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

Should you visit Annecy 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 Annecy and Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Annecy and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Annecy or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Annecy and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Annecy is known for its museums and nightlife. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Positano 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.

How is Annecy different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Annecy is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Annecy and Positano.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Annecy 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 Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

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 Annecy or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Positano to enjoy the beach. 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Annecy and Positano are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Positano offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Annecy and Positano.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Annecy or Positano?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Families?

Annecy 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 Annecy. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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 Annecy or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Annecy and Positano are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Annecy has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Annecy or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Annecy and Positano are good places to visit.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Annecy and Positano both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Annecy or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Annecy?

How long in Annecy or Positano?

Both Annecy 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 Annecy. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Annecy, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Positano. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Annecy. 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 Annecy 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 Annecy or Positano?

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the quaint small town of Positano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Annecy or Positano?

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Annecy or Positano?

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Annecy or Positano?

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful small town of Positano. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, 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 Annecy and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Annecy much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Annecy would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Annecy 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 Annecy.

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Positano?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Annecy 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 Annecy or Positano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Annecy or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Annecy is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Annecy in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Annecy. Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives more rain than Positano. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Annecy during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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, Annecy is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 14°C (56°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Positano. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Positano. The winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. Annecy is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Annecy usually receives less rain than Positano. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Positano. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Annecy is cooler than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Annecy in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Positano. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Annecy usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Annecy