Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar - 10 nights, starting in Madrid. Suggestions?

Hi all,

The wife and I are taking some time off after the holidays to recharge in Europe. We've blocked 11 days off our calendar, and have flights booked to Madrid.

We were thinking 5 nights in Madrid and 5 nights somewhere else. Take some time to properly explore two cities. A close friend of mine has suggested Porto, as he loves the place and has had wonderful trips there. Any city with an SPG category 4 or lower hotel would fit in our budget, really- our short list is Porto, Lisbon, Barcelona, Valencia, or Portimão. Milan is also an option. Prefer to avoid France (I lived there and have explored it extensively already) and Rome (spent a wonderful two weeks there over christmas a few years ago). Weather is a factor, which is why we're concentrating on the Iberian peninsula.

I welcome suggestions from the group on where to go and what to see. We enjoy historical sites, museums and art, good food and wine, exploring old cities, that sort of thing. Not much for nightlife (we live in New Orleans) or beaches (especially not in january).

Thanks.

Sir what a sophisticated list of cities you have chosen, Portimão is on the Algarve right? It is the only that I haven't been to but it was on the TV repeatedly in 2007 and it is just a small centre of local government. If you aren't bothered about the beaches I don't know why you'd go to the Algarve, mayby the golf?

I'd be inclined to plump for Lisbon as I think visiting both Iberian capitals has an interesting contrast between the stylish (MAD) and the charming (LIS)

Although you don't particularity want beaches, Lisbon would give you access to Cascais for an nice lunch, a trip to Cabo de Roca, Europe's most Westerly point for a windswept afternoon and also Sintra which is spectacular and a short ride out.

Lisbon has some fantastic restaurants, such as this one (http://www.alcantaracafe.com/uk/asp/default.asp) it also has some of the worst restaurants so enjoy playing russian roulette with your dinners. There is some great local dining in Bairro Alto of an evening. Lisbon also has many devotees on FT that would be able to give you advice.

For my money Lisbon has the most delicious coffee I have tasted anywhere in the world, 1€ will still get you uma bica of pure pleasure to accompany your pastel de nata

I had a look on SPG, you have the Sheraton in Lisbon, it is in a nice area near Marques de Pombal and Avenida de Liberdade (where most of the brand hotels are) Although it is attractive, it goes to sleep a bit at the weekends so worthwhile making your weekend days your trips out of Lisbon, expect to have to get a cab to places like Alcântara. Lisbon not such a good place if you book a hotel such as the Sheraton and expect everything to be on your doorstep. If you book a hotel there, do your research and figure out a plan though it is a marvellous city.

If you like old cities, make sure you budget time for a trip to Toledo (either a day trip from Madrid or with an overnight).

Barcelona is an amazing city and if your flights are to/from Madrid, it may be the easiest to get to via the high speed train (not sure if the high speed trains also run to Portugal?). It is also hard to top Barcelona from a foodie destination - you need 5 days/nights just for the dinners.

We did 3 days/3 nights in Madrid and that was plenty. 5 might be overkill - but again you could fit Toledo in as part of the Madrid days.

My tendency would be to spend the whole time in one country (Spain). Barcelona is great, and provides an interesting contrast to Madrid. Barcelona should also have milder weather than Madrid at that time of year. The AVE is a fast and enjoyable way to travel between the two cities.

You could also think about some of the southern cities - Sevilla and Granada would be at the top of the list, I think. Or head north to Bilbao & San Sebastian.

I would also do Segovia as a day trip from Madrid rather than Toledo (which I didn't care for much - but different strokes and all that).

Just back from trip to Spain
Madrid Toledo. Seville and Granada
We really liked Granada with the Alhambra and sierra Nevada mountains
Lots of tapas restaurants beautiful cathedral but the Alhambra was worth more than one visit

Just back from trip to Spain
Madrid Toledo. Seville and Granada
We really liked Granada with the Alhambra and sierra Nevada mountains
Lots of tapas restaurants beautiful cathedral but the Alhambra was worth more than one visit
So many choices, I love Barcelona but overall probably like down south more so +1 for Granada, with Seville a close second. San Sebastian up North is also great. Madrid itself is probably only my 4th - 5th favourite Spanish city. this doesn't mean it's bad, Spain would probably be my #1 European destination so all of the suggestions are good.
Lisbon also good but I tend to agree with the stay in SPain theory.