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Spain & Portugal — Tapas, Sunshine, and Egg Tarts
A Spain & Portugal travel guide for UK working holidaymakers. Just 2–3 hours from London on Ryanair. Essential info on Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and Porto all in one place.
Published: 9 March 2026
KRW amounts shown next to GBP prices use the ECB reference rate £1 = ₩2,003 as of 2 Apr 2026. They are reference figures only and may differ from your actual bank, card, or remittance rate.
Sick of grey British skies? The Iberian Peninsula is the answer. Ryanair flights from £30 (approx. ₩60,099) (approx. ₩60,099) one way. It's one of the cheapest regions in Western Europe, making it the ultimate pick for budget travellers.
Getting There from London
| Destination | Airlines | Flight Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling | 2h 15min | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
| Madrid | Ryanair, easyJet, Iberia | 2h 30min | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
| Lisbon | Ryanair, easyJet, TAP | 2h 45min | £30~90 (approx. ₩60,099~₩180,297) |
| Porto | Ryanair | 2h 30min | £25~70 (approx. ₩50,083~₩140,231) |
| Seville | Ryanair | 2h 45min | £30~80 (approx. ₩60,099~₩160,264) |
💡 Flight Tips
- Ryanair Barcelona flights — not Girona Airport! These days most flights go to El Prat (Barcelona's main airport). But always double-check the airport code when booking
- Lisbon Airport is just 20 minutes from the city centre by metro. One of the most accessible airports in Europe
- Madrid Barajas Airport — 30 minutes to the city centre by metro (~$5.50)
- Off-peak season (Oct–Feb), you can regularly find one-way fares in the £20 (approx. ₩40,066)s
Spain
Barcelona
Gaudi's architecture, Mediterranean beaches, tapas, and a buzzing nightlife. Consistently one of Europe's top 1–2 most popular destinations.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Admission | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sagrada Familia | ~$29 (+tower ~$40) | Book online in advance. Sells out 2–3 weeks ahead |
| Park Guell | ~$11 | Timed entry for the paid zone. There's a free area too |
| Casa Batllo | ~$39 | Gaudi architecture. Pricey but the interior is jaw-dropping |
| Casa Mila | ~$28 | The rooftop views are the highlight |
| Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) | Free | Wander the narrow alleys. Cathedral, Placa del Rei |
| La Rambla | Free | Entrance to La Boqueria market. Watch out for pickpockets |
| Barceloneta Beach | Free | Mediterranean beach. Perfect for a stroll and a beer |
Barcelona Food
| Food | Price | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Tapas | ~$3–9/plate | Gambas (prawns), patatas bravas, croquetas |
| Paella | ~$13–20 | Barceloneta beach restaurants (tourist traps are overpriced — find where the locals go) |
| Jamon (cured ham) | ~$5.50–9/plate | Get it sliced fresh at the market |
| Bombas | ~$2–3 | Barcelona-style croquettes. La Cova Fumada |
| Sangria | ~$3–5.50/glass | Grab one on a terrace |
| Pintxos | ~$2–4.50/each | Basque-style tapas bars |
⚠️ Barcelona Pickpockets
Barcelona is the pickpocket capital of Europe. Be extra careful on La Rambla, in the metro, and at the beach.
- Keep your phone in your front pocket or on a lanyard case
- Wear your backpack on your front
- Never leave your phone on the table
- Watch out for people approaching you to "ask the time"
Madrid
Spain's capital. World-class art museums, vibrant nightlife, and sprawling parks.
- Prado Museum — ~$17. Free entry Mon–Sat 18:00–20:00
- Reina Sofia — ~$13. Home to Picasso's "Guernica". Free Mon & Wed–Sat 19:00–21:00
- Retiro Park — Madrid's green lung. Rent a rowing boat, visit the Crystal Palace
- Mercado de San Miguel — Tapas market. Graze your way through the stalls (a bit touristy, but worth one visit for the experience)
- Puerta del Sol — The heart of Madrid. The bear and strawberry tree statue
- Royal Palace of Madrid — ~$15.50. One of the largest palaces in Europe
Seville
The capital of Andalusia. The most "quintessentially Spanish" city in Spain.
- Real Alcazar — ~$16. Moorish-style palace. Game of Thrones filming location
- Seville Cathedral + Giralda Tower — ~$13. The world's largest Gothic cathedral. Stunning views from the top of the tower
- Flamenco show — ~$22–44. Best experienced up close at a tablao (intimate venue)
- Plaza de Espana — Free. Star Wars filming location. The sheer scale is overwhelming
- Triana neighbourhood — Across the Guadalquivir River. Local vibes, ceramic workshops, tapas bars
Portugal
Lisbon
One of the most underrated capitals in Europe. Hills, tiles, trams, and egg tarts.
Must-See Spots
| Attraction | Admission | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Belem Tower (Torre de Belem) | ~$11 | Icon of the Belem district. Go early — the queue gets long |
| Jeronimos Monastery | ~$13 | A masterpiece of Manueline architecture |
| Alfama district | Free | Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood. Narrow streets, Fado music |
| Tram 28 | ~$3.50 (Viva Viagem card) | The iconic yellow tram winding through Alfama's hills. Watch for pickpockets |
| Time Out Market | Free (food extra) | Lisbon's best restaurants under one roof. Great for lunch |
| LX Factory | Free | Converted warehouse complex. Cafes, bookshops, vintage stores |
| Santa Justa Elevator | ~$6 | City views. If the queue's long, just walk up the hill next to it |
Lisbon Food
| Food | Price | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Pastel de nata (egg tart) | ~$1.30–1.70 | Pasteis de Belem (the original), Manteigaria (local favourite) |
| Bacalhau (salt cod) | ~$11–17 | Portugal's national dish. Hundreds of recipes |
| Bifana | ~$3–4.50 | Pork sandwich. Classic working-class snack |
| Francesinha | ~$11–15 | Porto specialty, but available in Lisbon too |
| Ginjinha | ~$1.70–2.20/glass | Cherry liqueur. Try a glass at a tiny bar near Rossio Square |
| Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) | ~$17–22 | Best shared between two. Rich, flavourful seafood broth with rice |
💡 Saving Money in Lisbon
- Lisboa Card — 24 hours ~$30, 48 hours ~$49. Unlimited transport + free or discounted entry to top attractions. Worth it if you're visiting 2–3+ places
- Elevators/trams/cable cars all included with the Lisboa Card
- Lunch set menus (Prato do Dia) — ~$8–11 gets you soup + main + drink. Eat like a local office worker at neighbourhood restaurants
- Lisbon is one of the cheapest capitals in Western Europe. Food costs around 40–50% less than in the UK
Porto
Smaller and cosier than Lisbon. The birthplace of port wine.
- Ponte Dom Luis I — Free. A double-decker bridge. The upper level has the best views of the Douro River
- Port Wine Cellars — Across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Wine cellars everywhere — Taylor's, Sandeman, etc. Tour + tasting ~$17–28
- Livraria Lello — ~$9 (entry fee, deducted if you buy a book). The bookshop said to have inspired Harry Potter
- Ribeira — The old town along the Douro riverfront. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grab a beer at a riverside cafe
- Clerigos Tower — ~$9. 360-degree views of Porto from 76m up
- Sao Bento Station — Free. The azulejo (tile) murals inside the station are works of art
ℹ️ Lisbon to Porto
- CP train — Alfa Pendular, about 2h 40min. ~$28–39. Book early for fares from ~$17
- FlixBus — 3h 30min. ~$11–22
- If you're combining Lisbon + Porto, allow at least 4–5 days total
The Ultimate Iberian Food Checklist
Spanish Tapas Must-Haves
0/8 완료
Suggested Itineraries
Option A: Barcelona — 3 Nights / 4 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive. Wander the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, La Boqueria market. Evening: tapas bar crawl |
| Day 2 | Morning: Sagrada Familia. Afternoon: Park Guell. Evening: beers on Barceloneta Beach |
| Day 3 | Casa Batllo / Casa Mila. Afternoon: Montjuic hill. Evening: pintxos in El Born |
| Day 4 | Brunch then head out. If you have time, browse the shops in El Born |
Option B: Lisbon + Porto — 4 Nights / 5 Days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon. Explore Alfama, ride Tram 28, sip a ginjinha |
| Day 2 | Belem district (Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, original pastel de nata). Afternoon: LX Factory |
| Day 3 | Brunch at Time Out Market. Afternoon: train to Porto (2.5h) |
| Day 4 | Porto: Ribeira, Ponte Dom Luis I, port wine cellar tour, Livraria Lello |
| Day 5 | Clerigos Tower, Sao Bento Station. Afternoon: depart from Porto |
Budget Breakdown
Estimated Cost for 3 Nights / 4 Days (Per Person)
| Category | Spain (Barcelona) | Portugal (Lisbon + Porto) |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | £60~120 (approx. ₩120,198~₩240,396) | £60~130 (approx. ₩120,198~₩260,429) |
| Accommodation (3 nights) | £40~90 (approx. ₩80,132~₩180,297) (hostel) | £30~70 (approx. ₩60,099~₩140,231) (hostel) |
| Food | £30~60 (approx. ₩60,099~₩120,198) | £25~50 (approx. ₩50,083~₩100,165) |
| Attractions / entry fees | £30~70 (approx. ₩60,099~₩140,231) | £20~50 (approx. ₩40,066~₩100,165) |
| Local transport | £10~15 (approx. ₩20,033~₩30,050) | £10~20 (approx. ₩20,033~₩40,066) (incl. Porto transfer) |
| Total | £170~355 (approx. ₩340,561~₩711,172) | £145~320 (approx. ₩290,479~₩641,056) |
💡 Best Time to Visit the Iberian Peninsula
- April–June, September–October — Great weather, cheaper than peak season, fewer crowds
- July–August — Barcelona and Seville hit 35°C+. Avoid unless you thrive in the heat
- November–March — Off-season. Lisbon and Porto stay mild at 10–15°C even in winter
- When the British winter blues hit, escape to the Iberian Peninsula for a sunshine recharge
The Iberian Peninsula is the ultimate "bang for your buck" destination for working holidaymakers. Just 2–3 hours from London by plane, the cheapest food and drink costs in Western Europe, and some of the best cuisine on the continent. It's the place you'll keep coming back to whenever the grey British skies get too much.