Spain versus Portugal, which one is best for you and your travel style?  Once you have a taste of the food and wine in each of these beautiful destinations, now let us look at the culture and adventure that Spain and Portugal can offer.   

Island Enthusiasts: Madeira vs. Mallorca

Madeira: Known as the Island of Eternal Spring, Madeira has long attracted travelers seeking to warm themselves under the island’s year-round subtropical sun. Lush and mountainous with spectacular ocean views, this Portuguese archipelago off the coast of Africa is nothing if not remote. For couples looking for a quiet getaway, it would be hard to find a more idyllic location. The Belmond Reid’s Palace, the island’s grand dame hotel long known for its elegant interiors and impeccable service, offers an array of romantic excursions, including classic car tours, hikes with expert naturalists, and sunset sails aboard a private yacht.

In northern Spain, in the Iberian Peninsula, you will find one of Spain’s best wine destinations in La Rioja.  This area of Spain sits below the Cantabrian Mountains in the Ebro valley and is a great region to spend time in nature and exploring the many family-owned vineyards. The region is approximately an hour and a half from Bilbao, Spain.  
​
The region is where you will find the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park.  In the park, you will find a diverse ecosystem where you can explore the many forests and high mountain peaks.  One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites is in this region is the San Millan Yuso and Suso Monasteries.  This community was founded in the mid 6th century and is a popular pilgrimage site.  This monastery is famous since it was the site of the first book written in Castilian, which was the language that spoken Spanish was derived from.

​Handshakes, hugs, air kisses and pecks on the cheek are on hold while we practice social distancing during the pandemic. While for most of us Westerners, it feels strange to greet others without physical contact; in most Asian and some African countries, this is the norm. 

As you go about your socially distanced day-to-day, here are four no-touch ways to say hello from around the globe. 
​

Fun, lively flamenco clubs, intimate little tapas bars, undiscovered beaches, and stunning wine regions — whatever your passion, the Iberian Peninsula has the perfect destination to satisfy your romantic inclinations. But where to go, Spain or Portugal? You can’t go wrong with either, but if you must choose, let us help make your decision a little easier. Keep reading as we match up our favorite spots in the ultimate destination showdown: Spain versus Portugal.
​