A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Split for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Portimao or Split?

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 Split. 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split is also a must-visit on a trip through the country. It can easily fit in to a one-week itinerary of Croatia, or many other routes, as it's centrally located and very accessible.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

Which city is cheaper, Split or Portimao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €121, while the average daily cost in Split is €86. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Portimao and Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao €62
    Split €58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao €124
    Split €116
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Split

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao €30
    Split €11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $52
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $66
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $36
  • Transfer Praia da Rocha - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $36
  • Transfer Portimão - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $52
  • Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $62
  • Transfer Portimão - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $36
  • Transfer Portimão - Alamos Golf (Portimão) Pending: $36
  • Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $96
  • Faro Shared Transfer to or from Portimão: $38
  • Faro Private Transfer to or from Portimão: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shuttle Transfer between Airport and City Center: $9.07
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Split, Trogir, Makarska,Tucepi and Baska Voda Hotels to Split Airport: $19
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Split to Split Airport (SPU): $26
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Split Airport (SPU) to Split: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer: Split, Trogir, Makarska, Tucepi and Baska Voda Hotels to Split Airport: $31
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Shared Transfer from Split: $34
  • Luxury private transfer: Split airport to Split: $39
  • Luxury private transfer: Split to Split airport: $39
  • Private transfer Split airport to Split (hotel, apartment, ferry...) up to 3 pax: $46
  • Private transfer Split airport to Split (hotel, apartment, ferry...) up to 3 pax: $47
  • Split Airport - Split Transfer: $47
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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 €36
    Split €18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.

  • Portimão - Food Tour: $96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Krka Waterfalls with Dinner in Split included:Pizza or Burger with Fries & Drink: $62
  • Private Dining: Traditional Dalmatian family dinner near Marjan Hills: $102
  • Cooking Class in a Dalmatian Ethno Village Tour from Split: $116
  • The Real Split Food Tour: $118
  • Exclusive tour: NP Krka Bike Tour with traditional dinner: $174
  • Hvar Wine Tour + Dalmatian Dinner: $255

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao €33
    Split €2.93

Tours and Activities in Portimao

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

  • 1 Hour - Express tour to Benagil Cave: $28
  • 2 Hours Portimão Walking Tour: $20
  • 2.5-Hour Cruise to Benagil Caves From Portimão: $37
  • 2h30min Private Benagil Caves Tour & Snorkeing & Cliff-jumping with Lots of fun!: $373
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $44
  • Algarve Coastline Tour from Portimao jeep and boat tour: $75
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $38
  • Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $44
  • Benagil - Private Tour with Captain - Algarve Cave Captain: $348
  • Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide: $35
  • Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao: $37
  • Benagil Caves Tour & Snorkeling & Cliff-jumping - lots of fun and adventure: $50

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $2.35
  • City Museum Entrance Ticket: $3.13
  • Split Sightseeing: Explore the city's glorious Roman ruins on this audio tour: $5.99
  • Museum of Illusions Split Admission Ticket: $10
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Virtual Reality Movie Experience in Split: $12
  • Best of Split Walking Tour: $12
  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Split: $14
  • Semisubmarine tour: $16
  • Walking Tour Split: $17
  • Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace: $17
  • Split guided city tour for small groups: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao €24
    Split €6.28

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

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

  • Portimão & Carvoeiro: Algarve Wine Tour in a VW T2 Van: $57
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $72
  • Algarve wine tour of two wine estates and lunch at hystorical town of Silves: $112
  • Algarve Wine Tour and Mountain Discovery With Lunch at Mountain Top: $144
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $37
  • Krka Waterfalls Tour & Wine Tasting from Split: $37
  • Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik Day Trip Including Wine Tasting from Split: $49
  • Wine Tasting With walking Small group Tour in Split: $53
  • Blue Lagoon & Wine tasting - 3 islands tour: $87
  • Split Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $101
  • Hvar 3-Hour Wine Tasting Tour: $113
  • Zinfandel Wine Tour: $124
  • Full-Day Split Food and wine tour to Peljesac: $133
  • Beer Tasting Split - visit to the local brewery: $137
  • Diocletian's Palace Private Food and Wine Tour: $147
  • Solta Island Wine Tasting Tour Including Lunch: $152

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Portimao or Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Split. Temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Split stays around 26°C (80°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Split. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Split. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Split in the autumn. The temperature in Portimao is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Split stays around 18°C (64°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Split. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Split. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene.

In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January are around 11°C (52°F), and Split is about 8°C (47°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Split 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Split. Temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Split stays around 15°C (59°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Split. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Portimao

Portimao Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)


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