Europe’s allure, steeped in history and culture, speaks for itself—several European countries are among the most visited destinations in the world. If you want to get the most out of your Europe vacation, combining two or more countries is a great way to experience more of the continent’s diverse delights in a single trip.
With this in mind, we’ve curated four of our favorite country combinations, each of which offers a distinct perspective of Europe’s captivating charm. The best part is that they’re all just a short train ride or flight away from each other, allowing you to spend more time immersed in discovery and less time traveling.
1. Portugal and Spain
This is one of our favorite pairings! Spain is one of the most visited destinations in Europe, while Portugal is ideal if you’re looking to combine it with something off the beaten path. Together, they tick all the boxes for a truly enchanting vacation – rich history, fascinating cultural traditions and beautiful landscapes.
Spain, being the larger of the two, offers a more diverse mix of destinations, each with its own unique charm. Madrid is the seat of Spain’s royalty, and is renowned for its lively boulevards, museums like the Museo del Prado, and its fast-paced nightlife. The more laidback city of Barcelona is the epicentre of the country’s Catalan culture, and Seville’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance influences.
Portugal, while smaller, has a range of equally alluring attractions. The historic river city of Porto is known for being the birthplace of port wine, and is the gateway to the world-famous vineyards of the Douro Valley region. Sintra, a popular retreat nestled in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, is home to some very interesting monuments such as the colorful Pena Palace and the impressive National Palace of Sintra. If you love the outdoors, you will be mesmerized by the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs of the Algarve region. Its beaches are also regarded as among the most beautiful in the world.
