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

Should you visit Portimao or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao. 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a industrial, authentic, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Portimao and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Bilbao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Portimao and Bilbao are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Portimao different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Portimao is a coastal city with a few options for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portimao. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Bilbao are excellent 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.

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Portimao for its luxury resorts. 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.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Bilbao offers a nice historic old town area. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Bilbao. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. 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.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Bilbao 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 Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Is Portimao or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Bilbao is a good city to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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.

Bilbao offers a very effecient public transportation network. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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

Is Portimao or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Bilbao is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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 Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portimao and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portimao than in Bilbao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

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

One day in Portimao or Bilbao?

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 city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. 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 Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Bilbao, we can see that Portimao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Bilbao. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Bilbao. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Portimao is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Portimao