Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Ezcaray?
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 Ezcaray. 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 Ezcaray?
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.
Ezcaray
Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Ezcaray €111
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Ezcaray is €111. 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 Ezcaray in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Ezcaray €56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Ezcaray €112
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Ezcaray
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Ezcaray? 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 Ezcaray Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Ezcaray €21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Ezcaray?
Prices for flights to both Ezcaray 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
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Ezcaray €39
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Ezcaray €21
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Ezcaray €19
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Ezcaray, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Ezcaray much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ezcaray would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Ezcaray Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Ezcaray?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?
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 Ezcaray in the Summer?
Both Ezcaray 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.
In the summer, Portimao is a little warmer than Ezcaray. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Ezcaray. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Ezcaray in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Ezcaray. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Ezcaray in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Ezcaray. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Portimao is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Ezcaray. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Ezcaray in the Spring?
Both Ezcaray 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.
In the spring, Portimao is a little warmer than Ezcaray. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Portimao
| Portimao | Ezcaray | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.