5-Day Road Trip to Spain and Portugal from Madrid to Ávila and Covilhã

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.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Madrid today.

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

Salmon Guru offers great food and ambiance and is well-loved in the area.

Another top-rated restaurant worth trying in Madrid is the popular Coque. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,191 customers, this restaurant is an excellent dining option.

If you feel like having something else, check out El Social. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 944 customers, which speaks volumes about its quality.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Salmon Guru, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Salmon Guru boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 2,802 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at El miniBAR, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. El miniBAR has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 4,297 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Areia. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5-star from 4,297 customers.

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 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this European tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Madrid and Ávila in Spain. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Ávila. Ávila will be your home for 1 night.

One of today’s main highlights is the unforgettable Plaza Mayor. This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year. Garnering an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 152,388 travelers, a visit to the remarkable Plaza Mayor is worth pages in your travel diary.

The fascinating San Miguel Market is another of the city's top attractions that will stir your curiosity. This tourist destination boasts an average review score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 106,296 travelers.

This day is also your chance to see the amazing Royal Palace of Madrid. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 77,471 travelers, a trip to this wonderful site promises a memorable experience.

The top-rated Museo Nacional del Prado is one place you should visit while in Madrid considering its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 98,929 travelers. Museo Nacional del Prado receives around 3,497,345 visitors in a single year, and today is the perfect opportunity to see it up close.

Explore the magnificent Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and discover what makes this local wonder one of the best attractions in Madrid. This popular sightseeing destination enjoys a rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from 120,158 travelers.

Ávila’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Madrid behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour and 18 minutes.

To make your day special, check out all the available tours and tickets in the city!

Ávila has something for every interest and travel budget.

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

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 Ávila'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 town’s most recommended bars.

Restaurante Bococo offers great food and ambiance and is well-loved in the area.

Another top-rated restaurant worth trying in Ávila is the popular Los Candiles. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,932 customers, this restaurant is an excellent dining option.

If you feel like having something else, check out Restaurante Siglodoce. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,153 customers, which speaks volumes about its quality.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the town, Soul Kitchen. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,211 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Gloria Bendita. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,196 customers.

Taberna De Los Verdugo cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 776 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating.

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

On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Spain and Portugal, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Guarda and Covilhã in Portugal. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Covilhã, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Feel the freedom as you navigate your way from Ávila to Covilhã, Portugal. Expect a journey of approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes without stops.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in Portugal, 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 Covilhã's unique culture.

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

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

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy lively vibes in central Covilhã. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Taberna A Laranjinha, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city of Covilhã. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,389 customers.

Locals also recommend Paço 100 Pressa as one of the best restaurants in the city of Covilhã. Paço 100 Pressa is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,033 customers.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at C. C. D. Leões Da Floresta. This famous bar in Covilhã has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 391 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, ComFusão, Sabores ComSentidos. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. ComFusão, Sabores ComSentidos has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 289 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Syrah Covilhã. 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 4.3 out of 5 stars from 173 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!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 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 - Salamanca and 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 Madrid. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Covilhã and set your GPS to Madrid, Spain. 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 and 18 minutes.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop.

Make more amazing memories during your vacation in Spain by adding tours and activities to your travel itinerary. Tours are another exciting way to experience the best of Madrid, immersing in local customs and meeting new friends.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Madrid of your choice.

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.

Renowned for its prestigious 3 Michelin star rating and an array of mouthwatering dishes, DiverXO has consistently impressed its foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative cuisine.

Have a fulfilling dinner from its enticing contemporary menu, which has consistently earned Smoked Room high ratings and praise from satisfied guests. This top dining choice has been awarded a Bib Gourmand, so prepare for an amazing and high-quality food experience.

Its delectable creative offerings have contributed to impressive reviews from numerous patrons who’ve already savored its meals. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be glad to know that this restaurant has also been awarded Bib Gourmand status.

Wrap up your evening by visiting the renowned James Joyce Irish Pub Madrid, a must-visit hotspot in the city of Madrid. This bar has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, backed by 4,124 delighted customers.

Alternatively, quench your thirst at the popular Lambuzo, consistently rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Or, for an authentic local recommendation, head over to Sambhad cocktail bar terraza, one of the top-rated bars in Madrid, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,029 satisfied customers.

Take in the ambiance of Madrid 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 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.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated attraction in Madrid — Plaza de España. About 98,199 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

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.

This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,124 customers.

La Mi Venta is known for serving a variety of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,658 diners.

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