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Europe has always been a popular region of the world for travel, but two countries in particular are currently breaking tourism records.
Travelers can’t get enough of neighboring countries Spain And Portugal.
These two European countries are the trendiest destinations of the year and will both receive record numbers of tourists in 2023.
And that popularity will only skyrocket in 2024 as more and more travelers head to Spain and Portugal. While each country is extremely distinctive with its own unique flair, they also share many similarities.
This is why Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular destinations of the year:
Great weather
Both Spain and Portugal have some of the best weather conditions in Europe.
These two countries have become increasingly popular as off-season destinations due to the sunshine and warmer temperatures all year round.
Even if it can go a bit at warm in the heat of summer, the ‘shoulder seasons’ of spring and autumn are absolutely perfect for enjoying warm and sunny weather in Spain and Portugal.
Even winter is usually very mild in Spain and Portugal (especially the southern parts), making it a welcome change from the frigid weather in other parts of the world.
Spain’s Costa del Sol and Portugal’s Algarve in particular are perfect winter and spring destinations to escape the cold weather and enjoy the sun.
Great for solo travelers
Both Spain and Portugal are excellent destinations for solo travelers. As someone who has traveled solo in both countries and spent a significant amount of time in Spain, I can attest to how easy it is to get around on your own and find fun things to do.
Spain and Portugal are both very safe, and in both countries it is easy to meet other travelers and locals.
There are plenty of activities you can do as a solo traveler, whether you are interested in museums, food, nature or something else.
In a recent report on the best cities for solo travelers, Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon were all nominated!
Affordable prices
Another reason why Spain and Portugal are so popular is because they are significantly more affordable than other popular destinations in Western Europe such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Although Spain is more expensive than Portugal, it is still quite affordable. I was actually shocked at how cheap Portugal was; it was even cheaper than some destinations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans!
Portugal’s affordability is one of the many reasons why it will be one of the most popular destinations in the world for travelers in 2024.
Popular destinations
Travelers have been flocking to major hotspots like Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal for centuries, but there are some lesser-known destinations in both countries that are becoming increasingly popular.
For example, Spain’s Canary Islands and Balearic Islands set new tourism records in 2023, and many American travelers are discovering these destinations for the first time.
And in Portugal, travelers head to lesser-known cities to find cheaper prices and escape the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.
Spain vs. Portugal
It can be difficult to choose between Spain and Portugal, as both countries have so much to offer!
If you want to save money, Portugal is the winner as it is significantly cheaper than Spain overall.
When it comes to food, culture and history, both countries are connected. Spain and Portugal each have great cities, vibrant culture and delicious food.
When it comes to partying and going out, both countries are also excellent destinations – although Spain may have a slight edge when it comes to party hotspots like Ibiza and Barcelona.
Both countries also have exceptional beaches, but Portugal is the place to go if you want to surf or have a more active beach holiday. Meanwhile, Spain is perfect for a more relaxing Mediterranean getaway, to destinations like the Costa del Sol or the Balearic Islands.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
