Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Tangier?
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 Tangier. 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 Tangier?
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.
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
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 in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Tangier €57
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Tangier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Tangier €22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Tangier €44
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Tangier
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Tangier? 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 Tangier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Tangier €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $234
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $92
- Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $84
- Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $84
- Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $83
- Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $79
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $18
- Tangier Private Transfers: $23
- One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Tangier City from Airport or Vice Versa: $25
- Private Transfer to Tangier from Tangier City Port : $25
- Private Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
- Private Transfer: Tangier Airport (TNG): $27
- Private Transfer : Tangier Airport (TNG) ⇆ Tangier City: $28
- Transfer Tangier Airport to Tangier City: $33
- Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
- Transfer from Ibn Battuta airport to Tangier center: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Tangier?
Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 €45Tangier €19
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: $146
Typical Food Prices in Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt€1.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $30
- Tangier Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $30
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $52
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $65
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
- Tangier food tour : $70
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $70
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $70
- Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Tangier €18
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $80
- Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $49
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $54
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $81
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
Tours and Activities in Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $14
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
- Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
- From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
- Tangier walking tour: $17
- Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
- Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
- Touristic guide: $28
- 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $30
- Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $30
- Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
- 3 Hours Small Group Guided Tour of Tangier: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Tangier €9.87
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: $73
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $153
- Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Tangier, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Tangier?
Tangier has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Tangier, 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 Tangier?
Portimao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Portimao or Tangier in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Tangier. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.
In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Tangier averages at about 24°C (74°F).
Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Tangier. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Tangier 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Tangier in the Autumn?
Both Tangier and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In October, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Tangier. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Tangier 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Tangier in the Winter?
Both Tangier and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.
Portimao is cooler than Tangier in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Tangier. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Tangier 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Tangier in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Tangier. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Tangier averages at about 15°C (60°F).
In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Tangier. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Tangier 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Tangier and Portimao
| Portimao | Tangier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.