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

Should you visit Portimao or Amalfi?

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 Amalfi. 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 adventure-filled, vibrant, and colorful 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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portimao and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Portimao and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and hiking, while Portimao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Amalfi is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline.

How is Portimao different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around 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 Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Amalfi are very good when it comes to partying.

Portimao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

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.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Portimao is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Portimao is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Amalfi?

Both Portimao and Amalfi 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 Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Families?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Portimao and Amalfi both fantastic destinations for a couple.

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.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Portimao or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a coastal city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portimao is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Amalfi 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.

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

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

Is Portimao or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy 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 Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Amalfi?

Both Portimao and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Portimao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

One day in Portimao or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Amalfi?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Amalfi 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. 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, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Portimao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portimao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portimao 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Portimao.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Amalfi?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Amalfi. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Amalfi. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Portimao is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Portimao