Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria. 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Gran Canaria €63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Gran Canaria? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $245
- 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): $61
- 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 Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to La Garita: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $31
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from San Agustín to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Agustín: $41
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Costa Meloneras: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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 €45Gran Canaria €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: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Gran Canaria €20
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 Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Gran Canaria €7.14
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 Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Gran Canaria, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Gran Canaria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gran Canaria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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 Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Gran Canaria. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Gran Canaria in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria 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.
In the autumn, Portimao is cooler than Gran Canaria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria 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.
In January, Portimao is generally much colder than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Gran Canaria. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
Portimao is cooler than Gran Canaria in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Portimao
| Portimao | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.