Italy has a lot of wonderful places to visit and Capri and Portofino are two of them. Both Capri and Portofino are luxury holiday destinations that wealthy travelers and celebrities go to. It is hard to pick between the two places as they both offer unique experiences.
Capri Island is known for its amazing coastline and natural scenery. Portofino, on the other hand, is a small town that has a beautiful harbor and stunning landscapes. Both destinations also have amazing cuisine that will keep you coming back for more.
If you are having a hard time picking between Capri vs Portofino, this article will talk about some of the things you can do in both places. We will also talk about accommodation and transportation options. If you want to have an idea of which place is better for your travels, make sure to read until the end!
Location And Accessibility
Capri
Capri is a small Mediterranean island on the Tyrrhenian Sea just opposite the Sorrento Peninsula in Southern Italy. It is only accessible via sea.
You can get to Capri from Naples or Sorrento via a ferry and ferry companies departing from these places operate year-round. You can also depart from Positano (a town on the Amalfi Coast), Salerno, and the island of Ischia. However, ferry operations in these places only operate during the summer months. Round-trip ferry tickets can be bought on the day of your travel, especially if you are only going on a day trip to Capri. There are several companies that operate to and from Capri so you definitely have a lot of ferry options to choose from.
You can get around the island via a bus or funicular but, the island is small enough that you can also get around different towns by foot.
Portofino
Portofino is a small fishing village and a seaside resort village situated on the Italian Riviera. The best way to go to Portofino is by flying to Genoa. The airport in Genoa is closest to Portofino which is about an hour away from the town.
Once in Genoa, you can take a taxi, ferry, or train to Portofino. If you are going to take the train, you need to get off at the town of Margherita Ligure. It is about 3 miles away from and the closest town to Portofino. After getting off at Margherita Ligure, you can take a bus to Portofino and the bus ride takes only about 15 minutes.
Portofino is a walkable city and you can definitely enjoy a stroll and explore the town in just one day.
Cuisine
Capri
Being an island in the Mediterranean Sea, you will definitely find a lot of restaurants that serve fresh fish and seafood. You can also expect dishes in Capri to have fresh ingredients as fresh produce is also grown on the island. Dishes with Mediterranean flavors are also common on the island with ingredients such as cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Portofino
As a fishing village, you can also expect restaurants to serve freshly caught fish and seafood. You can expect dishes with shellfish, white fish, and even squid and octopi. Like Capri, Portofino cuisine also has Mediterranean flavors.
Accommodation
Capri
Capri is one of the luxury holiday destinations in Italy that is frequented by wealthy people, celebrities, and trendy jet-setters. There are various luxury hotels, especially in Capri town which is the main town on the island. If you want a room with a view, there are also nicer hotels and villas nestled on the cliffs that will give you amazing views of the sea.
Aside from luxury hotels, you can also find budget hotels as well as bed and breakfast (B&Bs) places on the island. These hotels and B&Bs can still be expensive but they are going to cost less than staying in a luxurious hotel.
Portofino
Even though Portofino is a small fishing village, it is a premier coastal town in Italy. Wealthy vacationers and A-listers often go to Portofino to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Like Capri, there are also luxury hotels and villas in Portofino. You will also find mid-range hotels if you are on a budget. If you are planning on staying in Portofino, make sure to plan your budget as the cost of living in this town is higher as it is a remote village.
Activities
Capri
If you want to have a tour around the island of Capri, booking a group or private boat tour is the best way to see the entire island. Group boat tours typically have a planned itinerary and this includes going to the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni Rocks, Marina Grande, and Marina Piccola. With private boat tours, most boat companies offer custom boat rides so you can personalize which attraction you want to see first.
If you are staying in Capri, you can also take a boat tour to the Amalfi Coast and visit picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. You can also climb Monte Solaro, the highest peak in Capri, via a chairlift to see amazing views of the sea or you can follow several hiking trails on the island. There are also luxury shopping centers in the main town of Capri where you can find designer brands. If you are a lover of wine, you can also book a wine-tasting tour.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, going to Anacapri will give you a peaceful and quiet vibe. There are also artisan shops in this part of the island if you want to buy local gifts and souvenirs. Other things to do on the island are to visit Villa San Michele, spend the day at the beach, or have a romantic dinner in one of Capri’s restaurants.
Portofino
Portofino is a small village and is perfect as a day trip if your schedule is packed. In Portofino, you can see colorful houses in the town’s central square (Piazzetta) painted with pastel colors. Some of these houses are overlooking the sea and are considered the symbol of Portofino.
While you are in the Piazzetta, you can explore art galleries and boutiques as well as eat at various restaurants. There are also several beaches near Portofino such as Paraggi Beach and Niasca Beach.
You can also visit Brown Castle if you love a bit of history in your travels. Brown Castle is an ancient military fortress that was built in the 15th century and was rebuilt and extended over the years. Like Capri, Portofino also has quaint shops for your souvenirs as well as luxury shops where you can find big designer brands such as Hermés and Louis Vuitton.
Conclusion
Have you decided which destination is better to visit? When it comes to choosing a place to travel, the decision will depend on your personal preferences and travel style. Capri and Portofino are two destinations with different vibes but, both places definitely have stunning scenery.
If you are a beach lover, you will definitely love Capri. But, if you like exploring small picturesque towns, Portofino is worth a visit, especially for day trips. If you have chosen your destination for your next Italian adventure, let us know! If you have any other questions, you can also let us know via the contact form on our website. Happy and safe travels!
