Visiting Portugal and Spain
The Lisbon to Seville drive takes about 4 hours with minimal traffic. You’ll need an international driver’s permit, a rental car with toll equipment, and a plan for the one-hour time zone change when crossing into Spain. We did this road trip as a family of five, spending 4 days in Lisbon, a stop in Évora on the drive, and 3 days in Seville with a day trip to Córdoba.
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Top Tickets for Lisbon & Seville
Jeronimo Monastery Tickets
Lisbon Card
Saint George Castle Tickets
Sintra & Cascais Day Trip
Royal Acalzar Tickets
Seville Cathedral & Giralda
Seville Tapas Tour
Seville Flamenco
Pro tip: Book tickets in advance through Get Your Guide. You’ll skip lines and lock in your times—especially important for the Alcázar and Jerónimos Monastery.
Our Portugal & Spain Trip Overview
We just got back from an epic family vacation doing the Lisbon to Seville drive. The drive itself was easy with barely any traffic. Once we survived a crazy car rental experience, we were off for a great adventure.
We stayed 4 days in Lisbon and stopped in Évora on the return drive. In Spain, we based in Seville for 3 days and did a day trip to the historic city of Córdoba. Check out our full Lisbon to Seville road trip breakdown below.
We admired stunning architecture, tried delicious local cuisine, and immersed ourselves in the rich culture of these destinations. We had activities planned—visiting iconic landmarks and taking in breathtaking views from some of the highest peaks in the region.
For our Lisbon & Spain family trip, we used Expedia.com to find some bundled deals. And I love using Get Your Guide for tickets to attractions and experiences.
How Far is Portugal From Spain
The distance varies depending on your specific route, but the Lisbon to Seville drive is about 4 hours.
The closest point on the border—the international bridge over the Guadiana River—is approximately 217 kilometers (135 miles). The distance between Lisbon and Madrid is approximately 645 kilometers (401 miles). But you’re not going to Madrid. The Seville route is much more manageable for a road trip.
Lisbon to Seville: Flight vs. Drive
You can fly from Lisbon to Seville, but we chose to drive. It’s only 4 hours, and driving let us stop at a coastal town along the way.
For flights, I recommend you check Google Flights or Expedia.com. But honestly? The drive is easy and scenic, offering you flexibility. Lisbon to Seville Flight
Renting a Car for the Lisbon to Seville Drive
You’ll need an international driver’s permit. Get it before you leave.
My husband renewed his at our local AAA office. Since we’re members, we only paid $20. They take your photo and it lasts for a year. Don’t skip this step.
We rented the car via Expedia and used Sixt car rental agency. We picked up the car in Lisbon city instead of the airport to save on transportation from our apartment. We dropped off at the airport on our way out—pickup and drop-off locations can be different.
What Car Should You Rent?
We thought our car would be big enough. We were wrong.
When considering your Lisbon to Seville drive, think carefully about the car you need. Ask yourself:
- Do you know how to drive stick? Most European cars are manual, and automatics cost more
- How many people will be with you?
- How much luggage are you taking?
- Which cities will you be driving in? Big city or small?
Also read Driving in Italy, Driving in Greece, and Driving in Spain.
Since driving in Europe isn’t new for us, we knew to take less luggage. Nevertheless, it almost didn’t fit. We ended up with a Peugeot SUV, which we thought would be big enough.
Picture this: A family of five trying to stuff the rental car like Thanksgiving stuffing while everyone else watches. I thought they would bring out the Michael Jackson Thriller popcorn. It was embarrassing. But thanks to some Tetris moves from my husband, we made it happen.
Triple-check your car size when booking. European roads are narrow and can be scary, especially in smaller cities.
Portugal to Seville Tolls
Portugal has dozens of tolls. Spain has almost none.
We didn’t tell the car rental company we were going to Spain—they didn’t ask. We had unlimited miles, so no issue. The cars come with toll equipment, and you get charged afterward.
Our private driver from the airport warned us about the tolls. In Portugal, stay in the electronic lane (no stopping needed). Look for the sign that says “Via Verde.”
Once we crossed into Spain—and by the way, there’s no official border—the tolls basically ended..
Driving from Lisbon to Seville: What We Didn’t Expect
One thing we didn’t plan for was the time zone change. Spain is one hour ahead of Portugal.
Seems obvious now. But when you’re driving 4 hours and suddenly lose an hour, it throws off your schedule. Double-check time zones when planning your road trip.
Also: Daylight saving time in Europe happens at the end of March, not when it happens in the US. Plan accordingly if you’re traveling in spring.
Safety tip: I recommend only experienced European drivers handle the roads. I could see myself driving the major highways from Lisbon to Seville, but not in smaller cities.
Rest stop warning: On our return via Évora, rest stops were sparse. We had to exit the highway at one point. Easy to get back on, but plan ahead if anyone has bladder issues.
Budget for gas. Many European cars run on diesel, and fuel prices are high either way.
Our Portugal and Spain Itinerary so far
We are arriving in Lisbon on a Thursday and at first, I had difficulty deciding on the Airbnb we would stay at. You see, we stayed near Rua Augusta last time at Hotel Lisbon Art Stay and it was the perfect location. But we are now traveling with a family of 5, so we cannot stay at a hotel.
To find better European travel deals, we always compare flights vs. bundle deals. We tend to choose a hotel or place to stay for only a few nights to secure a better rate.
We also rented a car, as we will be doing a road trip from Lisbon to Seville, but we didn’t rent the car with the bundle as we were unsure on the date. Instead, we went back to booking.com and rented a car from Sixth, my current favorite car rental company both in Portugal and in Italy.
TLRD: Don't have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds for things you will need to book
Europe Family Accommodations Tip
After doing some research on both Expedia and Booking.com, I finally decided on an apartment near the Praca do Commercio, which is further down from where we stayed last time in Lisbon but still close enough to many restaurants and activities. It has 1 king bed, 3 Sofa Beds.
This is when things got interesting. Right before my trip, I saw that this was a one-bedroom apartment with only one bathroom. I also freaked out as it seemed we were missing a bed. I spoke with them and it seemed the lower sofa bed was made for a small child.
We freaked out a bit, but it was too late to get another Airbnb. So we decided to suck it up and get an air mattress if needed.
Luckily, the sofa beds were big enough and super comfy! We loved this apartment and I will be posting a video review on TikTok.
When traveling to Europe with a group of more than four people, always read the description of the listing carefully, read through the reviews and also contact the property to make sure there is a sofa bed if that is what you need. These things are not always so evident in the listing.
4-Day Lisbon Itinerary
I love that this time we will have four full days in Lisbon! This will be our kids’ first time, so we wanted wiggle room for flexibility as traveling with kids, even though they are older, is different from traveling as a couple.
Day 1 in Lisbon
On our first day, we will take private transportation to our apartment stay. I typically book these private drivers through the lodging I am staying at. We are not guaranteed we can do an early check-in, but I plan to ask if we can drop off our luggage so then we can eat at one of the delicious bakeries.
I ended up booking our transportation via Viator.com and it was great. Our flight arrived super early, at 5:30 AM and our Airbnb offered a luggage drop-off location nearby.
This is where things also got interesting. Here we are in the dark on the Rua do Sapateiros streets with all of our luggage at 6:30 am, and the door codes were not working. A nice worker let us in but told us the codes had changed the night before.
We couldn’t get a hold of our apartment folks as it was too early. I sent messages and left voicemails. We couldn’t drag our luggage to the bakery so I was able to find this lounge area and we just waited.
Hopefully, we will be able to check in and shower soon after. Next, I plan to organize our clothes and go out for some groceries. When traveling with teens, it is always a great idea to have extra snacks and the supermarkets are so affordable in Southwest Europe.
Once we are back to the hotel, we will put groceries away and then it’s time for some resting without falling asleep. Sleeping when you get there can really mess up your jet lag. We will make an early dinner for our first night and walk around Rua Augusta for a bit.
Day 2 Exploring Lisbon
We will wake up at 8 a.m., get dressed, and go eat a yummy pastel de nata with nice hot coffee. Then we are off to go catch the famous yellow tram in order to visit the following:
Walk around and explore more
Then head over to Bairro Alto
Lunch at Bairro Alto
Then it’s back to the hotel to freshen up, and we will go out for drinks at one of the rooftop bars. We also plan to take the Santa Justa Elevator for this one.
Day 3 Visiting Belem & LxFactory
We will wake up at 9 a.m. on this day and once again have a delicious breakfast. We will then head over to the bus stop to catch the bus that goes to Belem. Once we arrive in Belem, we will do sightseeing at the Praca dos Monumentos and, of course, Torre de Belem. We will go up the tower if it is open, as we did not do that last time. Then we are off to enter the Jeronimo Monastery. They say one needs about two hours here.
Before catching the bus to head to the trendy LxFactory location, we will stand in line at Pastéis de Belém to eat the famous Pastel de Belém. This is the location where the famous Portuguese pastry comes from. It is still owned by the same family, and they say the recipe is a huge secret only known to some family members.
LxFactory location in Lisbon, Portugal
LxFactory is a trendy and vibrant location in Lisbon, Portugal. Located on the waterfront, it is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and creative spaces. It is a great spot for exploring, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can also find unique and interesting items from local artisans. It is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of Lisbon’s hidden gems.
The LxFactory is a former industrial complex in Lisbon, Portugal, that has been transformed into a trendy hub for creative businesses and cultural events. Located in the Alcântara neighborhood, the LxFactory is home to a variety of businesses, including design studios, galleries, restaurants, and bars. The complex also hosts regular cultural events, such as music concerts, art exhibitions, and book fairs.
The LxFactory is known for its unique blend of old and new, with its historic industrial buildings alongside modern businesses and amenities. The complex is popular with both locals and tourists alike, and has become a must-see destination in Lisbon. Many visitors are drawn to the LxFactory for its vibrant atmosphere, as well as its mix of art, design, and culture.
If you’re planning to visit the LxFactory, be sure to check out the schedule of events and exhibitions, as there is always something happening at the complex. You can also explore the various businesses and shops that call the LxFactory home, or simply spend some time relaxing in one of the many outdoor spaces within the complex.
We plan to walk around and take lots of pictures and visit a Brazilian restaurant.Now it’s time to go freshen up and relax a bit before heading to dinner at our favorite restaurant, La Licorista.
Day 4 – visiting Sintra
For Day 4, we will head over to the lovely town of Sintra. We will go by train.
Sintra is a town located in the Lisbon region of Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. The town is located in the hills of the Sintra Mountains, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the town’s charming streets and buildings. Sintra has a long and storied history, dating back to the Romans, who first settled the area. The town has played a significant role in Portuguese history, serving as a royal residence for many centuries.
One of the main reasons to visit Sintra is to explore its stunning natural beauty. The town is surrounded by lush forests, beautiful gardens, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The Sintra Mountains are a popular destination for hikers, who can enjoy a variety of trails through the hills and forests. Sintra is also home to several stunning palaces and castles, including the Pena National Palace and the Castle of the Moors. These historic landmarks are must-see attractions for any visitor to Sintra.
In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Sintra is also a great destination for foodies. The town is known for its delicious local cuisine, including pastries and sweets like the famous queijadas de Sintra. Sintra is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars, making it a great place to relax and enjoy some local culinary delights.
The last time we visited, my husband and I did the Pena Palace, but only on the outside. This time we will do the inside with the kids as well, and really explore the town more. Book Sintra Tickets.
Quinta Da Regaleira
The kids really wanted to do a ghost tour, and I said heck no, so I found a compromise. We will be visiting Quinta Da Regaleira, which was built by a Brazilian, so the kids are extra excited.
The Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning palace and estate located in Sintra, Portugal. The palace and its grounds are known for their elaborate and ornate design, as well as their rich history.
The Quinta da Regaleira was built in the early 20th century by a wealthy Brazilian businessman, António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro. Monteiro was a collector of art and antiques, and he used these items to decorate the palace and its grounds.
The palace features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline, and is adorned with intricate carvings, frescoes, and other decorative elements.
One of the main attractions of the Quinta da Regaleira is its beautiful gardens and grounds. The gardens are home to various plants, flowers, and trees, as well as several fountains and sculptures. The grounds also feature several underground tunnels and grottos, which add to the palace’s mysterious and magical atmosphere.
People visit the Quinta da Regaleira for its stunning beauty and rich history. The palace is also a popular venue for events and weddings, due to its beautiful and unique setting.
Eating in Sintra
We are still researching where to eat in Sintra and plan to shop and explore. Then we head back in the afternoon to unwind a bit. We will shower, rest and then go out for dinner.
Day Trip Alternative to Obidos
Here is a one-day itinerary for Obidos, Portugal, suitable for a family visiting from Lisbon:
11:00 a.m. – We will start by visiting Obidos Castle. This stunning castle, located in the heart of the town, dates back to the 12th century and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is home to a museum, where you can learn about the history of the castle and the town of Obidos.
12:30 p.m. – After exploring the castle, I would like to walk through the narrow streets of Obidos’s historic center. The town is known for its charming white-washed houses with colorful doors and windows, making it a photographer’s paradise. I plan to check out the local bakeries to try some of Obidos’s famous pastries, such as the queijadas de Obidos.
1:30 p.m. – Head to one of Obidos’s many restaurants for a delicious lunch. The town is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as caldeirada (a fish stew) or bacalhau (dried salt cod).
2:30 p.m. – After lunch, take a walk along the town’s ancient walls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. I am unsure if I will have time to visit the Church of Sao Tiago, which dates back to the 13th century and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.
4:00 p.m. – I plan to finish our day visiting one of Obidos’s wineries. The town is located in the heart of the Lisboa wine region, so there are plenty of wineries to choose from. This makes me so excited!
Before sharing more about our road trip to Spain, I wanted to share some general road trip tips.
Road Safety in Portugal
Road safety is an important issue in Portugal, as the country has a high rate of traffic fatalities. Portugal has taken steps to improve road safety, such as introducing stricter enforcement of speed limits and drunk driving laws and introducing the use of speed cameras in some areas.
Additionally, the government has launched a number of public campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and drunk driving. The campaigns have also targeted other risky behaviors such as not wearing a seatbelt, using a cell phone while driving, and not respecting pedestrians.
Portugal has increased the number of police officers patrolling the roads, and has made some roads safer by making them one-way or adding speed bumps.
Finally, Portugal is investing in better infrastructure, such as widening roads and improving lighting and signage. All of these efforts have contributed to a decrease in the rate of traffic fatalities in Portugal in recent years.
Since we will not be driving that much inside of smaller cities in Portugal, and since my husband would be driving, we opted for a road trip. I think this will be a fun, memorable family experience.
Road Trip Day to Spain
We will wake up early on this day, as we will need to check out and grab our car. We will probably leave our big luggage at a hotel and pay per day, instead of taking the bulky luggage in the car to Spain. The reason for that is the cars do tend to be smaller—and plus, who wants to carry all the weight?
We will pick up the car at the airport, and then we will drive two hours and stop at Albufeira for a yummy lunch. The Algarve is such a pretty area and I recommend you check out Faro! Read 2 Days in Faro.
Then it is back on the road for another 2 hours before getting to Seville. We plan to arrive there by 3 p.m., so it will be check-in time. We will check in, settle in, and then start exploring what is around our neighborhood. I am still looking for dinner options, but we will certainly be hitting up some happy hours.
Here is a tentative itinerary for a 2-Day Sevilla, Spain trip.
Day 1 in Seville
9:00 a.m. – We will visit the famous Cathedral of Sevilla, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See. This stunning cathedral is the largest in Spain and the third-largest in the world, and is home to a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, and Renaissance. The cathedral is also home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Giralda Tower, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
11:30 a.m. – After exploring the cathedral, we will take a stroll through the winding streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, Sevilla’s historic Jewish quarter. The neighborhood is known for its charming streets, colorful houses, and vibrant atmosphere. As you explore the streets, be sure to stop at one of the local tapas bars to try some of the region’s delicious cuisine.
1:00 p.m. – Head to one of Sevilla’s many parks for a picnic lunch. Some popular options include the Parque de María Luisa and the Jardines de Murillo. These parks offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city and are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
3:00 p.m. – After lunch, visit the Real Alcázar, a stunning royal palace that dates back to the 14th century. The palace is known for its ornate architecture and beautiful gardens, which are a must-see for any visitor to Sevilla.
5:00 p.m. – We finish our day with a visit to the Plaza de España, a stunning square located in the Parque de María Luisa. The square is known for its beautiful tiles, fountains and bridges, which make it a popular spot for photography. You can also visit the nearby Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, which features a variety of exhibits on Spanish folk art and traditions.
Day 2 in Seville
9:00 a.m. – We will begin our day with a visit to the Plaza de Toros, Sevilla’s famous bullfighting arena. The arena is home to a museum where you can learn about the history and traditions of bullfighting in Spain.
11:00 a.m. – After exploring the Plaza de Toros, we will head over to the historic center of Sevilla. The city is home to a variety of charming streets and squares, such as the Plaza del Salvador and the Calle Sierpes, which are perfect for exploring on foot. As you wander through the streets, be sure to stop at some of the city’s many shops and boutiques, which offer a variety of souvenirs and local products.
1:00 p.m. – Head to one of Sevilla’s many restaurants for a delicious lunch. The city is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or pulpo a la gallega (octopus).
3:00 p.m. – After lunch, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, which features a collection of art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum is homvariousty of paintings, sculptures, and other works by famous artists, including Velázquez, Murillo, and Goya.
5:00 p.m. – Finish your day with a visit to the Triana neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively street life. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the evening.
Then we head back for just one evening, and we are still deciding on a coastal town about an hour away from the airport. I can’t wait to fill you guys in on our exact itinerary and our findings.
Stay tuned for our remaining schedule for our Lisbon to Seville road trip.
