From the moment we set foot in Portugal and Spain, it felt like stepping into a living postcard—everywhere we turned was bursting with color, flavor, and history. We wandered through the storybook streets of Lisbon, clinked glasses of port by the Douro in Porto, savored churros & suckling pig in Madrid, and traced centuries of history beneath the arches of Córdoba’s Mezquita. From seaside towns to mountaintop villages, from Gaudí’s whimsical creations in Barcelona to the fiery rhythms of flamenco in Andalucía, this journey was a sensory adventure we’ll never forget.
Lisbon — Cascais
We began in Lisbon, where the charm of winding streets, tiled façades, and hilltop views set the stage for our adventure. Just a short ride away, Cascais gave us a taste of seaside serenity, with golden beaches and salty breezes that slowed time down.
These Portuguese Egg Tarts (Pasteis de Nata) are to die for!
Porto
In Porto, we strolled along the Douro River and toasted with the city’s famous port wine, savoring every sip as the sun dipped below the bridges.
Madrid
Crossing into Spain, we dove headfirst into the energy of Madrid. Dining at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín, was a true bucket-list moment—their legendary suckling pig was beyond the hype, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. We couldn’t resist the churros dipped in rich, natural chocolate either, and honestly, we still dream about them!
Dining at the world’s oldest restaurant, Sobrino de Botín
This special suckling pig (Sobrino de Botín) and churros (Chocolateria San Gines) are to die for!
Easily our favorite meal of the entire trip!!
Córdoba
In Córdoba, we wandered through the breathtaking Mezquita, its arches and details leaving us speechless, and got lost in the city’s flower-filled patios. Every corner felt like walking through a painting. Not far away, we stumbled upon Castillo de Colomares, a fairytale-like castle that looked as though it had leapt out of a storybook.
Discovering the Heartbeat of Andalucía:
Seville — Ronda — Nerja — Setenil
Seville was alive with rhythm and flavor—plazas buzzing with life and the aroma of fresh paella. From there, the journey through Andalucía only grew more magical: the dramatic cliffs of Ronda, where we also stepped inside the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest bullrings. Walking through its arena and museum gave us a fascinating glimpse into a deep-rooted tradition that has shaped Spanish culture. We continued on to the awe-inspiring caves of Nerja, and the hidden wonder of Setenil, where homes are tucked beneath massive rocks.
Malaga — Granada
By the coast, Malaga treated us to grilled sardines so fresh they practically melted in our mouths, all while waves crashed just a few steps away. Then came Granada, where the Moorish elegance of the Alhambra left us in awe—the intricacy of its details and the sweeping mountain views will stay with us forever. Along the way, we made a stop at Mirador del Paseo in Montefrío, a National Geographic–famed viewpoint, and the sight of the whitewashed village nestled among rolling hills was absolutely breathtaking. To cap it off, we even managed to watch an unforgettable flamenco performance deep inside a cave! 💃🕺
This is Mirador del Paseo (Montefrío village seen from National Geographic viewpoint)
…it is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!! 😍
The parking situation here is quite tricky but luckily, there is an open area only a few meters away where you can park. To find this hidden parking spot, CLICK HERE
Barcelona
Finally, Barcelona swept us off our feet with Gaudí’s whimsical masterpieces. The Sagrada Família and Park Güell felt otherworldly, and we were equally enchanted exploring Casa Batlló with its colorful, dreamlike façade and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) with its surreal rooftop chimneys. The city’s lively boulevards and seaside promenade were the perfect way to end our adventure.
If you want unobstructed views of Sagrada Familia, we highly recommend checking out this cool rooftop bar/patio where you can order some food and enjoy sweeping views of Gaudi’s masterpiece! This is the Terrace of Sercotel Rosellón Hotel.
They take reservations so make sure to book ahead of time. 😉
Final Thoughts
This trip was about so much more than the sights—it was about slowing down, tasting everything, and feeling the history under our feet. From tapas and seafood to sun-drenched plazas and centuries-old architecture, every stop left us with memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime.