A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Alicante for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Portimao or Alicante?

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 Alicante. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Alicante?

Both Alicante and Portimao have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Portimao is more touristy than Alicante and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Portimao different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alicante 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 Alicante?

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Alicante is an experience not to be missed. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

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 Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Portimao is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portimao is a perfect 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.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Portimao is terrific for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Portimao is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Alicante offers a nice historic old town area. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Alicante?

Both Portimao and Alicante are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Alicante. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Families?

Portimao is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 family-friendly things to do in Alicante. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Couples?

Portimao is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Portimao has plenty to offer. 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.

Alicante is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Alicante are good 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 Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Portimao or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Alicante is a good city to visit for students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Alicante 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.

Alicante has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

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

Is Portimao or Alicante a more walkable city?

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored 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 Alicante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Alicante. 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 Alicante. 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 Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante.

One day in Portimao or Alicante?

The beautiful coastal city of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The city of Alicante 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 Alicante?

Portimao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portimao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Portimao or Alicante?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Alicante 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 Alicante?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 coastal city offers something for everyone.

Alicante 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 city 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, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Alicante, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Alicante, 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 Alicante?

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 Alicante in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Alicante. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Alicante. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Alicante in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Alicante. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months.

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

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Alicante. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Alicante averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Alicante. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Alicante in the Spring?

Both Alicante and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

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

Portimao usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Portimao