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Italy or Portugal: Comparing Two Popular Mediterranean Travel Destinations

Both Portugal and Italy have their own charm and each has their pros and cons for a holiday destination. So, here’s a look at each one which might help you decide where to book your next set of flights to!

3.2min read

Published 30 August 2024

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

It goes without saying that when it comes to the Italy or Portugal debate, you can’t really lose out, whichever country you end up choosing. Both are steeped in history, boast breathtaking landscapes, and offer the kind of food and drink scene that will have you dreaming of long outdoor lunches and local wines years after you return.

But both Portugal and Italy have their own charm and each has their pros and cons for a holiday destination. So, here’s a look at each one which might help you decide where to book your next set of flights to!

Coming Up

Portugal: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

A holiday in Portugal beautifully mixes the old with the new, making it a fascinating place to explore. The capital city of Lisbon is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, with people from all over migrating there to live and work. The famous bright yellow trams, steep hills, and busy markets are all part of the character of the city, alongside the historical spots like Jeronimos Monastery and the old façade of buildings in the centre.

Porto, known for its delicious port wine and thriving food scene, is much smaller than Lisbon but no less magical. Here, people gather by the river, enjoy music, and visit markets like the Mercado do Bolhão to shop for local goods. Outside these cities, places like Sintra and the Algarve show a different side of Portugal. Sintra is surrounded by green forests and home to Pena Palace, which may as well have been plucked out of the pages of a fairytale, whereas the Algarve boasts some of the best beaches and coastal views in Europe.

Portugal may be smaller than Italy, but it packs a beautiful punch despite its tiny size.

Portugal

Expert tip

The park and national palace of Pena, around 40 minutes from Lisbon, is one of the most spectacular and multi colour fairy-tale castles you'll ever see. Then stop in for a Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon’s famous custard tart on the way home.

Tyler

Travel Expert

Italy: Beautiful, Arty, and Historic

An Italian holiday is like visiting a living (and far from boring!) museum. It’s absolutely brimming with history and art, no matter whereabouts in the country you go. Strolling the streets of Rome where you can almost hear the echoes of gladiators in the Colosseum or spend some time in contemplative silence taking in the incredibly detailed work inside the Vatican. Or there’s Florence, an absolute art-lover’s heaven where galleries display works by the world’s greatest masters like Botticelli and Michelangelo. In Venice, there’s undeniable romance and beauty to be found wandering the historic bridges and faded-green canals.

Outside of the famous cities, there’s still plenty on offer. Take Bologna, home to Iron Age remains and the oldest University in the world. Pretty much anywhere you go in Italy, you’ll find yourself surrounded by history, art, and culture.

The Italian landscape offers dramatic variety—you can do everything from skiing in the Dolomites to sunbathing in Sicily. From the serene lakes of Como and Garda in the north to the rugged hills of Tuscany and the cliff-lined Amalfi Coast in the south, there’s certainly no shortage of natural landscapes. Photography lovers shouldn’t skip the Cinque Terre, where colourful villages cling to rugged cliffs along the coastline.

Does Portugal or Italy have better food?

Let’s talk food! Italian food is probably one of the most popular cuisines worldwide. Pasta, pizza, pesto…and plenty of other dishes not beginning with P too! Portuguese cuisine might be less well known worldwide, but their seafood and famous chickens are hard to beat.

Both Italian and Portuguese cuisines are a reflection of how diverse the countries are geographically and culturally. In Italy, there’s no need to stick just to pizza or pasta. It’s true that Naples does phenomenal pizza, and Rome has hard-to-beat pasta. But there are loads of other specialities too. Milan serves up ossobuco like nobody’s business, and Sicily is known for amazing fresh fish and vegetables. And let’s not forget how good their wine and coffee are too!

Drooling yet? Portuguese food is equally enticing. In Porto, the francesinha—a layered sandwich smothered in cheese and a thick tomato-beer sauce—is a must-try. Or you can enjoy the simple pleasures of freshly grilled sardines or salted cod known as Bacalhau.

Portugal is also famous for its pastel de nata, a custard tart that is seriously lifechanging. Perfect for enjoying with a coffee as a midday treat. When it comes to drinks, the Portuguese are doing pretty well on the wine and port front. You’ll also find freshly squeezed orange juice almost everywhere, if you want to pack in a good dose of vitamins each day.

Italy

Expert tip

The food in Italy is to die for! The best plates are found away from the tourist areas and main squares in the back streets.

Rachel

Destination Specialist

Comparing Costs: Is Italy or Portugal More Budget-Friendly?

While both Italy and Portugal offer unforgettable experiences and you can save costs by eating off the well-trodden tourist paths, taking public transport, and booking accommodation and flights in advance, Portugal is usually more cost-effective for South African travellers.

Your rand goes further here. Everyday travel expenses like dining out, choosing your hotel, getting into the different sights, and public transportation are noticeably cheaper than in Italy, for the most part.

The dining scene in Portugal is typically quite affordable, making Portugal a popular destination for South Africans looking for value without sacrificing quality. and typically comes with a modest price tag. Seafood is central to Portuguese cooking, with dishes like grilled sardines or bacalhau (salt cod), which are both delicious and wallet-friendly.

Dining in major cities in Italy, especially in tourist-frequented areas, can be costly, and the price of wine, given Italy's renowned vineyards, can quickly escalate – especially if you like fine wine! Entry fees to Italy's wealth of historical sites and museums (although totally worth it) can add up, making a holiday in Italy potentially more expensive overall compared to Portugal. So, for South Africans looking for a more budget-friendly European adventure, a Portugal holiday might just be the ideal choice.

Flights from South Africa

Reaching either Italy or Portugal from South Africa is easy, with direct flights to cities like Rome and Lisbon taking just over 10 hours. Several airlines also offer one-stop options via major European or Middle Eastern cities, which might suit you if you’re looking to find the best deal or add on a stop somewhere else. Flight Centre can help you choose the right flights to either Italy or Portugal, taking into account your schedule and budget.

Whether Italy or Portugal should be your next destination depends on what aspects of a holiday appeal to you most. Italy offers a history, art, and gastronomy, perfect for a bucket list cultural experience. Portugal offers a quieter getaway which won’t break the bank, and comes with stunning scenery, good food, and local charm.

Whichever you choose, both Italy and Portugal promise memorable experiences that will enrich your travel stories. Ready to book your next adventure? Speak to a Flight Centre travel expert today.

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