A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Portimao for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a ritzy, opulent, and picturesque Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao

Portimao is a stunning, dramatic, and active coastal city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Mykonos and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Portimao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos. Although Mykonos and Portimao are both popular with visitors, Mykonos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mykonos is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Portimao is known for its beaches. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities.

How is Mykonos different from Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mykonos
Portimao

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

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife.

Mykonos is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Portimao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Mykonos or Portimao Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Portimao

There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Portimao.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great choice. 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.


Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Portimao

You'll find excellent places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Mykonos and Portimao.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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 Mykonos or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Portimao

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beache. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for the 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.

Mykonos is considered a top beach destination. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Mykonos is one of the most recognized in the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.


Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is not a good place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Portimao?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Mykonos is a world class destination for shoppers. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for Families?

Mykonos
Portimao

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.


Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos and Portimao both terrific destinations for a couple.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Mykonos or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Portimao

Portimao is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Portimao. 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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Portimao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos 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.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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


Is Mykonos or Portimao a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Portimao

Mykonos is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable Greek island. 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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Portimao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Mykonos or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mykonos due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Portimao.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Mykonos. 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 Mykonos than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos than Portimao if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mykonos.


  • How many days in Mykonos or Portimao? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Portimao 2-4

One day in Mykonos or Portimao?

The beautiful Greek island of Mykonos offers museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

In Portimao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Mykonos or Portimao?

Mykonos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Portimao, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portimao has to offer.


Five days in Mykonos or Portimao?

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

Portimao is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Portimao?

Mykonos is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This Greek island offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portimao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Portimao is €152. 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 Mykonos and Portimao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Portimao 78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Portimao 156
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Portimao

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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 Mykonos


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Portimao 37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • Private Luxury Transfer up to 11 Passengers : $17
  • 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $28
  • Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $28
  • Private Transfer Service in Mykonos: $33
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Mykonos Airport ToFrom Mykonos): $34
  • Mykonos to Mykonos Airport (JMK) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Private Transfer from Tagoo to Mykonos Airport (JMK): $37
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Tagoo : $37
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos city hotels to Mykonos Cruise Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Cruise Port to Mykonos City Hotels: $37
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Airport(JMK) to Mykonos Cruise Port: $37
  • Private Transfer from Mykonos Port to Mykonos Airport(JMK): $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Transfer Alvor - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Portimão - Alamos Golf (Portimão) Pending: $35
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão) : $35
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Carvoeiro - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $42
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $44
  • Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $48
  • Private Transfer from Estrada da Galé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $50
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Portimao?

Prices for flights to both Portimao and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Portimao 45
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $71
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos: $72
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $102
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $110
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $111
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class with Locals: $133
  • 5 Hours Sunset Tour to Delos and Rhenia Island with Dinner : $144
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $163
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $166
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $200
  • Mykonos Cooking Class of Local Specialties: $222
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Food Professional: $224

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: $149

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Portimao 41

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Find your (queer) god Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.86
  • Mykonian Farm Entrance Ticket : $11
  • Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Paddle Boat Experience: $16
  • Private Canoeing Experience in Mykonos: $22
  • Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $31
  • Rings Water Tubing Experience at Super Paradise Beach: $33
  • Water Sport Airstream Experience in Super Paradise Beach: $33
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience in Mykonos: $33
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $39
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
  • Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • From Portimão to Paradise 60 min Tour: $16
  • From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $16
  • From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunset Tour: $16
  • SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $17
  • Sunrise Benagil Full Caves Tour: $19
  • Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $22
  • From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
  • From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
  • From Portimão to Paradise 90 min Tour: $22
  • Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
  • From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
  • Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Portimao 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $74
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $75
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $82
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $83
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $131
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $131
  • Wine Tasting In Mykonos with Greek Ancient varieties : $133
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Mykonos : $133

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $40
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $75
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $156
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $185
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $213


When comparing the travel costs between Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Portimao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Portimao?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.