A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piazza Armerina vs. Porto for Food, Backpackers, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Porto?

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 Piazza Armerina and Porto. 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a authentic, historic, and charming town. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Porto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Piazza Armerina and Porto are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Piazza Armerina is famous for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Piazza Armerina and Porto.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Porto offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.


Is the Food Better in Piazza Armerina or Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Porto has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Piazza Armerina and Porto.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Porto. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Porto is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.


Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Porto. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Students?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is notable for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Many students visit Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Is Piazza Armerina or Porto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Porto is notable for its public transit. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Porto has some very good public transit options. 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.

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.


Is Piazza Armerina or Porto a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Porto

Piazza Armerina and Porto both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

Porto is a very walkable destination. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Porto Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Porto or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

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

Families should spend more time in Porto than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Porto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Porto 2-5

One day in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

In Piazza Armerina, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Porto is a big city with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.


Five days in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Piazza Armerina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Porto?

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Piazza Armerina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Porto is €126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Piazza Armerina and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Porto 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Porto 130
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Porto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Piazza Armerina


Hotels in Porto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Porto 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
  • Porto Airport Transfer from/to Porto Center: $9.62
  • Porto Airport Transfer (to/from Porto City Center): $11
  • Oporto Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $13
  • Porto Airport: Shared One-Way Arrival or Departure Transfer: $13
  • Bus Transfer to/from Madrid South: $13
  • Private transfer from Porto Airport to Porto City Hotels: $15
  • Porto Airport Private Departure Transfer: $15
  • Porto Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Porto Private Airport Departure Transfer: $17
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Porto: $18
  • Oporto Airport Private Transfer to Matosinhos: $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Piazza Armerina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Porto 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Porto 25

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Tours and Activities in Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Porto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto than you might in Piazza Armerina.

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


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Porto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Porto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Porto. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 26°C (79°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Porto in the Autumn?

Both Porto and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Piazza Armerina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Piazza Armerina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Porto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Porto. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In April, Piazza Armerina is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 15°C (58°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Porto. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)