Which place is cheaper, Santander or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Santander?
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 Santander. 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.
Where Should I go: Portimao or Santander?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Santander €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Santander? 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.
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 Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Santander €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $114
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander 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
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Santander €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Santander €18
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Stand Up Paddleboard tour in Benagil: $14
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
Tours and Activities in Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Santander €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Santander, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Santander.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Santander?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Santander, 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 Santander?
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 Santander in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Santander. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
Portimao is a little warmer than Santander in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santander. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santander in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Santander. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santander averages at about 16°C (60°F).
It's quite rainy in Santander. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santander in the Winter?
Both Santander and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Santander. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santander. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Santander in the Spring?
Both Santander and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Portimao is a little warmer than Santander in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Portimao
| Portimao | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.