A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Como for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Positano or Como?

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 Como. 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 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.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Positano and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Positano and Como are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Como attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. 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. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers.

How is Positano different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Como is adequate for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Positano and Como 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, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Positano or Como Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

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 Como Better for Resorts?

Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Como Better for Beaches?

Positano and Como 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.

Como is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Positano or Como Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Positano or Como Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Positano and Como, and they are great.

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.

Como is a popular spot for hiking. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Como?

Como is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Positano or Como Better for Families?

Como 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 Como. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Positano and Como 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.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Positano or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Positano and Como 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.

Como has a few public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Positano or Como a more walkable city?

Positano is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Positano?

How long in Positano or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Positano or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Positano due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Como. 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 Como 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 Como.

One day in Positano or Como?

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 beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife 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.

A weekend in Positano or Como?

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.

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

Five days in Positano or Como?

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.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Como?

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.

Como 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 lake area 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 Como, 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Positano or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Como. Many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Positano is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Positano usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Como. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Positano as well as Como. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Positano is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Positano in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets more sunshine than Como. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Como. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Como in the Winter?

Both Como 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. In January, Positano is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 8°C (47°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Positano. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Como. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Como in the Spring?

Both Como 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Como. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Positano