'Famous for a reason': Travel expert's must-do things in Spain and Portugal

If you watched Travel Guides this week, you would have seen them take in the amazing sights and sounds of Portugal and Spain.

To get a first-hand experience of what it was like off-screen, 9Travel caught up with Insight Vacations' Travel Director, Betty Griffith, who acted as the Travel Guides' tour guide.

Betty says filming with the Travel Guides was like something out of a comedy.

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"The boys were trying their best to get things moving, and the moment their backs were turned, the pigs would casually appear, as if they'd been waiting for just the right moment," she recalls.

Betty has worked as a Travel Director, guiding tours across the globe, for 27 years, so it's safe to say she really knows her stuff.

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She currently leads the Best of Spain and Portugal tour, and her absolute favourite part of the trip is the fact that they get to dine with locals.

Another highlight? "I can't stop thinking about our paella demonstration. Chef Lorenzo showed us how to make Valencian paella (chicken and rabbit), and when it is ready, it's our highlight meal."

We picked her brain on the best things to do in Spain and Portugal.

Best things to do in Spain

Betty says that even though the classic sites are typically pretty tourist-heavy, first-timers should still visit them: '"They're famous for a reason!"

"In Spain, Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia and La Rambla are essential," she says.

"A visit to Toledo and a flamenco show? Absolutely. Valencia's Turia Gardens are perfect for a bike ride, and if you're feeling adventurous, Buñol's La Tomatina Festival is unforgettable."

In Seville, she says you can't miss the Alcázar or the incredible tapas scene. 

Best things to do in Portugal

Riding Tram 28 through Lisbon, exploring Belém, and taking in São Jorge Castle are all must-dos, Betty says. Porto's wine culture and the Dom Luís I Bridge should definitely be on the list, too.

"And of course, you haven't truly experienced Portugal until you've had a fresh pastéis de nata," she says.

On her tours, Betty takes travellers to Pasteis de Belem, a 200-year old bakery with a secret recipe.

"Algarve's beaches and the Benagil Caves are stunning, and the Portuguese Palace – Queluz is straight out of a fairy tale," she shares.

"With so much to see, the key is striking the right balance," Betty says, "taking in the iconic sights while leaving room for spontaneity. That's what makes a trip truly unforgettable."

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Group trips vs. solo travel

Betty says while solo travel has its perks, joining a group tour takes the stress out of planning.

The itinerary is already crafted, "so you're guaranteed to see the best of each destination without spending hours researching". Plus, hotels, transport, and entry tickets are all sorted ahead of time.

"And let's not forget the social side. Travelling with like-minded people means instant camaraderie, shared moments, and lasting friendships."

"There's something about experiencing a flamenco performance in Spain or tasting port wine in Portugal with a great group that makes it even more memorable," she shares.

Best time to travel to Spain

Spain is a great travel destination year-round, it just depends on what kind of holiday you want.

For general sightseeing, the best time to travel to Spain is in late spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and prices are lower than peak summer.

If you want hot weather for the beaches, then June to August is the best time - and if you want to ski, consider visiting in January or February.

Best time to travel to Portugal

Given they're right next to each other, Portugal and Spain have the same climate.

Again, aim to visit in the shoulder seasons (April to June or September/October) if you want to avoid crowds but still experience nice weather.