This is our Spain and Portugal itinerary – 2 weeks in Spain and Portugal from the UK. We took this trip with kids but it works perfectly well for an adult only trip too. Our itinerary for Spain and Portugal saw us travel by ferry from the UK to Spain and then down through the country. We crossed over in to the Algarve, from the Algarve to Lisbon and then up the whole length of Portugal and back in to northern Spain at the top. This itinerary for Portugal and Spain contains further reviews you can click in to so you can read more about the specifics like restaurants or attractions.
We absolutely loved this route, you really can see the changing scenery from Alpine-like villages at the top to the sandy yellows of southern Spain and the bright lights of the city.
This is a 14 day itinerary but could easily be shortened to a 10 day itinerary by cutting out some of the time in the Algarve and Lisbon.
It’s the perfect road trip for Spain and Portugal, taking in some lovely parts of these beautiful countries.
Table of Contents
Spain and Portugal itinerary – 2 week road trip: MAP
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SCHEDULE
DAY 1 Catch the ferry – Spain and Portugal itinerary – 2 week road trip
Head to Portsmouth harbour (A) to pick up the Brittany Ferries sailing to Santander.
Our journey took 26 hours and you can take your car on board so it’s the perfect way to take a road trip through Spain and Portugal.
There’s lots to do on board from restaurants to entertainment.
The cabins are a little basic but it’s a great way to get far south if you’re wanting to travel with your own car.
DAY 2 – Arrive in Spain
On the second day, usually the evening, arrive in to Spain (A).
Santander is interesting but better to break a little of the journey and head south. Valladolid (B) is the perfect spot to stay overnight and the Sercotel Valladolid is a great hotel for a quick break.
DAY 3 – Valladolid and Madrid
Spend the morning looking around Valladolid, a quintessential northern Spanish town.
Check out the amazing Museo Nacional de Escultura which is jam-packed full of inspiring Medieval sculptures. Or wander through the beautiful Campo Grande which if you have kids has great playgrounds and if not is a wonderful walk in the fresh air. Or simply visit some of the beautiful churches for beautiful interiors and art works.
Stop at Villa Paramesa Tapas for some delicious tapas before hitting the road again and heading for Madrid (C).
This is an easy drive down to Madrid where you can stop for a couple of nights break from the driving and get under the skin of this alluring city.
DAY 4 – Madrid
Spend the whole day looking around Madrid. Whatever you’re interested in Madrid is sure to have something you can enjoy.
From the wonderful Prado National Museum to the absolutely stunning Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum or take a food trip through the city or visit the Zoo Aquarium de Madrid.
The city is absolutely full of things to do and you will wish you had a month there to soak it all up. This is a great introduction to Madrid.
🔎 Read more: The best things to do in Madrid with kids
DAY 5 – Head south to Seville
Day 5 is time to head south once again, this time to the absolutely stunning city of Seville (D).
Leave early to get in to Seville and really enjoy the time here.
Why not take the We Are Seville free tour for a fascinating look around the city or take the brilliant hop-on-hop off bus for a really good overview.
🔎 Read more: The best things to do in Seville with kids
DAY 6 – Head into the Algarve
It’s time to head west and into the Algarve (E) for some time relaxing by the beach.
We adore the Algarve, it’s the perfect place to rest and recuperate and enjoy the almost guaranteed sunshine.
There are some wonderful hotels and resorts here for some proper pamper time.
After all the cultural stops on this itinerary indulge in some relaxation time in the Algarve.
🔎 Read more: Our guide to the Algarve with kids
DAY 7 & 8 – Algarve – Spain and Portugal itinerary
The Algarve is packed with beautiful beaches, wonderful golf courses and fantastic restaurants.
It’s the perfect place to kick back with some fun activities, some amazing restaurants and some fantastic spas.
🔎 Read more: Things to do in the Algarve with kids
DAY 9 – Algarve to Lisbon
The drive to Lisbon (F) is an easy one. And it’s fascinating to watch the landscape change as you head north.
Enjoy the drive over the majestic 25 de Abril Bridge and into the city.
Soak up the city with a wander through the streets, stop for pastel de nata, the legendary custard tarts and take a tram ride around.
It’s the perfect city to get lost in.
🔎 Read more: Things to do in Lisbon with kids
DAY 10 – Lisbon – Spain and Portugal itinerary
Lisbon is a fantastic city with so much to do from the Castle Sao Jorge and it’s wonderful views across the city to the Lisboa Story Centre which is the perfect introduction to the history of the city.
If you’ve got kids head out to the Oceanário de Lisboa which is one of the best in Europe or take the tram to the Belem district for the best pastel de natas in town.
DAY 11 – Porto (Spain and Portugal itinerary – 2 week road trip)
It’s time to head north once again to the alluring city of Porto (G).
This is another wonderful city to enjoy with or without kids.
Why not take a boat trip to see the city from a new viewpoint or visit the incredible World of Discoveries Museum.
Visit the amazing Sea Life Porto or if you’re feeling brave climb the Porto Bridge.
DAY 12 – Head to northern Spain and Allariz
This is the biggest drive of the trip and will take you through the twisting turning mountainous roads of northern Portugal and in to Spain.
There is some beautiful landscape as you travel, much with an almost Alpine feel and it passes through some remote mountain communities.
It’s spectacular to see but the calm straight roads into Allariz (H) will be a welcome treat after some of the short turns and curving roads of this stretch of the trip.
Allariz is like a beautiful jewel at the end, somewhere tranquil and beautiful to really relax in.
🔎 Read more: A spa break in northern Spain at Allariz
DAY 13 – Allariz
After a long day of travel spend this last full day relaxing in beautiful Allariz.
In the summertime join the locals to swim in the gorgeous Arnoia River. In winter enjoy the spa pools in the hotel.
If you’re feeling like exploring miss Allariz town which has little going on and head for Ourense, a pretty Spanish town which is perfect to wander and has plenty of outdoor spa water to take in.
DAY 14 – Head to Santander for the ferry home – Spain and Portugal itinerary
Meander your way from Allariz to Santander (I).
If there’s time enjoy the beaches here or head to the big shopping centre of El Corte Inglés for some last minute Spanish shopping.
Then head to the ferry to catch the boat back to Portsmouth in the UK.
An ultimate guide to Portugal with kids
An ultimate guide to Spain with kids
Wow, it sounds like a fantastic trip. I’ve never been to Portugal, but would love to visit one day.
This sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to visit Portugal and Lisbon in particular. My dad has just been there on a cruise and said it’s my kind of place x
This sounds perfect, I’ve never been to Portugal but it’s a place I’ve always wanted to go!
Both are countries that i’d like to go to more but especially Portugal as I’ve not been before at all. Your guide is great! xxx