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

Should you visit Portimao or Valencia?

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 Valencia. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Portimao and Valencia: Pros and Cons

How is Portimao different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Valencia 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.

Valencia has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Resorts?

There are resorts to choose from in both Portimao and Valencia.

Vacationers flock to Portimao for its luxury resorts. 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.

Valencia is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Portimao and Valencia both offer beautiful beaches.

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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Valencia. The city is surrounded by some of the best beaches in Spain. They're accessible but still largely undeveloped. They also have long stretches of sand and although they can get crowded during the summer months, they still have plenty of space. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Shopping?

Both Portimao and Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local goods and produce for sell in market stalls.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Families?

Families may find more to do in Portimao than Valencia.

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.

Valencia is a family-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Couples?

Portimao and Valencia both fun destinations for a couple.

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.

Valencia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Valencia 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.

Valencia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Portimao or Valencia Better for Public Transit?

While Portimao and Valencia both provide public transit, overall the system in Valencia is considered to be better.

Valencia has a great public transit system. If you're not up for walking, there's an excellent public transit system that includes a metro, tram, and bus system.

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

Is Portimao or Valencia a more walkable city?

Valencia is more walkable than Portimao.

It is easy to get around Valencia on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions.

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 Valencia or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portimao and Valencia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portimao than Valencia.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Valencia is 2-3 days.

One day in Portimao or Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia 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 Valencia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Valencia?

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.

Valencia 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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.

When is the best time to visit Portimao or Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Valencia. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Valencia stays around 25°C (76°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Valencia. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Valencia. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Valencia in the autumn. The temperature in Portimao is usually 19°C (67°F) in October, and Valencia stays around 19°C (66°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Valencia. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Valencia in the Winter?

Both Valencia and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In the winter, Portimao is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January are around 11°C (52°F), and Valencia is about 12°C (53°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Valencia. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Valencia. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Portimao