Europe Trip Planner: 5 Epic Destinations in 3 weeks

In this phase of my 90-day European adventure, I visit Lisbon, the Azores Islands, Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. This three-week segment is the third stage of my 90-day Europe trip planner. For the first 7 weeks of my European journey, check out my blogs, Ultimate Europe 30-Day Travel Itinerary and European Travel Plan: 3 Unforgettable Weeks in Europe. 

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For tips on planning a European train journey, check out my blog, European Train Journey: How to Plan Using a Eurail Pass.

The last stop on my epic journey through Europe was Venice. I took a train from Venice to Rome, then flew to Lisbon from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome. This leg of my Europe trip planner will start in Lisbon, Portugal. To keep things simple, this blog has five stops as part of my complete European itinerary, but for the entire journey, Lisbon was stop number 12.

Stop 1-Lisbon, Portugal – Sardines, The Tram and Fada Restaurants

The flight from Rome to Lisbon takes 3 hours and 10 minutes. I found myself in Lisbon as I was meeting my good friend Manolo in São Miguel, Azores, who was DJ’ing at a festival. I had 10 days in Lisbon and was very excited to be in one of the hottest spots in Europe.

Where to Stay in Lisbon Off the Beaten Path

For the first part of my stay in Lisbon, I booked an Airbnb in the Arroios neighbourhood outside the city centre. This was perfect, a trendy neighbourhood with fantastic restaurants, a local vibe, and easy access to the Metro.

Don’t tell the French, but the best croissant I’ve ever had was in the Arroios area, just up from my Airbnb. The place was called O Melhor Croissant Da Minha Rua. I also discovered an excellent local restaurant called Maria Food Hub that I loved. It was crowded with locals, the ingredients were fresh, the food was amazing, and the vibe was hip. 

For the latter part of my stay, I stayed at Sant Jordi Hostels Lisbon, which was also located in a local neighbourhood with easy access to public transit. The public transit in Lisbon is world-class.

Spend a Night in Lisbon’s liveliest Neighbourhood, Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s busiest districts. It’s touristy and quiet by day, but lively at night. Walk the cobblestone streets, find a restaurant and a bar, and enjoy. Seats can be hard to find, but there are many side streets with options. 

Tour Lisbon on Tram #28

The best way to explore Lisbon is to buy a tram ticket for Tram 28, which costs 3 euros. The trams in Lisbon are those classic trams you’ve seen in movies, and they are an adventure. I just rode the tram from the starting point to the end to get a feel for the city. It’s also one of the cheapest ways to explore Lisbon. The tram starts at Martim Moniz Square. 

Find Some Grilled Sardines, a Lisbon Delicacy

Grilled sardines are a Lisbon delicacy, and they excel at it. I dislike canned sardines in Canada, regardless of how they are prepared. But fresh, grilled, and salted, they are fabulous. I found an outdoor market near Vasco da Gama Garden to enjoy this cuisine. It was also close to the Jeronimos Monastery, a 500-year-old Gothic masterpiece. It made for a fun afternoon exploring the area. I finished the day with dinner at Time Out Market, enjoying pork belly, another Portuguese favourite. 

Find A Fado Restaurant – A Special Culinary Experience

Fado is a traditional Portuguese musical form that, to me, resembles opera. I was hungry and wandering through the Santa Maria Maior neighbourhood when I discovered a charming backstreet. I passed a busy restaurant where a gentleman outside invited me in for a Fado show. There didn’t seem to be a seat available inside, but he found me a spot in the corner—another benefit of being a solo traveler. The name of this restaurant is Esquina De Alfama. 

I had no idea what was coming my way. I was fortunate enough to experience a brilliant fado show, unlike anything I had ever seen. To top it off, I enjoyed one of the most memorable meals in Lisbon. It featured tender octopus, potatoes, warm fresh bread, prosciutto, a generous bowl of olives, cheeses, and excellent wine. The door guy turned out to be the owner, and his friends happily popped out of the walls to join the fun. If you love seafood, trying octopus is a must—it’s a true Portuguese delicacy you won’t want to miss. 

I spent my final moments in Lisbon at São Jorge Castle, a medieval fortress. I explored the surrounding area before heading to São Miguel in the Azores. 

Stop 2 Sao Miguel, Azores – Festivals and Breathtaking Landscapes

The flight from Lisbon to São Miguel takes two hours and thirty minutes. I arrived in São Miguel for the Bliss Vibes Music Festival, where my friend Manolo was DJ’ing. I stayed at City’s Hostel in Ponta Delgada. Ponta Delgada was my hub city for this trip and the heart of São Miguel.

A Night Out in Ponta Delgada with a Local

I met my friend at his apartment in Ponta Delgada, had a couple Sagres Mini’s, and we headed out for dinner. We devoured the best clams I’ve ever tasted, along with some excellent Portuguese wine and a massive, savoury steak. We went to Ta Gent for a couple of espresso martinis before exploring the area. Then it was off for some live entertainment on the street before finding a club nearby. We ended the night, or rather early morning, stopping at a local bakery to pick up some freshly baked pastries. This marked the end of an epic night out in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel.

Take a Sunset Cruise Around São Miguel Island

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to take a Bliss Vibes VIP sunset cruise around the island. Bliss Vibes is the festival I came for. The rock formations and landscapes around the island from the water are spectacular. The sunset over São Miguel is truly breathtaking. If you don’t have the chance to do the VIP cruise I experienced, there are many other tours available. Whale watching tours are especially popular. Here is a list of some popular day trips on the water in São Miguel.

Party Like a Rock Star at The Bliss Vibes Music Festival

If you’re in São Miguel in July, I recommend adding the Bliss Vibes music Festival to your Europe trip planner itinerary. It offers a wide range of acts from techno and house DJs to rock and rap artists. What’s better than a bass-pumping festival on an exotic island? Nothing! 

Lagoa do Fogo Natural Reserve in São Miguel is a Must Visit

We rented a scooter and took a scenic trip to Lagoa do Fogo Natural Reserve. Manolo calls this place Jurassic Park, and it’s that impressive. It’s one of those bucket-list Instagram moments you didn’t even know existed. On the way to Lagoa Do Fogo, we stopped at Praia do Pópulo beach to catch some sun and swim. This was another perfect day in São Miguel, Azores. This marked the end of my time in São Miguel; The next stop on my Europe trip planner was Madrid, Spain. 

Stop 3 Madrid, Spain – Seafood Paella and Plaza Mayor

The train from Lisbon to Madrid takes 10 hours and 6 minutes, including a transfer in Badajoz. Spain is an easy country to travel through using the Eurail or Interrail for European travelers. There was a surprise during this part of my Europe trip planner. At the Badajoz station, I walked into an outdoor restaurant and heard, “GEOFF”!! I looked up and was surprised to see my friends from the UK, whom I did the Amazon with months earlier. Now that’s fate! After arriving in Madrid, we grabbed a pizza and ate on the street, people-watching. I love these surprises when travelling. There is something about the journey that I enjoy. 

The Best Area to Stay in Madrid

In Madrid, I stayed at The Hat Madrid, a boutique hostel with a rooftop, a great vibe, and stunning rooms. Located at Plaza Mayor, it’s close to Puerta del Sol, La Latina, and Mercado San Miguel. The neighbourhood offers cafés, culture, delicious food, lively nightlife, and a local vibe. 

If you want to learn more about why I often stay in hostels, check out my blog, ‘Hostels for Solo Travel,’ at 49.

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People Watch at Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is the perfect spot to grab a pint and try your first seafood paella while gazing at the famous “guy riding the horse” statue. The dude is King Philip III; in case you didn’t know. Seafood paella is a traditional Spanish dish made with rice, a variety of seafood, and several spices, with a strong taste of paprika. Plaza Mayor square might be the most iconic image of Madrid.

Dinner and Drinks in the Recoletos Neighbourhood

This night, as part of my Europe trip planner, was very special. I reconnected with an old flame who now lives in Madrid, and she took me out on the town. She took me to the Recoletos area, which has many amazing restaurants and trendy bars. We ate well, danced, and enjoyed extravagant cocktails, making it an epic night and an authentic local experience. I don’t remember the names of the places, but there were many and easy to find. Next Stop: Valencia.

Stop 4 – Valencia – Beach, Bike Tours and Relaxation

The train from Madrid to Valencia takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Valencia was a stop where I planned to rest and relax on Malvarrosa Beach. I found an Airbnb a short walk from the beach, which was perfect. Three students were living in this unit, with whom I spent my evenings exploring the city.

Spend a Couple days at Malvarrosa Beach

Malvarrosa Beach is a stunning, long beach with excellent swimming. This was what I came for, and I spent the first two days here relaxing and re-energizing; it was the perfect spot for that. The beach has a great vibe with beautiful paths for walking, running, and biking. Malvarrosa Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Europe. 

Find a Bike Tour Around Valencia

The best way to explore Valencia is by bike. You can essentially see everything and get a feel for the city’s vibe. I booked a tour through GetYourGuide called “Valencia: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour.” One of the main highlights of this tour was a stop at the City of Arts and Sciences building with its futuristic architecture. We biked around the Jardi del Turia, a beautiful park that surrounds the complex. 

We Stopped at the Iconic Plaza de la Virgen

The Plaza de la Virgen, built over ancient Roman ruins in Valencia, is spectacular. It has an ancient Roman feel as you walk around the square. You can even see some ruins beneath the ground. The highlight for me was exploring the Valencia Cathedral, which resembles the architecture of the Roman Colosseum. There is also a basilica, a beautiful water fountain, and charming cafes. We then stopped at Peralada Castle for a quick photo shoot. Next, we finished the tour and headed back to the meeting point to return our bikes. It was a perfect day in Valencia. 

Before heading to Barcelona for my final stop on this Europe trip planner, I headed to the train station. The train station in Valencia is worth mentioning as it is one of the most spectacular train stations in Europe. Next stop, Barcelona.

Stop 5 – Barcelona – Fabulous Beaches, Sagrada Familia and Killer Cocktails

The train from Valencia to Barcelona takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. I stayed at Latroupe Poblenou Beach Hostel, located near Barceloneta Beach and in the vibrant El Poblenou neighbourhood, which is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars. The hostel also has a great little café, which was a bonus. It’s conveniently located close to the Poblenou metro station, making it a perfect location.

People Watch at Barceloneta Beach

There is something truly special about the beach vibe in Barcelona, and Barceloneta Beach captures it perfectly. That’s why I made my first day in Barcelona a beach day. I did, after all, stay at a beach hostel. The beach is lively with volleyball games, large groups of families and friends, and sun worshippers. There’s no shortage of restaurants and places to grab a drink. If you visit at night, it’s just as energetic, with salsa dancing, loads of great energy, and people having fun. 

I worked on my tan and dipped in and out of the water to cool off. The beach has an incredible boardwalk that seems to go on forever. I walked from Barceloneta Beach past Mar Bella Beach, which is a family-friendly nude beach if you can wrap your head around that. Next,I spent some time at nearby Bogatell Beach, and then it was time to head back to my hostel before going out for dinner. 

Do a Cocktail Bar Tour in the Gothic Quarter

Barcelona is famous for its world-class bars, especially in the Gothic Quarter. Some of the best cocktails I have ever had were in Barcelona. I decided to try a bar tour I found on GetYourGuide: the Barcelona Pub Crawl with Open Bar and Free Shots. Be warned—the cocktails are strong, and I can attest to that, as I had to head home after the second bar, but I won’t go into that. Still, I made it to Milan’s Cocktail Bar and enjoyed an incredible espresso martini along with three other cocktails. We then visited another cool bar, had a few shots that caught fire, and I had enough. 

Barcelona cocktail tip – Visit Marlowe bar if you want a great classic cocktail and a chill vibe. I tried a Don Cherry and a few other timeless classics. It’s a quiet and classy spot. 

Visit La Sagrada Familia – A Modern Architectural Masterpiece

Thanks to a tip from a couple of youngsters at my hostel, I didn’t miss out on La Sagrada Familia. This Catholic church, designed by the legendary architect Antoni Gaudí, combines modern and Gothic architecture. It looks more like a fairy tale princess castle than a church. If you want to learn more about this church, its history, and construction, read my blog, 8 Iconic Churches You Must Visit Around the Globe.

Tour the Old Town (Gothic Quarter)

I recommend exploring the Old Town in Barcelona, I just love the Gothic architecture. For this one I decided to do a free walking tour through Guru Walk, called Free Tour of the Old Town of Barcelona (Gothic Quarter and Borne). We started at Plaça Nova, where the Barcelona Cathedral is located, so it was a good starting point. Next, we strolled through the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, visiting the Roman ruins. We passed through the famous La Boqueria market and walked by Els Quatre Gats, the restaurant featured in the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. After the tour, I found a great restaurant off the beaten path called Petit Ramblero and enjoyed some more Paella. I finished with a Ratafia shot, marking the end of my time in Barcelona. 

I hope you enjoyed this 3-week Europe Trip Planner covering Lisbon, São Miguel, Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Of course, you can mix and match to create your own itinerary for your European adventure. There are a million ways to do Europe. In the next phase of my 90-day Europe itinerary, we visit Paris and Athens and explore the Greek Islands. Have fun planning your bucket list European journey. 

To read more Europe itinerary blogs and content, check out my Europe destinations blogs.

Want to know what goes in my backpack for long-term travel? Read my blog, My Carry-On Packing List for Solo Travel: How to Pack Light

How do I plan for long-term solo travel? Check out my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology

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