 2 in Barcelona: Great Views and Exploring Neighborhoods

Morning

I love the Poble-Sec area of Barcelona and it's the perfect neighborhood to start your second day. Molinet Cafe Antic is a yummy breakfast spot serving fruit bowls and brunch. The coffee is great and it's in a quaint little street just off Avenida del Paralelo.

When you've had enough to eat, walk towards the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. There are currently no light shows due to drought in Catalunya, but it's still worth wandering past the enormous fountains and waterfalls up towards the viewpoint. Take the outdoor escalators surrounded by flowers to the top of MontJuïc and the Olympic Stadium for a very impressive view of the city.

Afternoon/Evening

From the top, head back down towards the Gothic Quarter for lunch. Bodega Biarritz is a fun place for tapas serving different dishes every day. They don't take reservations, so you might have a short wait.

After lunch, make your way up to the Cathedral of Barcelona. It's a very impressive example of Gothic architecture and one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

Take the short walk from the Cathedral to the Palau de la Música Catalana. In my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona, especially all the stained glass! They put on some amazing concerts, so be sure to check their schedule in advance. From here, head back down to the beach for dinner and enjoy a final walk along the promenade.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Luxury Hotel: Me Barcelona

Mid-Range Hotel: Tembo Barcelona

Budget Hotel: Hotel Medicis

Day 3 in Valencia: Cool Neighborhoods and the Longest Park in Europe

Best city for: Couples, food, culture, and parks

The best way to get from Barcelona to Valencia is via high-speed train which runs often and is usually well-priced. You can fly from Barcelona to Valencia but, in my opinion, it's not worth it. Driving is another option, although you don't need a car in Barcelona or Valencia, so it's better to rent it at another point on your holiday.

Morning

You'll probably arrive at Joaquin Sorolla Station, which is centrally located and a great place to start exploring. Leave your bags and head for the Russafa neighborhood.

This is one of my favorite areas in Valencia and it's full of cafes, restaurants, bars, and independent shops. Have a wander around and pick one for lunch – La Malvaloca is a great place for tapas and they also do different rice dishes on a Sunday.

Afternoon/Evening

Walk past Russafa Market and head towards the Turia Gardens. They run around the city center and are the perfect place to walk along. The area used to be the old Turia River, but, when it flooded, they decided to divert it and turn it into a garden instead. From here, you can easily walk to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. These impressive buildings are a science museum, cinema, and event hall and, even if you don't go inside one, walking around them is a must.

Walk up the river garden to the neighborhood of Canovas. You can come up at the Pont d'Aragó and walk along the Gran Via. Ultramarinos Huerta is a wonderful restaurant for dinner, selling innovative and fresh tapas and there are lots of ice cream places and bars for afterward.

Day 4 in Valencia: Exploring the Old Town and Markets

Morning

No Spain and Portugal itinerary would be complete without breakfast in a market. Mercado Central is one of my favorite places in Valencia and there are lots of stalls selling fresh fruit and juices for breakfast. There's also a restaurant called Central Bar that does excellent coffee and breakfast.

When you're full, walk over to La Lonja de la Seda, a beautiful building in front of the market that used to be a trading station. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to the El Carmen neighborhood and even go on a street art tour to see a whole different side of the city. There are numerous great places to eat in the area, including lots of tapas bars, and restaurants serving paella.

Afternoon/Evening

Walk off lunch by heading to Valencia Cathedral and Plaça de la Reina. If you're feeling up to it, you can climb the Cathedral Tower for a wonderful view of the city.

As well as Paella, you can't go to Valencia without trying horchata, a kind of sweet, iced drink made out of tiger nuts. It's delicious, refreshing, and the perfect afternoon snack. My favorite is Horchata Daniel in Mercat de Colón.

For dinner, it's back to Russafa. There are lots of amazing restaurants to choose from and the atmosphere in this area is great every evening.

Where to Stay in Valencia

Luxury Hotel: Hospes Palau de La Mar

Mid-Range Hotel: Mon Suites Benlliure

Budget Hotel: Hotel Bestprice Valencia

Day 5 in Cordoba: Amazing food and Andalusian Architecture

Best city for: Nature lovers, couples, history

From Valencia, it's on to Andalusia in southern Spain. For this stretch of your Spain and Portugal itinerary, I'd recommend renting a car. Whilst trains are excellent between Barcelona and Valencia, getting to Cordoba is more difficult with public transportation, and can take longer. In fact, you often have to go via Madrid to get there. If you don't drive, it's still perfectly possible and some of the connections run well.

Morning

You'll probably arrive in Cordoba around midday – perfect for some lunch! I'd recommend heading to the Jewish Quarter to wander around the narrow streets and take in the amazing architecture. When you're hungry, go to La Regadera, an amazing restaurant on the river, and be sure to try the Mazamorra and Salmorejo.

Afternoon/Evening

After lunch, walk along the river and cross the Roman Bridge to the Roman Gate. You get a lovely view of Cordoba and, for any Game of Thrones fans, it's also the Bridge of Volantis in the series.

From here, make your way up through the Jewish Quarter to Calleja de las Flores, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. It's a good idea to go as the sun is setting so it's not as hot, and you get a stunning view of the Mezquita with a pink sky.

Choose one of the great tapas bars (however not on Calleja de las Flores) for dinner and prepare yourself for an early start in the morning!

Day 6 in Cordoba: Patios and the Incredible Mezquita

Morning

The Mezquita is one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain and one of the main reasons why Cordoba is one of my favorite cities in Spain. It perfectly shows Cordoba's colorful past and is an amazing exhibition of two religious architectures. If you go between 8.30 am and 9.30 am in the morning it's free and you save time because there are fewer people.

Choose one of the cafes around the Mezquita for a pan con tomate or jamon for breakfast and enjoy the stunning building from outside too.

After breakfast, walk down through the Jewish Quarter to the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, a brilliant royal palace with terraced gardens and Roman mosaics. For lunch, go to La Posada del Caballo Andaluz, a traditional Andalusian restaurant serving local dishes in a unique building.

Afternoon/Evening

One of the main reasons people visit Cordoba is for the patio festival. In May, the patios of Cordoba open their doors to show off their amazing plants, flowers, water features, and pottery to the many tourists who come to marvel at them. They are incredible and worth spending an entire day or afternoon wandering around. Many of the best ones are close to the Alcazar, so they're perfect to do after lunch.

Even if you don't go in May, there are still some patios open year-round. For dinner, go to the center of Cordoba towards Plaza de la Corredera. You'll find a lively atmosphere and lots of great places to eat.

Day 7 in Cordoba: Day Trip to Granada

Granada is an amazing city and, if you have longer than two weeks in Spain and Portugal, I can recommend staying there for a few nights and even going on day trips to the coast. But, in just two weeks, I think it's best to do a fairly intense day trip.

There are lots of tours and public buses running between Cordoba and Granada and it's best to leave as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Of course, in Granada there's one thing that everyone wants to see – the Alhambra – and it's definitely worth the day trip. After all, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's such an incredible building but, to be honest, I thought the gardens were even more impressive.

You need around 4 hours to see everything in the Alhambra and it is up quite a steep hill, which means it might not appeal to everyone. But even without going up to the Alhambra, you should still visit Granada. Albaicin is a beautiful neighborhood full of white-washed buildings and the Mirador de San Nicolás gives you stunning views over the Alhambra, without going inside!

Where to Stay in Cordoba

Luxury Hotel: Hospes Palacio del Bailio

Mid-Range Hotel: Eurostars Conquistador

Budget Hotel: Hotel Riviera

Day 8 in Seville: Plaza de España and My Favorite Neighborhood

Best city for: Bigger city vibes, families, markets, exploring Andalusia

Morning

If you have rented a car in Valencia, you can easily drive to Seville in an hour and a half or so from Cordoba. There are also good and frequent train connections between the two cities.

When you arrive in Seville and have checked in, go to the Santa Cruz neighborhood. This is one of my favorite parts of Seville and is full of romantic charm. The streets are lined with lively tapas bars, shops, and traditional bars. If you're hungry, El Librero Tapas Y Quesos is a lovely little spot for a snack or some lunch.

Afternoon/Evening

From Santa Cruz, walk across to Plaza de España, one of Seville's main landmarks. This amazing square with its large pond and ornate pavilion is the perfect place for a quick picture before getting out of the sun and enjoying the shade of Parque de Maria Luisa. Get lost in it and admire the gardens and exotic plants.

Come late afternoon, cross over the canal, and head to the Triana neighborhood. This is another of my favorite areas of Seville and has a more authentic and local feel. Grab some dinner in one of the many tapas bars lining the streets and be sure to catch a flamenco show! Some of the best are in this neighborhood.

Day 9 in Seville: Palaces, Cathedrals, and the Best Ever Sandwich

Morning

One of my best friends is from Cordoba but studied in Seville, and he gave me a great tip – to visit Seville Cathedral early in the morning. The area around the cathedral can get hot and very full with stalls and tourists but it's virtually deserted early on. You'll also be in Santa Cruz, so it's perfect to grab some breakfast.

Then walk or take public transport to Setas de Sevilla, an amazing archaeological museum with a rooftop walkway and viewpoint. It's a really strange building and worth visiting.

From here, it's onto my number one recommendation for Seville – Mercado de le Feria. You might have realized by now that I love a good market, but there's something so lovely about eating surrounded by noise and fresh produce. Head to the old fish counter in the middle that's been converted into a bar, the prawn sandwich is incredible, as is the rest of the food!

Afternoon/Evening

Once you're ready to leave the market, head to the Palacio de Las Dueñas. It's an amazing palace in the middle of Seville that's archaeologically very beautiful but also has some incredible art and paintings.

If you've had your fill of sightseeing, you could always skip the palace and walk along the canal instead. It's lined with bars and restaurants and the walk to the Torre del Orro is beautiful and relaxing. You could grab something to eat around there or, and we won't judge because it's exactly what we did, you could head back to the market for more tapas!

Where to Stay in Seville

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Colón Gran Meliá

Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Rey Alfonso X

Budget Hotel: Hotel Patio de las Cruces

Day 10 in Lagos (Portugal): Beach and Time to Relax

Best place for: Nature, beaches, families, couples, and exploring the Algarve

Your first stop in Portugal is beautiful Lagos, which is a 2-hour drive from Seville. It's worth checking the conditions of your rental car, as it can be much more expensive to leave your car in another country. There are also plenty of buses leaving daily from Seville to Lagos via Faro.

Morning

You'll probably arrive around midday in Lagos, depending on whether you made a stop off on the way. After traveling and some intensive sightseeing days in Andalusia, it's time to hit the beach. I'd stop off in a local supermarket, grab yourself and sandwich and some snacks, and head straight there.

There are lots of amazing beaches around Lagos but my favorite is Praia Dona Ana. There's a bus stop close by and the beach is incredible. It's lined with dramatic cliffs and the water is bright turquoise.

Evening

If you're happy to stay at the beach until sunset, you could head to Luca's Rooftop Restaurant which is close by. They do amazing fresh seafood and lots of local dishes but I would recommend reserving beforehand. If you fancy being back in town, there are some great restaurants around the marina and it's always nice to watch boats passing by!

Day 11 in Lagos: Hiking, Swimming, and Exploring

Morning

The Ponta da Piedade is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal and it's only 3km south of Lagos. It's a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline and makes for an amazing walk.

The cliffs are a beautiful golden color which contrasts amazingly with the bright turquoise sea. If you'd rather not walk along the headland, you can always explore the caves and stunning scenery from the water. There are lots of great tours, including a kayaking tour from Lagos.

Afternoon/Evening

Paia do Porto de Mós is a lovely beach close to Ponta da Piedade. It's large and sandy and great for kids to enjoy too. If you don't fancy walking, you can get the Line 2 bus back to Lagos which takes around 15 minutes. Casa do Prego is a charming restaurant serving up meat, fish, and veggie dishes as well as local Portuguese wine.

Where to Stay in Lagos

Luxury Hotel: Palmares Beach House Hotel – Adults Only

Mid-Range Hotel: Lagos Avenida Hotel

Budget Hotel: Hotel Mar Azul

Day 12 in Lisbon: Exploring Neighborhoods and Music

Best city for: Beautiful buildings, views, culture, and food

The capital is the last stop on my Spain and Portugal itinerary for several reasons. It's an incredible city with some amazing food, things to see, and culture but it's also a big travel hub, meaning you can fly out of Lisbon back to Spain or home.

The easiest way to get from Lagos to Lisbon is by car, but there are also regular buses and the trip is really beautiful. You can travel directly, or you may have to stop off in Albufeira.

Morning

Once you arrive in Lisbon, it's time to head to my favorite neighborhood, Alfama. This historic neighborhood is a little like an old village in the heart of the city. It's very pretty, hilly, and full of little alleyways. The maze-like streets are perfect to wander around and get a feel for the city. The neighborhood is also full of great eateries and bars, such as Augusto, a popular place to enjoy brunch or lunch.

Afternoon/Evening

There's enough for you to do in Alfama to enjoy the afternoon too. Grab an ice cream or a custard tart and wander the streets up to Castelo de São Jorge for a stunning view of the bay. It's open until 9 pm most days so is also a wonderful spot for sunset.

Alfama is a great district to see a live Fado performance, a genre of music that's often described as the Lisbon Blues. There's even a museum to visit if you want to learn more about it, or you can just head to one of the many bars and restaurants for a live performance, such as at Fado & Wine.

Day 13 in Lisbon: Belém, The Original Custard Tart, and Hills

Morning

For the last full day of your Spain and Portugal itinerary, it's important to start with a good breakfast. Dear Breakfast is in Baixa, a central neighborhood of Lisbon that's to the west of Alfama.

From here, we're going to go out west to Lisbon's historical district, Belém. The Torre de Belém and the gardens surrounding the tower are two of the best things to see in the area. The tower was built in the 16th century and stands as a ceremonial gateway to the city.

From here you have to go to Pastéis de Belém. Rumour has it these are the original custard tarts of Lisbon and they're incredible!

Afternoon/Evening

From Belém, you can get the train back to central Lisbon to explore some of the other amazing neighborhoods. Start by wandering through the beautiful, more upmarket streets of Chiado. This is a great place to see stunning buildings, bookstores, independent shops, and fine dining restaurants. Jump on the iconic Lisbon tram and head towards Bairro Alto. Trust me, it gets pretty steep and it's best to give your legs a rest!

Bairro Alto is a bustling neighborhood with a traditional, bohemian feel. I'd recommend going to Miradouro de São Pedro for incredible views over the city and just wandering around and getting lost in the neighborhood. Many of the traditional buildings are covered in street art and it's full of great bars and cafes to stop in. For dinner on your last night, try Taberna do Bairro Alto, they serve amazing Portuguese dishes and great local wine.

Day 14 in Lisbon: Airport after a Final Pastry

Before heading off to the airport or train station, you've got to have another custard tart. Even if it's for breakfast. Manteigaria is one of the best and most famous places for Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon, and they also have great coffee! You're pretty centrally located so can easily grab a taxi, bus, or the red metro line out to the airport to return home.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

Luxury Hotel: Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument

Mid-Range Hotel: Jupiter Lisboa Hotel

Budget Hotel: Hotel INN Rossio

Ultimate Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

🚘 How Long Do You Need to Travel Around Spain and Portugal?

You could easily spend weeks and weeks traveling around Spain and Portugal and not see it all, but 14 days is a great length of time to see lots of the major places and get a good feel for the two countries.

☀️ The Best Time to Visit Spain and Portugal

The best time to visit Spain is in spring – between March and May. Spain, especially the south, gets very hot in summer. It's also the peak tourist season, which means prices increase and there are way more people.

✈️ How to Travel Around Spain and Portugal

There are a few options for getting around Portugal and Spain, including trains, buses, flights, and driving. Public transport in Spain can be surprisingly frustrating and it may even take longer to get somewhere than via car. It's usually, however, always possible.

14-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary – Final Words

There are so many trips you can do around Spain and Portugal and, I'm sure after this two-week itinerary, you'll want to come back to do another! They're amazing countries full of color, incredible scenery, cultural cities, and delicious food.

This trip lets you see the highlights of both countries with a mix of cities, short traveling times, and beaches. I hope you're already looking forward to planning your trip around Spain and Portugal!