A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Casablanca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Casablanca?

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 Casablanca. 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 Casablanca?

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca is so much more than a classic Bogart movie with killer one-liners. It is also the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the country of Morocco. Sitting at the economic and industrial heart of this region, Casablanca has a population of approximately four million. Brush up on your high school French before visiting this lively city as it's the main language spoken by the locals. While this is the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco, remember to be cautious in this region of the world with your western views.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Casablanca or Portimao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Casablanca is €67. 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 Casablanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Casablanca 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Casablanca 80
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Casablanca

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Casablanca? 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.

Hotels in Portimao


Hotels in Casablanca


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 Casablanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Casablanca 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Alvor - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão) : $34
  • Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Carvoeiro - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Casablanca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Casablanca:


  • Train from Airport (for 2)
    6.54
  • Taxi Ride
    7.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Casablanca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Casablanca:

  • Best Private Transfer From Casablanca Airport To All Morocco: $17
  • Mohammed V Airport to City Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer to Mohammed V Airport: $19
  • Casablanca Private Transfer from Hotel Accommodation To Airport : $19
  • Casablanca Mohamed V Airport to Hotels Private Arrival transfer : $19
  • Private transfer from Casablanca Airport to hotels and cities: $20
  • Transfer from Mohammed V Airport to your hotel Casablanca: $20
  • Transfer from your hotel Casablanca to Mohammed V Airport: $20
  • Casablanca Port to Mohammed V Airport (CMN) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • Private Transfer from Casablanca Cruise Port to Casablanca hotels: $21
  • Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (CMN) to Casablanca - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Private Transfer from Casablanca Airport (CMN) to Casablanca Port: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Casablanca?

Prices for flights to both Casablanca 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 day
    Portimao 45
    Casablanca 18

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

Typical Food Prices in Casablanca

Some typical examples of dining costs in Casablanca are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    2.80
  • Lunch
    8.41
  • Dinner at Rick's Cafe (for Two)
    30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Casablanca

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Casablanca.

  • Flavors of Morocco Food Tour in Casablanca: $30
  • Couscous Cooking with a Local Family: $50
  • Old local Market visit+Moroccan cooking class with a local family: $59
  • Street Food Tour by Night: $60
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $64
  • Street private Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $67
  • Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $71
  • Experience Casablanca Night Tour & Authentic Moroccan Dinner: $73
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $73
  • Central Market Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $97
  • Private cooking Class in Casa by Traditional Lady +Free transport: $100
  • Casablanca Food Tour - Moroccan Street Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Casablanca 8.34

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
  • SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
  • Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $19
  • From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
  • Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
  • Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
  • Portimão to Paradise 2 Hours Sunrise Tour: $25
  • Two Hours Tour from Portimão to Paradise : $25
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
  • Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Guided Experience in Praia da Rocha: $27

Tours and Activities in Casablanca

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Casablanca are as follows:

  • Private Guided Tour to the Unveiled Casablanca with Pickup: $10
  • Platinum Tour - Hassan II Mosque and cathedral: $10
  • Skip the line Hassan II mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $12
  • Hassan II Mosque : Secure your Skip The Line Tickets Now !: $15
  • Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket: $15
  • Skip the line Hassan II mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $15
  • Private Tour the Mosque Hassan II & Sacred Heart Cathedral: $16
  • The Backstage of Art: Private Guided Tour: $21
  • Traditional Souks Shopping Private Guided Tour: $24
  • City Tour with Hassan II Mosque Entry Ticket: $24
  • casablanca Shopping Hidden Souks : Private guided Tour: $26
  • Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Casablanca -

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 and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $182
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Casablanca

Also in Casablanca, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting and Lunch at the oldest Domaine from Casablanca: $299


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Casablanca, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Casablanca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao is in Europe and Casablanca is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Casablanca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Casablanca 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 Casablanca.

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Casablanca?

Casablanca has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

Portimao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Casablanca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Summer?

Both Casablanca and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Casablanca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Casablanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Autumn?

Both Casablanca and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Casablanca year-round.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Casablanca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Casablanca fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Casablanca. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Casablanca 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Casablanca. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Casablanca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Portimao is cooler than Casablanca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Casablanca averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Casablanca 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Casablanca. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Casablanca throughout the year.

In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Casablanca. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Casablanca 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Casablanca and Portimao

Portimao Casablanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 72 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)