A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trento vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Trento or Portofino?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Trento and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Portofino

Portofino is a breathtaking, opulent, and exclusive 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 that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Trento and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trento or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Trento and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trento attracts visitors for its museums. Portofino is more touristy than Trento and is popular for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Trento is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

Its scenic harbor

How is Trento different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Trento offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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 Trento or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Trento and Portofino.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

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 Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a resort destination.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is very good for its beaches. However, Trento is not a beach destination.

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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is great for its historic old town. However, Trento 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.

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Hiking?

You'll find great hiking in both Trento and Portofino.

Many visitors go to Trento for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

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 Trento or Portofino?

Portofino is great for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Trento is a family-friendly place to visit. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

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 Trento or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is terrific for romance. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Trento or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Trento or Portofino Better for Students?

Trento is an unbeatable place for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Trento. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

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

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines through 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 Trento or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is terrific for its walkability. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Trento is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Trento?

How long in Trento or Portofino?

In either Trento or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Portofino than Trento because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Trento, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

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

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

One day in Trento or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Trento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Trento has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A weekend in Trento or Portofino?

You'll find museums and food around the dynamic destination of Trento. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Trento or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the youthful city of Trento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Trento or Portofino?

Trento is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Trento or Portofino?

Trento has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Trento 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.