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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and hiking.

Palermo and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Positano are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Positano attracts visitors for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Positano 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 Positano?

Palermo is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano 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 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.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Palermo for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Palermo or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its resorts. However, Palermo is not a resort destination.

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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo 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 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.

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

Is Palermo or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

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 Palermo or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Positano?

Both Palermo and Positano are very good shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Palermo or Positano Better for Families?

Palermo 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 Palermo. 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.

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 Palermo or Positano Better for Couples?

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

Positano is a great Mediterranean village 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.

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 Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Positano are nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

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 Palermo or Positano Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Palermo. 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

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

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

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 Positano a more walkable city?

Positano 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 Positano 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.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Positano?

Both Palermo 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 Palermo. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Palermo than Positano. 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 Positano than Palermo. 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.

One day in Palermo or Positano?

The city of Palermo offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village 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 Positano?

Palermo 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Positano has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Positano?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Positano?

Palermo 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Positano, we can see that Positano 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 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 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Positano?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Positano. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo 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.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Positano. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Palermo is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palermo in October average around 20°C (67°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Positano during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Positano. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Positano in the Winter?

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

In January, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 12°C (53°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Positano. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Positano. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, 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.

Palermo is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Positano. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Palermo