A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Toulon for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Toulon?

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 Toulon. 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 stunning, dramatic, and active coastal city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Portimao and Toulon: Pros and Cons

How is Portimao different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Toulon and Portimao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Toulon are comparable 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

While Toulon and Portimao both provide spots for scuba diving or snorkeling, overall Portimao is considered to be a more popular choice.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Portimao provides a better beach experience than Toulon.

Portimao offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find to Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Shopping?

Both Portimao and Toulon are good 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Families?

Families may find more to do in Portimao than Toulon.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Portimao is very family-friendly. 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.

Toulon is a family-friendly coastal city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Couples?

While Toulon and Portimao are both popular destinations, overall Portimao is considered to be a more popular choice.

Portimao is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Toulon are popular destinations 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Portimao or Toulon Better for Public Transit?

Both Portimao and Toulon offer public transit options.

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

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Portimao or Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon is more walkable than Portimao.

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Toulon?

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

The ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Toulon is 1-2 days.

One day in Portimao or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Portimao. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. 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 Toulon?

Portimao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Portimao or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Toulon 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 Toulon?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Portimao. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Toulon is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Portimao or Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

Both Toulon and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Toulon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July are around 25°C (78°F), and Toulon is about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Toulon. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Toulon in the Autumn?

Both Toulon and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Temperatures in Portimao average around 19°C (67°F), and Toulon stays around 16°C (61°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Toulon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Toulon. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portimao is much warmer than Toulon in the winter. The temperature in Portimao is usually 11°C (52°F) in January, and Toulon stays around 7°C (44°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Toulon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Toulon. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year.

In the spring, Portimao is a little warmer than Toulon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April are around 15°C (60°F), and Toulon is about 13°C (56°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Portimao