Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Playa del Ingles?
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 del Ingles. 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 del Ingles?
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 del Ingles
Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Playa del Ingles €180
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is €180. 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 del Ingles in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Playa del Ingles €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Playa del Ingles €186
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Playa del Ingles
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Playa del Ingles? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Playa del Ingles €61
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): $60
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- 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 del Ingles?
Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles €49
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 del Ingles €33
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 del Ingles €7.86
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Playa del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles is more expensive. And not only is Portimao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portimao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portimao 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 Playa del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles than you might in Portimao.
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 del Ingles Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Playa del Ingles?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?
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 del Ingles in the Summer?
Both Playa del Ingles 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.
In the summer, Portimao is a little warmer than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Ingles. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Playa del Ingles. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Portimao is generally cooler than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Playa del Ingles. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Portimao is much colder than Playa del Ingles in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Ingles. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?
Both Playa del Ingles 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.
In the spring, Portimao is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Portimao
| Portimao | Playa del Ingles | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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) | 21°C (70°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.