Little Itineraries: The Perfect Two-Week Spain, Morocco, & Portugal Vacation
Spain’s food, Portugal’s gorgeous landscapes, Morocco’s magical essence. These destinations fill most of my travel daydreams. We were supposed to have road tripped through Spain at the end of our year of travel but instead we headed home early (ugh coronavirus!). We’re planning a re-do trip within the next five years. So naturally I have Spain on the brain.
When you only have a two-week vacation from work and life, it’s no surprise that you want to make the most of it. Sure, we love to camp out at the beach and relax on vacation. There’s always a time and a place for that. But this is not that trip! Two weeks through Portugal, Spain, and Morocco equals a fast moving trip filled with delicious food, great sights, and so many memories packed into a short timeframe. I promise that the travel exhaustion will be worth it for what you will experience. In the end, you will really only remember the great parts. You can sleep when you’re back home!
LISBON - 4 DAYS
Kick off your travels in Lisbon. One of my favorite cities in the world! Lisbon provides such a great mix of wonderful sightseeing that promotes slowing down and enjoying your surroundings. Hiking up city streets to take in viewpoints and a Super Bock at the top. Outdoor landmarks to enjoy the sun. And of course, little kiosks throughout the city just begging you to rest your feet and enjoy some snacks and a drink.
Stay in Barrio Alto (we loved our Airbnb there!) to be near all the action. See the Santa Justa lift, lunch at Time Out Market (enjoy some Octopus salad!), a quick stop at Bertrand bookstore, visit the Instagram worthy Praca do Rossio square, climb up to Miradouro da Graca for a sunset cocktail, and finish the day with dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores.
Spend a day traveling a little further outside of the center of the city. Have lunch at the LX Factory, see Belem Tower and Padrao dos Desconbrimentos (the famous explorer’s statue), and Jeronimos Monastery.
Depending on when you leave for Sevilla, you might have time the following day for a visit to Castelo de S. Jorge and/or Carmo Convent, an archaeological museum. Both are great visits!
SEVILLA - 3 DAYS
A bus from Lisbon to Sevilla is the best mode of transportation and will take you about 7 hours. Want to save some money on accommodations and gain yourself some time? Book the overnight bus!
Luckily, we enjoyed a week in Sevilla before lockdown began. There’s so much to do and see in this little city. Our recommendation, stay in the Feria neighborhood. Close to the river and full of local spots yet walking distance to the landmarks that you want to see.
Spend your days sightseeing places like Setas de Sevilla, La Giralda, Plaza de Espana, and Royal Alcazar of Seville. Catch a Flamenco show or visit the bullfighting museum. Eating in Seville means getting your list of tapas dishes to try ready! Solomillo al Whisky, Salmorejo, Presale Iberica, and, of course, Patatas Bravas were our favorites. Stop into any tapas restaurant and I’m sure you will enjoy it. We loved dining at El Tio Del Saco, eating montaditos and empanadillas down Calle Calderon de la Barca, and a full meal at Torre de los Perdigones.
TANGIER, MOROCCO - 1 DAY
Make your way down to Tarifa, Spain from Sevilla. I recommend renting a car for the next leg of your travels. The drive to Tarifa is about two hours. To get to Tangier you will take a one hour ferry from the port in Tarifa. Plan to spend two nights in Tarifa since the drive to Granada is about 3 hours. But if you’d rather wake up in Granada, you can definitely make that drive after a day trip to Tangier.
Friday is a holy day in Morocco and many places will be closed. Make sure that your day trip doesn’t fall on this day of the week!
Ok, logistics aside, on to Tangier and everything it has to offer! During our travels, we visited Marrakech, not Tangier. But our friends have shared their recommendations and it would make a great side trip for this itinerary.
Shop your way through the Medina surrounded by the walls of a 15th century fortress. Try your hand at haggling with the shopkeepers. (Need tips? Read some here!) Need a mid-morning break? Head to the historic Cafe de Paris for some mint tea and a snack. Learn about Judism’s history in Morocco during a visit to the Jewish Synagogue. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Hafa or Pesca del Dia.
GRANADA - 2 DAYS
Of course, the number one reason most people visit Granada… Alhambra! If this sight is on your list, make sure to book tickets well in advance. Visit the neighborhood of Albaicin. Take the winding cobblestone streets to the top for a view of the Alhambra. Enjoy a dinner of tapas while you’re in this area.
BARCELONA - 4 DAYS
It’s your last big travel stretch before heading home, a 6 hour train to Barcelona. Sure, Madrid is closer, but in my opinion, Barcelona is more my speed and style. Find a place to stay in Gracia. We found a deal on a place here and it’s still walkable to so many sights.
Ready to take on your last destination? Spend your days appreciating Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces like Park Guell and Sagrada Familia. Even if you’re catedraled out, you will still be impressed by Sagrada Familia. This famous basilica is still under construction over 100 years after it begun. Want more Gaudi? Tour Casa Batllo, a beautiful building nicknamed “House of the Dragon”. Dine on a breakfast of churros con chocolate. Visit the huge public market of La Boqueria. Catch a show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. While you’re there, visit the 17th century castle at the top. Enjoy late dinners of paella and cava. Stroll the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. Visit the Picasso Museum and the beach in Barceloneta. Spend the afternoon at Parc de la Ciutadella and maybe even a stop to see the Barcelona Zoo. Get your last fill of tapas before heading to the airport.
Your whirlwind adventure is complete! You’ll be craving tapas, Moorish architecture, and the salt air for years to come!
