Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Lugo?
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 Lugo. 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 Lugo?
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.
Lugo
Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Lugo €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Lugo is €98. 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 Lugo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Lugo €50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Lugo €100
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Lugo
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Lugo? 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.
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 Lugo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Lugo €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Lugo?
Prices for flights to both Lugo 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
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Lugo €34
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Lugo €13
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
Tours and Activities in Lugo
Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.42
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
- ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Lugo €16
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Lugo, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Lugo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lugo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lugo 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 Lugo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Lugo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Lugo?
Lugo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Lugo, 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 Lugo?
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 Lugo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Lugo. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Lugo. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Lugo. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Lugo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Lugo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Lugo. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Portimao is a little warmer than Lugo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lugo fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Lugo. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Lugo. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Lugo 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Lugo in the Winter?
Both Lugo and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Portimao is around the same temperature as Lugo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Lugo averages at about 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Lugo. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Lugo. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Lugo 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Lugo in the Spring?
Both Lugo and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Lugo. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Lugo. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Lugo 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lugo and Portimao
| Portimao | Lugo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.