A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ventimiglia vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Old Town, and Beaches

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Portofino?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Portofino? 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Portofino

Portofino is a picturesque, breathtaking, and opulent seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ventimiglia and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Portofino. Although Ventimiglia and Portofino are both popular with visitors, Portofino has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Portofino is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia is known for its small town charm. Portofino is more touristy than Ventimiglia 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. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

Its scenic harbor

How is Ventimiglia different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portofino is a seaside village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Portofino offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Ventimiglia and Portofino both to be high quality destinations.

Dining out in Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Portofino know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ventimiglia and Portofino are good choices.

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

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 Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Ventimiglia and Portofino.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

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 Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portofino and Ventimiglia.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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 Ventimiglia or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

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

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

Ventimiglia has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Ventimiglia or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ventimiglia has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking seaside village of Portofino. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the glamorous small town of Portofino. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This seaside village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the opulent seaside village of Portofino. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Ventimiglia is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Portofino. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Portofino?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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.