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

Should you visit Pamplona or Positano?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Positano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming 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.

Pamplona and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Pamplona and Positano are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Pamplona and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Pamplona is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Pamplona different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Pamplona for the nightlife scene. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its resorts. However, Pamplona is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Pamplona is not a resort destination.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Pamplona and Positano both have superb trails.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Positano?

Positano is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Positano is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Positano.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Positano is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona or Positano Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Both Pamplona and Positano offer good public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Positano?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Pamplona or Positano?

The city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Positano?

Pamplona 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Positano?

Pamplona 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Positano?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, 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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle 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 Pamplona and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Pamplona much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pamplona would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Positano?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Positano. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Positano averages at about 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 Pamplona this time of the year. In the summer, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Positano. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In October, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 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. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Positano. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pamplona or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Pamplona during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Positano. Pamplona gets 85 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Positano. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Positano. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Positano. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Pamplona