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

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

Arles

Arles is a quaint, historic, and charming town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Arles and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arles or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Arles and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Arles attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Arles different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Arles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Arles or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Arles 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 Arles has a few options to choose from. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for the beach. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Arles or Positano Better for its Old Town?

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

With a famous historical old-town, Arles offers plenty to see. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arles or Positano?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Families?

Positano is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Positano. 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.

For families, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Arles is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

Is Arles or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Positano is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

Is Arles 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 Arles and Positano.

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

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 Arles or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Arles?

How long in Arles or Positano?

Both Arles 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 Arles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arles, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

The beautiful town of Arles offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Arles or Positano?

Arles is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Arles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Arles or Positano?

Arles is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Arles or Positano?

Arles is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arles or Positano?

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

Both Positano and Arles during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arles in the summer for 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.

Arles is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Arles. In the summer, Arles often gets more sunshine than Positano. Arles gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Arles usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Arles gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Arles and Positano. Most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area 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 the autumn, Arles is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arles in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Arles usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during autumn. Arles gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Arles usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Arles gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Arles or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Arles as well as Positano. The winter months attract visitors to Arles 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.

In January, Arles is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Arles average around 7°C (44°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Arles often gets more sunshine than Positano. Arles gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Arles usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Arles gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arles or Positano in the Spring?

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

Arles is around the same temperature as Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Arles averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. Arles usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Arles gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Arles usually receives less rain than Positano. Arles gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Arles