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

Should you visit Portimao or Como?

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 Como. 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 scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Como

Como is a scenic, trendy, and fun lake area. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Portimao and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Portimao and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, and shopping, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting.

How is Portimao different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Como is a moderate lake area for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Portimao has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Resorts?

Portimao is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Beaches?

Portimao is renowned for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Portimao are among the best in the world. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Como?

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

Como is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

Portimao is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Couples?

Portimao and Como both world-class 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.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Portimao or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a very popular lake area for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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.

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

Como 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.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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

Is Portimao or Como a more walkable city?

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

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Como. In our opinion, Como has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Como 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 Como. 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 Como than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Portimao 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 Como.

One day in Portimao or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the beaches. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Portimao or Como?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como 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 Como?

The scenic coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Portimao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portimao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portimao 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Portimao.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Como. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Como. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Como receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Como. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Como in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Como. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Como. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Como. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Portimao