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

Should you visit Antalya or Positano?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Positano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Antalya and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Positano are popular destinations, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Positano attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Antalya different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Antalya for the nightlife scene. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Positano Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Resorts?

Antalya and Positano offer a relatively similar set of amazing luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

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.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. 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 Antalya or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Antalya and Positano both have superb trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Positano?

Antalya is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Families?

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Antalya is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

The public transit in Antalya can get you to most places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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 Antalya or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Positano?

Both Antalya 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 Antalya. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

One day in Antalya or Positano?

The beautiful vacation spot of Antalya offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Positano?

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

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Positano?

Antalya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antalya, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Positano?

Antalya is a great place to explore. 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 vacation spot offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, 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 Antalya and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Positano?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya 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 Antalya or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Positano. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antalya is a little warmer than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Positano. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the autumn, Antalya is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Positano. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Positano. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Antalya is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Positano. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Antalya