A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Portofino for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Portofino?

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 Portofino, 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 beautiful, stunning, and cultural island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Food?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Portofino offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

The food selection is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Nightlife?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Portofino have similar vibes after the sun sets.

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

Portofino has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, resorts can be found in both Palma de Mallorca and Portofino.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portofino is a great choice. 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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is considered to be a more popular beach destination than Portofino.

The beaches in Palma de Mallorca are among the best in the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca and Portofino both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for visiting its old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca and Portofino are both places where visitors can find hiking trails.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Shopping?

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

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

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Families?

Families will find a wider variety of activities in Palma de Mallorca than Portofino.

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.

Portofino is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Palma de Mallorca or Portofino better for Couples?

There's generally more to do as a couple in Portofino than Palma de Mallorca.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

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 Portofino better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Portofino.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. 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.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is generally more walkable than Palma de Mallorca.

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.

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.

Palma de Mallorca and Portofino: Pros and Cons

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

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Portofino?

In either Palma de Mallorca or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Palma de Mallorca is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Portofino is 2-5 days.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the island of Palma de Mallorca. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Portofino?

You'll find live music and food around the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Portofino?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this seaside village 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 Portofino?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Portofino is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time here unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.