A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Girona for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Girona?

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 Girona. 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 stunning, dramatic, and active coastal city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Girona are both popular with visitors, Portimao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Girona is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Portimao is more touristy than Girona and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Portimao different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Girona 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 Girona is an experience not to be missed. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

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.

Girona is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Girona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Girona?

Girona 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 Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Families?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Couples?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Girona are good 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Portimao or Girona Better for Students?

Girona is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Girona 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.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Portimao or Girona a more walkable city?

Girona 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 Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Girona. 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 Girona. 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 Girona 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 Girona.

One day in Portimao or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Girona?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Girona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Girona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Girona is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Girona, 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 Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Girona. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Girona. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Girona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Girona. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Girona averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Girona. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Girona. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Portimao