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

Should you visit Portimao or Casablanca?

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 Casablanca. 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 Casablanca?

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca is so much more than a classic Bogart movie with killer one-liners. It is also the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the country of Morocco. Sitting at the economic and industrial heart of this region, Casablanca has a population of approximately four million. Brush up on your high school French before visiting this lively city as it's the main language spoken by the locals. While this is the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco, remember to be cautious in this region of the world with your western views.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Casablanca or Portimao?

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 Portimao is €185, while the average daily cost in Casablanca is €81. 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 Casablanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Casablanca 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Casablanca 80
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Casablanca

Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Casablanca? 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 Portimao


Hotels in Casablanca


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 Casablanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Casablanca 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Private Transfer from Guia to Faro (FAO) Airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Hotel Carvoeiro to Faro (FAO) Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro (FAO) Airport: $138
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $143
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $144
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $159
  • Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $299

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Casablanca

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


  • Train from Airport (for 2)
    6.60
  • Taxi Ride
    7.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Casablanca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Casablanca:

  • Transfers from Marrakech airport: $10
  • Casablanca Mohamed V Airport to Hotels Private Arrival transfer : $21
  • Casablanca Airport Transfer to your hotel accommodation: $21
  • Private transfer from Mohammed V airport to Casablanca: $22
  • Hotel to Casablanca Airport CMN Departure Transfer: $22
  • Casablanca Airport Transfer to any hotel in Casablanca city: $22
  • Private airport transfer to Casablanca.: $23
  • Transfer from Hotel to Casablanca Airport CMN Departure Transfer: $23
  • Casablanca Airport Transfer from hotel in Casablanca: $23
  • Casablanca Cruise Transfer or Airport Transfer Service: $24
  • Casablanca Cruise Port to Casablanca - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Casablanca to Casablanca Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Casablanca?

Prices for flights to both Casablanca 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Portimao 78
    Casablanca 31

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

Typical Food Prices in Casablanca

Some typical examples of dining costs in Casablanca are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    2.83
  • Lunch
    8.48
  • Dinner at Rick's Cafe (for Two)
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Casablanca

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

  • Casablanca Night Tour with Andalusian Dinner Show: $59
  • Moroccan Cooking Class Casablanca: $60
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $71
  • Authentic Moroccan Food Tour in Casablanca with Dinner: $71
  • Street Private Guided Food Tour with Tastings at Casablanca: $75
  • Private Moroccan Cooking Class in Casablanca with a Local Expert: $100
  • Explore Casablanca Night Spa Relaxing Hammam and Dinner Included: $100
  • Dinner and DJ Night on The James Rooftop An Elevated Casablanca : $108
  • Casablanca Food Tour - Marché Central & Seafood Lunch: $140
  • Casablanca Private Night Tour with Traditional Dinner: $144
  • Private Moroccan Cooking Class in Casablanca with a Local Expert: $146
  • Casablanca Food Tour: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Portimao 41
    Casablanca 8.42

Tours and Activities in Portimao

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

  • Benagil Cave Boat Tour - Catamarans - 2 Hours From Portimão: $21
  • Kayak Tour around Benagil to see Sunset or Sunrise: $22
  • Self Guided Puzzle Adventure in Portimao: $23
  • Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise: $24
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave 90 Minutes Cave Tour: $24
  • Portimão: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour: $24
  • Express Tour - Benagil Cave: $24
  • Benagil Boat Tour with Local Guide : $25
  • Kayak Tour with local guide in Benagil: $27
  • Benagil Cave Kayak Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Private Polynesian and Hawaiian Canoe Adventure through the Algarve: $30
  • Benagil & Marinha - Costal Adventure: $30

Tours and Activities in Casablanca

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

  • Skip the line Hassan 2 mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $16
  • Casablanca City Tour with Couscous Meal and Souvenir Gift: $18
  • Skip the line Hassan II Mosque guided Tour entry tickets included: $19
  • Guided tour mosque hassan2, ticket included, skip the line: $21
  • Exclusive tour of Casablanca with access to the Hassan II Mosque: $30
  • Casablanca Walking Tour with Local Guide: $31
  • Casablanca Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket: $35
  • Casablanca Guided Tour: $36
  • Private Tour of casablanca city from any hotel & cruise: $38
  • Casablanca Guided Tour : Top-Rated Tour of Casablanca Highlights: $38
  • 11 Km Guided Bike Tour in Lively Casablanca: $39
  • Casablanca Half-day guided tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Portimao 30
    Casablanca -

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
  • 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: $200


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portimao and Casablanca, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Casablanca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Portimao is in Europe and Casablanca is in Africa, 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 Casablanca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Casablanca 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 Casablanca.

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Casablanca?

Casablanca has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

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

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Summer?

Both Casablanca and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Portimao in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Casablanca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Casablanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Autumn?

Both Casablanca and Portimao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Casablanca year-round.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Casablanca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Casablanca fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Casablanca. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Casablanca 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Casablanca. The winter months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Casablanca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Portimao is cooler than Casablanca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Casablanca averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Casablanca 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Casablanca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Casablanca. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Casablanca throughout the year.

In April, Portimao is generally around the same temperature as Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Portimao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Casablanca. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Casablanca 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Casablanca and Portimao

Portimao Casablanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 72 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)