Which place is cheaper, Vigo or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Portimao or Vigo?
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 Vigo. 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.
Where Should I go: Portimao or Vigo?
Portimao
The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.
Vigo
Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Vigo €99
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, while the average daily cost in Vigo is €99. 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 Vigo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Vigo €43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Vigo €86
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Vigo
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Vigo? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Portimao Hotel Prices and Vigo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Vigo €37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer Lagoa - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Armação de Pêra - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
- Transfer Ferragudo - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $34
- Transfer Lagoa - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Ferragudo - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:
- Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
- One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Vigo?
Prices for flights to both Vigo 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.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Vigo €35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.
- Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $147
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.
- Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Vigo €10
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- From Portimão to Paradise 60 minutes Sunrise Tour: $15
- SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $16
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunset Tour: $22
- From Portimão to Paradise 90 minutes Sunrise Tour: $22
- Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
- Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $22
- From Portimão Early Birds Benagil Tour By Traditional Boat: $24
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $27
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Guided Experience in Praia da Rocha: $27
Tours and Activities in Vigo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:
- GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
- Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $1.09
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
- Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
- Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
- Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Retro Gamer Activity in Vigo: $17
- Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
- Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
- Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Vigo €5.71
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Vigo, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Vigo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Vigo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Vigo?
Vigo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Vigo, 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 Vigo?
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 Vigo in the Summer?
Both Vigo and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Vigo. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Vigo 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Vigo in the Autumn?
Both Vigo and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.
Portimao is a little warmer than Vigo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Vigo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Vigo. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Vigo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Vigo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Vigo. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Portimao is a little warmer than Vigo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Vigo averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Vigo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Vigo. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Vigo 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Vigo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Vigo. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite rainy in Vigo. Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Vigo. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Vigo 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Vigo and Portimao
| Portimao | Vigo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.