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

Should you visit Portimao or Calais?

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 Calais. 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 dramatic, active, and scenic coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calais. Although Portimao and Calais are popular destinations, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Calais and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall.

How is Portimao different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Calais is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Calais is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Calais area. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

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 Calais Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Portimao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great choice. 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.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Portimao. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Calais?

Both Portimao and Calais are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Families?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Portimao is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Couples?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Portimao or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Calais is a good destination for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Calais has a few public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Is Portimao or Calais a more walkable city?

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

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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 Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portimao and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portimao than in Calais. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

One day in Portimao or Calais?

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 Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portimao or Calais?

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.

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

Five days in Portimao or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic 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.

Calais 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Calais, 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 Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Calais. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Calais. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Portimao is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Calais. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Portimao is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Portimao