14 days in Portugal, Gran Canaria & Tenerife Itinerary

Small in size but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, Portugal features contrasting landscapes that include long beaches, lush vineyards, verdant valleys, and rolling hills dotted with tiny settlements where old traditions still prevail. The country's serene interior, often overlooked by foreigners, remains largely unspoiled by mass tourism and offers visitors a chance to discover this less-trodden part of Europe at their own pace. Ripe for leisurely adventures on foot or by bicycle, Portugal's fertile countryside boasts well-preserved medieval castles and outstanding wineries, producing some of the world's finest ports. The country's cities offer a lively culinary scene known for its many award-winning restaurants, topping the itineraries of foodies from around the globe.

Often described as a "continent in miniature" because of its wildly varied landscapes and climates, Grand Canaria is mostly known for its long coastline where tourism thrives at modern resorts. The island is also a ideal for sightseeing by bike or on foot. A wide range of trails, from easy to challenging, link the island’s picturesque coastline and the quieter inland areas, which are dotted by green ravines and sleepy villages. Savvy travelers explore the island’s ancient but well-preserved cave dwellings, many of which have been turned into small restaurants serving a myriad of local delicacies unlikely to be found on the menu of any big-city eatery.

Tenerife is the largest and most populous of the seven Canary Islands. With its abundance of sun-warmed beaches, deep gorges, dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and lush valleys filled with thriving banana plantations, the island offers an impressive variety of things to do: snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, and cycling. You can even spelunk in the island’s volcanic caves and tunnels, among the largest in the world. Tenerife is also known for its nightlife, attracting thousands of weekend revelers from nearby European countries. The island is highly urbanized, though there are still pockets where visitors can enjoy the distinctive local culture and sightseeing at a slower pace.