A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Positano for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Marbella or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Positano, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a high energy, ritzy, and glamorous resort town. 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 charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Marbella and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Positano are both popular with visitors, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Positano is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Marbella and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos.

How is Marbella different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a world class party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Positano Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Marbella draws a good crowd. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, world-class resorts can be found in both Marbella and Positano.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

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.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

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

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

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 Marbella or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Positano has a world-famous historical area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Positano?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Families?

Marbella is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Positano Better for Couples?

Marbella and Positano are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Positano is a great resort town 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.

Is Marbella or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Positano are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Positano is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Positano is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good 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 Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Positano?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Positano. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Marbella, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

One day in Marbella or Positano?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 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 Marbella or Positano?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, 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 Marbella or Positano?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Marbella or Positano?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Marbella and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Positano?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Positano. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Positano. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Positano. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Marbella gets 171 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, Marbella usually receives less rain than Positano. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Marbella during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Positano. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Marbella