The Best Time to Visit Spain and Portugal …

The Mediterranean is one of the most magical areas on Earth, with its clear turquoise beaches, craggy islands, hidden coves and beaches, historic towns and rich culture. There is so much to explore and so many different ways to enjoy a holiday in this part of the world. Two of the most exciting countries to visit have to be Spain and Portugal.

Whilst they may be neighbours, Spain and Portugal have quite different and very unique traits. However, one thing they do share is their seasons, and to a certain extent a similar climate. So when is the best time to visit these two incredible countries?

A Blooming Spring

The spring season in both Spain and Portugal runs from March through to May and this is when the weather warms and nature wakes. Some areas will be hotter than others but in general you’ll find that the weather is sunny and pleasant and the fresh spring flowers will bring a splash of colour to brighten your time there!

It’s not just the natural world that comes to life in the spring, however. This is a season full of festivals so there is plenty of cultural flavour for you to enjoy. In Spain you can partake in Semana Santa – the Holy Week – which falls between March and April. If you enjoy music and dance then the Festival de Jerez is unmissable as it is one of the biggest flamenco celebrations Spain has to offer. And if you head to Seville after the Easter celebrations you can enjoy Feria de Abril – its annual fair filled with all the carnival fun, food and drink you could wish for.

Portugal also observes Holy Week full of street parades, and you may want to get to the country by the 25^th of April so you can enjoy their Freedom Day celebrations. In May, the town of Sintra hosts a festival celebrating classical music and opera which is a must for any music aficionado!

Hot in the Summer

Summer is the most popular season in both countries so this is when you can expect the biggest crowds. As the weather heats up, most people will head to the coast where the weather is cooler and you can relax on the beach. If beach life is for you, Portugal has some of the most pristine beaches in Europe, and you can travel down the coastline to get a real taste of the country’s beauty.

Wine connoisseurs should head to La Rioja for June 29^th and the Batalla del Vino (Battle of the Wine) when locals literally drench each other in wine. And for another cultural hit head to Granada in June/July to enjoy the International Festival of Music and Dance. Meanwhile in Portugal on the 23^rd and 24^th of June you can celebrate the Festa de São João all across the country (although Porto has some of the best celebrations!)

Harvest Autumn

From September to October you can enjoy the most comfortable temperatures in the Mediterranean. Most of the tourists have headed home by this point so both Portugal and Spain are quieter and this is the perfect season for sightseeing. Visit the stunning cities these countries have to offer, exploring the historic streets of Lisbon and art and culture of Bilbao. Take advantage of the cooler weather to explore the hiking trails in the countryside. You can take on some of the Camino de Santiago or maybe explore a national park like The Peneda-Gerês National Park near Porto. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy the majesty, flora and fauna or these countries.

Autumn is also the perfect season to explore wineries while the grape harvest is in full swing.

Cool and Cosy is the Winter

Both Portugal and Spain are ideal places to hide away from the cold winter blues as they are a bit warmer than most of Northern Europe. Spain enjoys many jazz festivals in November and both countries have gorgeous Christmas decorations up throughout December.

On the 6^th of January you can enjoy Three Kings’ Day across both countries – in Spain there area street parades that see the Three Kings throwing treats out for the children to enjoy whilst in Portugal carollers sing outside the houses and children receive their Christmas gifts (also from the Three Kings).

In February you can experience Carnival. Spanish Carnival sees parties everywhere, people in fancy dress and the Sangria flowing! Portugal’s Carnival is all about the elaborate street parades and extraordinary costumes!

Holiday Accommodation Advice for Spain and Portugal

So as you can see, there are many reasons to visit both Spain and Portugal throughout the year. The best time to visit really is down to you! The next question you might ask is: Where should I stay when I visit? Whilst there are many different options when it comes to holiday accommodation, Direct Owners offers a unique chance for you to ensure that your choice of accommodation has a positive impact on the place you’re visiting.

Many accommodation services are big corporations with little vested interest in supporting the local economy. What Direct Owners does is connect you directly with the people you’re staying with – locals who know about the area, care about it, and will benefit the most from you having the best time you can possibly have. By choosing this kind of accommodation service you’ll be enhancing your holiday, getting more immersed in the culture and really enjoying what it is to be in your chosen location. With all this in mind we really urge you to look into local holiday lets with us.

If you are interested in connecting with a local holiday let, or if you have any questions then don’t hesitate to get in touch. The perfect holiday is right around the corner!