And the surf! I would think language skills would play a part in your decision. But when it comes to architecture, Spain boasts everything from the colorful and whimsical designs of Antoni Gaud in Barcelona to the game-changing Guggenheim in Bilbao, the futuristic designs of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia and the historic Casas Colgadas, centuries-old skyscrapers hanging from the side of a cliff in Cuenca. Portugal is a good destination to visit the national parks. Black Woman Posing. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers. Casa Batllo is one of Gaudi's famous buildings and worth a tour along with Casa Vicens, too. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. However, if you're looking to explore multiple large cities with historical attractions, then Spain might be more of your style. These large cities offer amazing food, nightlife, historical tours, old cathedrals, museums, and epic views. Spain offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. And, my, is it wild out there whether youre hoofing up mountain trails to remote granite villages inPeneda-Gers, where ibex, wolves, golden eagles and Garrano ponies roam; wandering in shepherds footsteps through the ragged, boulder-strewn heights ofParque Natural da Serra da Estrela; or sipping velvety red wines and ports at a quinta (wine estate) high above terrace-ribbed vineyards of the ravishing Douro Valley. 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. Barcelona is a place I could enjoy visiting for a long time. As for urban edge, Portugals cities fizz with creative energy. So, it's often not fair to compare the two nations from a tourism perspective. Surfing is very popular all along the coast. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches. While Portugal and Spain both have hiking trails, overall Spain is more well-known. And while Portugals infrastructure is on par with that of other European nations, its It's also easy to rent kayaks or canoes both on the coastline or in the rivers and lakes of the interior. Traveling through both countries is easy All of these towns are within easy reach to other major destinations in Portugal such as the beaches, big cities, castles, national parks, and more. In Lisbon, the city center is full of bars and nightclubs that come alive after the crowds enjoy dinner at a variety of restaurants and cafes. Some of the other cities in Spain should not be overlooked either, as they also offer plenty of big city activities, museums, and culture. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients. Hiking and camping in the natural parks is very popular because the mountains offer great views, river valleys, and unique ecosystems. Marbella: From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. They Or maybe you just want to go wild, pelting others with tomatoes at La Tomatina in Buol, or spraying participants with wine during the annual Batalla de Vino in the Riojan town of Haro. Barcelona, Madrid, the costal cities, and small towns all have plenty of hostels, pensions, and guest houses. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is amazing. Theres the Don Quijote country of CastillaLa Mancha, with its windmills (no tilting, now!) Culturally, Portugal punches as high as Spain, its history unfolding at a seemingly breathless pace. The cities of Lagos, Portimao, and Albufiera have dive centers. Many visitors go to Spain to go shopping. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Spain and Portugal are generally comparable in price, but Spain tends to be slightly more expensive. Affordable food is also found everywhere, whether at local restaurants, street vendors, or markets. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular along the coast, as well as in the Canary Islands and around Ibiza and Majorca. Spain and Portugal are both good destinations for students and younger travelers. The national transportation system makes getting around easy and affordable, too. Flights into Spain might be easier and cheaper simply because there are more options to choose from. From festivals to budget accommodations, here's what's happening through the year in Portugal. You can see barracuda, octopus, moray, a variety of large fish species, and more. For a relaxing beach holiday, both Spain and Portugal are good choices. It has stunning cliffs, nice beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Spain, for one, is five times the size of Portugal, making it difficult to see it all in one go. Lisbon and Porto are thriving cities with an active nightlife scene, museums, historic cathedrals, and terrific cuisine. Barcelona: The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura. Taking a road trip through Spain is very good way to see the countryside and smaller destinations. Hence pursuing studies outside the US. The waters are clear and provide excellent visibility. While Madrid is the capital, it's by no means the main attraction of a country full of beaches, ancient castles, and cultural diversity. Marbella: The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and Jamon Iberico. Kite surfing and wind surfing are also popular in many areas, too. Living in Portugal vs. Spain: pros/cons, lifestyle, people The coastal landscapes are diverse and beautiful. Catalonia the NE around Barcelona is the wealthiest area and is a bit like Italy compared to Castile, around Madrid. Some typical examples of dining costs in Spain are as follows: Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Spain. 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). There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from. Spain vs Portugal: Which is the Better Destination For You? The beach is always an obvious choice for a romantic destination, and you'll find plenty here. Little did I know then that these childhood trips would spark a life-long love affair with the country. Is one more gender-egalitarian, liberal, or LGBTQ-friendly than the other? Then theres sizzling Andaluca, where the rolling olive groves and flamenco sessions allure in different ways. You can't go wrong with a family trip to Spain, as there's just so much to do. a tour that covers both Spain and Portugal, Barcelona: The Ultimate Travel Planning Guide, Barcelona: Activities, Tickets, and Things to Do, Cheap Tours and Activities in Granada, Spain, Beach & Party Hostels in Albufeira, Portugal, Party Hostels in Peniche, Portugal near the Beach, Top 10 Kid-friendly things to do in the Algarve, Hostels for Solo Travellers, Female Travellers, & Couples in Madrid, Hostels & Campgrounds in Ibiza for Solo Travellers, Couples, and Groups, Hostels in Pamplona for Backpackers, Solo Travellers, and Couples, Affordable, Quiet, and Safe Hostels in Lisbon, Portugal, Hostels in Bilbao, Spain for Groups, Students, or Solo Travellers, Hostels in Portugal for Students and Backpackers, Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions, Good for backpackers and budget travelers. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau brs, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Most people come for the beaches. Furthermore, plenty of cities have a mix of cultural and historical sites combined with modern family attractions such as amusement parks, water parks, and natural park areas. Visiting the mountains in Portugal is a very popular activity. $50, Madrid: Murder Mystery Dinner Experience: Flights between the two cities costs around $50 on a budget airline. In Portugal, many people enjoy the museums, theater, and adventure travel that this destination offers. $37, Valencia: Surprise Winery Visit with Wine Tasting: Also, the Madeira Islands are part of Portugal and can be found to the west of Morocco. Portimao: Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. You decide iStock. Other mountain ranges worth visiting include the Montanhas Magicas (Magic Mountains), the Serra da Freita, and the Montemuro range. On the other hand Ria Formosa Natural Park offers a wide stretch of beautiful coastline to explore. Find the local restaurants that are popular with the residents of the town. Including LQBTQ, especially in Sitges just south of Barcelona. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers. There is no manner, however, to describe all the people in a country. Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers, Spain vs. Portugal for Resorts, Beaches, Hiking, and Families, The Best Hostels in Portugal for Students and Backpackers. Carmo Convent and Jeronimos Monastery are also two very popular sites that draw large crowds because of their beauty and rich history. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. Nightlife? The downtown area of Porto has seen a significant resurgence of bars and clubs at night in recent years. They will go out of their way to help. Also, some companies offer specific types of tours, such as adventure tours, tours for those under 35, or culinary and food-focused tours. Spain is a great place to explore. Spain has its costas, but Portugals beaches are wilder still, with dunes and cliffs crashing down to vast scoops of butterscotch sand. Inland you'll find natural park areas, mountain ranges, small villages, vineyards and wineries, ancient ruins, adventure sports, and cozy cottages. Porto: The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The same can be said for the smaller towns on the Atlantic coast, where historic fishing villages are mingled with larger resort properties. Just to get started, you'll have a combination of amazing beaches, historical cities, castles, national parks, mountains, and more. Plenty of luxurious romantic hotels and fine dining options await, as does the fantastic local wine selection. The cultures are similar, but there are differences that you notice after visiting both countries. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city. In Valencia, kids will love the Oceanografic aquarium and the Bioparc zoo. While Madrid and Barcelona are the most popular cities to visit, the beach resort areas in Andaluca and Valencia can also get touristy, especially in the busy summer months. Other than Barcelona and Madrid, the most popular cities for students include Granada, Seville, Valencia, and Bilbao. Spain is a popular destination overall for study-abroad students and younger travelers. In many of Spain's national parks, you'll find hiking, camping, horseback riding, adventure sports, and beautiful views. Near Santa Maria Island, for example, divers can see manta rays, tuna, barracudas, and amberjack. Portugal has a lot to offer, whether you're interested in hanging out on the beach, sipping some wine, or playing golf. The Feira da Ladra is the best antique and flea market in the city, and is worth browsing through even if you're not planning to buy anything. Both Spain and Portugal offer theater options for visitors. I'd most likely be looking at the North/Northwest Coast or Catalonia for Spain, and the Northern Half for Portugal. Some of the best and most popular beach destinations in southern Spain include Tossa de Mar in Costa Brava, Puerto Banus near Marbella, Bogatell in Barcelona, Almunecar in Costa Tropical, and the beaches of Cadiz, amongst others. That being said, Spain has plenty of beaches, too. Albufeira: With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. $36, Barcelona: Private Airport Transfer to/from Barcelona: Lisbon: World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jernimos monastery, the Belm Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums. Cadiz: As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Barcelona is very popular with all types of bars and dance clubs for locals and travelers alike. $7.95, Aveiro: Guided Tuk Tuk City Tour: Popular traditional dishes begin with the small but famous custard tart known as Pastel de Nata. And in the Costa Brava region up the coast from Barcelona, even more gorgeous trails have great views of the landscapes and Mediterranean Sea. Since Portugal is not too large, getting around is fairly easy. $18, Cascais/Estoril: Shared Transfer to/ from the Airport: My sense was that Portugal was a bit cheaper than Spain. $17, Granada: Private Luxury Airport Transfer: And don't miss the famous hanging houses of Cuenca. Produced by Rob Szypko , 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. Southwest Alentejo and Vicenti Coast is part of the Algarve. Where are these Medical schools exactly located in Spain, I'm guessing Barcelona and Santiago de Compostela? Dozens more are found around the city, too. 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. For those looking for something more relaxed, you can take a walk through the vineyards or a jeep tour around the mountain regions. On the other hand, Lisbon and Porto are not as well connected depending on where you live. Spain is loud and warm, has better beaches with warmer water, and there's more big cities to choose from. Spain 0-0 Portugal: international friendly as it happened Everything you need to know ahead of your trip, from how many days to spend in town to the best ways to get around. And, lucky you for having this opportunity. Furthermore, many tour companies include Spain and Portugal together on their trips, if only because the two countries are next to each other. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Spain and Portugal in more detail.
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