I have always loved street art.

I’m not talking about graffiti tagging that is just marking one’s territory like a stray dog. I’m talking about colorful displays, mostly — but not always — done in spray paint. Public buildings, fences, retaining walls, and sometimes even billboards are the artists’ canvas.

Some places frown on these creative outbursts. It seems Spain and Portugal do very little to discourage the artists, though I’ve been told that it’s technically illegal.

Companies that organize trips in major cities are even making money off of walking tours of street art locations. Save your money. You can walk down any street in any city and enjoy the plein air exhibitions for free.

Here are just a few examples of the art all around in Spain and Portugal.