Barcelona to Lisbon in 10 Days: Ultimate Spain & Portugal Itinerary

Two countries, ten days, a thousand memories. This Spain and Portugal itinerary is your perfect blend of art, history, flavor, and coastlines. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking for a compact travel guide, this plan offers the best highlights of both countries with smart transport, budget tips, and hidden gems.

Why Combine Spain and Portugal?

With their deep-rooted histories, vibrant cities, and sun-soaked coastlines, Spain and Portugal make a perfect duo for a European adventure. Whether you’re drawn to Gaudí’s whimsical architecture in Barcelona, flamenco rhythms in Seville, or pastel-tiled streets in Lisbon, this 10-day itinerary blends highlights from both countries into one unforgettable journey.

Overview of the Itinerary

Day	Location	Highlights
1	Barcelona	Montjuïc Castle, Cable Car, Gothic Quarter
2	Barcelona	Park Güell, Sagrada Família, La Boqueria Market
3	Madrid (via AVE train from Barcelona)	Evening tapas crawl and city stroll
4	Madrid	Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Royal Palace
5	Seville (via AVE train from Madrid)	Flamenco night in Santa Cruz
6	Seville	Alcázar, Cathedral, Plaza de España
7	Lisbon (via short flight from Seville)	Alfama stroll, sunset viewpoint
8	Lisbon	Tram 28, Time Out Market, Fado music
9	Sintra (day trip)	Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira
10	Lisbon	Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, departure

Note: This is a moderate-paced itinerary ideal for first-time visitors. You can download the printable itinerary PDF here.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer the best weather, fewer crowds, and long daylight hours.
Summer (July–August) can be crowded and hot — especially in Seville and Lisbon.
Weather varies between regions — expect warmer inland temps in Seville and cooler breezes along Lisbon’s coast.

Packing Tips: Lightweight layers, walking shoes for cobblestones, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a power adapter (Type C/F).

Transportation Tips

Barcelona → Madrid: AVE or iryo high-speed trains from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Atocha.
Madrid → Seville: AVE or iryo trains from Atocha Station to Sevilla Santa Justa.
Seville → Lisbon: Direct flights are quicker than trains. Book early with low-cost carriers like Ryanair or TAP Air.

Spain’s AVE and Portugal’s Alfa Pendular trains are punctual and scenic — great for sitting back and enjoying the countryside. Always validate physical tickets at station kiosks if not booked digitally.

Use apps like Omio or Trainline to compare options, but always book on official sites for the best prices.

Where to Stay

Barcelona: Gothic Quarter or Eixample for walkability and access to sights
Madrid: Gran Via or Centro for dining and public transport
Seville: Barrio Santa Cruz or near the Alcázar for charm
Lisbon: Alfama for history, Bairro Alto for nightlife

Budgeting Your Trip

Instead of granular cost breakdowns, here’s a general idea of what to expect:

Mid-range travelers can expect to spend $350–$700/day for two people, including hotels, food, transport, and attractions.
Booking accommodations and train tickets in advance saves significantly.
Mix fine dining with casual tapas bars and food markets to balance costs.

Sample Daily Breakdown for Two:

Hotel: ~$200
Food & drinks: ~$90
Attractions: ~$100 to 150
Local transport: ~$50

Tech Tip: Stay Connected with a Travel eSIM

Avoid international roaming fees. I used BNESIM, which offers Pay-As-You-Go Europe data packages — easy to set up, no physical SIM needed, and it worked well across both countries.

Optional Add-ons (if you have more time):

Granada: For the Alhambra and Moorish charm
Porto: A riverside gem in northern Portugal
Toledo or Córdoba: Easy day trips from Madrid

Final Thoughts & Travel Inspiration

Spain and Portugal complement each other beautifully — both visually and culturally. This 10-day itinerary blends city buzz, coastal beauty, and historic grandeur. Whether you’re sipping sangria in a sunlit plaza or climbing castle ruins in Sintra, your Iberian adventure awaits.

Stay tuned for Day-by-Day breakdowns in the next posts: starting with 2 Days in Barcelona!

📍 Pin It or Plan It!

✉️ Want a printable version of this trip? Click here for the link!
📸 Save this guide for later with the Pinterest image below
💬 Have questions about your trip? Drop them below.

This post is part of the Spain Portugal travel guide series. If you are interested to read in detail city specific information, you can navigate from here: