A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Portofino for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly 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 museums.

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 food, beaches, and hiking.

Montpellier and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Portofino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Montpellier 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, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, and historical sights. Portofino is more touristy than Montpellier 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. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

Its scenic harbor

How is Montpellier different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Portofino know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for the beache. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for the beach.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. 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 Montpellier or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Montpellier or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Portofino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portofino and Montpellier.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

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 Montpellier or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Montpellier or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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 Montpellier or Portofino Better for Students?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

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 Montpellier or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier 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.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Portofino?

In either Montpellier or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Montpellier because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

One day in Montpellier or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Montpellier or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling city of Montpellier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Montpellier or Portofino?

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Portofino?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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.