Europe Travel Itinerary: Spain & Portugal (8 Days Route Itinerary)

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April 30, 2026

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Europe Travel Itinerary: Spain & Portugal (8 Days Route Itinerary)

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Europe Travel Itinerary: Spain & Portugal (8 Days Route Itinerary)

Planning a Europe trip and wondering how to combine Spain and Portugal in one seamless journey? This Spain and Portugal itinerary is designed to help you explore two of Europe’s most vibrant countries in a short time, without feeling rushed.

From Lisbon’s coastal charm to Spain’s cultural cities, this route blends history, food, architecture, and local experiences. Whether you’re planning your trip through curated Europe tour packages or building your own route, this itinerary gives you a clear structure to follow.

Why Combine Spain and Portugal in One Trip?

Spain and Portugal share the Iberian Peninsula, making them perfect to combine in a single itinerary.

Short travel distances between major cities
Rich mix of culture, history, and cuisine
Ideal for first-time Europe travellers
Easy connectivity via trains and short flights

If you’re exploring multi-country trips, this route pairs well with broader Europe honeymoon packages or longer Western Europe itineraries.

Quick Spain & Portugal Itinerary Overview

Day	Destination	Highlights
Day 1–2	Lisbon	Alfama, Tram 28, viewpoints
Day 3	Sintra & Cascais	Palaces, coastal cliffs
Day 4	Porto	Ribeira district, wine cellars
Day 5	Travel to Spain	Flight/train
Day 6	Seville	Flamenco, Alcázar
Day 7	Granada	Alhambra
Day 8	Madrid / Barcelona	Culture & departure

Here’s a detailed 8-day itinerary to unwrap the best of both Spain and Portugal!

Day 1–2: Lisbon, Portugal

Start your journey in Lisbon, one of the most scenic capitals in Europe. Walk through Alfama’s narrow streets, ride the iconic Tram 28, and enjoy sunset views from Miradouros.

Top experiences:

Alfama district walk
Tram 28 ride
Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

For a deeper exploration, you can combine this with a dedicated Portugal travel itinerary.

Spain Tour Package Starting @ ₹74,660

Pristine beaches. Exotic Stays. Tapas & wines. Quirky Festivals

View Spain Packages

Day 3: Sintra & Cascais

Take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, known for its fairy-tale palaces and lush hills. Continue to Cascais for coastal views and relaxed beach vibes.

Highlights:

Pena Palace
Quinta da Regaleira
Cabo da Roca

Day 4: Porto

Head north to Porto, a charming riverside city famous for its wine culture and colourful architecture.

Top experiences:

Ribeira district
Douro River views
Port wine tasting

Day 5: Travel from Portugal to Spain

Travel from Lisbon or Porto to Spain via flight (fastest) or train (scenic).

Tip: Flights between Lisbon and Seville or Madrid are usually the most time-efficient.

Day 6: Seville, Spain

Seville offers a perfect introduction to Andalusian culture. The city blends Moorish architecture with Spanish traditions.

Top experiences:

Alcázar of Seville
Seville Cathedral
Flamenco show

You can explore more routes in a detailed Spain travel guide.

Day 7: Granada

Granada is home to one of the most iconic historical sites in Europe — the Alhambra.

Top experiences:

Alhambra Palace
Albaicín district
Sierra Nevada views

Day 8: Madrid or Barcelona

End your trip in Madrid or Barcelona, depending on your flight route.

Madrid: Museums, royal palace, cultural depth
Barcelona: Gaudí architecture, beaches, vibrant nightlife

If you have extra time, consider extending this into a full Spain itinerary covering both cities in depth.

How to Travel Between Spain & Portugal

Lisbon → Porto: Train (3 hrs)
Lisbon → Seville: Flight (1 hr)
Seville → Granada: Train (2.5 hrs)
Granada → Madrid: Train (3–4 hrs)

For flexible travel, many travellers prefer combining flights + trains rather than relying only on rail passes.

Best Time to Visit Spain & Portugal

Knowing the best time to visit Spain and Portugal enhances your experience of the trip:

Spring (April–June): Best weather + fewer crowds
Autumn (September–October): Pleasant and budget-friendly
Summer (July–August): Hot but lively
Winter: Less crowded, cooler

Cost of Spain & Portugal Trip (From India)

Budget: ₹1.2L – ₹1.8L
Mid-range: ₹2L – ₹3L
Luxury: ₹3.5L+

Costs vary based on flights, stay, and whether you choose curated Europe trip packages or plan independently.

Travel Tips for Spain & Portugal

Book Alhambra tickets in advance
Carry comfortable walking shoes
Use local transport passes
Try regional cuisines (tapas, seafood, pastries)
Keep buffer time for inter-country travel

Conclusion

A Spain and Portugal itinerary is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Europe, especially for first-time travellers. It combines history, culture, food, and scenic landscapes into one seamless journey.

If you want a hassle-free experience, consider planning your trip through customised Europe packages that cover both Spain and Portugal efficiently.

FAQs

1. What is the best itinerary for Spain and Portugal?

The best Spain and Portugal itinerary covers Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Seville, Granada, and Madrid or Barcelona in 7–10 days, offering a mix of culture, history, and scenic experiences.

2. How many days are enough for Spain and Portugal?

A minimum of 8–10 days is ideal to explore major cities in Spain and Portugal without rushing, though 12–14 days allows a more relaxed and immersive experience.

3. What is the best way to travel between Spain and Portugal?

Flights are the fastest way to travel between Spain and Portugal, while trains and buses are suitable for shorter routes within each country.

4. Is it expensive to travel to Spain and Portugal from India?

A trip to Spain and Portugal from India typically costs between ₹1.2 lakh to ₹3 lakh per person, depending on travel style, season, and accommodation choices.

5. Do I need a visa for Spain and Portugal?

Yes, both Spain and Portugal are part of the Schengen region, so Indian travellers can visit both countries with a single Schengen visa.