A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Portofino for Food, Resorts, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Positano or Portofino?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Positano and Portofino. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Portofino

Portofino is a exclusive, luxurious, and glamorous seaside village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Positano and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Portofino?

Both Portofino and Positano have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Positano is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and small town charm, while Portofino is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Portofino is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts.

How is Positano different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portofino is adequate for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Positano or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano 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, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Portofino for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Resorts?

There are amazing resorts to choose from in both Positano and Portofino.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

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.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Positano and Portofino both offer good beaches.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

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.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Positano offers plenty to see. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

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.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Positano and Portofino, and they are superb.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Portofino?

If you're looking to go shopping, Positano and Portofino both offer plenty of superb spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Portofino is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

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 Positano or Portofino Better for Couples?

Positano and Portofino both amazing destinations for a couple.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

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.

Is Positano or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

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

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

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 Positano or Portofino a more walkable city?

Positano and Portofino are amazing when it comes to walkability.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Positano?

How long in Positano or Portofino?

In either Positano or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than Portofino because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

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

One day in Positano or Portofino?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

The beautiful seaside village of Portofino offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Positano or Portofino?

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 Mediterranean village has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Portofino is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Portofino?

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer.

Portofino is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Portofino, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Portofino?

Positano 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 Positano, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Portofino is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Portofino?

Positano has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Portofino, 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.