Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Positano?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Positano and Cinque Terre. 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 is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.
Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning coastal region. 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 hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Positano and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Positano. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both Positano and Cinque Terre offer a number of world-class 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, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.
Positano is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Positano. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.
Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.
Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.
Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.
While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.
Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.
Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.
Positano and Cinque Terre 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.
Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.
Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Positano and Cinque Terre.
The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.
Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.
Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for the nearby hiking options.
Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.
Positano is a popular spot for hiking. 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.
Positano is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options 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.
Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.
Both Positano and Cinque Terre are nice 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.
Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.
Positano and Cinque Terre both world-class 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.
Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.
For backpackers, both Positano and Cinque Terre are nice places to visit.
Plenty of backpackers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.
Plenty of budget travelers visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.
Positano and Cinque Terre 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.
Cinque Terre has a few public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.
Positano and Cinque Terre are world-class 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 Cinque Terre on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.
For even more information, also check out Is Positano Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.
In either Positano or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.
Couples should spend more time in Positano than Cinque Terre. 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.
Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
The beautiful coastal region of Cinque Terre offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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.
Positano is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region 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 Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Positano is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Cinque Terre 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 coastal region 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Positano is €222, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. 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 Positano and Cinque Terre in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Positano or Cinque Terre? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:
Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:
Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Positano 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:
For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Cinque Terre, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Positano Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.
Positano has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Cinque Terre, 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.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Positano is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Positano as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Positano is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Positano in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Positano usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Cinque Terre and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.
In January, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 8°C (47°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Positano usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. It's quite rainy in Positano. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Cinque Terre and Positano during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Positano is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.
Positano usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Positano | Cinque Terre | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Jul | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Dec | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |