A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Luxor vs. Portimao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Luxor or Portimao?

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

Should I visit Luxor 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.

Where Should I go: Luxor or Portimao?

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Portimao or Luxor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $33, while the average daily cost in Portimao is $217. 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 Luxor and Portimao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Luxor $11
    Portimao $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Luxor $22
    Portimao $182
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Portimao

Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Portimao? 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.

Hotels in Luxor


Hotels in Portimao


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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Portimao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Luxor $5.64
    Portimao $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • Private transfer from/to Luxor train station: $5.00
  • Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
  • "Pet-Friendly Private Transfer: Luxor Station to Hotel": $6.00
  • Seamless Transfers Between Luxor Airport & Your Hotel: $6.65
  • Private Transfer from Luxor Airport to Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.90
  • Luxor Airport to Aswan, Hurghada Transfer pickup/drop off 1 Way: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Departure: Convenient Private Hotel Transfer: $7.00
  • Private Transfer From/To Luxor International Airport: $7.00
  • Luxor Airport Transfer to Hotel: $7.02
  • Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
  • Airport Transfer from Luxor Airport to Luxor Hotels: $8.36
  • Transfer from Luxor Airport or Hotel: $9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • 7 Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking Tour with 4K Photos & Transfer: $42
  • Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $89
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
  • Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $276
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $143
  • Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
  • Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $159
  • Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
  • Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Hotel Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Portimao?

Prices for flights to both Portimao and Luxor 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Luxor $16
    Portimao $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.

  • Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
  • Luxor Sunset Felucca Ride and Lunch or Dinner: $21
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing: $31
  • Eat Like a Local:Traditional Egyptian Food / Dinner at Local Family Home - Luxor: $36
  • 2 Hour Cooking Session with Family in Luxor: $40
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Karnak Sound And Light Show With Dinner, Felucca  : $64
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $70
  • Dinner on the River Nile with Belly Dancing in luxor: $78
  • private day in east bank & dendera with dinner on boat: $86
  • Cooking Class & Soulful Egyptian Farmer Experience in Luxor: $120

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Portimao.

  • Authentic Market & Food Tour in Portimão, Algarve: $90
  • Algarve Food Tour in Portimão: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Luxor $10
    Portimao $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.57
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.73
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Luxor

Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full tour to Karnak and Luxor temples, and felucca: $5.00
  • Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City : $6.00
  • Historical Day Tour To Luxor And Mummification Museums: $8.00
  • Day Tour To Habu Temple Valley Of Workers And Queens: $8.00
  • Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
  • Luxor Day Tour: Explore Dendara & Abydos Temples: $8.19
  • Private Half-Day Tour: Exploring Luxor's East Bank: $8.50
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
  • Half Day Tour: Valley of the kings & Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon: $9.00
  • Private Guided Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples: $9.00
  • Explore Luxor in amazing City Tour, Horse carriage : $9.00
  • Karnak Sound and Light Display Tour in Luxor (Private): $9.00

Tours and Activities in Portimao

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:

  • Inflatable Waterpark Entry Ticket at Armação de Pêra: $12
  • SUP - Stand Up Paddle Algarve Adventure: $18
  • Benagil Cave Boat Tour - Catamarans or Rib - 2 H From Portimão: $21
  • Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
  • Self Guided Adventure in Alvor: $23
  • Self Guided Puzzle Adventure in Portimao: $23
  • Sunrise Benagil Full Caves Tour: $24
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $24
  • Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $24
  • Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
  • Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $24
  • Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide : $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Luxor $3.10
    Portimao $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Lagos, Portimão & Carvoeiro: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $66
  • Vilamoura, Albufeira & Porches: Wine Tasting, Tapas & Music Tour: $66
  • Jeep Safari with Winery Visit and Wine Tasting: $80
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $84
  • Sunset with Wine Tasting: $96
  • Algarve wine tour and lunch in Silves or time to visit the city: $123
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $199


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Portimao, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa and Portimao is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.

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


Which is Bigger, Luxor or Portimao?

Luxor has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Luxor 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 Luxor or Portimao?

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

Should I visit Luxor or Portimao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Portimao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Portimao because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Luxor. In the summer, Luxor is a little warmer than Portimao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Luxor in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Portimao averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Portimao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Luxor 33°C (91°F) 
    Portimao 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Portimao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Portimao. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In October, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Portimao. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Portimao. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Portimao 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Portimao in the Winter?

Both Portimao and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Luxor is a little warmer than Portimao in the winter. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Portimao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Luxor 14°C (57°F) 
    Portimao 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Luxor or Portimao in the Spring?

Both Portimao and Luxor during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Luxor is much warmer than Portimao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Luxor in April average around 25°C (77°F), and Portimao averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Portimao. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Luxor 25°C (77°F) 
    Portimao 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Portimao and Luxor

Luxor Portimao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)