A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Alicante or Positano?

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 Alicante and Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Alicante and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Alicante and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Positano?

Alicante is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Alicante is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Positano is a perfect choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Positano are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Positano?

Positano is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Positano is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Families?

Alicante is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Positano has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Positano are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

It's common for backpackers to visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Students?

Alicante is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Positano is not popular with students.

Is Alicante or Positano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Positano.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Alicante or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Positano?

Both Alicante and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Alicante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Alicante. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Alicante 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 Positano.

One day in Alicante or Positano?

The city of Alicante offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Positano?

Alicante is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alicante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Positano?

Alicante is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Positano?

Alicante is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Positano?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Positano, 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.

When is the best time to visit Alicante or Positano?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Positano. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Positano. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Positano during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Positano. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Positano. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Alicante is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Positano. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Positano. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Alicante