The quintessential travel question: Do you love mountains or beaches? If you can answer this honestly, picking between Switzerland and Portugal for a vacation will be a breeze. But then, it’s not always so crystal clear. You may love both types of holidays. Your significant other may have different tastes. Or then you read our Switzerland vs Portugal guide and realise there’s so much more to each destination than mere mountains or basic beaches! We didn’t mean to confuse you, but it might just make sense to plan trips to both destinations after you’ve heard us out. Read on to find out more about these two fabulous countries.
Switzerland vs Portugal for natural beauty
Switzerland has numerous amazing mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers, rivers, and waterfalls. Tourists especially enjoy the snow, ski lifts, and hiking trails. Places such as the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Lake Lucerne, the Rhine Falls, the Matterhorn, and Jungfraujoch, are all very popular.
Portugal’s Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês has everything from craggy mountains to splendid waterfalls. And then there’s the added attraction of the country’s countless beautiful beaches along its 1700 km coastline. The southern beaches of the Algarve region are best for families, the ones around the towns of Porto, Sintra and Cascais, perfect for surfers. For those looking for sheer beauty and unspoilt nature, Praia da Marinha offers cliffs, clean sand, and crystal-clear water.
Here’s our selection of the best things to do in the Algarve.
The best time to visit Switzerland vs Portugal
Summer (June to September) is the best time to visit Switzerland for the best weather, pleasant temperatures, and longer daylight hours. The shoulder months of May and October will give you better deals on rooms and tours.
For Portugal in southern Europe, the best time with warm and dry weather is between June and early October. For a deeper understanding of its seasons and offerings, explore our guide to the best time to visit Portugal for good weather, lower prices and more.
Budget required for Switzerland vs Portugal
Budget for about USD 280 (HKD 2,182) a day in Switzerland and USD 120 (HKD 935) a day in Portugal, taking into account mid-range accommodation, basic sightseeing and activities, public transport, and meals at affordable cafes.
Best places to visit in Switzerland and Portugal
Each country has a diverse array of fabulous destinations. But if you’re wondering about Switzerland vs Portugal, here are just a few of the top ones to give you an idea of all the places you can see in each…
Portugal: The picturesque city of Lisbon has it all, panoramic views, cobble-stoned streets, majestic cathedrals, art galleries, museums, and vibrant nightlife and food scene. Wine lovers will love Porto, where you can not only savour superlative port wine in the place of its origin, Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Douro Valley, the oldest wine region in the world, but also visit the World of Wine complex which has museums and bars. The fairy tale Sintra on a hill has everything from the colourful Pena Palace to ancient monasteries and taverns. The Algarve has everything from beaches with all the luxe amenities to wild seafronts to adventures like discovering secret islands and sea caves if you’re up for it.
From fairytale castles to exquisite beach towns, explore more with our selection of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
Switzerland: The country’s capital Bern, in the German-speaking region, has beautiful stately architecture, a gorgeous medieval clock, and the river Aare winding through it. Switzerland’s largest city – Zurich – is where the magnificent old town and the new areas of urban cool coexist beautifully. St Moritz, said to be the playground for Europe’s rich and famous, offers skiing, luxury resorts, and a stunning lake. From the charming mountain town of Zermatt, you can see the Matterhorn. Lucerne is not only a city that will connect you to many great tourist destinations but is also a beautiful one in its own right, filled with art, food and history.
Like its name, Interlaken is a town located at the intersection of two lakes, boasting old-world charm plus a casino and paragliding. With palaces, political monuments, and a lake with the world’s tallest water jet, Geneva has a lot going for it, besides being in the country’s French-influenced canton. Known for its iconic Jazz festival, Montreux and its environs have vineyards, wine experiences, castles, and some fab museums. Basel, known for its art and watch fairs, is also a centre for culture. Ticino, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, has the formidable castles of Bellinzona and some excellent wine cellars.
Also, explore our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland for more inspiration.
Essential experiences and things to do in Switzerland and Portugal
Again, there’s such a vast variety of things to do as a traveller in both countries that we can only whet your appetite for all the activities on offer, while you decide which wins in the Switzerland vs Portugal debate…
- Definitely visit at least one if not all the mountains and peaks. After all, Switzerland is the home of the Swiss Alps! The tallest one is Monte Rosa, close to Zermatt and the Matterhorn (one of the most beautiful). Our favourite in central Switzerland is Mount Pilatus, whose summit you can access by taking the world’s steepest cog railway from Alpnachstad. Mount Piz Bernina is close to St Moritz and the Engadine Valley and best viewed from a comfortable seat on the Bernina Express railway, which crosses the Alps from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. Jungfrau in the Bernese Alps is a popular ski destination. It is the highest train station in Europe and a great place from where to view beautiful glaciers. Mount Rigi near Lucerne is rich with easy hiking trails. Mount Titlis, most popular amongst Indian tourists thanks to it being a shoot location for the world’s longest-running romantic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, also has a beautiful glacier cave, a thrilling cliff walk, a suspension bridge, and a state-of-the-art ski lift called the Ice Flyer.
- Explore the beauty and heritage of the hundreds of small towns and villages. The Swiss Travel Pass on SBB (the Swiss federal rail network) allows unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat across the country, allowing you to linger in places you love and get to newer ones you want to explore with ease. Eye candy is everywhere, and you will be spoilt for choices everywhere you go.
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- Don’t forget to take a ride on one of the iconic panoramic trains into the mountains or paddleboat steamboats on the lakes to make the most of your journeys.
- Switzerland is a lovely country if you’re a fit and active tourist. Hike, ski, kayak, rock climb, zipline, slalom, sled, or swim to your heart’s content.
Also, get a taste of winter luxury with this selection of the world’s finest ski resorts.
Best things to do in Portugal:
- Snorkel and scuba in the Algarve (try Praia da Marinha, Praia do Camilo, Praia dos Tres Irmãos, Praia da Falésia, and Praia Dona Ana), surf at one of the scores of beaches where the high waves are legendary. Do a boat tour of the spectacular Benagil Cave.
- If you’re fascinated by huge waves or are a skilled surfer, visit Nazaré in winter to see the world’s tallest waves (some are 80 feet tall!) crashing on the shore.
- Visit The Azores archipelago and see Mount Pico, the highest point in Portugal. You can also go hiking, indulge in whale watching, scuba diving, and more at the beaches here.
- Don’t miss the Madeira islands where you can catch the sunrise from the summit of Pico Ruivo, sample the famous Madeira wine, or enjoy the splendid beaches.
- Walk the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, a major Christian pilgrimage route that leads to the shrine of James the apostle in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. This ‘Way of St James’ is said to test the mettle of pilgrims but is also an interesting challenge for those who like to walk and see unique sights along the way.
- Check out the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Lisbon to see its exquisite Manueline and Gothic architecture from 1502 AD, and the grave of famous Portuguese navigator and explorer Vasco da Gama.
- Take time out to notice the blue-and-white glazed tiles called azulejos that have been used to decorate important buildings since the 13th century. Those who have visited Goa in India will have seen the Portuguese influence in the use of these on houses there as well.
- Attend a ‘fado’ show to listen to Portuguese folk songs.
Switzerland vs Portugal for shopping
Switzerland: Swiss cowbells are the most popular souvenirs, as are some of the world’s best cheese and chocolate. Pick from almost 500 varieties of cheese (the most well-known are Appenzeller, Belper Knolle, Emmental, and Gruyère). Swiss chocolate brands are aplenty – Lindt & Sprüngli, Cailler, Toblerone, Nestlé, Chocolat Frey, Milka, and many more. The artisanal Läderach has many outlets as well. Switzerland has the majority of the world’s best luxury watchmakers – Blancpain, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, TAG Heuer, Omega, Girard-Perregaux, Breguet, Longines, Breitling, Hublot, Chopard, etc. Don’t miss buying a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, the supercool Freitag bags made from recycled truck tarpaulins, chocolate cookies from Kambly, and scale models of iconic Swiss trains.
Portugal: You’ll realise that Portugal is one of the world’s largest producers of cork when you hit the markets. Not just wine corks, but you’ll find a surprising number of things made from this versatile material – lightweight and stylish sandals, bags, and even postcards! If you’re a jewellery lover, pick up a few Portuguese gold filigree pieces. Like art and culture? Buy a Rooster of Barcelos, a good luck symbol of Portuguese tradition with many tales attached to it. Ceramic figurines and azulejo tiles from the region are prized. If food shopping makes you happy, Portugal has an age-old cheese-making tradition and 12 of its native cheeses have Denominação de Origem Protegida (DOP), making them a great buy. Get the most popular Serra da Estrela, the creamy Azeitão, the extra hard goat cheese called Cabra Transmontano, or the huge rounds of São Jorge. Canned sardines are also popular souvenirs among food-forward travellers. Wine, especially Port and Madeira, is a must-buy, although other Portuguese wines are really good too.
Best hotels in Switzerland vs Portugal
Switzerland: Boasting some of the world’s best hotels and resorts, Switzerland offers great stays, but at a price. While you’ll find all the top brands, there are several super special properties across the country such as The Woodward and Hotel Longemalle in Geneva, The Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, the Hotel Royal St Georges, and the Grand Hotel Beau Rivage in Interlaken, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace and the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux, Baur au Lac and La Réserve Eden au Lac in Zurich, Badrutt’s Palace and Carlton Hotel in St Moritz, Six Senses Crans Montana, and so many more.
Also read | This Swiss Castle Hotel Has Some Of The Best Views In The Country
Book your stay at Hôtel Longemalle via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Longemalle via Agoda.com
Portugal: The hotels and resorts across Portugal are world-class. Accommodation of every variety fits every kind of budget. But if you’re looking at top-of-the-line treats, there are plenty to choose from in every location. For example, the stunning Storytellers Palace in São Martinho do Porto is just 200 metres from the beach. Six Senses Douro Valley is nestled seductively between the river and the vineyards. The Pine Cliffs Luxury Resort in the Algarve gives you the best of tradition and temptation close to Albufeiraand the famous Falésia Beach.
Book your stay at Six Senses Douro Valley via Booking.com
Book your stay at Six Senses Douro Valley via Agoda.com
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About food and restaurants in Portugal vs Switzerland
We give you a beginner’s guide to eating out in both countries…
Portugal: Vegetarians usually love the Caldo Verde, a hot and healthy soup made with kale, onions, potatoes, and garlic. The meat version has the addition of spicy chouriço pork sausage. You can also enjoy a ripe Queijo da Serra da Estrela cheese that can be scooped with bread as an appetiser. Fish eaters could try their most popular dish – bacalhau – a dried and salted cod, rather an acquired taste. As are barbecued sardines and smoked octopus, also highly regarded. If you’re in the Algarve, try the spicy piri-piri chicken, an African-influenced dish from the times of the Portuguese colonies. A must-try is their incredible pastel de nata (custard tarts), invented by monks at Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district. Locals will argue over which ones are the best, but head to Pastéis de Belém, where they’re made using the original recipe bought from the 18th-century monks.
Switzerland: The traditional dishes are typically cheese- and potato-heavy. Swiss fondue is the most popular, as the heated pot of melted cheese, with wine or brandy, and garlic added in, is comforting in cooler weather. Bite-sized pieces of bread, diced potatoes, and vegetables are served alongside, which you skewer on fondue forks, dip in the melted cheese, and eat. The rustic raclette is simply heated cheese eaten with bread, boiled potatoes, and pickled onions. Rösti is grated potatoes, sautéed or shallow-fried in a pan. Papet Vaudois is a delicious hotpot of leeks and potatoes, cooked together for hours. These are essentially vegetarian side dishes meant to be served with sausages such as Bratwurst or Boutefas. You can enjoy these hearty meals in local restaurants. We recommend the historic Zeughauskeller Restaurant in Zurich’s old city centre, once the armoury, but now a touristy yet authentic and busy eatery. Other Swiss dishes to try are birchermüesli for breakfast (cut oats, condensed milk or yoghurt, grated apples or other fruits, and nuts) or the savoury pie called Tartiflette (made by baking ripened Reblochon cheese, with delicate layers of potatoes, bacon, and caramelised onions) for that perfect hot and hearty apres-ski meal.
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature Image Credit: proslgn/Shutterstock)
Related: Germany Vs France: A Cultural Showdown Of Two European Titans
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Each of these countries has an incredibly diverse range of offerings that the visitor can enjoy. While Switzerland is in the heart of Europe and known for its scintillating scenery, mountainous landscape, and outdoor adventures, Portugal is a southern European country rich in history and culture dating back centuries, and its plethora of beautiful beaches.
Both destinations boast a rich heritage. But Portugal’s history as one of the oldest seafaring nations, impacting so many parts of the world and its many historic buildings that survive even today make it a more interesting place to visit when it comes to experiencing ancient history and cultural heritage.
While both countries are tourist friendly, Switzerland has better signage, multi-lingual menus, and is better geared to cater to the English-speaking tourist.
Switzerland, with its low crime rate, is known for being one of the world’s safest destinations for travellers. Portugal, too, is not far behind, being a tourist magnet as well as a haven for solo female travellers thanks to its reputation for safety and security.
Definitely Portugal, as it has a vast coastline dotted with beaches of all kinds, while Switzerland is a land-locked nation without any beaches.
Both countries have a host of options. While Swiss adventures are mostly mountain-based, Portugal has both mountain and sea-related activities.
Portugal has a richer history and older heritage which one can partake of by visiting its monuments and museums.
Switzerland is more expensive to visit, as even budget travel can be priced higher than in Portugal.
While both countries welcome visitors, Switzerland is known for its tourist-friendly visa policies.
Written By
Priya Pathiyan
A chronicler of all things culture and lifestyle. Priya\'s forte is fresh perspective on everything. ..Read More
