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

Should you visit Portimao or Valletta?

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 Valletta. 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 active, scenic, and adventure-filled coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Valletta

Valletta is a historic, charming, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Valletta: Pros and Cons

How is Portimao different from Valletta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Valletta 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 Valletta. It wasn't long ago that the town went quiet in the evenings, but recent years have brought a surge in bars and clubs around town. You'll find the liveliest nightlife in areas around Strait Street and the Valletta Waterfront. If you're looking for a true clubbing scene, you'll want to head north out of town to Paceville.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Beaches?

Portimao provides a better beach experience than Valletta.

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.

Valletta is a good spot to see the beach. There aren't any beaches in town, but if you head north to St. George’s Bay you'll find some nice beaches with a variety of resorts to choose from.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Shopping?

Both Portimao and Valletta 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 Valletta. For the best shopping head to Republic Street and Merchants Street where you'll find craft shops, boutiques, and other local souvenirs. Many visitors enjoy picking up blown glass, a locally made miniature, or cactus liquor. Lace is also a common local item that you'll find around town.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Families?

Families may find more to do in Portimao than Valletta.

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.

Valletta is a family-friendly coastal city. This charming town has nearby beaches as well as a few museums that kids will enjoy, including a toy museum. There are also several multi-media shows that educate visitors on the area's history. Make sure you check out Malta 5D and the Malta Experience.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Couples?

Portimao and Valletta 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.

Valletta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The town offers beautiful walks, luxury spa experiences, and evening sunset cruises that are seeped in romance. During the evening you can enjoy a cocktail hour and then dine in one of the town's many unique restaurants.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Valletta 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.

Valletta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The island has grown in popularity with backpackers, particularly those coming from Europe, as there are affordable flights and easy accessibility. You'll also find some nice hostels around town where you can stay on a budget.

Is Portimao or Valletta Better for Public Transit?

Both Portimao and Valletta 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.

Valletta has some public transit options. If you're not up for walking up and down the hills, there are some buses around town.

Is Portimao or Valletta a more walkable city?

Valletta is more walkable than Portimao.

It is easy to get around Valletta on foot. The town is compact and easy to walk around with many sights within a short distance of each other. There's also very little street traffic.

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 Valletta or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Valletta?

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

The ideal length of time for a trip to Portimao is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Valletta is 1-3 days.

One day in Portimao or Valletta?

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.

The town of Valletta offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valletta?

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.

Valletta 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Valletta, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Valletta?

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.

Valletta 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 Valletta?

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.

Valletta 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 town offers something for everyone.

When is the best time to visit Portimao or Valletta?

Portimao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Valletta in the Summer?

Both Valletta and Portimao during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Valletta in the summer. The temperature in Portimao is usually 25°C (78°F) in July, and Valletta stays around 26°C (79°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Valletta. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Valletta. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October are around 19°C (67°F), and Valletta is about 21°C (70°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Valletta. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Valletta in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Valletta. The shopping scene are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In January, Portimao is generally cooler than Valletta. Temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Valletta stays around 13°C (55°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Valletta. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Valletta in the spring. The temperature in Portimao is usually 15°C (60°F) in April, and Valletta stays around 16°C (61°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives more rain than Valletta. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valletta and Portimao