5-Day Road Trip in Spain and Portugal from Málaga to Seville and Faro

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Spain and Portugal begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Málaga in Spain. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Málaga for 1 night.

Catch an early flight to Spain to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Málaga before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated cultural center and attraction in Málaga — La Térmica. About 3,454 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Málaga. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Spain. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

As the sun sets on day 1 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Málaga's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Spain to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Málaga has them.

Have a memorable dining experience in Málaga by booking a table at La Cosmo, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional andalusian menu. For a different culinary experience, José Carlos García shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious creative and andalusian cuisine in Málaga. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Blossom is known as a top local spot for its delicious fusion cuisine in Málaga. This Bib Gourmand awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Speakeasy “The Pharmacy” stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Chester & Punk offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. La Terraza De Valeria is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Your multi-country road trip in Spain and Portugal has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Málaga in Spain. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Seville, your home for 1 night.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated catholic cathedral and attraction in Málaga — Iglesia Catedral de la Encarnación. About 25,609 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

The popular Picasso Museum Málaga is another top sight in Málaga that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved museum in the area, rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 24,075 visitors.

Málaga Park is a spectacular park and highlight on travelers’ itineraries in Málaga, earning an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,404 enchanted visitors.

As the day moves along, be sure to make time to drop by the magnificent Alcazaba. Because of its allure and charm, around 30,648 visitors have rated this attraction and point of interest an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Discover the allure of Jardín Botánico - Histórico La Concepción. Echoing its popularity, 10,247 travelers have awarded this famous park and sightseeing spot an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Seville. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Spain and Portugal, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Seville. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Seville by booking a table at Az-Zait. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of contemporary cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Abantal, celebrated for its delectable creative menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Cañabota, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing seafood menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Garlochí, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Second Room, a bar that offers unique local touches.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Albufeira in Portugal. In the evening, you’ll end up in Faro, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Albufeira, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Seville to Albufeira may take around 2 hours 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Albufeira, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Albufeira today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Falesia Beach. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,278 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Silves. This drive usually takes around 36 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Silves, including the outstanding Castle of Silves. Having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 13,387 reviews, this fascinating castle and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Set your GPS to Lagoa and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lagoa beckons with new experiences!

In Lagoa, the extraordinary Benagil Cave awaits. This attraction is a valued sightseeing destination that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 18,886 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Lagoa is the spectacular Marinha Beach. This attraction is a natural feature that is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,515 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Faro.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring sights, it’s time to replenish your strength. Make the most of this stop on your multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal by rewarding yourself with a taste of Faro’s local cuisine. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax or mingle with the locals and raise a toast to your exciting road trip adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Xic, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Taco y Tequilla offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Woods is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Faro.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at RoofTop Eva, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Boheme offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Poncha's Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Spain and Portugal! Enjoy your evening in Faro to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal. Today's main destinations are Huelva in Spain, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Málaga. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Huelva, Spain and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Huelva beckons with new experiences!

Something that makes Huelva the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding park, Zafra Park. This local gem has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1,571 visitors.

The famous Paseo de la Ría is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Huelva's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 2,530 travelers have rated this incredible point of interest and travel destination an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Huelva is also home to the extraordinary Monumento a la Virgen del Rocío, which boasts a 4.3 out of 5 star rating in 1,752 traveler reviews.

Take some time off from the road, it’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Málaga. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

As the day slows down and turns into evening, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds at one of the top-rated restaurants in Málaga. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the city’s most popular bars.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at El Pimpi, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Morrissey's Irish Pub offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bar Málaga. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Málaga.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Nusa Malaga, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

On day 5 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Málaga before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Spain and Portugal. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Make the most of your final day in Spain by visiting Málaga’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Spain. Take home a piece of Spain with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Málaga is the magnificent La Farola, Málaga. Around 1,984 visitors have rated this excellent lighthouse and travel destination an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Get a last taste of Spain’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Málaga and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Spain and Portugal.

Dine in style at El Gastronauta, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Picasso Bar Tapas boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

The time has come to say farewell to Málaga for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 5-day European road trip in Spain and Portugal with fond memories. Safe travels!