A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Naples vs. Portland, Maine for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Naples or Portland, Maine?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Naples and Portland, Maine can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. Naples offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Naples travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Naples and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Naples or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Naples and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. It is also well known for Naples Pier and the miles of sandy beach. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Naples different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Naples or Portland, Maine?

Naples is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Naples. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Naples or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Naples is an experience not to be missed. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

Both Naples and Portland, Maine have nice vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Naples. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Naples is well known for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Naples is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Naples has a few good snorkeling spots. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Portland, Maine is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Naples is an amazing beach town to visit for the beach. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Naples. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Portland, Maine is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

Both Naples and Portland, Maine are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Naples. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Naples or Portland, Maine?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Naples and Portland, Maine.

Naples has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

Portland, Maine is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Naples is a gorgeous place to visit. White sand beaches and beautiful water make this a relaxing and scenic destination.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Naples is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Naples is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Naples is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Portland, Maine is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It isn't so much a backpacker destination, but there are some budget accommodation options around town.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Naples is a beach town with a few options for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

Public transit is quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Naples or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Naples is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its walkability.

Naples is a somewhat walkable beach town. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable beach town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Naples Worth Visiting? and Is Portland, Maine Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Naples?

How long in Naples or Portland, Maine?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Naples and Portland, Maine. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Portland, Maine. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Naples, and 2-3 days is enough time in Portland, Maine.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Naples than Portland, Maine 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 Naples.

One day in Naples or Portland, Maine?

The nature-filled destination of Naples offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Naples or Portland, Maine?

The beach town of Naples offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Portland, Maine 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 Naples or Portland, Maine?

Naples is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland, Maine. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Naples or Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Naples. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Portland, Maine. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Naples and Portland, Maine, we can see that Naples is more expensive. And not only is Portland, Maine much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Portland, Maine would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Portland, Maine 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples than you might in Portland, Maine.

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

Which is Bigger, Naples or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Naples and Portland, Maine, 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.