At the western end of Europe, Portugal has a long history of exploration as well as beautiful countryside, gorgeous beaches, and fun cities. And in the Costa Brava region up the coast from Barcelona, even more gorgeous trails have great views of the landscapes and Mediterranean Sea. I dont know if it is still the case, but we were told to speak English, not Spanish, in Portugal if we couldnt speak Portugese. Barcelona has moderate winters but can be fairly hot (and sometimes humid) during the summer. (Not that it ever hurts to at least have a nice view while hitting the books of course :)). In Portugal, many people enjoy the theater, adventure travel, and history and culture that this vibrant destination offers. You can't go wrong with any of them. You can find a fairly equal amount of watersports in both Spain and Portugal. It really depends on the age, but a lot of Portuguese people are quite liberal. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people come for the beaches. InLisbon you can tune into the 21st century throughstreet art and at dockland design hubLX Factory. Many British people vacation there (also Brits go to Spain as well, but you find many more Germans in Spain). Once you're in Spain or Portugal, it's quite easy to get to the other country, too. But perhaps the true star of Spains food scene is elegant San Sebastin, where pintxos (bite-sized meals) are the order of the day, and where youll find the most Michelin-starred restaurants per inhabitant of any city in Europe. (Hint: its not just because of the great weather although that does help). In my opinion, $29, Barcelona: Private Transfer to/from Barcelona Airport (BCN):
Lisbon and Porto are the largest cities in Portugal, and they each offer a unique atmosphere and vibe. Additionally, other cities such as Toledo, the towns in Catalonia, Granada, and Seville attract many visitors. Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities and most popular places to visit. Yes! Taiwan. We met. However, personally, I rate Spain as the supreme of the two countries for various reasons. The national transportation system makes getting around easy and affordable, too. Barcelona is the hub of the Catalan region with its own unique culture, and the southern areas have a deep historic relationship with Moorish culture, too. Once in a city, the local transit systems are excellent at reaching most places quickly. G Adventures offers a tour that covers both Spain and Portugal at an affordable price over 10 days, plus longer tours, too. Lisbon and Porto are thriving cities with an active nightlife scene, museums, historic cathedrals, and terrific cuisine. They will go out of their way to help. In some areas of the Atlantic coast, you can find some of the largest waves in the world. Stay flexible. The late dinner hour is a problem for me (sleep issues, and I'm not supposed to have caffeine), but it appears to work for the locals. Furthermore, the Azores and Madeira Islands are part Portugal, too, and offer even more terrific beach resort areas. Typical tapas dishes include potatoes, sausages, stewed meats, calamari, olives, cheese, and more. They are both members of the Ibero-American Summit, European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Area and NATO, and make up the vast majority Adventure seekers can find exciting activities almost anywhere in Portugal. Both Spain and Portugal are good destinations for visiting national parks. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches. In Seville, the Real Alcazar has fascinating architecture. Travel Stories Portugal vs Spain: which country is Iberias better half? For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Spain or Portugal. Marbella, Cadiz, Valencia, Sitges, Alicante, and even Barcelona are all popular destinations with a variety of luxury hotels and resorts. Fish is huge in Portugal. Transportation is also easy, cheap, and efficient, and serves the entire country. Portugal or Spain? The decision sharply curtails a policy that has long been a pillar of American higher education. Spain, for one, is five times the size of Portugal, making it difficult to see it all in one go. Both Spain and Portugal offer an similar amount of mountain activities for visitors. For starters, Spain is home to a whopping 49 Unesco World Heritage Sites, the fourth most in the world (Portugal has just 17). Spain is loud and warm, has better beaches with warmer water, and there's more big cities to choose from. While it technically has only one national park, Portugal has a large number of Natural and Nature parks to protect scenic areas and native wildlife. Valencian paella comes stuffed with butter beans, snails and rabbit. The biggest geographic difference between Portugal and Spain is the size; Spain is around five times larger than Portugal. The interior shouldn't be missed either, as you'll find national parks, castles and fortresses, and beautiful cities such as Granada, Ronda, Seville, and Toledo. $14, Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Port Wine Tasting:
- Does one tend to be more culturally conservative than the other? Spains sierras and river-woven valleys get all the fuss, but Portugal is every bit as lovely. In Porto, the Luis I bridge provides a great overview of everything before you visit the historic wine cellars, Porto Cathedral, and the narrow, weaving alleyways through the historic city center. $56, Lisbon: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Local Baker:
There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town. By figuring out which country has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. With sixteen national parks and a variety of other natural parks and wilderness protection areas, visitors are offered a diverse set of natural destinations to explore. What are the cheapest places in Spain or Portugal? Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers. My sense was that Portugal was a bit cheaper than Spain. It's also easy to rent kayaks or canoes both on the coastline or in the rivers and lakes of the interior. And Portugal has a few large urban areas with plenty of charm. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew. And don't miss the Canary Islands, where you'll find even more great activities. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. Opera, orchestra concerts, ballet performances, and musicals are some of the most popular shows here, too. While both countries are considered generally safe, Portugal is by There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Spain and Portugal. Alan - to clarify, the plan is potentially for a more long-term relocation following school. Whether it's a honeymoon or just a weekend getaway, this country offers so many diverse opportunities for a couple's trip. The country is slightly more affordable than Spain, and it has a lot to offer all types of travelers. Lisbon and Porto might be the largest cities with museums, fortresses, and historic homes, but plenty of other smaller towns have long history and unique culture, too. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. All rights reserved. In Portugal, Lisbon and the coastal towns are usually the most expensive places to visit. - Is one safer than the other? It has stunning cliffs, nice beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa. And don't miss the famous hanging houses of Cuenca. $40, Madrid: Wine Tasting Experience:
$34, Seville: Paella Cooking Experience on a Rooftop Terrace:
Spain and Portugal are generally comparable in price, but Spain tends to be slightly more expensive. Sintra has castles to explore and public gardens, and the big cities of Lisbon and Porto offer family friendly museums, amazing viewpoints, fun trams, tuk tuk tours, and yummy foods. Galacia in the NW is an area that is ethnic Celtic and some people there play the bagpipes and wear kilts. Porto is the wine capital and straddles the river Douro with high bridges and colorful houses. The highway system is also terrific, and long distance bus companies can get you to most places in half a day or so. According to data provided by Numbeo, the consumer prices without rent are 12.16% lower in Portugal than in Spain. In Barcelona, visitors can find plenty of great areas with fashion boutiques, local arts and crafts, and souvenirs. A couple of days here will quickly prove why its one of the worlds favorite vacation destinations. Take a drive from Porto south along the coast to Lisbon, then keep heading south all the way to the Algarve. Tenerife is the largest island and offers gorgeous mountain views, native wildlife, and an exotic, tropical atmosphere. Some fish and wildlife can be seen in the shallower areas located a bit off of the shoreline. It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Portugal. Fideu is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. Honeymooners could stay in one spot for a week, or spend their entire trip touring the highlights. Taking a road trip through Spain is very good way to see the countryside and smaller destinations. $5.67, Barcelona: Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting:
Spain offers a number of shows and performances. Bullfighting is still major in most of Spain, but in Portugal bullfighting doesn't kill the bull and I didn't sense that it was a major event there. Time your visit just right with this guide to the citys festivals and climate. Leon to the south is a lot farther away than Gijon, but it has a lively restaurant/bar district in the historic center. Nightlight in Barcelona is some of the most renowned in the world, I don't think anywhere else in Spain (except Ibiza) or Portugal can compare. $6.84, Faro: Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train:
Luxury beach vacations and historical attractions in famous cities usually come to mind when people think of Spain. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Surfing is very popular all along the coast. Known for its hiking, Spain draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. There's nowhere in northern Portugal (which area doesn't include Lisbon) that remotely approaches Barcelona in that respect. Malaga: From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area. Relax on a beach in Portugals Algarve, or check out one of Spains many Unesco sites, like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral? Palma de Mallorca: Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places. Several options have become available for both, and the language barrier is no issue (I'm fluent in Spanish and learning Portuguese). It's easy to find budget-friendly accommodation, but even at the lowest prices, guests can still expect to find modern and comfortable amenities. Traveling around Spain is easy and efficient, particularly if you're traveling between major cities. Almeria: The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Spain is a great place to explore. I didn't feel it was nearly as bad in Portugal. The Sierra de Guara is one of the most popular spots for this, located outside of Zaragoza. Otherwise, most of Portugal is easily visited without dealing with large hordes of other travelers, making it quite enjoyable. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. $14, Porto: Clem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting:
See also Food and Dining in Madrid, Delicious Tapas Tours in Madrid, and The Best Cheap Food Tours in Madrid. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. Flights between the two cities costs around $50 on a budget airline. Both Spain and Portugal offer a very good transportation system. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase. Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Bilbao all have major airports with flights that connect to the rest of Europe, the U.S., and other regions of the world. From festivals to budget accommodations, here's what's happening through the year in Portugal. $15, Terceira Island Airport Transfer:
The country has vibrant cities like Lisbon and Porto, plus natural areas where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. Check out the wine cellars and wine museums along with the historical sights. And the Joan Miro museum is dedicated to the work and life of this famous artist. Spain, on the other hand, has more land and agricultural-based food options. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can see barracuda, octopus, moray, a variety of large fish species, and more. However, Spain is home to several big city airports (Barcelona, Malaga, Ibiza, and Madrid), while Lisbon is your only option in Portugal. On the other hand, that city has a great deal to offer in terms of sights and experiences. It's relatively affordable by Western European standards, but it is more expensive than nearby Portugal. $5.68, Valencia: Smartphone Self-Guided Audio Tour App:
Lagos: You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. The Mediterranean coast has multiple beach resort towns such as those in Valencia or around Malaga and Marbella. You can also tour monasteries, uncover ancient ruins, and explore old castles that dot the landscape. Ive now trotted across most of Portugal from the surf-smashed, dune-rippled coast of the Costa Vicentina to the alley-woven medieval towns and menhirs of the Alentejo, the time-lost granite mountain villages of the Minho and the heaven-on-earth vineyards of the Douro. A holiday trip to Spain for many means a trip to one of the beach resorts along the southern coast, or in Ibiza or Majorca. Or, if you're just looking for a quick weekend getaway, any of the major cities or smaller towns offers plenty of charming activities. It's also popular to have cod (or other fish) fried, sauted, or boiled along with potatoes and other veggies. Now neighborhoods like Raval and around Camp Nou who where once considered just "seedy" are now actually dangerous at night. Spain has more marked regional differences than Portugal. Barcelona: This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. One week is often enough time to do most activities. They also offer nightlife and fun student activities for visitors and locals alike. As a modern and developed European country, it's very easy to find comfortable places to stay along with easy means to travel around. It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portugal. Portugal is a coastal, vibrant, and charming country. More gorgeous inland areas should also be on a romantic itinerary such as Coimbra, the vineyards of the Douro Valley in the north, the mountains of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, and the Valley of Guadiana. Theres so much more to this place. In Portugal, many people enjoy the theater, adventure travel, and history and culture that this charming destination offers. My sense was that Portugal was a bit cheaper than Spain. Lisbon: Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Save Esme Fox Kerry Walker Mar 28, 2023 7 min read Relax on a beach in Portugals Algarve, or check out The Spanish National Ballet and the National Dance Company provide terrific opportunities to see world-class dance productions. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. The people have a distinct culture like the Flamenco dancing. Near Santa Maria Island, for example, divers can see manta rays, tuna, barracudas, and amberjack. Peneda-Geres National Park is another mountainous park with hiking trails and a unique ecosystem. ET. It's easy to get them at bakeries and street vendors. Barcelona is a place I could enjoy visiting for a long time. June 30, 2023, 6:00 a.m. Who can resist the azulejo-covered (tiled) facades in Portugal? Scenery? Spain is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, and it isn't hard to see why. $5.66, Tenerife: La Casa de Los Balcones Entrance Ticket:
$7.95, Aveiro: Guided Tuk Tuk City Tour:
Lisbon: For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. In some places, entrance queues for museums or attractions can get quite long. With so many festivals, theres guaranteed to be at least one happening somewhere in the country, whatever time of year you visit. The local language in Galicia (Gallego) sounds a good bit like Portuguese, so learning the latter would give you a head start if you end up in Santiago de Compostela. The Serra da Estrela range is where you'll find the nation's highest peak as well as a unique ecosystem, a large network of trails (Trilhos Verdes), and beautiful valleys. In Porto, you'll find plenty of activities centered around wine and port, naturally. $3.97, Malaga: Picassos Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket:
$6.81, Lisbon: Belm Tower Entrance Ticket:
Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. $60, Seville: Spanish Cooking Class with Dinner:
The Pyrenees are the largest mountain chain in the country, making a divide between Spain and France. If you seek land food, try the Iberian black pork, the duck rice, or the Francesinha, which is a meat and cheese sandwich with an interesting variety of ham and pork. See what's happening through the year in Porto with this guide to weather, crowds, prices and events. Fill up on hearty cocido madrileo stew from Madrid and paprika-sprinkled octopus in Galicia. Santiago de Compostela is sort of notorious for lack of sunshine, by Spanish standards at least. Adventure travel experiences in Portugal are quite popular with travelers. Valencia, Seville, Alicante, and Cadiz are also large and full of terrific activities. Some of the best and most popular beach destinations in southern Spain include Tossa de Mar in Costa Brava, Puerto Banus near Marbella, Bogatell in Barcelona, Almunecar in Costa Tropical, and the beaches of Cadiz, amongst others. The Sierra Nevada mountains in the south are some of the most beautiful, and are also easily accessible. Many spots have wrecks which are worth visiting, too. Spain has a few good snorkeling spots. Meet Elsewhere, Lonely Planet's new travel-planning service. Popular outdoor activities here include camping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more. If you are choosing which school based on those sorts of things youd better re-think. $7.94, Aveiro: Tuka-Tuka Tourist Sightseeing Train:
This would be the perfect place to spend two weeks, as it has just the right amount of activities. The beaches in Spain are world-class, popular, and extensive. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. MUDE teaches visitors all about design, while MAAT covers art, architecture, and technology in a way that feels like a modern art museum mixed with modern science. From Corralejo: Round-Trip Ferry Transfer to Lobos Island:
Here, you'll find large universities surrounded by student-friendly neighborhoods. $22, Porto: Clem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting:
$20, Lisbon Transfer: To or From the Airport:
Feel the countrys spiritual pulse inBraga as, like many a blister-footed pilgrim, you climb the 600 ornate steps of theBom Jesus do Monte, or wing back to the Age of Discovery exploring the intricately carvedMosteiro dos Jernimos in Belm. Generally, no matter where you visit in this country, you can find some great trails. The Chocolate Museum is always a favorite, too. Lagos: As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. $4.53, Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket:
Tapas are perhaps the most famous Spanish culinary export. Also, the Caminito del Rey has amazing trails along cliffs near Malaga. Flights into Spain might be easier and cheaper simply because there are more options to choose from. The train can usually be cheaper (around $30), and takes about 10 hours. Spend time just exploring the town you're in. But how do you even begin envisioning a trip when there are several lifetimes of things to see in this beguiling destination? In addition to the charming towns inland, almost the entire coastline is dotted with charming small towns, many of which were fishing villages in the past. Buses, trains, and flights from Lisbon to Madrid and back are quick and often very affordable. If it's art you seek, make sure to visit the Prado, the Queen Sofia Arts Center, or the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, all of which have world-class art from Spain and Europe. As for dining, you will find great dining in both countries. As most of Portugal's country is close to the coastline, while Spain has more inland areas, Portugal has traditionally been a seafaring nation. Spain is an extremely popular destination for those interested in adventure travel. $16, Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Lisbon Airport:
Spain and Portugal are both good destinations for students and younger travelers. Valencia: The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Barcelona: With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. With a long coastline and gorgeous mountain ranges, plenty of opportunities for road trips can be found here. Portugal and Spain enjoy a friendly relationship. Spain has more large cities, mountains, national parks, museums, and historical attractions. Chirizo is a special type of smoked sausage, and jamn Iberico is a smoked ham with tons of flavor. Barcelona has a climate quite different from what you'll experience near the northern and northwesters coasts of Spain, where many of your other options are located. A long period of Spain's history was influenced by the Moors from the south, and you can see it in the architecture, art, cuisine, and music. Little did I know then that these childhood trips would spark a life-long love affair with the country. Many of them are also family-friendly. See also Affordable, Quiet, and Safe Hostels in Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon Party Hostels, and Lisbon Hostels Near the Train Station. $14, Matosinhos Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport:
$33, Barcelona Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Costa Brava:
If you want a beach vacation where you can explore a small area, then Portugal is probably best for you. Elsewhere in Portugal, smaller cities and towns will often have main shopping streets, and the beach resort cities will sometimes have fashion boutiques and local craft shops. Many inland towns in the hills still retain their charm, especially those located in beautiful mountain areas. There's scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Spain and Portugal. $3.42, Sintra Myths and Legends Interpretative Center Entry Ticket:
It's quite common to get around if you join an organized tour. And with its daring architecture (check out Rem Koolhaas daringly iconic Casa da Msica), contemporary art trove Serralves and immersive World of Wine,Porto is just as exciting as the capital these days. Lisbon: World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jernimos monastery, the Belm Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums. However, if you're looking to explore multiple large cities with historical attractions, then Spain might be more of your style. High speed trains as well as local trains take visitors and residents around all of the cities in Spain fairly quickly. Urban tourists who had shipped speaking Spanish there. Read our Privacy Policy. Along the Atlantic coast you'll find rocky hills and wide sandy beaches, such as in Praia da Adraga near Sintra or Praia de So Bernardino in Peniche. Horseback riding through the mountains or on the beach is also a fun activity, especially for couples. Cathedrals, museums, restaurants, and a great transportation network are also mixed in. Outgoing, reserved, friendly/personable? There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Madrid has kids tours of the Prado museum, the Mercado de San Miguel, a great zoo, the Warner Brothers Park, a railway museum, and a fantastic natural sciences museum. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center. It might be different for a student. Buses are almost always cheaper than trains, so look into all of your transportation options before buying tickets. It's very easy and convenient to travel by train. Barcelona: The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. Both Spain and Portugal are popular destinations for backpackers. The tourist infrastructure here is extensive, and anyone can travel comfortably here no matter their budget or price range. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. Spain is around five times the size of Portugal. Trust me: beyond its big hitters, most of Portugal is spectacularly unsung. Eat local. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from. Many visitors go to Spain to see the national parks. Portugal got a score of 94% while Canada at the What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Spain and Portugal in more detail. Just to get started, you'll have a combination of amazing beaches, historical cities, castles, national parks, mountains, and more. But tapas are not the only local foods you should try. Spain is a diverse, historic, and proud country. For those traveling as a couple, Portugal has plenty to offer. And while Portugals infrastructure is on par with that of other European nations, its Faro: Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro. Zip-lining and ropes courses are found throughout the country, and rock climbing or bouldering are commonplace, too. Of course this was only true pre-COVID, not sure how Barcelona will change for better or worse in a post-COVID world. Lagos: The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Visitors will also find epic hikes, world-class food, vineyards and wineries, epic nightlife, famous art, natural wildlife, multiple coastlines, cultural dances and music, friendly smiles, and affordable prices. Inland you'll find beautiful national parks with hiking, camping, and bicycling opportunities. The northern coastline in particular is very scenic with epic views and small towns The southern coastline is lined with beaches, more small towns, and larger cities. Canyoning is popular, especially in the Pyrenees. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clchinas are tiny local mussels. Barcelona: Head to Portal De LAngel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts. You'll also find quaint mountain villages with hotels and restaurants where you can relax. These small sharable dishes started as something to snack on while drinking, and have transformed into a style of meal all their own. Popular traditional dishes begin with the small but famous custard tart known as Pastel de Nata. Don't worry about seeing the specific sights and attractions, but instead soak up the atmosphere and culture of the city. In general, the most popular tourist destinations tend to also be the most expensive. The coast also offers surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, and boating. Paella is also famous. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. $5.65, Bilbao: Guided Tour of the Arriaga Theater:
Traveling by train is very common and fairly easy. In Lisbon, the city center is full of bars and nightclubs that come alive after the crowds enjoy dinner at a variety of restaurants and cafes. So, there's something for everyone. Albufeira: With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The countries have a lower cost of living than some Western European countries, and this translates into slightly more affordable travel costs for visitors. Prices in both Spain and Portugal are very dependent on the time of year. Spain offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip.