A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Reims for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Reims?

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 Reims. 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 vibrant, colorful, and stunning coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Reims are popular destinations, Portimao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portimao is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Reims attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Portimao is more touristy than Reims and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also well known for Praia da Rocha. Reims is famous for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Portimao different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Reims is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Portimao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Portimao or Reims Better for Resorts?

Portimao is very popular for its resorts. However, Reims is not a resort destination.

Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Reims is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Reims Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Reims is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Reims Better for Beaches?

Portimao is very popular for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Portimao are among the best in 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Reims?

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Portimao is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Portimao or Reims Better for Couples?

Portimao and Reims both world-class 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.

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Is Portimao or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Reims 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Reims 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.

Reims has a few public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

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

Is Portimao or Reims a more walkable city?

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

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Reims?

In either Portimao or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Portimao because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

One day in Portimao or Reims?

In Portimao, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Reims offers food and shopping. 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Portimao or Reims?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Reims 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 Reims, 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 Reims?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventure-filled destination of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reims is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Reims. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Portimao is a little warmer than Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Reims. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Reims. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Portimao is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Reims. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

Portimao is much warmer than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Reims. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Portimao