Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.
Where Should I go: Izmir or Portimao?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Portimao $163
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Portimao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Portimao $83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Portimao $166
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Portimao
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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.
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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Portimao $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Portimao?
Prices for flights to both Portimao and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Portimao $48
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.Izmir $21Portimao $44
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Guided Experience in Praia da Rocha: $27
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Portimao $32
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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 Izmir and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Portimao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Portimao?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Portimao?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Portimao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Portimao. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
In July, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In July, Izmir usually receives more rain than Portimao. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Portimao 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Portimao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Portimao. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Portimao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Portimao. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Portimao 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Portimao in the Winter?
Both Portimao and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Portimao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Portimao averages at about 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Portimao. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Portimao 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Portimao in the Spring?
Both Portimao and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Portimao. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Portimao. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Portimao 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Portimao and Izmir
| Izmir | Portimao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.