A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chartres vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chartres or Positano?

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

Should I visit Chartres 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Chartres and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Chartres and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is known for its museums. Positano is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres 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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Positano is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. 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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Positano?

Positano is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Families?

Positano is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Chartres or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chartres and Positano are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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.

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

Chartres 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 Chartres can get you to most places easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village 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.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Positano?

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

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

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. 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 where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Chartres or Positano?

Chartres 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chartres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Positano?

Chartres 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.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Positano?

Chartres 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 town offers something for everyone.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Positano?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chartres or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm 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.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Positano. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Chartres during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. 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 October, Chartres is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Positano. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Positano. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. Chartres is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Positano. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Positano. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Chartres