Italy or Portugal: Comparing Two Popular Mediterranean Travel Destinations

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. 

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.

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.