Backpack Iberia 360: Spain & Portugal




Itinerary
High-speed trains, international bus trips, hostel rooftops, late dinners, beach sunsets, nights out that somehow turn into sunrise… this is the right way to backpack Europe.
We’ll start in Barcelona, exploring the Gothic Quarter, relaxing on Barceloneta Beach, admiring the incredible Sagrada Família and Park Güell, and watching sunset from the famous Bunkers del Carmel. Then we jump on a high-speed train to Madrid for tapas in La Latina, evenings around Plaza Mayor, walks through El Retiro Park, rooftop views over Gran Vía, and world-famous art at the Prado Museum.
Heading south, we’ll discover the Moorish streets and tea houses of Granada beneath the breathtaking Alhambra, before arriving in Seville for flamenco shows, Plaza de España, orange-tree-lined streets, hidden courtyards, and authentic Andalusian culture.
Crossing into Portugal, we slow down in Lagos in the stunning Algarve with boat trips through the caves of Ponta da Piedade, dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, surf vibes, and Atlantic sunsets.
Finally, we finish in Lisbon, riding the iconic Tram 28 through Alfama, discovering miradouros like Santa Luzia, wandering around Praça do Comércio, eating pastel de nata in Belém, exploring Bairro Alto and Pink Street, and listening to traditional Fado music late into the evening.
Two countries, five unforgettable destinations, iconic landmarks, legendary nightlife, incredible food, dramatic coastlines, and one unforgettable group adventure across Iberia.


Welcome to Barcelona
1 night: Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona & Gothic Quarter
Bienvenidos a Barcelona! After meeting the group and checking into our hostel, we head straight into the heart of the city to explore the famous Gothic Quarter. This area is full of lively plazas connected by medieval alleyways, full of local tapas spots, terrace bars, and street music. This is the perfect first chance to get to know the crew while diving straight into Spanish culture, food, and nightlife.
Barcelona After Dark
As golden hour arrives, we head up to the famous Bunkers del Carmel for panoramic views across Barcelona’s skyline, from the Sagrada Família to the Mediterranean coastline below. It’s the perfect first sunset together before the city comes alive for the night. We'll spend tonight tapas hopping, drinking sangria, discovering rooftop bars, and dancing late into the night in one of Europe’s ultimate nightlife capitals.

Barcelona, Gaudi, and Park Güell
1 night: Barcelona
Barceloneta & the Beach
We'll take a Mediterranean-style approach to this morning at Barceloneta Beach. Relax on the beach, play volleyball, lounge around in a beach bar, and soak up the chilled-out vibes with the group. We'll stay here for lunch, whether you fancy some tapas or want to go all-out and order a sharing paella.
Gaudi's Barcelona
This afternoon we dive into Barcelona’s most iconic sights during our Gaudí walking tour. We’ll wander through elegant boulevards and palm-lined streets while discovering architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and the colourful mosaics of Park Güell. This evening is another chance to explore Barcelona's nightlife and taste some of the world-renowned food on offer at Time Out Market.

Barcelona to Madrid
1 night: Madrid
Crossing Spain by High-Speed Rail
Today we travel across Spain on one of Europe’s most efficient high-speed train routes, travelling from Barcelona to Madrid in just 2.5 hours. Sit back, relax, and watch the scenery change as we arrive in the heart of the Spanish capital.
Madrid Tapas & Nightlife
After checking in, we head out to explore Madrid’s lively city centre. We’ll wander through Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the buzzing neighbourhoods of La Latina and Malasaña. Madrid has many rooftop terraces, cocktail bars, outdoor tapas streets, live music, and a nightlife scene that famously doesn’t even begin until midnight. Madrid knows how to stay out late, and tonight we’re joining in!

Exploring Madrid & the Prado Museum
1 night: Madrid
Prado Museum & El Retiro Park
This morning we explore the world-famous Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Afterwards, we slow things down with a walk through El Retiro Park, so beautiful it was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madrid By Night
In the afternoon, you'll have time to explore Madrid's local markets, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, and maybe try the city's famous bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich). As the sun goes down, we head into Madrid’s atmospheric neighbourhoods for another evening of tapas, wine, rooftops, and buzzing nightlife.

Madrid to Granada
1 night: Granada
Arrival in Granada & the Albaicín
Today we head south into Andalusia and arrive in Granada, a city packed with Moorish history, views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, terraces, and traditional tea houses. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the Albaicín district, wandering through cautiously narrow alleyways, tiled buildings, artisan shops, and lively plazas full of local atmosphere.
Sunset Over the Alhambra
Tonight we experience one of the most iconic views that Spain has to offer: epic views from a mirador or rooftop, as the Alhambra glows beneath the Sierra Nevada mountains. You'll experience Granada's unique cultural quirk that means you get served a tapa (yes, actual food) with every drink you buy.

Granada & Seville
1 night: Seville
Morning in Granada
This morning you’ll have free time to explore Granada your way. Visit the legendary Alhambra, browse local markets, relax in a traditional tea house, or wander through the city’s unique winding streets one last time before we continue deeper into Andalusia.
Arrival in Seville
After arriving in Seville, we'll waste no time before heading out to discover one of Spain’s most beautiful cities. Orange trees line every street, tapas bars are hidden on every corner, and the evening is just as warm as the daytime. We'll head for sunset at Setas de Sevilla before soaking up Seville’s relaxed social atmosphere with good food, local wine, and live music.

Seville, Plaza de España & Flamenco
1 night: Seville
Plaza de España
Today we explore Seville’s most iconic sights including Plaza de España, the Cathedral, and the charming Santa Cruz district. Expect colourful tile mosaics, flamenco on the street if we're lucky, tapas in the park for lunch, and endless Andalusian atmosphere. Star Wars fans might even recognise a filming location or two...
Flamenco Experience
Tonight we experience one of Spain’s greatest cultural traditions: live flamenco. Passionate dancing, Spanish guitar, and dramatic singing come together in an intimate venues for an unforgettable night in Seville. Later on, we'll head to the Alameda de Hercules to experience Sevillian nightlife the local way.

Seville to Lagos (Algarve)
1 night: Lagos
Crossing Into Portugal
Today we leave Spain behind and travel across the border into Portugal’s stunning Algarve region. Today's a long travel day, so be prepared for an early start and download some Netflix films! The Algarve is famous for having some of the best beaches on the Iberian peninsula, great waves for surfing, and dramatic cliffs all the way along the coast.
Lagos Old Town
After arriving in Lagos, we’ll explore the relaxed old town, characterised by whitewashed buildings, beach bars, and a lively marina. As evening arrives, we can head down to the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for our first Algarve sunset together.

Algarve Coast & Caves
1 night: Lagos
Ponta da Piedade Boat Trip
Today is one of the biggest highlights of the trip as we head out by boat to explore the spectacular coastline around Ponta da Piedade. Expect to find hidden grottos, some of the bluest water you've ever seen, rock arches joining one secret beach to another, and some of the Algarve’s most famous coastal scenery. Camera storage is highly recommended today!
Beach, Sunset & Lagos Nightlife
After the boat trip, there’s free time to swim in the Atlantic (if you can bear the famously cold water!), relax on the beach, walk the coastal cliffs, or grab a cocktail at a beach bar with the group. Tonight we enjoy Lagos’ chilled nightlife scene with sunset on a terrace by the ocean and a night out, if that's your thing.

Lagos to Lisbon
1 night: Lisbon
Arrival in Lisbon
Today we leave the Algarve behind and travel north to Lisbon, Portugal’s colourful hilltop capital city. After checking in, we head straight out to start exploring the city’s tiled streets, historic squares, and famous miradouros (viewpoints) overlooking the Tagus River.
We’ll wander through neighbourhoods like Bica and Bairro Alto, discovering local wine bars, rooftop terraces, street art, and that laid-back Lisbon atmosphere that makes the city so easy to love.

Lisbon & Fado
1 night: Lisbon
Tram 28 & Lisbon Highlights
Today we dive deeper into Lisbon, hopping aboard the famous Tram 28 as it winds through the city’s historic neighbourhoods. Along the way we’ll pass tiled buildings, Lisbon Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, Praça do Comércio, the Santa Justa Lift, and plenty of local cafés serving fresh pastel de nata.
There’ll be free time to explore local markets, viewpoints, riverside bars, museums, or simply wander through Lisbon’s photogenic streets.
Traditional Fado Experience
Tonight we experience one of Portugal’s most iconic traditions with a live Fado performance and dinner in the heart of Lisbon. Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style known for its emotional, soulful songs about love, longing, and everyday life. In an intimate restaurant in the heart of Portugal's old town, it's hard not to find yourself swept away by the nostalgia, local wine, traditional food, and an unforgettable atmosphere to celebrate our final night together.

Goodbye Lisbon
Farewell Portugal
Depending on everyone’s flight times, there may be time for one final coffee, a relaxed brunch at LX Factory, or some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport. After twelve unforgettable days filled with beaches, tapas, sunsets, nightlife, architecture, flamenco, and new friendships, it’s time to say goodbye to the group and head home with plenty of stories from across Spain and Portugal.
What's included
- 11 nights in carefully selected, high-quality hostels (shared rooms)
- Train from Barcelona to Madrid and Madrid to Granada
- Buses from Granada to Seville, Seville to Lagos, and Lagos to Lisbon
- Gaudi walking tour in Barcelona
- Flamenco show in Seville
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
- Local transport where necessary
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences. Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Optional entry fees
Optional city tours
Additional info
- Accommodation will be shared rooms in carefully selected, high-quality hostels
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
























