Relaxed 10-Day Portugal and Spain Itinerary Featuring La Tomatina Festival

Day 1: Arrival and Lisbon Intro

Lisbon, Portugal on August 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with specialty coffee and fresh pastries in this popular Lisbon café known for its relaxed vibe and quality brews.

EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Explore Alfama District

Take a gentle walk through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood with its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and local artisan shops. Visit the São Jorge Castle for views over the city and Tagus River.

EUR10, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes from top chefs in a vibrant food hall setting, perfect for trying different local flavors like seafood and pastel de nata.

EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sitting at this sunset viewpoint overlooking the river, perfect for some downtime and light people-watching.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Park Bar Rooftop

Dine on the rooftop bar of a parking garage offering panoramic views and a vibrant atmosphere. Try local wines and tapas-style plates in a chic yet casual setting.

EUR20, 2h

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Day 2: Lisbon Culture & Sunset

Lisbon, Portugal on August 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at A Padaria Portuguesa

Enjoy freshly baked Portuguese bread and coffee at this affordable local chain known for its quality and convenience.

EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belém District

Take tram 15 from central Lisbon to Belém. Visit Jerónimos Monastery (opens 10am), Belém Tower, and try the original Pastel de Belém at the famous bakery.

EUR12 for entry, Pastel de Belém approx. EUR2, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch by the Tagus River at À Margem

Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the river at this stylish restaurant offering Portuguese fusion dishes and great local wines.

EUR20, 1.5h

5:30pm

Sunset at Eduardo VII Park

Walk or take a short taxi ride to Eduardo VII Park for an easy stroll and sunset views over the city skyline and river.

Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sea Me - Peixaria Moderna

Dine on modern Portuguese seafood dishes in a casual, trendy spot in the Chiado district.

EUR25, 2h

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Day 3: Light adventure & Travel to Madeira

Lisbon to Madeira Island, Portugal on August 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hostel or nearby cafe

Fuel up early for your travel day with a light breakfast featuring fresh bread, cheese, and fruit.

EUR5, 1h

9:00am

Morning tram ride & scenic walk in Lisbon

Catch the historic tram 28 for a charming ride with scenic views through small hills and important Lisbon neighborhoods, ending with a 30-minute walk along Avenida Liberdade.

EUR3, 2h

12:00pm

Head to Lisbon Airport and fly to Madeira

Catch a short flight to Funchal, Madeira (approximately 1.5 hours). Several airlines run direct routes daily.

EUR50-100 (book early for best fares), 1.5h

3:30pm

Check-in at Vila Ventura or similar affordable hotel in Funchal

Choose a well-reviewed, clean, and affordable hotel close to Funchal's center for easy access to local attractions and reliable transport options.

EUR60 per night, ---

5:00pm

Explore Funchal Old Town & Farmers Market

Stroll through the colorful Old Town and Mercado dos Lavradores to experience local culture and sample fresh fruits and Madeira wine.

Free, Food approx. EUR10, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante dos Combatentes

Enjoy Madeiran specialties like espetada (grilled beef skewers) in a local and cozy setting favored by residents.

EUR20, 1.5h

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Day 4: Madeira Nature Hike & Relax

Madeira Island, Portugal on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to prepare for the morning hike, including fresh fruits and local honey.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Take a short taxi or bus to the trailhead and enjoy a gentle 3-hour scenic levada walk known for lush vegetation, waterfalls, and ocean views. This is a moderately easy hike suitable for light adventure seekers.

Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch back in Funchal at O Tasco

Savor freshly caught seafood or local meat dishes in this friendly, affordable restaurant close to your hotel.

EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Praia Formosa Beach

Spend a couple of relaxing hours swimming or sunbathing at Madeira’s largest public black-sand beach with calm surroundings.

Free, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Cabo Girão Skywalk

Visit one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs with a glass skywalk offering stunning sunset views over the Atlantic.

EUR2, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Do Forte

Dine at this elegant restaurant in Funchal’s old fort with a beautiful view and excellent wine list, perfect for a relaxing evening.

EUR30, 2h

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Day 5: Madeira Island Day Trip

Madeira Island, Portugal on August 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast to prepare for an active day of sightseeing.

Included, 1h

8:00am

Jeep or rental car tour to Eastern Madeira: Santana & Pico do Arieiro

Explore the traditional thatched houses in Santana and then drive up to Pico do Arieiro for breathtaking mountain views and a short scenic walk along the peaks (take care, altitude and weather can change).

Rental Car EUR40/day, park free, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch in Santana at Cantinho da Serra

Taste hearty regional dishes in a cozy mountain village restaurant.

EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Funchal & relax

Unwind in your accommodation or stroll along the Funchal marina to enjoy the sea breeze.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna Madeira

Try local tapas and affordable wines in a traditional and laid-back tavern atmosphere popular with locals.

EUR20, 2h

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Day 6: Travel to Buñol, Spain

Funchal to Buñol, Spain on August 26, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a simple breakfast to prepare for your travel day.

Included, 0.5h

7:00am

Flight from Madeira to Valencia via Lisbon or Madrid

Book early flights for best connections; travel time approx 5-7 hours including layover.

EUR80-150, 5-7h

2:00pm

Train or bus from Valencia to Buñol

Buñol is about 38 km west of Valencia. Take the regional train (Cercanías C3 line) from Valencia's main station to Buñol in under an hour.

EUR3-5, 1h

3:30pm

Check in at Hostal Avenida or similar affordable & clean option in Buñol

Conveniently located for the La Tomatina festival and close to transport options, ideal for a comfortable stay.

EUR50 per night, ---

5:00pm

Light walk around Buñol town

Explore the quaint town center, visit small plazas, and prepare for the festival day with a casual stroll.

Free, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante La Ola

Local cuisine with seafood and paella options. Early dinner advised given the big day ahead.

EUR20, 1.5h

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Day 7: La Tomatina Festival

Buñol, Spain on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostal or local café

Eat a good breakfast with proteins and carbs; the festival is messy and energetic.

EUR5, 1h

9:00am - 1:00pm

La Tomatina Festival Participation

Join the world-famous tomato fight in Buñol’s streets. Protective gear, goggles, and waterproof clothes recommended. The festival lasts around 1 hour but arrive early for atmosphere.

Free (Festival Participation), 4h

2:00pm

Post-festival meal at Bar-Restaurant La Muela

Enjoy a hearty Spanish lunch with traditional dishes to recharge after the fun mess of La Tomatina.

EUR20, 1.5h

4:00pm

Rest and freshen up at accommodation

Take a deserved break after the festival's excitement.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at a local tavern with live music, possibly Restaurante Ca Pepico

Experience local Valencian ambience with music and classic cuisine, perfect for winding down.

EUR20, 2h

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Day 8: Valencia City Exploration

Valencia, Spain on August 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dulce de Leche Boutique

Try excellent pastries and coffee to start your day in Valencia.

EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Valencia by local train from Buñol (approx. 40 min)

Convenient and affordable train connecting Buñol and Valencia’s city center.

EUR3, 0.75h

10:30am

Visit City of Arts and Sciences

Explore the iconic modern architectural complex with museums, aquarium, and green spaces. Opt for the oceanografic aquarium if you prefer a light indoor activity.

EUR30 approx., 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Central Market (Mercado Central)

Enjoy local delicacies and street food in Europe’s largest fresh food market, ideal for trying jamón, cheeses, and Valencian oranges.

EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Turia Gardens

Walk or rent bikes along the lush gardens built on an old riverbed, a peaceful space amid the city.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner with Rooftop Views at Ateneo Sky Bar

Dine with views over the old town and city skyline. Try tapas and sangria in a relaxed, stylish setting.

EUR25, 2h

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Day 9: Optional Day Trip & Wine Tasting

Valencia, Spain on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

A light and healthy start with fruit, yogurt, and coffee.

EUR5, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Requena - famous wine region

Take the train (about 1 hour) to the historic town of Requena for a half-day exploring wineries and caves. Book a guided wine tasting tour to sample regional reds and whites.

Train EUR8, Wine tour approx. EUR25, 6h