A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portimao vs. Urbino for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portimao or Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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 adventure-filled, vibrant, and colorful 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Urbino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portimao. Although Portimao and Urbino are popular destinations, Portimao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portimao is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Urbino attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Portimao is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. It is also well known for Praia da Rocha. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Portimao different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Urbino 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 Urbino. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Urbino 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 Urbino is an experience not to be missed. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Many people head to Portimao for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Resorts?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino is not a resort destination.

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.

Urbino is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Urbino is a good destination for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Urbino offers a nice historic old town area. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Urbino?

Both Portimao and Urbino 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 Urbino. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Families?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Couples?

Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for couples. Also, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Portimao or Urbino Better for Students?

Urbino is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Both Portimao and Urbino offer reasonable public transit options.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Portimao or Urbino a more walkable city?

Urbino is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Urbino is a somewhat walkable town. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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 Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Urbino?

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

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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 Urbino?

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 beautiful town of Urbino 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 Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Urbino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic 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.

Urbino 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 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Urbino?

Portimao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

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

Portimao is a little warmer than Urbino in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino 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 and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Urbino. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Urbino averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Urbino. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Urbino. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

Portimao is a little warmer than Urbino in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Urbino. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Urbino and Portimao