Which place is cheaper, Braga or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Portimao or Braga?
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 Braga. 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 Braga?
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.
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
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.
-
Portimao Prices
Portugal PricesBraga Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €185Braga €142
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €185, while the average daily cost in Braga is €142. 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 Braga in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Braga €54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Braga €108
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Braga
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Braga? 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.
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 Braga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Braga €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $88
- Private Transfer from Praia dos Salgados to Faro (FAO) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Estrada da Galé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $107
- Private Transfer from Hotel Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $107
- Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $121
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
- Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $139
- Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $140
- Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $270
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $291
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $58
- Transfers From / To Braga: $175
- Private Car Transfer from Braga to Lisbon with 2 hours for sightseeing: $298
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Braga?
Prices for flights to both Braga 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 dayPortimao €78Braga €70
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: $172
- Algarve Vineyard Sunset Dinner for Two with Cataplana & Wine: $233
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Guimarães Traditional Food Tour: $57
- Italian Cooking Class with a French expat: $70
- 3‑Hour Authentic Food Tour with Local Guide & Lunch: $104
- Braga Small-Group Food Tour: Taste Real Portugal with Local Guide: $104
- Local Heritage Food Tour Gastronomy and Culture of Viana: $150
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Braga €16
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Inflatable Waterpark Entry Ticket at Armação de Pêra: $12
- Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $18
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $18
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $18
- Benagil Cave Boat Tour - Catamarans or Rib - 2 H From Portimão: $19
- Benagil Caves & Coastline Cruise: $22
- Benagil Kayak Tour Adventure & Sea Caves: $23
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $23
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $29
- Benagil Kayak Tour: Sea Caves Adventure + 4K GoPro Photos Included: $29
- Kayaking Guided Tour to Benagil Cave and Marine Caves: $29
- Kayak Tour: Explore the coastal caves of Benagil: $29
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Braga Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.76
- Private & Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $9.31
- Guimaraes Castle Entry Ticket: $12
- Self Guided Secrets of Braga Exploration Game Tour: $23
- Tuk Tuk City Tour: $23
- Afternoon and Night Tour in Braga: $23
- Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $26
- Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Vila do Conde: $37
- Paintball Experience: $43
- Braga Experience: Guided tour and Tastings: $57
- Escape Room, Medellín Adventure: $58
- Braga Half-Day Walking Tour & Bom Jesus Sanctuary with Guide: $62
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Braga €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Portimão Pub Crawl: 6 Drinks, Fun Games & VIP Club Entry: $35
- Lagos, Portimão & Carvoeiro: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $76
- Vilamoura, Albufeira & Porches: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $76
- Jeep Safari with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $78
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $202
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine tasting in Braga, perfectly paired with a sommelier: $29
- Quinta da Raza | Exclusive 5 Wine Tasting Guided Tour: $44
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $61
- Guimaraes Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- Discover 3 charming villages & green wine tasting at local farm.: $142
- Private Alto Douro Wine Tour, from Porto: $262
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Braga, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Braga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Braga?
Braga has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Braga, 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 Braga?
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 Braga in the Summer?
Both Braga and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
Portimao is a little warmer than Braga in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Braga fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Braga. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Braga 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Braga in the Autumn?
Both Braga and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Braga averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Braga. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Braga 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Braga in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Braga. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Braga fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Braga. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Braga 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Braga in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Braga. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Portimao is a little warmer than Braga in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Braga fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite rainy in Braga. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Braga. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Braga 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Braga and Portimao
| Portimao | Braga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.