A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

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

Catania

Catania is a fun, historic, and lively port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Catania and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Positano are both popular with visitors, Catania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Catania is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Catania and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Catania is popular for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna.

How is Catania different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Catania 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 Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Catania and Positano offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Catania for the nightlife scene. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its resorts. However, Catania 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.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Catania or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Catania or Positano Better for Beaches?

Catania and Positano are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. 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 Catania or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Positano has a world-famous historical area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Positano Better for Hiking?

You'll find high quality hiking in both Catania and Positano.

Catania is a popular spot for hiking. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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 Catania or Positano?

Positano is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Positano is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Positano Better for Families?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania or Positano Better for Students?

Catania is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit Catania. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Catania 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 Catania can get you to most places easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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 Catania or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Catania?

How long in Catania or Positano?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Catania. 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 Catania 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 Catania.

One day in Catania or Positano?

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Catania or Positano?

Catania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Catania, 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 Catania or Positano?

Catania is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 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 Catania or Positano?

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 port city 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Catania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Catania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Catania 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 Catania.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Positano?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Catania as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In the summer, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene 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 October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Catania. In October, Catania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Catania or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Catania during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Catania 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.

Catania is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Catania often gets more sunshine than Positano. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Catania usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Positano in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Catania usually receives less rain than Positano. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Catania