A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Annecy for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Portimao and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Portimao is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle.

How is Portimao different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Annecy 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 Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a great coastal city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Portimao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Portimao is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great coastal city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Portimao is renowned for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Hiking?

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

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Annecy?

Both Portimao and Annecy 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 Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Families?

Portimao is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its family-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.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Couples?

Portimao and Annecy both first-rate 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.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Portimao or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Annecy 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 Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Annecy 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.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

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

Is Portimao or Annecy a more walkable city?

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect 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 Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Portimao. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy 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 Annecy.

One day in Portimao or Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine 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 Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

A week in Portimao or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Annecy, we can see that Annecy 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 Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy 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 Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portimao or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Portimao is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Annecy. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Annecy. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Annecy. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Portimao