Porto vs San Sebastián

Porto

Porto has a Mediterranean-influenced Atlantic climate — warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It gets significantly more rain than Lisbon, especially from November to March. Summers are warm and sunny but moderated by Atlantic breezes. The city looks beautiful in every season.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián has an oceanic climate — milder and wetter than the Mediterranean coast. Summers are warm but rarely scorching, winters are cool but mild. Rain is frequent year-round, especially in autumn and spring. The Basque coast is greener than southern Spain for a reason.

Porto

Porto has a modern metro system, extensive bus network, and iconic historic trams. An Andante card is required for metro and buses — buy it at metro stations (€0.60 for the card plus fares). The city is walkable but extremely hilly, so transit helps with the steeper climbs.

Walkability: Porto is best explored on foot but be prepared for serious hills. The area from Ribeira up to the Se Cathedral involves very steep climbs. Wear comfortable shoes with grip for the cobblestones. The flat areas along the river and in the Boavista district are easy walking.

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is wonderfully compact and best explored on foot. The entire city from Monte Igueldo to Zurriola beach is walkable within 40 minutes. Local buses cover the wider metropolitan area, and the historic funicular climbs Monte Igueldo.

Walkability: San Sebastián is one of Spain's most walkable cities. The entire center — from the old town to Gros, La Concha to Monte Urgull — is flat and pedestrian-friendly. The elegant waterfront promenade is a joy to walk day or night. Only Monte Igueldo requires a climb (or funicular).