Spain & Portugal in 12 days: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon
Gaudí's Barcelona, the art and late nights of Madrid, flamenco in Seville and the hills of Lisbon. Fast trains cover Spain, and one short flight takes you to Portugal.
When to go
April to June and September to October are ideal. Seville is very hot in July and August, and Easter week (Semana Santa) is spectacular but busy.
Flights: into Barcelona, home from Lisbon
Search a multi-city (open-jaw) ticket: arrive in Barcelona and fly home from Lisbon. Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found to Barcelona; tap a route for today's price.
Day-by-day plan
Barcelona 3 nights
Arrive and walk the Gothic Quarter, El Born and the waterfront.
The Sagrada Família (timed tickets) and Park Güell; Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia.
Montjuïc and its views in the morning, Barceloneta beach in the afternoon.
🚆 High-speed train Barcelona → Madrid: about 2 h 30 min to 3 hours.
Madrid 2 nights
Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and tapas in La Latina.
The Prado, Retiro Park and an evening in Malasaña.
🚆 High-speed train Madrid → Seville: about 2 h 30 min.
Seville 3 nights
Seville Cathedral, the Giralda and the Santa Cruz quarter.
The Real Alcázar, Plaza de España and a flamenco show at night.
Córdoba (about 45 minutes by train) for the Mezquita, or the white villages.
🚆 Seville → Lisbon: the quickest way is a direct flight of about 1 hour; buses take most of a day.
Lisbon 3 nights
Tram 28, São Jorge Castle and the viewpoints of Alfama; fado at night.
Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the original pastéis de nata.
A day trip to Sintra (about 40 minutes by train) for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
✈️ Day 12: fly home from Lisbon.
Tips for this trip
- Book the Sagrada Família, the Alhambra (if you add Granada) and the Real Alcázar ahead.
- Spain eats late: lunch around 2 pm and dinner after 9 pm.
- Porto is about 3 hours from Lisbon by train if you add two or three days.
Prefer a guided tour?
The same route with hotels, transport and a guide arranged for you. Live prices and reviews; you book and pay on TourRadar.
More Spain and Portugal trips ›FAQ
Is 12 days enough for Spain and Portugal?
For these four cities, yes. Add Granada, Porto or the Algarve with a few more days.
Can I take the train from Seville to Lisbon?
Not quickly; a direct flight of about an hour is the practical option.
Which way round is best?
Either works. Barcelona in and Lisbon out often has good flight options from the US.