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

Should you visit Porto or Korcula?

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 Korcula 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.

Korcula

Korcula is a historic, scenic, and laid back island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Porto and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Korcula?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Korcula are popular destinations, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Korcula attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Korcula is famous for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting.

How is Porto different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula 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 Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

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

Porto is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Korcula has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Porto is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula 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 Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is a great island for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Korcula 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 Korcula to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is a great island for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Korcula for the hiking trails. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Korcula?

If you're looking to go shopping, Porto and Korcula 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.

Korcula offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Porto or Korcula.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Korcula is a very kid-friendly port city. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Couples?

Both Porto and Korcula are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as 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.

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is renowned for backpackers. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Porto or Korcula Better for Students?

Porto is a great destination for students. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

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

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Korcula 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 Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Porto or Korcula a more walkable city?

Porto is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable port city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Porto?

How long in Porto or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Porto and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than in Korcula. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Porto, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Korcula, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

A weekend in Porto or Korcula?

Because Porto is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. 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 Korcula?

Porto is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Porto has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Korcula is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Korcula. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Porto or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Porto. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Porto. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the scenic destination of Korcula. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Porto and Korcula, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Korcula much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Korcula would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Korcula 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 Korcula.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Korcula?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Porto and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Porto is cooler than Korcula. Typically, the summer temperatures in Porto in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Korcula averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In the summer, Porto often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula 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 Korcula 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 Korcula. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 17°C (62°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. Porto usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Korcula. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Korcula because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Korcula. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Korcula in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Porto is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the spring temperatures in Porto in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Korcula averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 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 Korcula. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Porto