A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Portofino for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Malaga and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Portofino?

Both Portofino and Malaga have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Portofino is more popular for its museums & sights, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Malaga and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portofino is a moderate seaside village for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Portofino offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Portofino offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Malaga is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

Portofino has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Music?

Malaga is notable for its live music scene. However, Portofino is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Portofino is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Portofino both offer notable beaches.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Portofino is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Malaga and Portofino.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Portofino?

Portofino is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Families?

Malaga is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

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 Malaga or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Malaga or Portofino Better for Students?

Malaga is notable for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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 Malaga or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Portofino?

In either Malaga or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than Portofino because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Malaga. 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 Malaga than Portofino 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Portofino?

You'll find live music and food around the beautiful destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Portofino?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the friendly port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Portofino?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Portofino is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Portofino?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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.