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

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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.

How is Cannes different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Cannes or Positano better for Food?

Picking the best between Cannes and Positano can be difficult as they are each unique in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination. 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.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 has the better options when it comes to nightlife.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Positano doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

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.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. 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 and Positano both offer scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

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.

Is Cannes or Positano better for Beaches?

Cannes and Positano are good choices for a beach vacation.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its 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 offers a nice beach destination. 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?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. 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.

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 Cannes or Positano better for Shopping?

Both Cannes and Positano are good shopping destinations.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. 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 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 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 Cannes or Positano better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Positano are good 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 is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Public Transit?

Both Cannes and Positano offer public transit options.

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

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 Cannes or Positano a more walkable city?

Cannes and Positano both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

Positano is a very easy resort city 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.

Cannes and Positano: Pros and Cons

Cannes
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers
Positano
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling


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 Cannes.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Cannes is 2-4 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Positano is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Cannes or Positano? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cannes 2-4 
    Positano 2-7

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 around the area.

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 area has lots to do.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Positano or Cannes?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cannes is €110, while the average daily cost in Positano is €180. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cannes and Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cannes €60
    Positano €120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cannes €120
    Positano €240

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cannes €13
    Positano €6.19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • French Riviera: Half-Day Private Tour and Transfer: $397
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Car: $157
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $148
  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $146
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Car: $140
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Van: $114
  • Transfer from Cannes to Nice airport: $111
  • Nice Airport Transfers : Cannes City to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Departure Private Transfers from Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $108
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Business Car: $98
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): $89

Typical Local Transportation prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    €1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Positano – Sorrento / Private Van Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer: From Positano to Sorrento with hotel pick-up and drop-off: $42
  • Positano – Sorrento / Private Car Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $50
  • Sorrento: Private Positano Minivan Transfer: $56
  • Positano - Napoli Airport (NAP) / Private Departure Van Transfer: $56
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples, Door-to-Door, English-speaking driver: $82
  • Private Transfer: From Positano (hotel) to Naples (hotel-airport-train station): $83
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples Airport Private Departure Transfer: $83
  • Private transfer from Naples to positano or reverse: $91
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples by the scenic coast: $93
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples or Salerno: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Cannes or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano and Cannes change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cannes €36
    Positano €42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cannes

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cannes.

  • Summer Fireworks and Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Cannes: $135
  • Small-Group Evening Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo from Cannes: $223
  • Unforgettable night photos of the French Riviera and dinner in Monaco: $622

Typical Food prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    €31
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    €9.32
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    €12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Positano for Foodies- The authentic food tour in Town: $106
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Positano & cooking demo: $106
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Positano with show cooking: $106
  • Small-group Street food tour in Positano: $111
  • Market tour and lunch or dinner at a local's home in Positano: $173
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a local's home with tasting in Positano: $180
  • Private cooking class at a local's home with tasting in Positano: $180
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $214
  • Local market visit and private cooking class at a local's home in Positano: $235
  • Exclusive hands-on cooking class with a local in Positano: $372
  • Sorrento: Private Local Products and Food Tour: $510

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cannes €24
    Positano €48

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • 4-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of Nice from Cannes: $547
  • All French Riviera For One Day Sightseeing Tours From Cannes: $1,011
  • Antibes, St. Paul-de-Vence, St. Jeannet, and Gourdon Private Tour from Cannes: $675
  • Best of Riviera Tour: Coastal Day trip from Antibes (Nice, Monaco, Cannes): $747
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $67
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Cannes Private Walking Tour: $338
  • Cannes Private Walking tour: $214
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: French Riviera Private Tour of Nice - Eze - Monaco - Monte Carlo: $827
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Tour to Saint-Paul de Vence, Cannes and Nice: $658
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Luxury Motorboat Cruise with Personal Skipper: $2,009
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Tour of the French Riviera: $783

Typical Entertainment prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    €17
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    €80
  • Sunset Cruise
    €24
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    €97
  • Cooking Class
    €65

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Positano Walking tour: $50
  • Half-Day Ancient Pompeii Tour from Amalfi Coast: $56
  • Half Day Herculaneum Guided Tour from Amalfi Coast: $56
  • Sorrento & Amalfi Drive guided tour from Amalfi Coast - small group tour: $62
  • Pompeii and Vesuvius guided group tour from Amalfi Coast: $65
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum group tour from Amalfi Coast: $81
  • From Sorrento: Amalfi Coast Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Positano: $96
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $102
  • Amalfi Coast COLLECTIVE boat tour: $118
  • Positano Private Sunset Tour by Classic Car: $119
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Pompei Sorrento and Positano: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cannes €14
    Positano €12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $132
  • Provence Wine Tour - Private Day Tour from Cannes: $342
  • Private Day Trip: Wine Tasting Tour Including Pinic Lunch From Cannes: $559
  • 5-Hour Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Eze, Nice, Wine Tasting: $658

Typical Alcohol prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    €16

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • Pompeii & Vesuvius Wine Tour from Amalfi Coast - small group tour: $162
  • Pompeii,Vesuvius with Lunch & wine tasting from Positano all inclusive: $260
  • Private Irpinia Wine Tour from Positano, Amalfi or Ravello with Sommelier: $301
  • Pompeii-Vesuvius-Wine Tasting tour with licensed guide included: $373
  • Paestum Temples+Bufala Mozzarella Farm+Wine tasting in Cilento (from Positano): $809

About these numbers

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.

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