A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Portimao for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Portimao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao

Portimao is a colorful, stunning, and dramatic coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Portimao are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Portimao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Portimao have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Portimao know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portimao is a great 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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Portimao. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Portimao is a very family-friendly destination. 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 kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Portimao makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Portimao Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a well-known place for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Portimao a more walkable city?

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable 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 Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Portimao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Thessaloniki or Portimao. In our opinion, Thessaloniki has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Thessaloniki than Portimao. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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.

In Portimao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this adventure-filled coastal city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portimao is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Portimao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portimao is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Portimao?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Portimao, 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 Thessaloniki or Portimao?

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 Thessaloniki or Portimao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Portimao. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Portimao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Portimao averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Portimao in the Autumn?

Both Portimao and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Portimao. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Portimao. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Portimao in the Winter?

Both Portimao and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Portimao in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Portimao. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Portimao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Portimao. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is cooler than Portimao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Portimao averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Portimao. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portimao and Thessaloniki