A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Portofino vs. Naples for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portofino or Naples?

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

Should I visit Portofino or Naples? 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Naples?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Naples. Although Portofino and Naples are both popular with visitors, Naples has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Naples is more popular for its museums & sights, food, and big city activities, while Portofino is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Naples and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Naples is popular for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also home to Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Portofino different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are very good in both Portofino and Naples.

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.

Naples has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for Resorts?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Naples is not a resort destination.

Portofino offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Portofino and Naples.

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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for Hiking?

Portofino is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Naples?

Both Portofino and Naples are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for Families?

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

Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

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 Naples Better for Couples?

Portofino is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Portofino has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Naples is a great seaside village if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Portofino or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

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

Naples is a good city to visit for students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Naples can get you to some places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding 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 Naples a more walkable city?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portofino and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than in Naples. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Portofino, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

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

One day in Portofino or Naples?

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.

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Naples has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Portofino or Naples?

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.

People visit Naples because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Portofino or Naples?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating city of Naples. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Portofino or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 Naples, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 1870 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino and Naples, 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.