Sunshine, ancient history, beaches, and some of the best food in the world: Southern Europe has it all. This Southern Europe travel guide covers three of its favorite destinations, Greece, Portugal, and Spain, with the highlights of each, when to go, how to get around, and tips for combining them in one trip.
Greece: Ancient Ruins and Island Hopping
Start in Athens, where the Acropolis rises above the city and the Acropolis Museum is one of the best in Europe. Wander the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods, then head to the islands.
- Santorini: Whitewashed villages on cliffs above a volcanic caldera, with famous sunsets in Oia.
- Naxos and Paros: Beaches, mountain villages, and a more relaxed pace.
- Crete: Greece's largest island, with the Minoan palace of Knossos, the Samaria Gorge, and beautiful beaches such as Balos and Elafonisi.
- Meteora: On the mainland, monasteries perched on top of giant rock pillars.
Getting around: Ferries link the islands, and domestic flights cover longer distances. Book ferries early in summer.
Eat: Souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad, fresh seafood, and loukoumades (honey doughnuts).
Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve
Portugal is compact, friendly, and great value.
- Lisbon: Ride tram 28 through Alfama, visit Belém for the monastery and pastéis de nata, and watch the sunset from a miradouro (viewpoint).
- Sintra: Fairy-tale palaces in the hills, an easy day trip from Lisbon.
- Porto: Riverside streets, port wine cellars, and the Douro Valley vineyards nearby.
- The Algarve: Golden cliffs, sea caves such as Benagil, and long sandy beaches.
Getting around: Trains link Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Rent a car to explore the coast.
Eat: Grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), francesinha in Porto, and pastéis de nata.
Spain: Madrid and Andalusia
- Madrid: World-class art at the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen museums, the Retiro park, and late-night tapas.
- Seville: The Alcázar palace, the cathedral and Giralda tower, flamenco, and orange-scented streets.
- Granada: The Alhambra, a Moorish palace with the Sierra Nevada behind it. Book tickets weeks ahead.
- Córdoba: The Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral with a forest of striped arches.
- Barcelona: Gaudí's architecture, beaches, and the Gothic Quarter.
Getting around: Spain's high-speed AVE trains link Madrid with Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Barcelona.
Eat: Tapas, paella, jamón ibérico, gazpacho, and churros with chocolate.
When to Visit Southern Europe
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are very hot, especially inland in Spain and Greece, and the islands are packed. Winter is mild on the coasts and great for city breaks. See where is hot in October, November, and April.
Combining Greece, Portugal, and Spain
Spain and Portugal are easy to combine by train, bus, or car, for example Lisbon to Seville via the Algarve. Greece is further away, so fly between Athens and Madrid, Barcelona, or Lisbon. Allow at least three weeks to see the highlights of all three.
Stay Connected Across Southern Europe
The egoViet Europe eSIM covers Greece, Portugal, Spain, and 30 other countries with one plan, so you don't need a new SIM card at each border. There are single-country eSIMs too, such as Spain. Download the best European travel apps before you go.
FAQs: Southern Europe Travel Guide
What is the best time to visit Southern Europe?
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) have the best balance of warm weather, warm seas, and smaller crowds.
How many days do you need for Spain and Portugal?
Two weeks is a good minimum to see Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Andalusia without rushing.
Which is cheapest: Greece, Portugal, or Spain?
Portugal is often the best value, followed by Greece outside the famous islands. Prices vary a lot by season.
Do I need a visa for Southern Europe?
Greece, Portugal, and Spain are in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Check the rules for your passport.