A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Kotor for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Portimao or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Portimao and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Portimao is more touristy than Kotor and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Portimao different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Portimao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portimao is a perfect 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Portimao is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Kotor?

Portimao is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portimao is a great destination for shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Portimao has plenty to offer. 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.

Kotor is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Portimao or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Portimao and Kotor offer respectable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Portimao or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Kotor. In our opinion, Portimao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Portimao than Kotor. In general, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

One day in Portimao or Kotor?

In Portimao, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Kotor?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the dramatic destination of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a great place to explore. 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 coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Kotor?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Kotor. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Kotor. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Portimao is much warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Kotor. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Portimao