A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Portofino for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Portofino. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Portofino

Portofino is a glamorous, picturesque, and breathtaking seaside village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Kalampaka (Meteora) and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations.

Its scenic harbor

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kalampaka (Meteora) are among the most recognizable in the world. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Portofino has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Portofino has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is a very popular place for its old town. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Portofino is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Portofino is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Families?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly place to visit. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Portofino.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Public transit is generally 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

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

Many people visit Portofino for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside village offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kalampaka (Meteora) and Portofino, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Kalampaka (Meteora) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kalampaka (Meteora) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora).

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

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Portofino?

Kalampaka (Meteora) has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.