A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Portimao vs. Aveiro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Aveiro?

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 Aveiro. 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 Aveiro?

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.

Aveiro

Aveiro has great canals that are lined by houses. Because of this ambiance, the town has earned its nickname the "Portuguese Venice." While it's similar, don't put too much into the name. The town is also known for it's colorful boats, referred to as moliceiros, that ride along the canals and under the bridges.

While the canals are lovely, most visitors actually come for the beaches. Aveiro's beaches are known for their clean and pristine sand. The shore is referred to as the Silver Coast, and has comfortably warm water, which is another major draw to the area.

Aveiro is comfortable year around because it's winters are mild and warm and its summer is somewhat cool. The winter months get the most rain and the summer is usually the driest. If you're there during the fall and winter, the winds will be strong making it the best time for surfing, sailing, and other water sports.

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


Which place is cheaper, Aveiro 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 Aveiro is €80. 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 Aveiro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Aveiro 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Aveiro 92
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Aveiro

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Aveiro? 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 Aveiro


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 Aveiro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Aveiro 8.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $250
  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $240
  • Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $116
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $111
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $101
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
  • Private Transfer from Hotel Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $68
  • Transfer Carvoeiro - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $62
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $62
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aveiro

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

  • Aveiro Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Aveiro?

Prices for flights to both Aveiro 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
    Aveiro 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.

  • Algarve Food Tour in Portimão: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Aveiro 8.57

Tours and Activities in Portimao

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

  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $23
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $33
  • 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $82
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $39
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $50
  • Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $83
  • Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $61
  • Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $39
  • Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide : $36
  • Benagil Catamaran Sailing Cruise with Lunch from Portimão: $62
  • Benagil Cave - Sunrise or Sunset Kayak Tour (small group): $40

Tours and Activities in Aveiro

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

  • Messias Cellars: Tour and Tasting: $8.71
  • Aveiro Privat City Tour w/ Local Boat 1 H Cruise & Egg Sweet: $98
  • Coimbra & Aveiro Amazing Cultural Full Day Tour from Porto: $103
  • From Lisbon: Aveiro, Moliceiro Boat and Coimbra Tour: $142
  • Private Tour to Aveiro and Costa Nova unique striped houses: $145
  • Half Day Tour with Boat Ride: $152
  • Day trip to Aveiro (the Venice of Portugal) + River Cruise: $208
  • From Porto Private Tour Half Day in Aveiro and Costa Nova: $278

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Aveiro 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

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

  • Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $40
  • Lagos, Portimão & Alvor: Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $61
  • Carvoeiro, Albufeira & Vilamoura: Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $61

Sample the Local Flavors in Aveiro

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

  • Messias: Cellar Tour + Sparkling Wine Tasting & Cheese Board: $23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Aveiro?

Aveiro has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Aveiro, 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 Aveiro?

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 Aveiro in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Aveiro. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is a little warmer than Aveiro in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Aveiro fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Aveiro. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Aveiro 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Aveiro in the Autumn?

Both Aveiro and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Aveiro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Aveiro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Aveiro 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Aveiro in the Winter?

Both Aveiro and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Aveiro. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Aveiro fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Aveiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Aveiro. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Aveiro 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Aveiro in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Aveiro. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than Aveiro in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Aveiro fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Aveiro receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Aveiro. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Aveiro receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Aveiro 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aveiro and Portimao

Portimao Aveiro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)