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

Should you visit Portimao or Giverny?

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 Giverny. 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 adventure-filled, vibrant, and colorful coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Giverny

Giverny is a peaceful, serene, and inspiring town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Portimao and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Giverny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Giverny 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 shopping, while Giverny is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Giverny is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet.

How is Portimao different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Giverny 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 Giverny. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

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 Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Portimao for the nightlife scene. 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny is not a resort destination.

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.

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Giverny?

Portimao is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Families?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Couples?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Portimao or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Giverny 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 Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Giverny 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.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Portimao or Giverny a more walkable city?

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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 Giverny Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Giverny to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Giverny 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 Giverny.

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

One day in Portimao or Giverny?

In Portimao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Giverny offers museums and food. 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 Giverny?

In Portimao, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portimao has to offer.

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

Five days in Portimao or Giverny?

Portimao is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portimao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Giverny is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Giverny?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Giverny. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Giverny. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Giverny in the Autumn?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Giverny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Giverny fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Giverny. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Giverny in the Winter?

Both Giverny 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Giverny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Giverny averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Giverny. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Giverny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Giverny. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Giverny. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Giverny and Portimao