The Iberian Peninsula is a geographical region in southwestern Europe that consists of two countries: Spain and Portugal. The peninsula is separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees, which form its northern border, while it is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east. It is a region with a rich history, diverse cultures, stunning landscapes and an impressive heritage of art, architecture and gastronomy.
As a tourist, there are countless sights and experiences to explore on the Iberian Peninsula. Here are some of the most popular destinations and places you should consider visiting:
Visit Spain:
a. Barcelona: A vibrant city with iconic architecture, including Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, the lively streets of Las Ramblas and the old Gothic Quarter.
b. Madrid: the capital of Spain, known for museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia, the Royal Palace and the large park El Retiro.
c. Andalusia: A region full of Moorish heritage, flamenco, fantastic beaches and cities like Seville, Granada with the Alhambra Palace, and Cordoba with the impressive Mezquita Mosque.
d. Valencia: A coastal city with futuristic architecture, a beautiful old town and the popular Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences).
e. Santiago de Compostela: An important place of pilgrimage with a magnificent cathedral that is one of the most sacred destinations in Christianity.
Visit Portugal:
a. Lisbon: Portugal’s charming capital with colorful streets, beautiful viewpoints, the old Alfama neighborhood and the iconic Belem Tower.
b. Porto: A city known for port wine and charming river banks along the Douro River.
c. Sintra: A fairytale place full of castles and palaces, including Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
d. Algarve: A fantastic coastal region with breathtaking beaches, rock formations and idyllic coastal towns.
Common experiences for the Iberian Peninsula:
a. Spanish and Portuguese food: Enjoy the delicious tapas and paella in Spain or taste the rich Portuguese bacalhau (cod) and pastéis de nata (egg cakes) in Portugal.
b. Wine Regions: Visit the vineyards of Rioja (Spain) or the Douro Valley (Portugal) to taste excellent wines and explore the beautiful countryside.
c. Camino de Santiago: If you are interested in a pilgrimage experience, you can walk the Camino route, which is an important pilgrimage route that leads to Santiago de Compostela.
In addition to the destinations mentioned, there are countless smaller towns, natural parks and cultural sites to explore on the Iberian Peninsula. Whether you are into history, architecture, gastronomy or nature experiences, the Iberian Peninsula will certainly meet your expectations as a tourist.
Relevant links for the Iberian Peninsula
20 best places to visit in Spain
Travel to Portugal. 16 travel destinations
