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

Should you visit Portofino or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Portofino or Rijeka? 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a slow-paced, coastal, and accessible town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portofino and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Portofino and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Rijeka is known for its museums and big city activities. Portofino is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also home to its scenic harbor. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

Its scenic harbor

How is Portofino different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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 Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Portofino is an experience not to be missed. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are great in both Portofino and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Portofino is renowned for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portofino is a perfect 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Rijeka?

Portofino is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Families?

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

Rijeka is a very kid-friendly town. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Portofino is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Portofino 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Portofino or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

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

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Rijeka has a few public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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 Rijeka a more walkable city?

Portofino is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portofino or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portofino than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Portofino, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

One day in Portofino or Rijeka?

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 shopping and museums around the town of Rijeka. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rijeka has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Portofino or Rijeka?

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 museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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 coastal town of Rijeka. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Portofino or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 270 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino and Rijeka, 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.