A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Madrid for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Madrid?

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 Madrid. 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 scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Madrid

Madrid is a diverse, compact, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Portimao or Madrid?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Madrid than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Madrid is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Madrid and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Madrid is well known for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. Also, Madrid is famous for The Prado Museum.

How is Portimao different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Madrid. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Portimao
Madrid

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

Eat your way through Madrid, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Portimao
Madrid

Both Portimao and Madrid are very good 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.

Madrid has a large number of nightlife venues. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Music?

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its music scene. However, Portimao is not a live music destination.

In Madrid you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Portimao is not a live music destination.


Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Portimao
Madrid

Portimao is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.

Portimao is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao
Madrid

Portimao is a great coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Portimao is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Portimao
Madrid

Portimao is renowned for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Portimao is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Madrid?

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Madrid is a world class destination for shoppers. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Families?

Portimao
Madrid

Portimao is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. 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.

Madrid is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Couples?

Portimao
Madrid

Portimao is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Portimao is a great coastal city for couples, as it 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.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.


Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid 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.

Madrid is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting 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.

Is Portimao or Madrid Better for Students?

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid is renowned for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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


Is Portimao or Madrid a more walkable city?

Portimao
Madrid

Madrid 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 Madrid on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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 Madrid Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Madrid?

In either Portimao or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Portimao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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


  • How many days in Portimao or Madrid? Ideal Length of Stay
    Portimao 2-4 
    Madrid 2-5

One day in Portimao or Madrid?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Madrid?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Portimao or Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Madrid?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Madrid 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 Madrid is €136. 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 Madrid in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Madrid 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Madrid 154
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Madrid

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Madrid? 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 Madrid


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 Madrid Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Madrid 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $248
  • Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $239
  • Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $116
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $100
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
  • Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $68
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $61
  • Alvor, Carvoeiro or Portimão Transfer to Faro Airport FAO - Private Vehicle: $60
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $60

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid

Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Madrid Barajas Airport: Transfer to/from Atocha Bus Station: $7.59
  • Private transfer from Atocha Station to Madrid city center: $22
  • Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $27
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer (Madrid Airport To/From Madrid): $28
  • Private transfer: Barajas Airport (MAD) to Madrid City Center: $29
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Barajas Airport: $40
  • Madrid to Madrid Airport (MAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $42
  • Transfers Madrid Airport to Madrid Center in Vans up to 7 Passengers: $47
  • Madrid City Center: Private Transfer to Madrid Airport: $50
  • Departure Private Transfer: Madrid City to Madrid Airport MAD by Business Car: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
  • Madrid Airport: Private Transfer to Madrid City Center: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Madrid?

Prices for flights to both Madrid 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
    Madrid 34

Typical Food Prices in Madrid

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:


  • Coffee
    2.00
  • Ice Cream
    3.00
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    16
  • Croissant
    1.50
  • Lunch at Airport (for 2)
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid

For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $28
  • Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
  • Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $34
  • Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $36
  • Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $37
  • Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
  • San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $42
  • Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
  • Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $50
  • Corral de la Moreria Madrid Flamenco Show with Optional Dinner: $55
  • The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $60
  • Opera and Zarzuela Show and Dinner: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Madrid 34

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • BENAGIL CAVE PRIVATE kayak tour from Carvalho beach w/ 4KPhotos: $105
  • Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $39
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $28
  • 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $82
  • Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $50
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $40
  • Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $66
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $39
  • Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $83
  • Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $61

Tours and Activities in Madrid

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.

  • Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.09
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.29
  • Escape Game and Tour: $4.34
  • Ticket Entrada al Museo del Turrón de Madrid: $5.43
  • Mapfre Foundation Entry Ticket: $5.43
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Madrid: $5.51
  • Manzanares River’s Story: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Madrid: $5.99
  • Manzanares River’s Story Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.50
  • Madrid Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.59
  • Madrid’s Tapas Spots: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Madrid 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $40
  • Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $61
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $184
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $212

Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:


  • Beer
    5.00
  • Drinks and Tapas (for 2)
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:

  • Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.77
  • Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
  • Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
  • Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
  • Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
  • Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
  • Madrid's Live Music Bar Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl Madrid: $22
  • Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
  • Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
  • Wine Tasting Experience: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Madrid, 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.