Hello fellow travelers!
I'm pLanning my first European getaway. I'm 26 F and will be going with my sister. Traveling Thursday may 22nd coming back to NJ on June 3rd. I'm thinking Lisbon to Barcelona
. I'd love to get a 3rd country in too. Is it feasible to take a train or quick flight to Monoco or the Italian riviera (liguria area)? Or does anyone know about the island off the coast of Barcelona, Palma?
Any recommendations for a great 3rd place to visit would be MUCH appreciated.
Thx!
Having been to both Lisbon and Barcelona, I would recommend 4/5 days in each, however this of course can be reduced/extended depending on your preferences/interests.
Your flight gives you 11/12 days in Europe, depending on your flight times. Given this is a relatively short time, and that there is so much to do in both Lisbon and Barca, I would not recommend flying out to Monaco or Italy, and instead make the most of the places that you are going!
If you wanted somewhere to add into your itinerary, you could either stop off somewhere between Lisbon and Barceloana to break up the journey - Madrid is an obvious choice, although I would also consider the Andalucia region of Spain, as Grenada/Seville and the surrounding areas are meant to be fantastic (though I have not been myself).
Alternatively, you could use the extra time to go on day trips from either Lisbon or Barcelona. With regards to Lisbon, I would definitely recommend Sintra, it is only a 45 minute train out of Lisbon, but is simply fantastic. As it is May/June it is also perfect beach weather in Barcelona if you are that way inclined.
If you are getting trains in between destinations, I would recommend trying to get overnight trains, as this gives you more time in the destination (and saves money on accommodation). However, I have never used trains in that region myself as I am from the UK so have just been to Spain and Portugal on short trips straight out of London.
In short though, I would definitely recommend making the most of Spain/Portugal, and leaving France and Italy for the next trip - there's so much to see there, a few days will definitely not do it justice, and you'll be spending even more time in airports.
Hope This Helps
I agree, rather than add a 3rd country, consider a stop-over somewhere between Lisbon and BArcelona. You could head to Majorca or Minorca (Palma is a town) or head up to Bilbao or somewhere else not too far off but there's so much to see and do in Portugal and Spain stick to that.
Thank you both for the advice! I'll do some research .. I did hear about Majorca .. How is it there ? I'm hoping for stunning views, old culture, good food and live music .. I love the beach too! I believe there is a boat that takes you there from Barcelona ?
Thx!
Majorca is nice enough, but in my eyes not worse the hassle getting to, the ferry needs 8 hours for the trip, if you love to party Ibiza should be your choice instead.
As #1 wrote I would rather spend some time in Andalucia, like Sevilla (which I don't know) but in Granada the Alhambra is beautiful, a nice stroll through the Albacin and you have a full day, prebook the Alhambra or be there very early to get a ticket.
Cordoba with the Mezquita and the old jewish quarter is also worse a visit.
What I love about Andalucia is the Tapas tradition, if you don't go to the tourist restaurants you get something to eat with every beverage you order, you never know what, but that is the nice thing about it.
If it has to be a third country consider Gibraltar or Andorra, from Barcelona you be in France in no time.
If it is just a box-checking exercise,then you can go to Andorra as a day trip from Barcelona.
Its not exciting at all,but then neither is Monaco.....
If you actually want to see something interesting,there is plenty in and around those 2 cities you originally chose.....
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