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

Should you visit Portimao or Granada?

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 Granada. 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 colorful, stunning, and dramatic coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Granada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and hiking, while Portimao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is more touristy than Granada and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra.

How is Portimao different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Granada on the map. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Granada 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 Granada area. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

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 Granada Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Granada are superb when it comes to partying.

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.

Granada has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Hiking?

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

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Granada?

Both Portimao and Granada 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 Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Portimao or Granada Better for Students?

Granada is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Granada 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.

Granada has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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

Is Portimao or Granada a more walkable city?

Granada is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Granada is a very walkable destination. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Granada or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Granada?

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

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

One day in Portimao or Granada?

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 city of Granada 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 Granada?

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.

Granada 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 Granada, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Granada?

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.

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Granada?

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.

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 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 Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Granada averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Granada. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Granada in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Granada. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Granada 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 Granada. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Granada. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Granada in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Granada. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Granada in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Granada fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Granada. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Granada in the Spring?

Both Granada and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Granada averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Granada and Portimao