Back

Spain & Portugal

A vibrant tapestry of sun, flavour, and historic splendor

Hola! And Ola!

These two euro neighbours will captivate your heart with the romance of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, the friendly, passionate people, the Mediterranean climate, culinary delights, unique history, architecture and landscapes. Stay in a Paradore in Spain and explore the Mediterranean coastline, then head over the Spanish plains to the mountain chains. Discover wonderful Moorish palaces, castles, heritage sites, Roman ruins and national parks. Join one of their many crazy festivals and learn the flamenco. From Spain, travel through Portugal’s charming medieval towns, past too many castles to count, devouring port wine and Pastel de natas on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Take your pick of sandy beaches, where the sun shines 300 days a year as you wind on down to the exquisite Algarve.

Planning a Spain & Portugal holiday? Connect with one of our Spain & Portugal travel specialists to create your dream holiday today!

Flight time.

Traveling from Auckland to Spain or Portugal takes around 24 hours, typically with a stopover. The journey is long, but the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes make it worth the effort.

Best time to go.

The best times to visit Spain and Portugal are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons provide mild weather, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside.

Time difference.

Spain and Portugal are 10 hours behind New Zealand, so plan for a noticeable time difference.

Our favourite things to do in Spain & Portugal

Step into Gaudi’s world in Barcelona

Wander through the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter early morning before the crowds.

Paella cooking class

Return from Spain with the know-how to whip up a mean Paella.

Tapas like a local

We recommend doing a tapas/pintxos tour as soon as you get to Spain, this will teach you how to eat tapas like a local.

Sail through Portugal’s hidden gem

For a distinctly unique experience cruise the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Take a day trip from Lisbon

Visit the whimsical Pena Palace in Sintra ,Portugal.

Flamenco in Spain or Fado in Portugal

Experience local music and dance!

Walk the Camino

A bucket-list adventure!

Stay in Castles and Palaces

Imagine sleeping in a palace, castle, or a historical monument – that’s what staying at a Parador in Spain or a Pousada in Portugal feels like!

Paella making in Barcelona

Spain

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a renowned pilgrimage journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in the northwest of Spain.

Spain know before you go

From vibrant cities and stunning beaches to delicious cuisine and rich traditions, Spain has something for everyone!

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"very efficient same day response to my request"

Peter and Carol

"Carla is so awesome to engage with. She is always excited & enthusiastic about travel plans & experiences. She is so efficient & a excellent communicator when sorting out travel plans. It makes the journey so much fun & gives confidence to the plans! Thanks Carla."

Linda

"Pete and I both found Suzanne very approachable, informative and listened to us regarding the type of holiday we are looking forward to"

Jennifer

See all reviews

Meet our Spain & Portugal specialists

See all

Danny Hooper

House of Travel Johnsonville

I have been in the travel Industry for 20 years and am convinced that it is the most exciting industry to be a part of.

I still get excited about all things travel and love exploring new and exciting destinations or passing on the knowledge and ideas to customers to ensure they have the most amazing experience on holiday.

Danny

Megan McKay

House of Travel Hornby

I have a passion for all things travel and cannot wait to help ensure you have the best experience possible!

Megan

Christine Duthie

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree