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

Should you visit Portimao or Venice?

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 Venice. 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 colorful, stunning, and dramatic 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice. Although Portimao and Venice are popular destinations, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Portimao attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portimao is famous for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica.

How is Portimao different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Venice is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Venice area. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

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 Venice Better for Nightlife?

Portimao is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Venice is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portimao is a perfect choice. 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.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Portimao is a very popular vacation 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Portimao does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Portimao does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Venice?

Venice is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Portimao is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for shopping.

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Couples?

Portimao and Venice both first-rate 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.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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.

Is Portimao or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is renowned for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Venice is renowned for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Portimao or Venice a more walkable city?

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

It is easy to get around Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Portimao Worth Visiting? and Is Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Venice?

Both Portimao and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Portimao. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

Families should spend more time in Portimao than Venice. 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 Venice than Portimao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Venice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Portimao or Venice?

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 city of Venice offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Portimao or Venice?

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.

Venice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Venice, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Portimao or Venice?

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.

Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Portimao or Venice?

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

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This city 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Portimao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portimao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portimao 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Portimao.

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

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Portimao is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In October, Portimao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Portimao or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In January, Portimao is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Venice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Venice. The spring months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

Portimao is a little warmer than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Venice. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Portimao