A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Positano for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a historic, beautiful, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palma de Mallorca and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca than Positano, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Palma de Mallorca is well known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Positano is well known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a world class party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is great for its music scene. However, Positano is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Palma de Mallorca draws a good crowd. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Positano.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

You'll find some public transit in Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

Palma de Mallorca 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 small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

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

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

Palma de Mallorca 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 island offers something for everyone.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Palma de Mallorca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palma de Mallorca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Positano?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Positano. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Positano. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Positano. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for 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 the winter, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Positano. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Positano in the Spring?

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

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Positano. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Palma de Mallorca