A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Portimao for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a cultural, party-hard, and vibrant island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portimao

Portimao is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Kos and Portimao: Pros and Cons

How is Kos different from Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Both Kos and Portimao have similar vibes after the sun sets.

Kos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

The people in Portimao know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Resorts?

If you're looking for a better selection of resorts, you'll probably want to head to Portimao.

Portimao is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Kos and Portimao offer scuba diving or snorkeling.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Portimao. 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.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Both Kos and Portimao are considered to be good beach destinations.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Kos and Portimao.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Portimao offers some nice shopping areas. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is considered to a better choice for families.

Portimao is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Portimao are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Portimao is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Is Kos or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Portimao are both good destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Portimao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Kos or Portimao Better for Public Transit?

Kos generally offers a better public transit system than Portimao.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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

Is Kos or Portimao a more walkable city?

Kos is generally more walkable than Portimao.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Portimao is generally not very walkable. 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.

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Kos?

How long in Kos or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Kos or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kos due to the larger number of activities and things to do.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Kos is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is 2-4 days.

One day in Kos or Portimao?

The beautiful island of Kos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful destination of Portimao, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Portimao?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Portimao for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the dramatic coastal city of Portimao, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Portimao?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The destination of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

A week in Kos or Portimao?

Kos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Portimao, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.