11-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary with San Sebastián, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and Mallorca

Morning

Take the Aerobus Barcelona–El Prat from the airport to Plaça de Catalunya—the journey is usually about 35 minutes, with departures roughly every 10 minutes. A one-way ticket is around €7–8, and luggage storage is easy onboard. From Plaça de Catalunya, walk or take a short taxi to your hotel to drop bags; avoid committing to a full breakfast if you’ve arrived early, since La Boqueria is a much better first taste of Barcelona. The market is generally open Monday through Saturday from around 8:00 to 20:30, though individual stalls keep different hours. Spend about an hour browsing the fruit, jamón, seafood, and juice counters, choosing a small snack rather than a heavy meal—the central aisles can be crowded, so keep valuables secure and step to the side before stopping for photos.

Afternoon Exploring

Walk down La Rambla and turn into the Barri Gòtic toward Barcelona Cathedral, roughly 10–15 minutes from the market. Allow an hour for the cathedral, cloister, and the quiet fountain courtyard; admission is commonly around €9–10, and shoulders and knees should be covered inside. Afterward, continue a few minutes to Plaça Reial, an elegant arcaded square with palms and distinctive streetlamps. It’s ideal for a brief coffee or vermouth, though prices are higher on the square itself. In the late afternoon, wander east into El Born, where medieval lanes, small design shops, and tucked-away plazas make for a relaxed first introduction to the city. Give yourself about 90 minutes here without a fixed route; from Plaça Reial, it’s roughly a 15–20-minute walk, or a short taxi if jet lag and luggage are catching up with you.

Evening

Have dinner at Tapeo Born, a popular, lively spot for polished Catalan tapas. Reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a September evening; expect approximately €30–45 per person before drinks. Order several dishes to share rather than trying to make the meal too formal, and ask for the daily specials. After dinner, you’re already in one of the nicest areas for a gentle night walk—follow the lanes around Passeig del Born and Santa Maria del Mar, then return by taxi or metro if your hotel is farther away. The walkable center is convenient, but Barcelona’s restaurant and bar streets stay active late, so keep your phone and wallet secure in busy areas.

Morning

Start early at Sagrada Família, ideally with a timed entry around 9:00–9:30 a.m. Allow roughly two hours to take in the forest-like interior, stained-glass light, and whichever tower access is included with your ticket. The basilica generally opens from 9:00 a.m., but schedules and tower availability vary, so book directly ahead and arrive 15 minutes early. Afterward, walk about 10 minutes north along Avinguda de Gaudí to Hospital de Sant Pau. Its former modernist hospital campus is much quieter than the basilica; allow 90 minutes for the pavilions, underground passages, and gardens. The complex typically opens at 9:30 a.m., with admission usually around €15–18.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have a relaxed lunch near Sagrada Família or along Avinguda de Gaudí before taking the metro from Sant Pau | Dos de Maig toward Passeig de Gràcia—about 20 minutes, depending on the connection. Spend the afternoon at Casa Milà (La Pedrera), where the rooftop chimneys and stone courtyards are the highlights; reserve a timed visit for roughly 2:00 p.m. and allow 90 minutes. Tickets are commonly around €28–35. From there, Casa Batlló is only a five-minute walk down Passeig de Gràcia. Its immersive audio-visual route takes about 1–1½ hours, and late-afternoon light makes the colored glass particularly lovely. Both houses can sell out, especially in September, so pre-book rather than relying on same-day admission.

Evening

For dinner, walk south through Eixample to Cervecería Catalana, allowing 15–20 minutes from Casa Batlló. This is a lively, no-frills tapas stop: order several small plates to share—croquettes, grilled seafood, montaditos, and whatever looks freshest at the bar. Expect approximately €25–40 per person with drinks. It is popular and usually does not take reservations, so arrive before 7:30 p.m. or be prepared to wait; the restaurant often stays open late, commonly until around 1:00 a.m. Keep the rest of the evening unplanned—after a full day of Gaudí, a slow walk back through Eixample is more enjoyable than adding another attraction.

Late Afternoon

After arriving and checking in near Donostia-San Sebastián station, keep the first walk gentle. Head toward La Concha Beach—about 15 minutes on foot from the station—and follow the promenade for an hour, with the bay, Santa Clara Island, and the wooded slopes of Monte Igueldo opening out ahead. This is best treated as a reset after the long train ride rather than a beach day; September light is lovely, but bring a light layer for the breeze. If you need coffee or a quick drink, the cafés along Paseo de La Concha are convenient, though prices are higher than in the Old Town.

Early Evening

Continue west along the waterfront toward Miramar Palace, roughly 20 minutes from the center. The former royal residence sits between La Concha Bay and Ondarreta Beach, and its small gardens are especially enjoyable in the late afternoon, when the views across the water turn golden. The grounds generally close in the early evening, with seasonal hours varying, so check the posted schedule before setting out; admission to the gardens is usually only a few euros. From here, take a taxi back toward the center if you want to conserve energy, or walk approximately 25 minutes along Paseo de Ondarreta and Paseo de La Concha.

Evening

Begin your first pintxos wander in Parte Vieja, keeping it deliberately light before dinner: choose one or two bites at each stop rather than attempting a full meal. La Cuchara de San Telmo is known for richer small plates, while Gandarias and Borda Berri are dependable for classic Basque flavors; ordering at the bar and paying as you go is standard. Allow about two hours, but keep an eye on the clock—Arzak is in Alza, outside the Old Town, so arrange a taxi for the 10–15-minute ride and arrive 10 minutes before your reservation. Dinner typically lasts around three hours and costs approximately €250–350 per person before wine; this is a landmark tasting-menu experience, so skip additional pintxos once you have sampled the Old Town and let the kitchen take over.

Morning

Begin at Mercado de la Bretxa in Parte Vieja, where the lower market hall is the best place to see San Sebastián’s ingredients up close: Cantabrian seafood, Idiazabal cheese, peppers, and carefully arranged produce. Allow about an hour; the market is generally busiest in the morning and some stalls close after lunch. From here, walk a few minutes to San Telmo Museoa, housed in a beautifully restored former Dominican convent. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes for the Basque history and culture exhibits; admission is usually around €6, with reduced or free periods on some days, so check the museum’s calendar before setting out.

Continue uphill through Parte Vieja to Monte Urgull. The paths are shaded in places but steep and uneven, so wear proper shoes and carry water. Allow about 90 minutes to reach the viewpoints and Castillo de la Mota; the panorama over the harbor, La Concha Bay, and the open sea is the reward. Descend back toward the old town for lunch at Kokotxa, a Michelin-starred restaurant tucked into a quiet lane. Expect a polished tasting-menu experience lasting close to two hours and roughly €90–140 per person before drinks; reserve ahead and allow a little time to change if you have been hiking.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, cross the river toward Gros—about 15–20 minutes on foot, or a short city-bus ride—and spend the afternoon at Zurriola Beach. The broad strand feels younger and more energetic than the city’s sheltered bay, with surfers in the water and locals gathering along the promenade. You can simply walk the sand and breakwaters, or stop for a coffee nearby; avoid swimming beyond the supervised areas if the surf is running strongly. Stay in Gros for the evening and make your way around the pintxos bars along Calle Peña y Goñi. This is a good neighborhood counterpoint to Parte Vieja: order one or two specialties at a time, have a small beer or txakoli, and move on rather than trying to make one bar your entire dinner. Budget about €25–40 per person, and expect the liveliest atmosphere from around 8:00 p.m. onward.

Morning and Arrival

Take the morning rail service from Donostia-San Sebastián to Madrid Chamartín, allowing roughly five hours. Aim to leave luggage at your hotel as soon as you arrive; if your accommodation is elsewhere in the center, the simplest onward option is usually Cercanías from Chamartín toward Sol, or a taxi if you have larger bags. After checking in, give yourself a little breathing room before sightseeing—Madrid is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, especially after a travel morning.

Afternoon Exploring

Begin at Puerta del Sol, the city’s lively central meeting point. Find the Kilometer Zero plaque outside the Real Casa de Correos, then walk west for about 10 minutes through the old Centro streets to Plaza Mayor. Spend 45 minutes beneath its red façades and arcades, but skip the most obvious terrace restaurants here, which tend to charge for the setting rather than the food. Continue a few minutes to Mercado de San Miguel, where an hour is enough to graze on oysters, jamón, croquettes, and vermouth; individual bites commonly cost €4–10, and it is usually open late, though it can be crowded in the early evening.

Evening

From Mercado de San Miguel, walk roughly 10 minutes to the Royal Palace of Madrid for an early-evening visit. Check the timed-entry calendar before leaving, since admission slots and closing hours vary; standard entry is generally around €14, with reduced prices and occasional late-day discounts. The state rooms are the highlight, particularly the grand staircase, throne room, and Royal Armory, and the visit takes about 90 minutes. Afterwards, walk or take a short taxi toward Casa Labra near Puerta del Sol. This historic tavern is known for crisp cod croquettes and traditional Madrid tapas; expect about €20–35 per person, arrive before the dinner rush, and note that the standing bar area is usually the quickest way to eat.

Morning

Start at Museo Nacional del Prado when it opens—normally at 10:00 a.m.; reserve a timed ticket online, usually around €15, and allow about two and a half hours. Keep your visit focused rather than trying to cover everything: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and Rubens are the essential rooms. The museum is on the edge of Paseo del Prado, easily reached by metro to Banco de España or Atocha. Arrive a little early for security, and use the cloakroom if you have anything bulky.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk into El Retiro Park for a slower change of pace—about 10 minutes from the Prado. Circle the lake, then continue toward the Palacio de Cristal, one of Madrid’s prettiest corners; the park is free and open from early morning until late evening, though the palace’s interior exhibitions may have separate hours. For a casual lunch, pick up something near Puerta de Alcalá or sit at a terrace along Calle de Ibiza, then take the metro or walk west toward Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. Allow roughly two hours there, prioritizing Picasso’s Guernica and the modern Spanish collection; general admission is commonly around €12, with free-entry periods often available in the evening, subject to capacity. From the museum, wander north through Barrio de Las Letras for an hour, following the literary plaques and quieter lanes around Calle de Huertas and Plaza de Santa Ana.

Evening

Continue by foot or take the metro from Antón Martín toward Malasaña, where Bodega de la Ardosa makes an atmospheric final stop. This narrow, tile-lined tavern is best approached as a standing-room grazing dinner: order the tortilla, conservas, and a glass of vermouth, budgeting about €20–35 per person. It can become crowded after 8:00 p.m., so arrive around 7:30–8:00 or be prepared to wait briefly. Afterward, leave time to browse the nearby streets rather than adding another formal sight—Madrid’s best evening rhythm is an unhurried drink and a little wandering.

Morning and Arrival

Take a morning flight into Lisbon Airport and allow roughly four hours from leaving your Madrid hotel to reaching your Lisbon accommodation, including airport time and check-in. After dropping bags, use the metro—the red line connects the airport with the central network—or take a taxi or rideshare if you have luggage; a central ride usually takes 20–30 minutes and costs roughly €10–15. Have a quick pastry and coffee near your hotel, then make your way downhill toward Praça do Comércio, preferably on foot if you are staying in Baixa or Chiado.

Afternoon

Begin at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon’s grand riverside square, and spend about 45 minutes taking in the arcaded façades, the statue of King José I, and the broad view across the Tagus. Walk straight up Rua Augusta to the Rua Augusta Arch, where a small lift and final staircase lead to the rooftop terrace. The climb takes about 45 minutes including the view; tickets are generally around €4, and opening hours often run into the early evening, though they vary seasonally. From the top, you get an excellent sense of how neatly Baixa was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

Continue east toward Lisbon Cathedral—roughly a 15-minute walk, with a steady uphill section into Alfama. Allow an hour for the Romanesque interior, cloister, and Treasury; admission is usually around €5, and the cathedral commonly closes in the early evening, so do not leave it too late. The surrounding lanes are uneven and polished smooth by centuries of foot traffic, so comfortable shoes matter more here than speed.

Early Evening and Dinner

A few minutes uphill brings you to Miradouro de Santa Luzia, one of Lisbon’s prettiest overlooks. Spend half an hour beneath the bougainvillea and azulejo panels, watching the light soften over the tiled roofs and the dome of Santa Maria Maior. From there, walk or take a short taxi toward Intendente; walking takes about 20 minutes downhill and is pleasant if the evening is cool, while a taxi is worthwhile if your legs are tired.

Finish at Cervejaria Ramiro, a lively seafood institution known for prawns, crab, clams, and famously indulgent garlic buttered shrimp sandwiches. Reserve ahead if possible; otherwise arrive before the main dinner rush, around 6:30–7:00 p.m., and expect a queue. Budget approximately €45–70 per person with drinks. Order a few dishes to share rather than trying to manage a full tasting menu, and keep the rest of the evening unplanned—Lisbon’s first night is better enjoyed slowly than packed with another attraction.

Morning

Take tram 15E from central Lisbon toward Algés—or use a taxi if you want to arrive before the crowds—and get off at Belém. Start at Belém Tower, allowing about 45 minutes to view the Manueline stonework and riverside setting. It is usually open from around 10:00 a.m.; entry is roughly €8, though hours can vary by season. From the tower, walk about 15 minutes along the waterfront and gardens to Jerónimos Monastery. Reserve a timed ticket if possible, as the cloisters are one of Lisbon’s busiest sights; allow 90 minutes and expect admission of roughly €12. The monastery is commonly closed on Mondays, so confirm the September schedule before setting out.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk a few minutes to Pastéis de Belém for warm custard tarts, ideally ordering at the counter and eating them with cinnamon at a table farther inside the café. Two or three pastries with coffee make an easy lunch, usually €5–12 per person. Continue along the river for about 15 minutes to MAAT, whose curved exterior is particularly good from the waterfront path. Allow 90 minutes for the galleries and rooftop views; the museum is typically open from late morning into the evening, with admission around €11–15. If you want a break afterward, sit briefly by the Tagus rather than adding another attraction—this stretch is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Take a taxi or ride-hailing car from Belém to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Graça; public transport is possible but involves a slower connection, and the viewpoint’s steep approach is tiring. Arrive roughly 45 minutes before sunset for an expansive view over the rooftops, São Jorge Castle, and the river. From there, continue by taxi or walk downhill toward Chiado—the walk takes about 25 minutes and is atmospheric after dark—to Taberna da Rua das Flores. The restaurant is small, lively, and often does not take conventional reservations, so arrive early or expect a wait; dinner is built around changing Portuguese small plates and costs approximately €30–50 per person. Save room for a final stroll through the nearby lanes rather than scheduling another stop.

Afternoon

After your morning flight from Lisbon and hotel check-in, head straight into Palma’s Old Town—a taxi from Palma de Mallorca Airport takes about 15–20 minutes and usually costs €20–30, while the EMT airport bus is cheaper at around €5 but less convenient with luggage. Start at Palma Cathedral (La Seu), where the vast Gothic nave, colored light, and waterfront setting deserve about 90 minutes. Tickets are generally around €10–12; check the official schedule before going, as religious services can affect visitor access.

Next, walk a few steps to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, allowing roughly an hour for its courtyards, tapestries, and sea-facing rooms. Combined tickets may be available, but expect approximately €7–10 if purchased separately. Continue through the narrow lanes toward Palma’s Arab Baths, a small but atmospheric remnant of the Moorish city. The visit takes only 30–45 minutes, and the shaded garden is particularly welcome in the afternoon; admission is usually around €3–4. Since this is a compact area, walking is far better than using a taxi between sights.

Early Evening and Dinner

From the baths, stroll toward Passeig del Born, Palma’s elegant tree-lined boulevard. Take your time beneath the plane trees, then detour into nearby Sant Feliu and Jaume III for a quieter look at the city’s handsome façades and boutique-lined streets. This is a good point to pause for a drink or coffee rather than adding another formal sight—the day’s travel will likely catch up with you.

For dinner, finish at Mercat de l’Olivar, where the market’s food counters are ideal for an unfussy first night in Mallorca. Look for fresh seafood, tapas, local cheeses, sobrasada, and seasonal produce; budget roughly €25–45 per person with drinks. Many stalls close earlier than conventional restaurants, so aim to arrive around 7:30–8:00 p.m. and verify the evening schedule, especially if your visit falls on a weekday. Afterwards, take a short walk through the surrounding Old Town lanes back to your hotel.

Morning

Take the historic Sóller Railway from Palma’s Estació Intermodal—the wooden train departs several times in the morning, with the journey to Sóller taking about an hour. Buy return tickets at the station or online; expect roughly €30–35 round trip. Arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially if you want a window seat. The slow climb through olive groves, citrus orchards, and mountain tunnels is the point of the journey, so avoid treating it like ordinary transport.

From Sóller station, walk into the town and continue by the vintage tram or taxi toward Port de Sóller. Spend about 90 minutes along the harbor promenade, where the pace is much better before midday crowds arrive. Stop for coffee at Café Mar y Sol or one of the waterfront terraces, but keep it light—your later meal at Ca’s Patro March is worth preserving an appetite for. If you are driving rather than using public transport, leave the car in Sóller and use a taxi for the port and onward route; parking around the harbor becomes difficult quickly.

Afternoon and Evening

Arrange a taxi or rental car for the scenic drive from Port de Sóller to Deià, allowing around 45 minutes without stops. The road through the Serra de Tramuntana is beautiful but winding, with very limited shoulder space, so pull over only at signed viewpoints. In Deià, wander the narrow stone lanes around Carrer de Sa Lluna, browse the small galleries, and take in the mountain views near the village church. Parking is restricted and fills early; use the main paid car park on the village approach rather than trying to leave a vehicle in the residential lanes.

Continue down to Cala Deià for a swim or a little time on the rocks—bring sturdy sandals, water shoes, and water, since the cove is pebbly and facilities are limited. Finish at Ca’s Patro March, perched directly above the water, for grilled fish, prawns, or calamares; budget about €35–60 per person before drinks. Reserve ahead and confirm your booking, as this tiny restaurant is especially sought after. If you are relying on a taxi, pre-arrange the return to Deià or Sóller before sitting down; service can be patchy around the cove, and the final road back is dark and winding.

Morning

Make your final Palma morning easy and unhurried with breakfast in the Old Town. Look for a traditional ensaïmada—plain, cream-filled, or dusted with apricot—alongside coffee at Forn Fondo on Carrer de la Unió; it opens early and is particularly convenient if you are heading toward the airport later. Allow about an hour and roughly €8–15 per person. From there, walk west through the quieter lanes around La Rambla and Passeig del Born toward Santa Catalina, a pleasant 15–20-minute stroll; a taxi takes only a few minutes if luggage is already with you.

Spend late morning at Es Baluard Museu, housed in the old bastion above the harbor. Its collection of modern and contemporary art includes major Spanish and Mediterranean artists, but the building and terraces are almost as rewarding as the galleries, with broad views over the port and rooftops. Allow around 90 minutes; admission is generally about €6–8, and opening hours commonly begin at 10:00 a.m. but vary by season, so check the museum calendar before leaving. The museum is closed on Mondays, though your Thursday visit should fit normally.

Midday and Departure

Continue downhill to Santa Catalina Market, roughly 10 minutes on foot. Browse the colorful produce, seafood, cheese, and cured meats, then have a light final snack at one of the market counters rather than committing to a long lunch. It is a good place to pick up something portable for the journey, although stalls and opening hours can vary, particularly later in the day. Keep at least 30 minutes afterward to collect your bags and reach the airport: a taxi from central Palma to Palma de Mallorca Airport usually takes 15–20 minutes and costs approximately €20–30, while EMT bus A1 is much cheaper and runs from central stops including Passeig Mallorca and Plaça d’Espanya. Leave Palma about 2.5–3 hours before an international flight, or earlier if returning a rental car; the airport is compact but security queues can build during peak departure periods.