Spain And Portugal Strengthen Cross-Border Travel With Landmark Thirteen Million Euro Guadiana Bridge And Two Additional Bridges That Will Open New Routes For International Tourists

Published on December 14, 2025

Spain and Portugal are set to revolutionize cross-border travel with the upcoming Guadiana, Minho, and Erges Bridges, which will significantly enhance accessibility and make road trips between the two countries easier than ever before. These new bridges, especially the Guadiana Bridge, will improve travel connections by providing faster, more convenient routes for tourists, cutting down on travel time and offering direct access to some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of Iberia. This infrastructure development not only boosts tourism but also strengthens regional ties, making these two beloved destinations even more accessible for travelers seeking to explore the best of Southern Europe.

Spain has long been a popular destination for British tourists, with its golden beaches, flavorful tapas, and endless glasses of Sangria making it a top choice. In 2023, over 13 million Brits traveled to Spain, drawn by its unique charm and sunny allure. Whether it’s the cultural sites, scenic coastlines, or delectable cuisine, Spain offers a perfect holiday for many. A major appeal of the country is how easy it is to explore by car, with scenic routes stretching from the sun-kissed beaches to the historical towns inland.

For those with the time to extend their trip, there’s now an exciting new opportunity to cross into Portugal as part of an extended European adventure. Thanks to new plans to build three bridges connecting Spain and Portugal— the New Guadiana, Minho, and Erges Bridges— road trips between these two iconic destinations are set to become even more convenient.

One of the most anticipated projects is the Guadiana Bridge, which will link the Spanish town of Alcoutim with the Portuguese town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana. This bridge, which has already been confirmed, will cost around €13 million (£11.4 million). According to reports, this project marks the beginning of a stronger collaboration between Lisbon and Madrid to improve transportation between the two nations. While the timeline for completion remains unclear, the new bridge promises to simplify the connection between the two regions, with Guadiana being roughly three hours and 20 minutes by car from Madrid and just under three hours from Seville.

In addition to the Guadiana Bridge, there are plans for two more bridges that will further open up access between Spain and Portugal. One of these, the Minho Bridge, will connect La Guardia in Spain with the Portuguese municipality of Caminha. The proposal is still in its early stages, with discussions taking place in technical commissions, but if approved, it will bring more fluid connectivity to the region. The Minho Bridge, once completed, will be another gateway for travelers looking to explore both nations without the hassle of detours or long travel times.

These bridges are not the first to connect the two Iberian nations. The Guadiana International Bridge, which spans from Ayamonte in Spain to Castro Marim in Portugal, has been in operation since 1991. This bridge remains one of the major international crossings between the two countries and is the third-longest bridge in Portugal, measuring 666 meters. For a more unusual and quirky crossing, there’s also the Ponte Internacional do Marco, the world’s smallest international bridge, measuring just six meters long. Located between the Portuguese village of Várzea Grande and the Spanish village of El Marco, this tiny bridge was funded by the European Union and completed in 2008. It’s become a local tourist attraction, with visitors able to walk from one country to another in a matter of minutes.

Bridges between countries aren’t limited to Spain and Portugal. The Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark is another well-known international link. This five-mile bridge, which connects Malmö in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark, was completed in 2000 after five years of construction. The Øresund Bridge significantly shortened the journey between these two Nordic countries, making cross-border travel easier than ever before. Before its opening, travelers had to take a ferry to make the connection.

Elsewhere in Europe, the New Europe Bridge, which opened in 2013, connects Bulgaria and Romania. This bridge spans the Danube River, running between Vidin in Bulgaria and Calafat in Romania. Alongside the Danube Bridge, which has been in operation since 1954, it has facilitated smoother passage for residents and travelers between the two countries. The New Europe Bridge is especially important for enhancing trade and tourism, offering a critical link for both businesses and travelers.

In the UK, the Severn and Prince of Wales Bridges connect England and Wales across the River Severn. These two iconic bridges are vital links for commuters and tourists traveling between the two countries, with the Severn Bridge being the original crossing built in 1966, and the Prince of Wales Bridge completing the connection in 1996. These bridges are essential for both regional travel and commercial trade, allowing for seamless movement between England and Wales.

As Europe continues to expand its transportation networks, the development of new bridges not only provides more options for tourists but also strengthens regional cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange. Whether it’s crossing between Spain and Portugal or making your way through Scandinavia, these bridges are much more than just structures—they are vital lifelines connecting neighboring nations and facilitating easier travel for all. As the new projects in Spain and Portugal near completion, travelers can look forward to smoother, more direct routes through one of Europe’s most scenic and historic regions.