A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Asilah for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Asilah?

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 Asilah. 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.

Where Should I go: Portimao or Asilah?

Portimao

The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.

Asilah

Spend your summers like the rich and famous with a trip to Asilah, Morocco. With pristine, white buildings and wrought-iron windows, this gorgeous city still holds the traditions from a time when it was under Spanish rule. The town remains rather quiet for most of the year, with a population surge in the summer months. Beaches are packed and there are tourists as far as the eye can see. If you're not a fan of crowds, consider visiting in the spring or fall when the weather is nice, but the tourists are gone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Morocco, and The Best Budget Tours to Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Asilah or Portimao?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Asilah is €62. 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 Portimao and Asilah in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Asilah 27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Asilah 54
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Asilah

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Asilah? 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 Portimao


Hotels in Asilah


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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Asilah Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Asilah 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $234
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $92
  • Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
  • Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $83
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $79
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Asilah

Also for Asilah, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tangier: Private Transfer to Asilah: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Asilah?

Prices for flights to both Asilah and Portimao 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
    Portimao 45
    Asilah 23

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: $146

Typical Food Prices in Asilah

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Asilah:


  • Cookies
    0.47
  • Breakfast for Two
    4.67
  • Tagine Dinner for 2
    7.01

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Asilah 20

Tours and Activities in Portimao

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

  • Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
  • 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $80
  • Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $49
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $54
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
  • Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $81
  • Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
  • Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
  • Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38

Tours and Activities in Asilah

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Asilah.

  • Morocco and Blue Cities: 3 Day Tour from Málaga: $319

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Asilah 6.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

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

  • Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $73
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $153
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $181


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Asilah, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Asilah much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao is in Europe and Asilah is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Asilah would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Asilah 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 Asilah.

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Asilah?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Asilah. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Asilah, 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 Asilah?

Portimao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Asilah experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Asilah in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Asilah. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Asilah throughout the year.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Asilah in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Asilah fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Asilah. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Asilah 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Asilah in the Autumn?

Both Asilah and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Asilah because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Asilah. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Asilah averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Asilah. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Asilah 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Asilah in the Winter?

Both Asilah and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Asilah year-round.

In January, Portimao is generally cooler than Asilah. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Asilah fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Asilah gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Asilah. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Asilah 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Asilah in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Asilah. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Asilah attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Asilah in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Asilah fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Asilah. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Asilah receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Asilah 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Asilah and Portimao

Portimao Asilah
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)