A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. San Remo for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Portimao or San Remo?

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 San Remo. 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 active, scenic, and adventure-filled coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Portimao and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Portimao or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and San Remo 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 San Remo attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. Portimao is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also well known for Praia da Rocha. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Portimao different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portimao
San Remo

San Remo is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in San Remo is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Portimao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great choice. 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.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is terrific for the beach. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Portimao. 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.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Is Portimao or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Portimao
San Remo

San Remo is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or San Remo?

Portimao
San Remo

Both Portimao and San Remo are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.


Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Families?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Portimao is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

San Remo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Couples?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Portimao or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao
San Remo

Portimao is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.


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

Portimao
San Remo

San Remo 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.

San Remo has a few public transit options. There are local buses around 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 San Remo a more walkable city?

Portimao
San Remo

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

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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 San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portimao or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portimao than San Remo 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 San Remo.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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.


  • How many days in Portimao or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Portimao 2-4 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Portimao or San Remo?

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.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or San Remo?

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.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Portimao and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão) : $35
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $60
  • Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $61
  • Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $248
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $100
  • Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
  • Transfer Alvor - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
  • Private Transfer from Praia dos Salgados to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
  • Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • BENAGIL CAVE PRIVATE kayak tour from Carvalho beach w/ 4KPhotos: $105
  • Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $39
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $28
  • 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $82
  • Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $50
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $40
  • Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $66
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $39
  • Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $83
  • Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $40
  • Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $61
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $184
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $212


When comparing the travel costs between Portimao and San Remo, we can see that San Remo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is a little warmer than San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than San Remo. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Portimao or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and San Remo. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than San Remo. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Portimao or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Remo. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Portimao or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than San Remo. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for San Remo and Portimao

Portimao San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)