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

Should you visit Nice or Positano?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Positano can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning 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.

Nice and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Positano?

Both Positano and Nice have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Nice is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Positano is known for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Nice different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Nice and Positano.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Nice is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice or Positano Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nice and Positano have fantastic options.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

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 Nice or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice 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 Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

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

Is Nice or Positano Better for Beaches?

Nice is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is Nice or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Positano?

Both Nice and Positano are very good shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice or Positano Better for Families?

Both Nice and Positano are good to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Positano is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Positano are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nice and Positano are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice or Positano a more walkable city?

Nice and Positano both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Nice?

How long in Nice or Positano?

Both Nice 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 Nice. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Positano. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Nice or Positano?

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Positano?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Positano?

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Positano?

Nice is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Nice and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Positano?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Nice 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 Nice 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 Nice or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Positano. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives less rain than Positano. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Nice is around the same temperature as Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nice usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Nice 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 Nice or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Positano. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In April, Nice usually receives less rain than Positano. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Nice