A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Portimao for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Athens or Portimao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Portimao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao

Portimao is a stunning, dramatic, and active coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Athens and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Portimao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Portimao are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Portimao attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Athens and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portimao and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Portimao?

Athens is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Athens on the map. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Portimao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Portimao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Portimao has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Athens is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portimao for its luxury resorts. The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Portimao. The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Portimao?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Portimao both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Portimao is a great destination for shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. There are activities that the whole family can enjoy, making this stretch of coastline the perfect option for those traveling with kids.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Couples?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Portimao is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. It makes a wonderful honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy adventure, pampering, and romantic resorts. There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Portimao. Most people think of high end resorts when they think of the Mediterranean coast, but there are a couple of hostels available for backpackers. You should also consider transportation options. While buses are available, many visitors prefer to have access to a car so they can experience the outlying regions. The good news is the area in general is not particularly expensive so you can enjoy a touch of luxury at a lower cost.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Students?

Athens is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Portimao is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Portimao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Athens offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.

Is Athens or Portimao a more walkable city?

Athens is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some nice walks along the coastline, the city is fairly large and spread out with many resorts located far from the center of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Portimao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Athens?

How long in Athens or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Athens or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Athens due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-4 days is enough time in Portimao.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Portimao, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Portimao than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Portimao that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Portimao if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Portimao?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Portimao?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portimao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Portimao?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Portimao?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao than you might in Athens.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Portimao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Portimao?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Portimao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Portimao?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Portimao in the Summer?

Both Portimao and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

Athens is around the same temperature as Portimao in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Portimao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Portimao. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Portimao averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Portimao. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Portimao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Portimao. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Portimao. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Portimao in the Spring?

Both Portimao and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Athens is around the same temperature as Portimao in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Portimao. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portimao and Athens