Climate change has intensified urban impacts worldwide, disproportionately affecting cities in developing countries where social vulnerability, institutional fragility, and financial constraints are more pronounced. This study examines Spain’s experience with climate change adaptation at the local level and discusses how its strategies can be realistically adapted to the Brazilian context, taking into account governance challenges and limited financial capacity. The research combines a review of national, regional, and local climate adaptation policies in Spain and Brazil with technical visits to Spanish cities (including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Málaga, Córdoba, Granada, and Zaragoza). Spain stands out for its structured, multilevel climate governance, supported by a national adaptation plan, strong regional climate legislation, and well-defined municipal strategies. In contrast, Brazil faces fragmented governance, weak coordination across government levels, uneven municipal capacity, and persistent difficulties in mobilizing financial resources. Despite these differences, several Spanish adaptation strategies show high potential for application in Brazilian cities, particularly because of their relatively low cost and scalability. These include the following: 1) climate shelters, to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves and extreme weather; 2) urban drainage systems and infiltration gardens, to reduce flood risks; and 3) shading structures and public water points, to mitigate the urban heat island effect and episodes of low relative humidity. When adapted to local realities, such measures can be integrated into existing urban infrastructure, implemented gradually, and subsidized by federal budgets—with the possibility of leveraging foreign and private sector financing. The Spanish experience demonstrates that effective climate adaptation does not depend solely on high levels of investment, but on coordinated governance, citizen participation, and context-sensitive planning. For Brazil, adapting these strategies represents a concrete opportunity to advance urban resilience, provided they are aligned with local vulnerabilities, supported by political commitment, and complemented by accessible financing and international cooperation.