7-Day Road Trip in Spain and Portugal from Madrid to Cáceres, Lisbon, and Merida

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

Catch an early flight to Spain to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Madrid 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 square and attraction in Madrid — plaza de España. About 98,199 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

You’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in Madrid. 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 dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Madrid. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Spain in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Make sure to book a table at DiverXO, a 3 Michelin star restaurant and a Bib Gourmand dining venue in Madrid. This local gem’s delectable creative cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. DiverXO is highly regarded in the culinary world and boasts an impressive track record of satisfied customers.

Treat yourself to culinary excellence at Smoked Room, offering a Bib-Gourmand awarded dining experience. With its 2 Michelin star rating, it caters to the most discerning palates. The incredible contemporary cuisine at Smoked Room has earned praise globally.

If you're in the mood for something different, consider reserving a table at Paco Roncero. This celebrated dining spot in Madrid is renowned for its sumptuous meals and creative menu. Countless patrons sing this Bib Gourmand restaurant's praises, adding to its 2 Michelin-star prestige.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Salmon Guru. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,802 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous El miniBAR. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,297 customers.

Areia cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Around 3,973 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.4 out of 5 stars average rating.

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.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across Spain and Portugal. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Madrid in Spain. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat for a restful slumber at one of the best hotels in Cáceres. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Main Square is a travelers’ favorite in Madrid, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 152,388 visitors.

In Madrid, don’t miss Market of San Miguel, a great building and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Madrid off your list when you visit the wonderful Royal Palace of Madrid. This popular sight is an outstanding royal palace, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 77,471 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This association football venue and place of interest has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 120,158 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic El Retiro Park awaits. This urban park is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 162,386 visitors.

Cáceres’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Madrid behind. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 58 min.

While in Madrid, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in Spain. Check out all the tours Madrid offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the city.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Cáceres. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

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 Cáceres. After a delicious dinner, experience the local nightlife or unwind at one of the town’s most popular bars.

Make your stay in Cáceres one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Atrio, a 3 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful creative cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its exceptional quality. Atrio, which has a Bib Gourmand award, gives you the best value for your money, and ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Cáceres is Restaurante alBalat. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 2,239 happy diners.

El 13 de San Antón stands out as a local favorite in Cáceres. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,296 customers.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Cáceres. At Atrio Restaurant Hotel, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,248 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Restaurante Eustaquio Blanco, another popular bar in the town. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,029 reviews.

El Corral de las Cigüeñas is also one of the best places in Cáceres where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,387 customers.

Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!

On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Spain and Portugal, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Agualva e Mira-Sintra in Portugal. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lisbon, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cáceres and set your GPS to Lisbon, Portugal. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 4 hours 20 min.

We recommend checking out all the tours and activities you can add to your package. Embarking on a tour is an excellent way of learning something new in Agualva e Mira-Sintra, Spain.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Lisbon. 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.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Lisbon boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Portugal.

Have a delightful culinary experience when you dine at daPrata52 - Petiscos ¦ Tapas. Favored by many foreign travelers and locals, this restaurant in Lisbon boasts a carefully curated and enticing menu. Its delectable dishes have earned it an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 1,470 visitors.

Another dining spot you shouldn’t miss while in Lisbon is Alma. It has garnered a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,033 diners thanks to its impeccable menu options and flavors.

Experience a celebration of flavors when you dine in at Lisboa Tu e Eu 2, in Lisbon. Its delightful menu and flavorful dishes have earned it a stellar rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,027 satisfied customers.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Delirium Café Lisboa, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, Delirium Café Lisboa has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,093 customers.

Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4, you will wake up in Lisbon with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Lisbon before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Spain and Portugal.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Lisbon today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Castelo de S. Jorge. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 85,656 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This incredible attraction and scenic viewpoint holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 32,250 visitors.

According to travelers in Lisbon, the extraordinary Jerónimos Monastery is a must-see attraction. This crowd-favorite destination and monastery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 47,647 visitors.

As the day moves along, don’t miss out the incredible monument, Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Up to 55,078 visitors have rated it an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you’re up for another attraction, check out the popular fort, Belém Tower. This attraction is rated an average 4.6 out of 5 stars among 90,401 visitors.

Your destination has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Discover more about this place and add more excitement to your vacation in Lisbon in Spain by embarking on popular tours and excursions. Joining tours will give you a deeper understanding of Lisbon’s history and culture while meeting other adventurers like you.

If you've been looking forward to all the culinary delights you’ll get the opportunity to try along 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 Lisbon. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Reserve a table at Nicolau Lisboa, a renowned restaurant in Lisbon. This culinary gem and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 5,172 guests.

Take in the ambiance of Lisbon as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Lisbon in Portugal and Merida 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 Merida. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

A tour of Lisbon is not complete without a visit to the famous Praça do Comércio. This incredible square and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 106,926 travelers.

Make the most of your Lisbon travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Time Out Market Lisboa. This food court and unique destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 58,503 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible LX Factory for an experience worth remembering. This local sightseeing destination and standout destination has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 51,300 visitors.

Another stop we recommend you add to your Lisbon sightseeing list is the remarkable public aquarium, Lisbon Oceanarium. Sought after by many travelers from around the world, Lisbon Oceanarium has received 4.7 out of 5 stars from 85,268 visitors. More than 1,000,000 people visit this impressive attraction annually.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Spain, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Merida. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in Spain, we also recommend adding tours to your travel itinerary. Tours are a great way to engage in immersive activities, meet other vacationers like you, and experience Lisbon's unique culture.

This fantastic excursion will show you around famous sights in Lisbon.

An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Merida’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Merida’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the town’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Spain and Portugal.

Reserve a table at Agallas Gastro & Food, a renowned restaurant in Merida. This culinary gem and its delectable cuisine have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 622 guests.

Ensure you experience culinary excellence at Sybarit Gastroshop while in Merida. This dining establishment presents an exquisite menu that has received a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, acclaimed by 1,611 discerning diners.

Experience a taste of Merida at La Mafia se sienta a la mesa, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,267 customers.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to A de Arco, a top-notch spot in the town scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, A de Arco has charmed many with its 4.5 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 2,916 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Shangri La, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Shangri La captures hearts with its 4.7 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 1,061 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on La Carbonería Brasas y Tapas, another local party gem in Merida. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,494 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

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

On day 6 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 Merida in Spain. In the evening, you’ll end up in Madrid, where you will stay for 1 night.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Merida is the fantastic Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta. As an appreciated roman theatre and local gem in the area, Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 37,382 reviews.

After soaking in Merida’s unique atmosphere, jump back into your car with a full heart, and drive in the direction of your next destination: Madrid. Expect your car journey to last a minimum of 3 hours 55 min.

Upon your arrival in Merida you’ll be greeted with an exciting opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring. Immerse yourself in the unique charm of this town and discover some of its most popular sights.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Merida is the magnificent Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta. Around 37,382 visitors have rated this excellent roman theatre and travel destination an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Merida, its culture, and people.

So be sure to reserve your slot early so you won’t miss the chance to join this highly recommended activity in Merida.

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

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 Madrid’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.

Don't miss out on experiencing La Mi Venta, a renowned dining spot in Madrid. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,658 satisfied guests.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid. This famous bar in Madrid has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,124 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Lambuzo. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Lambuzo has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,622 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Sambhad cocktail bar terraza. This bar offers guests many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with a great night, helping it earn an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 1,029 customers.

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 7 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Madrid 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.

As your final day in Spain unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Madrid’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of Spain.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Madrid is the magnificent Puerta de Alcalá. Around 43,833 visitors have rated this excellent triumphal arch and travel destination an average of 4.7 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 Madrid 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.

The time has come to say farewell to Madrid for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 7-day European road trip in Spain and Portugal with fond memories. Safe travels!