A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portofino vs. Korcula for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Portofino or Korcula?

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

Should I visit Portofino or Korcula? 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.

Korcula

Korcula is a scenic, laid back, and historic island. 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 food.

Portofino and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Korcula?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Korcula than Portofino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Korcula is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portofino is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Korcula and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Korcula is well known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Also, Korcula is famous for St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Portofino different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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 Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Portofino and Korcula can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

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 Portofino or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Portofino know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Portofino or Korcula Better for Resorts?

Portofino is renowned for its resorts. However, Korcula 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.

Korcula is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

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

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portofino or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is notable for the beache. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for the beach.

Korcula is considered a top beach destination. 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.

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 Korcula Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Portofino or Korcula Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Portofino and Korcula 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 Korcula. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Korcula?

Portofino is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula 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.

Korcula has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Portofino or Korcula Better for Families?

Korcula is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Korcula is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

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 Korcula Better for Couples?

Portofino is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Portofino is a great seaside village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Korcula is a great seaside village if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Portofino or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Korcula is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

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 Korcula Better for Students?

Korcula is a popular place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Korcula has a few public transit options. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

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 Korcula a more walkable city?

Portofino is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable seaside village. 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 Portofino Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Korcula?

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

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

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

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

One day in Portofino or Korcula?

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Korcula. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Korcula?

Portofino might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Korcula. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Portofino or Korcula?

Portofino is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portofino has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the historic island of Korcula. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Portofino or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. Since Portofino is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Korcula is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, 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 Portofino and Korcula, we can see that Portofino 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 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 Korcula.

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

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Korcula?

Korcula has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino 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.