Spain and Portugal by Season

By Railbookers Monday, June 4, 2018 Read time: 4 minutes

From sun-kissed coasts to rugged mountain interiors, to breathtaking architecture, Spain and Portugal hold a wealth of travel wonder. Wondering which season makes for the best rail holiday? No matter when you visit, you’ll find pleasant temperatures and fascinating cultural events all around each country, however, some destinations are best seen in one particular season. See what’s in season when you travel to Spain and Portugal with Railbookers!

Spring

Spring is an excellent time to explore the south of Spain before temperatures heat up for the summer. You might experience a warm spring shower, but this shoulder season means southern cities will be much less crowded, as many Spaniards travel here for their own summer vacations. Discover the enticing aroma of Seville’s blossoming orange trees, and stay for Semana Santa (Holy Week) leading up to Easter. Colourful processions wind through cobblestoned streets carrying ornate wooden statues. Don’t miss the Las Fallas festival in Valencia in March, where huge ninots (puppets or dolls) are constructed in city squares and set alight on the final day of the festival.

Large wooden statues tower in a city square in Valencia, Spain for the Las Fallas Festival

In Portugal, Porto is the place to be in spring. The country’s second city awakens from winter with a crisp freshness and vitality, crowds haven’t yet begun to spill in, and the weather is warm without being sweltering. Take the 6 Bridges Cruise on an authentic wine merchant’s boat to see the city from a unique perspective and cruise under the six distinctly different bridges. No visit to Porto would be complete without tasting some port wine! Take a tour of cavernous cellars or sip in the sun at an outdoor restaurant.

Wooden tour boats cruise the river in Porto, Portugal with the colorful city skyline in the background

See Seville in spring on this Railbookers journey
See Porto in spring on this Railbookers journey

Summer

When tourists and locals flock south in the summer, head to Santiago de Compostela in Spain for cooler temperatures and rich Galician culture. Being close to the Atlantic coast, it tends to be rainy here but July and August offer the driest months. Listen for the unique skirl of Galician bagpipes has you explore this city said to be the burial site of the apostle Saint James. Thousands of pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago, concluding their journey in this city that has a distinct international flair.

The cathedral of Santiago de Compostela overlooking the city fo the same name in Spain.

If it’s the sun you seek, Lisbon is the place to go in summer. Portuguese locals take the month of August off, and most head further south to beachy resort towns, so it’s the perfect time to explore the city. Take in raw, authentic Portuguese culture at a bullfight (usually held on Thursdays and Sundays), and check off a few iconic sights on a ride through some of the city’s most beautiful neighbourhoods on the wooden Tram 28. Need a break from the summer heat? Escape to Lisbon’s enchanting museums, home to collections of Islamic, Asian, and ceramic tile art.

The iconic Tram 28 street car in Lisbon, Portugal.

See Santiago de Compostela in summer on this Railbookers journey
See Lisbon in summer on this Railbookers journey

Autumn

The Andalucía region is simply stunning in autumn. Hot summer temperatures give way to crisp, cool breezes, cultural festivals abound, and the harvest season makes for unforgettable dining experiences. Chestnuts, wild mushrooms, olives, and Iberian ham are fall favourites, and you’ll find a food festival dedicated to each around the region! Many of these festivals are in small towns about an hour away from larger cities like Malaga and Cordoba, but are well worth the drive to see spectacular fall colours.

For wine aficionados, Portugal is a must in autumn, and it’s when the Douro River Valley, with its rolling hills and terraced vineyards, is alive with wine harvest activity. Summer is dry in Portugal, autumn is when everything comes into bloom, including roses, wildflowers and orange trees. From Porto, head east up the Douro River to visit wineries producing the region’s famous Port wine. Be sure to sample some wine and stomp some grapes for yourself.

Terraced vineyards along the Douro River Valley in Portigal.

See Andalucía in autumn on this Railbookers journey
See Porto in autumn on this Railbookers journey

Winter

Visit Madrid in winter, and it almost feels as though you have the city to yourself. With no crowds around, spend your time exploring the city at your own pace. Skies stay clear and temperatures are decidedly cool, but bring a few layers and you’ll fit right in with locals still enjoying tapas and wine at outdoor cafes. Take in a jazz or flamenco performance, visit The Prado or Renia Sofia museums, or attend world-class festivals such as Gastrofestival Madrid, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and Madrid Carnival in January and February.

Winter is a wonderful time for sightseeing in Lisbon. A light jacket and scarf are likely all you’ll need for a full day of exploring. Make your way to the hilltop Castle of St. George where a walk along the ramparts of this 11^th century Moorish fortress offers sweeping views of the city. From the castle, head downhill to the banks of the Tagus River to marvel at the towering Monument to the Discoveries, featuring iconic figures from Portugal’s seafaring past. The best part? Taking in sunset views of the Tower of Belem with a glass of wine served from a repurposed vintage motorcycle along the riverbank.