Which place is cheaper, Chefchaouen or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Portimao or Chefchaouen?
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 Chefchaouen. 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 Chefchaouen?
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.
Chefchaouen
To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.
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 Morocco, and The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Chefchaouen €54
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Chefchaouen is €54. 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 Chefchaouen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Chefchaouen €23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Chefchaouen €46
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Chefchaouen
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Chefchaouen? 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.
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 Chefchaouen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Chefchaouen €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $245
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $234
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $92
- Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
- Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $84
- Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $83
- Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $79
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
-
Taxi Ride€0.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes : $25
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $27
- Fes: One-Way Transfer to Chefchaouen "The Blue City": $27
- Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
- From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger: $75
- Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $81
- Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99
- transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
- Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $113
- One way transfer Chefchaouen to Fes or vice versa: $116
- Chefchaouen to Tangier private transfer: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Chefchaouen?
Prices for flights to both Chefchaouen 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 dayPortimao €45Chefchaouen €17
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: $146
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
-
Lunch for Two€8.41
-
Dinner for Two€9.34
-
Cupcake€0.28
-
Nutella and Yogurt€1.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
- 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
- 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $65
- Chefchaouen Cooking Class : $65
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $67
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
- Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
- Chefchaouen Traditional Cooking Class: $80
- 4 Hours Gourmet Cooking Class in Chefchaouen: $87
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $90
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Chefchaouen €16
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $80
- Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $49
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $54
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $81
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Tour by local guide : $16
- Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fes with Local Expert: $28
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen: $28
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouenf: $31
- Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
- Discover Chefchaouen : A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $35
- 3-Hour Private Legacy Tour in Chefchaouen: $35
- From Fez: Chefchaouen Guided Day Tour: $35
- Discover the Blue Pearl - A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $38
- Private 2-Hour Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $38
- Private walking tour of Chefchaouen (The blue city): $38
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Chefchaouen €13
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: $73
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $153
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Chefchaouen, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao is in Europe and Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Chefchaouen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Chefchaouen?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Chefchaouen, 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 Chefchaouen?
Portimao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Portimao or Chefchaouen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Chefchaouen. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chefchaouen. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Chefchaouen in the Autumn?
Both Chefchaouen and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 20°C (68°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Chefchaouen in the Winter?
Both Chefchaouen and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round.
In January, Portimao is generally cooler than Chefchaouen. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Chefchaouen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Chefchaouen. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Chefchaouen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Chefchaouen. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Chefchaouen in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Chefchaouen and Portimao
| Portimao | Chefchaouen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.