A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Portofino for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

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.

Piazza Armerina and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

Its scenic harbor

How is Piazza Armerina different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portofino 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 Portofino?

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

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

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 Piazza Armerina or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

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 Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Piazza Armerina or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Portofino?

Portofino is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Portofino Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Piazza Armerina or Portofino as a family destination.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Piazza Armerina or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

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

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

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

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 Piazza Armerina or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Portofino?

In either Piazza Armerina or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino 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 Portofino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Piazza Armerina. 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 Portofino 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 Portofino.

One day in Piazza Armerina or Portofino?

You'll find food and museums around the town of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Portofino?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the charming town of Piazza Armerina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Portofino is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside village 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 Portofino?

Piazza Armerina is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Portofino, we can see that Portofino 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 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 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 Portofino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Portofino?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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.