A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Saint-Etienne for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 adventure-filled, vibrant, and colorful coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Portimao and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Saint-Etienne are both popular with visitors, Portimao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portimao is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and hiking. Portimao is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also home to Praia da Rocha. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Portimao different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portimao or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at decent restaurants in both Portimao and Saint-Etienne.

Portimao may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Saint-Etienne offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

Portimao is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Portimao or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in 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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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 Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portimao than Saint-Etienne 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 Portimao.

One day in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Portimao. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Portimao. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful coastal city of Portimao. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

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

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Portimao is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Portimao