A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Palermo or Amalfi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Amalfi 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Palermo is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Palermo travel costs.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a stunning, dramatic, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty in Amalfi as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Amalfi travel costs.

Palermo and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Palermo and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Palermo is known for its beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture.

How is Palermo different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Amalfi?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Amalfi.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Amalfi is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Palermo or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Amalfi are great when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Palermo and Amalfi offer good scuba diving or snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Palermo is well known for the beach. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Amalfi?

Palermo is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Palermo or Amalfi More Beautiful?

Amalfi is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Amalfi as well. The coastline is world renowned for its beautiful villages, striking cliffs, and stunning blue water. The weaving roads make for a dramatic and breathtaking drive.

Palermo is a gorgeous place to visit. The city has beautiful beaches as well as nice architecture.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Families?

Palermo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palermo is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Students?

Palermo is a city with good options for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Palermo or Amalfi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Amalfi is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Palermo or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

For even more information, also check out Is Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Amalfi?

Both Palermo and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Palermo. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Amalfi 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 Palermo.

One day in Palermo or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Amalfi?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Palermo.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Amalfi?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Amalfi, 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 Palermo or Amalfi?

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 Palermo or Amalfi in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Amalfi. The summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amalfi this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Palermo or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Amalfi. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Palermo is a little warmer than Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Amalfi in the Winter?

Both Amalfi and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Palermo