A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Piazza Armerina for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina. 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Portimao and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Piazza Armerina 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Portimao is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Portimao different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina area. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Portimao has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

Portimao is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Portimao is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a good coastal city for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

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

Is Portimao or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

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

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns 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 Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Portimao than Piazza Armerina 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 Portimao.

One day in Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

The stunning destination of Portimao offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Piazza Armerina offers museums and food. 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 Piazza Armerina?

The coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Piazza Armerina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Piazza Armerina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

Portimao is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Piazza Armerina 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 town 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Piazza Armerina?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Piazza Armerina this time of year.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

Both Piazza Armerina and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Piazza Armerina. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Piazza Armerina. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Piazza Armerina. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Portimao