Five port cities of the Iberian Peninsula

When you mention the idea of ​​spending a vacation in Spain or Portugal, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the beach. Among them, Spain and Portugal have large strips of beach, with the first offering the warm Mediterranean seas and the second the great swell of the Atlantic, as an accompaniment.

The two countries also have some wonderful port cities. Holidays in these combine the ocean view of the beach with the intoxicating fun of the city, which is undoubtedly a tempting formula. What’s more, you could even navigate from one city to another when planning a trip through the following list of 5 Port Cities of the Iberian Peninsula.

1) Barcelona.

Barcelona teems with verve and energy. This beautiful city is a fun-loving and culturally savvy paradise that simply demands the attention of visitors. It’s best to spend time here exploring the maze of streets in the Barri Gotic area, relaxing on Barceloneta beach, and looking for the various mind-blowing architectural works of Gaudí.

2) Lisbon.

Picturesque yet contemporary Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. This port city lives and breathes the Atlantic Ocean, which bathes its shores and defines a large part of its daily life. Explore the forgotten Botanical Gardens, search for monuments in the Belem district, and then let your hair down in the atmospheric Bairro Alto before returning for the night to one of the rented apartments that Lisbon offers to its visitors.

3) Porto.

The second largest city in Portugal is associated with the two meanings of the word “port”. Not only is it a vibrant and prominent port city, it is also home to the much-loved alcoholic beverage, the port, which is a variety of fortified wine. The port is exported from Porto to destinations around the world; England and France top the list of importers.

4) Santander.

Santander, small and cozy, in the north of Spain, is a good antidote to the bustle of the city of Barcelona, ​​Lisbon and Porto. Life here is practically dictated by a handful of great beaches in and around the port – book a stay in the flashy 19th-century type of apartment that Santander specializes in, and just spend happy days moving from beach to beach.

5) Cadiz.

The island city of Cádiz is a gateway to southern Spain. It is also a gateway to miles and miles of beach idylls, which means that if you are in Cádiz while sailing through the ports of the Iberian Peninsula, the surrounding coast is worth exploring.