Summer is high season (temporada alta) for coastal and interior regions in Spain and Portugal; winter is high season for ski resorts. In many areas, high season begins during Semana Santa (Holy Week; March 14-23 in 2008) and includes festival days. July and August see some of the hottest weather, especially in the central plains, where the mercury can creep up to 36˚C (97˚F). Tourism on the Iberian Peninsula peaks in August, when the coast overflows as inland cities empty out, leaving closed offices, restaurants, and lodgings. As a general rule, make reservations if you plan to travel in June, July, or August.
Traveling in the low season (temporada baja) has many advantages, most noticeably lighter crowds and lower prices. Many hostels cut their prices by at least 30%, and reservations are seldom necessary. While major cities and university towns may exude energy during these months, many smaller seaside spots are ghost towns, and tourist offices and sights cut their hours nearly everywhere. The weather is also ideal in spring and early summer, when temperatures are around 20-25˚C (68-77˚F). For a table of temperatures and rainfall, see Climate, . For a chart of National Holidays and Festivals in Spain, see; in Portugal; and in Morocco.
What to Do
Two millennia of invaders have swept over these countries, resulting in an edgy and eclectic culture ripe with custom, religion, history, and an irrepressible energy. You can see it in Madrid’s famous nightlife , in the sidewalk cafes of Lisboa , and in extravagant festivals from small towns to big cities. There are countless ways to see Spain and Portugal: some choose to search out every Baroque chapel, while others spend weeks trekking on some of Europe’s best trails. For those with time to spare, a trip down to Morocco adds more than a dash of spice to the Iberian experience.
The insatiable frenzy of the Queima das Fitas in Coimbra , Las Fallas in Valencia , the Feria de Abril in Sevilla , and the infamous San Fermín in Pamplona make it difficult to deny the overwhelming exuberance ...more
From traditionally conservative to unconventionally decadent, the buildings and monuments of Iberia form a collage of architectural styles. The remains of ancient civilizations are everywhere—from ...more
Iberia’s best-kept secrets are its sprawling national parks and soaring, snow-covered mountain ranges. Andorra , in the heart of the Pyrenees, has easily accessible glacial valleys, rolling forests, ...more
Iberia’s stunning shores deserve their reputation as Europe’s playground. San Sebastián’s ) calm, voluptuous Playa de la Concha attracts young travelers from around the world, while Santander caters ...more
Nightlife in Spain and Portugal ranges from laid back to debaucherous. With countless bars and clubs and intoxicating energy, Madrid has earned international renown as one of the greatest party cities ...more
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