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

Should you visit Fethiye or Portimao?

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

Should I visit Fethiye or Portimao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Fethiye or Portimao?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Fethiye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, 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 Fethiye and Portimao in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye 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 Fethiye


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $34
    Portimao $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye to Dalaman International Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $28
  • Fethiye to Dalaman Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
  • Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $38
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • From Ferry Transfer to Rhodes: $43
  • From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45
  • Fethiye Quad Safari Experience (Adventure Tour) w/ Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $47
  • From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48

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 Fethiye or Portimao?

Prices for flights to both Portimao and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $35
    Portimao $48
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

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


  • Fruit
    $0.22
  • Soda
    $0.09

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.
    Fethiye $38
    Portimao $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $7.42
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

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

  • Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $24
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $26
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $28
  • Tlos, Yakapark and Countryside Highlights Jeep Tour: $29
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $31
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye : $33
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
  • Private & Sharing Boat Tours from Fethiye: $38
  • Jeep Safari Tour to Tlos Ruins & Yakapark with BBQ: $40
  • Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40

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
    Fethiye $17
    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 Fethiye and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Fethiye much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fethiye would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fethiye 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 Fethiye.

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


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Portimao?

Fethiye has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye 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 Fethiye 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 Fethiye or Portimao in the Summer?

Both Portimao and Fethiye during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fethiye is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 28°C (82°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Fethiye usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Portimao 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Portimao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Portimao. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

Fethiye is around the same temperature as Portimao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Portimao. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    Portimao 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Portimao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Portimao. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Fethiye is cooler than Portimao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fethiye in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Portimao averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Fethiye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Fethiye usually gets more rain in January than Portimao. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Fethiye or Portimao in the Spring?

Both Portimao and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Fethiye is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 16°C (61°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Fethiye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portimao. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    Portimao 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Portimao and Fethiye

Fethiye Portimao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)