A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa Blanca vs. Positano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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.

Where Should I go: Playa Blanca or Positano?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

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.


Which place is cheaper, Positano or Playa Blanca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, while the average daily cost in Positano is €222. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Playa Blanca and Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Positano 148
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Positano 296
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca or Positano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Playa Blanca


Hotels in Positano


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Positano 7.73

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • private transfer from Positano to Naples or reverse: $82
  • private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES: $109
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207
  • Transfer- Naples Train Station/area to Positano with a stop Sorrento: $153
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • Shared Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport: $41
  • Private transfer from Positano to Salerno: $122
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples : $120
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES with 3 hours stop in Pompeii: $191
  • Private transfer Positano to Naples: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa Blanca or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano and Playa Blanca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Playa Blanca 45
    Positano 53

Typical Food Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    31
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    9.32
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Positano 60

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    17
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    80
  • Sunset Cruise
    24
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    97
  • Cooking Class
    65

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    Positano 15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    16

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa Blanca and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Playa Blanca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa Blanca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca.

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


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Positano?

Playa Blanca has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Positano. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Positano. 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, Playa Blanca is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 22°C (72°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Playa Blanca is much warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 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, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Playa Blanca during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa Blanca in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)