A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Cannes for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Portimao or Cannes?

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 Cannes. 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Portimao and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Cannes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Portimao and Cannes are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Portimao attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Cannes is famous for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette.

How is Portimao different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cannes and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Eat your way through Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Cannes are high quality 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.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for its music scene. However, Portimao is not a live music destination.

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Portimao is not a live music destination.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Resorts?

There are first-rate resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Cannes.

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.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Portimao is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Cannes?

Cannes is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes Better for Families?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Cannes is a family-friendly coastal city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Couples?

Portimao and Cannes both first-rate destinations for a couple.

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.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Is Portimao or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Portimao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Cannes 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.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around 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 Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Cannes. In our opinion, Cannes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cannes than Portimao. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Portimao or Cannes?

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 beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Cannes?

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.

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

Five days in Portimao or Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

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

Cannes is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is a little warmer than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Cannes. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Cannes. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cannes. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Cannes. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

Portimao is a little warmer than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Portimao