Span and Portugal

Spain

With a relaxed lifestyle, wild nightlife and beautiful sandy beaches, Spain is an intriguing country with great cultural and geographic diversity. Known as a prime destination for sunny beach holidays, Spain offers a wealth of exciting attractions, from fresh regional cuisine and historic coastal cities to world-renowned festivals and celebrations like the tomato-tossing celebration La Tomatina. Home to thrilling metropoli like Madrid and Barcelona as well as Moorish-influenced cities such as Cordoba, Granada and Seville, Spain offers something for travelers of every persuasion.

San Sebastian

Watch your worries float away on the waves at San Sebastian, a vacation destination on the northeast coast of Spain that has long called travelers to its sandy shores. With two glorious beaches separated by an easily climbable mountain dotted with ruins, this cozy little city offers beach time as well as authentic Spanish culture, fresh seafood restaurants, pinchos bars (bars that serve snacks similar to tapas) and traditional buildings. Visit a historic church, stroll the narrow streets or head out to surf in this amazing coastal town.

Madrid

Madrid is somewhat daunting and not so pretty at first, but after a couple of days in this bustling city, you will understand why it is the capital of Spain. Large and vibrant with an equally energetic population, Madrid’s cafés, bars and nightclubs are never ending… it’s almost  exhausting. There are a number of parks, monuments and museums, including the must-see Prado, to occupy your days. Take your time and explore the cities restaurants, shops, markets and historic sites.

Valencia

Famous as the birthplace of Paella, Valencia is found on the sunny Mediterranean coast of Spain and is the third-largest city in the country. Originally founded by the Romans, Valencia has numerous ancient monuments, natural scenery and a warm climate that makes it a popular destination year-round. Visitors love the city’s amazing cathedral, seasonal festivals and the new entertainment complex known as the City of Arts and Sciences. With throbbing nightlife and a charming old town area, Valencia is well worth a stop.

Barcelona

Delightfully eccentric, enthusiastically modern and tirelessly festive, is an essential stop on any European tour. Reborn since the demise of Spanish dictator, Franco, Barcelona’s development was spurred when it hosted the 1992 Olympics. Since then, it has regained a spot as one of Europe’s most beautiful, interesting and cutting-edge cities. Montuïc overlooks the city, situated on the hill is beautiful castle, many museums, the “Olympic Ring” and various sports facilities that supported the events. Check out La Barceloneta, the waterfront at the bottom of Las Ramblas.

Portugal

From the gorgeous resort towns on the Algarve coast to the quiet, castle-laden countryside, Portugal is a stunning destination where much of Europe comes to relax. Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Spain, this romantic country has a long, meandering coastline that is full of dramatic dune-covered beaches and enchanting inlets. Cities like the capital of Lisbon and the northern town of Porto offer cobblestone streets and café culture, with river views and stately cathedrals.  Travelers head to the sunny beaches of Sagres, the university town of Braga and the Roman ruins near Colmbra for a vacation than defies definition.

Lisbon

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is one of the few major European cities that face the Atlantic Ocean, and the influence of maritime culture is evident throughout the metropolis. With a laid-back atmosphere, meandering alleyways and pretty white buildings topped with red-orange roof tiles, Lisbon is a charming destination. The city also boasts one of the best climates in Europe, with warm summers and mild winters attracting tourists year-round. Explore the steep streets and historic neighborhoods that climb from the banks of the Tejo River, visit the top of the Cristo Rei statue for stunning views of the city, or simply relax in one of Lisbon’s many green spaces and parks.