Generally speaking, Portugal is cheaper than Spain, although the flight there will likely be the most expensive part of your Portugal vacation.
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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.
Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, with food available at affordable prices, cheap options for accommodation, and reasonable costs for transport. It's not surprising, then, that so many American expats are making this beautiful country their home.
What are Portugal's prices for food and drink? Portugal's prices for food and drink are cheap. To eat out, you can pay as little as €15 for dinner, with a bottle of wine at a restaurant costing €10. You can choose to eat in cheaper places for just €10.
SantarémJust an hour away from Lisbon, the city of Santarém, in the Santarém district, is one of the cheapest cities to live in Portugal. It's also much calmer than the Portuguese capital, in what is called the Ribatejo region.
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). What is this? Spain's long Mediterranean coast, on the other hand, tends to offer much warmer water and a longer swimming season.
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.
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.
Advantages of PortugalPicturesque beaches. Sporting opportunities include the best surfing spots in Europe, top golf courses, hiking, and paraplanning. High English language standards. Tax benefits for residents with Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime.
One of the main differences lies in the language. Spanish is the official language of Spain, while Portuguese is the official language of Portugal. Although they are both Romance languages and share some similarities, the pronunciation, vocabulary, and even certain expressions can vary.
Portugal has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Portugal is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 22 C.
Not much difference in average temps in either location, though the algarve is more influenced by its proximity to atlantic weather systems than the costa del sols more sheltered med location.
Since Spain has a number of different climatic conditions, when you go will certainly influence the kind of holiday you have. Typically speaking, Spring (March to May) or Fall (September to November) are considered to be the best times to visit Spain.
The Costa del Sol and the Cabo de Gata in Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and the Costa Blanca are all destinations where you'll find a climate of eternal springtime practically all year round. You'll find it perfectly possible to take a dip at the beach and then relax in the sun.
The hottest places in EuropeThe hottest place in Europe is Valletta in Malta, with an average daily temperature over the whole year of 22.3ºC. A holiday in Malta is a pretty safe bet almost any time. Athens is second with an annual average of 22ºC. At 21.4ºC, Rome is in third place.
Eating and Living WellThe cost of food is lower in Portugal because the average wage is lower than in places like the US. The typical worker in Portugal makes about €925 per month (based on 2019 figures). That works out to a little over $12,000/year.