One-Week Road Trip in Spain, and Portugal from Madrid to Merida, Lisbon, and Cáceres

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 2 nights.

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.

Something that makes Madrid the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding triumphal arch, Puerta de Alcalá. This local gem has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 43,833 visitors.

Find your way to your hotel in Madrid. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Experience a taste of DiverXO in Madrid by booking a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, DiverXO delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious creative cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Smoked Room, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Paco Roncero, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing creative menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Cafe Madrid offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Madrid. 1862 Dry Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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.

On day 2, you will wake up in Madrid with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Madrid before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Spain, and Portugal.

Casa de Campo 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 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50,826 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 Main Square. This popular sight is an outstanding square, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 152,388 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. This art museum and place of interest has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 46,855 reviews. It’s estimated that around 1 person come to admire it every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Museo del Prado awaits. This art museum is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 visitors. The fantastic Museo del Prado gets around 3,497,345 yearly visitors.

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

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at La Mi Venta, a top-rated dining spot in Madrid. If you're in the mood for something new, try Mas Al Sur, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Prada a Tope Madrid. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Madrid.

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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across Spain, and Portugal. Today's main destinations are Madrid 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.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Madrid, including the outstanding Royal Palace of Madrid. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 77,471 reviews, this fascinating royal palace and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.

Madrid is also home to the captivating Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a local association football venue considered one of the highlights of the city. About 120,158 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.6 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Crystal Palace is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Madrid. This extraordinary building and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 39,270 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful El Retiro Park will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing urban park and attraction an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 162,386 reviews.

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

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Spain's delectable cuisine at one of Merida's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Restaurante Chamorro, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, A de Arco is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bar Volterra. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Merida tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at trastero, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Jazz Bar Mérida provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Cafetería Pizarrín offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Spain, and Portugal, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, São Pedro de Penaferrim 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.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Merida, you’ll hit the road in the direction of São Pedro de Penaferrim, Portugal. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Portugal. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 18 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in São Pedro de Penaferrim is the fantastic National Palace of Pena. As an appreciated museum and local gem in the area, National Palace of Pena has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 86,631 reviews.

Set your GPS to Sintra and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 13 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Sintra beckons with new experiences!

A tour of Sintra is not complete without a visit to the famous Quinta da Regaleira. This incredible museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 54,624 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Colares.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Colares is the fantastic Cabo da Roca. As an appreciated cape and local gem in the area, Cabo da Roca has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 55,143 reviews.

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 sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Lisbon. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Portugal 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.

Dine in style at Delirium Café Lisboa, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Via Graça boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out daPrata52 - Petiscos ¦ Tapas. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Lisbon.

Keep the evening going at Cockpit bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Lisboa Bar, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Cave Rock Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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!

On day 5 of your European tour in Spain, and Portugal, you’ll start and end your day in Fátima, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to Lisbon for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Fátima in Portugal to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

After soaking in Lisbon’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Fátima. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 25 min. When you arrive in Fátima, it's time to take a break from the road.

Something that makes Fátima the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding shrine to the virgin mary, Sanctuary of Fátima. This local gem has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 107,827 visitors.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Fátima is the fantastic Lisbon Oceanarium, attracting around 1,000,000 visitors every year. As an appreciated public aquarium and local gem in the area, Lisbon Oceanarium has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 86,301 reviews.

The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Fátima is the fantastic Time Out Market Lisboa. As an appreciated food court and local gem in the area, Time Out Market Lisboa has earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 59,217 reviews.

As the sun sets on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Lisbon's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Portugal 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, Lisbon has them.

Don’t miss out on dining at Lídia Restaurante & Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Lisbon. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Adega da Tia Matilde, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at A Provinciana. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Lisbon this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Toca da Raposa, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Janela Da Atalaia Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Pub Português also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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!

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 Lisbon in Portugal. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cáceres, where you will stay for 1 night.

In Lisbon, the extraordinary Praça do Comércio awaits. This attraction is a valued square that boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 108,290 travelers' reviews.

Another of the best travel destinations in Lisbon is the spectacular Castelo de S. Jorge. This attraction is a museum that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 86,378 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.

The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Lisbon today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Belém Tower. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 91,872 visitors.

Next, discover the charms of the popular Padrão dos Descobrimentos. This incredible attraction and monument holds an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, thanks to 55,676 visitors.

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

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

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Cáceres by booking a table at Atrio, a 3-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional creative menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Restaurante alBalat, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafetería Charlotte. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cáceres this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to El Corral de las Cigüeñas, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. La Traviata is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Little Gin is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Toledo in Spain. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Madrid, your home for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Cáceres, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Toledo may take around 2 hours 35 min. Upon your arrival in Toledo, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One place travelers keep coming back to in Toledo is the magnificent Alcázar of Toledo. Around 30,193 visitors have rated this excellent alcázar and travel destination an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

We also recommend you explore the amazing Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo on this leg of your adventure in Spain. This attraction is a well-known church that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from around 27,938 travelers.

The remarkable Zocodover is known to be one of the best places to visit in Toledo, and its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 19,930 traveler reviews is proof.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at BiBo Dani García, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Malacatín offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Pum Pum Café is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Madrid.

As the night falls in Madrid, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 8 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.

Maximize your last day in Spain and go on a shopping spree in Madrid’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Spain.

A tour of Madrid is not complete without a visit to the famous plaza de España. This incredible square and attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 98,199 travelers.

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.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Sagaretxe, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Arrabal Madrid is another top choice with a popular menu.

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 8-day European road trip in Spain, and Portugal with fond memories. Safe travels!