Top 3 Must-Visit Resorts in Spain and Portugal for 2025

The Iberian Peninsula is gaining attention, with travelers discovering its stunning coastlines, historical cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Porto, and Lisbon, and its delectable seafood cuisine. Moreover, the luxurious accommodations available are also drawing interest.

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites its readers to share their travel experiences from around the world. This includes their opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 readers participated in the 2023 survey, which is nearly a 25 percent increase over pre-pandemic voting levels. Over 685,000 votes were cast across more than 8,500 unique properties, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.

Hotels were categorized as either resort hotel, city hotel, or safari lodge depending on their location and amenities, and were rated based on the following criteria:

• Rooms/facilities
• Location
• Service
• Food
• Value

For each criterion, respondents could select a rating from excellent to poor. The final scores are calculated as averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

The readers of iBestTravel expressed their love for the diverse landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula, favoring hotels situated among its rolling hills and craggy coastlines. The top three hotels chosen by readers underscore one essential trend: the desire for luxurious and tranquil retreats. Notably, two hotels located along the southern coasts of Spain and Portugal made the list, while the second favorite hotel is nestled within the serene landscapes of northern Portugal. It is evident that travelers are seeking a refreshing escape from daily routines, longing for moments of true relaxation. Below are three hotels voted as the best in Spain and Portugal according to the 2023 World’s Best Awards.

The Winner

Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa: Málaga, Spain

Featuring white-washed walls embellished with vibrant flowers and unparalleled ocean views, Finca Cortesin is a reader favorite. This chic resort boasts gracefully swaying palm trees providing shade over each patio, and suites that open onto a magnificent, shimmering swimming pool. However, lounging poolside is just the beginning. Guests can immerse themselves in relaxation at the spa, offering services ranging from oxygenated facials to Ayurvedic massages, or hone their skills on the Cabell B. Robinson-designed golf course. Regardless of how guests choose to enjoy their day, a delightful meal awaits with various dining options showcasing cuisine from Italian to Japanese.

The Full List

1. Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa: Málaga, Spain

Reader Score: 98.26

2. Six Senses Douro Valley: Lamego, Portugal

Reader Score: 95.56

3. Vila Vita Parc: Porches, Portugal

Reader Score: 94.95