My Journey Map

This map gives an overview of my 17-day journey across Spain and Portugal, covering Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Algarve, Lisbon, and Madeira, along with a few day trips.

I planned this route to be smooth and efficient, with no backtracking, so I could move in one direction without wasting time on repeated travel.

This blog focuses on the overall itinerary and budget, and I’ll be sharing detailed city-wise guides, stays, and booking links in upcoming posts..

🗓️ 17-Day Itinerary Overview

Here’s how I structured my 17-day trip across Spain and Portugal, balancing city exploration, day trips, and travel time:

• Barcelona — 3 days

• Malaga — 3 days (with day trips to Nerja & Granada)

• Seville — 3 days (with day trips to Ronda & Setenil de las Bodegas)

• Algarve — 2 days

• Madeira — 3 days

• Lisbon — 3 days (with a day trip to Porto)

This pace allowed me to explore each place comfortably without rushing, while still covering a variety of experiences.

💰 Overall Budget for 17 Days

One of the biggest questions I had while planning this trip was how much it would actually cost to travel across Spain and Portugal comfortably.

After completing the journey, here’s a realistic breakdown of what I spent over 17 days. I didn’t aim for an ultra-budget trip, but I also didn’t go luxury. I chose a balance where I could enjoy good food, experiences, and comfortable stays without overthinking every expense.

✈️ Flights

• International flights (from India): ₹51,000 (~$610)

• Domestic flights (Barcelona → Malaga + Madeira return): ₹20,500 (~$245)

Flights were one of the bigger expenses, especially the international leg, but booking in advance helped keep the cost reasonable..

🚌🚆 Transport

• Malaga → Seville (bus): ₹1,777 (~$21)

• Seville → Lagos (bus): ₹3,317 (~$40)

• Lagos → Lisbon (bus): ₹1,164 (~$14)

• Lisbon ↔ Porto (train): ₹3,340 (~$40)

I mostly relied on buses and trains for intercity travel, which turned out to be both efficient and cost-effective..

Accommodation

• ₹80,000 (~$960) for 17 days

I stayed in a mix of well-located accommodations that made it easier to explore each city without spending too much time commuting.

🎟️ Activities & Experiences

• ₹75,000 (~$900)

This includes entry tickets, day trips, and experiences across different cities. These were absolutely worth it, as they added depth to the trip beyond just sightseeing.

🍽️ Food & Drinks

• ₹90,000 (~$1,080)

Food was a big part of my experience, and I didn’t hold back here. I tried local dishes, cafés, and some really good restaurants along the way, which added to the overall cost but made the trip much more enjoyable.

💸 Total Trip Cost

👉 ₹2,96,098 (~$3,550)

💡 Final Thoughts on Budget

Overall, this was a mid-range trip where I focused more on experiences than cutting costs. You can reduce the budget by choosing hostels, limiting activities, or eating more casually, but for me, spending on food and experiences made the trip much more memorable.

USD values are approximate and may vary based on exchange rates.

🌤️ Weather During My Trip (March – Early April)

I traveled during late March to the first week of April, and overall, the weather was quite pleasant and comfortable for exploring.

• Spain (Barcelona, Malaga, Seville):
  Mostly sunny and mild, with temperatures around 15°C to 22°C. Malaga and Seville felt warmer during the day.

• Portugal (Algarve, Lisbon):
  Slightly cooler, ranging between 14°C to 20°C, with some wind along the coast.

• Madeira:
  The weather here was a bit unpredictable. I arrived on March 29th, which was during the last phase of a storm. The first night was slightly rough due to the weather, but after that, the conditions improved, and the rest of my stay was comfortable and enjoyable.

Overall, this was a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures across most places.

🎒 What to Pack for Spain & Portugal (March – Early April)

❓ What kind of clothes should I pack?

You’ll experience mild spring weather, so packing layers is the best approach.

• Light tops and comfortable outfits for daytime

• A light jacket or sweater for mornings and evenings

• One slightly warmer layer for cooler or windy days

• Comfortable walking shoes (very important)

❓ Do I need winter clothes?

Not really. It’s not very cold, but it’s not summer either.

A light jacket is enough. You don’t need heavy winter wear unless you feel cold easily.

❓ What should I pack for coastal areas like Algarve?

Coastal areas can be windy, especially near cliffs and beaches.

• Light jacket or windbreaker

• Sunglasses

• Comfortable shoes for walking

❓ What about Madeira weather?

Madeira can be unpredictable.

• Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella

• Wear layers

• Keep something slightly warm for evenings

When I arrived, there was a storm, and the first night was a bit rough, but the weather improved afterward

❓ What footwear is best for this trip?

Good walking shoes are absolutely essential for this itinerary. Most of these places involve a lot of walking on cobbled streets, slopes, and uneven paths.

For city walking, I used my ASICS Gel Kayano and Nike running shoes, which were very comfortable even after long days.

For Madeira, especially for hikes and trails, I switched to Decathlon MH500 trekking shoes, which provided much better grip and support.

Invest in really good walking shoes. This can make or break your trip. Comfortable footwear will save you from fatigue and help you enjoy each place fully.

❓ What bags and essentials should I carry daily?

Carry a small backpack with you at all times. It makes day-to-day exploring much easier, especially when you’re out for long hours.

Your bag should be spacious enough to comfortably carry:

• A water bottle

• Some snacks

• A light jacket or layer

• Cap or hat

• Sunglasses

• Few places requires your passport (Granada)

I also kept a few important essentials with me:

• Emergency medicines

• Some cash (not everywhere prefers cards, especially small places)

• Phone and power bank

💫 Ending on a High Note

17 days of moving cities, chasing views, and convincing myself I wanted to try all the good food each place had to offer.

Safe to say, I came back with great memories, a lot of steps counted, and zero control over my food choices. Somewhere between early morning walks, long travel days, and slow evenings by the coast, I realized this trip was not just about covering places, it was about experiencing them fully.

Most of the trip went exactly as planned, which made everything smooth and easy. Madeira was the only part where things shifted a bit. After reaching there, I ended up planning a lot on the go, especially with the weather changes, and that spontaneity made it even more memorable.

There were moments of perfect planning and moments that unfolded on their own, and both added to the experience. If I have learned anything from these 17 days, it is this, plan well, but be open to adjusting along the way, wear comfortable shoes, and never say no to good food.