A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Positano for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Malaga or Positano?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Malaga and Positano. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Malaga

Malaga is a beautiful, friendly, and welcoming port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious 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.

Malaga and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Positano?

Both Positano and Malaga have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Malaga and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Malaga different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Malaga is a world class party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Positano Better for Music?

Malaga is great for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Malaga draws a good crowd. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

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

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Beaches?

Malaga and Positano both offer good beaches.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

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.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its old town. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Positano?

Positano is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Positano are good family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Positano is a family-friendly port 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 Malaga or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Malaga, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Positano Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Positano offer good public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Positano?

Both Malaga and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Positano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Positano than Malaga. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

One day in Malaga or Positano?

The beautiful port city of Malaga offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Malaga or Positano?

Malaga is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Malaga or Positano?

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Malaga or Positano?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. This port 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 Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Malaga and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Malaga.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Positano?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Positano. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the summer, Malaga is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Malaga in July average around 25°C (77°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 Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Positano. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 19°C (67°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Positano during autumn. Malaga gets 213 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. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Positano. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Malaga is much warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Positano. Malaga gets 171 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. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Positano. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Malaga is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Malaga in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Positano. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Malaga