A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Pontevedra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Portimao or Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra. 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 Pontevedra?

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.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

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 Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Portimao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Pontevedra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Pontevedra 122
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Pontevedra

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Pontevedra? 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.

Hotels in Portimao


Hotels in Pontevedra


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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Pontevedra 23

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 Pontevedra?

Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portimao 45
    Pontevedra 42

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

Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Pontevedra 19

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

Tours and Activities in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Pontevedra 20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Pontevedra?

Pontevedra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra in the Summer?

Both Pontevedra 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 July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Pontevedra. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

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

Portimao is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Pontevedra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Pontevedra. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Pontevedra. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Pontevedra in the Spring?

Both Pontevedra 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 April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Portimao

Portimao Pontevedra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)