A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bodrum vs. Portimao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bodrum or Portimao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Portimao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bodrum or Portimao?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

Portimao

The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Bodrum?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Portimao is $163. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bodrum and Portimao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Portimao $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Portimao $166
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Portimao

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Portimao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bodrum


Hotels in Portimao


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Portimao $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
  • Bodrum to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) - Departure Private Transfer: $25
  • Boat Cruise with Lunch and Optional Hotel Transfer: $27
  • From Ferry Transfer to Kos: $27
  • Turkish Bath and Spa Expereince with Hotel Transfers: $30
  • From Private Village Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $34
  • Bodrum Traditional Turkish Bath Experience With Hotel Transfer: $35
  • Independent Day Trip to Kos Island from Bodrum with Transfers: $36
  • Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37
  • From Kos: A day ride to Bodrum with comfortable transfer: $39
  • Bodrum Quad Safari Tour With Free Hotel Transfer By Locals: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
  • Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
  • Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Portimao?

Prices for flights to both Portimao and Bodrum change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bodrum $24
    Portimao $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.

  • Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bodrum $31
    Portimao $44

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
  • Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
  • Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
  • Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
  • Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bodrum $14
    Portimao $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum 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 Bodrum.

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Portimao?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Portimao in the Summer?

Both Portimao and Bodrum during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bodrum in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Portimao averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Bodrum usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Portimao. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Portimao 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Portimao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Portimao. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bodrum is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 19°C (66°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Portimao. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Portimao 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Portimao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Portimao. Additionally, most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bodrum is cooler than Portimao in the winter. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Bodrum receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Portimao. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F) 
    Portimao 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Portimao in the Spring?

Both Portimao and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bodrum in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Portimao averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Portimao. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Portimao 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Portimao and Bodrum

Bodrum Portimao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)