When you mention the idea of ​​going on vacation to Spain or Portugal, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the beach. Between them, Spain and Portugal have large stretches of beach, with the first offering the warm waters of the Mediterranean and the second the great waves of the Atlantic, as an accompaniment.

The two countries also have wonderful port cities. Spending a vacation in these combines the sea view of the beach with the intoxicating fun of the city, which is undoubtedly a tempting formula. What’s more, you could even sail from one city to another when planning a trip through the following list of 5 Port Cities of the Iberian Peninsula.

1) Barcelona.

Barcelona swarms with verve and energy. This beautiful city is a fun-loving, culturally astute haven that simply demands visitors’ attention. Time is best spent here exploring the labyrinth of streets in the Barri Gotic area, taking it easy on Barceloneta beach, and seeking out Gaudi’s various mind-boggling architectural works.

2) Lisbon.

Quaint yet contemporary Lisbon is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. This port city lives and breathes the Atlantic Ocean, which bathes its shores and defines much of its daily life. Explore the long-forgotten Botanical Gardens, look for monuments in the Belem neighborhood, then let your hair down in the atmospheric Bairro Alto before returning in the evening to one of the rented apartments that Lisbon offers its visitors.

3) Port.

Portugal’s second largest city is associated with both meanings of the word ‘port’. Not only is it a vibrant and prominent port city, it is also home to the much-loved alcoholic beverage, port, which is a variety of fortified wine. The port is exported from Porto to destinations around the world; England and France head the list of importers.

4) Santander.

Cozy little Santander in the north of Spain is a good antidote to the city bustle of Barcelona, ​​Lisbon and Porto. Life here is pretty much dictated by the handful of excellent beaches in and around the port: book a stay in the kind of striking 19th-century apartment that Santander specializes in, and just spend happy days moving from beach to beach.

5) Cadiz.

The island city of Cádiz is a gateway to southern Spain. It is also a gateway to miles and miles of idyllic beaches, so if you are in Cádiz sailing through the ports of the Iberian Peninsula, it is worth exploring the surrounding coastline.