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

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

Honfleur

Honfleur is a serene, picturesque, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Honfleur and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honfleur or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Honfleur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Honfleur and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Honfleur is well known for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Honfleur different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Honfleur 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 Honfleur. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Honfleur and Positano can be an enjoyable experience.

Honfleur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Honfleur has a few options to choose from. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

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 Honfleur or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Many people head to Positano to enjoy the beach. 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.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

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.

Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Honfleur or Positano?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Honfleur or Positano.

Honfleur is a family-friendly city. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Positano. 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 Honfleur or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Honfleur or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Positano is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Honfleur or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Honfleur?

How long in Honfleur or Positano?

Both Honfleur 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 Honfleur. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Honfleur, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

The beautiful city of Honfleur offers nightlife 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 Honfleur or Positano?

Honfleur 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 Honfleur, 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 Honfleur or Positano?

Honfleur 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 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 Honfleur or Positano?

Honfleur is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 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 Honfleur and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Honfleur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Honfleur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Honfleur 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 Honfleur.

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

Which is Bigger, Honfleur or Positano?

Honfleur has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Honfleur 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.