A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Portimao vs. Ericeira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Ericeira?

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 Ericeira. 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 Ericeira?

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.

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Portugal, and The Best Adventure Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Ericeira or Portimao?

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 Ericeira is €100. 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 Ericeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Ericeira 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Ericeira 102
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Ericeira

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Ericeira? 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.

Hotels in Portimao


Hotels in Ericeira


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Ericeira 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
  • Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
  • Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

Also for Ericeira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
  • Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Ericeira?

Prices for flights to both Ericeira 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 day
    Portimao 45
    Ericeira 25

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: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Ericeira 26

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
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
  • Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
  • 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 Ericeira

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.

  • Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
  • Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Ericeira 17

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: $74
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210

Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
  • Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61


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

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Ericeira?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Ericeira, 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 Ericeira?

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 Ericeira in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Ericeira. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Ericeira. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Ericeira in the Autumn?

Both Ericeira and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ericeira averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Ericeira in the Winter?

Both Ericeira and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Ericeira gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Ericeira. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Ericeira in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Ericeira. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Ericeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Ericeira fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Ericeira and Portimao

Portimao Ericeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)