Iberia

Eco-friendly travel guide to Iberia advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Iberia, Europe.

Azores, Portugal

Air quality: 3.0 - 4.0 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 - 4.0 / 5

Train connections: 3.0 - 4.0 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.0 - 4.0 / 5

National parks: 3.5 - 4.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.5 - 5.0 / 5

Locals' English level: 2.5 - 4.0 / 5

Safety: 2.5 - 4.0 / 5

Accommodation: US$30 - $1000

Budget per day: US$40 - $1400

Responsible Travel

Iberia which is formally known as the Iberian peninsula is an area which covers over half a million square kilometres and it has a population of over 50 million people. The region includes the country of Spain and Portugal in their entirety. In addition to this, Gibraltar (which is British Overseas Territory), Andorra, and the South of France are also part of the Iberian peninsula. After the Scandinavian peninsula, Iberia is the second largest on the continent of Europe. Spain and Portugal collectively make up 99.8% of the total area of Iberia out of which Spain is the largest single area in Iberia constituting 84.5% of the total landmass. Collectively these countries are known to be quite developed. However, there is yet plenty of scope and the continuous increase in population along with the burden of tourism can hamper the environment and lead to the abuse of its resources. Hence, as a tourist, there is plenty of responsibility on you to ensure that the Iberian peninsula is not affected by your actions while taking a trip. Thus, given below are a few tips and tricks to ensure that you are a ‘responsible tourist’ at all times.

As a voyager, you can start your eco-friendly travel by using public transportation. The region's huge number of its 50 million inhabitants are known to use the public transportation reliably, not solely is it monetarily insightful, it is much greener as it lessens the carbon impression of each individual while travelling altogether. An impressive part of the particular public transportation modes are alluded to be eco-friendly as they either use electricity or run or hybrid types of energy.

On the similar lines, it is recommended that you travel eco-friendly by supporting the local businesses, such as the food business, the other close by undertakings are going up against serious competition from brands and mega-corporations. These can be discovered playing in basically all fields, most surprisingly in fundamental food products, meat, clothing and electronics. If you are wanting to make purchases, head to more humble shops around, they will provide you with incredible help just as familiarize you with a massive stock of things that aren't mass conveyed or prepared to proceed for sale onto the web.

Another strategy by which you can travel eco-friendly in the region is by eating local food. As an eco-accommodating explorer you should endeavour to value the local food past what many would think about conceivable, not only will you experience substantial Spanish, Portuguese and French cooking yet you will moreover help the local food industry prosper.

All in all, it is suggested that you as an eco-accommodating explorer, endeavour to restrict your impact on the environment during a trip to the Iberian peninsula. In this manner, the key step that you can take is to ensure eco-friendly travel by booking your stay at an eco-friendly/green hotel. Fortunately, in light of the rising care about this, critical metropolitan networks over the globe have seen various such hotels jumping up, Iberia additionally is keeping up and has an enormous gathering of such lodgings, more bits of knowledge concerning which are given through the course of this article, so read on to know more.

Air Quality and Pollution

The Iberian peninsula has two predominant climatic types. One of these is the ocean climatic environment found in the Atlantic waterfront area coming about in uniformly temperatures with generally cool summers. Nonetheless, the greater part of Portugal and Spain have a Mediterranean environment with different precipitation and temperatures relying upon scope and position versus the ocean. In the Spanish and Portuguese centre, the hottest temperatures in Europe are found, with Córdoba averaging around 37 °C (99 °F) in July. The Spanish Mediterranean coast for the most part midpoints around 30 °C (86 °F) in summer. In sharp differentiation, A Coruña at the northern tip of Galicia has a mid-year daytime high normal at just under 23 °C (73 °F). This cool and wet summer environment is reproduced all through a large portion of the northern coastline. Winter temperatures are more steady all through the peninsula, in spite of the fact that ices are regular in the Spanish inside, despite the fact that daytime highs are generally over the edge of freezing over. In Portugal, the hottest winters of the nation are found in the region of Algarve, very much like the ones from Huelva in Spain, while the greater part of the Portuguese Atlantic coast has cold, refreshing and muggy winters, like Galicia. Hence, as a tourist, you just need to pack your bag according to the season in which you are visiting.

Part of the Iberian Peninsula is hilly and rough, with the Pyrenees making a characteristic line among Spain and France. The peninsula is likewise home to mainland Spain's most noteworthy mountain top, Mulhacén. Parts of Spain and Portugal are likewise portrayed by level fields, and Spain even has some desert zones. Sun-soaked seaside territories characterise the peninsula's south. Probably the most evolved resort territories can be found in Portugal's Algarve area, just as Spain's Costa del Sol (Sun Coast).

Away from rugged territories, the Iberian Peninsula's environment is overwhelmingly Mediterranean—with mellow, now and then wet winters, and sweltering, dry summers. The environment along Portugal and Spain's Atlantic coastlines offers cooler summers. Precipitation is likewise more incessant along the Atlantic. In inland territories, the environment is more mainland, described by cooler winters.

The Iberian peninsula is renowned for its good air quality and though major cities in Spain and Portugal are battling higher levels of air pollution, it is nowhere as close to the severe air pollution that one can see in Asian cities. A few pockets which cater to the local mining industry are also suffering from poor air quality. But, as a tourist, for almost more than 90% of the cities that you may visit on your trip to the Iberian peninsula, you shall not find any sort of need to wear protective gears. The air is fresh and crisp, often one may even refer to it as refreshing and rejuvenating. Only those tourists who have pre-existing breathing-related ailments need to carry their medications while touring the Iberian peninsula.

Respect the Culture

Considering how almost 85% of the area of the Iberian peninsula is the country of Spain essentially one can simply believe that the culture, the traits and the mannerisms of most of the local individuals shall lean towards the Spanish way of life. This comes along with a touch of Portuguese pride and heritage. Hence, given below are a few ways in which you, as a tourist, can respect the culture and please the local people into believing that you truly are the ‘ideal tourist’.

When someone greets you or you meet with a local individual, you should vigorously welcome the other individual, regardless of whether that individual is a man or lady. As the locale is a fairly moderate and held country, over-rich conduct in guests can be viewed as discourteous. Welcome ought to be formal and deferential, and formal titles, for example, Senhor and Senhora ought to consistently be utilized except if you have been explicitly welcome to utilize first names. It's standard to warmly greet individuals you don't know well, and with closer companions, it's typical for men to embrace and for women to kiss on each cheek, from option to left. Never contact, embrace or back slap a Spaniard you don't know well, besides a neighbourly Spaniard contacts you first. While saying goodbye, one should shake hands once more.

Precisely when one is welcome to someone's home, it is conventional to bring fairly present for the lady. The blessing ought to be a great deal of wrapping. Different enhancements to bring to a lady are cakes from a local cake shop. Bouquets are moreover an inconceivable option yet one should avoid chrysanthemums as they are the picture of death. These blooms are most comprehensively used in remembrance administrations. Phenomenal chocolates wrapped well are likewise a reasonable decision. One can correspondingly bring a bottle of wine.

Notwithstanding everything, appearance is fundamental to the local public. For accommodating events, they like to dress immaculately. They are likely the most lavishly and by and generally moderate in dressing in Europe. Outsiders should know this, considering the way that different untouchables will as a rule dress calmly in their own nations. In Iberia, there is nothing of the sort as agreeable Fridays when Americans in business and occupants a few unique nations are permitted to dress casually for work on Fridays. An outcast who needs to set up a reasonable relationship in Iberia will attempt to show extraordinary nature regarding dressing. Take the necessary steps not to try to stand apart by utilizing lofty tones. You will misunderstand a particular thought. Staggering shoes are basic here except if you are at the beach. Shorts are not worn obvious to everyone by men or ladies, besides if one is at a coastline resort, and it is during the day. Subsequently, you are proposed to dress well to affect the responses of the local people.

To be a good vacationer in the region, you need to rehearse authority over your non-verbal correspondence and your signs. Do whatever it takes not to get into warmed discussions and fights as the locals are hot-blooded and many grumble quickly, particularly in topics of discussion that are close to their heart, for instance, country, religion, legislative issues, sports, several something different. Chatting is the most worshipped way most Spanish put their free energy in. The most venerated subjects of discussion are family. They may get some information about your family. On the off chance that you have some issue with any of your relatives, don't make reference to it. It is ideal to keep your family surrenders covered. The locals have close family ties and may not value your uneasiness. Another remarkable feature talk about is food. The Iberians are specialists in food, so go crazy discussing local dishes and drinks.

Pride and opportunity are essentially respected, as are character and raising. Humility is respected over emphatics. Flaunting prevalence, information and wealth aren't esteemed. Demonstrating respect in the subtlest of ways is a huge point here, particularly to the matured individuals in Iberia, who are a working piece of society and are ceaselessly indicated regard and inclination. Their youngsters present to them all wrapped up. There are barely any retirement homes in Spain and family is the primary concern for individuals.

By following most of the above tips, you will be seen as a loveable and respectful vacationer, people will similarly pause for a minute cherishing you and you won't have to pressure striking an affiliation. Just endeavour to keep things as energetic and upbeat as could truly be considered typical, the rest will fall set up with some music, conversation, and standard society related references.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Being one of the most sought after regions in Europe, Iberia does have some truly interesting places for you to visit as a tourist. These major cities are a true reflection of the local culture and traditions, hence, given below is a list of the top 10 places that you shall be mesmerised by on your trip to Iberia:

Barcelona: Barcelona is the second-biggest city in Spain. Found in the Catalunya area of Spain, Barcelona offers the ideal blend of culture and history inside a cutting edge cosmopolitan city. Bars and clubs line the roads and music is played until the early hours. Head to Barcelona on the off chance that you need a party, without a doubt! The nightlife in Barcelona is phenomenal and remember crafted by Gaudi. Brilliant, beautiful, and noteworthy Barcelona is past photogenic and gives truly amazing city vistas any place you turn! Home to the popular Barcelona FC, football fans rush to Barcelona's Camp Nou to watch the Barça young men do something amazing for the field.

Porto: The northwestern city of Porto is Portugal's second-biggest city. This beachfront city is known for its port wine, the Dom Luís I Bridge (which has metalwork suggestive of the Eiffel Tower), and its flawlessly worn structures, some of which are clad in shocking blue-and-white tiles called azulejos. The Ribeira is Porto's most unique region. Packed with diners, memorable temples, and inconceivable perspectives on the Douro River, it is a delight to explore. The region's riverside promenade is entirely appropriate for people-watching: You can see gatherings of conventional understudy artists (called fishes) performing, and talk with merchants selling weaved materials, keepsake estimated jugs of port, and handbags and ties made of rubber. (Portugal is one of the world's biggest rubber makers.) In Vila Nova de Gaia, across the waterway from Ribeira, various wine lodges offer the opportunity to taste and purchase port wine. Porto is likewise getting increasingly more known for its gastronomic contributions, with upscale cafés and humble bars presenting something for each sense of taste.

Toledo: Known as the "City of Three Cultures" since it was once home to a flourishing Christian, Muslim, and Jewish populace, Toledo plays host to a house of prayer of immeasurable scope, a tenth-century mosque, and two amazing gathering places. In the event that you'd prefer to see a greater amount of El Greco's work, including strict artistic creations and his commended material portraying the city of Toledo itself, make certain to make a beeline for the El Greco Museum (Museo del Greco). Toledo's two synagogues are additionally certainly justified regardless of a visit. Toledo has likewise since quite a while ago been a well-known sword making focus, because of its solid steel and skilled metalworkers. In case you're on the lookout for a gift blade, or maybe a kitchen knife, you'll be confused about making a decision, as Toledo's shops are overflowing with steel keepsakes. Furthermore, it's not fine and dandy cooking extras that make Toledo a culinary heaven, in light of the fact that the city is likewise known for its saffron, its fine marzipan, and Manchego. Toledo is a mainstream road trip for tourists visiting Madrid, as it is just 45 miles away. Other transport means also connect the two urban areas.

Granada: In case you're searching for a calmer yet exceptionally real Spanish experience look no farther than Granada. This laid back city brags amazing perspectives the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Neglected by the snow-covered pinnacles of the superb Sierra Nevada, Granada is home to an exuberant understudy populace, diners doling out free tapas, and radiant remainders of its Moorish past. You can without much of a stretch fill a whole day exploring the Alhambra's superb grounds, which likewise incorporate the Generalife, the peaceful summer resort of the rulers who developed the Alhambra. Take a road trip from the city and meander aimlessly through the lower regions of the Sierra Nevada mountains and take in some new spotless air. Head back to the city for a late evening nap prior to taking off on the town!

Sintra: A living fantasy itself, there's no lack of motivation for minds like Andersen's. Found roughly 30 kilometres from Lisbon, getting to Sintra is simple and makes an extraordinary road trip, however, you may favour a few days to see everything in detail. From the sentimental nineteenth-century Pena Palace to the impeccable Monserrate Palace and archaic Castle of the Moors, the city will overpower the faculties and transport psyches to anecdotal destinations like Camelot or Westeros.

Madrid: For admirers of compelling artwork, Madrid is an unquestionable requirement. Home to The Prado which is loaded up with tremendous works that go back to the twelfth century it is not difficult to perceive any reason why art devotees from across the globe run to Madrid to get their social fix. With sumptuous drinking fountains and sweeping greenery, the park is an incredible spot to get away from Madrid's occupied and clamouring downtown area. The Buen Retiro Park is a mainstream objective for tourists and locals the same. With sumptuous drinking fountains and extensive greenery, the park is an extraordinary spot to get away from Madrid's occupied and clamouring downtown area.

Lisbon: The capital keeps on sitting at the highest point of tourist plans and itineraries, and guests ordinarily can hardly wait to dive into legitimate pasteis de nata, attempt one of the numerous bacalhau dishes, and explore the Portuguese calçadas (customary mosaic walkways). In spite of the blast in the travel industry, this keeps on being a city that can be explored on a tight spending plan is as yet one of the most serene and reasonable capitals in Europe. Guests can envision winding, narrow streets, and marvellous points of attractions; strolling around at night is additionally a treat. In Alfama, divine smells and contemplative songs (known as fado) float from comfortable eateries that line the narrow, cobblestone maze of roads. Try not to miss Chiado, the popular locale with the oldest book shop on the planet, or boho-stylish Bairro Alto, which comes alive at night. Incredible climate and a lot of daylight imply there will never be a terrible opportunity to visit Lisbon.

Valencia: Valencia is home to the Mediterranean side of Spain. This dynamic city is home to a plenitude of culture and art. It has its own International air terminal that flies to other European objections and homegrown flights as well. Valencia is viewed as the City of Arts and Sciences and is home to some amazing and advanced structures like the oceanarium and planetarium and the interactive museum. As it is situated on the coast Valencia flaunts some excellent beaches. Throughout the late spring months, these waterfront patches load up with tourists however with warm climate running long into the fall months Valencia can be appreciated all year.

Serra da Estrela: This destination is somewhat harder to get to, yet definitely justified even despite the effort. Portugal isn't all beaches, and Serra da Estrela is home to the most elevated mountain top in mainland Portugal (the most noteworthy in all of Portugal is Pico Island, Azores). Nature-sweethearts should observe in light of the fact that the distant mountain scope of Serra da Estrela has a lot to see and do, and is the lone spot to go skiing in winter.

Andorra la Vella: Roosted high in the eastern Pyrenees, Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is this little country's busiest vacation destination. At a height of 1,029 meters, it's one of the world's most noteworthy capital urban areas. It's additionally one of the littlest, as well, with a populace of under 23,000 individuals. Directing the Gran Valira stream under the east side of the 2,317-meter Pic d'Enclar mountain, the city's central avenue is fixed with shops offering everything from trinkets to local arts and artworks and extravagance merchandise. The road likewise flaunts numerous fine exhibitions, bistros, and cafés, just as a number of magnificent inns.

Andorra la Vella

Explore

Iberia is one of the most scenic regions in the world and it comes as no major surprise that there are plenty of exotic locations for a tourist to explore here. Hence, given in the sections below are a few different options worth considering.

City Parks

The Gulbenkian Gardens, Lisbon: This is one of the most acclaimed and generally known parks in Lisbon is home to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the Center of Modern Art. The Gulbenkian Gardens are one of the most socially situated gardens in Lisbon, as it not just shows sculptural works by both local and international artists that are dispersed all through the gardens yet additionally consistently includes arts occasions, for example, book readings. The Gulbenkian Gardens likewise incorporate an outside auditorium that highlights outstanding current, just as chronicled, theatre creations.

Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona: A water fountain assumes a noticeable part at this focal Barcelona park too where life is nevertheless a fantasy, with a wellspring planned by Antoni Gaudi. Look at the griffins standing gatekeeper, a special finish from the praised modeller, at that point a youthful, to a great extent obscure amount working under Josep Fontsère. The stronghold from which this park takes its name was worked by the Bourbon lord, Felip V, and was subsequently utilized as a prison, chiefly for political prisoners.

The Gulbenkian Gardens

National Parks

Doñana, Andalusia: Arranged in the Andalusian territories of Sevilla and Huelva, Doñana is one of the main environments in Spain and covers a territory of 543 kilometres squared. It is situated at the delta of the River Guadalquivir and is described by wetlands, streams, bogs, and sand ridges. Natural life species that call the park home incorporate mongooses, badgers, red and decrepit deer, wild hog, and Iberian lynx. Bird watchers are in for a treat as the park is likewise home to numerous European and African migratory birds which include the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park: One of the most famous vacationer locations in Portugal, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park contains a number of astonishing attractions that will enchant and shock any fortunate guest. While the general Serra de Sintra Mountain Range is stupendous, the park is essentially known for its amazing verifiable locales. Nature lovers will likewise adore the fabulous park for the different scenes on show. For a flawless view out over the Atlantic, guests should make a beeline for the Cabo da Roca which towers far over the virus waters beneath. The beachfront town of Azenhas do Mar likewise has phenomenal perspectives as it is roosted directly on a precipice over the sea. Basically amazing to visit, Sintra-Cascais Natural Park has a very sizeable amount of fantastic sights to fill a long period of revelation.

Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Beaches

Playa De Silencio, Asturias: Playa de Silencio, or "The Beach of Silence", is one of the most excellent beaches in Spain. Enhanced by silver sand, and normal stone developments, its fantastic shoreline has been proclaimed as a landmark, and subsequently, is totally virgin. Because of this rough territory, this beach isn't excessively useful for a plunge however one can appreciate a walk around its immaculate sand, or loll in the radiant climate in the midst of the peaceful environmental factors.

Praia de Benagil, Benagil: Portugal's blockbuster beach site, Benagil is popular for its mind-blowing ocean caverns. The actual beach is a wedge of white sand stuck between noteworthy precipices. From the beach, you can go on a boat outing to the beach-in-a-cavern which has an exceptional opening in its rooftop. The beach is reachable via a precarious street from the little fishing town of Benagil which is likewise a famous spot for precipice bouncing and climbing.

Playa De Silencio

Landmarks

La Sagrada Familia and other sites by Gaudi: Antoni Gaudi took the structural style known as Art Nouveau above and beyond, even, some have contended, into idiocy. The whimsical and unbelievable structures he made in Barcelona have become milestones, the mark attractions of this Catalan city. Preeminent is The Sagrada Família church, formally the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família or the Holy Family Church of the Atonement. One of Europe's most unusual chapels, it is additionally incomplete, so as you peer down from its pinnacle, you can see the work in improvement beneath. You may look to no end for outright straight lines in Gaudi's Casa Milà, his last and most celebrated mainstream work; it takes after a piece of figure in excess of a useful structure. Make certain to climb to its rooftop the chimney stacks are said to have motivated the picture of Darth Vader from Star Wars. Parc Güell sits above the city from a slope, the perspectives and gardens outlined by fantastical animals such as lizards, fish, an octopus and plans in brilliant clay chard mosaics. A whimsical transcended house close to the passage is to a great extent canvassed in shaded pottery. In contrast to most structures, Gaudi's allure even to children and to grown-ups who couldn't care less engineering, for one basic explanation they are downright enjoyable to take a gander at.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: Belém is inseparable from Portugal's brilliant Age of Discovery. It's from the shores of this Lisbon suburb that fearless guides set sail in the fifteenth and sixteenth hundreds of years on long and unsafe journeys to chart obscure waters and guide new regions. One such sailor, Vasco da Gama, found the ocean course to India in 1498 and to respect his accomplishment, King Manuel I commissioned a landmark that turned into an enduring image of the nation's amazing period of triumph and extension. Today, the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is one of the nation's generally appreciated and adored structures and is an unquestionable requirement on each traveller's plan. The congregation and cloister encapsulate the soul of the age, and highlight probably the best instances of Manueline engineering discovered anyplace in Portugal; the perfectly adorned improvement found on the South Portal is amazing. Inside, the excellent house is similarly abundant. Fittingly, the congregation houses the burial chamber of Vasco da Gama and other national nonentities, including Luís de Camões, Portugal's most prominent artist and writer of the disclosures.

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Museums

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya: Catalonia’s National Art Museum isn't only an exacting castle, it's additionally a sanctum to history, culture, and the soul of a district and individuals. MNAC has the best assortment of Romanesque frescoes and reverential model on the planet, generally safeguarded from abandoned sanctuaries in the Pyrenees. Taking the delicate frescoes off disintegrating dividers, building upholds for them in similar mind-boggling shapes as the spaces they came from (vaults, curves, windows), and rehanging them was an amazing accomplishment of reclamation. As you stroll through and look in stand amazed at the remarkable scope of art, including styles, for example, Romanesque, Gothic, and Modernist, make certain to pause for a minute to consider what the assortment addresses on a more full-scale level

National Museum of Ancient Art: This museum includes an immense assortment of artworks. As you stroll through the museum you will see works of art, models, materials, furniture, drawings, and other brightening arts holding tight the dividers. It has been discovered that these extraordinary pieces go back to the time from the fifteenth and nineteenth hundreds of years. Here, you will locate an immense effect on the European and Asian art and culture all through the spot. Give unique consideration to the huge boards portraying individuals from archaic Portuguese society offering appreciation to St. Vincent, the supporter holy person of Lisbon. This work addresses one of the primary aggregate portraits in European art and is credited to one of the most recharged artists of his time artist Nuno Goncalves.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

Eat

In case you're a food and wine fanatic, the Iberian Peninsula is unquestionably the spot for you. The variety found in Spain and Portugal converts into a lively territorial culinary scene, with freedoms to taste phenomenal food and wine for all tourists. In a country as tremendous and diverse as Spain, there's nothing of the sort as "Spanish food." Each locale has totally different flavours and cooking strategies, which are a particular result of the region and its social trades since forever. Now and again, provincial foods stretch out past a nation's boundaries. One illustration of this is Catalan food, which is discovered not just in the northern Spanish locale of Catalunya yet additionally in Andorra and the Roussillon, a Catalan-talking district in southern France. Catalan cooking depends both on Mediterranean fixings, for example, fish and new vegetables and on items commonplace of the Pyrenees, as restored pork and vegetables. Probably the most mainstream Catalan dishes are escalivada (smoky flame-broiled vegetables), embotits (relieved pork items) like fuet or longanitsa, barbecued fish, and meat stews. Further south in Andalusia, the food is affected by hundreds of years of successes and social trades. The most well-known tidbit is pescaito frito, which is said to have propelled English fish and chips. Overall, as a tourist, you can enjoy a good mix of Portuguese and Spanish cooking so plan your culinary journey well!

Drink

The entire Iberian peninsula is solely known for its wines when it comes to drinks and beverages. Winemaking in the Iberian Peninsula is emphatically affected by the climate and the terroir–the synthesis of the dirt where grapes are developed which is instrumental in loaning interesting flavours. The Mediterranean bank of Catalunya is notable for its cava, a sparkling wine that has no motivation to begrudge the better-known (and significantly more costly) French champagne. The biggest and most acclaimed wine district in Spain is La Rioja, a locale in north-focal Spain along the Ebro River. La Rioja is notable for its reds, which brag a mix of ready foods grown from the ground flavours, with Tempranillo as a base for most mixes and Viura utilized as a base for Riojan red wines. Portugal is most popular for its vinho verde and port wine. The first is made in the Minho area in the furthest north of the country. Its name interprets as "green wine," which alludes to the way that the grapes utilized in its creation are youthful and somewhat underripe. The outcome is a light, new, and somewhat sparkling wine, which gives the ideal backup to Portuguese fish fortes. Port wine's grapes are filled in the Douro Region, which has a novel microclimate and schist-rich soil. It's a sustained wine, acquired by adding grape soul to stop maturation while boosting liquor content, leaving remaining sugar that loans this wine its unmistakable sweet flavour. Following this cycle, the wine is put away for additional maturing and kept in wineries known as port cabins or houses.

Tap-water

The tap water that is available in the Iberian peninsula is known to be very safe to consume. As a tourist though you may have a few issues with the quality and the taste of the water. While that may not affect you much it may not be a very pleasant experience for some who hail from different parts of the world. Thus, for those who are particular about taste and quality, it is better to stick to bottled mineral water while for the rest the tap water is perfectly fine.

Activities

The Iberian peninsula is geographically diverse and as a result of this, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to activities. As a tourist, you could enjoy your trip by lounging on beaches or taking a dip in the ocean or you could spend some time skiing in the mountains. Hiking is another option and enjoying water sports such as kayaking is also possible here. Just pick a part of the Iberian peninsula to visit that allows you access to activities of your choice and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Accommodation

Being one of the most visited destinations in the world, the Iberian peninsula surely does offer tourists a variety of accommodation options to choose from. These vary right from luxury to budget depending upon the needs and wants of the tourist. Hence, given in the sections below are more details about the different types of accommodations you could check-into.

Green Hotels

Some of the best eco-friendly hotels in the Iberian peninsula that are worth living in are:

Hotel Fuerte El Rompido
Mas Salagros Eco resort & AIRE Ancient Baths 5
Quinta da Bouça d’Arques
Puebloastur Eco-resort rural & Spa
Casas do Côro
Hotel Son Bernadinet
Casa da Cisterna
Hotel Spa Reserva del Saja
Casa das Penhas Douradas

Hostels and Guest Houses

Some of the best hostels to enjoy a comfortable stay in the Iberian peninsula along with decent amenities, low costs, and great company are listed below:

PILOT Design Hostel & Bar
Most Art Boutique Hostel
Aveiro Rossio Hostel
Sol a Sol Hostel
Sunset Destination Hostel
Makuto Backpackers
Sungate One
Bed & Bike
Home Youth Hostel

Apartments

Renting apartments on your outing to the region is a good decision if you lean toward them over lodgings for their significant addition to your privacy or on the off chance that you have two or three friends going with you. Unmistakably, Airbnb is well known here along with two or three other practically identical applications and sites.

Couchsurfing

CouchSurfing in the region is incredibly mainstream, most youthful grown-ups make their ways for welcome individuals from different nations to come and remain at their lodging. As a traveller, you can discover reasonable hosts on different online stages and once you do get one, ensure you be helpful at home, strike a veritable interface and reimburse the hospitality with a little badge of appreciation.

Camping

The Iberian peninsula truly offers some incredible views. These serve to be some exceptional campsites and thus, as a tourist you could explore some of the options listed below:

Camping Beira-Marvao Alentejo
Camping La Bella Vista
Camping Asseiceira
Camping Pueblo Blanco
Càmping Valira

Regions

Andorra
A tiny land-locked country in the Pyrenees mountains, popular for skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and shopping all year long.

Portugal (including Azores and Madeira)
This stunning country is bordered by Spain and the picturesque Atlantic Ocean.

Spain (including Canary Islands)
This country is one of Europe's best loved destinations for holidays and living : the culture, nightlife, beaches and history all give human beauty to a country that has so much natural beauty.

Dependencies

Gibraltar
Britain's stronghold on the Spanish coast since before the days of Napoleon.

Cities

Gibraltar
Britain's stronghold on the Spanish coast since before the days of Napoleon.

Barcelona - Gaudi's home and the capital of Catalonia.
Bilbao - On Spain's northern coast, this is one part of Spain which has 4 definite seasons.
Braga - In northern Portugal.
Lisbon - Portugal's capital and most beautiful city. Situated within a natural harbour, perfect for a city break.
Madrid - Spain's imperialistic capital in the centre of the Spanish mainland. Madrid has plenty to offer the common visitor for however long they have to spend .
Porto - On Portugal's northern coast, it was here that voyagers left to explore Africa and India.
Seville - One of Spain's most southerly cities, Seville is the home of explorers who found the Americas.
Valencia - Culturally amazing, Valencia is dynamic and changing, with beautiful beaches.
Zaragoza - This is the capital of Spain's region of Aragon.

Getting There and Moving Around

Reaching the Iberian peninsula is mightily convenient considering how it is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. Given in the sections below are more details about the same, so peruse on.

Air

Reaching the Iberian peninsula via air is very easy, most of the major destinations and key cities are well connected by regular flights to almost all the destinations in the world. Just pick an airline of your choice and book tickets to your destination or to the nearest airport.

Madrid-Barajas International Airport

Bus

Some truly amazing bus routes shall connect you to the Iberian peninsula. Government-run buses and private operator handles buses both shall get you to your destination and you can choose the bus you wish to travel in depending upon your schedule, the need of amenities, budget and so forth.

Bus in Andorra

Train

Both the major countries in Iberia, Spain and Portugal are known to have a good rail service. As a tourist, you can book a ticket and truly explore the beautiful destinations around, a few on the high speed rail lines as well.

Train in Lisbon

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Iberia is a decent plan considering many of the local people are friendly and are likely to give you a ride. However, one must take into consideration the risks of being an outsider and being mugged or looted. Thus, it is advisable that you restrict hitchhiking to the daytime and always share details of your die and your host with a known local or a trustworthy person overseas. Beyond this, be nice to your host, respect the rules of the car, make small talk, and perhaps even pay back the favour by buying a meal or a coffee.

Others

Beyond the above means of transportation, as a tourist you can consider renting a vehicle and driving down yourself to Iberia. Also, you can explore the waterways and make your way to Iberia via boat, ships or cruise.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is incredibly basic if you wish to be an eco-accommodating explorer. Everything of clothing or additional you purchase assembles your carbon impression fundamentally, so supporting close by associations and businesses will help you with adding to the battle against corporations that misuse the planet and its basic assets for voracity.

Recycling

Recycling in Iberia is known to be quite decent. While major countries such as Spain and Portugal are doing a good job, there are certain pockets that aren’t yet upto the mark. Yet one can certainly count Iberia to be a good recycling region, efficiently handling more than half of the waste generated, especially plastics, metals and glass.

Waste

Waste collection and handling across Iberia is good with different colour coding schemes for segregation of waste and high levels of awareness amongst citizens making it easier for recycling and compositing of waste.

Work and Study Abroad

Working and studying in Iberia is a good opportunity. Spain and Portugal truly offer some of the best institutes and firms to learn and work at respectively.

Exchange Student

Being an exchange student in Iberia is great, there are plenty of renowned universities for you to enrol to. Additionally, the governments also offer grants and exchange programmes.

Au Pair

Being an Au Pair in Iberia is a good option for young individuals. There are plenty of listings on different websites, just choose one that appeals to you, contact the host, answer the questions satisfactorily and consider yourself hired.

Volunteering

Volunteering in Iberia is a good way to give back to society, especially one which does need help on quite a few fronts, whether it is ocean cleanups, to teaching underprivileged children, or even helping recovering drug addicts.