Neither is meaningfully cheaper: both run around €65 a day. Which means the decision comes down to everything else — how safe each rates, when you can travel, and what each one is genuinely good at.
Portugal is the smaller, quieter and cheaper of the two, with Atlantic surf and a coastline that stays cooler in high summer. Spain is bigger in every sense: more cities, more landscapes, its own islands, and rail links that make combining them easy. Portugal is one trip you can actually finish. Spain is several, and you will have to pick.
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily cost | ~€65 | ~€70 |
| Safety score | 88/100 | 86/100 |
| Best time to go | Spring, Summer, Autumn | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Climate | Mediterranean | Mediterranean, Dry |
| Best for | Beaches, Cities, Culture | Cities, Beaches, Culture |
| Suits | Solo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends, Families | Solo travellers, Couples, Groups of friends, Families |
| Budget level | Budget, Mid-range | Budget, Mid-range |
The safety scores are general indicators, last reviewed in August 2026. They are not travel advice: conditions change, and official advisories often flag specific regions rather than whole countries. Check your own government’s advice before you book.
On-the-ground spending only — flights aren't included, and they often matter more than the daily rate.
| Trip length | Portugal | Spain | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| A long weekend (3 days) | ~€195 | ~€210 | €15 |
| One week | ~€455 | ~€490 | €35 |
| Two weeks | ~€910 | ~€980 | €70 |
🇵🇹 Portugal. Sun-drenched coastlines, tiled cities and world-class food at a fair price.
🇪🇸 Spain. Flamenco, tapas, late nights and sun-drenched coasts — Europe's most vibrant country.