Which place is cheaper, Braga or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Braga €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. 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:
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Airport Transfer Porto> Viana do Castelo: $94
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
- Private Car Transfer from Braga to Lisbon with 2 hours for sightseeing: $279
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 €45Braga €40
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: $147
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $86
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:
- Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
- Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
- Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.86
- Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
- Tree and Slide Adventure in Lamas de Mouro at PNPG: $24
- Paintball Experience : $33
- Private Stand Up Paddle Experience in Vila do Conde: $35
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
- Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
- Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
- KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $54
- Stand Up Paddle Tour: $54
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:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley - Régua-Pinhão - with wine tasting: $147
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
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.