My Spain and Portugal Trip

I recently spent two wonderful weeks exploring Spain and Portugal from late June to early July 2025.

I'd like to share some highlights and insights from my journey with you.

• Travel period: June 23 – July 5 (two weeks)
• Itinerary: Madrid → Granada → Seville → Lisbon → Madrid
• Total cost: Approximately 1,000,000 yen for two people (500,000 yen per person)

Though physically challenging at times, the trip was incredibly rewarding and filled with unforgettable experiences.

Favorite Cities

Among all the places we visited, these cities left the strongest impression on me.

Granada

Famous for the magnificent Alhambra Palace, Granada captivated me with its strong Islamic influences and otherworldly atmosphere.

The affordable prices were a pleasant surprise, and I loved how every drink order came with complimentary tapas, making bar-hopping an absolute delight.

Both locals and tourists exuded warmth and friendliness, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere throughout the city.

Lisbon

Portugal's capital won me over with its excellent public transportation and widespread English proficiency, making it incredibly easy to navigate as a tourist.

I particularly enjoyed discovering the numerous viewpoints scattered across the city's hills, each offering breathtaking panoramas just a short climb away.

The nightlife was equally impressive, with street performers creating a lively ambiance that continued well into the evening hours.

Cascais

This charming beach town, just a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, reminded me of Enoshima in Japan with its bustling seaside energy.

The coastal train line connects about five different beaches, including the elegant Estoril, giving us a perfect taste of European beach culture.

Discoveries

Climate and Global Warming

We experienced several scorching days with temperatures soaring above 40°C, making outdoor exploration in Seville particularly challenging during daylight hours.

While most days hovered around a manageable 30°C, locals mentioned that extreme weather events like heatwaves and sudden downpours have become increasingly common in recent years.

This firsthand experience with climate change was eye-opening and made me reflect on how environmental factors might influence where I choose to live in the future.

Language Barrier

I was surprised by how little English was spoken in Spain, which initially created some communication challenges.

I occasionally encountered visible frustration when addressing locals in English, which quickly dispelled my assumption that English would serve as a universal language.

I found learning these basic Spanish phrases incredibly helpful:

• Hola (Hello)
• Disculpe (Excuse me)
• La cuenta, por favor. (The bill, please)
• Esto, por favor. (This, please)
• Para dos. (For two people)

Even these simple phrases significantly improved my interactions and gave me a sense of accomplishment. In Portugal, English was much more widely spoken, making communication considerably easier.

Surprisingly Affordable

Contrary to my expectation that "Europe equals expensive," dining out typically cost between 1,000–3,000 yen per person, offering excellent value for money.

• Wine: €2–4 (approximately 350–700 yen)
• Paella: €10–15 (approximately 1,500–3,000 yen)

With Tokyo's rising prices, the cost difference wasn't as dramatic as I'd anticipated. Compared to my trip to Australia last year, Spain and Portugal were substantially more affordable.

Night Owl Culture

With sunset occurring as late as 9–10 pm, the rhythm of daily life shifts accordingly—dinner times are later, and cities come alive well into the night.

Many locals embrace the traditional siesta during the afternoon heat, then become more active during the cooler evening hours.

Immigration Issues and Overtourism

In certain areas of Portugal with large immigrant populations, I occasionally felt a slight unease regarding safety.

The tension between tourism and local life was evident in graffiti messages like "F*** Tourist" and "F*** Airbnb"—a stark reminder of the complex impact tourism has on local communities.

Coffee Culture

Both Spain and Portugal embrace espresso as their coffee standard, quite different from what I'm used to.

When looking for something milder, ordering an Americano is the way to go.

I came to appreciate how even a small shot of espresso delivers such intense flavor and aroma, with a lingering finish that rewards slow, mindful sipping.

Long-Haul Flight Tips

As someone who struggles to sleep on planes, investing in Air China's business class (approximately 300,000 yen round-trip per person) made a tremendous difference.

The fully flat seats and airport lounge access significantly reduced travel fatigue and made the journey much more pleasant than expected.

The Beijing layover timing worked perfectly for us:

• Haneda ▶︎ Beijing: approximately 5 hours
• Layover: 3 hours
• Beijing ▶︎ Madrid: approximately 10 hours

Since the route flies over Russian airspace, it offers a faster connection than options via Dubai. Despite limited online reviews that initially made me hesitant, the experience turned out to be exceptionally comfortable.

Final Thoughts

These two weeks were filled with countless steps, delicious meals, and immersion in fascinating cultures.

The unique experiences I couldn't have had in Japan have sparked my curiosity and deepened my desire to explore more of the world.

I'm incredibly grateful to my wife for planning such a wonderful journey.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own travel experiences, please reach out to me on social media!