A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Portofino

Portofino is a glamorous, picturesque, and breathtaking 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. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

Its scenic harbor

How is Saint-Etienne different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

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

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Portofino has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Portofino for its luxury resorts. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Portofino offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Portofino for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

Portofino is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Portofino is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in 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 Saint-Etienne or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Portofino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

In either Saint-Etienne or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Saint-Etienne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Portofino than Saint-Etienne 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 Portofino.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and museums around the city of Saint-Etienne. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial city of Saint-Etienne. 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.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Portofino is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Portofino?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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.