A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pompeii vs. Amalfi for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Amalfi?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Amalfi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pompeii or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Pompeii and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Amalfi is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline.

How is Pompeii different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. 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 Pompeii or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Amalfi has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

Amalfi is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Amalfi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Amalfi to enjoy the beach. 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Amalfi. 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Amalfi. 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Amalfi?

Amalfi is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Families?

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

Pompeii is a very kid-friendly archeological site. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Amalfi 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pompeii is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii or Amalfi Better for Students?

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for students. However, Amalfi is not popular with students.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Pompeii and Amalfi.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Pompeii or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Pompeii and Amalfi are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Amalfi?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Pompeii. 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 Amalfi than Pompeii 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 Amalfi.

One day in Pompeii or Amalfi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. 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 Pompeii or Amalfi?

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the ancient destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Amalfi?

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 Pompeii or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Pompeii during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amalfi in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pompeii. In the summer, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Amalfi. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during autumn. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Pompeii or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Amalfi. Most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pompeii is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pompeii in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pompeii or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In April, Pompeii is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 13°C (55°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during spring. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Pompeii