The borderlands between Spain and Portugal are some of the most underrated regions in Europe. While most travelers flock to Madrid, Lisbon, or Barcelona, the hidden gems that lie along the frontier tell a story of shared history, cultural fusion, and breathtaking landscapes. Exploring this area offers a chance to experience two distinct cultures while appreciating the ways they overlap and influence one another.
From medieval towns and stone castles to river valleys and wine regions, the border is dotted with destinations that feel both timeless and authentic. Unlike the busy tourist hotspots, many of these places remain quieter, giving travelers the chance to wander at a slower pace and connect with local traditions.
Traveling between Spain and Portugal by road reveals far more than a line on a map—it uncovers centuries-old trade routes, fortified towns that once guarded the frontier, and culinary traditions shaped by both nations. For adventurous travelers, the border is less a boundary and more a bridge to discovery.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
Read here Tips for living in Portugal as Digital Nomad, best things to know before visiting Portugal, best Portugal sim card for tourist and the best Portuguese food
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Quick Easy Tips
Rent a car to fully explore the smaller towns and scenic routes.
Try both Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos for a true taste of the borderlands.
Plan your trip around local festivals, which often showcase traditions from both sides.
Carry some cash, as small towns may not always accept cards.
Learn a few words in both Spanish and Portuguese—it goes a long way with locals.
One controversial point is how unevenly tourism is distributed along the border. Spanish towns like Ciudad Rodrigo or Badajoz tend to draw more international visitors, while equally charming Portuguese towns nearby often go unnoticed. This imbalance raises questions about how marketing, infrastructure, and visibility influence travel patterns.
Another sensitive issue lies in how locals perceive national identity. While Spaniards and Portuguese share many similarities, each side is proud of its distinct traditions. Some communities actively celebrate cross-border cooperation, while others emphasize preserving differences. For travelers, this can sometimes feel like navigating a delicate cultural balance.
A third point of debate is the rapid modernization happening in some areas. While improved roads and new accommodations make travel easier, some locals worry that too much development could dilute the historic charm that makes these towns special. Visitors must be mindful of how tourism both supports and challenges these fragile border communities.
Traveling Between Spain and Portugal Border 12 Best Places to Visit
1. Salamanca (Spain)
Why Visit: Famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and the historic University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe.
Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Salamanca Cathedral, Casa de las Conchas.
Nearby: Close to the Portuguese border, ideal for combining with a visit to Portugal’s northern towns.
2. Almeida (Portugal)
Why Visit: A star-shaped fortress town, this small, picturesque village is known for its 12-pointed Vauban fortifications.
Highlights: Fortified walls, maze-like streets, and tranquil surroundings.
Nearby: Can be paired with a trip to Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain).
3. Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain)
Why Visit: A charming medieval town known for its historic fortifications and narrow streets.
Highlights: Cathedral of Santa María, Castle of Henry II, Plaza Mayor.
Ideal Stop: Makes a perfect stopover between Salamanca and Portugal.
4. Monsanto (Portugal)
Why Visit: Often called the “most Portuguese village in Portugal,” Monsanto is a unique village built into giant boulders.
Highlights: Stone houses, boulder-strewn landscape, and a breathtaking hilltop castle.
Scenic Value: The view from the castle is mesmerizing.
5. Marvão (Portugal)
Why Visit: Perched on a high granite crest of the Serra de São Mamede, Marvão offers incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
Highlights: Marvão Castle, whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets.
Close to: Nearby Castelo de Vide is also worth a visit for its Jewish quarter and picturesque streets.
6. Elvas (Portugal)
Why Visit: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elvas is known for its extensive fortifications, aqueduct, and military architecture.
Highlights: Amoreira Aqueduct, Forte de Santa Luzia, Forte da Graça.
Strategic Location: Very close to the Spanish town of Badajoz.
7. Badajoz (Spain)
Why Visit: This Spanish town has a fascinating mix of Moorish and Christian history, with notable architectural gems.
Highlights: Alcazaba of Badajoz, Puerta de Palmas, Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.
Cross-Border Experience: Easily combined with Elvas for a cross-border day trip.
8. Merida (Spain)
Why Visit: A treasure trove of Roman history, with one of the best-preserved sets of Roman ruins in Spain.
Highlights: Roman Theater, Amphitheater, Temple of Diana.
Proximity: Around an hour from the Portuguese border.
9. Tavira (Portugal)
Why Visit: Located in the Algarve region, this charming coastal town combines beautiful beaches with Moorish architecture.
Highlights: Roman Bridge, Castle of Tavira, Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Border Proximity: Close to the Spanish border town of Ayamonte.
10. Alcoutim (Portugal) & Sanlúcar de Guadiana (Spain)
Why Visit: Twin border towns separated by the Guadiana River, offering a unique cross-border experience.
Highlights: Medieval castles, river views, and the opportunity to zipline between Spain and Portugal!
Activities: Take a ferry between the towns or try the international zipline, which crosses the border mid-air.
11. Évora (Portugal)
Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns.
Highlights: Roman Temple, Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), Évora Cathedral.
Nearby: Good for exploring more of the Alentejo region or heading towards Spanish Extremadura.
12. Cáceres (Spain)
Why Visit: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cáceres is known for its medieval city walls, palaces, and towers.
Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Bujaco Tower, Concatedral de Santa María.
Proximity: Ideal for a combined itinerary with Évora or Elvas.
Final Thoughts
Traveling the Spain–Portugal border is a journey into Europe’s quieter, richer stories. Beyond the big cities, this region reveals medieval architecture, river valleys, and food traditions that reflect centuries of cultural exchange. It is here that the history of two nations can be felt most vividly.
Instead of rushing from Lisbon to Madrid, travelers who pause along the frontier discover authentic towns where daily life feels untouched by mass tourism. These places remind us that some of the best travel experiences happen away from the obvious routes.
Ultimately, the borderlands between Spain and Portugal are not just dividing lines—they are meeting points. They show that travel can be both about crossing into another country and about finding the shared human spirit that connects us across boundaries. For those willing to explore, the rewards are endless.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.