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

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Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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.

How is Mykonos different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Food?

Dining out in both Mykonos and Positano can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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.


Is Mykonos or Positano better for Nightlife?

With more options to choose from, you'll find a more vibrant nightlife in Mykonos.

The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This island is among the best for nightlife in Mykonos with many exclusive clubs and bars. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Positano doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Resorts?

There are resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Positano.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

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.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

While Positano and Mykonos both provide spots for scuba diving or snorkeling, overall Mykonos is considered to be a more popular choice.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Beaches?

Mykonos and Positano both offer beautiful beaches.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. 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 Mykonos or Positano better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the old town areas in both Mykonos and Positano.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Hiking?

Positano is generally considered to be a better destination for hiking.

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.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Shopping?

Both Mykonos and Positano are good shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Families?

Both Mykonos and Positano are family-friendly destinations.

Mykonos is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Positano offers lots of family activities. 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 Mykonos or Positano better for Couples?

Mykonos and Positano both fun destinations for a couple.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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.

Is Mykonos or Positano better for Public Transit?

Both Mykonos and Positano offer public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Mykonos or Positano a more walkable city?

Mykonos and Positano both are comparable when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Positano is a very easy Greek island to get around 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.

Mykonos and Positano: Pros and Cons

Mykonos
Pros
  • Good nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less hiking options
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Positano
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling


Which city is cheaper, Positano or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €119, while the average daily cost in Positano is €180. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Mykonos and Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos €59
    Positano €120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos €118
    Positano €240

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos €19
    Positano €6.19
Typical Local Transportation prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    €5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    €13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Kalo Livadi area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Kalafatis area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Ftelia area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Elia area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Paraga area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Paradise area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Tagoo area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Super Paradise area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Ano Mera area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Agios Sostis area up to 6 customers: $121
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Glastros area up to 6 customers: $98
  • Transfer from Mykonos Airport to Vryssi area up to 6 customers: $98

Typical Local Transportation prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    €1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Positano – Sorrento / Private Van Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer: From Positano to Sorrento with hotel pick-up and drop-off: $42
  • Positano – Sorrento / Private Car Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $50
  • Sorrento: Private Positano Minivan Transfer: $56
  • Positano - Napoli Airport (NAP) / Private Departure Van Transfer: $56
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples, Door-to-Door, English-speaking driver: $82
  • Private Transfer: From Positano (hotel) to Naples (hotel-airport-train station): $83
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples Airport Private Departure Transfer: $83
  • Private transfer from Naples to positano or reverse: $91
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples by the scenic coast: $93
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples or Salerno: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano and Mykonos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mykonos €38
    Positano €42
Typical Food prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    €4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $74
  • Mykonos Cooking Class: $159

Typical Food prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    €31
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    €9.32
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    €12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Positano for Foodies- The authentic food tour in Town: $106
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Positano & cooking demo: $106
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Positano with show cooking: $106
  • Small-group Street food tour in Positano: $111
  • Market tour and lunch or dinner at a local's home in Positano: $173
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a local's home with tasting in Positano: $180
  • Private cooking class at a local's home with tasting in Positano: $180
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $214
  • Local market visit and private cooking class at a local's home in Positano: $235
  • Exclusive hands-on cooking class with a local in Positano: $372
  • Sorrento: Private Local Products and Food Tour: $510

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos €18
    Positano €48

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Best of Mykonos island, 4 hours private tour: $281
  • Delos Tour 3 to 5 customers: $505
  • Delos Tour 6 to 10 customers: $329
  • From 6.5-Hour Cruise to Delos and Rhenia: $100
  • Mykonos Shore Excursion: City & Island Tour: $250
  • Mykonos Walking Tour: $40
  • Discover Authentic Mykonos Tour: $51
  • Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with Fresh Lunch: $318
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch: $159
  • Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $44
  • Little Venice Sunset Cruise: $57
  • South Coast Beach Hopping Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch: $139

Typical Entertainment prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    €17
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    €80
  • Sunset Cruise
    €24
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    €97
  • Cooking Class
    €65

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Positano Walking tour: $50
  • Half-Day Ancient Pompeii Tour from Amalfi Coast: $56
  • Half Day Herculaneum Guided Tour from Amalfi Coast: $56
  • Sorrento & Amalfi Drive guided tour from Amalfi Coast - small group tour: $62
  • Pompeii and Vesuvius guided group tour from Amalfi Coast: $65
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum group tour from Amalfi Coast: $81
  • From Sorrento: Amalfi Coast Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Positano: $96
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $102
  • Amalfi Coast COLLECTIVE boat tour: $118
  • Positano Private Sunset Tour by Classic Car: $119
  • Private Full-Day Tour of Pompei Sorrento and Positano: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos €16
    Positano €12

Typical Alcohol prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    €16

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • Pompeii & Vesuvius Wine Tour from Amalfi Coast - small group tour: $162
  • Pompeii,Vesuvius with Lunch & wine tasting from Positano all inclusive: $260
  • Private Irpinia Wine Tour from Positano, Amalfi or Ravello with Sommelier: $301
  • Pompeii-Vesuvius-Wine Tasting tour with licensed guide included: $373
  • Paestum Temples+Bufala Mozzarella Farm+Wine tasting in Cilento (from Positano): $809

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Mykonos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mykonos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mykonos 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 Mykonos.

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Mykonos vs. Positano Travel Comparison

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