A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia. 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia is €132. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia


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 Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Hondarribia 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $61
  • Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $245
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 41

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Hondarribia 22

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Hondarribia 18

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


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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Hondarribia?

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

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Hondarribia. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In October, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Portimao is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Portimao is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Portimao

Portimao Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)