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

Should you visit Portimao or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Nantes

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

Portimao and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Nantes?

Both Nantes and Portimao have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Portimao is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Portimao is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Portimao different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Nantes are great 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.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Resorts?

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

Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy 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.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Portimao are among the best in 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Nantes offers a nice historic old town area. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Nantes?

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can 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 Nantes Better for Families?

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

Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Couples?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Portimao has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Portimao or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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.

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Portimao or Nantes a more walkable city?

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

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Nantes?

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

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

One day in Portimao or Nantes?

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.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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 Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Nantes?

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.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food 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 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Portimao or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portimao is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Nantes. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Nantes. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Nantes. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Nantes. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Portimao