Spain or Portugal?
The practical differences, drawn from our own write-ups rather than from a brochure. We are not going to tell you which is better - they are different trips. What follows is what actually changes between them.
Places written up here 432 405
UNESCO listings among them 60 23
Cost level Mid-range Mid-range
Busiest month in our write-ups May June
Currency Euro (EUR) Euro (EUR)
Plugs and voltage C, F - 230 V C, F - 230 V
Everyday languages Spanish Portuguese
Driving side right hand side right hand side
Region Southern Europe Southern Europe
Capital Madrid Lisbon
Spain
Life runs late and loud; the evening paseo and a long lunch are institutions.
What we have written up
- Aiguamolls de l'Emporda wetland reserve
- Aiguestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici national park
- Ainsa medieval town
- Alarcon walled village
- Albaicin historic quarter
- Albarino of Rias Baixas wine region
Worth knowing before you go
- Tipping is small change, not a percentage
- Cards work everywhere, though tiny bars may prefer cash
- Museums often free on set evenings - check ahead
Portugal
Gentle, unhurried and courteous; saudade melancholy and genuine warmth coexist.
What we have written up
- Açorda and Migas dishes
- Água de Prata Aqueduct aqueduct
- Aguas Livres Aqueduct monument
- Ajuda National Palace palace
- Alcobaca Monastery church
- Alcoutim village
Worth knowing before you go
- Tipping is modest - round up or 5-10% for good service
- Cards are widely accepted; small tascas may want cash
- Intercity trains and buses are cheap booked ahead
Counts describe this site, not the countries: "places written up here" means how many pages we have finished, and it keeps growing. Currency, plugs and languages are practical facts and change rarely; check anything visa-related with the relevant official source before you book.