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

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

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, 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.

Interlaken and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Interlaken is well known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Positano is well 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.

How is Interlaken different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for skiing. However, Positano is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Positano is not a skiing destination.

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

Positano is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Positano is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Positano. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for the nearby hiking options.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Positano?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Positano Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Positano are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Interlaken or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Positano are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Positano?

Both Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

The beautiful town of Interlaken offers food and skiing. 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.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Positano?

Interlaken 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village.

Five days in Interlaken or Positano?

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

Positano, a popular Mediterranean village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Positano?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 town offers something for everyone.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Positano?

Interlaken has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Positano. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Positano. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Positano. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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.

Interlaken is cooler than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Positano. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Positano. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Positano. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Positano. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Interlaken