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

Should you visit Galway or Positano?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Galway and Positano can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Galway

Galway is a historical, vibrant, and lively 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 picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Galway and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Galway, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Positano is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

How is Galway different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galway 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 Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Galway for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Galway is not a resort destination.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Galway is not a resort destination.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. 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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Positano offers plenty to see. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway 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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Positano?

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

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Galway. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Families?

Both Galway and Positano are notable to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Positano is a family-friendly 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 Galway or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Galway 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 Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other 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.

Is Galway or Positano Better for Students?

Galway is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Positano offer notable public transit options.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

Is Galway or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Galway?

How long in Galway or Positano?

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

Families should spend more time in Positano than Galway. 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 Galway. 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.

One day in Galway or Positano?

The city of Galway offers food and shopping. 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 Galway or Positano?

Galway 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 Galway, 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 Galway or Positano?

Galway 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 Galway or Positano?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Galway or Positano?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Galway as well as Positano. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Positano. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Galway for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Galway is much colder than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Galway gets 96 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 Galway. In October, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Galway during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Galway in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Galway is cooler than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Positano. Galway gets 59 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Galway. Galway usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Positano. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Positano. Most visitors come to Galway for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Galway is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Positano. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Galway