What to Know About Vacationing in Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal are both beautiful countries with unique cultures, delicious food and wine, and plenty of historical sites. And since they’re so close together, you can easily visit both!

Spain is famous for its flamenco dance, tapas, and architecture. There’s so much to explore, including the works of famous artists in Barcelona and the one-of-a-kind Alhambra palace in Granada.

Portugal is known for its golden beaches and Port wine, and its capital city, Lisbon, is full of charm and character, with colorful buildings and narrow streets leading down to the Tagus river. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable destinations to visit in Western Europe.

Here’s what to know about planning a trip to these beautiful countries, including when to visit, where to stay, and travel options to maximize your time.

When to Visit Spain and Portugal

With beautiful, sunny summers and very mild winters, there’s no bad time to visit either country, but your personal vacation preferences may help determine which time is best for you. These are some general guidelines for visits throughout the year, and which areas showcase the best of each season.

Spring (March to May)

Spring in Spain and Portugal is the best of both worlds – the weather is mild with flowers in full bloom, and the tourist crowds haven’t yet reached their summer peak.

Spain

• Andalusia – Seville’s Feria de Abril (April Fair), which takes place one or two weeks after the Easter holiday, is a vibrant celebration of flamenco, bullfighting, and traditional Andalusian culture.
• Madrid – Enjoy pleasant weather ideal for strolling through parks like Retiro and visiting outdoor terraces. Don’t miss the colorful festivities of San Isidro in May.

Portugal

• Lisbon – Lisbon is gorgeous and very walkable, but its steep hills make exploring a workout – they’re much easier to tackle without the summer heat. Lisbon’s Alfama district also comes alive with Fado music festivals in the spring.
• Algarve – Spring is great for exploring the Algarve’s stunning coastline and charming villages without the summer tourist influx.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is peak tourist season, bringing warm weather, lively festivals, and bustling beaches. However, it can also mean higher prices and crowded attractions.

Spain

• Barcelona – The city buzzes with energy in the summer. Enjoy the beaches, the music festivals, and the famous La Mercè festival in September.
• Balearic Islands – Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca are in full swing, offering beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.

Portugal

• Porto – This city is amazing to visit year-round but especially exciting in the summer, with numerous outdoor events and the São João Festival in June.
• Lisbon Coast – Cascais and Estoril are perfect for beach lovers, and the cool Atlantic breezes provide relief from the heat.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another excellent time to visit, with cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and a host of cultural events.

Spain

• Rioja – Autumn is harvest season in the wine regions. Enjoy vineyard tours and wine tastings in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
• Granada – The Alhambra is less crowded, and the fall foliage adds to the beauty of the Generalife gardens.

Portugal

• Douro Valley – Experience the grape harvest and the stunning autumn colors in one of the world’s oldest wine regions.
• Sintra – The cooler weather is perfect for exploring the palaces and gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the low season, with the exception of the festive period around Christmas and New Year. It also remains relatively warm in both countries, with temperatures rarely falling below 45° F. It’s a great time for budget travelers and those looking to avoid crowds.

Spain

• Sierra Nevada – Spain’s premier ski resort offers excellent winter sports opportunities.
• Seville – Over 2,000 years old, Seville is the capital of Andalusia and beautiful to visit in the winter, when you can wander the narrow cobblestone streets without worrying about dense crowds.

Portugal

• Madeira – Known for its eternal spring climate, Madeira is a great winter escape with its lush landscapes and New Year’s fireworks.
• Lisbon – Mild winters make Lisbon a good year-round destination. Enjoy fewer tourists and festive lights during the holiday season.

See the Highlights of Spain and Portugal’s Most Popular Cities

These popular locations have enough must-see landmarks and activities to keep you busy for your entire stay, but also make great jumping-off points for exploring the rest of Spain and Portugal on a multi-country European adventure.

Barcelona, Spain: Art, Food, and Architecture

In a country filled to the brim with amazing museums and cultural richness, Barcelona still stands out.

Visit Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, an iconic basilica with intricate facades and stunning interior design. Don’t miss the opportunity to go up one of the towers for a panoramic view of the city.

Explore Park Güell, also designed by Gaudí, which features colorful mosaics, winding pathways, and unique architectural elements. The views of Barcelona from the park are some of the best in the city.

Take yourself on a walking tour of the city, where you can stroll down La Rambla and tour the city’s Gothic Quarter. Visit the shops, enjoy authentic Spanish food in one of the many cafes, and enjoy watching street performers throughout the day.

Madrid, Spain: Museums, History, and Sports

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city of grand boulevards and expansive parks. Art enthusiasts should make time to stop by the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya. Visit the opulent Royal Palace, relax in the serene Retiro Park, and sample delicious tapas at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel.

Madrid’s sports culture is deeply ingrained in its identity, with soccer (football) being the most celebrated sport. Home to Real Madrid, one of the world’s most successful football clubs, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a pilgrimage site for soccer fans. Stadium tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the locker rooms, trophy room, and the pitch itself.

Lisbon, Portugal: History, Nightlife, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Portugal’s charming capital – and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe – is the perfect mix of culture, nightlife, and history.

Wander through the historic streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district and home to the medieval São Jorge Castle. Enjoy the soulful sounds of Fado music and explore the awe-inspiring Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

As night falls, experience the city’s dynamic nightlife in trendy neighborhoods like Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, filled with lively bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Porto, Portugal: Culture, Cuisine, and World-Class Wineries

Situated on a beautiful stretch of land along the Douro River, Porto is a city that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Known for its picturesque historic center, it’s easy to spend days wandering through Porto’s charming streets and marvel at the stunning architecture of the Ribeira district. Dive into the city’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood to delectable pastries, and discover why Porto’s food scene is considered one of the best in the world.

No visit to the city is complete without exploring its world-class wineries. Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where centuries-old cellars offer tours and tastings of the city’s famous port wine.

All-Inclusive Stays in Spain and Portugal

All-inclusive resorts in Spain and Portugal provide the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and variety. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a fun-filled family holiday, or a relaxing getaway with friends, all-inclusive resorts are convenient because they cater to all your needs (and usually come with at least one amazing pool). With everything taken care of, you can focus on creating unforgettable memories in two of Europe’s most scenic destinations.

Spain has a huge variety of all-inclusive resorts spread through the mainland and surrounding islands, including Secrets Mallorca Villamil Resort & Spa and Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa.

In Portugal, most all-inclusives are concentrated in the southern Algarve region, home to stunning beaches and an amazing coastline. It’s also only three hours or so away from Lisbon by train, making it close enough for a day trip.

If you’d like to combine an all-inclusive vacation with an amazing itinerary full of excursions and sightseeing, we can help! At Key to the World Travel®, we create personalized travel plans that are tailored to your unique interests, accommodate your travel style, and keep you within your budget. Get in touch to learn more.

Spain and Portugal Cruises

From luxurious ships offering world-class amenities to intimate vessels that provide a more personalized experience, there’s a cruise for every type of traveler.

Some popular cruise lines that offer Spain and Portugal cruises include:

• Royal Caribbean® – Itineraries vary by length and ports, but typically include stops in Bilbao and La Coruna, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal. Some also include time in the Canary Islands.
• Norwegian Cruise Line® – A variety of exciting itineraries are available, including those with stops in Seville, Spain, Portimão, Portugal, Ibiza, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. There’s a number of itineraries that also include other stops in France, Italy, Morocco, and more.
• Celebrity Cruises® – Itineraries currently range from seven to fifteen nights, including an exciting transatlantic cruise that passes through Bermuda and the Canary Islands.

Spain and Portugal contain a diverse array of experiences that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon, soaking up the sun on the Algarve’s beaches, or photographing the historic architecture of Seville and Porto, your adventure through the Iberian Peninsula will be filled with unforgettable moments.