A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Porto for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Palma de Mallorca. While Palma de Mallorca is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Palma de Mallorca is known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Porto and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Porto is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for live music. However, Porto is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has a thriving music scene. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Porto is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great island for its luxury resorts. However, Porto is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Palma de Mallorca. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular vacation destination. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is very good for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Porto.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca and Porto are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly destination. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Palma de Mallorca is a great island to visit for backpackers. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Porto is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Porto can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Porto a more walkable city?

Porto is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Porto is very walkable. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Porto has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Porto than Palma de Mallorca. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping 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.

When visiting Porto, people usually allow for lots of time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Palma de Mallorca and Porto, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Porto Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Porto?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Porto. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Porto. Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Porto. The autumn months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music 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.

In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Porto. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Porto during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Porto. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Palma de Mallorca during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Palma de Mallorca