A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Montpellier for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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 stunning, dramatic, and active coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Portimao and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Portimao different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Montpellier 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 Montpellier area. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

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 Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

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.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Montpellier is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Portimao or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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

Is Portimao or Montpellier a more walkable city?

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

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portimao and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portimao than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

One day in Portimao or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning 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.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning 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.

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Montpellier?

The active 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.

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Montpellier?

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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. 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 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Portimao is a little warmer than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Montpellier. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier 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. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Portimao is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Portimao