Portugal or Spain, which country will be your next destination?

How to choose between the sunny coasts of southern Spain and the captivating landscapes of the Algarve coast in Portugal? Between Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto, and Spanish cities steeped in history like Granada? Difficult to decide between two such popular destinations that attractive, without having selection criteria.

Portugal VS Spain: the comparison criteria

The best thing to do to choose your destination well is to establish comparison criteria such as climate and weather, the budget to plan, the cultural attractions and the activities to do for a getaway during a vacation. weekend or for a week. Which destination will dazzle you: Portugal or Spain?

Spain, one of the two countries located on the Iberian Peninsula, is a must-see destination if you like sunny holidays on the Mediterranean coast, cultural discoveries and urban getaways in cities like Madrid, Seville or Barcelona. It is also a perfect destination for gourmets who will discover typical dishes, such as the famous paella and the unmissable tapas.

Portugal, located on the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, is particularly known for the beauty of the Algarve coastal landscape, the famous Port wines, but also for its destinations in the heart of nature that promote healing. This destination is also popular with water sports and golf enthusiasts.

Albufeira au Portugal

Which country to choose according to the climate and the weather?

To choose the most climate-friendly city, you can opt for the one whose climatic conditions favor many bright and sunny days, perfect for outdoor activities.

The most pleasant weather: Spain

Portugal is characterized by a Mediterranean-type climate, strongly influenced by its opening onto the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, even if the heat is pleasant during the beautiful season, the humidity practically distributed over the whole year, makes some days quite rainy.
> More info on Portugal's climate.

Due to its larger extent and because of the influence of geographic configurations, the climate in Spain varies from region to region: hot and sunny summers in the south, practically pleasant climatic conditions on the Mediterranean coast, a continental climate in the interior of the country and in particular in Castile, while the temperatures on the Atlantic coast are rather mild. In terms of climate, Spain therefore offers more diversity.

Which destination to choose according to the price of plane tickets?

If your choice is based on budget, then it is best to consider the price of the plane ticket when choosing the best destination.

The cheapest round trip average price: Spain

The cheapest airline ticket prices bring passengers to Spain. Indeed, during the high tourist season the average price for a return trip to Barcelona from Paris airport is around 140 €, while you have to pay around 180 € to go to Porto, at the same time.

The destination to choose according to your budget on site

If to choose between Portugal and Spain you refer to the cheapest budget, then take into account the daily expenses, depending on the prices of goods and services.

The cheapest country: Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal is significantly lower compared to that in Spain. Portugal is to be preferred, since the daily budget per person, for a stay for two in a 3-star hotel is around € 71 / day compared to € 91 / day, in Spain, on equal terms. And although the budget for activities is practically the same, meals and transport are cheaper in Portugal.

Quality of life: health, safety, pollution

To choose the destination where it is good to live, all you have to do is choose the one that is more secure, and that offers a more accessible health system.

The country where life is good: Portugal and Spain are tied

Generally, Spain and Portugal are safe countries with fairly low crime rates, and where life is good. But if Spain is better known for its many petty scammers, Portugal is more dangerous if we refer to the high rate of traffic accidents due to the state of the roads and aggressive and rushed drivers on the highways and the main roads.

Ampuriabrava in Spain

Which city to choose according to travelers' opinions: Portugal or Spain?

Travelers' opinions differ when it comes to choosing between Spain and Portugal, especially since each has its own criteria for choosing.

Travelers prefer Portugal

For those passionate about urban getaways and peaceful rejuvenation, Portugal wins the prize for the most attractive country. Indeed, it is difficult to compete in attractions with cities like Porto or Lisbon. Especially since it is possible to take advantage of a immersion in the heart of superb landscapes like the Douro Valley or the unmissable coastal landscapes of the Algarve and the tranquility of the villages inland.

Which destination to choose for a weekend or a week: Portugal or Spain?

For a romantic or family getaway, for a weekend or for a week, the selection criterion is based on the diversity of activities that one can do, and this, according to his passions.

For a weekend getaway, opt for Portugal

Portugal is suitable for a few days' getaway, given its size. The choice is relatively wide for a romantic stay: it's up to you to find the ideal destination according to your passions: Porto, Lisbon, Albufeira, sunny southern beaches to enjoy the sea ...

For a one week stay, go to Spain

There is no room for boredom, when you have a week to travel to Spain, thanks to the diversity of tourist attractions, ranging from relaxing cultural visits by the sea, including nightlife entertainment.

Where to go to discover the most places to visit?

The most suitable destination for tourist visits is the one with the most places and tourist sites to discover and which offers a wide variety of activities.

The country with the most UNESCO-listed sites: Spain

the Alhambra in Granada, the historic center of Cordoba, the Paths of Santiago de Compostela or the Cathedral, the Alcázar and the Archivo de Indias in Seville, are part of the forty or so cultural sites listed as World Heritage by Unesco. Spain turns out to be the destination with the most UNESCO-listed sites, since Portugal has only sixteen.

The most cultural destination: Spain

Although Portugal is home to magnificent cultural sites, such as the Historic Center of Évora and the Historic Center of Porto, the Luiz I Bridge and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar… Spain is indestructible when it comes to cultural interest .

Alhambra in Spain

So which is your choice: Portugal or Spain?

Now that you know the strengths of each destination, it's up to you to choose yours. Where are you going to go according to your passions, Portugal or Spain? If you have the answer, taking into account our criteria or your own criteria, let us know in the comments!