No Borders: The Simple and Fast Union Between Two Countries

Portugal and Spain are known for their eternal rivalries, but they are two inseparable countries! And there are no borders separating the peoples of these two countries.

The rivalry between these two countries dates back to the 12th century when the Iberian kingdoms were formed. However, it was in the 15th and 16th centuries that the wars between Portugal and Spain intensified, primarily due to with territorial disputes.

There are also the eternal football rivalries, which remain to this day, as well as cultural ones. Although both languages derive from Latin, there are significant differences that emphasize their separate identities.

However, this “war” is considered healthy today! When both countries joined the European Union in 1986, they began a cooperation that remains strong and stable. And despite these rivalries, they will even co-host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco.

But there are many other factors that unite us with “nuestros hermanos”…

 

1. Free Movement

With the accession of both countries to the European Union in the same year, 1986, all physical and customs borders between Portugal and Spain were removed. This opening facilitated the movement of people, goods, and services between them, creating a stronger union, especially between cities that lie across the borders.

Tourism increased for both the Portuguese and the Spaniards, boosting the economic growth of both countries. Trade was also enhanced, as the Schengen Agreement allowed for the free movement of people without the need for passports or border controls.

It became more common to hear both languages on the streets of Portugal and Spain, with exchanges of gastronomic and cultural experiences, as the travel experience between the two countries is much smoother compared to other borders outside the European Union.

It is also important to note that there is no need for visas or other complex formalities for citizens of the European Union.

 

2. Transport Facilitating Access Between Portugal and Spain

Over time, with all borders removed, both countries invested in building a road and rail network to facilitate travel.

There are highways in excellent condition connecting Portugal and Spain. For example, in the north of the country, the A3 or Autoestrada de Entre-Douro-e-Minho connects Porto to Valença, continuing to the Spanish border.

Arriving at this final Portuguese city, you will have the possibility to cross a bridge over the Minho River, a natural border between Portugal and Spain, and immediately enter the Spanish city of Tui, without any need for control or stops.

Also noteworthy are the Alfa Pendular and AVE services, which provide fast and comfortable travel between the two nations.

Air connections are also simple, with frequent links between the major cities of Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Barcelona. These options are fast and convenient for anyone wishing to visit both countries.

 

3. Cultural and Touristic Union

Despite all the differences, Portugal and Spain share many cultural, gastronomic, and historical similarities.

Portuguese and Spanish are two languages that originate from Latin. Even with some differences in pronunciation and vocabulary, the similarities make it easier for people from both countries to understand each other.

Catholicism also plays a central role in the history and culture of both Portugal and Spain. Many of the festivals and celebrations are common, such as Easter, Christmas, and some of the celebrations honouring patron saints. These festivals are very important for both: for example, São João in Porto and San Fermín in Pamplona. These street festivals involve music, dance, and religious celebrations.

In terms of gastronomy, Portugal and Spain are part of the Mediterranean region, and the traditional diet of both shares many ingredients and culinary practices. Rich in vegetables, fruit, fish, and olive oil, this is an example of healthy eating.

There are several examples:

• Olive oil (an essential ingredient in both Portuguese and Spanish cuisine)
• Pork (in Portugal, we have the famous leitão, and in Spain, Jamón Ibérico is common)
• Seafood and fish (the proximity to the sea makes these ingredients essential in both countries’ diets)
• Wine (Portugal and Spain have a rich winemaking tradition)
• Traditional sweets (who hasn’t tried a pastel de nata in Portugal or a churro in Spain? You don’t know what you’re missing!)

 

4. The Portuguese and Spaniards

The people of both countries are often described as welcoming and warm, always promoting great social interaction and community life.

If you walk through the main cities of Portugal and Spain at the end of the day, you will see terraces full of groups of friends sharing a drink before or after dinner. Conversations are always lively, and they are sure to fill the silences of the night.

Not to mention the constant family gatherings, which are always filled with good food and good conversation, around a table that always has room for one more.

 

5. Borderless Security

There is a high level of cooperation between both countries on public security matters, ensuring that travel between Portugal and Spain is peaceful.

Even with the removal of borders, both countries are considered safe to visit, allowing tourists to explore their cultural richness and celebrate traditions and festivals, always accompanied by a bottle of wine and the famous Spanish tapas.

Continuous improvement projects are also underway for the infrastructure linking the two Iberian Peninsula countries, which will further facilitate the increase in high-speed train travel and create new air routes, making mobility even safer and easier.

With the removal of borders, traveling between Portugal and Spain is incredibly easy! Thanks to their integration into the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, both countries offer a borderless travel experience. This ease and unity boost tourism and strengthen the cultural, economic, and social ties between the two nations.

Thus, tourists and citizens can cross this border as easily as they travel within their own country.

 

WE HAVE PROGRAMMES THAT ARE PERFECT EXAMPLES OF HOW EASY IT IS TO STEP OUT OF PORTUGUESE SOIL WITH ONE FOOT WHILE STEPPING INTO SPAIN WITH THE OTHER! EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMES AND CROSS THE BORDER SIMPLY AND QUICKLY BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.

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