Which place is cheaper, Puerto de la Cruz or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz?
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 Puerto de la Cruz. 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 Puerto de la Cruz?
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.
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
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Portimao Prices
Portugal PricesPuerto de la Cruz Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €185Puerto de la Cruz €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €185, while the average daily cost in Puerto de la Cruz is €137. 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 Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Puerto de la Cruz €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Puerto de la Cruz €102
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Puerto de la Cruz
Looking for a hotel in Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz? 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 Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Puerto de la Cruz €40
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz?
Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz 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 €78Puerto de la Cruz €58
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Puerto de la Cruz €28
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 Puerto de la Cruz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto de la Cruz are as follows:
- 1.5-hour walking tour of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.: $23
- Tenerife: mindfulness experience for well-being: $59
- Ascend Mount Teide on a quad bike to experience a magical sunset: $100
- Puerto de la Cruz Motorbike tour through Teide National Park: $294
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Puerto de la Cruz €5.00
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 Puerto de la Cruz, we can see that Portimao is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portimao Expensive? and Is Puerto de la Cruz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz?
Portimao has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Portimao and Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?
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 Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?
Both Puerto de la Cruz 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.
Portimao is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 25°C (78°F)Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz in the Autumn?
Both Puerto de la Cruz 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.
In the autumn, Portimao is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Portimao in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 21°C (70°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in October than Puerto de la Cruz. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 19°C (67°F)Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Puerto de la Cruz. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Portimao is generally much colder than Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 11°C (52°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In January, Portimao usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 11°C (52°F)Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Portimao or Puerto de la Cruz in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Puerto de la Cruz. Many visitors come to Portimao in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Portimao is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Portimao usually gets more rain in April than Puerto de la Cruz. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 15°C (60°F)Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Portimao
| Portimao | Puerto de la Cruz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.