My husband and I were planning a trip to Spain and Portugal, but have decided that, with only 9 days available,we should pick one or the other. Suggestions? Tips for must-sees?
This will be either for spring or fall of 2006.
We are energetic 50-somethings, love to sightsee in cities as well as the countryside. We want to use public transportation where available, but will also drive when we need to. Thanks!

We're facing seven full days in Portugal in'06, and this is what I decided: Lisbon/Sintra, the Algarve and the Evora area. And this is demanding. One cannot sess the entire country, no matter that it's no bigger than CA.

With 9 days IMO you should pick one or the other. I haven't been to Portugal yet (but plan to someday) but have been to Spain several times and am planning another trip there--I love it so much I've been taking Spanish lessons.

Hi 4S,

Flip a coin.

Go to the winner this time and the other next time.

How about Andalucia if you've never been there. I was there only once, many years ago, but it was one of my favorite destinations.

If it's a Spring trip do a southern Spain loop: Madrid, Cordoba, Sevilla, maybe Granada & Ronda. Spring is 'fiesta' time in Andalucia: Semana Santa (Apr 12-15), Feria de Sevilla (Apr 25-30), and more.

If it's a Fall trip, do a northern Spain loop: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Pais Vasco (incl. Bilbao), Barcelona. In either case, you could 'open jaw' your itinerary (i.e., to Madrid; home from Lisbon) for a 'taste' of Portugal.

Sorry, I just remembered that a Bienal de Flamenco will take place in Sevilla from mid-September thru early October, 2006. Try a Google search on that to learn about venues & schedules. There are performances in Theaters and even the la Maestranza Plaza de Toros.

That might reshape my Fall trip recommendation.
BTW
You can also go Sevilla-Lisbon by bus: it's a long ride but inexpensive

ttt

FYI, www.pousadas.pt just sent our credit card company the full room charge ... three months before we arrive, without telling us or getting our approval. We have of course objected and told the credit card folks we will not pay. They agree. Is this the normal practice for Portugal pousadas? We were surprised.

4sammy, tough decision you have to make. My spouse and I first went 2-weeks to Spain one year and then 2 weeks to Portugal another year, mainly because with what little we know of the language we are more familiar with Spanish and felt we needed more time to learn Portuguese. For Spain, we covered Madrid/surrounding areas and south (although we went to Leon for a festival) and for Portugal, we covered Lisbon/surrounding areas and north to Braga and Porto. Both times we went in the fall. It appears that in the fall, Spain has more festivals than Portugal.

It is easy to get around and to neighboring towns by public transportation both in Madrid and Lisbon.There will be enough things to do and see in 9 days from either city,depending of course on your interests.

We rented a car in both countries for 1 week each. Got lost a lot more times in Portugal, even when armed with driving directions from the Michelin website. We think it's not a language problem because international symbols are used.

I agree that you should pick one, not try to sample a little of both. For me, it is best to spend as little time as possible getting from 1 place to another.