Both countries have Mediterranean climates, meaning they are generally temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. In Portugal, the average temperature in Lisbon is 24°C in July and 11°C in January, and in Spain the average temperature in Barcelona is around the same: 24°C in August and 10°C in January.
Overall, however, Spain probably wins when it comes to weather as it has more areas with mild winter weather than Portugal. In Portugal, the mild winter weather is limited to anywhere south of Lisbon and especially around the Algarve.
When it comes to the cost of living, retirement in Portugal is even cheaper, but in the grand scheme of things, both countries offer affordable living compared to other countries in Europe. Spain is also known for living a healthy lifestyle thanks to the Mediterranean cuisine and outdoor lifestyle.
On average, the cost of living in Spain is 4.3% more expensive than in Portugal, with Spain being cheaper on average for public transport and grocery costs.
The verdict
Deciding which country has the best beaches for you really depends on what you're looking for. Whereas Spain is graced by the warmer waters of the Mediterranean and the chilled-out beach life that comes with it, Portugal benefits from the lively waters of the Atlantic and some truly epic scenery.
Both countries have Mediterranean climates, meaning they are generally temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. In Portugal, the average temperature in Lisbon is 24°C in July and 11°C in January, and in Spain the average temperature in Barcelona is around the same: 24°C in August and 10°C in January.
Portugal definitely feels safer and friendlier than Spain!
Property in Portugal is far cheaper than in Spain, and with attractive rental yields in Lisbon and the Algarve, you can understand why Portugal is such a popular choice for investors.
Portugal's Golden Visa is also more attractive than Spain's. It is much easier to get citizenship in Portugal through this visa after only five years. In Spain, you need to be a resident for at least 10 years.
Portugal offers the best of both worlds if you're looking to retire abroad. It's a beautiful, European destination, and it's affordable for the average retiree. This is why it has become one of the world's most popular expat and retiree locations.
The heat can be a huge drawback, because it's often so extreme that you can barely go outside during the hottest parts of the day (12-8pm), so you're limited to getting things done in the early morning or late at night.
The best climate in Spain and the most sunshine is found in Alicante on the Costa Blanca. With an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month, it's easy to see why so many expats choose to move to Alicante, not to mention the city's lively culture scene, great nightlife and an endless list of historical sights to visit.
Thanks to its inclusion of the Mediterranean coast, plenty of European countries experience warm winter weather. However, Spain tends to be Europe's hottest country in summer and winter due to its southern location.
The Algarve has the best climate in Europe, meaning the most days of sun, and it also gains from prevailing winds. Between the water and the wind, this region is never unbearably hot and rarely humid. Temperatures range between about 60°F and 90°F with humidity hovering around 80%.
The weather is much the same but the hospitality in Portugal is definitely warmer than Spain. canaries during the winter months but nothing is ever certain anywhere can have good or bad weather.
Low wages in Portugal
A major downside to living in Portugal is finding a well-paying job. Whether you are making minimum wage or the average salary, do not expect to make a lot of money. In 2022, the national minimum salary in Portugal is €705 a month before tax.
Is Portugal friendly to foreigners? Portugal is always welcoming foreigners with open arms, and the Portuguese people are very friendly. Most of the Portuguese locals know how to express themselves in English, which will make it easier for you to communicate everywhere.
The Spaniards speak a bit louder and faster than the Portuguese. Spain has more marked regional differences than Portugal. The regional languages are Castilian, Basque, Andalusian, Galician, and Catalan. In Portugal, although the accents vary between the north and the south of the continent, the language is the same.
Living in Portugal offers many advantages: a warm climate, the Atlantic ocean, mountains nearby, a low crime rate and a relatively low cost of living. Medicine and education are well developed here, and residents are offered tax exemptions. The disadvantages include the need to learn Portuguese and carry cash on you.
Buying property in Portugal allows you to acquire a Portugal residence permit, as long as you stay in the country for a minimum of 14 days each two years.
But perhaps less well known is that Portugal is also one of the safest countries in the world. This is mainly because the political climate in the country has been stable for years, and crime rates in Portugal are some of the lowest in Europe.
Average rainfall
But due to its Atlantic coastline, you can expect rainy days in Portugal all year round. Porto and the north of Portugal tend to soak up most of this rainfall. However, the rest of the country isn't safe from frequent showers.