A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Taormina for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Portimao or Taormina?

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 Taormina. 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 vibrant, colorful, and stunning coastal city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Taormina

Taormina is a exclusive, opulent, and historic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Taormina are popular destinations, Portimao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portimao is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Taormina attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Portimao is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also well known for Praia da Rocha. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Portimao different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taormina 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 Taormina?

Taormina is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Taormina 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 Taormina is an experience not to be missed. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Taormina are very good 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.

Taormina has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Portimao is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Portimao is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a great coastal city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Portimao is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Portimao is very popular for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

Portimao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Taormina?

Both Portimao and Taormina 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 Taormina. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Families?

Portimao is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Couples?

Portimao is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Portimao is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Portimao or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Portimao is a coastal city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Portimao is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Taormina 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.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the 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 Taormina a more walkable city?

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

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the 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 Taormina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Portimao or Taormina. In our opinion, Portimao has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Portimao than Taormina. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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.

One day in Portimao or Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

A weekend in Portimao or Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Taormina?

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.

Taormina 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 Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Taormina?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Taormina. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Taormina. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Taormina in the Autumn?

Both Taormina 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. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Taormina. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina 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. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Portimao is generally cooler than Taormina. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Taormina. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Taormina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Taormina. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Taormina. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Portimao