Self-Launched Barcelona, Portugal, Andalusia & Morocco – 22 Days

Arrive in Barcelona and get settled. Take the Aerobus from the airport to Plaça Catalunya (€6.75, ~£6) or the L9 metro (€5.90, ~£5). Check into your hostel in the Gothic Quarter or El Born — great central bases. Grab your bearings with an evening stroll along Las Ramblas and the waterfront.

🚌Aerobus from El Prat Airport to Plaça Catalunya (~£6)

🛏Generator Barcelona or St Christopher's Inn Barcelona (~£20-28/night dorm, ~£55-70 private)

• →Airport transfer via Aerobus or metro to city centre (~£5-6)
• →Check in to hostel/budget hotel in Gothic Quarter or El Born
• →Evening stroll along Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter

Explore Barcelona's highlights. Buy a Hop-on Hop-off bus day pass (available on GetYourGuide, ~£30) covering both the West route (FC Barcelona stadium, National Museum of Art of Catalonia) and East route (Park Güell, Sagrada Família, modernist buildings). Book Sagrada Família entry in advance online (~£26). Park Güell ticketed zone costs ~£10. Optional: dinner in El Born neighbourhood.

🚌Hop-on Hop-off bus pass (~£30)

🛏Generator Barcelona or St Christopher's Inn Barcelona

• →Hop-on Hop-off bus – West Route: FC Barcelona Stadium exterior, National Museum of Art of Catalonia (~£30 day pass)
• →Hop-on Hop-off bus – East Route: Park Güell (~£10 entry), Sagrada Família (~£26 entry), modernist buildings
• →Self-guided walk through Plaça Catalunya and El Born
• →Optional: museum entry at FC Barcelona Stadium (~£28)

Take the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Puerta de Atocha. Book in advance on Renfe.com for best fares (~£30-50, journey ~2h30). Check into a hostel near the centre — Malasaña, Lavapiés, or Chueca are great neighbourhoods. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on foot.

🚌Metro to Sants (~£2) + AVE train to Madrid (~£35-50)

🛏Cats Hostel Madrid or Bastardo Hostel (~£20-30/night dorm, ~£60-80 private)

• →Morning check-out and transfer to Barcelona Sants station (metro ~£2)
• →AVE high-speed train Barcelona → Madrid (~£30-50, book ahead on Renfe.com)
• →Check in to Madrid hostel
• →Afternoon explore: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park (all free)

Take an early morning ALSA bus from Madrid to Salamanca (~£12, 2.5hrs). Spend a few hours exploring the stunning Plaza Mayor, the University of Salamanca (one of Europe's oldest), and the old cathedral. Then take an afternoon bus or train towards Porto — either change at Salamanca/Madrid or take the direct cross-border bus (Alsa run services, ~£25-35, book ahead). Arrive in Porto by evening.

🚌ALSA bus to Salamanca (~£12) + onward bus/train to Porto (~£25-35)

🛏Gallery Hostel Porto or Tattva Design Hostel (~£18-28/night dorm, ~£55-70 private)

• →ALSA bus Madrid → Salamanca (~£12, ~2.5hrs)
• →Self-guided walk: Plaza Mayor, University of Salamanca exterior, Old Cathedral (~free)
• →Bus or train onwards to Porto (~£25-35 total cross-border journey)
• →Check in to Porto hostel on arrival

Spend the day exploring Porto's UNESCO-listed riverfront and wine culture. Walk up to Sé Cathedral (free exterior, ~£3 entry), visit the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange, ~£10), and Santa Clara Church. Book a Douro River cruise via GetYourGuide (~£12-15). Cross the Dom Luís Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a Port Wine cellar tour with tasting at Graham's or Sandeman (~£12-15).

🚌Walking and tram/metro within Porto (~£3-5)

🛏Gallery Hostel Porto or Tattva Design Hostel

• →Self-guided walk: Ribeira waterfront, Sé Cathedral (~£3 entry), Santa Clara Church
• →Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange) visit (~£10)
• →Douro River cruise (~£12-15, book via GetYourGuide)
• →Port Wine cellar tour & tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia (~£12-15, e.g. Sandeman or Graham's)

Take an early Rede Expressos bus from Porto to Coimbra (~£8, 1hr15). Explore the old university district, the Joanina Library (book timed entry online, ~£3), and the old and new cathedrals. Continue by bus to Fátima (~£6, ~1hr). Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, the Basilica, and Cova da Iria (all free). If timing allows, witness the candlelight procession (evenings of the 12th or 13th of each month). Stay overnight in Fátima or take an evening bus to your next stop.

🚌Bus Porto→Coimbra (~£8) + bus Coimbra→Fátima (~£6)

🛏Residencial Fátima or local guesthouse (~£35-50/night)

• →Rede Expressos bus Porto → Coimbra (~£8, ~1hr15)
• →University of Coimbra & Joanina Library (book timed slot online, ~£3)
• →Old & New Cathedrals of Coimbra (free exterior)
• →Bus to Fátima (~£6, ~1hr)
• →Sanctuary of Fátima, Basilica, Cova da Iria, Chapel of the Apparitions (free)
• →Optional: evening candlelight procession (free)

This is a multi-stop day best done by renting a car for the day (~£35-45 inc fuel) from Fátima/Leiria, or by taking local buses with some flexibility. Visit Batalha Monastery (UNESCO, ~£6), then the dramatic cliffs of Nazaré (~free, look out for the famous big wave viewpoint at Praia do Norte), then Alcobaça Monastery (UNESCO, ~£6). Drive or bus into Lisbon in the evening.

🚌Day car hire or local buses (~£35-45 including fuel)

🛏Lisbon Lounge Hostel or Home Lisbon Hostel (~£20-30/night dorm, ~£60-80 private)

• →Batalha Monastery (~£6 entry, UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• →Nazaré village and clifftop viewpoint at Praia do Norte (free)
• →Alcobaça Monastery (~£6 entry, UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• →Evening arrival in Lisbon – check in to hostel

Spend a full day in Lisbon. Walk to Belém district (take tram 15E or Uber, ~£3) to see Belém Tower (~£6), Jerónimos Monastery exterior (free; interior ~£10), and Monument to the Discoveries (free). Head back to explore the Alfama district on foot — wander steep lanes, visit the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and catch live Fado music in the evening. Optional day trips: Sintra (~£5 train from Rossio station, Sintra entry passes ~£15-20) or Cascais (~£5 train).

🚌Tram 15E to Belém (~£3), metro/walking for Alfama (~£2-3)

🛏Lisbon Lounge Hostel or Home Lisbon Hostel

• →Belém Tower (~£6 entry)
• →Jerónimos Monastery – exterior free, interior ~£10
• →Monument to the Discoveries (exterior free)
• →Self-guided walk through Alfama district and Miradouros (free)
• →Optional: Sintra day trip by train from Rossio station (~£5 + ~£15-20 palace entries)
• →Optional: Cascais beach day by train (~£5)
• →Optional: live Fado in Alfama (free in some venues, or ~£10-15 with a drink)

Take a morning Rede Expressos/ALSA bus from Lisbon to Mérida (~£20, ~3.5hrs). Mérida is the finest Roman city in Spain — visit the Roman Theatre (~£12 combined ticket includes Theatre & Amphitheatre), Roman Amphitheatre, and Roman Bridge (free exterior). Take a late afternoon Renfe regional train or bus to Córdoba (~£18-25). Check in and enjoy tapas in the old town.

🚌Bus Lisbon→Mérida (~£20) + bus/train Mérida→Córdoba (~£20)

🛏Funky Córdoba or Hostel Seneca (~£18-28/night dorm, ~£55-70 private)

• →Bus Lisbon → Mérida (~£20, ~3.5hrs)
• →Roman Theatre of Mérida (~£12 combined ticket)
• →Roman Amphitheatre of Mérida (included in combined ticket)
• →Roman Bridge of Mérida (free)
• →Bus/train Mérida → Córdoba (~£18-25)
• →Check in and evening tapas in Córdoba old town

Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) is unmissable — book entry tickets in advance online (~£12). Wander the Judería (Jewish Quarter) and find the tiny Synagogue (~£0.30 entry). Stroll through the Alcázar gardens (free with city pass or ~£4.50). Book a guided walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£15-20) if you want expert context, or explore freely with a map.

🚌Walking within Córdoba

🛏Funky Córdoba or Hostel Seneca

• →Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Mezquita) – book ahead online (~£12)
• →Jewish Quarter (Judería) self-guided walk (free)
• →Córdoba Synagogue (~£0.30)
• →Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos gardens (~£4.50 or free Monday mornings)
• →Optional: GetYourGuide walking tour of Córdoba (~£15-20)

Take a Renfe regional train from Córdoba to Seville (~£14, 45min). Seville is one of Spain's most beautiful cities — spend the day visiting the Cathedral and Giralda tower (~£12, book online), wandering the flower-filled Barrio de Santa Cruz (free), and marvelling at the stunning Plaza de España (free). Stroll through María Luisa Park. Book a guided city tour via GetYourGuide (~£15) if you'd like a local expert.

🚌Renfe train Córdoba→Seville (~£14)

🛏We Hostel Seville or Oasis Backpackers Seville (~£20-28/night dorm, ~£60-75 private)

• →Renfe train Córdoba → Seville (~£14, ~45min)
• →Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower (~£12, book online in advance)
• →Barrio de Santa Cruz self-guided walk (free)
• →Plaza de España (free)
• →María Luisa Park (free)
• →Optional: GetYourGuide guided city tour of Seville (~£15)

Take an early morning bus from Seville to Ronda (~£12, ~2hrs via ALSA). Ronda is one of Andalusia's most dramatic towns, perched above a deep gorge. Walk the Puente Nuevo bridge and viewpoints (free), and explore the old town. Continue by bus from Ronda to Málaga or Marbella (~£10-14) on the Costa del Sol. Check in to a budget hotel or hostel near the beach.

🚌Bus Seville→Ronda (~£12) + bus Ronda→Málaga (~£12)

🛏Feel Hostels Málaga or Pension La Carioca Málaga (~£18-28/night dorm, ~£50-65 private)

• →ALSA bus Seville → Ronda (~£12, ~2hrs)
• →Puente Nuevo bridge & gorge viewpoints (free)
• →Ronda old town, Plaza de Toros bullring (~£8 entry, optional)
• →Bus Ronda → Málaga/Marbella (~£10-14)
• →Evening arrival on Costa del Sol – beach walk

A well-earned rest day on the Costa del Sol. Hit the beaches at Málaga, Torremolinos, or Nerja. The beaches are free — just bring sun cream. Explore Málaga's Picasso Museum (~£10) or the Alcazaba fortress (~£3.50) if you'd rather sightsee. Fuel up on fresh seafood at the chiringuitos along the beach.

🚌Local buses along the coast (~£3-5)

🛏Feel Hostels Málaga or local beach guesthouse

• →Beach day at Costa del Sol (free)
• →Optional: Picasso Museum Málaga (~£10)
• →Optional: Alcazaba of Málaga (~£3.50)
• →Optional: Nerja Caves day trip by bus (~£10 each way + ~£10 entry)

Take a morning bus from Málaga to Algeciras (~£10, ~2hrs) or Tarifa (~£12, ~2.5hrs). Ferry crossings to Tangier Med run frequently (FRS or Baleària, ~£35-45 return or from ~£20 one-way; book at port or via directferries.co.uk). On arrival in Morocco, take a shared grand taxi or CTM bus to Fez (~£10-15, ~5hrs). Arrive in Fez in the evening in time for dinner.

🚌Bus to Algeciras (~£10) + ferry (~£22) + bus/taxi to Fez (~£12)

🛏Dar Seffarine or Riad Bab Bou Jeloud (~£15-25/night dorm, ~£40-60 private)

• →ALSA bus Málaga → Algeciras or Tarifa (~£10-12)
• →Ferry crossing Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier Med (~£20-25 one way, FRS or Baleària)
• →CTM bus or shared grand taxi Tangier → Fez (~£10-15, ~4-5hrs)
• →Arrive in Fez – check in and explore Bab Bou Jeloud gate area

Fez's medina (UNESCO World Heritage) is the world's largest car-free urban area — utterly labyrinthine. Visit the Royal Palace's ornate 7-door facade (exterior free), the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and Bab Bou Jeloud gate. Book a licensed local guide for a half-day Medina tour via GetYourGuide or directly (~£15-20) — highly recommended to avoid getting lost and to access the famous Chouara tanneries. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina.

🚌Walking within Fez medina (free)

🛏Dar Seffarine or Riad Bab Bou Jeloud

• →Royal Palace of Fez – 7-door facade (exterior free)
• →Mellah Jewish Quarter (free to wander)
• →Bab Bou Jeloud gate and surrounding souks
• →Half-day guided Medina walk with local guide (~£15-20, via GetYourGuide)
• →Chouara Tanneries viewpoint (free from leather shop terraces)
• →Dinner at a rooftop restaurant in the medina (~£8-12)

Take an early CTM bus or train from Fez to Rabat (~£8, ~2.5hrs). Visit the Royal Palace exterior, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and Hassan Tower (all free or minor entry fee). Continue by train to Casablanca (~£5, ~1hr) — see Hassan II Mosque exterior (the world's largest mosque with an ocean view), Corniche Boulevard, and UN Square. Take an evening train to Marrakech (~£10, ~3hrs). Arrive in time for dinner.

🚌Train/bus Fez→Rabat (~£8) + train Rabat→Casa (~£5) + train Casa→Marrakech (~£10)

🛏Riad Amazigh or Equity Point Marrakech Hostel (~£12-20/night dorm, ~£35-55 private)

• →CTM bus/train Fez → Rabat (~£8, ~2.5hrs)
• →Mausoleum of Mohammed V (~free/small donation)
• →Hassan Tower (free)
• →Royal Palace of Rabat exterior (free)
• →Train Rabat → Casablanca (~£5, ~1hr)
• →Hassan II Mosque exterior walk and Corniche Boulevard (free)
• →Train Casablanca → Marrakech (~£10, ~3hrs)
• →Check in and dinner near Djemaa el-Fna (~£6-10)

A full day in the Red City. Book a guided morning city tour via GetYourGuide (~£15) or explore independently. Visit Menara Gardens (free), Koutoubia Minaret exterior (free), Bahia Palace (~£2), and Saadian Tombs (~£2). Dive into the souks and medina. End the day at Djemaa el-Fna square — watch snake charmers, musicians and storytellers at sunset, then eat from the famous food stalls (~£5-8 for a full dinner). In the original tour, the group transfers back to Casablanca for the return ferry — self-launchers can travel directly from Marrakech to Tangier (overnight train or CTM bus, ~£15-20) for a smoother return.

🚌Walking + overnight CTM bus or train to Tangier (~£15-20)

🛏Overnight train/bus to Tangier (sleeper berth ~£20) or Riad Amazigh one more night

• →Optional: GetYourGuide guided Marrakech tour (~£15)
• →Menara Gardens (free)
• →Koutoubia Minaret exterior (free)
• →Bahia Palace (~£2 entry)
• →Saadian Tombs (~£2 entry)
• →Souks and medina self-guided walk
• →Djemaa el-Fna food stalls for dinner (~£5-8)
• →Overnight CTM bus or train Marrakech → Tangier (~£15-20, book ahead)

Arrive in Tangier in the morning. Stroll the Kasbah and medina if time allows. Take a FRS or Baleària ferry back across the Strait of Gibraltar from Tangier Med (~£20-25). Arrive in Algeciras or Tarifa and take a bus to Málaga/Marbella (~£10-14). Settle back into Costa del Sol life — the contrast between Morocco and Spain is striking.

🚌Ferry (~£22) + bus to Málaga (~£12)

🛏Feel Hostels Málaga or local beach guesthouse (~£20-30/night)

• →Arrive Tangier – explore Kasbah and medina if energy allows (free)
• →Ferry Tangier Med → Algeciras/Tarifa (~£22, FRS or Baleària)
• →Bus Algeciras → Málaga/Marbella (~£10-14)
• →Check in to Costa del Sol accommodation
• →Evening stroll along the seafront promenade

Another day to relax on the Costa del Sol. Explore Málaga's old town, visit the Picasso Museum (~£10) if you skipped it earlier, or take a day trip to the white villages of the Axarquía region. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beaches and seafood — you've earned it after Morocco.

🚌Local buses (~£3-5)

🛏Feel Hostels Málaga or local beach guesthouse

• →Beach day at Pedregalejo or La Malagueta (free)
• →Optional: Picasso Museum Málaga (~£10)
• →Optional: day trip to Frigiliana or Nerja (~£5-10 bus return)
• →Seafood lunch at a local chiringuito (~£10-15)

Take a ALSA bus from Málaga to Granada (~£10, ~1.5hrs). The Alhambra is Spain's most visited monument — book your combined ticket (Alhambra + Generalife Gardens + Nasrid Palaces) well in advance at alhambra-patronato.es (~£19). Allow 3-4 hours to explore properly. After, wander the Albaicín neighbourhood and enjoy views back over the palace from Mirador de San Nicolás (free). Optional: Flamenco Zambra show in a cave at Sacromonte (~£20-25 via GetYourGuide).

🚌ALSA bus Málaga→Granada (~£10)

🛏Oasis Backpackers Granada or El Número 8 Hostel (~£18-28/night dorm, ~£55-70 private)

• →ALSA bus Málaga → Granada (~£10, ~1.5hrs)
• →Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces & Generalife Gardens (~£19, book weeks ahead at alhambra-patronato.es)
• →Albaicín neighbourhood self-guided walk (free)
• →Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint (free)
• →Optional: Flamenco Zambra cave show in Sacromonte (~£20-25)

Take a morning ALSA bus or Renfe train from Granada to Madrid (~£25-40, ~4-4.5hrs by bus or ~3hrs by new AVE service). Check in to your Madrid hostel. Spend the afternoon visiting the Prado Museum (~£15, free on evenings after 18:00 Mon-Sat), strolling Retiro Park, or bar-hopping in Malasaña and Chueca. Your last evening in Spain — make it count.

🚌Bus or train Granada→Madrid (~£30)

🛏Cats Hostel Madrid or Bastardo Hostel (~£20-30/night dorm, ~£60-80 private)

• →ALSA bus or Renfe AVE train Granada → Madrid (~£25-40)
• →Check in to Madrid hostel
• →Optional: Prado Museum (~£15, or free from 18:00 Mon-Sat)
• →Retiro Park afternoon stroll (free)
• →Evening tapas and bar-hop in Malasaña or Lavapiés

Final breakfast in Madrid. Take the metro Line 8 direct to Barajas Airport T4 (~£5) or the Cercanías C1 train (~£2.60). Allow at least 2.5 hours before your flight. If your flight is in the afternoon, leave your bags at the hostel and do a final wander through the city — the Mercado de San Miguel is great for a last taste of Spain.

🚌Metro or Cercanías to Madrid Barajas Airport (~£3-5)

🛏N/A – departure day

• →Final breakfast in Madrid
• →Optional last morning: Mercado de San Miguel or Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (~£14)
• →Metro Line 8 or Cercanías C1 to Barajas Airport (~£2.60-5)