A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Porto vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Porto or Amalfi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Porto and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Amalfi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amalfi. Although Porto and Amalfi are popular destinations, Amalfi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amalfi is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Porto attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Porto and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also well known for the dramatic coastline. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Porto different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Porto or Amalfi?

Porto is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Porto. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Both Porto and Amalfi offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Amalfi is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Porto and Amalfi.

The nightlife in Porto has something for everybody. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Amalfi offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Amalfi are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to see the historical old town. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a great town for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Amalfi?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Amalfi both offer plenty of nice spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Amalfi offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Families?

Porto is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is an amazing port city to visit for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Porto or Amalfi Better for Students?

Porto is well known for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Porto is well known for its public transit. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Porto can get you around easily. 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.

While Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Porto or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

Amalfi is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Porto is a very walkable port city. 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 Porto Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Porto?

How long in Porto or Amalfi?

Both Porto and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Porto. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto than Amalfi 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 Porto or Amalfi?

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town 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.

A weekend in Porto or Amalfi?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Five days in Porto or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Porto. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this charming destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Amalfi?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Amalfi, 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 Porto or Amalfi?

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 Porto or Amalfi in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Amalfi averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Amalfi in the Autumn?

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

In October, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Amalfi in the Winter?

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

Porto is a little warmer than Amalfi in the winter. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Amalfi. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Amalfi. The spring months attract visitors to Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Amalfi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Porto