A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Calais or Positano?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming 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.

Calais and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Calais and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Calais attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Positano is more touristy than Calais 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. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Calais different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais 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 Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Calais 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 Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Calais and Positano are nice choices.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

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.

Is Calais or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Positano?

Positano is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Positano.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Positano offers lots of family activities. 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 Calais or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Calais 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 Calais and Positano.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Calais?

How long in Calais or Positano?

Both Calais 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 Calais. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Calais, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Positano?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Calais or Positano?

Calais 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 Calais, 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 Calais or Positano?

Calais 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.

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 Calais or Positano?

Calais 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 small town with plenty to do. 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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Calais and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Positano?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Calais during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, 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.

Calais is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 17°C (63°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 Calais. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Positano. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. 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, Calais is cooler than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Calais in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Calais gets 119 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, Calais usually receives less rain than Positano. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Calais as well as Positano. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In January, Calais is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Positano. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Calais usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Calais is much colder than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Positano. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Calais