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

Should you visit Portimao or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Portimao and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Dubrovnik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubrovnik is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, 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. Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also well known for The Old Town Walls.

How is Portimao different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dubrovnik is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a great coastal city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Portimao has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great coastal city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

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

Dubrovnik is a popular spot for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

Both Portimao and Dubrovnik are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Portimao and Dubrovnik both amazing 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.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is renowned for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dubrovnik is a very popular coastal town to visit for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town 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 Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

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

Is Portimao or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Dubrovnik on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

In either Portimao or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Portimao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubrovnik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Portimao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful coastal town of Dubrovnik offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the dramatic destination of Portimao. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active coastal city of Portimao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Dubrovnik?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 coastal 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Dubrovnik?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Dubrovnik. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik 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. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Portimao