Thoughts on itinerary and best ways to travel this route (2 month trip- Spain/Portugal)

Planning a Two-Month Journey Through Spain and Portugal: Optimal Routes and Travel Tips

Embarking on a comprehensive two-month adventure across Spain and Portugal offers a fantastic opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture. As a traveler with a flexible itinerary, you can tailor your journey to include must-see destinations like the Camino de Santiago, scenic coastlines, and lively city life. In this article, we’ll discuss efficient transportation options, potential places to add to your route for variety and relaxation, and ways to streamline your travel schedule for maximum enjoyment.

Defining Your Key Travel Milestones

Your planned itinerary starts with flying into Lisbon for the Camino de Santiago, followed by a journey through northern and southern Spain, ending with a visit to Benidorm for New Year’s Eve to reunite with family. The core route involves:

• London → Lisbon
• Lisbon → Santiago de Compostela (Camino de Santiago, 4-5 weeks)
• Santiago → Santander
• Santander → Bilbao
• Bilbao → Andorra
• Andorra → Barcelona
• Barcelona → Valencia
• Valencia → Benidorm (for NYE)
• Benidorm → Granada
• Granada → Málaga
• Málaga → Seville
• Seville → Madrid

Let’s explore how to make this journey as smooth, efficient, and enriching as possible.

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Optimal Transportation Options for Your Route

1. International Flights:
Your initial international flight into Lisbon is straightforward. For internal travel, consider train or bus options for convenience. Renowned companies like RENFE (Spain’s national train service) and ALSA (a major bus operator) offer extensive routes connecting major cities and towns.

2. Traveling Between Major Destinations:
– Lisbon to Santiago:
Options include overnight trains, long-distance buses, or flights. Trains take approximately 10-12 hours, but buses can be more economical and flexible with schedules—operate overnight, allowing you to rest while traveling.
– Santiago to Santander:
The most efficient method is a direct train or bus, with a journey time around 4-5 hours.
– Santander to Bilbao:
High-speed trains connect these cities in about 1.5 hours.
– Bilbao to Andorra:
This leg can be complex. Bus routes are available