Portugal vs Italy: The Best Travel Choice to Fit Your Vacation Style

Welcome to “Italy vs Portugal: Best Travel Choice for Your Style,” your definitive guide to choosing between two of Europe’s most enchanting destinations. As a seasoned traveler who has journeyed to Portugal twice and Italy five times, I bring firsthand experience and insights into what each country offers. From the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve to the historical allure of Rome, my journeys have spanned the best of both worlds, including one of my most memorable vacations ever in Portugal and countless captivating moments in Italy.

When picking the perfect travel destination, it’s not just about the place; it’s about you – the traveler. Are you seeking an adventure amidst ancient ruins or a tranquil retreat by the sea? Do you dream of savoring world-renowned cuisines or exploring hidden gems off the beaten path? This blog will delve into the key factors influencing your decision: weather patterns, budget considerations, unique attractions, and activities tailored to various traveler types and interests.

Italy and Portugal each offer a unique tapestry of experiences steeped in rich history, culture, and natural beauty. But which one aligns best with your travel aspirations and style? Whether you’re a history buff, a food connoisseur, an art enthusiast, or a beach lover, this guide will help you unravel the mysteries of each destination and help you select a trip that resonates with your soul. So, let’s embark on this exciting exploration together and discover whether Italy or Portugal is the destination where your travel dreams will come to life.

Steps For Choosing between Italy and Portugal

It is wise to start your thinking process by eliminating some options before diving deeper into the decision. 

• What type of traveler you are, if you are an adrenaline junkie, you might be lost in the ruins of Rome. 
• What would your perfect destination give back to you? 
• How much time will you have, and are you limited on when you can go?
• Do you require additional documentation, e.g., a Visa, and how hard is that to get? 
• Are you limited to school holidays, or is the summer a time when you do NOT want to travel because of the crowds? 
• Be willing to try something new. 
• Do you prefer to do “must-see” activities, or are you willing to live on the wild side and do some off-the-beaten-path activities? If you always do a beach vacation, maybe it is time for something new.  
• Who are your travel companions? You can travel alone, as a couple, with friends, or with a family. Vacation dynamics can vary depending on who you take with you on the trip. 
• Ask questions and consider suggestions from others. 
• Be open-minded. 

Budget Considerations 

For most people, budget is a consideration, and we all want to make sure that we spend our hard-earned money as best we can.

Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is my budget?
• Does the budget allow for a luxury vacation, or should I consider a more basic vacation?
  • This decision will impact where you select to stay, e.g., a five-star hotel or a cheaper hotel room or hostel.
• Is it essential to consider cheap flights, destinations, and budget airlines?
• Do I plan to pay for my trip with “points?”
• Do I plan to visit museums or do activities with an entry fee, or do I plan to visit the city and roam free, paying a minimum to be entertained (it is possible to do this!)

Which Country Is Cheaper, Portugal or Italy?

Flights: In our experience, traveling to Portugal from Texas is cheaper than traveling to Italy, but this might differ depending on your country of origin. One of the cheapest cities to fly into is Lisbon, and going on a base fare can be as much as $200 per flight cheaper than flying into Rome. 

Cost of Living: Portugal is much cheaper than Italy, and Espatistan reports that:

• The cost of living in Portugal is 15% cheaper than Italy.  
• Food can be as much as 24% cheaper.
• Housing is 10% cheaper.
• Transportation costs are roughly the same, but entertainment is 30% cheaper.

Portugal or Italy for A Cultural Experience?

Museums in Italy

• Open-air museums like the Roman Forum in Rome
• Indoor museums like the Uffizi Gallery
• Bargello National Museum
• Borghese Gallery, Museum and Gardens
• Accademia Gallery to name a few.

Museums in Portugal

Portugal also has excellent museums

• Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
• Museu Nacional de Azulejo
• University of Coimbra Museum.

For me, the clear winner in this category is Italy. But we had a fantastic unplanned experience on the University of Coimbra campus when we stumbled upon an impromptu Fado concert in a little plaza. We were invited to join, and it was not long before it became a party. The Fado singer was a local legend in Portugal; even the police observed from the side. We didn’t have to pay anything except for the wine we ordered for everyone. This is still one of my best travel experiences of the last 40 years.

Climate of Italy vs Portugal

Portugal has a warmer and drier climate, particularly in Southern Portugal.
Italy’s climate is more varied, with hot summers and cold winters, especially in the Northern region where it often snows.

World Data provides additional data comparisons about the climate.

Lifestyle Portugal vs Italy

In general, the Italians are very passionate and louder than the Portuguese. This is most visible when the Italians talk passionately and with many hand gestures. One of my favorite pastimes in Italy is sitting in a piazza and watching Italians conversing. You don’t need to know the words to follow the conversation; follow the hand gestures.

I found the Portuguese people, in general, to be friendlier than the Italians.

If you consider lifestyle in general, the winner is the laid-back Italian lifestyle, also known as La Dolce Vita or the sweet life. Read more about La Dolce Vita really means for the Italians.

Type of Food Italy vs Portugal

Traditional Portuguese Food

The locals in Portugal love seafood, and many of the country’s traditional dishes include seafood.

• Bacalhau à brás – a dish made with shredded bacalhau (aka salted cod), chopped onions, and thinly chopped and fried potatoes.
• Sardines – fresh or in cans.
• Ameijoas a Bulhao Pato – is a clam dish covered in a sauce made with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and cilantro.
• Francecinha – similar to a sandwich but so much better. It consists of two slices of bread, ham, sausage, steak (or other roasted meat), and linguiça (cured pork sausage). The sandwich is then smothered in melted cheese, spicy tomato, and beer sauce. This is a must-try in Porto.
• Peri-Peri (spicy pepper) chicken or peri-peri prawns is one of my all-time favorite meals. 
• Pastel de Nata is our favorite baked custard pastry. This is a must-try in Lisbon, although you can get it everywhere in Portugal.

Traditional Italian Food

We have experienced the Italians’ love for pizza, and specifically pizza al taglio all over Italy and even took some cooking classes in Florence that covered making pizza and pasta. What is interesting in Italy is that food is very regional, and you might find one type of pasta that is famous in one town, and it is not available in a town 10 km down the road, as that town has a pasta shape that they are famous for.

Most Beautiful Country in Europe

According to Medium.com, Italy is the fourth most beautiful country in Europe. Praise for Italy highlights its artistic heritage, historic cities like Rome and Florence, and scenic coastlines, all contributing to its cultural and visual appeal. Ranking seventh, Portugal receives acclaim for its charming cities, coastal cliffs, historic sites, and major urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. I think both these countries are beautiful and have much to offer to a tourist.

Is Portugal Safer Than Italy?

According to the Vision of Humany Group’s Global Peace Index, Portugal is safer than Italy. The report ranks Portugal as the 4th safest country in the world, while Italy is number 34. Although both countries are relatively safe, there are more organized crime groups like the mafia in Italy, and that brings the security and safety score down. We have traveled to Italy many times, and outside of being aware of pickpockets, we have never had any issues with safety.

Charming Small Towns

According to Idealista, Portugal comes out on top because the most beautiful of all the small towns is Guimarães, the charming Portuguese town whose historic center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. Other small charming villages are:

• Sintra, just outside of Lisbon
• Mértola Carvalhal
• Ericeira
• Obidos
• Nazare
• Aviero

In Italy, we loved:

• Civita di Barnoregio
• Porto Venere (near Chique Terre Towns)
• Bolsena.

Portugal vs Italy for a Beach Vacation

Both countries boast long coastlines. The Portuguese coastline is 1,794 km, or 1,100 miles, while the coastline in Italy is four times longer at 7,900 km or 4,900 miles. Both these countries offer fantastic beach vacation opportunities. I would go to Italy based on the more extended coastlines and a more Mediterranean climate. Here are some drool-worthy beaches in Italy. 

Portugal does offer soft, golden sandy beaches and lots of sunshine. 

If you, like me, enjoy less-known beaches, consider Porto Santo in Madeira, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.Nazaré in Portugal holds the title of Europe’s surf capital and serves as a playground for advanced surfers.”

Consider what you want out of a beach vacation. Are you looking for crowds? Then Sardinia, with its beautiful beaches, is the place for you. This is one of the top beach destinations in the world in summer. I like the quieter beaches, but to each its own. 

Extreme Activities

If you are an adrenaline junkie both countries provide many opportunities to get that blood pumping.

The Best Adventure Activities in Portugal

• Surf the biggest waves in the world at Nazare
• Canyoning – yep, that’s a thing in the Azores where you jump in a fast-moving stream, and then the stream or river will carry you down a mountain. Nope, this one is not for me…I fear heights and anything more than a tub full of water.
• Scuba diving. With a long coastline, Portugal has several good options for scuba diving. Try Logos in the Algarve or Peniche in Central Portugal.
• Take a zip line from Spain into Portugal – How cool is that. Limite Zero provides this trip over the Guaniana River. There is a ferry service that will take you back to Spain.
• Bungee jump in Albufeira
• As a last resort, go skiing at Serra da Estrela. Portugal is not known for it’s ski resorts.

The Best Adventure Activities in Italy

• Free Climbing in Sardinia or Sperlogna and Gaeta
• River Rapid in Abruzzo
• White water rafting in Valle d’Aosta
• Paragliding in Tentino
• Be suspended between heaven and earth by doing the Angel’s flight zipline.

People Also Ask

Below some popular questions that people ask. I will answer these based on my experiences and lifestyle choices.

Which Country Is Better to Visit Italy, or Portugal?

Portugal at this moment. I have been there twice and to Italy five times. So it is clear that I love Italy, but it is time to go back to Portugal. I have had one of my best vacations ever in Portugal.

Is Italy or Portugal Better?

Such a cathcy question…It depends…what is important for you? I hope reading this blog helped you decide which is better for you.

Which country is cheaper Portugal or Italy?

Portugal is definitely a lot cheaper.

Are Portugal and Italy Similar?

Although there are some similarities, e.g. both have beautiful beaches it is two very different countries. They speak different languages, and their culture and lifestyles is vastly different. The architecture and landscape also differ between Portugal and Italy.

Which Country is Richer Portugal or Italy?

Italy’s GDP is $36, while Portugal’s is only $32.60. Based on this one factor, I would say Italy is richer.

Is Portugal Safer and More Developed than Italy?

Portugal is safer than Italy. Although we have never had an issue in Italy. Italy is considered to be the more developed country between the two.

Which would you choose to visit for a week? Portugal or Italy

The next country I will visit is Portugal – I will return there in February 2024. There are no plans currently to return to Italy (but I have been there 5 times)

Portugal and Italy in The Summer

Both countries have beautiful beaches that is ideal places to spend your summer. Italy can be very hot, specially in places like Rome. I love the fact that the beaches in Portugal is less busy than in Italy.

Conclusion on Portugal vs Italy

As we wrap up “Italy vs Portugal: Best Travel Choice for Your Style”, it’s clear that both destinations have their unique allure, offering experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether it’s Italy’s historic grandeur or Portugal’s coastal charm, your choice ultimately hinges on what resonates most with your personal style and travel aspirations.

Italy Highlights

Italy, with its rich tapestry of art, history, and gastronomy, appeals to those seeking a journey through time, from the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance art of Florence. Its regional culinary variations, from pasta to pizza, offer a taste of the local culture that is as diverse as it is delicious.

Highlights of Portugal

Portugal, on the other hand, is a treasure trove of scenic landscapes, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve to the quaint charm of its historic towns. Its seafood cuisine, vibrant street life, and the spontaneous joy of Fado music provide a more laid-back yet equally enriching travel experience.

Your decision between Italy and Portugal should be guided by what you seek in a vacation – be it the adventure of exploring ancient ruins and bustling cities or the relaxation of seaside towns and the taste of fresh seafood. Both countries promise unforgettable experiences, but the one that makes your heart sing should be your destination.

Remember, the best travel choice is not just about the destination but how it aligns with your lifestyle, interests, and what you wish to gain from the journey. Italy and Portugal, each in their own right, stand as beacons of cultural richness, culinary delights, and natural beauty, waiting to be explored and cherished.

In conclusion, whether you choose the artistic lanes of Italy or the coastal havens of Portugal, both will offer you a slice of Europe that is bound to leave lasting impressions. The question isn’t ‘Italy vs Portugal?’ but rather ‘Which part of yourself do you wish to discover or rediscover?’ May your travels be enlightening, enjoyable, and aligned with your style. Buon viaggio or Boa viagem!