A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Corfu vs. Porto for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Corfu or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Corfu 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.

Corfu

Corfu is a striking, relaxing, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Porto

Porto is a dynamic, historic, and cultural port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Corfu and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Corfu or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Corfu and Porto are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Corfu attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Corfu is famous for its charming villages, gorgeous beaches, and pristine landscape. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Corfu different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto is a great port city for its historical sights. However, Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Corfu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Corfu and Porto both to be terrific destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Corfu is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The island's local dishes are heavily influenced by the surrounding areas. You'll find similarities to Greek and Venetian dishes as well France and Mediterranean flavors. Common ingredients include wine, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice and several traditional dishes that you should try include pastitsado (red wine stew), sofrito (garlic seasoned beef), and veal fricando (roasted veal).

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Corfu and Porto.

The nightlife in Corfu has something for everybody. It's a large island that attracts a number of students, so you can expect a party during the summer months. The most popular areas for nightlife are Kavos, Ipsos, Kontokali, and Sidari. You'll also find clubs in many of the resorts and there are often all night parties even during the off seasons.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Corfu or Porto Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Corfu is a perfect choice. The diversity of resorts, from family-friendly to romantic or all-inclusive, means there really is something for everyone. There are also a number of villages so you can find a location that perfectly lines up with your needs.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Corfu is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Corfu. The island is large enough that it has a number of spots to choose from. One of the most beautiful is Afionas, in Port Timone. It's only accessible by boat or a 45 minute hike. Paleokastritsa is a more accessible snorkeling and dive area with facilities and luxury villas where you can stay. For scuba diving, you can also head to Agni, but the busy boat traffic means it's not the best place for snorkeling.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Corfu is a very popular vacation destination. The island is known for its stunning beaches which offer a diversity of settings ranging from family-friendly to natural or party-focused. The most famous beach resort area is Paleokastritsa but other nice places include Pelekas, Agios Gordis, and Glyfada. On the western side of the island you'll find mostly long sandy beaches and on the eastern side you'll find more pebble beaches.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a great port city for its old town. However, Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. 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.

Corfu does not have a historic old town.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Hiking?

Corfu is very popular for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Corfu specifically for its hiking. The stunning natural beauty of the island means you'll find some of the most breathtaking hikes in the Greek Isles. From the lush green rolling hills to the striking blue waters, there are many places to soak up this island's idyllic setting. The island is also rich in plant life and you'll find more than 30 species of orchids here. Popular hiking trails include Vlacherna Trail (good for beginners and families), Mount Pantokrator Trail (the most challenging on the island), and Old Town Hiking Trail which takes you through the history of the area.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Corfu or Porto?

Corfu is a great island for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Corfu. You'll find most of the shops concentrated in Corfu Town. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and items made from olive wood.

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

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Families?

Corfu is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Corfu is one of the most popular family destinations. Because it is so beautiful with amazing beaches, it makes an ideal destination for kids and adults. There are many places where kids can swim as well as a number of great activities for everyone. The whole family will enjoy glass bottom boat rides, horseback riding, and even a visit to the popular Hydropolis Waterpark. There are also a huge number of kid-friendly resorts around the island.

Porto is a very kid-friendly island. 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 Corfu or Porto Better for Couples?

Corfu is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Corfu has plenty to offer. It's idyllic natural setting and stunning beaches make this a truly romantic island. It's a favorite honeymoon destination for newlyweds from around the world. There are luxury hotels and resorts that have spas, pools, and fine dining options. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a more adventurous experience, you'll find it all here.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Corfu or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Corfu is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Corfu is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. The island is a favorite, particularly during the crowded summer months. There are a number of hostels where backpackers can stay and an active nightlife if that's your style. There are also quiet and more peaceful settings if you want to escape the crowds.

Is Corfu or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. However, Corfu 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.

Corfu is not popular with students.

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

Corfu and Porto both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Corfu can get you around easily. There's a decent public bus system on the island. The blue buses stay near Corfu Town while the green buses go further around the island.

Porto offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Corfu or Porto a more walkable city?

Corfu and Porto are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Corfu is a very walkable island. It's easy to walk around Corfu Town, and if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach there's really no need for a car.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Corfu?

How long in Corfu or Porto?

In either Corfu or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Corfu than Porto because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Corfu, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Corfu 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 Corfu or Porto?

In Corfu, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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.

A weekend in Corfu or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Corfu. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Five days in Corfu or Porto?

Corfu is a fun place to experience. In Corfu, many people enjoy the nightlife and food 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Corfu or Porto?

In Corfu, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Corfu 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 Corfu Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Corfu or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Corfu. When comparing the sizes of Corfu 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 Corfu 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 Corfu or Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Corfu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Corfu for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Corfu is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 25°C (76°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Corfu. Corfu usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Corfu gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Corfu usually receives less rain than Porto. Corfu gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Corfu or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Corfu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Corfu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Corfu is around the same temperature as Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Corfu averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Corfu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Corfu gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Corfu. Corfu usually gets more rain in October than Porto. Corfu gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Corfu or Porto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Corfu and Porto. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Corfu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Corfu is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Corfu in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Corfu usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Corfu gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Corfu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Corfu usually receives less rain than Porto. Corfu gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Corfu or Porto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Corfu as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Corfu for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Corfu is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Corfu average around 14°C (58°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. In the spring, Corfu often gets less sunshine than Porto. Corfu gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Corfu usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Corfu gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Corfu