A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Portofino vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Portofino or Amalfi?

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

Should I visit Portofino or Amalfi? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Portofino and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Portofino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its museums, food, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Portofino is more popular for its resorts, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is well known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Amalfi is well known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline.

How is Portofino different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amalfi is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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 Portofino or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Portofino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Portofino or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Portofino and Amalfi.

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.

Amalfi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Portofino or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its resorts. However, Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Portofino is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Amalfi has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portofino or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Portofino and Amalfi are notable choices.

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.

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.

Is Portofino or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Portofino and Amalfi.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amalfi. 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 Portofino or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portofino and Amalfi both have excellent trails.

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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Amalfi?

Portofino is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Portofino or Amalfi Better for Families?

Amalfi is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Portofino or Amalfi Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portofino and Amalfi make for a terrific place to visit.

Portofino makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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.

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

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

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

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 Portofino or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Portofino and Amalfi both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Amalfi?

Both Portofino 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 Portofino. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Portofino, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Portofino. 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 Amalfi than Portofino 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 Amalfi.

One day in Portofino or Amalfi?

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

A weekend in Portofino or Amalfi?

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming destination of Amalfi. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Portofino or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the dramatic town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Portofino or Amalfi?

Portofino is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino 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.