A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portofino vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Portofino or Crete?

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

Should I visit Portofino or Crete? 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 picturesque, breathtaking, and opulent 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. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Portofino and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete. Although Portofino and Crete are both popular with visitors, Crete has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Crete is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portofino is known for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Crete is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also home to the Palace of Knossos.

How is Portofino different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

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 Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete 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, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Crete Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Portofino and Crete.

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.

Crete has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Resorts?

Portofino and Crete offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portofino is a great choice. 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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Crete is a perfect choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an unbeatable place for the beache. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portofino and Crete both have high quality 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 Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Crete?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Portofino. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Portofino and Crete make for a first-rate 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, Crete has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Crete is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Portofino or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is notable for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Crete is a very popular island for students and younger travelers. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Crete has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

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 Crete a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Portofino on foot is easy. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Crete is generally not a very walkable seaside village. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Crete?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete 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 Crete.

One day in Portofino or Crete?

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside village 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Crete. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Crete?

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the world-renowned destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Portofino or Crete?

Portofino is a fun place to experience. Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the world-renowned island of Crete. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Portofino or Crete?

Portofino is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Portofino or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 1140 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino and Crete, 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.