Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Playa Blanca?
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 Playa Blanca. 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.
Where Should I go: Portimao or Playa Blanca?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
Playa Blanca
Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Playa Blanca €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Playa Blanca is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Portimao and Playa Blanca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Playa Blanca €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Playa Blanca €162
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Playa Blanca
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Playa Blanca? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portimao Hotel Prices and Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Playa Blanca €49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $61
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $245
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Playa Blanca?
Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca and Portimao change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Playa Blanca €45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Playa Blanca €20
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
- Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Playa Blanca €9.29
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and Playa Blanca, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Playa Blanca?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?
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 Playa Blanca in the Summer?
Both Playa Blanca and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in July than Playa Blanca. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Playa Blanca. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Portimao is cooler than Playa Blanca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa Blanca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Playa Blanca. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
In the winter, Portimao is much colder than Playa Blanca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Playa Blanca. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa Blanca in the Spring?
Both Playa Blanca and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Portimao is generally cooler than Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Portimao
| Portimao | Playa Blanca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.