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Lisbon, Portugal
Fly into Lisbon and pick up your rental car here. Explore the hilly Alfama district, ride Tram 28, and feast on pastel de nata in a local café. Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses are plentiful, keeping accommodation costs low.
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Évora, Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage town just 1.5 hours from Lisbon — perfect for a scenic drive through the Alentejo plains. Visit the eerie Chapel of Bones and the Roman Temple, then try slow-roasted pork 'porco preto' at a local tasca. Very affordable compared to coastal Portugal.
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Seville, Spain
Cross into Spain and drive to Seville — one of Europe's most atmospheric cities. Wander the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, visit the stunning Alcázar palace (book ahead), and enjoy free tapas with every drink at a bar. Street parking outside the city centre is easy with a rental car.
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Granada, Spain
Drive east through Andalusia to Granada, home of the legendary Alhambra palace — book tickets well in advance as they sell out fast. The Albaicín neighbourhood offers stunning hilltop views and incredibly cheap tapas culture. Accommodation is affordable and the vibe is lively and bohemian.
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Málaga, Spain
End your road trip at the sunny coastal city of Málaga — Picasso's birthplace — before dropping off the car and flying home. Stroll the port promenade, visit the free Picasso Museum courtyard, and enjoy fresh seafood at Mercado Central de Atarazanas. Flights home from Málaga Airport are typically very affordable across Europe.