A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Portimao and Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Portimao

Portimao is a active, scenic, and adventure-filled coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations, Portimao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portimao is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Portimao is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also well known for Praia da Rocha. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Portimao different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Portimao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Portimao is terrific for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Portimao is terrific for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Portimao are among the best in 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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 Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Portimao is terrific for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Portimao is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Portimao has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Aix-en-Provence are nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Portimao is not popular with students.

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence has a few public transit options. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

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

Is Portimao or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable coastal city. 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 Portimao Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Aix-en-Provence. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

The vibrant destination of Portimao offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

The coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aix-en-Provence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

Portimao is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Portimao or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Portimao or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Portimao