This past January, I took a whirlwind 10-day solo backpacking journey through some of the most iconic travel destinations in Spain and Portugal.

From exploring the crystalline caves in Mallorca to adventuring through the alleyways of Porto, take all that you can from my itinerary — the moments, the movements, and the mess-ups!

Best Time to Visit

Spain and Portugal are both year-round destinations, but depending on your preferences, certain times of the year might be better to visit. I went on my journey in January, knowing that peaks and prices would be down.

Even in the dead of winter, the weather never got very cold (it was actually t-shirt temperatures on Mallorca).

If you prefer the company of other travelers, however, January might not be the best time for you. Especially in the coastal areas, I felt like I was a living local with the lack of tourists. Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) would bode better for you if that is your case.

Also, certain attractions could be unavailable in the off-season (November-February), but I did not run into this issue very often.

Day 1: Embark on Your Journey

Sunday, January 19th

My very first solo backpacking journey began back home in the U.S., departing Charlotte-Douglas International Airport for the long-haul flight to Barcelona. Little did I know, however, that my first travel day would bring delay after delay, offsetting my entire itemized itinerary.

When traveling, these things happen, and we can't let it get the best of us! If this happens to you, too, keep in mind that you will make it to your destination (I did!).

Day 2: Make it to Mallorca | Sunset in Sóller

Monday, January 20th

With my original flight delays, I ended up landing 12 hours later than scheduled in Barcelona. Due to this delay, I missed my connecting flight to Mallorca, so I couch surfed with a friend that night who was studying abroad in Barcelona (s/o Beatty!).

If your travel goes as planned, however, you should arrive in Mallorca in time to settle yourself and soak up the sunset. Stay in the charming mountain town of Sóller.

For budget travelers, stay in Hostel Sóller, a charming accommodation tucked in this tranquil town for the ideal getaway.

Advice to anyone staying in Sóller: take the old-timey Tren de Sóller from Palma to your destination for a picturesque transport through the mountains. This is the only downside I encountered to traveling in January, as the train is closed down for mandatory maintenance during this month each year.

Day 3: Mallorca | Cuevas del Drach & Portocristo

Tuesday, January 21st

Finally arriving in Mallorca myself on this morning, I set out on my previously planned full-day excursion to the Cuevas del Drach, a stunning cave system with stalagmites and stalagtites, and an underground lake! The journey across island takes a good bit of time, but the rarity of these caves makes the wait worth it.

After the music and magic of the caves, explore the town of Portocristo before making your way back across the island.

Budget about 3 hours to travel across the island by bus each way. The island's buses use stress-free tap-to-pay as you board!

Pro tip: Apple Maps will show you routine routes, but buses oftentimes run a bit off-schedule (especially during the off-season), so don't sweat it if you get stuck sitting at a bus stop waiting for a few minutes more!

Finish your afternoon back in Sóller, and be sure to plan in advance your next-day return travel to the Palma de Mallorca airport.

If you have an early flight and are traveling in the off-season, you might have to book a taxi in advance, or pull the ultimate traveler's airport sleepover (like I did). Check the public transportation availability for when you are traveling, as buses may or may not be available prior to 6:30 a.m.!

Day 4: Madrid | Sunrise Flights & Spanish Nights

Wednesday, January 22nd

After arriving in Madrid on Wednesday morning from my 6 a.m. flight, I met up with another friend studying abroad (this time in Madrid; s/o Alex!) and explored the city for the day.

To see Madrid in a day, start by heading over to the Royal Palace to take in its ornate architecture and grand plaza. From there, make your way down Gran Vía, Madrid’s iconic shopping boulevard, known for its grandiose buildings—including the one crowned by the famous Schweppes sign.

Next, try snacking at a multi-story food and shopping center, El Corte Inglés at Callao, and head to the rooftop at Gourmet Experience, where we had tapas with a panoramic view of the city skyline. Later, we wandered through Mercado de San Miguel, a vibrant market near Plaza Mayor, where we passed the equestrian statue of King Philip III.

In Madrid, my friend Alex also introduced me to the chain restaurant called Honest Greens. If you are looking for an affordable, healthy, and delicious dining option whilst traveling in all of these locations (apart from Mallorca), Honest Greens is my recommendation.

To end the night, we rang in my 21st birthday at midnight with a night out clubbing in the city. If you are looking to spend a night or two out on your trip, Madrid is an excellent place for it!

Day 5: Madrid to Lisbon | Rest & Recharge

Thursday, January 23rd

I spent the morning after my night out waking up to a slow start. Half-way through my longer trips, I always enjoy giving myself a low or no itinerary day to rest and recharge.

After a relaxing day, I boarded my evening flight to Lisbon. By 10:00 pm, I had checked into Lisbon Destination Hostel — located in the dreamy Rossio train station — and got a full night's sleep. I wholeheartedly recommend this hostel for my budget travelers!

Day 6: Lisbon | Sintra Day-Trip

Friday, January 24th

After a quick breakfast, I hopped on the train to Sintra right from my doorstep at Rossio train station. I bought my €4.60 round-trip ticket day-of from the machine inside the station.

After arriving in Sintra, I toured the magic Quinta Da Regaleira, where I explored the one-of-a-kind Knights Templar Initiation Well as well as the magestic castle and its surrounding gardens.

In Sintra, you can also find various other castles to tour, including the Castelo dos Mouros and the Sintra National Palace.

If you tire from walking the steep, winding hills, hop on one of the many tuk-tuk rides offered throughout the town.

Back in Lisbon, I explored the historic streets of Alfama, admired the iconic Commerce Square, and rode on one of the classic yellow funiculars that climb Lisbon's steep streets to end my day.

Other attractions in Lisbon include Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle, if you're feeling up for the ultimate tourist challenge.

Day 7: Lisbon to Porto | Livraria Lello & more

Saturday, January 25th

To start off my travel day, I packed my things and headed for the Lisboa-Santa Apolonia train station. Here, I boarded my train to Porto-Campanhã station, where I was able to admire the Portuguese landscape on this 3-hour train ride.

Upon arriving in Porto around noon, my travel plans took another turn. When checking the weather forecast, I got a warning that a tropical storm was headed straight towards Porto, and if I were to stay for my intended duration, I would be trapped for several days. Thanks to mother nature, I had to book a red-eye flight out of Porto back to Barcelona that night.

Here is what I was able to do in the day I had in Porto:

To speed-run my Porto itinerary, I headed straight for the spot that I was most excited to see: Livraria Lello. This book store is known to be the most beautiful book store in the world, and served as inspiration for the start of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. If you are a potterhead like me, then this is a must-see.

Next, I wandered next door to the stunning São Bento Train Station, renowned for its detailed azulejo tile paintings that depict scenes from throughout the country's history.

Finally, I watched the most beautiful sunset my eyes have ever seen over the Douro River, casting golden light across the Dom Luís I Bridge.

Sadly, it was then time for me to flee the storm, so I did not get the chance to indulge in a port wine nightcap like I had hoped.

Day 8: Back in Barcelona | Making the Most of it

Sunday, January 26th

When originally planning my itinerary, I had hoped to spend this day adventuring to the Arouca Suspension Bridge near Porto, but instead ended up back in Barcelona.

To make the most of my day in Barcelona instead, I headed spent part of my day at Park Güell for sweeping views of the city. I got to gawk at La Sagrada Familia, as well, and then perused some thrift stores in the Gothic Quarter.

When traveling around Europe, many countries have the best thrifting at a chain store called Humana. Check out both Humana People and Humana Vintage. I found some hidden gems at these stores when in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and even in Lithuania! When in Spain, Barcelona is where you want to check out these stores.

Barcelona is the city to go out in, so if you want another night on the town, definitely check out the clubbing scene here to end Day 8.

Day 9: Barcelona | Shopping & Sightseeing

Monday, January 27th

With the extra time on my hands in Barcelona (I know, poor me), I decided to check out some more sightseeing locations across the city.

After conducting some on-the-spot research, I headed for Montjuïc Castle. I decided to take the cable car to the top of the hill, where I took in stunning city-wide sights. At the top of the hill is a historic fortress, with stone ramparts, cannons, and wide terraces that offer panoramic views.

If your itinerary does not get shifted like mine, then today would be the day to go sightseeing at the places I saw in the previous day.

For the rest of the day, I did some more thrifting at Humana with my friend Beatty, went for another round at Honest Greens, and simply took in the last sights of Spanish scenery.

Day 10: Departure Day

Tuesday, January 28th

Finally, on this day, I finished my first semi-solo backpacking trip! Luckily, I did not have a long-haul flight in front of me, as my trip home was simply a flight across the sea to Florence, Italy.

If you are flying further, however, then I wish you the best of luck, as it is time to pack up and head home!

Transportation from the city center to the BCN airport can be tricky. Keep in mind that the travel time is anywhere from 30-45 minutes, depending on whether you take a taxi or travel via the metro. I found the metro system in the city to be very useful, and simply paid for a one-way ticket each time around town.

When traveling to the airport by metro, bear in mind that you will need to purchase a special "Billete Aeropuerto," which costs €5.15 in comparison to the standard one-way €2.40 ticket. You can buy tickets in-person at the electronic stands, and you will need a physical debit or credit card.

Conclusion

10 days. 4 flights. 5 cities. And a million moments (and mishaps) along the way. This trip was a blur of birthday celebrations, last-minute mayhem, unforgettable sights, and memories that I will truly never forget.

Let me serve as proof that with a little planning (and a good backpack), you can see so much in a short time — even when your itinerary is tested!