Travel through Portugal, and it quickly becomes clear: Spain is viewed as a friendly rival. From casual comments by tour guides to the many castles and battlefield monuments, the relationship between Portugal and Spain is steeped in a history of competition and camaraderie. For centuries, the two nations have shared a unique bond—a blend of common history, rivalry, and mutual respect. MANY Portuguese see Spain as a larger neighbor, they also embrace a friendly rivalry that has been shaped by centuries of shared experiences and contrasting identities.

A Shared History of Competition

Portugal has long lived in the shadow of Spain. And Portugal has long fought off Spanish armies. As a result - from the hundreds of castles that secure towns, to the many battle monuments that fill the interior, to sense of self - the struggle not to be part of Spain has come to define the Portuguese mentality.

The roots of the rivalry date back to the end of the Roman Empire in the West. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, the Iberian Peninsula became a battleground for various Germanic tribes. The Suebi and the Visigoths, having moved from their original homeland in Eastern Europe, established the two Kingdoms. By 507, Visigoths had consolidated control over most of the Iberian Peninsula, with their capital in Toledo. The Visigoths adopted Christianity and Roman law,  blending of Roman and Germanic cultures.

The Islamic Conquest and Al-Andalus and Reconquista

In 711 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate began its conquest of Iberia. Led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, the Muslim forces defeated the Visigothic king Roderic at the Battle of Guadalete. Within a few years, most of the Iberian Peninsula came under Islamic rule, forming Al-Andalus. T

As the Muslim rulers of Al-Andalus consolidated power, Christian kingdoms in the north began organizing resistance. The Kingdom of Asturias, under Pelayo, won a significant victory at the Battle of Covadonga in 722, marking the symbolic beginning of the Reconquista, the centuries-long Christian effort to reclaim the peninsula.

Throughout the 9th and 10th centuries, small Christian kingdoms such as Asturias, León, Navarre, and Aragon began to expand southward. The fragmentation of Muslim rule in Al-Andalus, especially after the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba in 1031, created taifas, or smaller Muslim kingdoms, which made it easier for Christian forces to gain ground.

The Rise of Portugal and Castile (11th to 13th centuries)

By the 12th century, the Christian kingdoms had grown stronger. The Kingdom of Portugal emerged as an independent state in 1139 when D. Afonso I declared himself king after the Battle of Ourique. Portugal continued to expand south, capturing Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, and by the end of the 13th century, it had established its current borders.

At the same time, the Kingdom of Castile became the dominant Christian power in the region. Under kings such as Alfonso VI and Alfonso VIII, Castile expanded southward, winning key victories against the Muslim taifas, including the decisive Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa in 1212, which significantly weakened Muslim power in the region.

The Kingdom of Aragon also grew in power, expanding its influence into the Mediterranean, while the Kingdom of Navarre maintained a smaller but important presence in the northern part of the peninsula.

In 1469, the marriage of Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile united the two most powerful Christian kingdoms, laying the foundation for the modern Spanish state. The joint monarchs continued the Reconquista, and in 1492, they captured Granada, the last Muslim stronghold, marking the end of Muslim rule in Iberia.

Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, when both Portugal and Spain were world powers vying to claim new territories. The Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 divided the newly discovered lands between the two countries, with Spain focusing on the Americas and Portugal concentrating on Africa and Asia. This competition fueled national pride, as each sought to expand its empire.

Into this rivalry, moments of unity arose. From 1580 to 1640, Portugal was ruled by Spain's king during the Iberian Union. After winning independence, cultural and political ties remained strong, and the rivalry slowly shifted from one of direct competition to one of friendly contest.

Friendly Competition Today

Today, the rivalry plays out in a more lighthearted manner, particularly in the realm of sports. Football (soccer) matches between Portugal and Spain are highly anticipated, especially during international tournaments like the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup. Fans from both countries cheer with passion and mutual respect, adding to the excitement of the competition.

Beyond sports, the rivalry extends to gastronomy, wine, and tourism. Portugal boasts its Douro Valley and Alentejo wines, while Spain is known for Rioja and Tempranillo. Portuguese cuisine, with dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts), is often compared to Spain’s tapas and paella. This culinary competition only enhances the enjoyment, as both nations defend their flavors while appreciating the other’s specialties.

Cultural Exchange

Despite the rivalry, cultural exchange between Portugal and Spain is evident. Both countries share a love of music, with Portugal’s fado and Spain’s flamenco as emblematic expressions of their cultures. The influence of one on the other can be seen in architecture, art, and language, particularly in border regions where Portuguese and Spanish influences intermingle.

Many Portuguese have fond memories of vacationing in Spain and buying caramels, while Spanish tourists often explored Portugal’s border cities and green landscapes. A more back-and-forth created a sense of familiarity and connection between the two nations when the borders opened.

Mutual Respect

At the heart of this relationship is mutual respect. The Portuguese are proud of their history, culture, and language, and while they may tease their Spanish neighbors about their differences, there is an understanding that both countries have played significant roles on the world stage. Portugal may be smaller and quieter, but it is no less proud of its achievements.

Embracing the Rivalry

The friendly rivalry between Portugal and Spain is more of a celebration of differences than a source of tension. It brings out the best in both countries, whether through a football match, a culinary debate, or a discussion over who has the best beaches. For travelers, visiting both nations offers a chance to witness this rivalry firsthand and appreciate the unique flavors of each country.

Discovering A Raia

There is a 180-mile stretch of land from Marvão to Mértola, known as A Raia (The Stripe), which serves as a reminder of the shared history between Portugal and Spain. This borderland has remained largely unchanged since the Treaty of Alcanizes in the 13th century. Running through the Alentejo region, this is one of Europe’s longest uninterrupted borders.

These border towns and villages offer a unique blend of Portuguese and Spanish culture, with fortified castles, ancient convents, and charming farming communities. The open border allows locals from both sides to dine together, share land, and maintain a rich cultural blend that has thrived for centuries.

Barrancos: A Cross-Border Gem

One of the highlights of A Raia is Barrancos, a town held by Romans, Visigoths, and Moors before becoming part of Portugal in 1167. Today, Barrancos is a symbol of cross-border unity, with locals speaking both Portuguese and Spanish. Its culinary treasures include presunto de Barrancos (cured ham), which is often paired with local red wine. Other regional favorites like açorda (bread stew) and migas (roasted bread crumbs) give travelers an authentic taste of the area.

Whether exploring Barrancos or other villages along A Raia, this lesser-known region offers a rich and immersive experience of Portuguese and Spanish culture. It’s a testament to the friendly rivalry that defines the relationship between these two nations—a rivalry that celebrates their shared history and cultural differences, making the Iberian Peninsula one of the most fascinating regions in Europe.