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Spain Portugal; Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain conventional short form: Spain local long form: Reino de Espana local short form: Espana etymology: derivation of the name "Espana" is uncertain, but may come from the Phoenician term "span," related to the word "spy," meaning "to forge metals," so, "i-spn-ya" would mean "place where metals are forged"; the ancient ...
Nov 4, 2016 · However, Spain is home to several big city airports (Barcelona, Malaga, Ibiza, and Madrid), while Lisbon is your only option in Portugal. Traveling through both countries is easy by bus or train, and driving is also an option. While trains are comfortable and affordable, they are basic, as are buses. Most tickets can be booked at the train ...
- Katherine Alex Beaven
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… warmer beaches.
Portugal’s beaches are beautiful, yes–but due to being set on the Atlantic, the water is actually much colder than many visitors might expect (yes, even in the Algarve). Spain’s long Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, tends to offer much warmer water and a longer swimming season.
… a much more diverse travel experience.
Spain is about 5x the physical size of Portugal, and also that much bigger by population, too (roughly 47 million vs. 10 million people). As a result, Spain offers far more diversity than Portugal as a travel destination, from topography to culture to the sheer number of cities and towns to visit.
… larger (and flatter) cities on average.
Along with the larger population in Spain comes much larger cities! Spain is home to dozens of cities with over 100,000 people, whereas Portugal is home to just a handful–most of which are part of either the Lisbon or Portometro areas. And, for those concerned about climbing hills, Spain’s cities are (often) much flatter, too, whereas Lisbon and Porto are famously hilly, which is beautiful to admire from above but takes a bit of work to explore!
… much milder summer weather.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Europe, one thing is for sure: you will be much more comfortable exploring Lisbon and Porto than Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville! Portugal’s two largest cities (and its whole western coast, where the bulk of tourism is centered) enjoy very mild climates, making them incredible places to visit when so many other European cities are sweltering through June, July, and August. The average high temperature in Lisbon in August, for example, is 83°F/28°C, while Mad...
… a chance to get off the beaten path very easily.
While Portugal itself is definitely a trendy place to visit by now, it’s still extremely easy to get off the beaten path and ditch the crowds entirely when visiting! Portugal may be deservedly popular, but its relatively new status as a beloved destination for foreign travelers means that while certain hotspots like Pena Palace and the Jerónimos Monasteryare overwhelmed with visitors, many equally impressive destinations are available without the crowds. Places like Évora, Arrábida Natural Pa...
… Portugal’s unique Douro Valley and port wine scene.
Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley, and the port wine that is produced there, is one of those attractions that are unique enough that you can’t quite replicate them anywhere else in the world. If the port scene appeals to you, it’s definitely worth prioritizing a visit to northern Portugal!
… over-the-top opulence inside churches.
Spain and Portugal share a dark and complicated colonial history, which translated to lots and lots and lots of gold being shipped into both countries… a big portion of which ended up decorating each country’s many churches. For some of the most wildly decorated churches that you’ll ever see, both Spain and Portugal have lots to offer.
… absolutely gorgeous coastline.
Whether you’re hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve or sticking your toes in the sand in Cadaqués, one thing is for sure: Spain and Portugal boast incredibly beautiful coasts. If beautiful sea views are what you’re after, either country has you covered in spades.
… whitewashed villages.
If whitewashed towns perched high on cliffs overlooking valleys or the sea (or both) appeal to you, you’ll find plenty of examples in either Portugal or Spain!
While online resources and blog posts tend to state that Portugal is cheaper to visit than Spain, the reality on the ground is a bit more complex. The cost of travel in Spain (and Portugal, for that matter) varies dramatically based on where you visit. Barcelona, for example, clocks in as a pricey destination on par with Paris or Milan, while other...
Yes, absolutely–but with the caveat that you might need more time than you think. While Portugal and Spain look like very cozy next-door neighbors on a map, the reality of visiting is that getting between the two countries can be a hassle, as they’re not particularly well-connected to each other by train. (We once spent a very long day traveling fr...
Still not sure whether to visit Portugal or Spain? If both countries call to you strongly and you don’t want to choose between them, I’d suggest making a list of the top 3-4 things you plan to do on your trip to either place, and let that be your guide. For example, do you want to hike along wild beaches (Portugal) or swim in calm ones (Spain)? Alt...
Know where you’re headed and ready to plan your trip in more detail? We’ve written about both countries extensively, and regularly add new blog posts here on Our Escape Clause! You can scroll through our Spain archives here, or our Portugal archives here. Alternatively, here are a handful of our most popular guides to Spain and Portugal:
May 9, 2023 · In Portugal, you will find hotels, restaurants or transportation very cheap compared to Spain. Portugal is preferable in this aspect, as the daily budget per person for a stay for two in a 3-star hotel is around 71€ per day versus 91€ per day in Spain, on equal terms. Although, it is true that the budget for activities is practically the same.
- jimena@sensationalspain.com
- February 13, 1996
Aug 17, 2023 · When it comes to seaside allure, the Spain vs. Portugal battle isn’t an easy one to call; after all, Spain is much bigger and therefore has more coastline. But Portugal isn’t very big, so no matter where you are, you’re never too far from the ocean. Thanks to its history of seafaring explorers, Portuguese culture has long been defined by ...
Feb 25, 2020 · Portugal offers a laid-back charm, while Spain is great for architecture enthusiasts and art lovers. Spain has a much larger tourism scene, meaning long lines and crowds during peak season. Cruise ships also dock in Spain, which can bring in even more visitors. Shoulder season helps ease the crowds and long lines.
Jun 27, 2023 · Economy and Tourism: A Tale of Two Countries. According to the World Bank, Spain, with a GDP of $1.394 trillion in 2019, was the 13th largest economy in the world. On the other hand, Portugal’s economy, valued at $237 billion, ranked 47th globally. These figures translate into diverse tourism experiences.
