A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Portimao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, food, and hiking. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Mont-Saint-Michel is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Portimao different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Mont-Saint-Michel area. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Portimao know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Portimao is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portimao offers some nice shopping areas. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel both first-rate 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Is Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

One day in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Portimao, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the vibrant coastal city of Portimao, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

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

Five days in Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Portimao is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Portimao is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Portimao