Iberia Travel Guide

This guide covers everything from must-visit attractions, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, where to stay and eat, local customs, safety, and logistics to plan your trip to Iberia efficiently.


Introduction to Iberia

Iberia is located in the southwest corner of Europe, and it consists of two different countries – Spain and Portugal. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, Iberia has much to offer travelers looking for an unforgettable experience.

List of Places to Visit in Iberia

Iberia boasts a variety of destinations, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches. Here are some of the top places you should not miss during your Iberian adventure:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Alhambra – Granada, Spain
  • Park Güell – Barcelona, Spain
  • Jerónimos Monastery – Lisbon, Portugal
  • Torre de Belém – Lisbon, Portugal
  • Roman Theatre – Mérida, Spain

Natural Attractions of Iberia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Picos de Europa – Northern Spain
  • Douro Valley – Portugal
  • Rías Baixas – Galicia, Spain
  • Camino de Santiago – Northern Spain
  • Costa del Sol – Southern Spain

Hiking/Biking Routes of Iberia

Iberia is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with plenty of hiking and biking trails available for adventurers. Here are some of the popular trails:

  • Rota Vicentina – Portugal
  • Camino de Santiago – Northern Spain
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park – Northern Portugal
  • Montserrat – Catalonia, Spain
  • Sierra Nevada – Southern Spain

Best Things to Do in Iberia: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking to explore the culture or the outdoors, Iberia has something to offer for everyone. Here are some of the best activities and tours you can join:

  • Tapas tours – Spain
  • Wine tasting – Douro Valley, Portugal
  • Flamenco shows – Andalusia, Spain
  • Surf lessons – Alentejo, Portugal
  • City bike tours – Lisbon, Portugal

Week-Long Itinerary for Iberia

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Iberia, here’s a suggested itinerary that covers the highlights of both countries:

Day Destination
1 Lisbon, Portugal
2 Sintra, Portugal
3 Granada, Spain
4 Barcelona, Spain
5 Costa del Sol, Spain
6 Seville, Spain
7 Porto, Portugal

Food and Drink Scene of Iberia

Iberia is known for its delicious cuisine and excellent wine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacalhau – Portugal
  • Paella – Spain
  • Cozido – Portugal
  • Pintxos – Basque Country, Spain
  • Pastel de Nata – Portugal

Local Beverages

  • Port wine – Porto, Portugal
  • Cava – Catalonia, Spain
  • Madeira wine – Madeira, Portugal
  • Sherry – Andalusia, Spain
  • Ginjinha – Lisbon, Portugal

Where to Stay in Iberia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Iberia offers various accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some suggestions for each country:

Portugal

  • InterContinental Lisbon – Lisbon
  • Torel Palace – Porto
  • Memmo Alfama – Lisbon
  • The Britania – Lisbon
  • The Book House – Funchal, Madeira

Spain

  • Hotel Palace Barcelona – Barcelona
  • Hotel Ritz Madrid – Madrid
  • Hotel Alfonso XIII – Seville
  • Casa 1800 – Granada
  • Posada La Posada del Rey – Granada

What to Buy in Iberia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No trip to Iberia is complete without bringing home some local souvenirs. Here are some ideas:

  • Ceramic tiles – Portugal
  • Port wine – Porto, Portugal
  • Hand-painted pottery – Andalusia, Spain
  • Espadrilles – Catalonia, Spain
  • Olive Oil – Spain

Local Culture and Customs of Iberia

Like any other country, Iberia has its customs and traditions. Here are some important ones to keep in mind:

  • Siesta – many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, and many people take a nap during this time.
  • Flamenco – a traditional dance in Andalusia that is usually accompanied by guitar music and singing.
  • Fado – a style of music popular in Portugal.
  • Bullfighting – a controversial tradition in Spain that involves a bull and a matador.

Best Time to Visit Iberia

The best time to visit Iberia is during the shoulder seasons – spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Iberia

Do:

  • Try local foods and drinks.
  • Learn some basic phrases in the local language.
  • Visit local markets and shops.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Dress accordingly, especially for religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Drink too much alcohol in public.
  • Disrespect the local customs and traditions.
  • Forget to tip in restaurants and cafes.
  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Iberia

Iberia is a relatively safe region to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take the usual precautions like anywhere else, such as not leaving their belongings unattended.

Health in Iberia

Visitors to Iberia should make sure they have up-to-date vaccinations, especially for hepatitis A. It’s also essential to have travel insurance, as medical care can be expensive.

Getting to Iberia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Travelers have several options to get to Iberia, including the following:

Airports Near Iberia

  • Lisbon International Airport – Portugal
  • Barcelona El Prat Airport – Spain
  • Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport – Portugal
  • Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport – Spain
  • Malaga Costa del Sol Airport – Spain

Bus Stations Near Iberia

  • Sete Rios Bus Station – Lisbon, Portugal
  • Estació del Nord Bus Station – Barcelona, Spain
  • Gare do Oriente Bus Station – Lisbon, Portugal
  • Plaza de Armas Bus Station – Seville, Spain
  • Méndez Álvaro Bus Station – Madrid, Spain

Other Options

  • Trains – Iberian Peninsula has an extensive network of trains and railways.
  • Car Rentals – Renting a car is an excellent way to explore the region at your own pace.
  • Ferries – Ferries connect many ports in both countries.

How to Get Around in Iberia

Once in Iberia, you can travel between cities and towns using the following:

  • Trains - Renfe in Spain, and Comboios in Portugal
  • Buses - local transit operator for buses in Spain and Portugal
  • Taxis or ride-sharing services
  • Rental cars or bikes

Where to Go Next from Iberia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Iberia’s central location makes it an excellent starting point for other European destinations:

  • Paris, France
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • London, United Kingdom
  • Rome, Italy

Conclusion

Iberia’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and exciting culture make it an excellent destination for any traveler. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make the most of every moment in this fantastic region.

View of Lisbon View of Lisbon Vineyards in La Rioja Vineyards in La Rioja Aragonese text on a sign at a hiking path Aragonese text on a sign at a hiking path View to Madrid from Barajas Airport View to Madrid from Barajas Airport Three kinds of paella Three kinds of paella


    Andorra
    Gibraltar
    Portugal
    Spain