A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Amalfi for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Positano or Amalfi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Positano and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of Positano is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Positano travel costs.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a picturesque, stunning, and dramatic town. Many visitors also come to Amalfi because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Amalfi travel costs.

Positano and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Positano and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Positano is known for its resorts, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Amalfi is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline.

How is Positano different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amalfi 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 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Positano and Amalfi offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. 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.

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 Positano or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its resorts. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi 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 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.

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

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Positano and Amalfi both offer good beaches.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Amalfi is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Positano offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Positano and Amalfi, and they are very good.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. 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.

Amalfi is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Amalfi?

Positano is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

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.

Is Positano or Amalfi More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of fantastic scenery and beauty in both Positano and Amalfi.

Many visitors also come to Positano because of it's amazing beauty. The town is among the most beautiful in the world, with striking buildings that contrast the blue waters.

You'll find world class beauty in Amalfi as well. The coastline is world renowned for its beautiful villages, striking cliffs, and stunning blue water. The weaving roads make for a dramatic and breathtaking drive.

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Positano and Amalfi are good family-friendly destinations.

Positano offers lots of family activities. 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.

Amalfi is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Positano or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Positano and Amalfi both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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

Is Positano or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Positano is a good Mediterranean village to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Positano and Amalfi both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Amalfi has a few public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Positano or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Positano and Amalfi are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around 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.

It is easy to get around Amalfi on foot. 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 Positano Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Positano?

How long in Positano or Amalfi?

Both Positano and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Positano has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Positano than Amalfi. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Amalfi 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 Positano.

One day in Positano or Amalfi?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful town of Amalfi offers museums and nightlife. 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 Positano or Amalfi?

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Amalfi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Amalfi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Amalfi?

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi has to offer. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Positano and Amalfi, we can see that Positano is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Amalfi, 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 Positano 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 Positano or Amalfi in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In the summer, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Positano or Amalfi in the Autumn?

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

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amalfi. It's quite rainy in Positano. In October, Positano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Positano 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 Positano or Amalfi in the Winter?

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

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

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

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Amalfi. Positano 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 Positano or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

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

In April, Positano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Positano 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 Positano