Which place is cheaper, Lagos or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Portimao and Lagos. 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 is a dramatic, active, and scenic coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.
Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portimao is well known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Lagos is well known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lagos and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Lagos is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.
Dining out in Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.
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.
Both Portimao and Lagos are excellent 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.
Lagos has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.
There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Lagos.
Vacationers flock to Portimao for its luxury resorts. 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.
For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.
You'll find excellent places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Portimao and Lagos.
There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.
Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.
Portimao and Lagos both offer terrific beaches.
Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.
Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.
Lagos is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.
Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Both Portimao and Lagos 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 Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.
Both Portimao and Lagos are terrific family-friendly destinations.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. 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.
As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.
Portimao and Lagos both terrific 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.
Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.
Lagos is renowned for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Lagos is a very popular resort town to visit for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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.
Both Portimao and Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.
Portimao is a coastal city with a few options for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.
Portimao is generally not very walkable. 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.
Lagos is not a very walkable coastal city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.
For even more information, also check out Is Portimao Worth Visiting? and Is Lagos Worth Visiting?.
In either Portimao or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Portimao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.
Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos 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 Lagos.
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.
The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.
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.
Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.
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.
Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic 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.
Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 resort town offers something for everyone.
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 Lagos is €118. 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 Lagos in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Lagos? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:
Prices for flights to both Lagos 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lagos.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Lagos, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Lagos Expensive?.
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Lagos, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Lagos. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.
In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Lagos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Lagos averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Lagos. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Lagos. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Portimao is generally cooler than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Lagos. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Lagos. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Lagos and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Portimao is much colder than Lagos in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Lagos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Lagos. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Lagos and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Portimao is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Lagos averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Lagos. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Portimao | Lagos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 316 mm (12.4 in) |
Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) |
Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |