A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Santiago de Compostela for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a historic, religious, and inspirational city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Portimao and Santiago de Compostela are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Portimao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Santiago de Compostela is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago.

How is Portimao different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Santiago de Compostela on the map. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Santiago de Compostela are superb 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.

Santiago de Compostela has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Portimao is terrific for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Portimao is terrific for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Portimao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to 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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Portimao is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Portimao is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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.

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city to visit for students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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

Is Portimao or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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 Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Santiago de Compostela. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

The coastal city of Portimao offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The colorful destination of Portimao offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Santiago de Compostela. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Santiago de Compostela. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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 and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Portimao is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Portimao