A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Portofino for Nightlife, Resorts, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Tenerife or Portofino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Portofino, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive seaside village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Portofino are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Portofino attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tenerife is famous for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Portofino is famous for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts.

How is Tenerife different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portofino is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Portofino is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Tenerife is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

Portofino has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Beaches?

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

Tenerife is considered a top beach destination. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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 Tenerife or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Portofino to see the historical old town. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Portofino?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Tenerife and Portofino.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Families?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

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

Tenerife has a few public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is very popular for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Portofino?

In either Tenerife or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than Portofino because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Portofino?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the island of Tenerife. 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.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Tenerife or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Tenerife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island 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 Tenerife or Portofino?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vibrant island of Tenerife. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island 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 Tenerife or Portofino?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife, 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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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