From Barcelona, it's easy to reach the base of Montserrat, where you can hike up to the monastery instead of taking the cable car, or hike on the higher up trails as well. There are train networks with high speed trains that connect most major cities in Spain, so despite it's large size, transportation is usually not a problem. The pace of life is slower - at least for a retiree. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. Also, the city center here has a large number of bars and dance clubs. $25, El Torcal de Antequera Hike with Transfer: After living outside of Lisbon for almost 5 years, I can offer some insight into Portugal. Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and many other beach resort towns all have active nightlife scenes, each with their own personality. The most famous theaters include Campo Pequeno, Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II, Teatro Sao Charlos, and Teatro Maria Vitoria, among others. You can find a fairly equal amount of watersports in both Spain and Portugal. Even Costa Brava and the areas around Barcelona are popular beach spots, too. Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Spain. 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. $5.68, Valencia: Smartphone Self-Guided Audio Tour App: - What are the people generally like in both? Both Spain and Portugal offer plenty of great road trip opportunities. And don't forget about the wine which you can enjoy in both the cities as well as in the vineyards of the countryside. Portugal is a good destination to visit the national parks. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. Almeria: Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. According to data provided by Numbeo, the consumer prices without rent are 12.16% lower in Portugal than in Spain. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip. Most people come for the beaches. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each country. But tapas are not the only local foods you should try. Barcelona: This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. Thank you for your response Kim. Is one more gender-egalitarian, liberal, or LGBTQ-friendly than the other? Octopus is another favorite which you should try, as it's usually boiled or steamed and served with olive oil and potatoes. $20, Lisbon Transfer: To or From the Airport: The most popular airport connections are found in Madrid and Barcelona. Near Santa Maria Island, for example, divers can see manta rays, tuna, barracudas, and amberjack. Popular outdoor activities here include camping, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more. We met. Portugal has a large number of nightlife venues. See also Barcelona Nightlife, The Best Nightlife in Madrid, and Party Hostels in Barcelona. Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Spain are as follows: Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Spain are as follows: Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portugal are as follows: Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Spain: Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Spain: Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portugal: When comparing the travel costs between Spain and Portugal, we can see that Spain is more expensive. 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. The roads, trains, and public transit are also clean, safe, and can get visitors anywhere. Spain has more large cities, mountains, national parks, museums, and historical attractions. 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. 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. $42, Lisbon: Live Fado & Alfama Tour with Traditional Dinner: In Lisbon, check out Belem Tower and St. Georges Castle before wandering the old historic streets of the old town, dotted with churches and quaint viewpoints. Spain makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. They're accessible but still largely undeveloped. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. $57, Lisbon Old Town Food Tour by Sitway: Portuguese are proud of their country and their language and may feel insulted when addressed in another language by a non-native speaker. As it has a large number of activities for kids, Spain is a very family-friendly destination. You decide iStock. In Lisbon, you can find plenty of shops on the Avenida da Liberdade and the Chiado area. 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. Read our Privacy Policy. Spend more time in less places, and your transportation costs will go down significantly. Spain has stolen Portugals thunder for years. Barcelona: With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. See also Barcelona: Activities, Tickets, and Things to Do, Things to Do in Madrid, and Cheap Tours and Activities in Granada, Spain. Weve asked two of our more-seasoned correspondents to square off as to whether Portugal or Spain represents Iberias better half. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. $63, Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma's Recipe: Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore. Travel writer and longtime Lonely Planet contributor Kerry Walker has hitchhiked with Thai royalty, served beer at Oktoberfest and swum with sharks in the course of her reporting. Many people include a hike when visiting Portugal. $17, Barcelona: Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: Portugal is a fun place to experience. I didn't feel it was nearly as bad in Portugal. Many tour companies can give you a full overview of both countries in a week or two. With such a long stretch of coastline, beach resorts are very common. Tenerife is the largest island and offers gorgeous mountain views, native wildlife, and an exotic, tropical atmosphere. There's scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Spain and Portugal. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau brs, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Portugal is somewhat touristy. Fideu is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities and most popular places to visit. A few of the most popular small towns to visit include Ronda with its dramatic cliffs, Besalu and it's bridge and castle-like gate, Cudillero on the northern coast, and Morella with its castle. $64, Porto: Private Food Tour 10 Tastings with Locals: Many of them are also family-friendly. Or, just focus on one particular stretch of coastline such as the dramatic cliffs along the southern coastline, or the historic towns and castles on the Atlantic. With a huge stretch of coastline, you'll find plenty of fantastic beaches both on the Atlantic coast and the southern Algarve coast. Barcelona is also known for its nightlife, attracting younger travelers on a budget, and plenty of places cater to them with low-cost accommodations with a party vibe. See also Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in Madrid, Hostels & Campgrounds in Ibiza for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Groups, and Hostels in Pamplona for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Couples. The big cities and smaller towns both offer plenty of museums of all types, from art and history to science and family-friendly museums. Many other cities host terrific theater productions from the local culture as well as touring shows. On the downside, Barcelona is definitely not as safe as it once was, there has been a sharp increase in not only petty theft but also violent crime. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. While it's tough to make a final decision, perhaps price out a few options before deciding. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. While some of the attractions have high entry fees, and some of the beach areas have expensive resorts, plenty of alternatives are available if certain spots are beyond your budget. The amenities in Portugal are quite good as far as technology, entertainment, etc. The Algarve region in the south is especially popular with kayakers who wish to explore the unique sea caves and cliffs, such as those at Benegil. Rightly so, because this country is modern and offers a wide array of comfortable modes of travel and vacationing. The regional languages are Castilian, Basque, Andalusian, Galician, and Catalan. Spain is also an interesting country to visit because it's not hard to see the Arabic influence in the region. Portugal is one of the most popular family destinations. Portugal has the Fado, a music that has a melancholy tone. Petty crime like pickpocketing is an epidemic in Barcelona. Barcelona: Head to Portal De LAngel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts. It is common to spend one week here. The average daily cost (per person) in Spain is 150, while the average daily cost in Portugal is 136. $36, Barcelona: Private Airport Transfer to/from Barcelona: There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers. Below we will examine the differences and similarities between Spain and Portugal. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico. A Detailed Guide (UPDATED 2023) Home Travel Portugal Portugal or Spain? Leon to the south is a lot farther away than Gijon, but it has a lively restaurant/bar district in the historic center. Otherwise, most of Portugal is easily visited without dealing with large hordes of other travelers, making it quite enjoyable. For the modern traveler, this is most noticeably reflected in its cuisine which consists of plenty of seafood. Inland, you can find mountain biking trails, zip lines and ropes courses, bungee jumping from high bridges, kayaking in the rivers and along the coast, just to name a few. Now its finally having its moment to shine., My first Portuguese trip was to the west coast ofthe Algarve; as an unruly 11-year-old, I preferred clambering up honeycomb cliffs and rolling in the waves to flopping on the beach. Up the Atlantic coast are more beach towns such as Praia da Costa Nova, Figueira da Foz, or Peniche, all with rich cultural and outdoor experiences. The name comes from the wide pan that the rice dish is served in, usually with seafood or meat and a variety of spices for flavoring. And all along the coastline are small fishing villages along with larger towns rich in history and culture. Friendliest Countries: Portugal, Taiwan, Mexico, Cambodia, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Oman, Colombia, Vietnam, and Canada. 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. The national transportation system makes getting around easy and affordable, too. Outgoing, reserved, friendly/personable? Here's the ultimate first-timer's guide to visiting this mid-Atlantic marvel. Here, you'll find large universities surrounded by student-friendly neighborhoods. $33, Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: Portugal vs. Spain: Which One Is Right for You? | Oyster.com It's possible to find these activities all around the country, usually in the countryside not far from major cities. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clchinas are tiny local mussels. But I think that's beside the point. Andalusian tapas bites include breaded eggplant drizzled with treacle (such deliciousness is often thrown in for free with a round of drinks in local bars). In Barcelona, visitors can find plenty of great areas with fashion boutiques, local arts and crafts, and souvenirs. Living in Portugal vs. Spain: pros/cons, lifestyle, people Portimao: This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. We'll start with a quick overview, and below we will go into all of the details. You can't go wrong with a family trip to Spain, as there's just so much to do. The coast also offers surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, and boating. Finally, while in Spain, taste the local olives, bread, cheese, and fruit as they are all usually fresh and delicious. The tourist infrastructure here is extensive, and anyone can travel comfortably here no matter their budget or price range. PortugalSpain relations - Wikipedia Hiking and camping in the natural parks is very popular because the mountains offer great views, river valleys, and unique ecosystems. If you're traveling on a particularly tight budget, you'll find plenty of budget accommodation options around such as hostels, and affordable guesthouses. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. As most of Portugal's country is close to the coastline, while Spain has more inland areas, Portugal has traditionally been a seafaring nation. However, making close friendships is difficult. $5.70, Lisbon: Pillar 7 Bridge Experience Ticket: Of course this was only true pre-COVID, not sure how Barcelona will change for better or worse in a post-COVID world. From Corralejo: Round-Trip Ferry Transfer to Lobos Island: The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. Don't be afraid to slow your travel speed down. Across northern Andalusia, you can find even more mountains north of Seville and Cordoba, with several national parks and wilderness areas. 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. The train system is very effecient and convenient, and connects major cities such as Lisbon and Porto to smaller towns and coastal resort areas on the Algarve coast and elsewhere. Spain is a great place to explore. See also Barcelona: The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide. $37, Valencia: Surprise Winery Visit with Wine Tasting: Much of the old town area is a winding path of streets made out of steps. Portugal has a very diverse landscape that includes mountains, beaches, and desert-like settings. They also offer nightlife and fun student activities for visitors and locals alike. Kite surfing and wind surfing are also popular in many areas, too. $29, Barcelona: Private Transfer to/from Barcelona Airport (BCN): Travel during the slightly off peak times. It's also easy to rent kayaks or canoes both on the coastline or in the rivers and lakes of the interior. Also, diving in the Canary islands can be done year-round, where as in the Mediterranean, only during the warmer months. For those traveling as a couple, Portugal has plenty to offer. (Not that it ever hurts to at least have a nice view while hitting the books of course :)). Spain, on the other hand, has more land and agricultural-based food options. Of course, there's always the famous Camino de Santiago if you're looking for an adventure. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach. Canyoning is popular, especially in the Pyrenees. 3 min read. $19, Lisbon: 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: But no matter where you choose to go, the beach resorts in Spain are world-class and draw plenty of visitors every year. As most of Portugal's country is close to the coastline, while Spain has more inland areas, Portugal has traditionally been a seafaring nation. When it comes to the sheer number of crazy and unique festivals, Spain really cannot be beaten. Or, try rock climbing in Andaluca where you'll find a variety of spots not far from Malaga, Cordoba, and Granada. They also have long stretches of sand and although they can get crowded during the summer months, they still have plenty of space. The highway system is also terrific, and long distance bus companies can get you to most places in half a day or so. The reason given was that the Portugese were not fond of the Spanish due to their shared histories with Spain being the more powerful. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros. While luxury hotels are available which provide every comfort available, even the budget-friendly options have modern conveniences that are expected in a developed nation. Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Spain: Some specific examples of transportation prices in Spain: Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Portugal: Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portugal: Prices for flights to both Portugal and Spain change regularly based on dates and travel demand. The Chocolate Museum is always a favorite, too. Spain has a great public transit system. Barcelona is a place I could enjoy visiting for a long time. A couple of days here will quickly prove why its one of the worlds favorite vacation destinations. It isn't always as warm as you might think in Madrid. (Spain has five official tongues.) And don't miss the famous hanging houses of Cuenca. Many are very family-friendly, and some are all-inclusive. On the other hand, that city has a great deal to offer in terms of sights and experiences. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. In Portugal, many people enjoy the theater, adventure travel, and history and culture that this charming destination offers. Inland you'll find natural park areas, mountain ranges, small villages, vineyards and wineries, ancient ruins, adventure sports, and cozy cottages. $14, Matosinhos Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: Additionally, other cities such as Toledo, the towns in Catalonia, Granada, and Seville attract many visitors. While Portugal and Spain both have hiking trails, overall Spain is more well-known. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers. In Madrid, you can see plays and musicals at the Theatro Real Theatre and from the National Classical Theatre Company or the National Drama Centre. $28, Lanzarote: Roundtrip Ferry Transfer to La Graciosa: Move slowly. 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. Prices in both Spain and Portugal are very dependent on the time of year. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform. Traveling on cruise ships and excursions is very common and fairly easy. Barcelona: There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. I have read that the locals head up to Gijon for excitement. And don't miss the Canary Islands, where you'll find even more great activities. With a long coastline and gorgeous mountain ranges, plenty of opportunities for road trips can be found here. See also Food and Dining in Madrid, Delicious Tapas Tours in Madrid, and The Best Cheap Food Tours in Madrid. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients. Affordable food is also found everywhere, whether at local restaurants, street vendors, or markets. Why Portugal is the friendliest country in the world The country is slightly more affordable than Spain, and it has a lot to offer all types of travelers. Portugal is cheaper, cleaner, calmer, friendlier. Lisbon and Porto are the largest cities in Portugal, and they each offer a unique atmosphere and vibe. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura. $5.65, Bilbao: Guided Tour of the Arriaga Theater: My sense was that Portugal was a bit cheaper than Spain. $22, Porto: Clem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting: Plenty of people spend two weeks in the area when traveling. Where are these Medical schools exactly located in Spain, I'm guessing Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela? Yes! Scenery? Generally, no matter where you visit in this country, you can find some great trails. Additionally, you'll find plenty of other hiking opportunities in the Pyrenees mountains, the various national parks, or even in the Canary islands or Mallorca. See also Lisbon Party Hostels, Beach & Party Hostels in Albufeira, Portugal, and Party Hostels in Peniche, Portugal near the Beach. You can't go wrong with any of them. The countries have been allies and friends for centuries. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. $5.67, Barcelona: Self-Guided Tour with Over 100 Sights: It's hard to find such diverse romantic attractions packed into a small country anywhere else in the world.