We are traveling to Barcelona next April and afterwards will have two weeks in Portugal with perhaps a stop in the Basque region. We are flying out of Lisbon and will plan on spending the last three nights there, which leaves 11 nights for either a stop in the Basque region and a stop elsewhere in Portugal, or else we can just go straight to Portugal. Since we'll be in Barcelona and Lusbon, at least one small town would be nice. Beaches are not a must. Great food is. Any and all suggestions appreciated. (Oh, and we could rent a car for a few days if we get off the beaten path.)
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
April will probably not be warm enough for the beaches, certainly not going in the sea unless you have a good wetsuit.
The Basque region is not en route from Barcelona to Lisbon, therefore you have many options. Basque country then the Picos de Europa which are stunning but may still have snow higher up in April, then go to Santiago de Compostela.
Alternatively, fly into Lisbon or Porto if possible and tour the Douro valley. Stay longer in Lisbon and do more day trips. Avoid the Algarve at that time of year - too out of season.
Posted by
Rick Steves Europe
353 posts
Hi Terri,
I think it's doable to see both Basque country and another few spots in Portugal over a 2 week period. There are numerous options and it really depends on what you are interested in seeing. If you skip Basque country, then there are quite a few, inexpensive flights from Barcelona directly to both Porto and Lisbon. You could fly to Porto an see more of Portugal, but if you reallly want to see Basque country, here are a few suggestions:
1) Basque country and Portugal
Fly (about 1 hour, see www.skyscanner.com for options) or take the train (5.5 hours, 2 direct trains daily, about 64 euros for a full-fare ticket, advance purchase, discounted tickets available if bought ahead through Renfe - www.renfe.com) to San Sebastian for 3 or 4 nights with a possible day trip to Guernica, the Rioja or French Basque country.
Take the Bus to Bilbao, spend 1 night, then fly to Lisbon (TAP has direct flights). Pick up a car at the Lisbon airport and head north to Obidos, spend 1 night
drive to Coimbra, spend 2 nights
drive to Porto drop car, spend 3 nights with possible day trip by boat to the Douro
train to Lisbon for last 4 nights (trains hourly, about 3 hours, see www.cp.pt for schedules and prices), possible day trip to Sintra
2) Basque Country, northern Spain and Portugal
Fly or train to San Sebastian for 3 nights
pick-up car, drive to Leon (about 4 hours) spend 1 night
drive to Santiago (3.5 hours), drop car, spend 2 nights
train to Porto (1 or 2 trains daily, 3-4 hours with a switch in Vigo, must buy tickets locally), spend 3 nights
train to Coimbra, spend 2 nights
train to Lisbon for last 3 nights
See Rick's Spain and Portugal guidebooks for hotel, restaurant and sightseeing suggestions.
Hope that helps!