Spain and Portugal Family Trip in December: Itinerary, Tips, and Travel Guide
Planning a Spain and Portugal family trip in December can create unforgettable holiday memories. From the festive atmosphere and mild temperatures, to fewer tourist numbers and lower hotel costs . The winter season offers the ideal conditions for exploring these two amazing countries . Confused about how to spend a wonderful holiday in these charming countries? Do not worry. This guide will give you everything you need for that perfect holiday. Let us discover how to maximize your Iberian adventure during this magical holiday season with Portugal Schengen Visa.
Spain and Portugal Family Trip in December – What to Expect?
A family vacation to Spain and Portugal is the perfect choice. By going on this journey, you get to enjoy the festivities and the culture. These include the fascinating Christmas markets of Madrid where you can relish delightful food. Do not miss out on the jamón ibérico and churros con chocolate. Then there are the iconic sites of Spain like Park Güell which you can explore. Additionally, you can attend the live flamenco shows for an exciting time.
While in the Portugal, you can enjoy the charm of popular cities like the Lisbon. Discover the historic neighbourhoods or witness the traditional Fado performances. Families can also enjoy day trips to incredible locations like the Sintra or Algarve.
Overall, the month of December is an ideal holiday time for the families in these countries. All you need is a Spain Visa or Portugal visa from UK!
Portugal’s Weather in December
The weather of the Portugal in December usually features mild weather. You will come across temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C.
If you head over to the coastal areas, you will experience warmer weather than inland regions. Generally, Portugal experiences occasional rain showers but these rarely last a whole day.
This is why you need to pack different types of clothes along with a waterproof jacket. This will help you to easily adjust to any climate that you come across. Apart from this, the influence of the Atlantic oceans keeps the temperatures moderate across Portugal.
Do note that in the evening, the temperatures in Portugal can come down. Therefore, wear warm clothes if you plan to enjoy some night-time activities. And grab a Portugal visa UK in advance for a smooth trip!
Spain’s Weather in December
The winter season in the Spain is also mild. In this country, the temperatures usually hover between 5°C and 14°C.
The south part of the Spain gets more of the sunshine. This also results in warmer days which you will love if you prefer it. On the contrary, the North part of Spain enjoys cooler temperatures. You may even come across occasional snowfall. But, this is only in the mountainous areas.
Popular cities like the Barcelona and Valencia experience pleasant daytime weather conditions. If you head over to the Mediterranean coast, you will experience a wonderfully mild weather!
Is December a good time to visit Spain and Portugal?
Yes, the month of December is indeed a good time to go on a family trip to the Portugal. By doing this, you will get to enjoy a whole lot of amazing things.
The first thing you will enjoy seeing is the Christmas market lights. You will see all of these across the city squares. Another thing that will convince you for the trip are the hotel rates. These are usually lower during this off-peak season.
Then there are the fascinating tourist attractions. The best part is the queues to these places are usually shorter in winter time. This allows you to enjoy a relaxing visiting experience.
Apart from these, there are the local festivals and traditions. These come alive during the holiday season. Both of the countries display remarkable cultural heritage through special winter-time events. You will get to enjoy all of these and more by planning winter travel in Spain and Portugal.
Where to go on Spain and Portugal Family Trip in December?
1). Family-friendly destinations in Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal offer a variety of destinations that are family-friendly. These feature a wide selection of activities and attractions for all the ages.
In Spain, you should try to visit destinations like the Barcelona and Madrid. These wonderful cities are popular for their incredible culture and numerous parks. While the Barcelona has the Park Güell, Madrid has the expansive Retiro Park. Both cities also boast wonderful museums which will intrigue the younger ones.
Then, there is Portugal which is a fascinating country full on charming wonders. While planning your visit to this country, you must choose destinations like the Lisbon and Algarve.
The Lisbon is popular for its historic neighborhoods like the Alfama. You can easily check them out on the foot. Then there are the popular trams of the city. You can use them to conveniently navigate the hilly streets.
On the other hand, the Algarve boasts gorgeous beaches and the kid-friendly resorts. These make it the perfect place for a relaxing family holiday. You can enjoy activities like the dolphin watching and catamaran sailing.
Feel excited to know about all these destinations? So, when are you booking your Portugal visa appointment? December is not that far!
2). Best cities to visit in Spain and Portugal for Holidaymakers
For travellers searching for wonderful experiences in Spain and Portugal, Seville and Porto are some amazing choices.
The Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region in Spain. This place is famous across Spain for its gorgeous architecture. This is thanks to the magnificent Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar. Families can also enjoy go on a leisurely stroll the charming streets of Santa Cruz neighbourhood. Here, you will come across beautiful plazas and local tapas bars . These create a lively ambience for everyone.
On the other hand, Portugal features the beautiful Porto. This incredible place offers a unique fusion of history and scenic beauty. Visitors can go to see the historic Riberia district. This place is best-known for its colourful buildings along the Douro river . Then there is the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge. This attraction offers spell-binding views of the city. Families can relish the local delicacies like the francesinha sandwich and pastel de nata.
Additionally, you can go to see one of the many wine cellars of the Porto. Here, you taste various types of wine and learn about the Wine making process.
Together, the Seville (Spain) and Porto (Portugal) offer memorable adventures for travellers. All you need to do is apply Portugal Schengen visa UK today!
What to See on Spain and Portugal Family Trip?
1). Enjoy Day Trips from Madrid
Going on a day trip from the Madrid is the best way to see wonderful attractions in the Spain.
One of the closest places to go and see from the Madrid is the Toledo. In fact, it is just a short train ride away. This wonderful destination is essentially a UNESCO World Heritage Site popular for its medieval architecture. Apart from this, you can also check out the Toldeo Cathedral and the Alcazar.
Then, there is the Segovia. This place is famous for its remarkable Roman aqueduct and the fairy-tale like Alcazar. This place gave inspiration for the Cinderella Castle of Disney. You can explore the beautiful streets and local cuisine. Do not miss out on the cochinillo (roast suckling pig) for a zesty vacation here.
Another wonderful day trip destination from Madrid is the Avila. This place features well-preserved medieval walls and is popular amongst history enthusiasts. You can walk along the ramparts and check out the Avila Cathedral!
2). Experience Day Trips from Lisbon
A day trip from Lisbon will enable you to see some wonderful things across the Portugal.
One of the first destinations that you must choose to see is the Sintra. This place is just a short train ride away from the Lisbon. When you enter Sintra, you will feel as if you are in fairy-tale land. That is because this wonderful destination is popular for its charming palaces and the lush landscapes. You can check out the Pena Palace or explore the mystical Quinta da Regaleira gardens. Some things that will surprise you are the hidden tunnels and the captivating waterfalls.
Another destination that you can opt to go to is the Cascais. This incredible place is essentially a picturesque coastal town featuring lively marina and stunning beaches. Travellers can go on relaxing seaside strolls or visit the Boca do Inferno cliffs. You can also relish the delicious seafood at the local restaurants.
If you love to check out the history then take a trip to the Evora. This place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Roman ruins. In addition to that, you can also explore the impressive Temple of Diana. Kickstart your Portugal holiday by applying online Portugal visa today!
3). Discover Top Winter destinations in Spain and Portugal for Families
If you want to truly experience the winter charm then you can head over to some amazing places.
In the Spain, you can choose the Ronda. You will come across this location in the south part of Spain. This place is popular for its dramatic cliffs and the stunning views. Families can explore the captivating Puente Nuevo bridge and the beautiful old town. On the other hand, there are hiking trails that provide the ultimate outdoor fun.
In the Portugal, you can plan a holiday in the Obidos. This place is essentially a charming medieval village featuring beautiful streets and the historic castles. The town also hosts a magical Christmas market during the winters . Here, families will have a wonderful time enjoying the festive treats and local crafts.
Another delightful destination in the Portugal is the Guimaraes. This place is called as the birthplace of Portugal. The historic centre of this destination is a UNESCO World Heritage thanks to its beautiful squares and the ancient architecture.
Plan your train travel in Spain and Portugal to ensure that you comfortably reach all of these destinations for a memorable family vacation!
Ideal Spain and Portugal Itinerary December for 2 Weeks
Days 1-3: Madrid – Start in Madrid exploring the Royal Palace and Prado Museum before visiting Christmas markets at Plaza Mayor and taking a day trip to Toledo.
Days 4-6: Barcelona – Explore Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Join in a Christmas fair at Port Vell and CosmoCaixa Science Museum’s indoor activities.
Days 7-9: Seville – Explore Royal Alcazar and Plaza de Espana for traditional Christmas festivities and take part in flamenco classes during rainy days.
Days 10-11: Porto – Visit historic port wine cellars, explore Livraria Lello bookstore and embark on a Douro River cruise.
Days 12-14: Lisbon – Begin your journey in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods. Visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery; plan a day trip to Sintra if possible.
This is how you can spend a wonderful vacation in Spain and Portugal for 2 weeks!
Conclusion
A Spain and Portugal family trip in December allows you a wonderful fusion of cultural experiences and the festive charm. The weather during the winter season in mild and you will also come across fewer crowds. These create the ideal conditions for you to explore the beguiling countries with your near and dear. However, make sure to properly plan using this guide for a magical Iberian winter vacation. Also, apply for Portugal Visa today for a worry-free trip to the Spain and Portugal!
FAQs
To start planning your 2 week holiday in Spain and Portugal, choose the key cities like the Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and Porto. Give a few days for each city while considering the travel time between them. Also, select local attractions, food and local experiences for a wholesome holiday.
Yes, December is a great time to go to the Porto to see it. During this month, the city transforms into a festive wonderland full of the Christmas lights, markets and events . You can also enjoy the unique local traditions and festive activities throughout the month .
Porto is certainly an amazing city to experience during Christmas time, from its festive decorations and markets , events and wide array of concerts and fireworks displays – you are bound to have an enjoyable visit.
Porto can be cold in December, with average temperatures ranging from 5degC to 15degC (41degF to 59degF). Visitors should come prepared for possible rain and cool evenings; thus it is wise to wear warm clothing.
Families visiting Portugal with kids will find Algarve to be the ideal region, featuring beautiful beaches and family-oriented resorts as well as plenty of outdoor activities including water parks and zoos that cater specifically to children of all ages.
Comparing Lisbon and Porto for kids , Lisbon often comes out on top due to its larger selection of attractions like Oceanario de Lisboa (an aquarium) and interactive museums . But Porto offers family-friendly activities like parks and historical sites as well.
As December arrives in Portugal, layering up is highly advised. Bring comfortable yet warm clothing such as sweaters and jackets for cooler temperatures; as well as shoes suitable for walking. Scarves and umbrellas may be useful due to rain.
