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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you're by yourself, you can live on €1,000 per month in Spain. This includes room rent, groceries, health insurance, rare use of public transport, eating out a few times a month and shopping moderately.
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.
Spain is, according to the most recent FMI estimates, the 15th largest world economy (in PPP terms), with Portugal 55th. In terms of per capita GDP (PPP) the gap is smaller, with Spain ranking 32nd and its neighbour 43rd.
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.
If you only have five days in Portugal, you can pair two major cities—Lisbon and Porto, for example—or choose one region for an in-depth experience. Explore the dreamy Algarve coast, head to the wine-famous Duoro Valley, or stick to Lisbon and its surrounds.
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.