A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. La Rochelle for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portimao or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle. 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 vibrant, colorful, and stunning coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or La Rochelle?

Tourists will generally find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Portimao and La Rochelle are both popular with visitors, La Rochelle has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Portimao is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Portimao different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

Portimao is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Portimao is very popular for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

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.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle offers some nice hiking trails. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or La Rochelle?

Both Portimao and La Rochelle are good 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 La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Portimao is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Portimao and La Rochelle both amazing destinations for a couple.

Portimao is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Portimao or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is Portimao or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or La Rochelle. In our opinion, La Rochelle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Rochelle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Portimao or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active coastal city of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or La Rochelle?

The stunning coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Portimao. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 100% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

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

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than La Rochelle. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Portimao is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Rochelle. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or La Rochelle in the Spring?

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

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

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Portimao