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

Should you visit Positano or Bari?

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 Bari. 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 colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port 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, beaches, and shopping.

Positano and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari. Although Positano and Bari are popular destinations, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Bari and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Positano different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari 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 Bari?

Bari is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Positano and Bari offer a number of terrific 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, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Beaches?

Positano and Bari both offer nice 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.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Positano or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Bari?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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 Bari. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Positano or Bari Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Positano or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Positano or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Positano and Bari both offer nice 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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Positano or Bari a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Positano?

How long in Positano or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Positano and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Bari. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari 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 Bari.

One day in Positano or Bari?

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The port city of Bari offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Positano or Bari?

Positano is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city 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 Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Bari?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

A week in Positano or Bari?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Bari, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari 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 Bari.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Positano or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Positano is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives more rain than Bari. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Positano during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Positano is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Positano in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Bari. Many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Positano is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Bari. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Positano as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Positano is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Positano