Although you could easily stay for a month, you will need at least 14 days to explore Spain and Portugal to give you enough time to see a couple of the big cities and a few smaller towns as well, without feeling too rushed.
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In between nine and 12 days, you can immerse yourself in multiple regions of Spain plus even visit Portugal if you choose. Consider combining the aforementioned excursion to Galicia with a road trip to Basque Country.
In nine to 12 days, you can expect to see a generous chunk of all that Portugal has to offer, from its most sensational cities to sublime vineyards and beaches, on a north-to-south trip.
Although you could easily stay for a month, you will need at least 14 days to explore Spain and Portugal to give you enough time to see a couple of the big cities and a few smaller towns as well, without feeling too rushed.
Winner: This one also depends on what you like. For big cities with medieval charm and pristine, relatively empty beaches, Portugal's the winner. For outdoor enthusiasts and art and architecture lovers, Spain wins this round.
Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.
While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.
When is the best time to visit Portugal? Where is this? The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.
If you have only a brief time in the city, you cannot fail to be impressed by Barcelona. But take a little more time and Madrid's charms become apparent. Cheaper, with more variety, better food, and generally more to do than Barcelona, Madrid gets the top prize for a longer trip.
Yes, you can absolutely visit both Spain and Portugal on the same trip! As next-door neighbors located in the far southwestern corner of Europe, Portugal and Spain make a great combination when planning a European vacation.
Although you could easily stay for a month, you will need at least 14 days to explore Spain and Portugal to give you enough time to see a couple of the big cities and a few smaller towns as well, without feeling too rushed.
Madrid is the more popular tourist destination but Lisbon has many varied sights and activities. Lisbon offers stunning beaches only a short train ride away while Madrid's nightlife is unbeatable. This guide will provide a comparison of both cities and help you decide between Lisbon or Madrid for a short break holiday.
Both Portugal and Spain have long, storied histories and robust cultures that'll charm you when you visit. If you're interested in seeing more famous artworks and experiencing the more influential culture, Spain probably edges Portugal out by virtue of its size. But remember that Portugal is no second fiddle.
While there are definitely far more beautiful places to see in Portugal, from Óbidos to the Berlengas Islands to Monsanto and beyond, there's no doubt that you can cover a bigger percentage of Portugal's top destinations in one trip than you can Spain's.
The verdict. Deciding which country has the best beaches for you really depends on what you're looking for. Whereas Spain is graced by the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and the chilled-out beach life that comes with it, Portugal benefits from the lively waters of the Atlantic and some truly epic scenery.
So, how many days to explore Lisbon? We always recommend that it takes three days to fully explore Lisbon. This is sufficient to visit all of the characterful districts, experience the nightlife and join a couple of unique activities.
The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Madrid is the more popular tourist destination but Lisbon has many varied sights and activities. Lisbon offers stunning beaches only a short train ride away while Madrid's nightlife is unbeatable. This guide will provide a comparison of both cities and help you decide between Lisbon or Madrid for a short break holiday.
If you have a little more time, you can also make a day trip out to Sintra which is a gorgeous town filled with colorful palaces. If you have more time on your visit, Barcelona would be a better choice as there is so much to explore. If you don't like being in an area with massive crowds, Barcelona is not for you.