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

Should you visit Nantes or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes 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.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming 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 charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Nantes and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Nantes and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Many restaurants in Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Positano?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Nantes and Positano.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes or Positano Better for Families?

Nantes 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 Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Positano Better for Students?

Nantes is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Positano?

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Nantes. 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Positano?

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes or Positano?

Nantes 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 Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Nantes or Positano?

Nantes 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.

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 Nantes or Positano?

Nantes 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 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Nantes and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Positano?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Positano. Many travelers come to Nantes for 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.

Nantes is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives more rain than Positano. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping 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 the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Positano. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, 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.

In January, Nantes is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Nantes gets 72 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, Nantes usually receives less rain than Positano. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Positano in the Spring?

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

Nantes is cooler than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Nantes