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

Should you visit Portimao or Caen?

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 Caen. 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 scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled 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 food.

Portimao and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Caen?

Both Caen and Portimao have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Portimao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities. Portimao is more touristy than Caen and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Portimao different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Caen 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 Caen is an experience not to be missed. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Resorts?

Portimao is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Beaches?

Portimao is renowned for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Caen?

Portimao is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Families?

Portimao is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Couples?

Portimao is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Portimao or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Caen are notable 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 Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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.

Caen offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Portimao or Caen a more walkable city?

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is best explored on foot.

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 Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Caen?

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

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Caen. 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 Caen. 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.

One day in Portimao or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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 Caen?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen 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 Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Caen?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen 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 Caen?

The dramatic coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Caen 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Caen this time of year.

In the summer, Portimao is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Caen. 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 Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Portimao is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Caen. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Portimao is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Portimao is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Caen. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Portimao