A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

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-Tropez. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a ritzy, celebrity-filled, and extravagant resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Portimao and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

How is Portimao different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portimao or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Saint-Tropez are comparable when it comes to partying.

Portimao offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Is Portimao or Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

There are resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Saint-Tropez.

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, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

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

You'll find places where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in Portimao and Saint-Tropez.

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.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Is Portimao or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Portimao and Saint-Tropez both offer beautiful 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.

Saint-Tropez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez is generally considered to be a more popular shopping destination.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for shoppers. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Both Portimao and Saint-Tropez are family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

Is Portimao or Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

Portimao and Saint-Tropez both fun 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.

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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

Both Portimao and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations for backpackers.

Portimao is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. 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 backpackers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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

Both Portimao and Saint-Tropez offer public transit options.

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

Saint-Tropez has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Portimao or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is more walkable than Portimao.

It is easy to get around Saint-Tropez on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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.

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

How long in Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Saint-Tropez. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Saint-Tropez is 2-4 days.

One day in Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

In Portimao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this dramatic coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful resort town of Saint-Tropez offers food 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.

A weekend in Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Portimao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Saint-Tropez 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-Tropez?

Portimao is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. 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 resort town offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Portimao or Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Saint-Tropez. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Saint-Tropez stays around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Saint-Tropez. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Saint-Tropez. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez in the autumn. The temperature in Portimao is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Saint-Tropez stays around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Tropez. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Saint-Tropez and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January are around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Tropez is about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Tropez. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Saint-Tropez and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Saint-Tropez stays around 13°C (56°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Tropez. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Portimao