Which place is cheaper, Corfu or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Portimao and Corfu. 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 is a colorful, stunning, and dramatic coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Corfu is a natural, breathtaking, and striking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Corfu. Although Portimao and Corfu are both popular with visitors, Corfu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portimao is more touristy than Corfu and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Corfu is popular for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. It is also home to Canal d'Amour.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Corfu and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Corfu is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.
Eat your way through Corfu, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).
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.
Both Portimao and Corfu are great 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.
Corfu has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.
There are world-class resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Corfu.
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, Corfu is a great choice. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.
You'll find great places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Portimao and Corfu.
There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.
Portimao and Corfu both offer world-class beaches.
Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Corfu. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.
Corfu is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Corfu is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.
Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Corfu is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Corfu. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.
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.
Both Portimao and Corfu are world-class family-friendly destinations.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. 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.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Corfu is a very family-friendly destination. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.
Portimao and Corfu 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.
Corfu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.
Corfu 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.
Corfu is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.
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.
Corfu 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.
Corfu offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.
Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.
Corfu is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.
Corfu is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.
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 Corfu Worth Visiting?.
Both Portimao and Corfu have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Corfu than in Portimao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 5-7 days is enough time in Corfu.
Families should spend more time in Corfu than Portimao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Corfu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Corfu than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Corfu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Corfu 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 Corfu.
In Portimao, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
The beautiful island of Corfu offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Corfu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Portimao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Corfu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Corfu, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Corfu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Corfu has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.
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 Corfu is €113. 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 Corfu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Corfu? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
Also for Corfu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Corfu 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
For Corfu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Corfu.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
Also in Corfu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Corfu, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Corfu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Corfu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Corfu 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 Corfu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Corfu Expensive?.
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Corfu, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Corfu. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Corfu. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Corfu. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Corfu and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Corfu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Corfu fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Corfu. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Corfu. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Corfu and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year.
In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Corfu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Corfu averages at about 10°C (49°F).
Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Corfu. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Corfu. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Corfu. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Corfu fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Corfu. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Corfu receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Portimao | Corfu | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 136 mm (5.4 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |