A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Portugal vs. Morocco

When is the best time to visit Portugal and Morocco?

Portugal is a popular tourist destination during the summer months. This is when it is sunny but hot. Many Portuguese take their holidays during the month of August, so tickets can sell out and hotels fill up early. If you're going to be visiting Portugal during this time, make your reservations well in advance. This is also when the prices are highest.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Portugal. The crowds are less and the prices are a bit lower. The weather is also cooler so you can enjoy wandering around outside. During the spring season the flowers bloom and it's a beautiful time to be in the area.

Winters are relatively mild in most of Portugal, but the northern areas do experience snow and cooler temperatures. Rain is more common during this time as well.

Morocco is a great place to visit during the spring season, which is during the months of April and May. The summer months are very hot, although the coastal areas may be a bit more comfortable. Winter temperatures are often comfortable during the day and much cooler at night. Many hotels don't have heating, so nights can become a bit unpleasant. If you're planning to hike in the mountains, April through October are really the best times to visit.

Also take note of when Ramadan falls. This holiday includes daytime fasting and many restaurants and public transportation offer only limited options.

Why is Portugal more expensive than Morocco?

Portugal is part of Western Europe and although it is one of the most affordable countries in that region, it is still expensive when compared to Morocco. Morocco has a lower cost of living and prices are much more affordable. Morocco is also a very popular country to visit and there is no shortage of budget accommodation options and restaurants in most cities and towns. Competition keeps prices down and in many circumstances you can negotiate a discount. In particular, if you visit Morocco during the low season, you'll get the best deals if you don't make reservations and negotiate rates once you arrive. This requires a bit of flexibility, but the discounts are usually significant.

What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Portugal and Morocco?

In Portugal, Lisbon and the coastal towns are usually the most expensive places to visit. Prices are very dependent on season in Portugal so if you're traveling during the peak summer months you'll likely to pay significantly more for a room.

In Morocco, Fez and Marrakesh are a bit more expensive than the lesser known destinations. Most tourists choose to stay in or near the medina, so prices for riads in those areas are a bit more expensive. The convenience of the location is well worth the price though.

How you can save money when visiting Portugal and Morocco?

Both Portugal and Morocco are relatively affordable countries to visit, but prices are heavily dependent on the season you visit. Travel during the spring and fall seasons if you want the best prices, pleasant weather, and less crowds.

Use buses and public transportation whenever possible. Buses are convenient and relatively comfortable in both countries, and prices are quite reasonable.

In Morocco, negotiate prices whenever possible. Most prices aren't set, so ask for a discount and don't be afraid to walk away if you think the price is too high.