Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Portimao and Barcelona. 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 is a scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Barcelona is a high energy, youthful, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Barcelona than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Barcelona is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is well known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Barcelona is well known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. Also, Barcelona is famous for Basilica Sagrada Familia.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Barcelona and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.
Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.
Barcelona 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 Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.
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.
Barcelona is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife.
Barcelona is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.
Portimao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Barcelona is renowned for its music scene. However, Portimao is not a live music destination.
In Barcelona you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.
Portimao is not a live music destination.
Portimao is renowned for its resorts. However, Barcelona 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.
Barcelona is not a resort destination.
Portimao is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
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.
Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Portimao is renowned for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beache.
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.
Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.
Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.
Portimao does not have a historic old town.
Barcelona is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.
Barcelona is a world class destination for shoppers. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.
Portimao is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.
Barcelona is a family-friendly coastal city. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.
Portimao is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.
Portimao is a great coastal city for couples, as it 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.
Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.
Barcelona is renowned for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Barcelona is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.
Plenty of budget travelers 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.
Barcelona is renowned for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.
Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.
Portimao is not popular with students.
Barcelona is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.
Barcelona offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.
Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.
Portimao and Barcelona both are respectable when exploring on foot.
Portimao is generally not very walkable. 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.
Barcelona is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.
For even more information, also check out Is Portimao Worth Visiting? and Is Barcelona Worth Visiting?.
Both Portimao and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Portimao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.
Families should spend more time in Portimao than Barcelona. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Barcelona 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 Barcelona.
You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Portimao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
You'll find shopping and nightlife around the active destination of Portimao. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the dramatic coastal city of Portimao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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 Barcelona is €156. 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 Barcelona in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Barcelona? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Barcelona Expensive?.
Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Barcelona, 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.
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.
Both Barcelona and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Portimao is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Barcelona averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Barcelona and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In October, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Barcelona. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Portimao is a little warmer than Barcelona in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Barcelona. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Portimao is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Barcelona averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Portimao | Barcelona | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |