Iberia offers an abundance of experiences for travelers, establishing this region of Europe among the most sought-after destinations globally. Its extensive coastline, sunlit landscapes, diverse cultures, and exceptional cuisine contribute to its enduring appeal.
However, the challenge lies in determining where to begin when faced with so many opportunities; a lifetime spent exploring may still leave you wanting more. Thus, before delving into specific cities and regions, we must address the initial question: Spain or Portugal?
While Spain possesses considerable land area, Portugal presents an extraordinary variety of experiences within its borders. To assist with this delightful dilemma, we have engaged two knowledgeable writers who have a deep appreciation for these remarkable destinations. Absorb their insights, contemplate their perspectives, and determine which Iberian experience resonates more with you.
Portugal Approaches Perfection
Travel writer and longtime GoTravelDaily contributor Kerry Walker has hitchhiked with Thai royalty, served beer at Oktoberfest, and swum with sharks during her travels. Nonetheless, it is Portugal that continues to captivate her heart.
For years, Spain has overshadowed Portugal’s attractions. While Spain’s vibrant culture and fiery spirit often steal the spotlight, Portugal has quietly emerged as a charming contender, ready to showcase its unique allure.
My initial journey to Portugal brought me to the western coast of the Algarve; as an adventurous 11-year-old, I found excitement in climbing honeycomb cliffs and crashing in the waves rather than lounging on the sand. I would seek hidden spots to gaze out over the roaring Atlantic, dreaming of the great navigators from the Age of Discovery as they set sail for new worlds aboard storm-tossed caravels.
At that time, I could scarcely foresee how these childhood adventures would ignite a passion for Portugal that would endure through the years. I have traversed much of Portugal—from the surf-tossed, dune-rippled beaches of Costa Vicentina to the medieval towns woven through alleyways and the megaliths of the Alentejo, the timeless granite villages of the Minho, and the heavenly vineyards of the Douro. Trust me: beyond its highlights, a significant portion of Portugal remains beautifully understated.
Spain has its coastal resorts, yet Portugal’s beaches offer rugged beauty, with dunes and cliffs dramatically meeting the sprawling sands. The prevailing surf conditions provide an invigorating experience; there’s no better place to embrace the restorative force of the Atlantic than at Ericeira, Peniche (the gateway to the stunning Ilhas Berlengas, characterized by its granite islands and turquoise coves), and the treasures of Costa Vicentina such as Praia do Amado and Praia da Arrifana. Even near Lisbon, you will be captivated by Parque Natural da Arrábida, where lush hills give way to soft sands and tranquil waters where minke whales and dolphins play.
The sublime moment arrives at Cabo de São Vicente. During a breathtaking sunset, one can envision the vast expanse of ocean lying between continentally Europe’s southwesternmost point and the shores of the Americas.
Although Spain boasts breathtaking mountains and picturesque river valleys, Portugal offers equally stunning landscapes. Immerse yourself in the surrounding nature by staying at an agriturismo (farm stay) in the Alentejo, indulging in a slow-food feast of creamy sheep cheeses, acorn-fed black pork (porco preto), olives, wine, and wild mushrooms. Alternatively, embark on a journey along the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve route, ascending to the Serra da Estrela (“mountains of the stars”) and Portugal’s highest peak, 6540ft (1993m) Torre, to glimpse night skies adorned with countless stars.
This wilderness is truly extraordinary—whether ascending mountain trails leading to remote granite villages in Peneda-Gerês, where ibex, wolves, golden eagles, and Garrano ponies roam free; strolling along shepherds’ paths through the rocky heights of Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela; or savoring rich reds and ports at a quinta (wine estate) overlooking the terraced vineyards of the scenic Douro Valley.
Culture-wise, Portugal matches Spain’s offerings, with its rich history unfolding at an exhilarating pace. Explore neolithic megaliths, Roman temples, and medieval fortifications in the UNESCO-recognized Évora, or marvel at the enchanting palaces of Sintra and Mafra. Experience the country’s spiritual heart in Braga as you tread the 600 ornately designed steps of the Bom Jesus do Monte, or step back into the Age of Discovery while exploring the intricately adorned Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Belém. Where Spain has flamenco, Portugal reveals its essence through fado, the poignant folk music that fills the alleyways of Lisbon’s Moorish Alfama district and the shadowy corners of the university town Coimbra.
Portugal’s urban centers exude creative vibrancy. In Lisbon, modernity intertwines with tradition through street art and at the design incubator LX Factory. Rooftop terraces featuring elevated cocktails have proliferated, while luxurious retro-style accommodations like The Vintage and The Lumiares add newfound appeal. Moreover, Lisbon’s culinary landscape shines, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as Alma dazzling diners. Meanwhile, Porto rivals the capital in excitement, with striking architecture like Rem Koolhaas’ daring Casa da Música, the contemporary art at Serralves, and immersive experiences like World of Wine.
Choosing Portugal over Spain ensures a captivating experience; you will undoubtedly wish to return.
Spain, for the Win
Esme Fox is a travel writer based in Barcelona, having contributed numerous articles on Spain, including the latest GoTravelDaily guide to Spain, Experience Spain, and the most recent update of the Pocket Bilbao & San Sebastián.
It is effortless to extol the virtues of Spain. A brief visit reveals why it consistently ranks as one of the world’s most favored holiday destinations. (The favorable weather merely amplifies its appeal.)
The allure extends beyond its magnificent coastline, even though Spain boasts 621 Blue Flag beaches, recognized for their exceptional water quality. There exists an abundance of additional attractions to explore.
To begin with, Spain encompasses an impressive total of 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking fourth globally (Portugal holds merely 17). Nothing compares to Granada’s opulent Alhambra, a substantial Moorish site adorned with intricate designs; or the historic center of Córdoba that houses the breathtaking part-mosque-part-cathedral Mezquita; or even the mesmerizing Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, positioned at the conclusion of one of the world’s renowned pilgrimage routes.
When it comes to the volume of extraordinary and unique festivals, Spain stands unrivaled. Where else can you witness enormous papier-mâché sculptures ceremonially ignited at Las Fallas in Valencia, or join fire-wielding devils during correfocs (fire runs) in Catalonia? Consider the passionate displays and intricate floats during the Semana Santa parades held in anticipation of Easter.
Alternatively, embrace the chaos of hurling tomatoes at La Tomatina in Buñol or douse participants with wine during the annual Batalla de Vino in the Riojan town of Haro. With an array of festivals, there is assuredly something happening somewhere within the country throughout the year.
Though there are distinct differences as you venture from north to south in Portugal, in Spain, the juxtaposition of the northern Basque Country and southern Andalucía appears particularly pronounced. Each of Spain’s 17 regions offers unique characteristics, culture, cuisine, and even language (the country recognizes five official languages).
There is the Don Quijote country of Castilla – La Mancha, known for its iconic windmills (no tilting, please!) and vibrant saffron fields; the verdant region of Asturias, celebrated for its artisanal cheeses and ciders; as well as the western area of Extremadura, renowned for the Dehesa, a lush grazing landscape where the nation’s coveted jamón is produced.
In addition, explore the captivating countryside of Andalucía, where rolling olive groves and flamenco shows entice visitors in diverse ways. Moreover, the island groups of the Balearics and Canaries offer volcanic terrains alongside lively party towns and protected marine reserves.
Portugal’s azulejo-covered (tiled) facades are enchanting, yet in terms of architectural marvels, Spain showcases everything from Antoni Gaudí’s colorful designs in Barcelona and the innovative Guggenheim in Bilbao, to the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, and the historic Casas Colgadas, ancient skyscrapers suspended on a cliff face in Cuenca.
Spain might offer custard tarts, but it’s also famous for sardines. You can enjoy espetos de sardinas (sardine skewers) at the beaches of Málaga—but that’s just the beginning of the culinary adventure. Valencian paella is packed with butter beans, snails, and rabbit, while Andalusian tapas feature breaded eggplant drizzled with treacle, often paired with a complimentary drink in local bars.
Indulge in hearty cocido madrileño stew in Madrid and savor paprika-enhanced octopus from Galicia. The true star of Spain’s gastronomic landscape, however, is undoubtedly San Sebastián, where pintxos (small plates) reign supreme, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred establishments per capita in Europe. Complete your meal with a fine local wine, as Spain is home to a remarkable collection of 69 protected designation of origin (PDO) wine regions.
With such diversity, Spain promises an unparalleled experience, ensuring that every visit delivers something new.
This article was initially published on Mar 28, 2023, and subsequently updated on Oct 1, 2024.
