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

Should you visit Portimao or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Portimao and Naples are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Naples and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Portimao different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Naples 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.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Naples?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Portimao or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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.

Naples is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Naples is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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.

Naples offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Portimao or Naples a more walkable city?

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

Naples is a very walkable destination. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Naples?

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

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

One day in Portimao or Naples?

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.

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

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.

Naples 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples?

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

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Naples. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Naples. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Naples. 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 Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Naples. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Naples. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

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

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Portimao