Euro summer came early for the Travel Guides as they traveled to Spain and Portugal! From flamenco dancing in Seville to exploring the cobbled streets of Lisbon’s old town, they soaked up the culture, sights, and plenty of Portuguese tarts.

And if you didn’t already know, Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of Travel Guides, so we’re recapping their highlights of Spain and Portugal. Keep reading to find out! 

What Currency Do I Need in Spain and Portugal?

You might be wondering if you can use the same currency in Spain and Portugal, and the answer is yes! The official currency of both countries is the Euro. 

Better yet, you can get all the Euros you’ll need at a great deal from your local Travel Money Oz store or by shopping online. 

Travel Guides’ Spain and Portugal Highlights 

The Travel Guides took advantage of Insight Vacations to road trip from Spain to Portugal, stopping at must-see locations in between. 

However, there are plenty of ways to get between the two countries, including plane, bus, train, and driving – it really comes down to your preference, budget, and itinerary. 

Now, let’s jump into what our Guides got up to in Spain and Portugal.

Embark on a Walking Tour of Madrid 

The Travel Guides started their Southwest Europe road trip in Madrid – the stunning capital city of Spain. 

One of the best ways to absorb the city’s culture is with a walking tour. The Guides got to check out some of Madrid’s tourist attractions, such as the Royal Palace of Madrid and Plaza Mayor.

COST: 

• A walking tour was included in the Travel Guides’ Insight Vacation package, and there are plenty of alternate Madrid walking tours, including free options (yes!). We suggest doing your research on sites such as Trip Advisor.

Be Amazed by the Alhambra Palace in Granada 

The Travel Guides next stop was Granada to see the medieval palace of Alhambra which is known for its intricate Islamic and Spanish architecture. The palace is also a fortress, a citadel, and a city within a city. 

The Guides were blown away by how intact and expansive the monument is, as well as the tranquil gardens. Be sure to wear your walking shoes as it takes a good 3-4 hours to explore the whole site. 

COST: 

• The Travel Guides got a tour included in the Insight Vacation package, but tickets start from €14 (approx. $25 AUD).

Hike Along Caminito del Rey 

The Caminito del Rey is an aerial trail built into the walls of the Gaitanes gorge, which provides some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. 

The Guides tackled the 3km terraced path (that is barely 1m wide!) and walked the bridge that hovers about 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River. 

If you love a bit of an adrenaline rush (and an insta-worthy photo opportunity!), then this experience is for you. 

COST:

• Caminito del Rey trail tickets start from €10 (approx. $18 AUD).

Cook Like a Spaniard in Seville 

Known for its delicious food and an impressive amount of orange trees, Seville is a must-stop for the foodies. 

To get the true Seville experience, the Guides donned aprons and learned how to cook Spain’s most popular dish – Paella. Set on a rooftop overlooking the grand city, this experience is not your usual cooking class! 

COST: 

• Paella Legacy Cooking Classes cost from €130 per person (approx. $235 AUD).

Become a Flamenco Dancer 

From chef to dancer, Seville is also the perfect place to experience the fiery and passionate Spanish Flamenco! 

While you can certainly watch traditional Flamenco performances, why not take it a step further and become the dancing girl emoji?

Flamenco dance classes are a popular attraction in Seville, and a fun experience while you’re in town. 

COST: 

• The Guides received a Flamenco dance experience as part of the Insight Vacation package, but there are plenty of Flamenco dance classes in Seville – we suggest doing your research on sites such as Trip Advisor.

Indulge in Portuguese Tarts at Pastéis de Belém

The Travel Guides waved adios to Spain and olá to Portugal, and the first thing on everyone’s minds (and lips!) was Portuguese Tarts!

Nestled in Lisbon, the Guides visited the renowned Pastéis de Belém, home to traditional, handmade Portuguese tarts. They went behind the scenes to see how these delicious treats were made using original recipes dating back to 1837! 

COST: 

• Pastéis de Belém Portuguese tarts cost €1.50 each (approx. $3.50 AUD). 

Take a Tram Trip Through Old Town 

While in Lisbon the Guides ventured through the Old Town streets, home to the quaint neighbourhoods of Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belém. Think cobbled streets, pastel tiles, cute coffee shops, and hidden alleys. 

These neighbourhoods are very hilly, so the Travel Guides hopped aboard the historic Lisbon Tram 28 to meander through the district and up to Miradouro das Portas do Sol – a public balcony to catch a stunning view of the city. 

COST: 

• The Lisbon Tram 28 costs €3.10 for a single ticket purchased onboard (approx. $5.40 AUD) or €6.80 (approx. $12.60 AUD) for a 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket which needs to be purchased from a metro station.

Day Trip to Quinta Da Regaleira

Last on the itinerary was a day trip to the hillside town of Sintra to visit Quinta Da Regaleira – a gothic 19th-century castle famous for its unique architecture and spiraling staircases known as ‘Initiation Wells. 

The Guides were sent back in time while they toured mystical gardens, underground tunnels, grottos, and learned about the castle’s history. 

If you’re wondering how to get there – Sintra is about a 30-minute drive or 1 hour train from Lisbon. From Sintra station, it’s short 15-minute walk or you can take a short bus to Quinta Da Regaleira. 

COSTS: 

• Entry to Quinta Da Regaleira starts from about €9 per person (approx. $16 AUD). 
• A train to Sintra costs about €1.7 – €13.80 ($3 - $25 AUD). 

Top Spain and Portugal Travel Tips 

Are Spain and Portugal on your bucket list? Before you jet off on your European adventure, here’s a list of our top Spain and Portugal travel tips to help you on your way: 

• Be sure to take both card and cash as some small villages, markets, and cafes only accept cash. Grab yourself a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass and Euros to cover all bases.  
• Portugal is generally cheaper than Spain for travel, however, we recommend using our Budget Calculator to help cover all those Portuguese tarts! 
• Big Spanish cities generally operate all day but shops in smaller towns may close from 2–5 pm for siesta. 
• While English is common in tourist areas, the locals do appreciate basic phrases such as a ‘Hola’ or ‘Olá!’ 
• Make sure you keep your travel money and valuables safe as pickpocketing is common in both countries. 
• Download offline maps or take screenshots as phone signals may be weak in more rural areas. 
• Travel insurance is highly recommended to ensure you’re covered against injury, theft, or unexpected health issues. 

Want more Travel Guides in Spain and Portugal? 

Want to know what else the Travel Guides got up to in Spain and Portugal? Watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full itinerary. 

Check out our Travel Guides recap blogs: 

• The Travel Guides Tour New York City
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
• Travel Guides Recap: Best Things to do in Tahiti and Moorea Island

Tune in next Sunday night at 7:00 pm AEST on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch as the Travel Guides go to New Zealand! 

^Disclaimer:

^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published May 20, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.}