A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulon vs. Portofino for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Portofino can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. Toulon is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Toulon travel costs.

Portofino

Portofino is a luxurious, glamorous, and picturesque seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Portofino as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Portofino travel costs.

Toulon and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Portofino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Portofino. Although Toulon and Portofino are popular destinations, Portofino has more sights and attractions for tourists. Portofino is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulon attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and scuba diving & snorkeling. Portofino is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. It is also well known for its scenic harbor. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

Its scenic harbor

How is Toulon different from Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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 Toulon or Portofino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Portofino is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Portofino makes for a great culinary experience. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Portofino offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a moderate port city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Portofino are nice choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Portofino has a beach worth visiting. 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 Toulon or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Portofino is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its 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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Portofino?

Both Toulon and Portofino are great shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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.

Is Toulon or Portofino More Beautiful?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Portofino as well. From the scenic harbor, to the charming village streets, Portofino is as beautiful as you've heard.

Toulon is a beautiful place to visit, too. Located on the French Riviera, you won't be disappointed by the beauty. Despite being less touristy than many nearby towns, there is still plenty to see and do.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Families?

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

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

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 Toulon or Portofino Better for Couples?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

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

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around 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 Toulon or Portofino a more walkable city?

Portofino is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Portofino?

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

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

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

One day in Toulon or Portofino?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon 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 Toulon or Portofino?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port 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 Toulon or Portofino?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the off-the-beaten-path port city of Toulon. 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.

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 Toulon or Portofino?

Toulon 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 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 Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Portofino?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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.