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

Should you visit Ephesus or Portimao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus 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.

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Portimao?

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Ephesus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, 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 Ephesus and Portimao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Portimao $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Portimao $166
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Portimao

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus 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 Ephesus


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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Portimao $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
  • Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $245
  • 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): $61
  • 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 Ephesus or Portimao?

Prices for flights to both Portimao and Ephesus 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
    Ephesus $33
    Portimao $48
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • Snacks
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

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.
    Ephesus $59
    Portimao $44

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • For Cruisers: Skip-the-line Private Free Ephesus Tour : $0.05
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.53
  • Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $17
  • Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $17
  • SKIP THE LINE :Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour For Cruiser Guest: $19
  • Private & Mini Group Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $19
  • Skip the Line - Best of Ephesus: $19
  • Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $20
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
  • Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20

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
    Ephesus $15
    Portimao $32
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300

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 comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Portimao?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Portimao in the Summer?

Both Portimao and Ephesus during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Portimao. Ephesus 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
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Portimao 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Portimao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Portimao. Also, most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Portimao. Ephesus 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
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Portimao 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Portimao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Portimao. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Portimao. Ephesus 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
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Portimao 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Portimao in the Spring?

Both Portimao and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

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

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Portimao. Ephesus 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
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Portimao 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Portimao and Ephesus

Ephesus 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)