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

Should you visit Arachova or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Porto, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and bustling town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arachova and Porto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Arachova or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Arachova and Porto are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Arachova is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Arachova is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is Arachova different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Porto Better for Skiing?

Arachova
Porto

Arachova is very good for skiing. However, Porto is not a skiing destination.

Arachova is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Porto is not a skiing destination.


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

Arachova
Porto

Porto is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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

Arachova
Porto

Porto is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Arachova or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Arachova
Porto

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Porto.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Many people head to Porto for the nightlife scene. 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 Arachova or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Arachova
Porto

Arachova and Porto both have excellent historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Arachova to see the historical old town. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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 Arachova or Porto Better for Hiking?

Arachova
Porto

Arachova is a great town for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Arachova for the hiking trails. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Porto?

Arachova
Porto

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.


Is Arachova or Porto Better for Families?

Arachova
Porto

Arachova and Porto are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. 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 Arachova or Porto Better for Couples?

Arachova
Porto

Arachova and Porto are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Porto is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Arachova or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arachova
Porto

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.


Is Arachova or Porto Better for Students?

Arachova
Porto

Porto is well known for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Arachova is not popular with students.

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

Arachova
Porto

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Porto is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Porto a more walkable city?

Arachova
Porto

Porto is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Porto is very walkable. 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.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Porto?

In either Arachova or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Arachova because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Arachova or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Arachova 2-3 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Arachova or Porto?

In Arachova, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Arachova or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. 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.

Porto is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Porto?

Arachova is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Arachova. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Porto, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Arachova or Porto?

You'll find museums and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Arachova. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Arachova?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Arachova is €112, while the average daily cost in Porto is €126. 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 Arachova and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Arachova 50
    Porto 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Arachova 100
    Porto 130
Compare Hotels in Arachova and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Arachova or Porto? 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 Arachova


Hotels in Porto


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: Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Arachova 51
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers: $27
  • Airport transfer with vintage Vw Kombi van: $107
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $97
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
  • Aveiro Private Transfer to Porto: $79
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $92
  • Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $364
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Gaia - Porto Airport: $46
  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627

Is it cheaper to fly into Arachova or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Arachova 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
    Arachova 29
    Porto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Arachova 28
    Porto 25

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Arachova 6.43
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


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


Which is Bigger, Arachova or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova or Porto?

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 Arachova or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Arachova during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Arachova is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the summer, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Porto. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Arachova 27°C (81°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Porto. The autumn months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the autumn, Arachova is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arachova in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Arachova usually receives less rain than Porto. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Arachova 19°C (67°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Porto. The skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Arachova is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 10°C (51°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Porto. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Arachova usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Arachova 10°C (51°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Arachova or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Arachova is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Arachova usually receives less rain than Porto. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Arachova 16°C (60°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Arachova

Arachova Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)