Which place is cheaper, Valencia or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 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 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.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia. Although Portimao and Valencia are both popular with visitors, Valencia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valencia is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is more touristy than Valencia and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
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.
Valencia is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.
Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.
Valencia is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.
Eat your way through Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.
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.
Valencia is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for nightlife.
Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.
Portimao has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its resorts. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.
Portimao offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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 has a few great resort options. 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.
Portimao is well known for its diving and snorkeling. However, Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Many visitors go to Portimao to enjoy 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.
Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.
The beaches in Portimao are among the best in 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.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. 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.
Valencia is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).
Portimao does not have a historic old town.
Valencia is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.
Portimao is not a hiking destination.
Valencia is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.
Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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 produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Portimao. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.
Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Portimao is an amazing family-friendly coastal city to visit. 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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Valencia. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.
Portimao is an amazing coastal city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Portimao has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.
Valencia is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Valencia is a very popular coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Portimao. 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 renowned for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.
Valencia is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.
Portimao is not popular with students.
Valencia 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.
Valencia has a few public transit options. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.
Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.
Valencia is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.
Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of 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. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.
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 Valencia Worth Visiting?.
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 in Valencia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-3 days is enough time in Valencia.
Families should spend more time in Portimao than Valencia. 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 Valencia than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valencia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Portimao 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 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
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.
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. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Valencia is €123. 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 Valencia in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Valencia? 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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:
Prices for flights to both Valencia 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
Also in Valencia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Valencia, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Valencia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Valencia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valencia 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 Valencia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Valencia Expensive?.
Valencia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Valencia, 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.
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.
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. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Valencia fluctuates 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.
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 daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates 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.
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 and the cuisine. 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 average around 11°C (52°F), and Valencia averages at 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.
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. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Valencia fluctuates 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.
Portimao | Valencia | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |