A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Positano for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Portimao or Positano?

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 Positano. 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 dramatic, active, and scenic coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Portimao and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Portimao and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

How is Portimao different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Positano and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Portimao for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Resorts?

There are terrific resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Positano.

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.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

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.

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Positano?

Positano 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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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 Positano Better for Families?

Portimao is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Couples?

Portimao and Positano both terrific destinations for a couple.

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.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Is Portimao or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Positano are nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Positano 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.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

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

Is Portimao or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Positano on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Positano?

Both Portimao and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Portimao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Positano. 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 Positano than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano 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 Positano.

One day in Portimao or Positano?

The beautiful coastal city of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portimao or Positano?

Portimao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portimao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Positano?

Portimao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Positano?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Positano?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Positano. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Positano. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Positano. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Positano. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Portimao