We have about 2 and a half weeks and would love to see both Spain and Portugal for the first time. Is that being too ambitious or is there an itinerary where we could visit both countries? I know we would be leaving a lot out. Would it be better to save Portugal for later? Am open to car rental or train. Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
FL USA
1530 posts
need more information:
when are you going?How many are going?
Have you purchased airfare?
What are your primary interests?
Posted by
OP
17 posts
No reservations made yet. Plans are an open slate. There will be 2 of us. Looking to go in September or October.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I did the south of Spain, southern coast of Portugal and a few days in Morocco and it was an amazing trip.
South of Spain... Malaga, Jerez, Arcos de la Fronterra, Granada, Sevilla, Antequerra, and a few other locations.
Portugal.... spent time just driving along the beach coast with no particular destinations in mind... just wandering
Morocco... Tangiers, Asillah, Chefchouen (sp)... absolutely amazing time there (just as an additional thought, since you are so close)
One of my favorite trips ever!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I think 18 days (17 nights) as a minimum to enjoy the major sights of both Spain and Portugal.
Most people with just 16 days would concentrate on just Spain, or Portugal with Barcelona and Madrid added on.
Arrive Lisbon - 3 nts (day to Sintra)
Train to Coimbra - 1 nt
Train to Porto - 2 nts
Fly to Barcelona - 3 nts
Fly to Granada - 2 nts
Train to Sevilla - 3 nts (day to Cordoba)
Train to Madrid - 3 nts (day to Toledo)
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
I would pick one and see it more thoroughly (and leave the other for another trip) - otherwise I think you'd be packing to much in and leaving too much out. Spain is big and diverse and could take up all your time. Portugal is much smaller but could still take up all your time. The two are not as well connected by public transport as one would hope.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1680 posts
I've done two - two and a half week trips to Spain and still didn't get to the Bilbao/San Sebastian area. And - after spending the two and a half weeks in Portugal, I moved there and after six months, still have many places I want to see.
All this said - I would encourage you to pick one country and really enjoy your time there rather than rushing madly from place to place without relaxing and seeing the country. I suggest picking no more than three places to spend several days and do day trips. Once I started traveling this way, my appreciation of the places I visit is amazing.
A car is really great in the Andalusia area of Spain but you don't need it in any of the big cities. Trains work well between Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.