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

Should you visit Delphi or Portimao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi or Portimao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Delphi

Delphi is a world-renowned, historic, and fascinating archeological site. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Portimao

Portimao is a scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant 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.

Delphi and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delphi or Portimao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Delphi. Although Delphi and Portimao are popular destinations, Delphi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Delphi is very popular for its museums and food, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Delphi is famous for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. It is also well known for The Temple of Apollo. Portimao is famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities.

How is Delphi different from Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Delphi on the map. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Delphi area. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

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 Delphi or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Portimao for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Resorts?

Portimao is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Delphi is not a resort destination.

Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Delphi is not a resort destination.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Delphi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is renowned for the beach. However, Delphi is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Portimao are among the best in 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.

Delphi is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Portimao?

Portimao is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portimao has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

Delphi is a family-friendly place to visit. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Couples?

Portimao is renowned for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for romance.

Portimao has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

Is Delphi or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Delphi and Portimao are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Delphi. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portimao is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. 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 Delphi or Portimao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Delphi is a good destination for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Delphi has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

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

Is Delphi or Portimao a more walkable city?

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

Delphi is a very walkable destination. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable archeological site. 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 Delphi Worth Visiting? and Is Portimao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Delphi or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Portimao due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Delphi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Portimao.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Delphi. 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 Delphi. 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.

One day in Delphi or Portimao?

The beautiful archeological site of Delphi offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Delphi or Portimao?

Delphi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Delphi, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Delphi or Portimao?

Delphi is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. 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 Delphi or Portimao?

Delphi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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 G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, 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 Delphi and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Delphi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Delphi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Delphi 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 Delphi.

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

Which is Bigger, Delphi or Portimao?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.