46 days in Portugal & Spain Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Europe travel planner
Start: San Francisco, United States
Fly
1
Lisbon, Portugal
— 6 nights
Drive
2
Lagos, Portugal
— 5 nights
Fly
3
Barcelona, Spain
— 6 nights
Fly
4
Ibiza Town, Spain
— 7 nights
Ferry
5
Formentera, Spain
— 2 nights
Ferry to Ibiza Port, Fly to Playa Blanca
6
Playa Blanca, Spain
— 3 nights
Fly
7
Maspalomas, Spain
— 5 nights
Fly
8
Funchal, Portugal
— 6 nights
Fly
9
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
— 5 nights
Fly
End: San Francisco, United States
Thu, Dec 1 - Sun, Jan 15
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Lisbon, Portugal — 6 nights
©
City of Seven Hills
Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.Discover out-of-the-way places like Praia da Nazare and Templo Romano de Evora (Templo de Diana). Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Castelo de S. Jorge. Change things up with these side-trips from Lisbon: Waterskiing & Jetskiing (in Nazare), Evora (Capela dos Ossos & Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora)) and Sintra (Park and National Palace of Pena & Quinta da Regaleira). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Belém Tower, admire the masterpieces at Museu Nacional do Azulejo, view the masterpieces at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and get to know the resident critters at Jardim Zoologico.
To see more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Lisbon vacation maker.
San Francisco, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from San Francisco to Lisbon is 8 hours. In December, daytime highs in Lisbon are 18°C, while nighttime lows are 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can drive to Lagos.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 1 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Lagos, Portugal — 5 nights
©
Jewel of the Algarve
The allure of the beaches and the town's historical center draw visitors to Lagos, a coastal destination in the Barlavento region of the Algarve.We've included these beaches for you: Praia Da Rocha and Praia da Falesia. Get in touch with nature at Meia Praia and Praia da Luz. Venture out of the city with trips to Cape Saint Vincent (in Sagres) and Praia da Marinha (in Caramujeira). There's still lots to do: take in the dramatic natural features at Ponta da Piedade, kick back and relax at Praia do Porto de Mos, add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and take a spin around town with AlgarveXplorers.
To find traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Lagos tour builder website.
Traveling by car from Lisbon to Lagos takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, daytime highs in Lagos are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to fly to Barcelona.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 7 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
Barcelona, Spain — 6 nights
©
Jewel of the Mediterranean
Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.Get in touch with nature at Fenals Beach and La playa de Tamariu. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Ciutat Vella and Vila Vella (Old Town). Take a break from Barcelona with a short trip to Camino de Ronda in S'Agaro, about 1h 30 min away. Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, pause for some serene contemplation at Barcelona Cathedral, admire the masterpieces at Museu Picasso, and wander the streets of Las Ramblas.
To see reviews, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Barcelona driving holiday planning site.
Traveling by flight from Lagos to Barcelona takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Western European Standard Time (WET) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour. Traveling from Lagos in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Barcelona, with lows of 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can fly to Ibiza Town.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 12 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Ibiza Town, Spain — 7 nights
©
Party Capital of Europe
As the island’s largest city and most-visited site, Ibiza is famous for its electric nightlife and lively Mediterranean culture.Visiting Castell de Eivissa and Cala Saladeta will get you outdoors. Do some cultural sightseeing at Dalt Vila and Creu d'en Ribes. Change things up with these side-trips from Ibiza Town: Cala Bassa (in Sant Antoni de Portmany), Cala de Sant Vicent (in Cala de Sant Vicent) and Sant Joan de Labritja (Cala S'Illot des Rencli & Cala Benirras). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Cala Comte, stroll through Playa Cala Salada, step off the mainland to explore Es Vedra, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.
To find other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Ibiza Town trip app.
Traveling by flight from Barcelona to Ibiza Town takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and ferry. December in Ibiza Town sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can ride a ferry to Formentera.
Side Trips
Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Joan de Labritja, Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Cueva de Can Marca, Massage Beach Ibiza
Find places to stay Dec 18 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Formentera, Spain — 2 nights
©
On holiday on Formentera, you'll enjoy the simple charms of island life.Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): enjoy the sea views from Cap de Barbaria and then enjoy the sand and surf at Platja de Migjorn. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Playa de Ses Illetes and then stroll through Platja de Llevant.
For where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Formentera day trip app.
You can ride a ferry from Ibiza Town to Formentera in 1.5 hours. In December, daytime highs in Formentera are 19°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can travel to Playa Blanca.
Find places to stay Dec 25 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
Playa Blanca, Spain — 3 nights
Visit Papagayo Beach and Playa Dorada Beach for some beach relaxation. Step off the beaten path and head to Shark Diving and Los Hervideros.
To find where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Playa Blanca sightseeing planning site.
You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Formentera to Playa Blanca in 7 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Formentera to Playa Blanca. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Formentera in December; daily highs in Playa Blanca reach 24°C and lows reach 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Maspalomas.
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To find where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Playa Blanca sightseeing planning site.
You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Formentera to Playa Blanca in 7 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Formentera to Playa Blanca. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Formentera in December; daily highs in Playa Blanca reach 24°C and lows reach 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Maspalomas.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 27 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Maspalomas, Spain — 5 nights
©
Home to Gran Canary's Most Beautiful Beach
Fondly referred to as “El Sur” by the locals, Maspalomas serves as a hub of entertainment and beach activity on Gran Canary Island.You'll discover tucked-away gems like Playa de Mogan and Vegueta. Get outdoors at Playa de Amadores and Playa de San Agustin. Explore Maspalomas' surroundings by going to Las Canteras Beach (in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and Los Tilos de Moya (in Moya). The adventure continues: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, take an exotic tour of Buggy Pirates Gran Canaria, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and enjoy the sea views from El Faro de Maspalomas.
To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Maspalomas trip itinerary planning website.
Fly from Playa Blanca to Maspalomas in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. December in Maspalomas sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Funchal.
Side Trips
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Scuba & Snorkeling, Playa Medio Almud, Playa de Amadores, Los Tilos de Moya
Find places to stay Dec 30 — Jan 4:
Highlights from your trip
Funchal, Portugal — 6 nights
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The capital of the island of Madeira for more than 500 years, Funchal represents a laid-back city made popular by its historical sites and climate.Get outdoors at Safaris and Off-Road Tours. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Canyoning & Rappelling Tours and Climbing Tours. Explore Funchal's surroundings by going to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (in Porto Moniz) and Ponta de Sao Lourenco (in Canical). There's much more to do: head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, look for all kinds of wild species at Madeira Mountain Expeditions, explore the striking landscape at Cabo Girao, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Pico do Arieiro.
To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Funchal trip planner.
You can fly from Maspalomas to Funchal in 4.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of taxi and ferry. In January, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can fly to Ponta Delgada.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 4 — 10:
Highlights from your trip
Ponta Delgada, Portugal — 5 nights
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As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island.Get in touch with nature at Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Caldeiras Vulcânicas. Step off the beaten path and head to Furnas and Lagoa do Fogo. Venture out of the city with trips to Piscinas Naturais (in Mosteiros) and Parque Terra Nostra (in Furnas). There's much more to do: make a trip to Portas da Cidade, stroll through Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, and see the top attractions with Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL.
For ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Ponta Delgada trip builder app.
You can fly from Funchal to Ponta Delgada in 3.5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Funchal to Ponta Delgada due to the time zone difference. January in Ponta Delgada sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Sun) to allow time for the flight back home.
Side Trips
Furnas, Sao Miguel, Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL, Piscinas Naturais, Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre
Find places to stay Jan 10 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Portugal travel guide
Small in size but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal features contrasting landscapes that include long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys, and rolling hills dotted with tiny settlements where old traditions still prevail. The country's serene interior, often overlooked by foreigners, remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism and offers visitors a chance to discover this less-trodden part of Europe at their own pace. Ripe for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, Portugal's fertile countryside boasts well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world's finest ports. The country's cities offer a lively culinary scene known for its many award-winning restaurants, topping the itineraries of foodies from around the globe.
Spain travel guide
A colorful country known for its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant nightlife, excellent food, and world-famous folklore and festivals, Spain boasts a huge number of World Heritage Sites and other spectacular places to visit. It also deserves its reputation as a beach vacation destination; the Western edge of the Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the world’s top beaches. But Spain’s geography is so much more than just soft, sandy shores. Its landscapes are as diverse as its people, ranging from lush meadows and snowy mountains to huge marshes and sprawling deserts. The countryside bursts with unspoiled villages of timeless beauty and old-world charm, as well as vast and varied nature preserves.
Ibiza travel guide
Famous for its vibrant nightlife and numerous near-perfect beaches, Ibiza also features a rustic countryside few casual visitors ever get to see. Seaside festivals offer a convenient opportunity to soak up lots of local culture, but for a taste of genuine island life try to get away from the overcrowded tourist spots along the most popular sections of the coast. Though for many visitors Ibiza remains synonymous with endless raves on the waterfront, savvier travelers explore the island’s unspoiled northeast, which is covered by thick pine forests and olive groves. Away from the jostling tourist crowds you can experience the island’s lesser-known charms, including quiet wooded trails, secluded bays, and outstanding vineyards.
