A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Porto for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Antalya or Porto?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Porto? 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a cultural, vibrant, and high energy vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Porto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antalya than Porto. Antalya is bigger than Porto, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antalya is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Porto is more popular for its food and big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Porto and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Antalya different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Porto?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Porto and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Porto.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Music?

Antalya is very good for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Resorts?

Antalya is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Antalya is a perfect choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Beaches?

Antalya is very popular for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Antalya is a very popular vacation destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Antalya and Porto.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a great vacation spot for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Porto?

Antalya is very popular for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antalya. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Porto.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Porto make for a great place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find great public transit in both Antalya and Porto.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Is Antalya or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Porto?

In either Antalya or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Porto. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Antalya than Porto. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antalya, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antalya than Porto. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antalya that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Antalya 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 Porto.

One day in Antalya or Porto?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Porto?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Porto?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Porto, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Porto?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Porto, 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 Antalya or Porto?

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 Antalya or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Porto. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antalya is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Porto. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Porto. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Porto. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antalya is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Porto. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Antalya