A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Finale Ligure for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portimao or Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure. 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 active, scenic, and adventure-filled coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful area. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Both Finale Ligure and Portimao have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Portimao is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Finale Ligure is more popular for its museums, food, and hiking. Portimao is more touristy than Finale Ligure and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Finale Ligure is well known for its sandy beaches and great food.

How is Portimao different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Finale Ligure. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Finale Ligure is an experience not to be missed. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is a great destination for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Portimao know how to have a good time. 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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is terrific for its resorts. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury 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.

With a selection of resorts, Finale Ligure makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.


Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Finale Ligure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Finale Ligure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is terrific for its beaches. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Finale Ligure is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

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

Finale Ligure is a popular spot for hiking. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Both Portimao and Finale Ligure are notable 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 Finale Ligure. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Finale Ligure is very family-friendly. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Portimao is terrific for romance. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Finale Ligure is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.


Is Portimao or Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Both Portimao and Finale Ligure are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Finale Ligure. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

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

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure 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.

Finale Ligure has a few public transit options. There are both trains and buses through the area.

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

Is Portimao or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Portimao
Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable area. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.

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 Finale Ligure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Finale Ligure. In our opinion, Portimao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Portimao than Finale Ligure. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure.


  • How many days in Portimao or Finale Ligure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Portimao 2-4 
    Finale Ligure 2-4

One day in Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the stunning destination of Portimao. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful area of Finale Ligure offers food and shopping. 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 Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Finale Ligure is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this area makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Finale Ligure, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Portimao. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal city of Portimao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Finale Ligure 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 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure is €143. 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 Finale Ligure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Finale Ligure 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Finale Ligure 148
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Finale Ligure

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Finale Ligure? 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 Finale Ligure


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 Finale Ligure Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Finale Ligure 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • 7 Seven Hanging Valleys Hike Adventure with 4k Photos & Transfer: $38
  • Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $84
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $83
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $92
  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $234
  • Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
  • Transfer Alvor - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Prices for flights to both Finale Ligure 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
    Finale Ligure 34

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: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Finale Ligure 28

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
  • From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
  • From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunset Tour: $15
  • SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
  • From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
  • Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
  • Two Hours Tour from Portimão to Paradise : $24
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding Guided Experience in Praia da Rocha: $27
  • Catamaran Tour to Benagil Caves: $27
  • Boat tour to the Benagil Caves from Armação de Pêra: $27
  • Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Finale Ligure 6.99

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: $73
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $153
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $181


When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Finale Ligure, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Finale Ligure?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Finale Ligure. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Finale Ligure, 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 Finale Ligure?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portimao or Finale Ligure in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Finale Ligure. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Finale Ligure for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Finale Ligure. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Finale Ligure 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Finale Ligure in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Finale Ligure. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Finale Ligure in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Finale Ligure. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Portimao or Finale Ligure in the Winter?

Both Finale Ligure and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Finale Ligure for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Finale Ligure. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Finale Ligure 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Finale Ligure in the Spring?

Both Finale Ligure and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Finale Ligure because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Finale Ligure. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Finale Ligure 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Finale Ligure and Portimao

Portimao Finale Ligure
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)