A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Caltagirone vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Caltagirone or Portofino?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Caltagirone and Portofino can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a quaint, friendly, and charming city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Portofino

Portofino is a picturesque, breathtaking, and opulent seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Caltagirone and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caltagirone or Portofino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Caltagirone and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caltagirone is known for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Caltagirone and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also home to its scenic harbor. Caltagirone is popular for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

Its scenic harbor

How is Caltagirone different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Caltagirone or Portofino?

Caltagirone is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Caltagirone offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors come to see the famed Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which is a 142 step staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. The staircase highlights the city's ceramic and pottery industry, as every step is decorated with tiles.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

Is the Food Better in Caltagirone or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Portofino is an experience not to be missed. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Caltagirone. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is well known for its evening party scene. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known for nightlife.

Portofino is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

Caltagirone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is terrific for its resorts. However, Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Portofino is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a seaside village with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Portofino. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Portofino is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Caltagirone is a good destination for visiting its old town. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caltagirone or Portofino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portofino and Caltagirone.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Caltagirone. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Caltagirone or Portofino as a family destination.

Caltagirone doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids may enjoy running up and down the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. The town also hosts some fun festivals throughout the year, and if you're traveling with kids, these would be the times to visit.

For families, Portofino is not always the best place to visit. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is terrific for couples. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Portofino is a great seaside village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Caltagirone is a nice destination for couples. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caltagirone is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Caltagirone has a few public transit options. Buses travel in and out of town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Caltagirone or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Portofino on foot is easy. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Caltagirone is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Caltagirone Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Caltagirone?

How long in Caltagirone or Portofino?

In either Caltagirone or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Caltagirone because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Caltagirone, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portofino than Caltagirone 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 Portofino.

One day in Caltagirone or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Caltagirone. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caltagirone has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Caltagirone or Portofino?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Caltagirone. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Caltagirone or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint city of Caltagirone. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Caltagirone or Portofino?

Caltagirone is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caltagirone and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Caltagirone much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caltagirone would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caltagirone 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Caltagirone.

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

Which is Bigger, Caltagirone or Portofino?

Caltagirone has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Caltagirone and Portofino, 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.