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

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

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Cannes and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Positano are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Positano attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cannes is famous for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Cannes different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Positano can be difficult as they are each first-rate in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Cannes for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Positano Better for Music?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Positano Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Cannes and Positano.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Is Cannes or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes 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 Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

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

Is Cannes or Positano Better for Beaches?

Cannes is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit Cannes for it's beautiful beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit 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.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is Cannes or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Positano?

Cannes 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 Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Positano Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Positano.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Positano is a family-friendly resort city. 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 Cannes or Positano Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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 Cannes or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Both Cannes and Positano offer nice public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

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

Is Cannes or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Positano 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.

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Positano?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Cannes 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 Cannes or Positano?

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Cannes or Positano?

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, 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 Cannes or Positano?

Cannes 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 Cannes or Positano?

Cannes is a great place to explore. 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 resort 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Cannes and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Cannes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cannes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cannes 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 Cannes.

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Positano?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, 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.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music 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, Cannes is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Cannes. In October, Cannes usually receives less rain than Positano. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Cannes during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In January, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cannes usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Positano. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Cannes usually receives less rain than Positano. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Cannes