11-Day Greece, Portugal and Spain Multi-City Itinerary

Afternoon — Ancient Athens in Context

After checking in and dropping your bags, start at the Acropolis Museum in Makrygianni, ideally around 2:00–3:00 PM. Allow about two hours for the Parthenon Gallery, Archaic statues, and the glass floor revealing archaeological remains beneath the building; the upper level also gives you one of the clearest views toward the Acropolis. In September, the museum generally stays open into the evening, but check the official schedule and reserve timed tickets if available. Admission is usually around €10–€15, and the Akropoli metro station is just a few minutes away.

Late Afternoon — Plaka Lanes

Walk north into Plaka, entering through the quieter lanes around Lysikratous Street and Tripodon Street rather than following the busiest souvenir route. Give yourself about an hour to wander past neoclassical houses, tiny shops, and shaded stairways, with the Acropolis appearing unexpectedly at the end of side streets. This is a good time for a short coffee or cold drink, but keep the meal light—dinner is best saved for later. The walk from the museum takes roughly 10 minutes.

Early Evening and Dinner — Monastiraki

Continue toward Monastiraki Flea Market, following Adrianou Street for another 10–15 minutes. Browse the stalls and antique shops around Avissynias Square, where the atmosphere becomes liveliest in the early evening; prices are negotiable, particularly for small souvenirs and vintage items, but inspect anything described as antique carefully. Finish at Thanasis, near Monastiraki Square, for straightforward Athenian souvlaki—expect roughly €10–€18 per person. It is casual and popular, so arrive before the main dinner rush or be prepared to wait briefly; afterward, the Monastiraki metro station makes returning to your hotel easy.

Morning

Start at Acropolis as close to opening as possible—around 8:00 AM in September is ideal, before the strongest heat and the largest tour groups arrive. Enter from the Dionysiou Areopagitou side and allow roughly two hours for the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaia, and viewpoints over Athens. Wear shoes with good grip: the marble can be surprisingly slippery. A standard adult ticket is typically around €20, though seasonal combination-ticket rules and prices can change; reserve a timed entry through the official ticket platform if available. Afterward, walk west along Apostolou Pavlou toward Thissio, stopping for water or a quick coffee rather than lingering for a full breakfast in the busy Acropolis approach.

Continue to the Ancient Agora of Athens, about 10–15 minutes on foot. Spend around 90 minutes among the shaded pathways, the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, and the Stoa of Attalos museum. It is a calmer, more spacious counterpoint to the Acropolis, and the tree cover helps during the late-morning heat. Entry is usually included with the Acropolis combination ticket or available separately; check the current seasonal hours before setting out, as archaeological sites may close earlier on some days. For lunch, stay in Thissio and choose something casual along Apostolou Pavlou—the area is touristy, but it is convenient and gives you a pleasant pedestrian setting.

Afternoon and Evening

Walk east into Plaka for the Roman Agora, reached in roughly 15 minutes from the Agora. The compact site takes about 45 minutes, with the Tower of the Winds as its highlight; go earlier rather than later if the sun is intense, since there is little shade. From there, follow the small lanes toward Anafiotika, the whitewashed pocket tucked directly beneath the Acropolis. Allow yourself 45 minutes to wander slowly—this is best enjoyed as a brief, atmospheric detour rather than a checklist stop. Keep voices low and avoid blocking doorways, since residents still live among the tiny stairways. Afterward, take a shaded break at a café around Kydathineon Street before dinner.

For dinner, walk back toward Thissio and book Kuzina, whose rooftop tables look toward the Acropolis. Expect modern Greek cooking and roughly €25–45 per person before drinks; reserve ahead and request an outdoor table, while keeping an indoor option in case of wind. The walk from Anafiotika takes about 20 minutes, or you can use a short taxi ride if your feet are tired. After dinner, stroll along Apostolou Pavlou for the illuminated Acropolis views, then return by metro from Thissio or Monastiraki, or take a taxi—central Athens is compact, but the uneven paving makes comfortable shoes worthwhile.

Morning — Fly to Santorini and settle into Fira

Take an early flight from Athens International Airport to Santorini Airport, ideally arriving by around 9:30–10:30 AM. With airport time, baggage, and the transfer into town, expect roughly three to four hours door to door. A pre-booked taxi is simplest—allow about 20–25 minutes to Fira—although the KTEL bus is much cheaper if your accommodation is near the main bus station. Leave your bags at the hotel if the room is not ready, then begin with a relaxed caldera-edge walk through Fira. Follow the pedestrian path north toward Firostefani, stopping at the whitewashed lanes and open viewpoints rather than trying to cover every alley; this is your best broad introduction to the volcanic caldera and neighboring Nea Kameni. Wear proper shoes, as the paving is uneven and the midday sun is intense.

Early Afternoon — Bronze Age Santorini

Have a light lunch in Fira—Falafeland is a practical, inexpensive choice for wraps and salads, while Argo Restaurant offers a more leisurely terrace meal—then visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, usually open from around 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM in September, though hours can change seasonally. Allow about an hour for the vivid frescoes, pottery, and everyday objects excavated from Akrotiri, which make the island’s Bronze Age history much easier to understand than a quick visit to the archaeological site alone. The museum is close to the main bus station, so it is convenient to collect your luggage afterward before heading onward.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Wine in Pyrgos

Take a taxi to Santo Wines in Pyrgos, roughly 15–20 minutes from Fira; the bus is possible but less convenient with luggage and timed reservations. Book a late-afternoon tasting in advance, ideally around 4:30 PM, and choose a flight that includes local varieties such as Assyrtiko and Aidani. The caldera terrace is particularly atmospheric as the light softens, and the €25–45 tasting is enough without committing to a full meal. From the winery, continue by taxi for about 10 minutes into Pyrgos, where dinner at Selene gives the day a more rooted, village feel. Reserve ahead for its seasonal Santorinian menu—expect roughly €50–90 per person—and arrange a taxi back to Fira afterward, since buses become less frequent in the evening.

Morning — Akrotiri and the volcanic south

Leave Fira around 8:00 AM by rental car, taxi, or the KTEL bus toward Akrotiri; the journey takes roughly 20–25 minutes. Start at the Akrotiri Archaeological Site when it opens—typically around 8:00 AM in September—and allow about 90 minutes beneath the protective roof, where elevated walkways lead through the remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement. The site is mostly shaded, but wear comfortable shoes and bring water; admission is usually around €12, with seasonal hours and prices worth checking shortly before visiting.

Continue a few minutes to the Red Beach viewpoint. The rust-colored cliffs are impressive from above, but access onto the beach can be unstable and may be restricted, so treat the viewpoint as the main stop rather than attempting a risky descent. Spend around 45 minutes here, then drive or take a taxi toward Perissa Beach—allow approximately 25–30 minutes around the southern side of the island. If using the bus, expect to change in Emporio or return via Fira, so a car or pre-arranged taxi is much more convenient for this sequence.

Afternoon — Black sand and the road to Oia

Settle in at Perissa Beach for a relaxed couple of hours. The dark volcanic sand becomes extremely hot, so rent a sunbed with an umbrella or bring footwear for walking to the water. Beachfront tavernas such as Tranquilo are handy for a casual lunch, usually about €15–25 per person; swimming conditions are generally pleasant, though waves and wind can pick up. Leave by around 3:30 PM for Oia, allowing 45–60 minutes by car or taxi, with extra time for traffic near Fira. Parking in Oia fills quickly, so use the designated lots on the approach and expect a short walk into the village.

Late afternoon and evening — Oia sunset and Ammoudi Bay

Wander Oia from roughly 4:30 PM, following the pedestrian lanes around the old castle area and the blue-domed viewpoints. September light is beautiful well before sunset, and arriving early gives you a chance to browse quietly before the narrow lanes become crowded. For dinner, descend the steep path—more than 200 steps in places—to Ammoudi Bay before sunset, rather than waiting until dark. Restaurants such as Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna and Ammoudi Fish Tavern specialize in grilled seafood; budget approximately €30–55 per person, and reserve if possible. Arrange a taxi back to Oia in advance, especially after dinner, or be prepared for the climb back up; the return walk is poorly suited to anyone with mobility concerns.

Morning–Afternoon — Travel to Lisbon

Treat this as a travel-heavy day: leave Santorini in the morning and allow roughly 6–8 hours door to door for the connecting flight, baggage, and transfers. On arrival at Lisbon Airport, the metro to Baixa-Chiado takes about 25–35 minutes, while a taxi or app-based ride is usually €15–25 depending on traffic. Check in, leave your bags, and keep the first sightseeing block deliberately easy; Lisbon’s steep cobbled streets are best explored without rushing.

Late Afternoon — The Baixa waterfront

Begin at Praça do Comércio, where the broad yellow arcades open toward the Tagus. Spend around 45 minutes walking beneath the arcades and through the riverfront square, then continue uphill through Rua Augusta, Lisbon’s lively pedestrian spine. Street performers and café terraces make this a pleasant first taste of the city, though the restaurants directly on the square are generally pricier than those a few streets away. Allow another 45 minutes for the walk, stopping for a quick pastel de nata or espresso if you need a lift.

Early Evening and Dinner

At the northern end of Rua Augusta, pause at the Santa Justa Lift. The lift itself often has a queue and access hours vary seasonally, commonly extending into the evening; tickets are roughly €6, while the upper viewpoint may require a small additional fee. If the line is long, you can still admire the neo-Gothic ironwork from street level and reach the upper walkway via the surrounding streets. From there, take a taxi or walk about 15–20 minutes toward Intendente for dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro, one of Lisbon’s best-known seafood restaurants. Expect €35–60 per person, and arrive around 7:00–7:30 PM or reserve ahead, as waits can be substantial; order a few seafood dishes to share rather than trying to cover the entire menu.

Morning — Belém’s monuments

Start early in Belém, ideally arriving around 9:00 AM, before the tour groups build up. Take tram 15E from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré—allow 25–35 minutes—or use a taxi if you want to save time. Begin at Jerónimos Monastery, allowing about 90 minutes for the cloisters, church, and Manueline stonework. Check the official schedule before leaving; it is generally closed on Mondays, and September queues can be substantial. Tickets are usually around €12, with combination tickets available if you are visiting several monuments.

Walk a few minutes to Pastéis de Belém for the still-warm custard tarts, ideally eaten with cinnamon and icing sugar at a table inside rather than carried away. One or two pastries with coffee make an easy late breakfast, usually €5–10 per person. Continue along the waterfront to Belém Tower, about 15 minutes on foot. Allow roughly 45 minutes for the exterior and, if open, the interior levels; the tower’s access can be restricted by crowding, maintenance, or high tide conditions, so treat the riverside setting as the main reward.

Afternoon — Creative Alcântara

After Belém Tower, take tram 15E or a taxi east to LX Factory in Alcântara, usually 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Spend about 90 minutes wandering through the former industrial complex: browse the independent shops and galleries, look for changing street art, and pause for a light lunch or coffee. It is more atmospheric on a weekday than at the weekend, when the market draws larger crowds. Keep some small purchases in mind—many boutiques close by early evening—and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven paving.

Sunset and dinner

In the early evening, head by taxi or bus toward Graça and walk up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From LX Factory, the simplest option is a taxi of around 15–20 minutes; public transport takes longer and involves a climb. Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for a place along the wall, then linger over the broad view toward the Castelo de São Jorge, the river, and the city’s tiled hills. The viewpoint is free, but the steep streets are tiring, so avoid carrying more than you need.

Finish in nearby Mouraria at O Velho Eurico, a relaxed spot for contemporary Portuguese comfort food. Book ahead, especially for an evening arrival, and expect about €20–35 per person before drinks. The menu changes, but sharing a few dishes is the best way to sample it; dinner typically takes around 90 minutes. From there, Rossio and Baixa are an easy downhill walk, while a short taxi ride is more comfortable after the day’s hills.

Morning — Arrive in Porto and explore São Bento Station

Take a morning Alfa Pendular from Lisbon to Porto Campanhã, allowing around four hours door to door once you include the train, arrival, and transfer into the center. From Campanhã, the metro to Trindade is inexpensive and straightforward, while a taxi or rideshare takes roughly 10–15 minutes and is easier with luggage. After leaving your bags at your hotel, walk downhill toward São Bento Station in Centro-Baixa. Spend about 30 minutes in the entrance hall admiring the enormous blue-and-white azulejo panels depicting Portuguese history; it is free to enter and usually accessible throughout the day.

Continue uphill through the surrounding Baixa streets to Clérigos Church and Tower in Vitória, about a 10-minute walk from the station. The church is free, but climbing the tower costs roughly €8 and involves more than 200 narrow steps; go up if the weather is clear for one of Porto’s best central views. Reserve a timed entry for Livraria Lello, just a few minutes away on Rua das Carmelitas. The ornate bookshop is beautiful but small and often crowded, so book ahead; tickets are generally around €8–€10 and can be deducted from a book purchase. Allow 45 minutes, and do not expect a quiet reading-room atmosphere during the busiest hours.

Afternoon and Evening — Down to Ribeira

Have a light lunch near Clérigos, then wander downhill via Rua das Flores and the lanes around Miragaia toward Ribeira. The descent takes about 20 minutes, though you will naturally take longer as you pause at tiled façades, small groceries, and viewpoints over the Douro. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes along the riverfront: walk beneath the arcades, look across to Vila Nova de Gaia, and continue toward the Ponte de Dom Luís I for photographs without needing to cross the bridge today. The waterfront is lively but touristy, so step a street or two inland when you want a quieter drink or shade.

For dinner, book Taberna dos Mercadores on Rua dos Mercadores in Ribeira. It is a tiny, popular room, so a reservation is strongly recommended; dinner typically costs about €25–€40 per person before drinks. Order traditional dishes such as fresh fish, cod, or arroz de marisco depending on the day’s menu. Afterward, take a relaxed walk along the Douro or use a taxi back uphill—Porto’s steep cobbled streets are tiring after dinner, especially if you are staying around Trindade or Boavista.

Afternoon — First walk through central Madrid

After your morning flight from Porto, aim to be checked in and back out by about 2:00 PM. From Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, the Airport Express bus is simple and inexpensive, while the metro is useful if your hotel is near Gran Vía or Sol; allow 45–60 minutes door to door. Begin at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s natural meeting point, and take time to notice the Kilometre Zero plaque and the bear-and-strawberry-tree statue. From there, walk five minutes along Calle Mayor to Plaza Mayor, best appreciated from one of the arcaded corners rather than the center, where you can pause for a coffee or a cold drink. Keep valuables secure in both squares, particularly around crowded entrances.

Late Afternoon — Royal rooms and an easy historic walk

Continue west toward the Royal Palace of Madrid, a pleasant 15-minute walk via Calle de Bailén. Allow around 90 minutes for the grand state apartments, Royal Armory, and the painted ceilings; timed tickets are strongly recommended, and admission is generally about €14–€20 depending on the ticket type. Check the official schedule before leaving your hotel, since closing times and occasional state ceremonies can affect access. If you arrive early, linger briefly around Plaza de Oriente rather than adding another major sight—the open space and palace views make a good breather after the flight.

Early Evening — Tapas at Mercado de San Miguel

Walk back toward Mercado de San Miguel, roughly 10 minutes from the palace, for an early dinner of small plates. The covered market is convenient for sampling several things—croquettes, conservas, jamón, and something sparkling—but prices are higher than at neighborhood bars, so €15–30 per person is realistic for a light meal. Go before 7:00 PM if you want a little more breathing room; it becomes notably crowded later. Treat this as a tasting stop rather than a long sit-down dinner, then wander the nearby lanes around Calle Cava de San Miguel and Calle de la Cava Baja.

Evening — Traditional tavern dinner

Finish at Casa Labra near Sol, about a 12-minute walk from the market. This historic tavern is known for its crisp cod croquettes and fried cod, with a compact, old-fashioned atmosphere rather than polished service; expect roughly €15–25 per person. Arrive around 8:00 PM to avoid the busiest dinner rush, and order at the bar if you want the quickest experience. Afterward, it is an easy walk back to most central hotels, or you can use Sol station for Metro and commuter-rail connections.

Morning — Museo del Prado

Begin around 9:30 AM at the Museo del Prado on the Paseo del Prado, before the galleries become busiest. Allow about two and a half hours for its essential rooms: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and the Flemish collection. The museum is generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with reduced hours on some Sundays and holidays; timed tickets are usually around €15, so booking ahead is worthwhile. From central Madrid, walk down the Paseo del Prado or take Metro Line 2 to Banco de España or Line 1 to Atocha. Don’t try to cover everything—the pleasure is in choosing a few masterpieces and lingering.

Early Afternoon — El Retiro Park and Puerta de Alcalá

Walk east from the museum into El Retiro Park, entering near the Puerta de Felipe IV. Spend roughly 90 minutes drifting through the formal gardens toward the Palacio de Cristal area, one of the park’s prettiest corners, and pause at the lake or beneath the trees. The park is free and typically open from early morning until late evening; bring water, particularly in September. For lunch, La Taberna de El Retiro near Ibiza is a convenient choice for traditional dishes, while Casa Dani in the Mercado de la Paz offers excellent tortilla if you are happy to walk or take a short taxi ride. Continue afterward to Puerta de Alcalá, just outside the park at Plaza de la Independencia, for a quick photo of Madrid’s grand 18th-century gateway.

Late Afternoon — Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

From Puerta de Alcalá, walk about 15 minutes back along Calle de Alcalá and the Paseo del Prado to the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza. Its more compact, chronological collection makes a good counterpoint to the Prado, covering European and American art from the Renaissance through modern movements. Allow around 90 minutes; standard admission is generally about €14–€18, and the museum usually stays open until the evening, though hours vary by day. Afterward, stroll through nearby Barrio de Las Letras rather than rushing straight to dinner—Calle de Huertas and the small lanes around it are especially atmospheric as Madrid’s evening begins.

Evening — Bodega de la Ardosa

Finish in Malasaña at Bodega de la Ardosa, a wonderfully old-fashioned bar on Calle de Colón. Arrive around 8:30 PM, before the narrow room fills, and order its well-known tortilla with a vermouth or beer; expect roughly €15–25 per person for a light dinner. Service is brisk and the seating is tight, so this is better for a lively one-hour stop than a long formal meal. From Barrio de Las Letras, take Metro Line 1 from Antón Martín toward Tribunal, or walk for about 20 minutes through the center. After dinner, wander around Malasaña’s nearby squares and independent bars, keeping the night relaxed before tomorrow’s early journey onward.

Morning — Arrive in Barcelona and visit Sagrada Família

Take an early Renfe AVE from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants, allowing roughly four hours door to door with station time and transfers. From Barcelona Sants, the easiest connection to Sagrada Família is usually the L5 metro, with a change at Sants Estació if needed; allow 25–35 minutes. Reserve a timed entry for around 11:00 AM and arrive 15 minutes early. Spend about two hours inside Sagrada Família, looking particularly at the forest-like columns, shifting colored light, and the contrasting Nativity and Passion façades. September is busy, and same-day tickets are unreliable; standard admission is generally around €26–€40 depending on audio guides or tower access.

Afternoon — Hospital de Sant Pau

Walk north along Avinguda de Gaudí—a pleasant, mostly pedestrian route of about 15 minutes—from Sagrada Família to Hospital de Sant Pau. The former hospital complex is one of Barcelona’s most rewarding modernist visits, with tiled pavilions, mosaics, gardens, and underground passages designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Allow around 90 minutes, and check the timed-entry schedule before setting out; admission is commonly about €16–€18. For a relaxed lunch before or after the visit, the small restaurants around Gràcia are better than the immediate basilica area—walk west toward Carrer de Sardenya or take a short taxi ride if you want to protect your afternoon.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Gothic Quarter and Els Quatre Gats

Take the metro from Guinardó | Hospital de Sant Pau or a taxi toward the Gothic Quarter, then spend the late afternoon wandering without a strict route through Carrer del Bisbe, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, and the quieter lanes around Carrer dels Banys Nous. The quarter is most atmospheric after the day-trip crowds begin to thin, but keep your phone and wallet secure in congested lanes. Finish at Els Quatre Gats on Carrer de Montsió, a historic modernist café once frequented by Barcelona’s artistic crowd, including Pablo Picasso. Dinner typically costs about €25–€45 per person; reserve ahead if possible, and allow roughly 90 minutes. Its hours can vary by season, so confirm the dinner service on the restaurant’s official site before relying on it.

Morning — Park Güell

Start at Park Güell around 8:30–9:00 AM, when the monumental area is cooler and much quieter. Reserve a timed ticket online in advance—expect roughly €18–20—and enter via Carrer d’Olot. Allow about two hours for the mosaic terrace, dragon staircase, curved bench, and Gaudí’s organic stonework, then pause at the upper viewpoints for one of the best city-and-sea panoramas in Barcelona. The park is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water; a taxi is the easiest way up, while buses and metro connections involve a steep final walk.

Walk downhill into Gràcia for the late morning. This former village still feels more local than the central tourist districts: wander around Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Virreina, and the smaller streets near Carrer de Verdi, browsing independent boutiques and design shops. For a coffee or light bite, Café Cometa is a pleasant choice, though keep this stop relaxed rather than turning it into another major meal.

Afternoon — Barceloneta Beach

Take the metro from Joanic toward Barceloneta, or use a taxi if you want to save time, allowing around 25–35 minutes. Spend roughly 90 minutes along Barceloneta Beach and the promenade: swim if the water and flag conditions are suitable, or simply walk south toward Port Olímpic. The beach is busiest in the middle of the day, so keep valuables secured and use a staffed locker or leave anything important at the hotel. A late lunch at a neighborhood seafood restaurant can work here, but avoid the restaurants directly facing the sand if you want better value.

Late Afternoon–Evening — La Boqueria and tapas

Return toward the center and browse La Boqueria on La Rambla around 4:30–5:30 PM, when it is generally less frantic than lunchtime. Market hours commonly run Monday–Saturday from about 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM, though individual stalls vary; set aside €10–20 for fruit, jamón, croquettes, or a small seafood snack. From there, walk through the lanes of the Gothic Quarter to Bodega Biarritz 1881 for your final tapas dinner. It is a small, popular room, so arrive early or expect a wait; dinner is usually around €25–40 per person, and the compact format makes it easy to sample several dishes without over-ordering.