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

Should you visit Portimao or Chartres?

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 Chartres. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Portimao and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Portimao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Portimao is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Portimao different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres 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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chartres 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 Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

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 Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Portimao for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Chartres?

Portimao is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Families?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Couples?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Chartres is a good coastal city for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Portimao or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Chartres are good 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 Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres 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.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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

Is Portimao or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town 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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Chartres. 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 Chartres. 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 Chartres?

The beautiful coastal city of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. 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 Chartres?

Portimao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Portimao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Portimao or Chartres?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

Chartres 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 Chartres?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Chartres 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 town 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Chartres. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Portimao is a little warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Chartres. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Chartres. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Chartres. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Portimao